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“The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door, if you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.”
― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
Part One: Reflections from Depth Psychology and Beyond
Perimenopause is a portal- one you may walk through willingly, stumble through reluctantly, or be completely brought to your knees by. In Western culture, perimenopause and menopause are often neglected, dismissed, misunderstood or pathologized. In contrast, many traditional cultures recognize this phase as a profound rite of passage—an initiation into wisdom, power, and deeper self-awareness. Indigenous communities revere menopausal women as elders and spiritual guides, while Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda view the shift as an energetic transformation requiring balance rather than suppression. In African, Latin American, and Mediterranean traditions, postmenopausal women gain influence and respect, stepping into roles as matriarchs, healers, and advisors. In pre-Christian (pre-witch hunt) Europe, wise women, midwives, and keepers of ancestral knowledge were often past their reproductive years. These were the women who were persecuted during the witch hunts, leading to the loss of invaluable ancestral wisdom. By reclaiming these perspectives alongside developing research, we can shift the cultural narrative, seeing perimenopause not as a decline but as a portal into a more authentic, embodied self.
Perimenopause as an Initiation
Like many traditional cultures, Jungian analyst Marion Woodman understood perimenopause as a sacred initiation—an outward reflection of a profound inner transformation. She saw it as a process of dismantling the old self, unearthing long-buried aspects of one’s being, and integrating them as a necessary step toward rebirth.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ myth of La Loba—the wild woman who gathers the bones of the past to create new life—beautifully mirrors this metamorphosis. Perimenopause is an opportunity to reclaim lost parts of oneself, a process of ‘re-membering’ that functions as a psychic excavation, gathering wisdom and power that was once cast aside. The archetype of the Wild Woman, much like the Crone, calls us to shed outdated roles, beliefs, and attachments, making space for a more authentic, empowered self.
“Bone by bone, hair by hair, Wild Woman comes back. Through night dreams, through events half understood and half remembered…”
— Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
Ancient Celtic traditions describe the three archetypal stages of womanhood—Maiden, Mother, and Crone—which, interestingly, align with modern neuroscience. According to neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Mosconi, significant transformations occur in the brain during what she refers to as the "Three P’s": puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Research shows that during perimenopause, the brain undergoes profound rewiring, impacting cognition, mood regulation, and resilience to stress. These neurological shifts mirror the shedding of old identities, inviting women to step more fully into their authentic selves.
From a depth psychology perspective, perimenopause is not merely about fluctuating hormones or uncomfortable symptoms; it is a deep, alchemical process of personal rebirth. It is a symbolic death and resurrection, an initiation into a life beyond societal conditioning, where women are called to embrace their own wisdom, no longer bound by the expectations that defined them in earlier stages of life.
The Body as a Metaphor for Transformation
Woodman emphasized that the body is a reflection of the unconscious, expressing what the psyche may not yet have put into words. Symptoms of perimenopause—hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings—can be understood not only as physiological changes but also as messages from the deeper self. There are many symptoms that may arise during perimenopause unique to each individual; we will be considering some of the prominent symptoms as metaphors. The intention is not to downplay how debilitating these symptoms can be, but rather reframe them through a symbolic lens to offer new insights and pathways to healing.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés, drawing on her deep understanding of myth and archetype, may invite us to view these bodily experiences through a mythopoetic lens.
Hot flashes could represent the inner fire of the Wild Woman-the untamed aspects of the psyche-burning away the old self, purifying and preparing for rebirth.
Fatigue may symbolize a descent into the underworld, much like Persphone’s journey, a forced surrender, an invitation to reassess priorities and journey into the depths of the self. It may also reflect the emergence of long-buried wounds, whether personal or ancestral, surfacing for healing.
Weight gain could be seen as a container for the unformed energy being gathered, a grounding force as the body reorganizes itself for transformation.
Anger may be the long-surpressed voice of experiences or aspects of self (or lineage) that are seeking to be acknowledged- a primal force speaking unclaimed truths, setting boundaries and demanding respect.
By shifting our relationship with these bodily experiences—from resistance to curiosity—perimenopause can become a time of profound self-discovery and transformation. The invitation is to inquire: What are the messages of my body trying to express? What may this symbolize? What wisdom does this hold? This is not just a time of change—it is an opportunity to reclaim, rebuild, and reawaken the sacred wisdom that has always been within us.
The Struggle Between Control and Surrender
Perimenopause often feels like a loss of control—over emotions, body shape, energy levels, and even one’s sense of self. The coping mechanisms that once worked for the archetypes of Maiden and Mother—perfectionism, overwork, and people-pleasing—begin to fall short. This period of grief is not just about the loss of youth but also about the reclamation of parts of the self that were abandoned in an attempt to meet societal expectations.
