Cathy and Helen, I also went to an all girls' boarding prep school -- just for high school, and then 2 years at a women's college before transferring to a co ed university. Prep school in particular was a very troubling and difficult time for me, and the rigidity of conforming to uniforms and rules always landed me in hot water. I didn't find school curriculum particularly interesting. Friendships I had in prep school were transient. However the women's college was a totally different experience: friendships I made there I still have to this day.

Cathy, I was really touched to read about your experiences in Catholic school and how supportive your classmates were, and how your blossomed in that environment.

Helen, I don't know much about girls and women being under a spell for thousands of years re: moon time and menopause. I know there is history of men fearing women's power especially during moon time. That's why several cultures had Moon Lodges for the women.

Yet I see in the animal kingdom, a reflection of bio chemical changes during moon time. Some mares just become witchy and irritable,back sore, sensitive to touch, sometimes unridable when they go "into season". I have seen some breeding female dogs become anxious, irritable, and out of sorts when they come into season. The endocrine system is complex.

When I spent time at Michael Ravenhorse's camp, the women would sit together in the evenings: beading, talking, laughing, painting gourd bowls, making moccasins,singing, burning sage. I found it a relief after being around male warrior energy all day, and the politics of AIM (American Indian Movement). My friend Carrie Spotted Eagle sometimes told the stories of Coyote, Dog, Grandmother Spider, and how Turtle Island (North America) came into being. Three of us shared Michael Ravenhorse in a polygamous relationship (not a menage a trois, I must point out). Curiously there was never any resentment, jealousy, or competition. We were like sisters, which Carrie and I remain to this day.

love, tigger