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MEET LUNA VERONICA

Local Astrologer, Witch, Mystic.......

Gaia: Hi Luna! Such a pleasure to be interviewing you and collaborating with you! Why don't we start off by you telling us a little bit about yourself. 

Luna: I grew up going to a private Jewish school. The archaic practices of the school felt strange to me, but I always loved prayer and ritual. I realized years later that many of my students and other witchy friends of mine actually came from religious backgrounds. When I was a child I was severely bullied. As a little Leo moon child I was very sensitive to my hobbies or what I was “talented” at. My mom put me into group sports so I truly believed I had no passions or wasn’t good at anything because I hated typical sports and competition in general. In high school I was still bullied. I was an outcast, wearing Doc Martens, baggy t-shirts and giant headphones. I hung out with older people or weird artsy kids, I smoked weed, skipped class, got amazing grades and worked at a hip pizza shop that everyone in my high school ate at. In grade 10 I found out my love was Astrology but had no idea that it would be my future career path! I wanted to get out of there and find what my true calling was.  When I got older I made it my mission to find out what I was talented at. I eventually found Circus at the age of 20 and went from learning acrobatics, to finding myself through dance, to doing contortion, aerials & fire.

Gaia: How did you realize you were a spiritually attuned person?

Luna: I’m a Pisces so separating spirituality from my personhood never really felt like it was a possibility - even as a young child at the age of 5 years old I remember looking at my hands wondering how it was all possible. Life always felt magical and mystical. I always trusted my intuition. I always felt God/the Universe/my higher self, something loving and benevolent beside me guiding me to the highest expression of my life. I can’t say that spirituality and me have ever been separate, just over time I realized what it was called and truly believe everyone lived the same way as I did.

Gaia: What prompted you to study Astrology specifically?

Luna: I always resonated with astrology although I didn’t understand it’s vastness. I thought I was just a Pisces.  When I found out I had a whole birth chart, (the placement of not just the Sun when I was born but the Moon, the planets, some asteroids & more) my whole life changed. Everything started to make sense. My childhood had a story. My emotions and inner needs were explained. My core personality had a mission and purpose. I understood my challenges or shadow sides. I claimed how I wanted to dress, understanding my physical appearance according to astrology. I was given permission. No one had ever given me permission to be me, but Astrology did. I found a language that I could turn to for answers & guidance. I felt like Astrology was always with me even as a child, I just didn’t really understand what it all meant & why always wanted to talk about it. I’ve traveled all over the world and for some reason no matter what culture, language you speak, or how you were raised, people know their star signs. I remember in grade 10 my social studies teacher brought us into the library to do a presentation on Astrology and I felt high from that class. I was obsessed. I continued to study it with a girlfriend in high school (who was a hipster and looked way too old to be 15) and we use to take notes on the signs, trying to memorize their meanings.  When I tried to share my astrological realizations with people I got shut down and I learned to keep quiet. It kept calling me, kept whispering me to come back to it and eventually I couldn’t stop studying it.

Gaia: Did you always identify as a Witch? Did you ever have a hard time embracing the word ‘witch’ because of historical and cultural stigma?

Luna: I found out I was a witch through dance. After exploring spirituality with Astrology (a lot of Astrologers stay in their head and don’t go into their body to EMBODY spirit) I would cleanse myself, put on music, breathe, meditate, journal, pull some cards (this is just what came to me naturally) and I would dance. When I would dance I would start to feel everything in my heart. All my emotional experiences, my happiness, my sadness, my sense of self doubt, my fear, my joy, my love.. everything. As I would dance I would start to cry and I would continue to dance. As I continued to dance things started to get wild. I would scream, or roll around on the ground, I would cry my eyes out but continued to dance... After I felt complete I realized that I was in trance; a ritual state. I realized I was doing witchcraft. Tarot was a natural progression for me, I remember just walking into a metaphysical store like it was nobody’s business and purchasing a deck and a How To book. Astrology felt the same. It was only after my dance that I realized I was a Witch for some reason. I never had a hard time embracing it because once I realized what I was, I realized it was my divine privilege to actually spread the knowledge that reclaiming the word witch was a reclamation of power. Did I ever think I would be a professional Witch and teaching esoteric arts for a living? Definitely not but it also totally makes sense and is in my astrological chart as a potential career.

Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?

Luna: Astrology is my number 1 spiritual practice. It completely grounds me into reality, why things are happening the way they are, what I can expect of my day, to my months, to my years, why people behave the way they do, why I behave the way I do, how I can have infinite compassion for human experience.. it literally gives me the answers to any questions I’ve ever had. It’s not really describable, it’s only experienced. Besides Astrology I dance & do ritual. I pray, I spell cast (occasionally), I do manifestation rituals, I’m still new to Herbalism but I am getting more familiar with herbs & kitchen witchery is fun! I love making funky potions like nettle tea lattes while stirring in my intentions for the day.

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Luna: Did I mention astrology? Haha honestly it just has everything for me. So If I could understand as much as possible in this lifetime I would feel very fulfilled. I would also like to blend astrology using ritual more - which I think many Astrologers don’t do. For example if you’re wanting to get to know the planet Jupiter, a typical Astrologer would explain the significations of Jupiter in a presentation. That’s great, but what should be accompanied that is a deeper way of looking at this planet. How I teach would be about EMBODYING Jupiter. What would a Jupiter altar look like? What’s on it? What would Jupiter's personality be like? How would you invoke Jupiter? What does Jupiter feel like? What kind of offerings would Jupiter like to receive? Ect. I’m drawn to the occult & Metaphysics in general. The world of dreams & astral travel would probably be #2 on my list but I find it hard to practice lucid dreaming when I want to sleep & rest! Although I studied at a dream school in Guatemala and it was one of the most magical times of my life. I’d also like to deepen my scrying practice (gazing into a crystal ball), harnessing my psychic abilities, communicating with the dead & basically anything esoteric. Tantra is another spiritual practice I am drawn to, as I am in a soulmate relationship and I desire to enter ecstatic states of bliss through connection to the divine.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Luna: I am growing everyday. Literally. I feel like I’m evolving constantly. It’s amazing. In 2022 my home was still Bali, Indonesia. One day I decided that I was craving the seasons (I thought that was fully not possible after chasing the sunshine my whole life) and after a few years of a dreamy tropical lifestyle, motorbiking daily, drinking coconuts, never cooking or cleaning, not wearing a long sleeved shirt for 2 years.. I decided to come back to Canada. My intuition brought me to Nelson and from all these mystical experiences I had I knew I was going to move here. It was effortless. It was the best decision I ever made. I am unbelievably happy here and the expansion of my own belief systems blow my mind.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2023?

Luna: I run a multiple 6 figure business as a Witchcraft Mentor & Astrologer. When I type that it feels surreal. When I first launched my business in 2020 it was so successful that I just thought it was going to be going up up and up. I realized that being an entrepreneur is a huge journey of ups and downs. It's been the biggest test of my soul purpose, my trust in the universe & my dedication to my craft. I would like to grow my business and be a famous Astrologer. I am working towards that goal for 2023. Besides business I have a deep desire to continue to expand in love & laugher with my community and friendships, perform circus & dance at festivals, nurture the love of my partner & continue to be the sweetest, most compassionate, inspiring & helpful person I can be.

Gaia: What is your Sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your Moon and Ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

Luna: Hahahhahaha ASTROLOGY ISN’T EVEN REAL MAN! I’m a Pisces sun (at your spiritual service), Leo moon (I’m here if you need a performer at your next event but please tell me how special and amazing I am because no one knows that I actually just want your love and validation), and Scorpio rising (was that obvious by now?).

Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your products and or services?

