The Alchemy of Perimenopause: When Earth Bears Metal
Perimenopause marks what’s called our “Metal” years. Drawing from the 5 Element Theory of Chinese Medicine, we learn that metal represents the transition from our childbearing years into our wise years. Unfortunately, in our modern times, this phase is laden with misinformation. The focus of this natural life cycle is often associated with all of the negative aspects and few speak of the gifts that come along with it. Alexandra Pope of Red School argues that there is much drama with [peri]menopause because we’ve never really been properly taught about our initiation into menstruation. We’ve never been taught about our cyclical nature to begin with. If we haven’t been given adequate context to understand ourselves, then we become easily bombarded with the challenges that arise.
We’re missing a sort of backstory.
When changes occur, transformations take place; alchemy. Like when Earth bears Metal. Our childbearing years are represented by Earth. We are abundant in qi, blood and hormones. Because childbearing is not a sustainable state towards longevity, our body changes and transitions as we age. And because body, mind and spirit are connected, all aspects of ourselves are asked to bend. If you can imagine the pressure that earth undergoes in order to birth gems and stones, then you can imagine the alchemy that’s required for that rebirth. You can also observe a similar cycle with the metamorphosis of butterflies or the organized chaos that occurs when stars are born.
Have you taken the time to ask yourself what you’d you need to be able to experience this rite of passage with grace? Would knowing the facts help? Most of us value the known vs. the unknown. But what if we need to marry the facts with a bit of myth and storytelling in order to empower the process instead of falling victim to it? Wellness advocate and writer, Leslie Kenton called the journey towards menopause, the Passage of Power. She says that within this framework, it "probes the spiritual nature of the [peri]menopause passage which must be experienced through myth and ritual, archetypes and dreams." Further, she describes it as "a freedom of body and soul which enables each woman to experience unfettered her full potential for aliveness. Only by doing this can we call forth our greatest gifts both for our own personal fulfillment and to share with our culture and the planet."
We can have all the know how, all the “scientific” knowledge, but we truly cannot know what to expect until we’re in it, much like all of rites of passage; menarche, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood and menopause. New identities are formed and broken over and over in a lifetime. We need the science to discern fact from fiction but we also need knowledge of the Soul where we can access deeper aspects of ourselves such as intuition and instinct. The Yin & Yang; harmony.
Blessings on your journey.
An Invitation: If you feel called to dive deep with me and gain a different lens of viewing Perimenopause, join our self study E-Course; Alchemy of Perimenopause: When Earth Bears Metal. We’ll see you there.