From a Jungian perspective, midlife is the moment when these unlived aspects of the self demand recognition. The archetypes of maiden and mother are often defined by external validation, caretaking and being “good”, while the crone archetype invites our exiled or suppressed parts back from the fringe.
Ultimately, perimenopause invites women to surrender control and integrate these reclaimed parts into their present identity. Rather than resisting change, women are called to embrace the unknown, allowing the wisdom of this transition to unfold.
Supporting the Body Through the Transition
Perimenopause is both a biological and psychological transformation. As estrogen and progesterone decline, they impact metabolism, brain function, sleep, and mood. Mental health can also be profoundly affected—this is the highest-risk time in a woman’s life for developing depression and anxiety, and research shows that suicide rates peak during perimenopause. Fluctuating hormones, disrupted sleep, and increased stress sensitivity can all contribute to emotional instability, making it essential to prioritize both physical and mental well-being. Rather than resisting these changes, supporting the body can ease the transition and enhance overall health.
Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s research highlights that estrogen plays a key role in brain health, influencing memory, cognition, and emotional regulation. As estrogen fluctuates, the brain undergoes a rewiring process, which, when supported, can lead to greater clarity and resilience. While Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s work emphasizes that for many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a valuable tool in managing symptoms and protecting long-term health. She highlights that estrogen therapy, particularly when initiated within 10 years of menopause, has been shown to support brain function, cardiovascular health, and bone density while reducing the risk of osteoporosis and potentially lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. While HRT isn’t necessary or appropriate for everyone, it is a well-researched option that can significantly improve quality of life. Consulting a knowledgeable healthcare provider can help determine if it’s a good fit.
Key Ways to Support the Body
• Nourish Brain & Hormonal Health: Increase omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds), eat whole foods, stabilize blood sugar, and support gut health with probiotics.
• Move Regularly: Aerobic exercise and strength training support brain function, metabolism, and bone health.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress worsens symptoms. Mindfulness, yoga, and breathwork help regulate the nervous system.
• Prioritize Sleep: Create a consistent bedtime routine and reduce screen time to improve sleep quality.
• Minimize Toxins: Limit exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA and heavy metals.
• Consider HRT: When appropriate, hormone therapy may offer benefits for brain health, bone density, and symptom relief. Consult with your Healthcare Provider.
• Stay Mentally Engaged: Learning new skills and engaging in creative activities supports cognitive health.
Rather than seeing perimenopause as a problem to fix, it can be understood as a natural recalibration. When the body is well-supported, it creates a stable foundation for the deep psychological transformation this phase invites.
A Call to Shift the Culture
Perimenopause is not just a personal experience, but one deeply influenced and embedded in a larger cultural, institutional and historical context in the west there is little understanding or support for this immense transition even within the traditional medical system. Many women are becoming more open about their experiences, sharing in person and on social media, with more educators and advocates are stepping forward as well.
The invitation is for all genders and generations to learn more about perimenopause and menopause and the changes the mind, body and spirit undergo. It would also be helpful to explore the wisdom, traditions or healing in your particular ancestral lineage. If we collectively shift our understanding of perimenopause, we can begin to heal the cultural trauma that has marginalized women’s bodies and experiences for centuries. By fostering spaces that honor this transition—through shared rituals, storytelling, and community support—we can reclaim perimenopause as a time of profound personal and collective renewal. This cultural shift invites us to honor the wisdom in our bodies, break free from the collective amnesia surrounding women’s transitions, and create a supportive environment where perimenopause is seen not as a loss but as a doorway to transformation and empowerment.
Part Two: Practical Ways of Integrating this Transition
Ideas for Fostering Community and Building Meaningful Rituals
• Women’s Circles: Create spaces—both in-person and virtual—where women can share their experiences, practice somatic awareness, and support one another through movement, breathwork, and storytelling.
• Intergenerational Mentorship: Pair women at different life stages to exchange wisdom, guidance, and rituals that ease the transition.
• Supportive Online Communities: Build platforms with expert Q&As, discussion forums, mutual support and shared personal stories.
• Sacred Sisterhoods: Form small, ongoing groups where women gather for support, meditation, and meaningful connection.
• Collaborative Wellness Events: Organize workshops with guest speakers and healing practitioners to blend education with experiential practices.
Building Meaningful Rituals
• Moon Circles & Cycles: Honor life’s cycles by tracking menstrual and emotional rhythms, setting intentions, and releasing what no longer serves.
• Sacred Rest & Reflection: Embrace rest as an opportunity for introspection and renewal.
• Somatic Practices: Engage in movement, breathwork, or journaling to process emotions and cultivate healing.
• Ancestral Rituals: Honor lineage wisdom through reflection, offerings, ancestral foods or integrating ancestral practices. The invitation is to learn about your own lineage.
