This dissertation is an application of Judith's own theory on human origins, metaformic theory, as articulated in her 1993 book, Blood, Bread, and Roses: How Menstruation Created the World. The central idea of metaformic theory is that the synchronization of ancestral menstrual cycles with the lunar cycle triggered our humanity, our differences from animal culture. Metaformic theory sees women and men as equally evolved and creative and recognizes a dialogue between human and nonhuman being, between human and the web of nature, and between human and spirit.

While worldwide menarche rites among indigenous peoples have largely disappeared, the state of Kerala, South India has powerful goddess traditions and continuing menstrual customs despite modernization. Using ethnographic studies, fieldwork, video of rituals and interviews, the study compares contemporary menarchal customs, and more especially those from prior to the twentieth century, with goddess rites. The correlations found affirm a goddess tradition rooted in menarche celebrations of Kerala's diverse communities, and also use of "menstrual logic" in powerful rites that connect devotees with forces of nature and with human psychological processes. Through this work, Judith creates a new origin story, a new lens through which to examine and comprehend human behaviors and relationships.

Ph.D. Dissertation, September 1999

Judy Grahn is a poet and cultural theorist whose work is internationally known and taught. She is an early co-founder of three movements: gay rights, lesbian-feminism, and women's spirituality. She holds many awards and honors, and most recently was inducted into the International Educators Hall of Fame. Her earlier publications include Another Mother Tongue and The Queen of Swords.