Imagine the Maramataka as the Māori equivalent of your highly organised life planning app, but with a’ tika’ twist. It’s been around for centuries and was crafted to perfection by our ancestors, who were master astronomers and navigators of the stars. It’s basically Māori wisdom seamlessly intertwined with cosmic scheduling. Picture it as the OG time-management tool.
Historically, the Maramataka was the go-to advisor for almost every aspect of communal life. The secret sauce? Understanding the energies and various qualities of different lunar phases and celestial events. From planting and harvesting crops, to orchestrating significant gatherings and performing sacred rituals, the Maramataka was consulted to ensure that human activities were in harmony with nature. Maramataka transcends the conventional calendar role; it’s a celestial compass that has gracefully steered the lives of our people for generations.
Today, the Maramataka remains a source of knowledge and a guide for living more in tune with the environment. By understanding its cycles and energies, we can make decisions that align with nature’s rhythms. Whether it’s choosing the right time for planting your garden or finding moments of stillness and reflection during the phases of the moon, the Maramataka offers valuable insights for modern life. It’s a bridge to our heritage and a way to cultivate a deeper understanding of the land, fostering greater sustainability and wellbeing for all who embrace its wisdom.
The Maramataka isn’t merely a date keeper; it’s our revered kaiako. It imparts wisdom about the ideal days for specific activities, kind of like picking the perfect time to post your August photo dump on instagram in order to get the most likes (prime time is always 5pm to 7pm queen).It provides guidance. It’s not a relic of the past; it’s a living embodiment of our culture, fostering our connection to Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and Ranginui (the Sky Father) while guiding us to be aligned with our highest self, our manifestations and the universe’s blessings for us.
For the learners:
Mahuru – September / Ninth Month of the Year
Whiri-ā-nuku – October / Tenth Month of the Year
Rāhina – Monday
Rātu – Tuesday
Rāapa – Wednesday
Rāpare – Thursday
Rāmere – Friday
Rāhoroi – Saturday
Rātapu – Sunday
Rāhina 11 Mahuru – Tangaroa A Mua (Training in, near or on water//fishing)
Today is a great day to cast your metaphorical fishing line out to the universe in order to catch the wishes and dreams you want to achieve.
Rātu 12 Mahuru – Tangaroa A Roto (Training in, near or on water//fishing)
It’s a great day to be in and around the water. Go for a walk along the Waikato awa. Take a trip out to Rags and go for a swim. Take a pen and paper with you to write down some future manifestations.
Rāapa 13 Mahuru – Tangaroa Kio Kio (Planting // bush days // give back)
Today you should plant some seeds for your future. Any action that your future self will thank you for, do it during this time period.
Rāpare 14 Mahuru – Otane (Planting // bush days // give back)
Try and do one good deed for the day, show love to your friends, family and work colleagues where you can.
Rāmere 15 Mahuru – Orongohui (planting // bush days // give back)
Be surrounded by nature, take your shoes off and walk on some grass or hug a tree today.
Rāhoroi 16 Mahuru – Omaru (lowest energy)
Today we are entering a short period of low energy. Use this time to take care of yourself and give yourself what you need.
Rātapu 17 Mahuru – Mutuwhenua (lowest energy)
Have a self-care evening. Pop on your favorite TV show, have an ‘everything’ shower and give yourself some genuine rest and relaxation.
Rāhina 18 Mahuru – Whiro (lowest energy)
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not feeling on top of your game. Everyone has those days, have faith, you’ll bounce back soon.
Rātu 19 Mahuru – Tirea (give back)
Today is a great day to give back. Take a bag of old clothes you don’t want anymore to your local op-shop.
Rāapa 20 Mahuru – Ohoata (moderate/high energy)
Any task that you’ve been procrastinating, tackle it head on today. It’s a great day to run it straight.
