Meet Aarona Lea of The Moon Deck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aarona Lea.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. 
I started my healing journey (and crystal collection!) as a child, and had a natural pull towards a more spiritual perspective in life. As a sensitive child, it helped me to feel safe and connected during unstable times, and allowed me to begin exploring my intuition. My curiosity led me on a life-long journey of study, practice, and ritual where I explored the shadowy depths of healing trauma, recovered (20 years ago) from chronic cycles of bulimia, and eventually discovered the healing and grounding power of yoga + various alternative practices. 

I always say that started as a need for survival became a passion turned profession. 

Inspired by 24 years of yoga, 14 years as a yoga teacher and wellness coach, ongoing explorations of alternative therapies, a past life as a photographer, and a ton of travel – I’m influenced by several personal-development roadmaps and practice-based traditions which have consistently guided me on a path of healing and purpose through self-love. 

Nowadays I continue to help normalize conversations around emotional health and demystify self-love through small daily rituals. I am the author and founder of the healing oracle set ‘The Moon Deck’, an entrepreneur, and am an embodiment, intuition and ritual teacher.

Has it been a smooth road? 
I would not say it’s been smooth necessarily. However, let me also say that I am extremely blessed to have had the life I was given and have had a unique adventure! Through all of the uncertainty and chaos I grew up in, I was loved and supported, which is at the foundation of who I am today. 

You could say that I grew up in a ‘Boogie Nights’ type of scenario during my formative years. It was the late 70’s, my parents were young, my dad was a manager in the music industry, and they were caught up in their own craziness. They didn’t quite know how to tend to the needs of an emotionally sensitive child who was hugely impacted by the dismissive negligence taking place at that time. During my most important developmental years before I was 7 years old I was molested by my baby sitter, witnessed some abuse between my parents, my mother was bi-polar and an alcoholic, and eventually at 13 I fell into a major eating disorder that lasted for 10 years of my life. It all took a toll on my nervous system at a foundational level.

Thankfully it also all led me on a deeply spiritual journey where I discovered extraordinary things. I have had a lot of protective forces around me that have guided me on a path of healing and growth. It has been a lot to work through. Although I’ve come a very long way, I am still recalibrating my nervous system today and learning my personal tools for balance. 

A couple of years ago I lost my mom and went through a divorce within the same 6 months. This kicked up a lot of the old dirt, giving me an opportunity to clean up some of the final residue that had affected me on a deep level. I am currently in the middle of new growth and expansion, looking as honestly as I can at where I’m getting in my own way. It is exciting, because all of this personal work funnels into my career and how I can help others with my teaching, coaching, and creating more empowering products

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Moon Deck story. Tell us more about the business. 
My business has been a long journey of evolution; every piece fits together. For many years I was known as a yoga teacher. I traveled around the world and pioneered the early days of combining art, live music and yoga as an immersive and transformative experience. 

Now, as a teacher and guide, my specialty is combining embodiment, intuition, and ritual into a cohesive practice and lifestyle. I want to help normalize important conversations around emotional health and demystify the path of self-love so that we can collectively transform old shame and doubt into acceptance and trust. This is key to a clear partnership with our intuition. 

I am also the author and founder of ‘The Moon Deck’, a healing oracle set that brings all of this to life. We have been around for about 3 years and are constantly moved by the life-changing testimonials we receive on a regular basis. This deck is borne from all the years of study, healing, discovery, and teaching.

The Moon Deck is a self-published card deck + a guidebook full of insights and rituals. We are in stores in 10 countries, have an online store, and also sell on Amazon. With a team of 8 people plus our manufacturers and fulfillment center, plus a long list of new ideas/projects to tend to, it can be a lot to manage. I am learning so much every day and wouldn’t have it any other way!

I also offer Intuitive Oracle Readings with the cards, teach workshops around this work, lead interactive experiences to spread our gospel, run our social media, and tend to all of the writing and collaborations. I am so proud of all of it and excited to keep expanding!

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade? 
I’ve been in this world of work for nearly 20 years. Although I’ve seen some big changes with trends, social media, and the next generation, at the core I believe most people who are drawn to this industry truly want to be happy and well. So, in that sense, I feel that this deep need for wellbeing and connection is beyond trend and will always be present. 

That said, I do believe we will see some major shifts in how we access our zen, which we are already seeing in the world today. There will be more technology geared towards mental and emotional health and recovery. Such as meditation headbands, mood trackers to help shift our perspective, digital sound baths, bot talk/text therapy, and life coaching apps. Plus we will likely also see more digital detox retreats sprouting up to help diffuse our anxiety-producing habits. 

On a more human level which will become even more crucial, I think we will continue to see the rise of both men and women only gatherings as a source for healing and support, more retreats and events geared towards deeper human connection, new mystery schools that bring back magic in tangible form, and innovative water systems to help keep our water healthy and abundant.

Pricing:

• The Moon Deck 44 cards + guidebook set: in handmade wood box $60 / in sturdy paper box $44
• Intuitive Oracle Readings with Aarona: ranges from $60-$250 per reading
• Moonday: live oracle reading + chat on Facebook/Instagram every Monday at 12pm: Free!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themoondeck.com // www.aaronalea.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @the_moondeck / @aarona.lea
• Facebook: The Moon Deck

Image Credit:
Main photo: Haana Thiem

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.