Luna: The best way to connect with me is on Instagram. My instagram is @luna.veronica.mystic - please be careful of scam accounts who try to DM you asking for a reading. If you want a reading with me please message me first. Or just message me saying you read this article so we can stay in touch! Also please feel free to say hi if you see me walking around nelson! The best way to access my readings, courses on Astrology & Witchcraft is by my Instagram and we can talk about what’s best for you. If you don’t have Instagram you can email me (info@lunaveronica.com) & I can send you a direct link on my website. OH also! If you like my vibe you’d probably love my podcast! You can search Words are Spells on iTunes and Spotify to listen to my witchy & taboo conversations with incredible people from all over the world.

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Luna: The largest crystal ball in the shop, The Crystal Mandala Oracle deck by Alana Fairchild, the biggest cauldron you have, ethically sourced local sage, astrology jewelry, amber incense, funny witchy stickers & anything that has a moon on it. 

"If you are lost, you will be given direction. If you are seeking answers, you will receive guidance. You will see that you can trust your inner knowing, and you will be invited to tap into your intuitive gifts and magic. Through these insights, you will experience the truth of your soul. The Soul Path oracle deck was created for seekers, wanderers, storytellers, mystics, outcasts, and rebels — and the shy, serious, and curious. This deck was created for YOU!"

Terra first came into our attention when we started carrying her oracle deck, but since we started following her and learning more about Terra she offers so much more than her Soul Path oracle!

Terra is a Spiritual Advisor, Mentor, Best Selling Author, and Creatrix of the indie deck Soul Path Oracle, offering insight & inspiration for the soul’s journey.

"She assists people in aligning with their Soul’s purpose and potential for this life, encouraging clients to go within to discover the truth of who they are and tap into their personal power through a spiritual connection. Terra’s counselling skills paired with intuitive abilities offers a Psychospiritual approach to self-discovery and transformation."

We had the pleasure of chatting with Terra about her oracle deck, but also about her spiritual path and her offerings!

Gaia: Terra, tell us about yourself.

Terra: I have been intuitive since I was a child, however it was not something I always understood. One thing that has been a constant in my life is the strong desire I have to help others; I previously worked in social services for 7 years; primarily with high-risk youth, marketing & public relations within the music industry, and customer service at event venues. My own healing journey rekindled my love and passion for helping people in a soul-nourishing way and lead me back home to myself in my heart and the metaphysical world.

I love to dance! Movement feels liberating and an expression from the soul. I was an alternative performance artist and I am really looking forward to getting back into other avenues of performance art to have that form of artistic expression again!

Gaia: We were first introduced to you by carrying your Soul Path Oracle deck here at Gaia. What made you decide to create a deck of your own?

Terra: Tarot was my first love, I was very fascinated with the occult as a young child and explored pagan principles in elementary school…now when I think about it, it feels funny and strange to me what books were available in the library and that I had access to in an elementary school. The Internet was not really a thing back then.

Junior high is when I first started falling in love with tarot and throughout the years worked with many divination tools. Creating Soul Path Oracle was a dream come true! It is another way to support people in accessing their inner wisdom and trusting their intuition. That is why I created it.

Gaia: Why did you choose the name ‘Soul Path’ for your oracle cards?

Terra: To be quite honest the name is not something I spent a lot of time thinking about or choosing. The deck chose it’s name and there was no other name for it, it just was. Soul Path Oracle was created to be a faithful companion to the curious heart and offer support for soul’s journey.

Gaia: What were the main sources of inspiration for the themes are your deck? Are there any specific spiritual belief systems or philosophies that deck is influenced by the most?

Terra: There are many spiritual practices and ideologies that I resonate with and have inspired this deck and I would say the love and honour for the Earth, the cosmos and the universal energies of creation flow through this deck. The deck is separated into four different categories: Pathways, Spirit, Journey, and Energy. Pathways is based on the directions found in many Native American traditions, as well as alternate planes of existence. Spirit is associated with archetypal themes and spiritual allies to help you step into your personal sovereignty and feel empowered. Journey reminds us that it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey and is intended to guide you through life’s transitions. Energy includes the seven main chakras and four additional energetic vortices. When you become familiar with the chakra system and how it functions, you have a map to see how you are functioning internally and how in turn that affects your external world.

