Tamara Driessen - Luna

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First published 2020

Copyright Tamara Driessen, 2020
Illustration copyright Carmen Seijas Rosende, 2020

The moral right of the copyright holders has been asserted

ISBN: 978-0-241-98768-1

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Self-awareness is your superpower

What are you going to write on your list? I was sitting with my housemate at the kitchen table talking about the things we wanted to release and say goodbye to, with a little help from the last full Moon of 2012. At the top of my list, Id written the name of an ex-boyfriend Id split up with earlier that year; even though I was moving on, there was still something that wasnt easy to shake. You know that feeling, when life seems to be getting back on track, then their names brought up, or you bump into them unexpectedly, and youre struck by a tidal wave of emotions again. I was ready for a fresh start. The best thing that came from the relationship (or the end of it, at least) was that it catapulted me onto my spiritual healing path. I guess you could call it my awakening. They say that everyone who comes into our lives is a teacher: he woke me up to the fact that the situations I kept finding myself in were a reflection of my self-worth, or lack thereof. It was time to start doing things differently.

My friend and I wrote our lists: first, what we wanted to let go, and second, what we wanted to experience in the next twelve months. I went to my bedroom, got my abalone shell, White Sage bundle and lighter for a Native American inspired smoke-reset ritual (see ), and we put on our coats. What will the neighbours think of us? We both laughed. Huddled outside in the cold, armed with a lighter and some White Sage to make sure that the ghosts of the last year stayed in the past, we burnt the lists of what we wanted to leave behind, then took it in turns to smoke-cleanse each other, making sure there wasnt any energetic debris still attached to us from what wed released. We were standing under the full Moon, surrounded by a cloud of smoke. Lets use the smoke for the new-year lists to make sure theyre blessed, too.

I left my crystals in the garden to charge under the moonlight and we went indoors to warm up with a cup of tea. Back at the kitchen table, I shuffled my Goddess Oracle cards and spread them in front of me. With my eyes closed, I ran my fingers over the deck until I connected with my card for the year ahead. I pulled it from the deck to reveal an Egyptian goddess, Sekhmet, saying, You are stronger than you think you are, and your strength ensures a happy outcome.

If youd told me then that Id go from working as a hairdresser to becoming a full-time healer, Tarot reader, author, leading Moon ceremonies and teaching people to connect with crystals and the Moon around the world, I wouldnt have believed you.

How did I know that the ritual had worked? Well, everything on the list became reality. It wasnt until I bumped into my ex at a festival and thought about it a few weeks later, that I realized, Oh, yeah, I saw him and it didnt bother me at all. It wasnt a thing any more. I was officially over him. Id also been in recovery from a long-term eating disorder, and Id written on my intentions list for 2013 that I wanted to cultivate a healthier relationship with food. My guilt around food and body shame was diminishing, with the support of weekly therapy sessions. I know its a total clich but, slowly, I was learning to be more comfortable with myself.

Since that evening, Moon rituals have become a regular part of my practice and so many of the things Ive manifested, like this book youre reading now, my first book The Crystal Code, my partner, the house we live in, being part of an incredible community, the challenges Ive overcome, can be attributed to a greater understanding of the Moon, with my other spiritual practices. Its come from consciously observing the Moon, the way I feel at each phase of the lunar cycle (see ), and acting on the intuitive nudges that I get from doing the work.

The ancient science of astrology can help us to navigate the pitfalls of modern life, and a quick peek into what the stars are saying is only an app away. The Moon is one of the celestial bodies that is visible to us, which makes it easy to study its cycles and access its power. Its about more than just moon-gazing and being in awe of its presence: more and more people are aware of its influence on their moods and energy levels, and are interested in its powers for healing and transformation.

The gravitational pull of the Moon affects the tides. Humans are made up of 60 per cent water (depending if youve drunk enough today): is it such a stretch of the imagination to consider that the Moon can also influence us? According to astrology, all of the planets govern different aspects of our human experience but, here, were going to be talking about the Moon.

Getting to know the Moon is like nurturing a long-term relationship: the more time you devote to it, the deeper you can go, the more wisdom thats revealed to you. You may see old patterns that have been keeping you stuck, or discover ideas and desires buried under a lot of shoulds or realize when its time to move on (hello, eclipse season!).

Feelings arent facts but they can reveal a lot. Youve got the answers already within you; the Moon can help you find them.

The Moon was an object of worship for ancient civilizations. There are sacred Moon temples around the world, such as the Aztec Pyramid of the Moon in Mexico, the Temple of the Moon in China and Somnath Temple in India. Myths of lunar gods and goddesses are woven throughout history. The Triple Goddess symbol, depicted with a waxing, full and waning Moon, represents the feminine stages of maiden, mother and crone. It has been associated with mysticism, and witches, Wiccans, pagans and shamans, who have been celebrating the Moon for centuries and harnessing its powers. Its personality is often described as maternal, Mama Moon, its cycles linked with rebirth, nourishment, intuition and mystery. It guides us towards introspection. The Sun is said to illuminate our conscious mind while the Moon encourages us to dive into the subconscious.

What well explore in this book isnt a trend, its a way of life. Were just going back to our roots: once upon a time humans used to live more in harmony with the universe. If we can find the sweet spot between listening to our intuition, embracing our innate cycles and living in harmony with nature, alongside the perks of modern living, then we could be on to a winner.

People often become interested in the Moon because they want to get in on the manifesting benefits it can offer. Who wouldnt want support to make their dreams come true? You could think of setting intentions with the Moon, like new-year resolutions but with more power. The Moon seems to amplify intentions, especially when theyre spoken in ritual or ceremony with a group. The phases of the Moon are an opportunity to check in with where youre at and make your own magic.