Menstrual blood magic is a practice that involves using the blood released during a woman's menstrual cycle for different magical purposes. This concept dates back to ancient times when menstruation was seen as a powerful and sacred event. In many ancient cultures, menstrual blood was believed to have magical properties and was used in various rituals and ceremonies. One common belief surrounding menstrual blood magic is its connection to fertility and creation. It is often used in rituals aimed at promoting fertility, such as fertility spells or rituals to ensure a successful pregnancy. This is based on the belief that menstrual blood contains the potential for new life and can be harnessed to enhance fertility and reproductive abilities.

Menstruation, magic and moon myths

Frank information about periods can be hard to come by, and stories that cloak menstruation in mystery stubbornly persist. Pragya Agarwal was recently shocked to discover that many people still believe that menstrual and moon cycles are somehow in sync. The behavioural scientist argues why inclusive, factual menstrual education is crucial.

Words by Pragya Agarwal artwork by Katy Lemay average reading time 6 minutes 24 June 2021

show credit information for image 'Mystical moon'

I remember the exact moment that I started my periods. I was only eleven years old and had received no formal education at school or at home about what periods entailed. This was before the internet, in a small town in India. I wondered if I was the only one, because I never talked to anyone about it, not even my closest friends.

When I was growing up, women were considered impure when they menstruated, so they were not allowed to go into the kitchen, nor prepare food for others to eat. Things have changed, but not that much. Even now, women on their periods are not permitted to take part in some religious ceremonies and practices, such as entering a Hindu temple or fasting during Ramadan.

According to data released by the Indian government last year, there are 355 million menstruating women and girls in the country, and only 42 per cent have access to sanitary towels. The Indian NGO Dasra’s ‘Spot On!’ report shows that nearly 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to lack of proper menstrual-hygiene-management facilities. A horrifying 71 per cent of the girls surveyed for this report were not even aware of menstruation until they reached menarche.

We continue to find it difficult to talk frankly and factually about menstruation in an inclusive way.

Periods are stigmatised in many parts of the world, including in the UK. We continue to find it difficult to talk frankly and factually about menstruation in an inclusive way. Instead, biological reality is often made to seem mystical, or it’s implied that all bodies should conform to a fixed template. I have three daughters and I strongly feel that, if information about our own bodies isn’t grounded in facts, we are tools in patriarchal oppression.

Blood, myths, and magic.

Here at The Vampire Shot Glass, we’re not the first to believe in the powerful, magical properties of menstrual blood. In medieval Europe, some believed menstrual blood could cure leprosy — which, for the record is FALSE, but respect for the blood magic vibes ✨ (sparkle emoji) 🩸 (blood drop emoji). Through the centuries, myths of menstruation as evil flourished. Throughout history and in various cultures, people have thought of menstrual blood as a curse. 💀 (skull emoji)

One of our favorite myths is the idea that burnt frog ashes would cure your heavy flow. First of all, why would you want to cure a heavy flow?! We love abundance and celebrate bodies that produce heavy flows! In fact, the Vampire Shot Glass is a great period product for people with heavy flows. It can handle a lot of blood (25ml - 50ml) and needs to be emptied way less than a pad or tampon needs to be changed; here’s some Vampire-approved data to show you what we mean:

Approximate capacity of a fully saturated light tampon: 3ml
Approximate capacity of a fully saturated super tampon: 12ml
Approximate capacity of a fully saturated daytime pad: 5ml
Approximate capacity of a fully saturated overnight pad: 12ml

(Remember, you should never leave your Vampire Shot Glass in for more than 12 hours at a time.)

Another period curse myth is from Ancient Rome, where there was a hot rumor going around about how menstrual blood could sour wine. We’re here to tell you that wine thing is DEFINITELY false; especially when you pair that wine with a menstruating body, a hot bath, and your favorite Buffy season, ain’t nothing sour there!

The Vampire Shot Glass is here for period magic. What do we say to magic? Nothing wrong with a little magic, especially the vampire kind. In fact, many of our friends report becoming a little, witchy, clairvoyant, and having prophetic dreams when they are menstruating. Menstruation is a powerful part of nature, meant to be worshipped and celebrated!

Do you have a favorite period myth or misconception? Tell us in the comments!

Pune Woman Forced By In-Laws To Give Menstrual Blood For Black Magic: Cops

This is based on the belief that menstrual blood contains the potential for new life and can be harnessed to enhance fertility and reproductive abilities. Menstrual blood magic is also associated with the concept of power and empowerment. Some practitioners believe that the release of menstrual blood can be a source of personal power and strength.