Gaia: Can you tell us more about Heather Brewster who illustrated your deck? How did you meet? How did you know she was the right one for the job?

Terra: I am so grateful to know Heather! Sometimes I honestly wonder if she a real person, or an angel in disguise. She is so sweet, kind, caring and any project I have ever worked with her on we have been so in tune and she can bring my dream or vision into an impactful representation!

I believe I found her work through another oracle deck and hired her to do some projects for my courses and when the deck was being created and I was starting to ponder who the artist would be, I knew it was Heather. When you know, you know. This deck is not just “my” deck. She is a HUGE part of it and I celebrate her and am grateful for her and this co-creation.

Gaia: Which card do you resonate most with in your deck?

Terra: That is a hard one, however I would have to say from an image perspective it would be Crossroads; that was one of the very first cards Heather designed and has always held a special place in my heart and for the messages. The Record Keepers for the activation because it guides you into your Akashic Records. There are so many amazing ones and are all powerful in their own way.

Gaia: I was reading on your website bio that not only are you a creator of this oracle deck but offer other services as an Intuitive Guide. Can you tell us a little bit more about what you offer?

Terra: My business has evolved so much over the past year and I am providing more high-level support through 1:1 mentorship. I have also added a year long group mentorship program for women who are looking for deeper levels of heart-based living and unapologetic authentic expression.

Gaia: What is entailed in your Akashic Record Training program?

Terra: I have two different levels of Akashic Records training. The first course Soul Guided is focused on you and your own healing journey. You will learn how to access your own personal Akashic Records to bring about growth and transformation in current life situations, past life healing and empowerment as well as becoming a master creator in the Akashic Field.

The second course Soul Guide, is where you will learn how to access the Akashic Records for others, for personal and professional purposes. You will be given techniques to help support others on their healing journeys, have group dyad practices and become a certified Soul Guide Akashic Records Practitioner.

Gaia: Besides literal services, what do you think you offer as a healing practitioner to people you are assisting on their healing journey?

Terra: I believe I offer clients hope, for what is possible, and encouragement along the way. I am also quite active on social media (primarily Instagram) and like to use that platform to share insight and inspiration and to provide resources to clients and the community there. I also have a monthly newsletter that provides resources for self-reflection.

Gaia: What is your mission on Earth?

Terra: My mission here on Earth is to inspire and encourage others to remember who they are beyond time and space, by making the journey back home to the heart. The path of the heart will reawaken you to the truth of your divinity and your existence here as that expression & embodiment of the divine.

Gaia: What have you learned about yourself by working with others on their healing?

Terra: Life can bring so many ups and downs, however there is an innate drive to push through and survive and I feel honoured to witness the transformation that can take place when working with others and have been shown that anything is possible and discovered my biggest passion is to empower others to become their own healer.

Gaia: What is your sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your moon and ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

Terra: I have an Aquarius sun & moon and Virgo rising! I would say yes, yes and yes! I must admit sometimes my Virgo traits get on my nerves, but it is a nice balance to have with the double Aquarius.

Gaia: Tell us about more about the readings you offer and other products or services you offer?

Terra: I offer Akashic Records Readings, 12 month forecast tarot readings and Beyond Quantum Healing Hypnosis session. I provide sound healing sessions and group sound alchemy ceremonies using planetary gongs, crystal singing bowls and other sacred sound healing instruments, I also have an online community and monthly subscription called Soul Path Power, where we meet 4 times a month and do Full Moon and New Moon ceremonies, group readings and guided journeys.

Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your products and services?

Terra: You can find more information about myself and my services and products on my website. www.heart2heartjourney.com

Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?

