Recently, I had the profound experience of attending a talk by Jane Hardwicke Collings titled "Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen." The event, held at the home of Cyd—a dear friend and the doula who supported me during my daughter's birth 12 years ago—overlooked the majestic Es Vedra in Ibiza where I live. This powerful location, combined with the collective wisdom shared, created an unforgettable gathering that was filled with wisdom.
Honouring the MAGA Women: The workshop began with a heartfelt ceremony honouring the MAGA women—those who are post-menopause but not yet in their Crone stage. Each MAGA woman was invited to come forward and share the wisdom they had harvested in their lives and what they wished to pass on. This ritual was a beautiful acknowledgment of the rich experiences and insights these women carry, highlighting their invaluable role in our communities and really highlighted that we must show more gratitude to these women.
Understanding the Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen: Jane Hardwicke Collings' concept of the Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen, beautifully encapsulates the transition into perimenopause and menopause as a powerful rite of passage. This period is often misunderstood and feared, yet it holds the potential for profound transformation and empowerment. As our fertility wanes, we move from the Summer season of our lives to the Autumn, a time to claim our harvest, embody our wisdom, and lead our communities.
For me, a significant realisation emerged during this workshop: I am in the late Autumn of my Summer, soon to be transitioning from the intense "Mother" phase of life. This recognition brought a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of womanhood and the importance of honouring each phase with grace and acceptance. I see my daughter is in her Spring probably until about the age of 25.
I also saw how so many women in their summer and autumn are being sold that they need to look like women in their spring, but that actually each phase is beautiful and that to move into our next season is a powerful stage of our live.
Me, Jane Hardwicke Collings and my new friend Samantha (@mumma_andthemoon)
I really do not subscribe to all the Menopause hell that we are bombarded with. The low nutrient, ready made, sugar filled food and the incredible amount of toxins in our home and skincare combined with high cortisol levels and the fast pace of life are probably much bigger issues that our bodies natural process - but combined I am sure people have a really rough ride with menopause but it is not purely menopause, so I was a little apprehensive to book the workshop but Jane's approach was really beautiful.
Menopause is a rite of passage often described by Jane as the "Mother of all wake-up calls." It is a time when all the unresolved issues and suppressed emotions come to the forefront, demanding attention and healing. This process is likened to the labor of childbirth, where the birth is of one's new self. Symptoms such as hot flushes ( or as she brilliantly shared for some they are Hot Blushes) are not merely physical phenomena but are seen as part of the kundalini energy rising, leading to enlightenment and an alchemical transformation of the body and spirit.
A key takeaway of the workshop was the commercialisation of menopause, a billion-dollar industry that often leads women to believe they need a myriad of products to navigate this natural transition. Jane Hardwicke Collings emphasised that what women truly need is to tune into their bodies, respect their unique needs, and care for themselves holistically. This involves understanding that symptoms like hot flushes can be seen as a sign of strong life force and part of a natural and empowering process.
Tuning into Our Bodies: Rather than relying on commercial products, the workshop encouraged women to:
The power of gathering in a circle of women, especially in a place as magical as Cyd’s home overlooking Es Vedra, cannot be overstated. This communal space allowed for deep connection, shared stories, and collective healing. It reminded us of the strength and wisdom we hold as women, particularly when we come together to support and uplift each other.
Attending the "Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen" workshop was a transformative experience, offering profound insights into the natural transitions of womanhood. It reaffirmed the importance of tuning into and respecting our bodies, especially during significant life changes like menopause.
I really recommend following Jane on Instagram and soaking up some of her wisdom.
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