When we founded Luna Nueva Wellness Collective, we spent a long time figuring out what to call ourselves. We considered “Luna Bear,” a nod to our beloved moon, my daughter’s beloved dog and to the Bear spirit (whose protection has been phenomenal in turbulent times and fearsome when needed). When we embraced “Luna Nueva,” I envisioned how a beautiful seedling moving upward and outward after a new moon rises and the above ground (aerial parts) of these plant beings sprout moving from the dark safeness of the beginnings of life into the next phase of being. New moons bring a time for our creativity to spring into action. This new moon in Gemini allows us to spread our wings with our friends and family by listening more closely, enjoy our conversations, improve our listening skills and explore a variety of ways to express ourselves… How am I speaking with others? What energy am I sending and what tone do I have in my voice? What does my body language say? My kids and grandkids will tell you that my hardcore, urban “Mommy/Lola” is undeniably strong… but do I need to use that vibe all the time? My friend told me to use soft words… this advice really works when negative emotions boil over me. Can I avoid misunderstandings by really listening to what the other person is saying and not focusing on my interpretation of what I think they may have said? Can I learn to be more flexible, have an open mind and heart and learn to adapt to new situations as we’ve been forced to do when SARS2-COVID-19 made its way into our world? Can we use this time to learn more things? Teach and share with others? Can we begin a project that expresses ourselves with words through drama, poetry, prose, music or speeches? Can we research our passions, explore our new heart’s desires, take new classes, read new books, gather new information or experience things in our environments that we might be taking for granted? Are we able to live to our fullest, even in what we perceive to be precarious times and unforeseen futures? I think yes! I choose yes! And I am thankful for this New Moon in Gemini to guide the way!
My lesson for today: “Embrace authenticity.”
As each passing day evolves I consider what is most important. One teacher, Manong Sapi Bawer, Kalinga Culture Bearer living high in the mountains above the Chico River, advised me to be balanced. In years past, my friends felt I was totally a person of wind and fire… years later Apo Reyna pronounced me earth and water… It took years for me to find that balance, to embrace all parts of me, to embrace my own authenticity. Another teacher, Manu Koreha, Maori Healer and now Ancestor, taught me the power of song, the stones, the trees and how to look up. Through ceremony, Elder Linda of Two Eagles Ranch, told me that I needed to overcome what was stuck in my throat and to sing. Maori Healer Atarangi Muru shares songs and prayers in her teachings while guiding us in working with the body for healing. KW always reminded me that “Joy Cometh in the Morning,” and when I observed more closely, it always did. Mestre Carlos Aceituno (Ibaye) and I had deep conversations about where creativity springs from and in our travels to Bahia, Salvador, Mestre Kinge (Ibaye) shared his connection with the Orishas and teaching us dance along with our small traveling dance group. An Elder Mae, whose House was Oya/Yansa, spoke to me about connection to spirit and the elements embraced me immediately afterwards as they do when I pay attention and often when I don’t. Maguindanaoan Master Danny Kalanduyan (RIP) shared his gandingan songs with us and the language of the music swept us up in an embrace of the magical essence of being, as it does in all music. Grandpa Darryl Babe Wilson always reminded me of the “Two Moons,” and of “Danza Ye’ja,” how it is in his words, “…the bringing of dance to heal the earth. It is a medicine song, a love song to Mother Earth in which the universe will hear and respond by healing Mother Earth, making Mother Earth vibrant again, just as spring brings new life.” The wisdom and teachings of Rangiemarie Rose Pere of Aotearoa or Babaylan Apo Reyna of the Philippines are pearls embedded in my memories with comfort and guidance during difficult times. And with friends and family who honor the Orishas, dance during the Japanese Obon Festival, sing the gospels, blues or jazz sprung from the Black South or the songs honoring the Ancestors here in our beloved SF Bay Area, home to the Ohlone, Pomo, Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples, the gifts of beautiful experiences continue to be a part of my life.
These things keep me centered. And also through ceremonies, the Whale and Bear spirits reminded me of my place in the world and how to seek guidance, receive comfort and ask for protection. I am used to being like the horse, running free and wild with no fences to limit my freedom. In my dreams I could fly like an eagle, dive off cliffs into sea waters perfectly and float atop roofs while the flood waters rushed by. There is much in the world that is unseen, in that space just beyond, in the center of our hearts, in the infinity of the universe. Manu would say, “…the multiverses…” There are many lessons in life from many people who cross our paths that share their knowledge and wisdom to get us through the hardest of times. I know that I am not perfect, a human being. I know that there is strength in the moment, in each breath and each thought that passes through my mind.
In this time I must find strength, love and patience in my heart to move forward in compassion, understanding and love. I do my best as others also do theirs. Someone special just told me he failed… but there is no failure in life… only lessons. The lesson I need to return to is affirmations. Here are two: 1. I am worthy of love and joy. 2. I am never alone. My daughter writes affirmations and posts them on mirrors to remind her of who she really is. I need to return to that so that I feel worth, I feel love, I feel joy and I am never alone. Let these affirmations and love dispense the fear. This I must do and this we must do… so do you have affirmations or words of wisdom we need now to move forward? When we sleep will joy cometh in the morning? Can we rise to sing with the birds as the sun rises to bring us a new day to live each moment without fear? To live each moment… and yes, we are alive!
In the midst of my work to find solutions for SARS2-COVID-19 I am learning these lessons. I can mention herbs here and make suggestions for holistic healing now, but I think the largest thing I can do is forgive myself and others for rushing down the road of fear. I am thankful for each breath of life, of the waters of life, of the fire within my heart and the sun that rises each day and the earth below my feet that provides me with all… and the beautiful plants that sustain us all. With this thought I send you all love and my thoughts on herbal plant medicine in the time of COVID-19. Click on this link in our Resources page to see what I compiled while researching SARS2-COVID-19 in the winter and early spring: Overcoming COVID-19 Using Plant Medicine.
Luna Nueva Wellness Collective will be launching our YouTube channel soon; activating our Instagram with messages of hope and sharing podcasts so we can have loving kindness, heal ourselves and provide for our families and communities through this stormy time. The storm will clear, but to summarize, here’s the wisdom of Datu Vic Saway of the Talaandig people who once shared with me, “We are the bridge for our descendants and we must be strong.”
May we all be well as we move through these days in peace, tranquility, balance and strength. We are all love and joy and strength. And we are not alone. We have each other.
-Holly Calica, Clinical Herbalist & Arts Educator