Moon Pillow.

Go to a feed store and get some pigeon feed. Millet is an excellent choice. Dump it into a large old sock, not too full, and sew the end closed. Put this in the microwave for a minute, longer if necessary, until it's comfortably warm. Put this over your womb. You'll find it to be amazingly soothing.

You can get very fancy and make the pillow out of hand-dyed silk, hemp, or the remnants of your daughter’s “blanky." Add some herbs such as lavender, rosemary, chamomile and mint, to contribute a bit of aromatherapy.

Herbal bath.

Comfrey is good for any kind of sore muscles, including uterine and pelvic girdle spasms. Take fresh or dried comfrey, some lavender, chamomile and rose petals, and, once again, put them in an old sock. (I never throw away socks.)

Tie the sock shut, put it in the tub and run very hot water to two or three inches. Let the herbs steep for about fifteen minutes, then fill the tub. Some Epsom salts are also nice. Add daughter, chocolate, a good book, and soak until attitude improves. Send her on her way, take the book, get another chocolate and get into the tub yourself. You probably need it more than she does.

First moon ritual

can be with mother and daughter, all female family members, all family members, coven, and/or Pagan community. How big a to-do you create depends on how private your daughter is about herself. She should be the one to decide.

I was at a Dianic camp-out with about seventy-five other women, when one eleven-year-old bled for the first time. She was ecstatic! We had a ritual that night with all the women sharing their experiences, giving her gifts and welcoming her into the circle of women. The child gave us all what every female should have as a right of passage. She wore her red girdle proudly, complained smugly about cramps and crankiness, and turned down granola for chocolate. It was an awesome experience.

I make wreaths and wristlets out of pomegranate flowers and rose buds strung on copper wire for Moon gifts.