Art Journal with the Moon for April 1-7, 2024

We are in the waning moon phases this week as we move towards a new moon solar eclipse in the sign of Aries. I want to break down a few important things about this eclipse to help you get a feel for how you might want to work with this energy in your art journal.

The new moon solar eclipse isn’t until Monday, April 8^th but I’m inviting us to consider these things now because it’s such a powerful moon that, like me, you too may want to spend some time thoughtfully considering how exactly you want to work with this energy. Use this week and the suggestions I share here to explore the themes and energy of the new moon and get clear on your goal or the new moon intention you want to set before the solar eclipse arrives.

In this blog post, I’m going to share how you can work with the energy of the new moon solar eclipse in your art journal to heal and plant powerful seeds of intention. 

Before I talk about that, don’t forget, if you want to stay updated on how to work with the magic of the moon in your art journal, sign up to my mailing list. Every Monday, you’ll get reminders of the moon’s energy for the upcoming week and how you can work with it in your art journal to practice magic, tend to your soul or do your deep inner work. You can sign up here.

When to Work with the Solar Eclipse Energy in Your Art Journal

Typically, I choose to wait 48 hours after an eclipse to set my new moon intentions. Eclipses, as understood in ancient astrology, carry chaotic and unpredictable energy. The wisdom of waiting is rooted in giving the dramatic dust a chance to settle. 

However, this time around, I’ve decided to embrace the unique energy of this eclipse for setting my new moon intentions so I will be working with the solar eclipse energy on the day and time it is most active. The reason I’m doing this is because the qualities of this particular eclipse resonate deeply with how I wish to move forward in my life.

I explain this in more detail below but the themes and energy of this eclipse align with my desire to pursue my passions and goals in a way that honors my limitations. This eclipse is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to mean pushing ourselves to the brink. Instead, this eclipse holds energy of advancing toward your dreams in a way that is respectful and mindful of your boundaries, limitations and needs.

I invite you to reflect on and tune into the energy of the current eclipse. Consider how this moment feels to you:

Does the unique blend of intensity, passion, and respect for limitations resonate with your current experience?

If so, you might feel called to set your new moon intentions during the eclipse itself, harnessing its potent energy to fuel your dreams while remaining kind to yourself. On the other hand, if you find the energy too overwhelming or prefer a calmer, more predictable energy to work with, waiting a couple of days to set your intentions and work with the eclipse energy in your art journal may be more aligned with your needs.

The choice to set intentions during the eclipse or wait until the energy has calmed is personal.

It’s also why I’m sharing this eclipse information now so you have the time to consider how you want to work with this energy before you greet the new moon on April 8^th.

Here are a couple qualities about the new moon I think you should consider before deciding when and how to work with the solar eclipse magic in your art journal.

North Node

The upcoming new moon total solar eclipse in Aries is happening on the North Node.

The North Node pushes us towards bold new beginnings. Aries is a sign known for its courage, drive, and pioneering spirit which emphasizes the North Node’s urge to move forward, strike out in new directions, and see where you’re going in the future. The focus here is on growth and on advancing, not looking back. The North Node is helping you see the vision you’re working towards more clearly.

This eclipse is like a green light from the universe, signaling that it’s time to explore new opportunities, and dive into what excites you. It’s a time to feel empowered to take control of your destiny, to act decisively, and to follow your instincts with confidence.

It’s a good time to reassess where you’re headed, to align with your true passions, and to take bold steps towards realizing your dreams.

Mars 

But Mars, the ruler of the eclipse, is in the sign of Pisces alongside Saturn.

This makes the eclipse energy a little like having your foot on the gas and the brakes at the same time. Mars with Saturn in Pisces wants you to find measured and sustainable ways to achieve your goals. Instead of rushing forward impulsively, you’re being asked to pace yourself and to be mindful of your energy and resources so you can move forward without burning out.

How can you move towards your goals and dreams in a way that honors and respects your limitations and your need for rest and recuperation?

How can you balance your desires and goals with the practical realities of your everyday life?

Mars being influenced by Saturn reminds us that there are consequences to constantly pushing beyond our limits, such as overworking, overspending, or overcommitting, which can lead to exhaustion and dissatisfaction.

How can you achieve your goals by adopting a slower, kinder pace that allows for growth without depletion?

