Due to Valentine’s Day blogs and hashtags, a friend learned of the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia shared her newfound enthusiasm for it with me. Trusting History.com’s version, this friend somewhat facetiously suggested that we might all want to reinstate Lupercalia instead of engaging in … continue reading »
Margaret's Musings
Margaret's Musings
Late Winter Hibernation
A type of hibernation stealthily and persistently came over me in late winter. This was not hibernation of the warm, cozy cave, but rather the sinking into the earth, the mud, the hibernation of moistness cradled in mud. Aquatic frog hibernation, not grizzly or black … continue reading »
Sacred Vulvas and Female History: Interview with Starr Goode
Wow! Holy Sacred Vulvas, Catwoman! It’s not even women’s history month yet, but as we know riches of women’s history are surfacing all over the place in January. Continuing on with the theme of sacred vulvas, I’m happy to offer the content of a phone … continue reading »
Pussy Power: Walking Our Talk
Feline, cats (catty), cougar, pussy, kitten—all slang terms used for women and girls—Meow! In the past, all of these terms (and many more) have been used to shame and denigrate women and girls, trying reduce us to some form of “animal.” Additionally, the term pussy, … continue reading »
Sheela Na Gig Book Review
Right before the historic Women’s Marches, I’m thrilled to be celebrating women both present and past, both sacred and “profane,” and through our shared physical selves and our shared sacred heritage. Today, I offer my review of the new book, Sheela Na Gig: The Dark … continue reading »
Speaking to the Nation
And he’s gone, gone, gone . . . nearly. President Obama spoke one last time to our nation. He gave his last presidential address (steeped in democracy) on Tuesday. He spoke from his heart and from who he fundamentally is—a caring, decent, upstanding, deeply intelligent … continue reading »
A Reminder of Our Inner Power
On Wednesday,the day after the results of the 2016 election—a true hump day for me (suddenly mountains of dread seemed to be everywhere)—I had to be with friends. I couldn’t be alone in my house; alone to stare at the enormity of looming consequences that … continue reading »
Result of hate-mongers
And, as a result . . .
David Duke, the past Klu Klux Klan Grand Wizard, congratulates the new president-elect and thanks Wikileaks.
Thank god the Republicans have fought so hard to continue poverty, to cement low wages, and to undermine education, while supporting white … continue reading »
Language of Patriarchy, Part 1
The language of patriarchy is distinct, unmistakable, and thus, most importantly, recognizable. Patriarchal language reveres and enshrines double-talk, spin, lies, vitriol, deceit, and deception. Patriarchal language shows itself by being itself: demeaning, debasing, hateful, angry, vulgar, ugly, racist, violent, taunting, controlling, bullying, objectifying, tyrannical, vile, … continue reading »
Women & the Climate of Our Times
Stormy times.
As I write this, Hurricane Matthew, a crystal clear sign of climate change, is off the coast of Florida after ravaging Haiti and damaging parts of Cuba. Again and again, climate scientists declare that this type of hurricane is the “new normal.” It’s … continue reading »