Meet Luna, local Astrologer & Piscean Witch at your service!
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.
Interview with Shannon Silvermoon, local artist, Spiritual coach and healer
Shannon: Growing up I moved a lot as a child and attended 13 different schools in 12 years. I felt very isolated and alone and took some comfort in drawing and just being with myself feeling my feelings. I never really felt like I had a place that felt like home until I moved to Nelson other than my family homestead in Ontario and Ireland where my ancestors originated from. I love to travel and have been to many countries including Israel, Jordan, Thailand, Cambodia, Ireland, Scotland and every country in Central America.
Gaia: How did you get started on your healing journey? What prompted you to go inwards and ‘do the work’?
Shannon: Growing up in a difficult family dynamic & atmosphere, I acted out a lot as a child and young adult. I became a teenage single mom and had to do everything on my own. When my son grew up he began to act out as well and had done something that was heartbreaking and tore the family apart. We were both alienated from the family and the pain was so devastating. Along with my father's death shortly afterwards, I knew I needed help desperately during my breakdown. I started with regular counseling and continued to investigate every healing modality possible. If there is a healing modality out there I have likely done it.
Gaia: Why did you decide to offer healing service to others? Where did the inspiration come from to assist others in their healing journey?
Shannon: After over 12 years of doing my own healing path I slowly began digging myself out of depression and the victim mentality I clung to growing up. I realized that I was entirely responsible for my own thoughts and beliefs. After healing and learning from my mentors and counselors, I began learning how to heal myself. I wanted to give that gift to others so they could feel as free as I had felt by owning my own S*%t and doing the steps. I learned a lot of tricks and tips along the way, and I love seeing others connect to love and joy that returns to true selves.
Gaia: Besides your literal offerings… what do you feel you offer as a healer to other people? (From a personal standpoint).
Shannon: One of the most powerful modalities that worked for me was inner child and parts work. I learned to connect with the lost, lonely and abandoned parts of myself. Rather than looking to all of the external things that are empty and do not fill our needs like booze, drugs, work, relationships, shopping I realized that I had to be the parent that I never had. Once I embodied that role I felt more fulfilled. I have learned to facilitate healing offerings of this kind of approach to others in a safe, non-judgemental, loving and nurturing space. Whether that is in person or on line it is very effective as I guide my clients into meditation and hypnosis in the comfort of my space or their own.
Gaia: Tell us more about your healing work. How you got started, the traditions you studied from or education you pursued.
Shannon: Learning from my inner child work mentor, I found many tips and tricks. Afterwards I trained in NLP (Neurolinguistic Programing) hypnosis training, Spiritual coaching courses and I am currently training in a new method called Iopt that is a form of resonating with your parts similar to Family Constellation work but with your own psyche and intentions.
Gaia: You offer what you call ‘Empowerment Sessions’ what do these sessions look like?
Shannon: Every session is different and with a free consultation we discuss what the client wants and needs and what would be the most effective modality for that individual. Most sessions do involve meditation or some form of an inner connection. Some clients may not feel comfortable with a hypnosis session which would connect them deeply with their inner child. Some may want a more interactive hands on approach which I may suggest using a method called automatic writing or painting. Another modality can be with Parts Work. By setting an intention and having myself or objects resonate with their intention. If the client is not yet ready to dive deep into their psyche we can start by setting goals, dreams, and raising vibrational frequencies through discussing how they would like to grow in their life and ways that I can support, nurture and hold them accountable with thought provoking homework to complete.
Gaia: What have you learned from working with others on their healing journey?
Shannon: I have learned that everyone is perfect where they are at now and are ready for whatever they are ready for to heal in their own time. So often we have that friend or family member that we see and think “Gawd if only they could see what they are doing with their life! If only they would stop doing X or Y they would be happy” But we have all been that person as well and one day the light bulb turns on and we just GET IT. But no amount of nagging from your best friend or your mother would have done it, in fact it may have annoyed you until something happens or you are ready for that new thing that makes it click. I may see the deeper wounds or what they may need to do to change but it is ultimately up to the individual and how much investment, courage and curiosity they have in themselves to do the work will it eventually click. There are also many layers to what we can see as well and if they can at least see the first layer that is a blessed start.
Gaia: What do you believe your mission is on the Earth?