It’s a mature Aries energy so to me, it’s the difference between how I pushed past my limits in my twenties to having a body in my forties that could no longer allow that to happen.  

Inviting Compassion as You Work with this Lunar Energy

Before we go further, let’s take a moment to talk about compassion – specifically, self-compassion.

Sometimes, it’s hard to be kind to yourself when facing your limitations. You might see your limitations as signs of failure or weakness, fearing judgment from yourself or others. This mindset makes it challenging to accept your own limits with kindness because you’re conditioned to push through, often at the cost of your well-being.

Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience you would offer a good friend or someone you love.

Self-compassion recognizes that being human means you have limits and that it’s okay not to be able to do everything all the time or even in the timeline you would prefer to do it. It’s also about acknowledging your efforts and intentions, even when things don’t go as planned – I constantly forget this one and it causes me to live with a lot more pressure and disappointment than I need to.

As you work with the eclipse energy, notice when you’re being self-critical and consciously replace harsh words with gentler, more encouraging ones. Remember that everyone has limitations and faces challenges. You’re not alone in feeling restricted by money, time or your circumstances. Be present with your feelings without judgment. Allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling without trying to suppress or ignore those emotions.

Start by noticing moments when you’re being hard on yourself for not meeting certain expectations or goals or for feeling limited. Pause and ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend in this situation?” Chances are, you’d offer support and understanding. Extend that same courtesy to yourself. Remind yourself that it’s okay for your goals to take longer to achieve than you thought they would. It’s okay to have limitations, and it’s okay not to be perfect.

What we’re going to do with this eclipse energy is set realistic goals or new moon intentions that consider your limitations in the first place so you don’t feel inadequate or like a failure. When you take your limitations into consideration from the get go, you have less chance of disappointing yourself. And throughout eclipse season, try to celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small it might seem – don’t just wait until you arrive at the finish line to celebrate.

These are small shifts you can make from self-criticism to self-support but they will make all the difference.

The Vision or Goal

To achieve your goal or your dream in a realistic and sustainable way without burning out or pushing past your limits, you’ll need to start with a clear vision while being mindful of what you are capable of. This will be the new moon intention you set in your art journal when you’re ready.

Start by defining what you want to achieve or experience with as much clarity as possible. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, think about what you genuinely desire in different areas of your life, such as your family life, career, relationships, health, or creativity.

What changes do you wish to see?

What aspects of your life do you want to improve or transform?

Once you’ve identified your desires, get as specific as possible about what you want to achieve. For example, instead of setting a goal to “get fit,” specify what being fit means to you—does it mean running a 5k, being able to lift a certain amount of weight, or perhaps practicing yoga four times a week? The more specific your new moon intentions, the clearer your path toward achieving them.

Frame your intentions in a positive, affirmative way. Instead of focusing on what you don’t want, concentrate on what you want to bring into your life. Use phrases like “I am,” “I create,” “I attract,” “Thank you for…” to affirm your intentions.

Detail also involves understanding the ‘why’ behind your goal or new moon intention. Reflect on what achieving this intention means to you and how it aligns with your soul. This deeper understanding will make your goal more meaningful.

Finally, consider any resources you might need to achieve your goal, whether it’s time, money, equipment, or support from others. Identifying these requirements upfront can help you with the next step of identifying your limitations.

Ask yourself:

What knowledge or skills do I need to achieve this intention?

Who can support me in achieving this intention?  Think about whether you need guidance, support, or collaboration from friends, family, mentors, or professionals.

What physical resources do I need?  Reflect on any materials, tools, or equipment necessary to accomplish your intention.

How much time will I need to dedicate to this intention? Estimate the time commitment required to achieve your goal and consider how you’ll integrate this into your schedule.

What financial resources are required? Assess any costs associated with your intention.

Are there any emotional or psychological resources I need?  Consider if you need to develop qualities like patience, resilience, or confidence, or if you might benefit from emotional support through the process.

What environmental or situational resources do I need? Identify if you need access to specific locations, conditions, or contexts to pursue your intention.

What might hinder my progress, and how can I overcome these obstacles? Anticipating challenges will help you prepare solutions or find resources to address them in advance.

How will I track my progress and adjust my approach if needed? Think about what systems or tools you can use to monitor your journey towards your intention and make necessary adjustments.

