blog

Art Journal with the Moon for July 31 – August 6, 2023
This is a summary of the moon’s energy for the upcoming week and the inner work and magic you can do in your art journal to make the most of the opportunities the cosmos is gifting us with.
Every week the emotional and magical opportunities the moon is sending you are different because the energy she is drawing down from the planets and stars changes moment to moment. Planets and stars and moon phases and moon signs each carry their own unique energy. This is my weekly update of the moon’s comings and goings to support you in aligning with her energy.
Get your art journal or a scrap of paper you see lying around, your art supplies or those pencil crayons you have hidden away somewhere and have fun. Spend 10 – 20 minutes focusing on the themes the moon is supporting you to explore that day while you play with colors and shapes and watch what happens over time.
It’s amazing what a little consistent creative time can do.
When you’re ready, sign up for my free Creative Moon Cycle Guide and every new moon I’ll send you a beautiful booklet that guides you to work with the upcoming lunar cycle in your art journal to heal your emotional wounds or practice magic and create the changes you want to see in your life.
Amplify Your Dreams with the Full Moon
We start this week off with a full moon in Aquarius happening on Tuesday in the mountain time zone. It’s a great moon to amplify intentions. The full moon can represent coming into your power or being at the peak of your power. If you set intentions at the Cancer new moon, what would amplifying them in this heightened energy look or feel like to you?
To me it means revisiting the deeper reasons why I want what I want and the why behind my dreams. What am I doing it all for? How is my true essence being expressed in the dreams I am pursuing?
These aren’t easy questions and I don’t expect they have only one answer especially if you’re like me and you’ve come to a place in your life where you finally feel deeply attuned to what is true for you. It took me a long time to learn how to move from the divine spark in the center of my Self and I’m sure I’ll never be done learning how to listen to myself in that deep, true way. This full moon feels like a continuation of that journey. It feels like getting quiet, listening to my divine self then pushing that light out from the center of myself (like a Care Bear) and amplifying it in a way that allows me to share myself with those who want to sit in my light with me for season or two.
My light is a gift – as is yours. My light is something I want to share with other people because we need each other. I’ve sat for a season or two in someone else’s light when I needed it and I will continue to sit in the light someone else’s spirit shines when I’m feeling called to because that’s how I grow brighter.
My particular light right now is all about practicing magic and tending to the soul in playful ways under the moon with my paints and paper by my side and my art journal open and ready to hold my heart and my dreams.
At the full moon, because my rising sign is Gemini and the moon will be shining it’s magic in the 9th house of my astrological chart, which means the areas of my life this full moon energy is focused on is international travel, publishing, spiritual practices, my faith and my ideas of future success, I want to amplify my Cancer new moon intentions by exploring what following my most meaningful and soulful dreams around these areas of my life looks and feels like to me.
What I noticed though lately is that amplifying my intentions and working with moon magic can feel frivolous during uncertain times like these but I want to remind you, and me, why your spiritual and creative work is so important.
Yes, living in uncertain times is daunting, heavy and exhausting! Fear, doubt, grief, loss and anxiety sneaks up on me every day. It’s easy to feel uneasy, worry about the future and feel helpless because there is so much out of my control. Dealing with unpredictable situations and constantly changing information is frustrating and overwhelming. It can make me feel insecure and unstable. Constantly adapting to new situations and processing uncertainties is emotionally draining. Feeling guilty for not being able to control or fix uncertain situations adds to the emotional burdens I unconsciously carry sometimes. It’s easy to lose focus, clarity and motivation.
While following my dreams may seem daunting during the uncertain times we live in, it is precisely during these times that my dreams hold the most significance. My dreams fuel hope and resilience and so do yours. They remind us of possibilities that exist beyond our current circumstances and invite us to believe in the power of the unknown. Your dreams can be a beacon of light, guiding others to envision new possibilities and to contribute their unique gifts to the world – and we need each other’s gifts now more than ever.
I understand that living in uncertain times can feel overwhelming and scary. It’s okay to be afraid or worried about what the future holds. But never forget that your dreams are like tiny seeds planted and who knows what good things they will grow for your future and the future of those you love. When you believe in your dreams, you create a magical force and there’s no knowing where that magical force will lead you.
So, my dear, keep believing in your dreams, even when the world feels uncertain. Your dreams are like whispers from your heart and they matter.
My dream this week, is to inspire you to dust off your art journal and gather all those art supplies, even if all you have are scrap pieces of paper and old wax crayons so we can play and dream together under the magic of the full moon.
Our art journals hold a magical realm where dreams and imagination know no bounds. No matter the art supplies, the possibilities are endless.
In the pages of your art journal, you have the power to visualize your dreams. As you draw, paint, or scribble, you are giving shape and form to the dreams that light up your heart. These simple lines and colors become a profound reflection of the dreams that reside within you.
Do you remember the joy of childhood when you would grab crayons and let your imagination run wild? There was a freedom in the act of creating without any rules or expectations. If you didn’t have that experience as a child, give it to yourself now. Let go of any judgment or comparison; this is about you and your dreams.
