Wawata- Moon Dreaming: Modern-day stress managed through traditional knowledge

“Wawata. Moon Dreaming” launched Nationwide (photo supplied)

Through her latest book, launching Nationwide today, Dr Hinemoa Elder, author of ‘Aroha’, New Zealand’s top-selling non-fiction title of 2021, invites us to reclaim our intimate connection with others, with ourselves, and with our planet guided by Hina, the Māori moon.

Her new book, titled “Wawata. Moon Dreaming. Daily wisdom guided by Hina, the Māori moon” talks about how Hina shows a different face every day. This dance of evolving light and shadow creates a regular monthly rhythm and pull.

In this way, Hina influences the tides. Tides of the ocean, and the tides of human emotion. Known as Selene by the Greeks and Luna by the Romans, she is known as Hina by Māori.

Exploring the dreams (wawata) that each of Hina’s faces reveals, provides a new source of well-being in our strange modern world, where isolation, separation and loneliness have become so common. We now appreciate just how important our sense of connection and belonging is.

A note from the Publishers

Talking about the Book, Ms Claire Murdoch, the Head of Publishing at  Penguin Random House said that “Every indigenous culture has a connection to the natural world – the earth, the sea and – especially – the sky.

Now, more than ever, in Aotearoa New Zealand and all over the world, readers are seeking ways to connect with this traditional knowledge and wisdom.

As the ongoing success of Dr Hinemoa Elder’s bestselling first book, Aroha has shown us, te ao Māori (the Māori world) has so much to teach us. Wawata contains a wealth of this knowledge and new research and can help guide readers through uncertain times, reconnect to natural rhythms and ancient traditions, and act as an antidote to the excesses of modern, online life.”

The Concept

This book leads the reader through Hina’s orbit, inspired by an Okoro, a lunar calendar from Te Aupōuri from 1969. Each of Hina’s 30 faces, opens up unique insights. And a reminder that the lessons we thought we had learned come back around with each month’s ellipse, with opportunities for deeper reflection.

Wawata, Moon dreaming opens up the possibilities of a new kind of freedom, soothing our modern-day pain and suffering.

This book is designed to open up our moon dreams, guided by Hina, for a deeper, more affectionate connection with ourselves and others.

About the Author

Dr Elder is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who works at Starship Hospital’s Child & Family and Mother & Baby Units: ‘Haumaru Ōrite’, and various community clinics. She also provides youth forensic court reports and neuropsychiatric assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury in private practice. She is a deputy psychiatry member of the New Zealand Mental Health Review Tribunal.

In 2019, Dr Eldder was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to psychiatry and Maori.

Hinemoa Elder at Manawanui Marae,Auckland (Photo by Simon Young)

Author’s message to our readers

In an inspiring interaction, Dr Elder had a message for all Indian Newslink readers. She told everyone to “Just remember that Hina and her nurturing energy are around at all times of the day. So just look up and take in the guidance that she is sending your way.”

The book is now available across all Book stores and with an RRP of $30, it is a good addition to your library.

Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Hamilton.