Stars of Aroha Creation Story
This taonga was created by Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell (left), Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, after her partner Nette Scurr (right) was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Nette knew that the most important thing, no matter what, was that her mind remained peaceful. Nette found that mind calming meditations soothed her and she wanted to share this healing with others. Tess wanted to create something to help Nette share her story and to support others to find peace.
Tess began exploring the symbolism present in New Zealand’s taiao or natural environment, and she identified some key themes and messages that could be used to reveal and heal unhelpful peace blockers. Working with the Stars of Aroha mediations daily can help us to achieve a meditative state of inner peace.
The Stars of Aroha book and meditations have been reviewed and approved by several Indigenous Māori tohunga (experts in spiritual healing). Tess and Nette are very grateful to the kaumātua (elders) who supported the development of this spiritual healing tool. They are also grateful for the support of several mental health clinicians for reviewing Stars of Aroha. Many health professionals are using Stars of Aroha to help their clients.
Our intention behind the cards
The symbols and content in the Stars of Aroha book and cards hold deep significance to Te Ao Māori (the Māori world). Our tūpuna (ancestors) used the stars to navigate their long voyages. Our intention is for you to use the meditations as a navigational tool to reach your own inner guidance and peace.
Each symbol comes from te taiao or the environment in Aotearoa; each meditation has a key theme and message. Sometimes things that prevent us from feeling peaceful and happy are hidden from us. We think it’s important for you to discover your own meanings as you build a relationship with the meditations and Stars of Aroha cards. Use your own source of peace, wisdom, thoughts, ideas and expand. Trust your intuition. These cards are simply a guidance tool. Their meaning is always evolving.