Rāpare 21 Mahuru – Ouenuku (moderate/high energy)
Take advantage of the full moon’s brightness and go for a night time adventure. The moonlight can create a magical atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Rāmere 22 Mahuru – Okoro (moderate to high energy)
If possible, go on a spontaneous road trip with your friends. Hop in the car, start driving, go on an adventure, explore somewhere you’ve never been before.
Rāhoroi 23 Mahuru – Tamatea A Ngana (fishing/putting requests to the universe)
Consider fishing! Whether you prefer the awa or the beach, use this as an opportunity to relax, reconnect with nature, and try to catch some fish.
Rātapu 24 Mahuru – Tamatea A Hotu (fishing)
It’s a great time to put requests out into the universe. Clearly set your intentions and what you would like to manifest, and write them down as specific requests to the universe.
Rāhina 25 Mahuru – Tamatea A Io (fishing)
Today is a day for reflection, try to observe yourself objectively. Pay close attention to your thoughts, behavior and emotions.
Rātu 26 Mahuru – Tamatea Kai Ariki (give back)
Perform random acts of kindness throughout the day, such as paying for someone’s coffee, leaving uplifting notes in public spaces, or assisting strangers in need.
Rāapa 27 Mahuru – Huna (low energy)
Limit your screen time and disconnect from emails and social media for a while to reduce mental clutter.
Rāpare 28 Mahuru – Ariroa (low energy)
Practice gratitude today. Try not to focus on lack and spend some time reflecting on what you are grateful for in your life.
Rāmere 29 Mahuru – Hotu (low energy)
Try out stream of consciousness journalling. Write down all your most inner thoughts, feelings, goals or whatever you want, in no particular structure, to just let it all out.
Rāhoroi 30 Mahuru – Mawharu (planting/ planting seeds for future)
Create a physical representation of your goals today by creating a vision board that includes images, quotes and symbols that represent your future aspirations.
Rātapu 1 Whiri-ā-nuku – Atua (planting)
We are right in the middle of the best time to be manifesting your desires and sowing seeds for your future. Do what you want with this information.
Rāhina 2 Whiri-ā-nuku – Ohua (planting)
Plant a symbolic seed that holds personal significance, perhaps one representing a new beginning or a long-term goal.
Rātu 3 Whiri-ā-nuku – Oturu (high energy)
Channel your energy into decluttering your closet and upgrading your personal style. Try something different, mix and match accessories, snap some photos, and document your favorite looks.
Rāapa 4 Whiri-ā-nuku – Rakaunui (high energy)
Try to do a challenging physical activity that pushes your limits. Run a little longer, lift a little more, or just move your body in general.
Rāpare 5 Whiri-ā-nuku – Rakanui Ma Tohi (high energy)
Explore your artistic side by trying out a new hobby such as painting, crocheting, pottery or crafts. Channel your energy into making something beautiful.
Rāmere 6 Whiri-ā-nuku – Takirau (time to give back)
Listen to a mate going through a tough time and give them some thoughtful and considerate advice. Offer your ear and knowledge to someone who would benefit from your guidance and experience.
Rāhoroi 7 Whiri-ā-nuku – Okie (low energy)
Don’t set your alarm and have a good sleep-in. Use this low energy day as an opportunity for deep relaxation, whatever that may look like for you.
Rātapu 8 Whiri-ā-nuku – Korekore Te Whiwhia (low energy)
Pick up the book on your bed-side table you ‘never have time for’ and immerse yourself in the literature. Escape from reality for a bit, it will still be here when you decide to tune back in again.
Rāhina 9 Whiri-ā-nuku – Korekore Te Rawea (low energy)
Do some stretches. Try to touch your toes or follow along with a yoga routine on Youtube. Your mind and body will definitely appreciate the care and relaxation.
Rātu 10 Whiri-ā-nuku – Korekore Piri Nga Tangaroa (training in near, on water, fishing)
Use this day to connect with your inner self and contemplate your goals, dreams and intentions. Sit by a large body of water and meditate. You’ve got this. The universe is always in your corner. Go forth and prosper.
