FAQ’s
In case you’re wondering
Lunar Astrology
+ What’s lunar astrology? Is that different from astrology?
I specialize in lunar astrology, which is a little corner of the astrology world that focuses on the moon. It’s not different from astrology, but instead of looking at all the planets, I track the moon specifically. Understanding what the moon is up to is important because, in astrology, the moon rules our emotions. Lunar energy directly influences our personal emotions and gives context to the emotional experiences of the people around us -- loved ones, co-workers, family, and friends. Tracking lunar energy keeps me pretty busy since the moon has a major phase change once a week, changes Zodiac signs every 2.5 days, and is influenced by cosmic events like supermoons, retrogrades, and eclipses. And, our emotional selves feel all of this.
+ What’s if I miss day of the new moon or full moon?
You don't have to do your moon ritual or luanr pracitces on the day of the full moon or new moon. The moon goes through four major changes each month, and each one lasts about a week. The time/date of the new or full moon is the peak. And, if you miss a moon phase, you can go back and catch up or just start where you are.
Moon Circles
+ What’s a moon circle?
It’s a gathering of people, typically women, on the new moon or full moon. For thousands of years and across cultures, people have gathered in alignment with the moon to tap into the moon’s potent energy – to set intentions, get clarity, share their stories, and to connect with themselves, the group, and the moon’s divine feminine energy. Moon circles are part personal practice and part collective ritual.
+ What happens at a moon circle?
This will vary depending on who’s leading the moon circle and the energy of that moon. The new moon is a time to set intentions, and the full moon is a time of letting go. Moon circles will typically incorporate activities to harness these energies. Some common activities are meditation, journaling, and sharing stories. There are no rules about how to do a moon circle – it’s all about bringing people together with the intention to create connections – to self and the community – inspired by the moon’s energy.
When I host moon circles, in person and online, I aim to create a safe, non-judgemental container for the group to support, inspire, and empower one another. Each moon circle is a bit different, but I usually give a lunar astrology overview, recommend a crystal for that lunar cycle, guide a shamanic journey meditation, give journaling prompts, and facilitate a sharing circle. And, if you’ve been to my circles, you know I love to end them with a bit of fun! (If you know, you know …)
Shamanism
+ What’s a shaman?
A: Seems like a simple enough question, right? Not so much. There are actually as many answers as there are shamans. Shamanic healing or shamanism is found across many cultures and is an ages-old tradition of using Earth-based and energetic techniques to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Since a shaman’s healing comes from their own intuition and has regional and cultural influences, each shaman’s medicine (a.k.a. their magic) looks a bit different.
+ How do you become a shaman?
Becoming a shaman involves a process of growing your intuition, healing your own shit, and learning ancient wisdom and practices to heal others. Since shamanism exists across so many cultures, what it looks like and the “how” of it all varies a lot.
Personally, I went to Shaman School (yes, Shaman School is a real thing) to become a Pampamesayok Shaman, which is based in a 50,000-year-old lineage from Peruvian Q’ero Inca Shamans. I traveled the Medicine Wheel to learn ancient mystic wisdom and techniques for healing across the four dimensions of human wellness – physical, mental, emotions, and spiritual. It took me about a year and a half of intensive training with Shaman teachers and an ayllu (a cohort of classmates) to become a certified Shamanic Energy Practitioner. Most of my ayllu had prior intuitive and spiritual training (we’re talking seriously powerful, magical people), so I considered my Shaman School to be like getting an Executive MBA in Shamanism.
+ Is shamanism a religion?
No. Shamanism is non-dogmatic. This means that shamanic practices (and moon circles) can sit on their own or alongside a religious practice. That said, since most shamanic healing happens at a soul level, belief in a higher power is non-negotiable. This power can be God, Source, Spirit, Universe, Gaia, Yahweh, Allah, collective energy or whomever/whatever resonates with you.