Bathing Kittens to Bring Babies! Before fertility clinics, women everywhere had an array of household rituals to insure a pregnancy. In medieval Iran, children were much desired, and women had ornaments, prayers, amulets, and rituals they could turn to in hope that they would soon have a child. When the housecat had kittens, an Iranian woman would take two of the litter to the hamaam, the village bath, put them in a basin, and sprinkle them with water. She felt cat's bountiful, magical fertility would help her have a child. This kitten is reluctant to be a fertility charm. Read more

Photography: Gwyn Thomas Henna application: CCJ Henna Pattern: Erfan Mahlodji Cover design: Alex Morgan

The Functions of Henna Traditions during the Childbirth and Postpartum Period
~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
Non-western societies have postpartum rituals within the popular expression of their religions that directly address the needs of a mother in the 8-week period after birth. These ritual actions serve to support her physically and emotionally after birth, and reintegrate her into the community after recovery. This article looks at the use of henna as part of these support systems. Read more

Serious NYC 2002 - The Reports

• Terp Test! ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
• Henna straining technique ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
• Carrot Bags ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
• Building the Serious Supercone ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
• New Woad ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones
• Brandon’s New Woad ~ by Catherine Cartwright Jones