In this remastered episode, I sit down with Jane Hardwicke Collings, post-menopausal grandmother, former homebirth midwife of 30 years, founder of the School of Shamanic Womancraft, author, teacher and lineage carrier of the women's mysteries. Together, we explore the wisdom of the cycles, the rites of passage that shape a woman’s life, and the deep cultural amnesia surrounding menstruation, birth, menopause and feminine knowing.
Jane shares her origin story of merging shamanism with midwifery, how the “wisdom of the cycles” provides a map for every phase of womanhood, and why reclaiming our rites of passage is essential for healing the wounded feminine and masculine of patriarchy. We also explore the blood mysteries, the spiritual practice of menstruation, birth imprinting, red thread lineage, and how our earliest experiences create the patterns that shape our lives.
We close with a powerful teaching on perimenopause and menopause, including her concept of sagescence — the decade-long initiation from mother to wise woman — and why so many women today are entering menopause with young children. Jane offers insight, compassion, and a grounded path forward for women preparing for this season.
Inside this episode:
The wisdom of the cycles
The blood mysteries and rites of passage
Menarche, first sex, conception, birth, postpartum, menopause
Birth imprint and the red thread maternal lineage
Shamanic midwifery and feminine healing
Teaching boys and girls about menstruation
The truth about perimenopause and sagescence
Perimenopause for women with young children
Preparing the body, nervous system and relationships
Reclaiming feminine power in a patriarchal culture
WAYS TO WALK THIS PATH WITH ME
The Wise Woman: A Path to Remembrance
A six chapter journey into lineage healing, feminine embodiment, rites of passage and returning to your deepest truth.
Beyond a Doula
Spiritual, instinctual, physiological birth support in Southern Maine and worldwide.
So You Want a Home Birth
A comprehensive self paced guide for women choosing natural undisturbed birth.
Community
Monthly Women’s Circle and Perinatal Village Circle in Southern Maine.
Website: www.emilygracenixon.com
Instagram: @embodiedwomenswisdom
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Music: The Ancients (feat. Loga Ramin Torkian) by Azam Ali
Disclaimer:
The information and resources provided by me are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice or a Mother’s intuition. Instead, all information provided is intended for education purposes only. My advice is not to be seen as medical diagnosis or to treat any medical illness or condition of Mother or baby/fetus.
Keywords: natural birth, home birth, freebirth, physiological birth, birth stories, postpartum healing, women’s circles, rites of passage, womb wisdom, feminine embodiment, sisterhood, conscious conception, birth trauma healing, matrescence, menopause, first-time mom birth story, VBAC, spirit baby.