Even if you think your art skills are rusty or non-existent, remember that the act of creating is not about perfection; it’s about expression. Your art journal is your sacred space to explore, to be messy, to be imperfect, and to honor the dreams that make your heart sing. You don’t have to show it to anyone. This can be just for you and over time, you’ll see change – both in your art and in your life.
Set aside a little time, find a cozy corner, and let your creativity flow. Use those scrap pieces of paper and old crayons like a witch with a magic wand.
I promise you that this creative exploration will breathe new life into your dreams and goals. As you put colors and shapes to what’s in your heart and soul, you’ll find your dreams becoming more tangible and real. And as you draw, you’ll discover insights and ideas that might have remained hidden.
Here’s to a beautiful journey of manifestation and creation under the glow of the Aquarius full moon!
Monday
The moon is in a happy relationship with Uranus today. The moon is also moving into the sign of Aquarius which, in modern astrology, is ruled by the planet Uranus so it seems to be amplifying those Uranian qualities.
Uranus wants to bring unexpected changes into your life to inspire you to awaken or grow emotionally and spiritually. In this happy relationship with the moon it can mean happy surprises that are beneficial for you. Trust your intuition today, go with the flow and don’t hesitate to act on a whim if your heart is pulling you towards something. Uranus energy wants excitement and change and it celebrates being different so this energy might also support you in loving yourself even when you don’t fit in. It’s stimulating, exciting and bubbly energy like butterflies in your stomach when you know something really great is possible or you meet someone you really like.
Both Uranus and the sign of Aquarius are associated with themes of innovation, originality, and rebelling against the norm. Uranus, known as the “Awakener,” represents radical change and sudden breakthroughs. Similarly, Aquarius, helps us to embrace forward-thinking, progressive ideas, and a desire for society to advance or change for the better.
Both Uranus and Aquarius are also linked to themes of individuality and freedom. Uranus emphasizes the need for personal autonomy and liberation from traditional constraints. Think of two old women sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch talking about how the young generation is getting things all wrong. Uranus and Aquarius would remind them that the past doesn’t hold all the answers. The future is as certain as change.
Uranus and Aquarius are also both associated with humanitarianism and the health and betterment of collective consciousness. Uranus urges us to expand our awareness beyond ourselves and consider the greater good of humanity. Similarly, Aquarius is known for its emphasis on social causes, activism, and a deep commitment to fostering community and unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
Together, both the planet and the zodiac sign inspire us to embrace our uniqueness, challenge societal norms, and work collectively towards a more progressive and inclusive world.
In the spirit of Uranus and Aquarius, it seems like a good day to celebrate being yourself even when you don’t fit in with the people who surround you.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that celebrates a time when you expressed who you really are even though no one around you seemed to understand or appreciate your expression.
Tuesday
In western astrology the August 1st full moon is considered to be in the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is an air sign that is ruled by Saturn and Uranus so the moon is drawing down energy from those planets as well. Aquarius is innovative, quirky, eccentric and unconventional. It likes to help us think outside the box, vision innovative solutions for the future, stay wild and beautiful, think for ourselves, experience breakthroughs and ah-ha moments and embrace where we’re not like everyone else. Step back and see the bigger picture so you can figure out what’s important to focus on now. Reconnect with the why – why do you want to reach the goals or manifest the things in your life that you want?
Aquarius is an air sign so you might be up in your head a lot or feel spacey during this full moon. Do something to be present in your body today. Aquarius moons are also about community, feelings of belonging, contributing to the whole, and seeing what your place is in all of it. The moon is having a relationship with Jupiter while Jupiter is having a happy relationship with Mars. This brings a fire to go for what we really want and take action in that direction.
The moon is in a tense relationship with the planet Jupiter today which brings radiance and harmony, well-being and kindness, abundance, growth and balance. The tension between the moon and Jupiter today can create inspiration, motivation and joy. It’s good energy to stretch yourself, take a risk or leap of faith, trust your intuition and push yourself forward in the direction you most want to go.
To personalize this new moon even further, let’s get specific and see the area of YOUR life that this full moon energy is focused on.
To figure out what area of your life the full moon 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 create your birth chart in this way, you will see your rising sign is the zodiac sign that occupies the first house in your birth chart.
If your rising sign is Aries, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to friendships, community and your hopes and wishes. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you want to amplify during the full moon in order to move forward towards your dreams for your friendships, community or your hopes and wishes.
If your rising sign is Taurus, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward in your career, reputation or ideas of success. During this full moon, visualize your intentions for moving forward in your career, the kind of success you want to achieve or the kind of reputation you want to build.
For Gemini rising sign people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward in your faith, higher education, publishing, spiritual practices, travel or future success. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you want to make during the full moon in order to follow your most meaningful and soulful dreams around these areas of your life.
