Michelle Royce

Author of MOON RITES

Michelle Royce aka SPIRALDANCER, author of Moon Rites a feminine path to personal power, lives with her husband and two daughters near Coffs Harbour in Northern New South Wales, Australia.

A student of mythology, ritual, Wicca, alternative healing and Goddess/Women’s Spirituality for the last fifteen years, Michelle is a freelance writer specialising in women’s issues including spirituality, Wicca, myth, ritual and alternative healing. Her work has been regularly published under both 'Spiraldancer' and Michelle Royce in Australian magazines since 1999. In addition to her freelance work she also writes a regular column "Moon Rites" in Femme Fitness and lifestyle magazine for women (NZ). Michelle also contributes to various websites that discuss women's issues.

She was approached to write the text in a set of four greeting cards for women "Moon Rites cards" which were released in October 2003 and are marketed as part of the ‘Moon Diary Products’ range for women.

In addition to writing, she teaches occasional classes and workshops on the material covered in her book 'Moon Rites". She is a (sometimes outspoken) advocate for holistic menstrual education for girls and women, and is committed to reclaiming the women’s mysteries of menarche, motherhood and menopause as more than just biological functions for all women and their daughters.

With Moon Rites a feminine path to personal power you will:

• Rediscover lost connections between your female body & soul
• unleash your inner power, intuitive ability, creative drive.
• Reclaim the wisdom and magic of the lunar cycle
• Renew your female body, mind and spirit
• Empower yourself to make positive life choices.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Moon Rites a feminine path to personal power is designed to be used as a tool to enhance your self-knowledge, acceptance, and personal power. It is divided into three sections. The following is a rundown on what's in it and how you can use it.

Section One- The Goddess

“The Goddess- From Herstory to Our Story” This chapter introduces you to the concept of a Divine Feminine Energy and talks about how this energy came to be understood by humans throughout history. (Interestingly- the recent Transit of Venus on June 8th 2004 is considered by many astrologers to herald a return to our consiousness of the feminine face of God . For more on this fascinating view visit Eric Francis' site planetwaves.net- fabulous stuff!)

“Who Is The Moon Goddess?”
Discusses the idea of the relation between the moon and it’s cycles, the female body and it’s cycles and feminine spirituality.

“Women’s Rites”
A rundown on the concept of using ritual- what it is- why it’s useful- how to do it.

** Please note- the rituals in this book can be approached from many different avenues. If you don’t like the idea of performing 'a ritual' you can use the directions and words as visualisations, meditations, affirmations, or even just as psychological exercises. Or you can just read them as poetry! It’s entirely up to the individual. So don't be put off or think "This is too far out for me." For more information on ritual and how it can be a great tool for anyone seeking personal power, development and transformation- go to my article "Ritual 101"**

“Goddess Lore”
Reflections on how women manifest Goddess Energy in everyday life.

Section Two- Moon Rites

This section of the book devotes a chapter to each of our three major life stages- maiden (New Moon Goddess) Mother (Full Moon Goddess) and Crone or Wisewoman (Dark Moon Goddess) It is a celebration of whatever stage you find yourself in- with ‘Words for Goddesses’- a welcome; an example of a major ritual that can be performed to celebrate whichever transition you are experiencing; and an interview with a real person who discusses their own experience as a modern woman expressing this ancient feminine power.

**Some times we'd like to express our love and support for someone- be it a daughter- female relative- friend or mother or grandmother that is undergoing one of these life changing transitions, but we don’t have the words.

We may wish to offer some kind of special celebration or to give helpful advice but have not had access to this kind of information ourselves in a way that is specifically designed for women. This section of your workbook gives examples of the many and varied words that can be used and ways that these occasions can be celebrated. there are also blank pages for you to note down anything you think or feel at these times.

Section Three- Moon Goddess Journal.

The final section of your workbook is divided into thirteen chapters- corresponding with the lunar months of a year. Each chapter contains
information on a Goddess archetype who is associated with The Moon and/or an aspect of Female Spirituality

information on some feature of holistic female wellbeing- from aromatherapy to herbal teas to storytelling to dream interpretation
Rituals which apply to each life stage ( which can also be used as visualisation/affirmations or exercise) or a task to assist in personal development

Blank pages designed to allow you to record your thoughts, dreams, inspirations and observations in order to enhance your ability to understand your own needs, dreams and desires. In this way we can better make choices that reflect our true nature- leading to a more positive and empowered outlook on life.

Click here to order Moon Rites a feminine path to personal power

Articles by Michelle Royce

• Moonwatching - reclaiming your feminine power
  
  
  
  Moon Days edited by Cassie Preemo Steele,
  a great collection of women's writings on menstruation, twenty-six writers explore the "silent" parts of women's lives; reawakening menstruation memories of embarrassment and shame and transforming them to wonder, excitement, and laughter.
  
  
  Luna Yoga
  by Adelheid Ohlig. Wise woman secrets from many cultures help you take control of your fertility, increase your sexual pleasure, and relieve reproductive problems.