Reviewed by Gemma Summers, PhD, author and psychotherapist.

“Her Blood is Gold” offers the reader a profound perspective on the role of menstruation in the life of women and society. It is a well-researched, beautifully crafted and elegant book. It explores the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical dimensions of menstruation and provides a new and powerful view on this still taboo topic. Owen’s book is a classic and a must read for every woman and every man who wishes to understand this powerful part of feminine life. Her book changes lives. You will never look at menstruation in the same way again. Owen’s book shows women how to use their menstrual cycle to nourish, restore and balance themselves physically and spiritually by embracing the three phases of menstruation: releasing, emptying, and wisdom. She explores the role of PMS and menstrual cramps and offers new meanings and solutions to these experiences. Everyone should read this innovative, thoughtful and powerful book. A major contribution."

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Product Description

We menstruate more now than at any time in human history. Girls are starting to menstruate earlier due to protein-rich diets and hormones in food; women are less likely to die young; we have fewer children and therefore spend less time not menstruating. Increased work and family stresses, in addition to more periods, mean that women are more physically and psychologically vulnerable to negative attitudes to menstruation. So it is more important than ever that we investigate ways to make our periods physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #418771 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 216 pages

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Customer Reviews

A very interesting take on a cultural taboo...
'Her blood is Gold' is a wonderful take on a subject of which, I, like most women, have given little thought to, except for the occasional dispair.

An extremely fast and uncomplicated read, it is essentially an exploration of various misognist treatments of women and their monthly 'curse', and how we as women can come to accept and love with periods, rather than just live with them.

The crux of the work is the idea that women are in the prime of their creativity during menstruation, and thus should take time off to explore this blessing. It also offers helpful monthly rituals and a divinely liberating ode to bellies. Additionally, there is a brief history of menstruation and its link to the goddess.

I was throughly absorbed in this work, however I have a minor issue with the piece. I found it almost a case of reverse sexism, and wondered to myself, when do men get their time off?

Additionally, I felt it played into the hands of prehistorical greek notions of women as 'fevered' and liable to insane outbursts of emotion.

Perhaps I found that where it did not exist, but regardless, I thoughly enjoyed this informative feminist work.

One of modern society's most taboo subjects explored.
This book is an excellent exploration into the history and meaning of menstruation.

"In many times and in many cultures, menstruation has been seen as sacred and special, but today, reverence has been replaced by silence, ignorance, and PMS jokes." (Quoted from the back cover.)

I highly recommend this book, it looks at the subject of menstruation in a profound new way, that most people would never think of. There is also a large bibliography for anyone who would like read even more about menstruation.

A must read... Hopefully will come back in print...
This was an extraordinary book. I could not put it down. Describing the history of menstruation, a time to be honored, a time to give back to our 'Mother' the earth. I have not been the same since reading it, and will soon be giving my dog-eared copy to my daughter. I have loaned it to every woman I know, and hope it will come back into print so I can get more copies. Goddess knows we need it.