Terra: My spiritual practice is deeply rooted in the path of the heart and entering into heart coherence. Sound healing, meditation and heart activations are my go-to!

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

Terra: I am a stargazing dreamer and seeking to uncover the mysteries of the universe. I am intrigued by anything that has to do with our galactic history and comic connections.

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

Terra: I have learned my limitations, boundaries and what is truly important to me.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2022?

Terra: In 2022 I am devoting more time for myself to rest, be still and receive.

Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?

Terra: Candles, incense & gemstone jewelry! Maybe a deck or two…I love oracle and tarot cards lol

                          Kari Johansen's Bi-Weekly Gaia Update 

I’d like to offer a series of supportive, perspective broadening & ideally, guiding, contributions for you through Gaia’s newsletter. This series, focusing on Empaths, the ‘Empath’ in all of us, Healing & Growth, will unfold with each entry…

From personal experience, being an Empath kinda… sucks!  Oddly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything though.

When I was a kid, I was called "sensitive" a lot, it was always said with a negative tone. Funny enough, they head no clue just how sensitive I was.  I could see and feel things others couldn't, that was clear to me at a very young age.

Based on the lack of interest or sympathy for my “sensitive” nature, I learned that sharing my perspective didn’t help my sense of belonging. For e.g. when I tried to tell my mom about seeing, hearing, feeling ‘stuff’ in my room at night, she barked back, "what are you telling me! You're crazy!?" 

I was ten. That was enough for my abilities to ‘shut off’ for several years, it was strange how they seemed to do so on their own. I took this as push to change, so I did my best to ignore my abilities if or when they showed up.

I was just a kid, I know now that ignorance was a form of lying to myself. I betrayed myself, in order to be who society & the people around me expected me to be.

Betraying your Self is the worst kind of betrayal.

My abilities began to sneak back in by my late teens. First shown to me through synchronicities, then dreaming the future in astonishing detail. The door finally re-opened with full acceptance & curiosity when I began studying Conscious Dreaming at 18. The point of no return was the day I was shown the book “Messages in Water” [Dr. Emoto, 1999]. The images spoke to me an undeniable Truth that, yes, I could feel, but what was more was the relief! Someone was proving (at least to me) that everything else I felt was not only okay, but worth acknowledging.

Like all Empaths, I’ve been one my whole life. What matters most is when we begin to acknowledge and honor our unique abilities.  My first Empathic experience in this life was as a baby. It was an emotional trauma I carried with me until I was in my late thirties. This is an example as to why Spiritual & Energetic Healing is an important part of an Empath’s Well-being, AND why we need to learn (once able) how to protect ourselves Energetically, both inside and out.  But one cannot do either without first, fully acknowledging & accepting their true nature.

… In what I’ve briefly shared here there are 3 Emotional traumas (with my mom, myself, as a baby) – and I wasn’t aiming to write about them!  (These have nothing on the more significant trauma’s I went through, nor are they to be compared to your own or what others have endured).  My point is this; for the Empath in all of us, Emotional trauma is common and it’s a given.  We’re taught to dismiss them, “grow thicker skin”, “get over it”, etc. But Emotional trauma is the most common root of illness. As one teacher of my teachers and mentor says, “illness takes root in our emotional blind spot”. That blind spot occurs when we ignore, band-aid, or ‘self-medicate’ an Emotion that was not honored in the moment – be that moment last week, 10 years ago, as an infant, or, in a past life.  Problems can arise in some of the simplest ways, for example;  A parent lies to as child, the child feels the lie, senses the truths in the situation, has responding Emotions to both the truths and the lie, neither of which the child is ‘allowed’ to honor… This (very simplified example) seeds resentment or a lack of self-trust, or both. Over years becoming stronger to shape parts of character, like anger, anxiety, and inability to Trust others. Unaddressed, physical illnesses manifest, like allergies, arthritis, compulsive disorders.

