Pin the small disc (with days of the month) in the centre of the big disc (with phases of the Moon).
Align today’s date with today’s phase of the Moon (if you live on the west coast, set your dial to the previous day). This shows you the Māori name of the phase.
Reset your dial each new moon cycle. If you live on the west coast, set your dial to Ōturu, the day before the full moon. If you live on the east coast, set your dial to Rākaunui, the day of the full moon.
The Maramataka’s energy levels
The colours on the calendar dial show different energy levels. The levels are caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon, Sun, and Earth. These forces pull the Earth's water in one direction.
The energy levels set different times for things to grow, to be active, and to regenerate. We humans are also pulled by gravitational forces, which affect our biology and emotions.
Try these activities at each phase of the Maramataka
Ōturu, Rākaunui (full moon), Rākaumatohi – high energy Plant your own herb garden. Plan meals to avoid waste.
Takirau – give back to the soil Weed and prepare your garden for planting.
Okie, Korekore-te-whiwhia, Korekore-te-rawea – low energy, give back to Papatūānuku Help to clean up inside and outside the house. Volunteer for a community clean-up project.
Korekore-piri-ki-ngā-Tangaroa, Tangaroa-a-mua, Tangaroa-a-roto – fishing and planting Learn how to make fishing rigs. The fish are biting, so go fishing!
Tangaroa-kiokio, Ōtāne, Ōrongonui – give back to the forest Go on a whānau bush walk and learn about native trees.
Omauri, Mutuwhenua, Whiro, Tirea – lowest energy, give back to the soil Help to clean up your local bush. Prepare seedlings for next planting season.
Ohoata, Ouenuku, Okoro – moderate energy, give back to the heavens Meditate with your whānau. Have a night without electric light, TV, phones, and computers.
Tamatea-ā-ngana, Tamatea-ā-hotu, Tamatea-āio – fishing Another great time to go fishing!
Tamatea-kai-ariki, Huna, Ariroa, Hotu – give back to the water Clean up your local beach or river. Go walking or cycling with your whānau.
Māwharu, Atua, Ōhua – planting Plant a fruit or native tree, or donate one to a school, a marae, or Trees That Count.
The Maramataka dial | te Maramataka matarā, 2020. Te Papa
In the traditional Māori Maramataka, or lunar calendar, the new year begins with the first new moon following the appearance of Matariki (Pleiades) on the eastern horizon. Usually this takes place in the period June-July.