Meet Anastacia


I have over 30 years of study in spiritual traditions and working in wellness. Based on my studies and practice, I offer Spiritual Dance (Dancing with Heaven & Earth), Vedic Astrology/Jyotisha, and Ayurveda because I believe they are the most powerful vehicles to help someone understand themselves and their life, and to find joy in living.

There are not many people in this field who have had the life experiences I’ve had. I have lived through near-death experiences, multiple hospitalizations and surgeries. Since infancy, I’ve struggled with a life-threatening chronic illness. I have experienced job loss, divorce in my 50’s, money struggles, and several cross-country moves without a safety net.

I have been a “seeker” since childhood. While these challenging experiences have been hard, they propelled me to learn more about how this mysterious Universe works. At first I studied western science and later, eastern and esoteric arts and sciences in my journey to find better health, self-understanding and truth. A list of my certifications and areas of study below.

The services that I offer are the tools that I have personally used over the years to attain a high level of wellness, and a clear understanding of myself and my purpose. I have a full tool kit to meet whatever comes my way with grace and, in turn, I can help you too!

Based on my work with clients over the past 20 years, I know that the people who work with me can get healthier and happier. I have seen this happen and I am driven by the desire to share knowledge with others, to uplift them, and to ease their pain.


Why Vedic Astrology / Jyotisha?

My search for truth led me first to western science, but it didn't satisfy my curiosity about the big questions like, “Who am I?” and “What’s my purpose?” Yoga philosophy and meditation, and Vedic Astrology/Jyotisha gave me priceless insight into those questions and so much more. It’s also given me profound compassion for each and every human walking this earth. Vedic Astrology helps us to see the shape of a person’s life story clearly, and how that person can navigate to more desirable outcomes.

Nothing gives me greater joy than to help a client to fall in love with their life.


Why spiritual dance and meditative movement?

Photo: Jan Sturman

When I was a little girl I loved expressing my innocent joy by dancing, whether alone in my room or under the trees in the backyard. However, dance wasn’t supported by my family financially or philosophically. As an adult, I found my way to a form that suited my body and my spirit — Middle Eastern belly dance. This form of dancing was inclusive as well as expressive, and the music is so great!

When I discovered a Sufi path that included whirling, chanting, and dancing as a spiritual practice I felt that I was finally at home in my body. Spiritual dance has allowed me to heal deep, body-shaming wounds and to be able to love and respect my body as a primary source of wisdom. In my Dancing with Heaven & Earth sessions, I create a safe space for participants to meet their body where it’s at and to find pathways to self-expression and deep healing.


Why Ayurveda?

I’ve struggled with chronic health conditions since I was a baby, which led me to learn about the human body. I’ve studied biology, physiology, massage therapy, and Ayurveda, the healing science from India. Through the use of traditional healing systems I’ve found freedom from western medicines and much greater health than I ever thought possible. In my educational workshops and in one-on-one consults with clients, I empower people with the knowledge they need to make choices based on their unique, individual constitution and needs that lead to balance and health.


My place in the world

I live in northern New Mexico, on the historic land of the Tewa, the Ute, and the Jicarilla Apache people — currently known as Abiquiu — on the banks of the silty-red Chama River. I’m here with my amazingly talented partner — metal artisan Robert Lavezzo, along with a few chickens, loads of wildlife, big blue skies, and nights filled with stars.

We have two charming Airbnb units: Raven’s Nest and Falcon’s Nest.

Come for a visit or for a personalized retreat! Reach out for more info.


Degrees, Certifications, & Personal Areas of Study

FORMAL UNIVERSITY DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS:

  • B.S. in Biology, minor in Physiological Psychology, University of New Mexico

  • M.A. in Education, emphasis in Women’s Studies, University of New Mexico

  • Secondary School Education Teaching Certificate for Math and Science


UNDERSTANDING DESTINY & MAGIC:

  • Vedic Astrology/Jyotisha:

    • 18 years of intensive study with Hart de Fouw and Steven Highburger

    • Additional coursework with other teachers including James Kelleher

    • 15 years experience reading charts for clients

  • Zu Wei Pole Star Chinese Astrology, with the Taoist priest, Liu Ming, 2004 - 2012

  • Study and practice of ancient mystery traditions and earth-based practices:

UNDERSTANDING THE BODY & MIND:

  • Ayurveda training, certifications and experience:

  • Massage Therapy: Certifications, licensure, and 5+ years professional experience

  • Yoga Alliance certified teacher, 2002; practitioner and teacher of Yoga since the mid-1980’s

  • Meditation:

    • Extensive, many-years-long, study and practice in Shitari Sufi, and Yogic / Tantric lineages

    • Practitioner since the mid-1980’s, teacher since the mid-1990’s

  • Spiritual Dance:

    • Founder and Creator of Dancing with Heaven & Earth

    • Study and teaching of embodied Sufi movement meditation and spiritual dance, 1988 - 2020

    • Senior Teacher of Dancemeditation™ from 2008 - 2020

  • Tiny Habits Coach Certification

    • A proven method to create sustainable habits


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