If you are here, you are most likely a former follower of Excerpts From Space and thinking, “Where on Earth did that awesome website go?”. Well have no fear, all of the articles and your comments are still here, we just have a new name. When I began Excerpts From Space, I had no idea it would ever become a blog with – gasp- subscribers! The name was superfluous but now that I am finding my niche as I travel down the road as a woman’s health professional, I have made connections and discovered themes that I couldn’t see before. As such, the name just didn’t quite convey that message of what this slice of internet is all about: Women, our cycles, and how we are inherently connected to nature and the more we understand and connect to it, the healthier and happier we can be, especially in pregnancy and as mothers.
I have recently begun my journey of Natural Family Planning (NFP). I knew about it for quite some time, but the fear of losing track of my cycle and getting pregnant by mistake was not something I was willing to risk. I felt more and more pushed to do this as the hormonal birth control I had relied on for so long began to wreak havoc on my system. After many late and missed periods (which of course brings its own special kind of stress, confusion, and a torturous kind of anticipation), I decided to make the jump and begin charting. Throughout 5 years of research, I have learned the ways in which the Moon is directly connected to us as women. For example, A pregnancy is 10 lunar months. In astrology, the Moon rules emotions and Moon Goddesses in every culture symbolize the feminine, fertility and cycles. Many women who are in touch with the Earth will ovulate during the Full Moon, when emotions are high and we feel wild. During ovulation our pheromones pulse from our pores and we even have subtle changes in our facial features that makes us more attractive to males, making this the the perfect time for procreation. 2 weeks later during the New Moon, a time that promotes introspection and isolation, women will either bleed or discover they are pregnant.
After charting for only 2 months, I discovered that my body followed that exact rhythm: ovulation during the Full Moon (this month’s Supermoon) and ‘moon-time’ beginning the day of the New Moon (this month’s solar eclipse). It is amazing to see my body follow the rhythms of natural world and how wonderfully they are connected.
As a Pisces, I have always felt a deep connection with the moon, the way many cultures worship the sun or the stars. I have always thought of myself as a moongazer. I can watch her for hours and be entranced with her light, depth, and beauty. It was this connection that led me to our new name.
You may have also noticed that there have not been any Weekly Headlines (or any other posts for that matter) this month. I have been on a wild ride and haven’t had much computer time! I traveled to Sedona, AZ for the second time this year which was a powerful and transformational experience. A mere week later, Ashley and I traveled to a friend’s home in Eastern Oregon (read: middle of nowhere) with the intention of scoping it out to potentially move there. The change of pace was very much needed and the small community is tight-knit, creative, and filled with so many genuinely good souls. The land is breathtaking, impossibly green and currently washed over in fully-bloomed wildflowers. Eclipses always represent endings and beginnings and the day of the Solar Eclipse/New Moon we received Universal confirmation 10 times over that we are meant to migrate there. So, come September, we will be the newest residents of the Grande Ronde Valley. Just a few days before we move, I will complete my training to become a certified Prenatal Yoga Instructor and I cannot wait to bring that service to the town for the first time! I am bubbling over with ideas in regard to what I want and can offer to the community. I feel so wonderfully optimistic and hopeful. My yearly horoscope was dead on: I will move and it will be a good move.
Regular posts will be back in full swing shortly. Thank you for sharing in this journey with me and continuing to support this site with your views, comments, subscriptions, and love.
-Carina
On the deck of our new home. Tell me that’s not a gorgeous view ;)
The Grande Ronde Valley a.k.a. The Valley of Peace
Musings of a Moongazer 