- Mermaid name: Moosong magic
- Land name: Kylee Nel
- Sea of origin: South Africa
- Using a mermaid tail: since 2019
In this interview of “Mermaids of the world” we will meet Moongsong Magic. This spiritual mermaid comes from Port Elizabeth, a coastal city located in the southernmost part of the South African coast, about 800 km east of Cape Town.
This wonderful good sea witch has grown near the coast. Surrounded by nature she has developed multiple interests with a common background, nature and her spirituality.
Good connoisseur of symbology, she has been continuously learning, following the paths of discipline, honor and strength (she is second degree black belt in Aikido), as well as spirituality; seeking the way to make sense of life through helping others.
As a result of this learning, the attraction for mermaids emerged according to her own words because:
“Their “duality in nature” is very appealing: the hyper feminine blended with animal instincts that connect to the ocean and magic.”
Let’s meet her better.
Let’s start at the beginning. How did you start mermaiding?
I have always lived at the sea side, and its part of the lifestyle around here. I am not a “sea baby” by heart, but I love pools and rivers. However I was unaware of mermaiding until I came across @maiziemermaid on Instagram. I remember seeing her and saying: What? She does that for a livining? I realised that mermaiding should be Life goals! I spent the next year stalking all manners of mermaids online, and I was so mesmerized by how their tails looked under water. They seemed like they were dancing. I had to try it!
Why do you like sirens so much?
Their “duality in nature” is very appealing: the hyper feminine blended with animal instincts that connect to the ocean and magic. It’s a wonderful theme to express yourself within. I also enjoy the performance of underwater swimming. Its difficult, but the results are majestic (when you get it right!)
What does mermaiding bring to Moonsong Magic life?
It’s a creative outlet for me that takes me out of my comfort zone. When I was a kid, you would struggle to get me out of the swimming pool. We had one in my back yard and I would just spend hours swimming underwater and playing. I lost that as an adult. Getting into mermaiding has been fun, and has rekindled that childhood enjoyment.
Its certainly challenging, more than I initially thought it would be, but it brings me a deep sense of achievement when I brave the water, tolerate the cold, have water up my nose, down my ears and I make awful faces sometimes. But when my friends compliment my videos, and the children in my life approach me with such glee, I get inspired to go back down again and try a new move!
How is the mermaid community in your sea of origin? South Africa
I have NO other active mermaids in my area, but have friends that are interested. Mermaiding is only trending up North across America and Europe. In South Africa, I have only recently been in touch with two active mermaids: @mermaidthalia and @fireflightphoto. And I’m just getting into it, so I can not even count myself in just yet!
What events, conventions or mermaid gatherings have you been to or wish to go to?
Any convention would be amazing! As Moonsong Magic have only attended comic and cosplay conventions, but not yet mermaiding conventions.
Moonsong Magic, I know you have other interesting projects. Could you tell us about them?
I have been interested in herbalism for a few years, and I began researching how to work with herbs. Moreover I wanted to create healing remedies for common ailments, so I learned about essential oils, herbs, balms. Furthermore I got quite involved with body products, and had to do research that would allow me to make safe body cosmetics that anyone could use. Then branched into face creams and body lotions. I am not yet qualified to sell herbal remedies to the public, but the body cosmetics are of excellent quality and safe for everyone. They are free of any harmful chemicals, are vegan friendly and cruelty free. I also create small jewelry pieces that can be found in my shop, and one day I will be adding mermaid themed items as well. I upload tutorials on my website that show the process of making lotions/creams etc. And I occasionally add information about herbs and crystals. You can visit the site to enjoy the blog, or purchase one of my products on the listing. www.moonsongmagic.com Who knows, maybe mermaid tails will be added there one day!
Apart from mermaiding, I currently have 2 part time Jobs. I teach computer skills to corporate clients, and I teach martial arts in the evenings. As mentioned, I also craft my own beauty products, so life can get quite busy!!!
Moonsong Magic, What is your favorite mermaid item or clothing?
When I discovered @maiziemermaid, I was determined to get my own tail. I researched every tail maker I could find, but I could not afford any tail with my country’s current exchange rate. Your tail worth $300 is R4000 in my country! Silicone tails would set me back R40 000.00, which I could buy a second hand car with the same amount! So I decided to create my own.
My Tail is 100% designed and created by me. I have a degree in Graphic design, so I was able to create the design work in photoshop very easily. I sent the artwork to a local company called “Knockout Branding” who are able to do sublimation printing on polyester spandex. I use a Mahina monofin as my Mermaid Tail “engine” and it’s a dream! Once printed, I just the cut the patterns and sew it together. Im not a seamstress, so there are flaws, but I just love my tails.
Using the patterns from my tail, I also like to make myself matching tights. Those are my favourite items to wear, as it attracts many compliments when I wear them out. I also make my own tops and headpieces. I am also experimenting with dragonskin silicone, and I have made my first silicone top. I just haven’t tested it in the pool yet.