Shannon: I believe that my mission is to help others heal from their pain, traumas from our own past and intergenerational trauma and to believe in themselves. We are powerful beings capable of anything. Its our beliefs that hold us back to being the greatness that we are. I want to untangle the thoughts that we are not enough, or are too much so that we can express our gifts in this world. Then we can have a world that works for everyone, with enough room for everyone, so that we can love each other without greed, jealousy, fear or lack.
Gaia: We have recently started carrying your beautiful cards. My personal favourites are ‘Jabowalkie’ & ‘Foxy Moon’. Where does the inspiration come from for your art? What kinds of mediums do you use to create your paintings?
Shannon: I like to play and experiment with different mediums but mostly I work with Acrylic or water color. My inspiration comes from my own spiritual experiences through my healing journey experiences. Also I have been fascinated by the moon since I was a toddler and am an avid follower of the cycle, I find it to be influential in my moods. I also love wild animals and their spiritual medicine meaning to their personalities
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?
Shannon: I laugh inside when people ask this as I can just hear some people go ohhhh…. when I tell them my signs. I am a Taurus Sun sign and a Taurus Moon sign with a Leo ascendant so even though I can appear to be out in the spotlight and social it can take a toll on me as my Taurus energy is strong. I am very grounded which I believe really helps me in my guided healing practice with my clients and I am told that I have a very earthy motherly energy in sessions. I do have to work on my stubborn side but when I have made up my mind I am firm and stand by my word. I also love comfort and do most of my computer work at home in my very warm and cozy bed with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?
Shannon: I love to meditate and journal. I try to meditate every day even if its only for 5-10 mins but I strive for at least a half an hour. There is no one way that I do it, sometimes its breathing in the car to calm my anxiety for a few mins, other times its putting on my headphones and listening to a guided meditation and other times if I can’t sleep or need clarity I will listen to some bilateral beats. Journaling is something I have done since I was 13 as recommended by a family counselor. At the time it was to write out my aggression and frustrations, it continued that way for most of my life but now I use if to record my dreams- I love dream interpretation, and for my gratitude and affirmations. Journaling also helps to work out problems in my current situation before I confront others in an overly emotional way, this helps me defuse it.
Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?
Shannon: I love learning about different philosophies beliefs and religions, I take what resonates with me and leave the rest. I really gravitated to the Centre for Spiritual living when I was living in Kelowna and when I took their classes and workshops outside of their regular Sunday service I really learned a lot and grew immensely. They follow the teachings of Ernest Holmes who wrote the Science of Mind in the 1920’s. Ernest incorporated many of the basic principles of the Bible, the Quaran, teachings of the Buddha, Krishna and Muhammad and extracted the messages of love, unity and all is One in, through and as God. Then he took the law of physics and the power of the mind showing the science of how our thoughts affect our mind, body and spirit decades before it was acceptable to believe this. Lastly he incorporated philosophers like Emerson and Thurow who like him wrote about the power of our mind and God. This changed my life.
Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?
Shannon: Wow, this is a big question. I have grown in so many ways personally. I have learned to become more confident in myself, to feel into my body and know what it wants and needs - even though I don’t always listen. I have learned to speak up for myself more and stand up for what I believe in even if it means loosing people or even jobs. I am listening to my intuition more knowing that a gut feeling can lead you to great opportunities or risk loosing things because it does not serve me anymore. Once I let go the Universe/God/Source will fill it with something greater once the slate is clean.
Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2022?
Shannon: I see myself growing into a bigger more badass version of myself. Trusting myself and others more, believing that I am supported by my friends, community and the Universe. I see myself growing my businesses with clients and many sales exponentially everyday. More confidence and relaxing into being “seen” and working smarter, not harder.
Gaia: Tell us about more about the readings you offer and other products or services you offer?
Shannon: I’ve talked a lot about my coaching and guided healing services so I will expand on my art. I love to create and grow as an artist. I offer original art, prints, cards and even love to create costumes. I use recycled and upcycled materials to make festival belts with skirts and purses as well as fancy crowns, antler headpieces and fairy ears and wands.
Gaia: Where can we find more information about accessing your products and services?
Shannon: Anyone can reach me on Facebook or Instagram under Shannon Silvermoon. I can also be contacted through email at ShannonSilvermoon@gmail.com. If you would like to learn more about my Spiritual Coaching, Inner Child or Parts work please check out my website at www.Silvermoon-Coaching.com
Gaia: What would be in your shopping bag at Gaia Rising?
Shannon: Ohhhh almost everything… but if I had to choose the three things I would for sure have is a new deck of oracle cards, a fancy journal, and a Goddess statue!
