We're launching our new season with this podcast episode "Conversations on Awakening - For Women Living in the Year 2025". Each episode now includes a listener Q&A at the end - make sure you're a member of our 13 Moons Gathering Facebook Group to submit your questions.

In this episode of the 13 Moons Podcast, hosts Sam and Leila delve into the themes of awakening and spirituality, particularly in the context of modern life and the experiences of women in 2025.

They explore the meaning of awakening, the role of spirituality in daily life, and how motherhood intersects with spiritual practices. The conversation also touches on the commercialisation of spirituality and the importance of self-initiation in one's spiritual journey.

Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they emphasise the significance of yoga as a tool for spiritual growth and the need for genuine connection in a world often filled with distractions. In this conversation, Leila and Sam explore their journeys into Kundalini Yoga, emphasising the importance of discernment in learning and the need to find one's own path within the practice.

They discuss the role of teaching beyond traditional settings, the significance of personal practices and meditations, and the differences between tropical and real sky astrology. The conversation also touches on the challenges of questioning one's practice and the importance of creating community and connection among practitioners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the 2025 Season of the 13 Moons Podcast

02:10 Exploring the Concept of Awakening

09:21 Defining Spirituality in Modern Context

17:28 The Intersection of Yoga and Spirituality

25:11 The Role of Community in Spiritual Practices

34:14 Navigating the Business of Spirituality

36:01 Awakening from Numbness

39:26 The Journey of Self-Discovery

44:29 Trusting the Process

47:08 The Role of Teacher Training

52:59 Embodiment vs. Consumption

58:45 Finding Your Unique Path

01:01:30 Listener Questions

01:02:00 Listener Question: I would love to know what meditation or kriya you both resonate with and the journey behind it. If there is one! I am sure there are many.

01:11:40 Listener Question: What are your recommendations for translating tropical astrology into real sky astrology. I find myself getting confused! Do you have a real sky astrology your follow that regularly gives updates on the moments of the planets?

01:22:17 Listener Question: Have you had times where you have questioned if kundalini is right for you or if it even helps & turned to other practices instead?

01:34:12 Listener Question: Have you ever felt that it is all to hard and you question if your practice is the right one for you. How do you stay motivated and push through the doubts that creep into your mind?

01:45:02 Listener Question: Any insights into how to find your tribe in your local area would be helpful.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

• Awakening is about realising we are not our thoughts.
• Spirituality can be found in everyday moments.
• Motherhood is a profound spiritual practice.
• The commercialisation of spirituality dilutes its essence.
• Self-initiation is crucial in the spiritual journey.
• Yoga serves as a pathway to self-discovery.
• Spiritual practices should be simple and accessible.

• Trusting the process brings peace and contentment.

• Discernment is crucial in choosing what to learn and practice.
• Teaching extends beyond formal settings; it's about sharing knowledge in everyday life.
• Personal practices and meditations are deeply individual and transformative.
• Astrology should be based on real sky observations rather than tropical systems.
• Questioning one's practice is a natural part of the spiritual journey.
• Creating community is essential for support and growth in spiritual practices.
• Women have a strong desire for connection and sharing experiences.
• Unlearning is as important as learning in the spiritual journey.
• The act of service enriches both the giver and the receiver.