Working with the Eclipse Energy in Your Art Journal in a Deeper Way

This next step is optional but if you’re a moon nerd like me, you’ll want to learn how to figure out the areas of your life being most affected by the moon during the eclipse.

Taking your exploration of this eclipse deeper in your art journal involves looking at where the sign of Aries falls in your birth chart, specifically which astrological house it occupies.

In ancient astrology, the astrological houses represent different areas of our lives, each one offering insights into various aspects of our existence. Each house serves a unique purpose. When the moon moves through these houses in your birth chart, it brings its energy and influence to the areas of life associated with those houses.

The whole sign house system starts with the 1st house, which is all about your identity, appearance, and the impression you make on others. It’s like the front door of your house—what people see first. From there, each house unfolds in order, each one representing a different part of your life. For example, the 2nd house is about your values, possessions, and what you find important, while the 3rd house covers communication, siblings, and short trips.

As you move through the houses, you encounter themes like home and family (4th house), creativity and romance (5th house), health and service (6th house), partnerships and marriage (7th house), transformations and shared resources (8th house), beliefs and higher learning (9th house), career and public status (10th house), community and friendships (11th house), and finally, the 12th house, which deals with the subconscious, hidden enemies, and things we might want to escape from.

Each house is governed by a zodiac sign.

When the new moon total solar eclipse happens in the Aries part of your chart, it acts as a powerful signal for change and new beginnings in the area of life represented by that house. Eclipses are like big reset buttons, amplifying the energy of the new moon and bringing intense focus and transformation to the themes of the house they activate.

For example, if Aries governs your 4th house it means the new moon solar eclipse is happening in your 4th house, which deals with home, family, and roots so you might experience significant changes in these areas of your life. This could mean moving to a new home, a shift in your family dynamics, or a deeper understanding of what provides you emotional security. If the eclipse falls in your 10th house, which is about career and public status, you might find yourself at a critical turning point in your professional life, facing opportunities for major growth or reevaluation of your career path.

The effects of the eclipse can unfold over the following six months to a year, bringing opportunities to make substantial changes that align more closely with your true path. It’s a time when hidden truths may come to light, prompting you to reevaluate and adjust your course.

How it affects you personally depends on your individual chart and current life circumstances, but generally, the upcoming solar eclipse is a call to pay attention to those areas of your life. It’s an invitation to embrace change, let go of what no longer serves you, and plant seeds for new beginnings. 

As you can see, by identifying the house where Aries is located in your chart, you can pinpoint the specific life areas the current eclipse energies are activating for you personally.

To figure out what areas of your life this new moon solar eclipse in Aries wants you to focus on, you simply need to know your rising sign.

If you don’t know your rising sign (it’s different than your sun or moon sign), then you can read more about it here and you can calculate what it is here. I also show you how to calculate your birth chart using the whole sign house system here. 

When you know your rising sign, you can easily figure out where Aries, or any other sign, falls in your chart based on the natural order of the zodiac. For example, if your rising sign is Gemini, Aries will be in your 11th house.

So, knowing your rising sign and using the whole sign house system, which assigns one whole sign to each house in a straightforward sequence, you can directly map out which life areas are being highlighted during this new moon solar eclipse. 

Once you know the areas of your life being affected by this eclipse energy, contemplate the new beginnings you want to experience in those areas of your life.

Set new moon intentions that relate specifically to those areas of your life and the positive changes and growth you want to see in those areas of your life. 

Identifying Your Limitations

Considering the resources you need to make your new moon intentions a reality may have helped you to understand some current limitations but getting clear about your current limitations also involves a process of self-reflection and honesty.

Think about your daily life and the tasks you manage. When do you feel stretched too thin, stressed, or exhausted? These feelings often signal that you’re pushing against your limits.

Consider both your physical and emotional boundaries. Physically, you might notice tiredness, while emotionally, you might feel overwhelmed or irritable. Understanding your limits isn’t just about recognizing when you feel overburdened; it’s also about identifying the specific activities or situations that drain your energy.

Pay attention to how different aspects of your life impact you. This could include work, social commitments, personal projects, and family responsibilities. Reflect on which of these areas leave you feeling depleted and which give you energy. It’s also helpful to think about the times you’ve said yes when you really wanted to say no.

