In this deeply nourishing episode of Return to Wisdom, Keshia sits down with Jane Hardwicke Collings: midwife, teacher, author, and founder of the School of Shamanic Womancraft, to explore the sacred transitions that define womanhood. Jane shares insights from her decades of experience guiding women through rites of passage, from menarche to menopause, and how reclaiming these cycles reconnects us to nature, our bodies, and each other. Together, they reframe menopause not as a decline, but as a “Sage Essence” a powerful transformation into wisdom and leadership. Jane and Keshia discuss how our birth experiences prepare us for menopause, why the medicalization of the feminine has stripped away power, and how to heal the wounded sisterhood by dismantling the patriarchy within ourselves. The conversation also touches on: The Four Seasons Journey, Jane’s year-long program and her final offering in this form. The parallels between puberty, motherhood, and menopause as transformative rites of passage. The Grandmother Hypothesis: why women live beyond fertility and the vital role of post-menopausal leadership. The spiritual and physiological gifts of menopause, from clarity of mind to stronger immunity and renewed sexual vitality. How aging is a privilege and why it’s time to reject the obsession with youth. This episode is a masterclass in feminine wisdom: grounding ancient truths in a modern world that has forgotten them. Jane Hardwicke Collings🌐 janehardwickecollings.com📚 SchoolofShamanicWomancraft.com   Programs & Courses The Four Seasons Journey – Jane’s year-long women’s mystery immersion (final in-person round begins February 2026, applications close November 20). Earth Woman – An online version of The Four Seasons Journey (self-paced or guided). One-Day Workshops (Mullumbimby) Moonsong – Remembering the wisdom of the cycles Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy – Exploring birth as a rite of passage Autumn Woman, Harvest Queen – Understanding menopause in context Winter Woman, Bone Wisdom – Embracing the Crone years Snake Medicine: Shedding Menstrual Shame – An online course. Additional online courses on pregnancy, menopause, and the women’s mysteries are available on her website. Books Her Story  Sage Essence – Jane’s forthcoming book on menopause. Ten Moons App📱 Spinning Wheels App – A holistic menstrual and menopause cycle tracking app (available via app stores).   Great Spirit creates powerful organic health products rooted in nature, with a greater vision to help curb the mental health epidemic through nature-based programs and retreats.   Use code KESHIA20 for 20% off your first order. 👉 www.greatspirit.com.au     This Episode is Sponsored by Pod Byron   Pod Byron, Byron Bay’s premium video podcast studio, crafted for creators, coaches, and personal brands ready to elevate their presence.  👉 www.podbyron.com     Thank you for joining me in this little corner of the podcasting world. If you would like to support the show, please head to the show page and subscribe, rate and leave a review. This is a little way you can give back to the show and help me to secure bigger and better guests for the conversations you crave. Have a wonderful day!