• Nature Connection: Reconnect with the earth’s rhythms by walking barefoot, meditating outdoors, or observing seasonal shifts.
• Personal Altar: Create a sacred space with meaningful symbols of transformation.
• Fire Rituals: Burn written reflections of what you’re releasing to symbolize renewal.
• Voice & Boundaries: Express suppressed emotions and affirm personal boundaries to protect your energy.
• Embracing Body Changes: Offer self-massage, compassionate self talk, affirmations, or gentle touch to honor your body’s resilience.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Align with nature’s cycles through rituals marking solstices, harvests, and seasonal transitions.
By integrating these rituals and community-building, we reclaim perimenopause as a time of growth, healing, and transformation, reinforcing the power of community and embodied awareness. What ideas come to mind for building your own rituals or community?
A Somatic Self-Inquiry Practice
1. Create a Sacred Grounding Space
Find a comfortable position in a quiet place. Bring awareness to your space using your five senses- what you see, hear, feel. Notice which parts of your body make contact with the earth. You may imagine roots growing from your body descending into the earths core. Notice how this connection feels in your body. Bring awareness to the whole of the body. What do you notice? Are there any sensations, emotions or images that arise?. Let your breath soften, feeling the inhale expand through your ribs, the exhale soften your belly. If you feel calmed, you may place a hand over your heart or womb space. Notice: What does your body need to settle? Perhaps it’s a sigh, a shift in posture, or pressing your feet more firmly into the ground. Trust the body’s impulse.
2. Descent into the Underworld: Meeting the Unlived Aspects of Self
Perimenopause calls us to face the parts of ourselves we have silenced to fit the roles of Maiden and Mother. These aspects—whether protective, wounded, or yearning—hold wisdom for this transition.
• Bring awareness to your body, paying special attention to the pelvis, hips, and womb space—the deep center of your being.
• Inquire: What aspects of self may be trying to emerge during this time? Notice what comes forward—this could be visual (in your mind’s eye), mental (through thoughts or memories), a deep sense of knowing, or physical (through sensations in the body).
• If this aspect of self could speak, what would it say?
• How does this part feel about this transition? Is it afraid? Excited? Resistant?
• Ask: What does this part need from me right now? Witness its response with compassion, without rushing to fix or change it.
• If there is hesitation or resistance, gently ask: Is there a part of me that is afraid of what this transition means? What is it protecting me from?
Let these parts know they are seen, heard, and welcome. Perimenopause is not just a shedding—it is also an invitation to reclaim what was once left behind.
3. The Body as Storyteller: Listening to Symptoms as Messengers
Symptoms are not inconveniences to be silenced; they are stories waiting to be heard.
•Scan your body and find a sensation calling for attention (heat, tension, exhaustion). Alternatively, you may wish to consider a specific symptom you’d like to explore.
•Without judgment, notice any sensations: tightness, warmth, numbness, pulsing, or stillness.
•Place your hand over that area. Ask: What do you need? What message do you carry?
•Breathe into it. Allow images, memories, or words to emerge.
• Notice any impulses for movements, gestures, posture, sounds of words. Play with expressing these in a way that feels safe.
4. The Fire Within: Reclaiming Power & Wildness
What is perimenopause burning away? What power is rising in its place?
•Stand with your feet grounded. Close your eyes.
•Sense your inner fire—the Wild Woman’s fire. Where does it live in your body? What color is it?
•With each breath, let this fire expand. Move as your body desires—swaying, stretching, shaking.
•Ask yourself: What am I ready to release? What am I ready to claim?
5. The Crone’s Wisdom: Integrating the Transition
You are becoming someone new. She is already within you.
•Sit in stillness. Visualize yourself years from now, fully embodying the Crone’s wisdom.
•What does she know that you do not yet fully trust?
•Write a letter from this future self to your present self. What guidance does she offer?
Closing Invitation:
Perimenopause is not a loss—it is a return. The body speaks in sensation, in symbols, in the quiet whispers beneath the noise of daily life. Listen. Trust. Step through the portal, not as a woman in decline, but as one rising into the fullness of herself.
Resources and References
Estés, C. P. (1992). Women who run with the wolves: Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype. Ballantine Books.
Haver, M. C. (2023). The new menopause: Navigating your path through hormonal change with clarity and confidence. Penguin Life.
Mosconi, L. (2020). The XX brain: The groundbreaking science empowering women to maximize cognitive health and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Avery.
Woodman, M. (1996). Bone: Dying into life. Penguin Books.
Yehuda, R., & Lehrner, A. (2018). Intergenerational transmission of trauma effects: Putative role of epigenetic mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(3), 243–257. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20568
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