ABOUT
​Greetings!
I am Marisa Withey Byrne, or "Sasa," a light-bearer for what I call the Global Sexual Healing Revolution.
My calling is to bring love and tender holding into the shadowy places of our sexual well-being and trauma, offering healing and preventative medicine to help eradicate the sexual violence pandemic of our world.
About Me
As an incest survivor, and someone negatively impacted by the justice system, I searched and struggled for many years to find support, healing, and true justice. As a mentor taught me - the greatest gifts come from our wound- I now seek to offer both what I did and did not find as I walked the paths of self, familial, ancestral, and community restoration. As a “light-bearer,” I am dedicated to easing the isolation, shame and suffering of survivors of sexual trauma, and supporting people – especially youth and my fellow Latinx and Indigenous communities – to thrive in healthy, holistic relationships with their sexuality.
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I grew up on the beautiful beaches of the Chumash lands on the Central Coast of California and now reside among the forests of Chemakum and S’Klallam lands in Chimacum, Washington, and have lived in many places between the two. In my journey, I have walked as a ceremonialist, educator, and rite of passage facilitator; a married woman, devoted auntie, and cat-mom; and a playful moonchild in connection to Pacha Mama and my ancestors of the Quechua and Irish peoples.
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As inspiration, I draw upon my experience living and traveling amongst ceremonial communities in South America, working with youth and adults in nature connection and rites of passage, working as an advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and teaching various subjects including sex-ed in schools. I am also guided by the wisdom of reformative and transformative justice, where healing and justice happen in community, everyone has a place in the circle, and our personal struggles can become liberatory medicine for all.
And now, I dedicate my full self to this deep, transformative, humbling work of uplifting our sacred and sexual wholeness. Join me!
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Together, let us raise our voices in harmony, howling for change as we embark on the Global Sexual Healing Revolution. Jallalla!
Related experience, trainings, education
Guides who have shaped me and my work
Pacha Mama
Debbi Frauman and La Guerrera, rest in peace
Kalani Souza, Big Island, HI
Orland Bishop, ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation
Hua Anwa, Circles of Empowerment
Gigi Coyle, The Way of Council & Walking Water
Thérèse Chavet and Tere Carranza, Sacred Groves
Why "Moonlit Path"?
The moon is a constant companion in the dark and night. Among many things, Mama Killa (pronounced kee-ya, Quechua for Mother Moon) shows us natural cycles of darkness and light, of waxing and waning and the power of reflection. Her darkness invites us to celebrate the mysteries of our soul and psyche, while her fullness offers silvery illumination to what we otherwise would not see. And so, to walk towards liberation and connection through the Moonlit Path requires courage and invites faith in the dance between light and shadow.
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Partners of Moonlit Path
Kruti Parekh, Youth Justice Coalition
Katie Spataro, Sacred Womb Services
Kari Stettler, Somatic Resiliency
Tere Carranza, Sacred Groves
Teresa Shiraishi, Teresa Shiraishi Counseling​
Cameron Withey Byrne
Neilufar Naini
Arlene Red Elk, Mother Nation
The Logo
The Moonlit Path logo is in the form of a lunar Chakana with a moonlit path leading through the mountains. The Chakana is a principal symbol of the Andean indigenous peoples, representing the interconnectedness of all things, the integration of opposites, and the pursuit of balance, harmony and wholeness. For Moonlit Path, it symbolizes a powerful guiding force for a transformational journey. Special thanks to Aliko Weste and U Productions for its creation!
My Way with Money
I believe that reciprocity can come in different forms, and I work towards making my offerings to be accessible to those who want it. I offer a sliding scales, and when possible, can supplement services from the Sexual Trauma Transformation Fund <link>. If you would like to work with me but cost is a barrier, please still reach out and we can find an arrangement that works for both of us.