The Shadows of the Maramataka
In the rhythm of the Maramataka, not every day is for planting, harvesting, or high energy. We have days like Huna.
Huna is the moon of “hiding.” It is a day when the fish stay deep in the reefs and the light of the moon begins to wane. Traditionally, it is a day of caution. The tūpuna (ancestors) knew that on Huna, tempers could be short, and things weren’t always as they appeared. It is a day where “hidden” things hold power.
The Huna of Family Violence
For those living with a violent partner, every day can feel like Huna.
- The Hidden Truth: You hide the bruises, the insults, and the fear behind a smile at the supermarket or the school gate.
- The Hidden Control: Family violence in New Zealand isn’t always a loud shout; often, it’s the quiet, “hidden” control of your bank account, your movements, and your self-worth.
- The Hiding of “Self”: To stay safe, you’ve had to hide the “real you” away, keeping your thoughts and plans under the surface, just like the fish hiding in the rocks during this phase.
When “Hiding” is a Survival Strategy
In the Maramataka, “hiding” isn’t a weakness—it’s a survival tactic used by nature to protect itself when conditions aren’t right. If you are “hiding” your plans to leave, or hiding your documents, or staying quiet to avoid a “landmine,” you are practicing Huna. You are protecting your life until the moon shifts and the light returns.
Moving Toward the Light
The beauty of the Maramataka is that it always moves. Huna is only one phase. The mist eventually clears, and the moon moves toward Māwharu (escape/moving into the light).
If you are in the “Huna” phase of your journey—where everything feels hidden, heavy, and dangerous—know that this phase does not last forever. There is strength in the quiet. There is power in the things you are building beneath the surface.
Resources for the Mist
You don’t have to navigate the Huna phase alone.
- Women’s Refuge: 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)
- Shine: 0508 744 633
- Stay Safe and Sane: (www.stayingsafeandsane.nz)
Staying Safe and Sane 