MOONDANCE

ORIGIN

In 1992, during the «Days of Peace and Dignity» ceremony at the ceremonial temple of Teotihuacan, and later at the Mexico City Temple Mayor, indigenous groups from across the Americas gathered in unity. It was here that the first spark of energy was ignited for the creation of the Moon Dance circle. Eight women came together to honor and elevate the role of women in the world. Drawing from the wisdom of Mexican cultural heritage and deep spiritual faith, these women prayed for a better future for all.

The first Moon Dance took place from October 21st to 25th, 1992, at the foot of the majestic Iztaccíhuatl volcano, near San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla. The volcano itself became the ninth dancer in this sacred ceremony, with the blessings of the elementals and the grandfather deer, who were present in spirit. Among the founding women was our beloved guide and spiritual leader of the Xochimetztli Circle, Abuelita Tonalmitl (María Guadalupe Retiz Yañez).

The Moondance circle, known as “Danza de la Luna,” was founded in Mexico in 1992 by a group of women inspired by their dreams, visions, and the teachings within the Borgia Codex—the anthropological basis of the Moondance. This circle is a living legacy of an ancient tradition, a sacred gift passed down through generations of grandmothers from around the world, including Grandmother Isabel Vega, may she rest in peace, and our beloved Grandmother Tonalmitl. Both were key founders of the first circle, “Danza de la Luna Xochimeztli.”

Over many years, these women combined their personal experiences, dreams, and spiritual teachings to create a lineage that continues to guide and inspire. They intertwined traditional wisdom, personal visions, and scholarly studies to establish the Moondance philosophy and principles, which unite and harmonize participants in this sacred practice.

The work of the Moondance circle aims to restore the dignity of women, with each dancer offering her best—her spiritual energy, prayers, and intentions—in a sacred offering. Through these efforts, the elements, nature, and universal forces are called upon to heal and correct the injustices, violations, and impositions that women around the world have faced for centuries.

The Moondance seeks to elevate the consciousness of women, empowering them to be strong, determined, whole, and aligned with their purpose. This inner transformation enables them to become powerful agents of change, leading by example as educators, protectors of the environment, and advocates for peace, respect, and harmony with Mother Earth. Thanks to “Danza de la Luna Xochimeztli” additional circles have been established around the world, including in countries such as Mexico, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, continuing the legacy of this sacred work.

Together, we strive to create a new reality, one grounded in peace, mutual respect, and a deep connection to the earth and all its elements.

MOONDANCE PENNSYLVANIA

In 2019, the seed was planted to bring the sacred Moon Dance to Pennsylvania. By August 2020, the time had come for this vision to start taking form. We invited Grandmother Tonalmitl—a woman of deep wisdom, the guardian of ancient traditions, and the leader of the Mother Circle of “Danza de la Luna Xochimeztli”—to come and bless this land, to gather those with open hearts and minds who understood the ancient ceremony and the wisdom it carries.

The guidance given to us by Abuelita Tonalmitl was clear: first, we must honor the ceremonial drum, for the drum is the heart of the dance, the first dancer, the rhythm that teaches us how to move in circle, how to be in community. From the drum, we would learn the sacred language of unity, of song, and of shared wisdom. The drum would be our teacher, helping to cultivate a strong and loving community, one rooted in respect and understanding.

We were told to nourish the heart of the dance first, for once the heart is fed, the dance will follow. And so, on August 8th, 2020, with deep reverence and surrounded by love and sacred offerings, we consecrated Ilhuicaxóchitl, our venerable drum, as a Moondance drum. A gift from the Earth, a symbol of unity, and a beacon of the wisdom of the moon.

Ilhuica: sky / xóchitl: flower (flower of the sky)