moonlodge
blood rites 2017, zen cohen. 1/5
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healing the relationship with the womb
Moonlodge is often referred to as the red tent, acknowledging the time when folx commune with and bleed in unison with the dark new moon.
In the days before electricity womb havers would cycle with their inner tides by the light of the moon. Buoyantly waxing, toward ovulation on the full moon and waning away to bleed on the dark moon. The advent of artificial light and hormone control swayed womb havers away from the natural rhythm of the moons pull on their inner tides. Often dissociating womb havers from the innerstanding of their moonthly seasonal shifts. Causing guilt and shame for being emotional before and during "that time of the month"; not bonding with their emotional intelligence of feelings.
Gathering together to tend to each other, both energetically or literally bleeding together, Moonlodge offers a sacred time for composting the moonths happenings. Through sharing, releasing and listening to each others unbridled truths. When womb having folx have a place to be heard and have reflected back to them their humanness there is a deep sense of community, togetherness and indescribable support. Community is vital to the wellbeing of all phases of our womb havers and all of humanity benefits from fully expressed folx.
To honor the wombs relationship with the moon I've organized and held space, with unyielding commitment, a monthly Moonlodge for over 17 years. Offering on the exact day of the new moon a place for the sacred darkness within to unfurl and be held. I've held space for hundreds of womb havers. It's my greatest work.
In the days before electricity womb havers would cycle with their inner tides by the light of the moon. Buoyantly waxing, toward ovulation on the full moon and waning away to bleed on the dark moon. The advent of artificial light and hormone control swayed womb havers away from the natural rhythm of the moons pull on their inner tides. Often dissociating womb havers from the innerstanding of their moonthly seasonal shifts. Causing guilt and shame for being emotional before and during "that time of the month"; not bonding with their emotional intelligence of feelings.
Gathering together to tend to each other, both energetically or literally bleeding together, Moonlodge offers a sacred time for composting the moonths happenings. Through sharing, releasing and listening to each others unbridled truths. When womb having folx have a place to be heard and have reflected back to them their humanness there is a deep sense of community, togetherness and indescribable support. Community is vital to the wellbeing of all phases of our womb havers and all of humanity benefits from fully expressed folx.
To honor the wombs relationship with the moon I've organized and held space, with unyielding commitment, a monthly Moonlodge for over 17 years. Offering on the exact day of the new moon a place for the sacred darkness within to unfurl and be held. I've held space for hundreds of womb havers. It's my greatest work.
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Tender whisper with fall lips
Secrets held for moments, like this Held in circle by facets lit By the wicks, Each one a living spell Tending, praying and casting well Falling down deep And forgetting To Remember We were born to do this Through every weather Let's gather up and sit together 
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Moonlodge Testimonials:
Moonlodge has enhanced my life in countless ways. The sacred container of sisterhood provides a nourishing experience of ‘coming home’. I know & trust that what I share with the group will be held with compassion & respect. This is of high value to me, giving me the reflective view of seeing myself in the other and the ability to love myself as I do my sisters. Planting seeds for the coming month is a wonderful ritual of focus and alignment that provides a tap root to hold onto and grow from.
Tatiana is a brilliantly gifted teacher and facilitator. Deeply intuitive, her laser like ability to focus in on the subtle energies of the group weaves a magical evening of authenticity and radical self love. You will be held. ♥️
--V.G., Pinole, CA
How Moonlodge has transformed my life?
I've been sitting in Moonlodge since, likely, 2006. (Check your seed records to confirm this.) When I look back, I see this was my introduction and invitation to ceremony, outside of the catholic church I was raised in. Throughout the years, moonlodge has been a net, cast each month, beckoning and welcoming me. Sometimes it's been a blanket laid in the grass of a garden. Sometimes in a darkened room of a strangers home; (a sister when we depart.) (oh that's a cheesy line)
No matter how wild, careless, or overridden with life responsibilities; no matter how quiet, tame, depressed or subdued; no matter how late or exalted, shy, empty handed or both arms full with baskets of billowing rose petals...no matter who i was, i was welcomed.
I still remember my first few times. Like being reminded and welcomed into a place out of time, where I belonged, the timelessness, the ancient soul memories, gathering behind the shroud, called into the red tent, by the light of the flickering flames, to be witnessed in the light and shadows that danced across our faces. being seen and utterly held in the pure silence of rapt listening. the songs. the talismans, tarot cards, potions, herbs, cloths, feathers and medicines, oh and mysteries. Like walking in the night, all my senses were activated and needed, for this circle called forth a holy awareness. and a presence and participation.
ok, so back to your question...it has consistently been there when I needed it. my grandmother and my mother died on new moons, so where was I those nights? I went into the steadfast embrace of moonlodge. the only place I knew to go in such tragic in the depths of shock and grief. I was held in those unforgettable transitionary life moments.