 I often say, life is a continual process of Healing & Growth and that Healing & Growth go hand-in-hand. These points are even more applicable to Empaths in order to be strong and ideally, Thriving in every way. I learned this by mistake. Starting with my personal journey to heal Physical ailments and chronic issues, then, Mental and Emotional struggles, traumas and PTSD.  All were Energetic and Spiritual at the core and inevitably, once one thing is healed there is always another just around the corner.

Healing is a process and Growth is the progress. Healing doesn’t mean there is something “wrong” with you, it means you’re on a path of discovery – willing to Grow… accepting you “don’t know what you don’t know” – even about yourself.

As my education and personal healing path in the Natural Healing Arts has unfolded over the past 24 years, a pattern has emerged. I call it the 7 Stages of Healing & Growth, and I guide many of my clients through them. For this newsletter series, I’d like to take a small journey through the Seven Stages with you. I won’t be able to go into detail in these articles of course, but at a high-level I’ll aim to provide a mechanism for personal transformation, at least in a small way.

Let’s get the ball rolling today with a couple of internal questions… It may be helpful to jot down your answers in a notebook and use the same book as the series unfolds.

Note: this is an exercise of total honesty with Self, and it is for you & only you:

• Ask yourself (without judgement): When have I betrayed myself in a significant way? (i.e. lied to or ignored a part of my true Self)
• What was my positive reason (at that time) for doing this? [e.g. to fit-in, feel loved, feel accepted]
• How has this played a roll in my life? Does it still?  … (if not, go back to #1 & search, with curiosity, for something more significant. There IS something. Be 100% honest with yourself)

I look forward to this little journey unfolding over the coming months!  And please remember, I’m always here to help. I can be contacted for questions via my website &/or session booking:

earthsoundwellness.ca

My Best To You
Kari

"International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality." - https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

International Women's Day is Sunday, March 8th! In celebration, all Goddess themed statuary, books, decks & jewellery are 15 % OFF starting Friday, March 6th through to Sunday, March 8th!

The Divine Feminine is manifested through many different expressions & forms. Let us celebrate the Goddess and explore her through some of her incarnations. 

KALI - Destroyer Goddess

Kali, the Hindu goddess of death is often associated with sexuality and violence but is also considered a strong mother-figure. Kali’s name comes from the Sanskrit meaning ‘she who is black’ or ‘she who is death’. Kali teaches us about the impermanence of life, but how beautiful that is. It is important that we do not fear death for it is simply a new beginning. This expression of Divine Feminine speaks to the expression of independence, power and not putting up with any BS! 

KUAN YIN- Goddess of Compassion

A Goddess highly revered in many Asian countries including Japan, Korea, China, Thailand & Vietnam, Kuan Yin is the yielding and loving mother goddess. In Chinese Buddhism she considered to be Bodhisattva (being of bodhi or enlightenment) who is destined to become a Buddha but has foregone the bliss of Nirvana with a vow to save all children of God. She is the protector of women and through this expression we are taught to hold compassion, mercy and empathy high in our priorities. 

BRIGID - Goddess of Hearth & Warfare

Brigid is a female deity of pre-Christian Ireland. Goddess of fire, hearth and warfare her soldiers were known as "Brigands". She is also known to be a patron goddess of spring, childbirth, fertility and it is said that she leans over every cradle. Strongly associated with Poets and inspiration one could say she sparks the fire of our creative nature. Fun fact: Saint Brigid shares many of the Goddess Brigid's attributes and her feast day on 1 February was originally a pagan festival known as Imbolc marking the beginning of spring.

Happy International Women's Day! May we acknowledge the Goddess in everyone!

Sources:

Kali - https://www.ancient.eu/Kali/

Kuan Yin- https://www.crystalinks.com/kwanyin.html

Brigid- https://mythicalireland.com/myths-and-legends/brigid-bright-goddess-of-the-gael/