The monthly Earth and Moon events hosted by Lucille and Fern let attendees practice meditation, try sound therapy, and connect with other people, according to business duo Estella Tasche and Jessica Berthot.
“We wanted to create a community event,” Tasche said.
Tasche and Berthot said when they originally planned the group, they assumed it would be a women’s group, but were surprised to find that many men were also interested in attending.
“It’s not just for a certain group of people, it’s for everybody,” Tasche said.
These Earth and Moon events are held each month, near the time of the full moon. The full moon has a different name each month and is associated with different elements, according to Berthot.
“It’s good to do things around the cycle of the earth,” Tasche said.
May’s full moon is known as the Flower Moon, which symbolizes fertility, abundance, and the emergence of beauty after a season of growth underground. When Attendees arrive, they pick an affirmation and sit on blankets and mats on the floor. Learning about the astrological significance of the moon opens the session.
“It’s a learning time,” Tasche said. “We teach what the moon represents.”
Berthot said attendees also learn how the moon is related to daily life.
“If the moon can pull the tides, I feel like there is something to it having an effect on us,” Berthot said.
Attendees also participate in a monthly activity. May’s activity was making flower arrangements to take home, with flowers provided by Tony’s Lawn and Garden. After the activity, attendees relaxed on the mats and blankets for a sound therapy session.
Berthot uses singing bowls, which she said have been used for thousands of years. According to Berthot, the notes and frequencies made by the bowls can positively impact one’s immune system, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.
The research about sound therapy is ongoing, but preliinary studies have shown that it can improve one’s physical health and mental well being according to Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center.
While listening to the bowls, one can meditate, either reflecting on their chosen affirmation card, or another topic. One could also empty their mind, and relax entirely.
“Meditation allows the brain to have time to focus and to quiet things down,” Berthot said.
When coming in for an Earth and Moon event, Tasche said one can leave the stresses of the world outside for a while.
At the end of the event, attendees can share their observations, feelings, or thoughts with the group. Berthot and Tasche said they foster a judgment-free culture in the space, where what is shared stays private. She also said that no one is obligated to share if they don’t want to.
“We like when people are vulnerable,” Tasche said.
Berthot said that anyone interested in attending these events is welcome and that no prior knowledge of meditation or astrology is needed. Berthot said people don’t need to be interested or believe in astrology to attend either.
“Come with an open mind, and be ready to connect with other people,” Berthot said.
Berthot said she and Tasche have made many connections and friends through hosting the Earth and Moon events. According to Berthot, the belief systems of attendees are diverse, and said it has been positive having people from differing beliefs come together through the events.
“We hope to inspire other people in other communities to do the same,” Tasche said. “We need more of it.”
While several regular attendees are from Chanute, the event also draws in individuals who may have traveled nearly an hour to attend, Tasche said.
The next Earth and Moon event will be held on Sunday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at Eleven Eleven Fresherie. To learn more, visit the Earth and Moon Event Facebook page, https://www.facebook. com/earthandmoonevent.
