Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Mooney.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Madeline. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a child, I have been sensitive to the energy of people, animals, and nature. When I was very young, I dreamt of having careers as a teacher or biologist; I was drawn towards paths where I could care for other people, animals, or the earth.
My work in the field of alternative healing modalities began with an interest in herbalism, which I first explored through an apprenticeship with my mentor Adrienne Allison in Montpelier, Vermont when I was 20 years old.
While completing this apprenticeship, I was also studying speech and language disabilities at Elmira College in New York State. I worked with Adrienne on herbal lessons during my school breaks. Throughout this time, I also began collecting books on subjects which intersected with herbalism, including meditation, and energy work.
At the time I saw my studies at college and my alternative healing pursuits as separate. I was not sure how they would work together, but knew they were both important to me.
Post-college I worked for five years as a Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant for the Salem and Beverly Public School Systems. Here, I helped students ages 3 to 14 better understand and use language through structured practice. I also found myself doing a lot of work to support my students emotionally. I feel this aspect of my work was the most meaningful. Feeling emotionally understood, accepted, and supported, are often prerequisites to being ready to learn.
Two years into my work in the school systems, I met my friends and teachers Grace Harrington Murdoch and Lisa Nichols. At the time, Grace and Lisa both worked at Lisa’s healing center, 12 Oak Growth and Renewal Center in Beverly. I was drawn to take classes with each of them on subjects including astrology, tarot, meditation, and Reiki. Within this space, I felt supported by a community of individuals who shared my interest in healing. I was inspired to expand the way I used intuition and healing practices in my life.
Within this time frame, I also met Erica Feldmann of HausWitch Home + Healing, who inspired to continue expanding even further. She supported me in bringing my Reiki-charged herbal tea line into reality, and encouraged me to begin leading workshops in her storefront. Last year, she and her partner Melissa Nierman of Now Age Travel created the HausWitch Healing Space, where I work alongside a few other wonderful healers. I offer Reiki, intuitive readings, and herbal support out of this space, with specialized offerings for children, teens and college students.
Although I am not currently working as a school speech and language therapist, I continue to help individuals connect to and express themselves. I create a calm, supportive atmosphere where individuals can reflect and feel clearer. I help them tune into a sense of wholeness, and feel energetically supported, so they can allow more of who they are to shine through.
I also continue to work with children through Kids Faerie Week, a magical learning experience for children ages 3 to 14 which takes place at 12 Oak Growth and Renewal Center in Beverly. During Kids Faerie Week, we explore themes including herbalism, intuition, creativity, caring for others and the earth, and expressing individuality– all while wearing wings! We currently have a week coming up for kid’s ages 9 to 13 from July 9th to 3th, and for kid’s ages 4 to 8 from July 23rd to 27th, with a few openings left.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running my own business is not something I always expected to do career-wise, so it has been learning curve. Finding the right way to balance time between different projects can be challenge when working for yourself. There are also structural components of running a business that I am still learning. I am continuously working to better trust myself as I move through challenges. I am also grateful for my community, and the support I have been lucky to receive.
Moon Child Reiki & Herbals – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Through Moon Child Reiki & Herbals, I specialize in creating supportive healing and learning experiences for people of a variety of ages.
Part of what makes me unique is my relationship with nature. I am able to read the energy of plants and animals, and my intuition speaks to me through this lens when I am working with clients. I intuitively channel images of plants and animals when giving Reiki to clients, and use this information to support them energetically.
My connection to nature translates into my work at Kids Faerie Week too. This project may be what I am most proud of. It is always a magical, empowering time for the children who attend. Supporting young people, and protecting the earth, are two of my greatest intentions.
Another way I support young people is through specialized services for kids, teens, and college students. I offer reduced rates for college students, as I know student debt can be a challenge!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I partly define success as pursuing what makes you happy. I hope to help others find more of what “lights them up.” so to speak, and pursue that. When people feel lit up and inspired, it has the ripple effect of supporting those around them.
I also define success as taking time to address issues of injustice within our current climate; injustice to other people and the planet. At times it feels difficult to know what to do, as there is so much to be done, but finding our own unique ways to address concerns is important. Even what seem like small actions can combine to create change, or lead to larger action.
Pricing:
- Reiki for Adults ( 20 / 60 / 90 minutes) – $33 to $100
- Reiki for Kids, Teens, and Students ( 20 to 45 minutes ) – $30 to $50
- Tarot Readings for Adults (15 / 30 minutes) – $30 / $60
- Tarot for Teens and Students (15 minutes) – $25
- Custom Herbal Tea Blend – $15
- Kids Faerie Week – (6 hour days) $100/day
Contact Info:
- Website: moonchildreikiandherbals.com
- Email: moonchildreikiandherbals@gmail.com
- Instagram: moonchild.reikiandherbals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonchildreikiandherbals/
Image Credit:
The photo of the HausWitch Healing Space is by Samara Vise
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