These moments can reveal a lot about where you might be overstepping your own boundaries.

Acknowledging your limitations requires you to be brutally honest with yourself, which can be challenging. As I explained earlier, it’s important to approach this process with kindness and without judgment. Remember, everyone has limits, and recognizing yours is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

Once you have a clearer understanding of your limits, the next step is to take them into consideration as you set your new moon intentions. Ultimately though, honoring your limits is an ongoing practice of self-care that requires you to stay attuned to your needs and to be willing to adjust your boundaries as your life and circumstances change.

For now, try to get clear about and honor your limitations when deciding what your new moon intention will be.

Craft intentions that respect your energy and well-being.

Shadow Work

The last thing I want you to consider about the eclipse are the subconscious wounds or pains from the past that may require your care and attention.

My mentor Kelly Surtees reminded me that during the eclipse, with Mars in Pisces, we’re prompted to explore what’s lurking in the shadows of our lives—specifically, the unresolved issues and fears that hold us back from achieving our goals or dreams. With this eclipse, you’re going to focus on a project or dream that means a lot to you but if you find yourself repeatedly stuck or losing momentum on this project or dream, it’s time to look deeper.

You might need to tend to old fears or heal past wounds that are preventing you from moving forward.

This eclipse brings with it the potential for a significant breakthrough or an exciting development in your life. To embrace this opportunity, however, you might be required to overcome challenges or limitations that may have held you back in the past. It’s a good time to heal old wounds, including past insecurities and fears. By addressing these issues head-on, you open the door to the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Create

When you’re ready, open your art journal and create a page dedicated to your new moon intentions. This eclipse marks a moment of powerful beginnings and transformative energy, making it an ideal time to visualize and manifest the changes you wish to see in your life.

To capture your new moon intentions, start by thinking about what you truly desire to bring into your life or what you’re ready to let go of. Don’t worry about making your art journal page look a certain way; the real magic lies in the process of creation itself, not the final outcome. Give yourself permission to play, experiment, and express your intentions in a way that feels authentic to you. You can use colors, shapes, words, or images that resonate with the feelings and aspirations you have for this new lunar cycle.

Remember, you’re tapping into the energy of both your inner child and your inner witch—the part of you that believes in magic and the power of intention. Let this be a time of exploration, where you allow your creativity to flow freely without judgment.

You can draw, paint, collage, or write—whatever feels right.

As you work on your page, imagine planting seeds under the fertile energy of the new moon solar eclipse. Each brush stroke, each word, and each symbol you create is a reflection of the changes you wish to see manifest in your life. Remember, it’s okay if it’s messy, imperfect, or even abstract. What matters most is that you’re setting aside this time to connect with your intentions and allowing yourself the space to dream and envision your future.

By creating a page in your art journal for your new moon intentions, you’re not just making art; you’re engaging in a deeply personal and powerful ritual. This is your time to play, explore, and invite the transformations you seek. 

LET’S DO THE WORK TOGETHER

In this week’s Held by the Moon online creative gathering on Friday, April 5th at 6:00 – 7:30 pm MT, we are going to prepare to work with the solar eclipse by exploring our new moon intentions and tending to past wounds that are preventing us from moving forward. 

We’ll start with an art warm up to get into the creative flow then we’ll work in our art journals to explore our new moon intentions. This is just a gentle exploration. We won’t be setting our new moon intentions yet. Next, we’ll create a page to tend to a past wound.

Finally, we’ll work with the MAP Method to rewire your brain in a way that helps you release and let go what you no longer need to carry in your body. It’s a way of tending to past wounds by teaching your subconscious mind to do the deep inner work for you. 

The goal of this gathering is to leave you feeling clearer, lighter, and more aligned with your soul. 

If you want to spend time exploring your new moon intentions and tending to past wounds that are holding you back and you like the idea of working with the MAP Method to deepen that healing work or you just love to hang out in sacred space with your art journal and the moon, I’d love for you to join me.

These classes are held in my online Zoom meeting room and they will be recorded.  A recording will be emailed to you later in the week if you cannot attend live.

Don’t worry. You don’t need an art journal or art experience to enjoy these online gatherings. The exercises are simple and more about the process than the end result. Pencil crayons or markers on whatever paper you can find are perfectly fine.

LEARN MORE OR REGISTER HERE