Community Spotlight: Danielle Mercurio
This week we caught up with Danielle Mercurio, the spiritual practitioner & astral healer teaching our newest workshop, Astral Travel on 6/15. Scroll on to read our interview with her!
Who are you? Feel free to lay it all out here.
I spent most of my life trying to fit into the mold that seemed presented everywhere, while simultaneously ignoring what I felt was true and unique about me deep down. Instead of fueling my passions, I ran from them. I prioritized the idea of safety over the notion of expanding into my real path.
However, you can keep running and trying to hide, and eventually the universe will catch up to you. After my 26th birthday and on the eve of my Saturn return, I fell hard. And not just from my drunken fall after another night of escaping my troubles, yet from the heaviness of feeling so much confusion, self-judgement, and not knowing if I'd ever get it together. It took an incident that jeopardized my well-being and my physical body that finally became the catalyst to explore this thing they called self-help.
It wasn't easy and it didn't happen overnight. I wasn't overjoyed with gratitude for life and I definitely didn't have "I love you" affirmations on my mirror. Yet I did make the choice that I would just try every day. To be okay with what was, to be curious, and to learn how to accept myself where I was, even if it was a mess. Eventually, through therapy, group coaching, and meditation, things started to shift. I actually started being nice to myself. And one day, that "like" erupted into love and I've never looked back.
I knew that I had to help other people that were stuck in their life like I was. That were unconventional and beautiful in their own ways, yet since they didn't have a creative outlet, they became shut down and guarded instead. I got my life coach certification, moved to NYC, and started finding spiritual communities where I felt like a voice that had been a part of me for lifetimes could finally be voiced.
I started weaving astrology in with my coaching and leading meditation events. I found purpose on the stage and giving back through the ways I was able to channel the messages people needed to hear most. While my role continues to evolve and I'm always learning as I go, I trust myself and that this is where I belong. I can look in the mirror and smile, and let it be enough to keep going.
While the world continues to adjust, re-connect, and grow, my hope is to be a part of what will one day be ever lasting change. I'm currently on the road on my Sun line and seeking where my next home may be while doing my best not to rush the process! I also love comedy, fashion, and am working on my latest fiction novel.
What is your origin story? Tell us about where and how you grew up. Are there details from your culture and upbringing that influence your work today?
I was born in Seattle, WA as a Leo Sun, Moon & Rising. My parents were moving so I spent the first two weeks of my life in a hotel! We eventually moved to central PA when I was 10. I grew up very Catholic and while I didn't always relate to the rules of the faith, I loved talking with God and Mother Mary and the Angels. While spiritual concepts were not brought up, I would go to the library or book stores and spend the day reading about the New Age as much as I could!
Where do you currently live? How does your community inform/influence your work?
I left Philly in January to explore life on the road! I'm currently in Utah, staying in Zion National Park. I love community and find it so important as part of my services. Moving back to Philly in 2017 after living in LA was major - as I knew I would find the culture, curiosity and readiness I was craving from the community here.
What led you to begin your line of work and how long have you been doing it?
When I was in my late 20s and going through my Saturn return, it was the turning point not only to get clear on what I wanted in life yet to help others do the same. It was then that I got my life coach certification and started using Astrology + Meditation in my practice. That was in 2012 and I have been full time since 2015.
What words of advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur, artist, designer, healer, etc. that is wanting to get started?
Honor your big picture vision, however don't obsess over it. Look to what you could see yourself doing and then meet yourself where you are at. When reflecting, what steps do you think it took looking back that would get you to where you want to be? Further, how can you appreciate your current income or job as an investment to get you started verse being resentful? Take your time learning and expanding into your process/business and focus on your ideal client - not impressing family or friends. Eventually, it will start to come together and grow in really beautiful ways.
WHAT IS YOUR RITUAL? What do you incorporate in your day-to-day to help you feel more connected with yourself and business. (Self-care tips welcomed here!).
Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I reach for is myself (aka no phone!). It's so important for me to acknowledge the new day and to take a few breaths and say hello. It's a chance for me to connect into my body, my mind and my spirit and also bring in my guides so we can all go about the day together with gratitude. I also honor the moon cycles - what phase she is in and how that may impact and blossom my week. Otherwise, I try to flow and not force too much like a "must do" routine every day or else I find I get restrictive and rebel!
What is your favorite product or service you offer and what makes it so special to you?
I love my membership, The Cosmic Channel. It offers intimate astrology insight + advice, plus unique meditations + mudras as they relate to the current energy. We also have live meetings in the "lioness lounge" which a beautiful space for us to connect, expand, and dive deep into cosmic + spiritual conversation.
I also adore my Teacher Training, Meditation Method. It's a self-guided program that gives students the opportunity to deepen their meditation practice and the practical, intuitive, and abundant ways to bring it out into their community.
Do you have any books, podcasts, or resources you want to recommend to the community?
My Podcast, "My So-Called Spiritual Life".
Feel free to shout out other creatives here! We love learning about other movers, makers, and shakers out there.
So Many!!! Basically anyone I follow on IG is legit! In Philly, I love the Wellness Refinery, Summit Acupuncture, Lauren Leavell Fitness and the designers at Stone Copper, Tesoro, T tribe & Lobo Mau.
Online: For human design @hdwithbre, for astrology @astromaji, and the ceremonial artist @poetagoddess
We must know, what are some of your favorite products at Ritual Shoppe?
Love the selection of crystals - the citrine tower I got has been on the road with me! The kuumba made Intuition roll-on, the tarot selection and the zodiac jewelry!
