The best kept secret is this: Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, not something to be dreaded. Rather, it is something to look forward to as a time when all kinds of new creativity can be born, bringing joy, satisfaction and meaning to our lives.

This book explores a shamanic approach, through connection to all the worlds we live with – the humans, the plants, the animals, spirit, and the minerals, to empower the later phase in a woman’s life — menopause and beyond. By celebrating menopause as a rite of passage, we discover what is ours to do now.

What is a rite of passage? A moment when great change is afoot. The value of such a transformation is increased when it is acknowledged and celebrated as we move from one role or phase in our lives into the next. In many societies such “moments” are well-known and recognized in our various birthing, marriage, and death rites.

In this book, we approach menopause as a rite of passage — a transition from one stage of life to another. It can be an empowered phase in a woman’s life, a part of our life development that deserves dignity and honor. We focus on the possibilities and fulfillment that can come with menopause.

We can all explore menopause as a time of great potential and power within ourselves. We become matriarchs and caretakers for the coming generations, bringing a different kind of joy, satisfaction, and meaning to our lives and the lives of those around us.

This book contains common sense and a shamanic approach to a wonderful, though little understood, phase in a woman’s life. We encourage all of you to seek out the knowledge that speaks to you from any source that is valuable for you. We hope you also enjoy this book.