I'm now noticing and grateful for the years of this gift. I have been able to live in the modern world with this tangible, consistent and ancient ritual of gathering. This has been a touchstone in my life. it has been more than i realize and i may be only gathering the impact now. it's the consistent ritual i've had for years, that has meant something to me, deeply. I rely on it. it's like air or my blood. its ancient, historic, indigenous, it connects me to something greater than i understand. the rhythm of my blood and cycles of the moon. the timing of it all. the marking of the passage of time. sitting with sisters, with other women, at all ages and stages of the journey. held, heard, shared.
so, to answer your question, its transformed my life. i have a consistent place where im seen, held, heard, respected, and loved. for exactly who and how i am. its a place where i belong. and that is a huge gift to me. it has helped me grow in confidence. ive made deep connections with women i may never have crossed paths with. ive developed deep relationships. and those have grown and transformed my life as well. moonlodge is a nourishing well. and it has and continues to infuse my life with undeniable magic, joy, and liberated creativity.
And my experience of You [Tatiana] as a facilitator?
You are live and fresh, every time. You have a way of facilitating that I really enjoy. It's Enjoyable to sit with you. Also, You are actively sensing, tending to, pulsing with and speaking to the frequency of the group; which is different every time. You lead by example, you lead by making offers (subtle or blatant), You authentically share yourself. You lead and you teach. You step forward and you step back to observe. You uphold, listen to, and give respect to everyone. I feel safe in your presence. You're fun and funny. Clever and creative. You facilitate and participate; we sit in a circle after all. You're generous, engaging and dynamic. You call forth greatness from us. You hold integrity. I could say you run a tight ship. You're reliable and trustworthy. .... I could go on..but i think this is enough, for now.
--B.L.dS, Fremont, CA
The first time I met Tatiana was as a guest speaker, discussing the long history of Birch and its medicinal and magical properties. Her presence enveloped the room and the birch was like a sorceress’s wand as she sprinkled wisdom through out the space.
Her energy is like a sweet hug, with the power to hold space for everyone in the room, making it easy to settle into your practice and openly express yourself, which is such an amazing way to learn.
I have since taken several other courses lead by Tatiana and when the opportunity to take part in Moon Lodge presented itself there was no question on if or how, it was a solid Fuck Yes! Moon Lodge is an open, welcoming space to present your fear, joy, intentions and everything in between while gazing at a lush altar surrounded by other sweet beings under a new moon.
If you have the opportunity to learn how to facilitate your own Moon Lodge from Tatiana and glean just a bit of her glittering knowledge and magic to take back to your piece of the earth, don’t hesitate, it will change your life.
--Laura Burns-Lambert of Baba Botanic, CA
The time I have been blessed to sit in Moonlodge with my dear friend Tatiana has been full of beauty and grace. It has been part of a great healing journey - sitting with wombyn who gather to listen and accept one another. I am always delighted to sing, laugh and release tears with my fellow sisters in Moonlodge. Tatiana has a gift of weaving together and accentuating our gifts, strengths and what we all bring to the altar in celebrating our time under the dark moon. She has a remarkable gift of seeing the ebb and flow of the tides of the seasons, bringing forth a deep honoring of the Earth. Tatiana serves as a dedicated facilitator who reminds wombyn that we are all here to share the stories of our lives together - deep from the roots of our hearts.
--S.L., NM
Every month (that i’m able to make it) i look forward to that special time under the darkest night sky with my sisters. the energy is palpable and potent. and with each communion, it still continues to amaze me just how much we all tend to be experiencing common themes in all our different flavors— and how the opportunity to reflect and then have that reflection refracted back at you is pure magic. it’s rare that i don’t walk away from moonlodge feeling “high”, of spirit and of mind. oh and the songs! i love singing with my sisters as we plant our seeds and intentions for the following cycles of the moon.
Tatiana as a facilitator is special to say the least. She is a force, a pillar of roots that then branch out towards the stars. Her capacity to hold space and do so with respect and care is literally Amazing. I feel safe in Tatianas circle, because i know she will uphold her rules of privacy. She’s also a very clear communicator for those nuanced moments (or people’s!) who need an extra reminding or two of how we can all be supportive of one another during ceremony and circle. She also brings with her a deep well of knowledge of herbs and their alchemizing elements.
--K.V., Oakland, CA