In a horrific incident reported in Pune, seven people, including the husband and in-laws of a 28-year-old woman were booked for allegedly forcing her to indulge in black magic rituals, officials said on Friday.

Pune: In a horrific incident reported in Pune, seven people, including the husband and in-laws of a 28-year-old woman were booked for allegedly forcing her to indulge in black magic rituals, officials said on Friday. Senior Police Inspector Dattatraya Bhapka of Visharant wadi Police station said the accused against the will of the victim took the menstrual blood of the woman as a part of an Aghori Practice. "Following the complaint from the victim woman a case was registered against her husband, her mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew under sections 377 ( Unnatural offences), 354 ( molestation ), 498 ( Enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a married woman) and relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act," officials said.

Police informed that the woman in her complaint alleged that she was subjected to mental and physical harassment since their marriage in 2019 in Beed district. "In her complaint, she alleged that in August 2022 some of the accused including her brothers-in-law, nephew and a neighbour forcefully took the menstrual blood of the woman as a part of some black magic act and filled in a bottle using a cotton." Police further added that the woman in her complaint said that the accused brother-in-law was supposed to get Rs 50,000 in return for the menstrual blood of a woman. Police further said that incident of menstrual blood took place in August 2022 in the Beed district of Maharashtra, the native place of in-laws. "Woman has her maternal home in Pune and after receiving her complaint, Pune police had registered the FIR in Vishrantwadi Police station and transferred the case to Beed police for further investigation," official familiar with the matter said.

In January 2023, in a shocking incident, a woman was forced by her in-laws and husband to eat the powder formed by the bones of dead human as a part of a black magic ritual advised by the local Tantrik Baba to conceive a child. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

It is seen as a way for women to connect with their own inner power and embrace their feminine strength and wisdom. There are various ways in which menstrual blood can be used in magical practices. Some practitioners use it in spell work, adding a few drops of the blood to a spell or ritual to enhance its power and effectiveness. Others may create talismans or charms using menstrual blood, believing that these objects carry the transformative energy of the blood and can be used for protection or manifestation purposes. It is important to note that menstrual blood magic is a personal practice and may not be embraced by everyone. It is highly individualistic, and practitioners often have their own unique rituals and beliefs surrounding its use. It is essential for each individual to explore and understand their own comfort levels and boundaries regarding the use of menstrual blood in magical practices. In modern times, menstrual blood magic has gained renewed interest as more individuals embrace alternative spiritual practices. It is seen as a way for women to embrace their natural cycles and connect with their bodies on a deeper level. However, it is crucial to approach this practice with respect and caution, as it involves the handling of bodily fluids. It is advisable to consult with experienced practitioners or seek guidance from trusted sources before engaging in menstrual blood magic..

Reviews for "Menstrual Blood Magic and Sexuality: Embracing Erotic Energy and Intimacy"

- Sarah - 1 star

I found "Menstrual Blood Magic" to be extremely offensive and disrespectful towards women. The book promotes a belief system that objectifies and fetishizes menstruation, which is not only archaic but also deeply misogynistic. The author seems to glorify the idea of menstrual blood as some kind of magical elixir, completely ignoring the fact that it is a natural bodily process that many women find uncomfortable and even painful. I do not recommend this book to anyone who values feminism and the dignity of women.

- Mark - 2 stars

I picked up "Menstrual Blood Magic" out of curiosity, hoping to learn about different cultural perspectives on menstruation. However, I was disappointed to find that the book only perpetuates harmful stereotypes and taboos surrounding menstruation. The author does not delve into any scientific or educational aspects of menstruation but instead focuses on the mystical and supernatural aspects. While I believe in personal beliefs and spirituality, I found the book to be lacking in substance and coherence. It would have been more insightful to explore the cultural, historical, and biological aspects of menstruation rather than romanticizing it as some kind of magical power.

- Emily - 2.5 stars

I approached "Menstrual Blood Magic" with an open mind, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of menstrual rituals and their cultural significance. However, I found the book to be more focused on shock value and sensationalism rather than providing insightful information. The author relies heavily on fictitious anecdotes and personal beliefs, creating a rather shallow and biased narrative. I believe there is value in exploring different perspectives and cultural practices, but this book failed to deliver anything meaningful or thought-provoking. I would recommend seeking out more credible and well-researched sources on this topic instead.

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