Chat it's fate magazine.

Today, my story came out in the August edition of Chat it's fate magazine.  I was contacted by them earlier in the year to share my story about PMDD, the menstrual cycle and my art.  I felt this was a way to raise some awareness of how severe PMS can become, along with how I came to heal myself from the worst symptoms.  If you would like to read my story you can find it in all larger newsagents for the next month.

If you are interested in finding out more about PMDD, please check out my PMDD blog, Meet My PMDD, or visit the UK's National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) or the USA's National Association for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

To find out more about the alternative ways of understanding the menstrual cycle, please have a read through this blog, particularly the article I wrote for Indie Shaman magazine, The Magic of the Menstrual Cycle and my experience at a menstrual workshop with Alexandra Pope.

Sign up to learn more about your menstrual cycle with Red School Online.  Red School Online is a new way to learn about your cycle, with peer support, fantastic learning tools and private group chat.  Go check it out!

Red School also features some of my work in their teaching materials, you can find my poster in my Etsy store.  If you would like to see more of my feminine art work, please visit my gallery over at chaoticat.com.

Hello 2014!

Apologies to all of my subscribers and friends who may have disappointed in the lack of posts throughout 2013.  Sometimes you just have a year that throws as much at you as possible to see if you'll cope, and it seems 2013 was my year for it.

So with the arrival of a new year, I feel I should try and update this blog more often, and maybe even give it a facelift.  I am so amazed at the fan base that has grown on Facebook... I'm nearly at 1000 fans! which is just crazy!  I tend to post more regularly to FB than here, so if you want to keep in touch, you can find my page here. https://www.facebook.com/naturalshaman

Life is pretty good at the moment.  I am busy with art requests and paintings, courses and moving my work forward.  Despite the rain, I am looking forward to this year with eager anticipation.
Last year, I studied for my PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifeling Learning Sector) certificate, and am currently training to be a Meditation Teacher.  I am also studying for a Colour Therapy Diploma.  I have ideas and plans and am hoping 2014 is the year things get moving for me.

PMDD still troubles my life, however to even be sitting in this position, planning a future and setting goals is nothing short of a miracle.  Everything I have learned about cycle awareness, seasonal correspondences, observation and mindfulness has got me to this point.. the journey hasn't even finished yet, but even if it had, I am so happy to be where I am now.  I'm certain there are some major astrological influences to things changing, but I will not do myself an injustice.. I have worked hard to get to this point.  My determination to get my mental health under control, deal with my demons, look after myself, discover who I really am under the mood storms and depression is a relentless, never ending task. Thankfully, my main focus is no longer on just surviving.. now that I have learned how to walk from scratch, I can start thinking about running.. maybe even dancing...

Here's to 2014... it's gonna be busy and productive...

Following the rhythm

I've been connecting to my cycle in a much deeper way than ever before.  I've had 4 natural cycles since removing the Mirena coil and life is going much more smoothly.

Life is full of synchronicity again and the Universe is certainly providing me with lots of opportunities and keeping me busy.  Planning around my cycle is slowly becoming second nature and I'm making much better use of my time.

SAD is threatening to scupper my busy schedule, but I'm prepared...

I have got many projects on the go, and one of them is very special.  Keep an eye on this blog or my website for details of a brand new and original poster that illustrates the energy of the menstrual cycle. 
If you've ever found it difficult to get to grips with the different energies we are blessed with, this will hopefully allow you to observe and understand your cycle better.  It can help those around you to understand how your energy ebbs and flows, and act as a handy chart to refer to at different times of the month.

All will be unveiled soon!

I have also been working on the website design and hope that you like my new look!

With love...

(Photo taken on a late afternoon walk in November)

Wheels in motion

I know it's been quiet here of late, but it takes a while for these things to come together!
I have been paying close attention to my cycle, as I have learned to do over the years.  Back in August, I had my Mirena coil removed, and I am currently expecting my third, natural period in the next week or so.
Knowing that I have nothing inside me to play games with my natural cycle, I am finding easier to take notice of the changes.  The general feeling I get during days 4/5 to day 18/19 is so different to my premenstrual phase. 

Next month, I am attending a workshop with Alexandra Pope.  It is a day of learning about the menstrual cycle and how to use the energies more efficiently.  I am really looking forward to it, and can't wait to share my experiences.  I am hoping it will help me fit it all together in my head, so I can really find practical ways of using my crazy changing energies.

I am also now a member of Indie Shaman, a lovely little website for independent Shamans to come together.  I am working hard on my spiritual practice, and learning how and when to fall back on it.  With support from my counsellor and pagan/shamanic elders, I feel I just might get somewhere...

In between posts about the Divine feminine and our blood mysteries, I will post about the current astrology and share links to great articles I find.

Bright Blessings!

Cat x