New Zealand Exotica – Moon Bathing and Stone Worship

Moon Bathing

Moon bathing for instance is a real practise. The early 1970's  book of near the same name by Richard Miles, a former American child actor, promotes it's association with the horror story genre, when in fact it has a far more popular and specific application.

There's also the alliance with the Dutch symphonic metal band Delain of a some years ago, as well as the obvious link to lines of female swimwear.

Point being these relationships are all bonded to the term 'moon bathing' and  while those of you who participate in the practise know this anyway, what you're really wanting to know, is where in New Zealand can I find other bathers?

Centres for 'Moon bathing'.

Moon worship is not new and spans a number of ancient religions and the bathing aspect is inextricably  linked. Many groups in New Zealand from Hindu, to Taoist and Buddhist among others hold festivals in it's honour, while key universities here also have contacts to said groups and events.

Participation and benefits

The wellness industry has been keen to offer Moon Yoga, Moon Bathing - how about hiring a hottub in one of New Zealand's premium outdoor spas? Another sonic addition is Full Moon Sound Bath experience.

Moon bathing has specific aims and uses. It's especially calming for people with hypertension, hives and rashes, as well as sexual addictions, with the high summer months being especially soothing. The waxing phase of the moon is deemed the best, with a full moon being the ultimate period to partake. 

You can choose to enjoy the ritualistic aspect of the practise, in the mutual application of sandalwood paste with strangers. Naked under a sheer and flimsy white cloth, the potion is generously applied everywhere, while sipping cool milk from a silver cup. 

Where are the best places for this?

Climate is always an issue in New Zealand and high summer is most preferred though one West Coast coven readily convenes in the winter months. Moon bathers generally opt for a secluded beach or river bed and meeting dates are usually discreetly advertised. However you can choose to hold your own event, as there're obviously no laws against such gatherings.

Are there any restrictions in New Zealand?

Just one, you must be over 16 to participate in the festivals and gatherings here.

Is Moon bathing linked to stone worship in New Zealand ?

Definitely. In fact one of the best ways to contact the often reticent moon bathing groups in New Zealand, is through the usually more overt stone worshipers.

Many have incorrectly linked 'the stoners' to the Morris dancers and their antics around the 'may pole' and while the poles themselves can carry some significance for a 'stoner' and in fact a 'moon bather', that's about where the comparison ends.

What is the nature of a New Zealand Stone worshiper?

Stone worshipers, like the 'bathers', come in all shapes and sizes. The sun Goddess Amaterasu is considered Shintoisms most important kami and as a result certain rocks are worshiped as exactly that.

Though local interpretations take on a range of different perspectives. Often these are related to earthy and erotic representations of historic evolutions associated with particular areas.

For example the 'worshipers' in some of the limestone rock congregations around New Zealand, have been known to opt for naked festivals, with light and fire and a focus on fertility. The kura tawhiti rocks near Castle Hill Mountain Village, on the Great Alpine Highway No. 73, are a case in point.

Is there a God of rocks?

Rock worshipers will tell you everyday rocks represent 'struggles to overcome and perspectives to be gained' and while there's no superior rock as such, the vulcan would be assumed so if there was such a thing. That's why here in New Zealand, braided and tumbling river beds of rocks in water, are considered the best place to lie in worship. 'Naked' says June, of Monro beach on the southern West Coast, 'is best'.

So do you have to be naked?

Not at all, though many in these groups prefer to be so. Where the naturist and sun worshipers guidelines globally, include calls of it being inappropriate to stare, some 'stoners' and 'bathers' groups, defer to those of 'large and attractive proportions' as some sort of inspiration. Says Maddy, also of the Monro beach stoners coven, 'as we acknowledge natural beauty, so we love the presence some obviously have over others'.

What else do I need to know?

Respect and discretion are words with a universal application and so it is here.  Typically, recommended sources are the best reference.  I've already quoted a couple, yet there're more.

Tony is a married guy with a slew of kids from Kaiapoi in Christchurch, he's a local beach moon bather and happy to be so. His wife Ariana says, 'moon bathing has been a life saver, for both of us. It's curtailed his cravings and as long as he can sniff a little sandalwood from time to time, I get to sleep'.

Chi from Canterbury University's Buddhist fraternity, 'I love the feel of a big crock', while Carol reckons her new truth is equally something of a stretch. 'You think you can't or won't and then you're challenged. That full moon blew me away as it came in the back door and I've never been the same since'.

Just as it won't be the same for everybody and nor it should be. The real point being, that you're here in New Zealand, we're a multi cultural and broad minded society and we'll always do our best for you. If in doubt, just ask..

Remember Auckland, Waikato , Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago University campuses, have contacts.

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