If your rising sign is Cancer, then the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions in the area of death, taxes, your psyche or any debt you have accumulated. What dreams do you have that will help you clear any energetic, emotional or physical debt you may be carrying (your own or your ancestors’)? How can you move forward in your emotional or mental well-being? What bright dreams can you amplify around these topics? Write your full moon intention below.
For Leo rising sign people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your close, intimate relationships or partnerships. Think about your marriage or partnership or best friend relationships and consider what the most meaningful and soulful dreams you can imagine for the closest relationships in your life.
For Virgo rising sign people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your routines, work, pets or physical health and wellness. If you were moving forward in the direction you wanted to in these areas of your life, what would that look and feel like? Consider what intentions you can amplify during this full moon in order to take action and build positive momentum in these areas of your life.
If your rising sign is in the sign of Libra, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your children, hobbies, pleasure or your creativity. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you want to amplify during the full moon in order to move forward in your parenting life, a creative hobby or project that’s dear to your heart or those activities in your life that bring you joy.
For Scorpio rising sign people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your parents, your ancestors, your childhood or your home and living situation. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you can amplify during this full moon in order to move forward in these areas of your life.
For Sagittarius people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to learning, communication, your siblings or peers, the goddess or moon or earth-based rituals. Which one of these topics feels most important for you to focus on during this new moon? Choose one of them and consider what intentions you want to amplify in order to move forward in these areas of your life.
If your rising sign is Capricorn, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to money, assets, income and your livelihood. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you want to amplify during the full moon in order to move forward in your finances, possessions or livelihood.
For Aquarius people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your identity, body, appearance or your spirit. Think about these areas of your life and consider what intentions you want to amplify during the full moon in order to move forward in your health, personal expression, identity or your relationship with your body.
Finally, for Pisces people, the full moon is inviting you to tune in, trust your own authority and set intentions for moving forward when it comes to your subconscious mind and those things you hide from others and most importantly those things you hide from yourself. During this full moon amplify intentions around the kind of shadow work or brain rewiring you’d like to do and the biggest and brightest results you’d like to experience from that deep inner work.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your full moon intentions.
Wednesday
The moon is in an opposing relationship with Venus today. This means is they are opposite each other. This can bring a push, pull energy to their relationship as if they are opposing what each other wants to do.
Venus wants to help you enjoy your life but in this opposing energy with the moon it can mean overindulging or going overboard with your pleasures in a way that you might regret later. It might also mean being more intense in relationships which can be helpful in that it can support you in creating more intimacy but it can also cause distance if the intensity you’re putting out isn’t helpful to the relationship. It’s also a day where you might feel more lonely than usual or where the loneliness in your relationships is highlighted.
In your art journal, create an image that visually represents your relationship with loneliness.
Thursday
The moon moves in the sign of Pisces.
Pisces is a mutable water sign. Pisces energy is calm and highly receptive. It can help you absorb more information from the environment and from other people. This is great when the energy you are absorbing is helpful, nurturing and positive but it’s not so great when the energy that surrounds you is heavy, intense, negative or unhealthy.
When the moon is in Pisces it can highlight our highly sensitive natures, our compassion and our ability to care for others. It can also help us tune into and honor our creativity but it can also bring flightiness, fickleness and indecision. Pisces energy changes is sentimental but can also change according to whatever mood or emotion it is feeling.
Let’s magnetize the helpful qualities of Pisces.
Think about your creative nature. What do you like about your creativity? What is one positive thing you can say about your creative nature?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image celebrating your creativity.
Friday
Today the moon is in the disseminating phase.
This phase is when the moon is just starting to become smaller. It is a time to rest, relax and rejuvenate and move inward and focus on self. It’s a time to reflect. It’s a great time for expressing your devotion to Spirit and for presenting offerings to your Divine helpers, your ancestors or the Earth.
It’s also a great time to share the wisdom and knowledge you’ve harvested. There’s a generous or giving back quality to the waning phases of the moon. We’re taking note of the bounty we received as the moon was growing in power and feeling grateful and wanting to share what we learned or received with the people we love and care about or with a greater community we feel connected to.
There’s also a releasing and letting go that happens in the waning phases. It’s a good time to look back on everything that has happened since the new moon and reflect on the abundance you received during the full moon. What were your intentions during the new moon? Did they manifest in your life yet? If they didn’t, did you witness tiny shoots starting to grow in the direction of your dreams?
Think of the disseminating moon like the beginning of a great satisfying exhale. Reflect on what you need to release or let go or who it is time to forgive (including yourself) in order to support your new moon intentions manifesting solidly and confidently in your life.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents what you want to release, forgive or let go today.
Saturday
The moon is in the sign of Aries today.
Aries is ruled by the planet Mars so the moon is carrying a little of that planet’s energy as well.
In its most helpful form, Aries supports you in setting healthy boundaries, knowing who you really are and feeling connected to your inner power.
Aries is action, quick responses and impulses. It values action, leadership and assertiveness. When the moon is in the sign of Aries as it is today, it can bring abrupt energy that is blunt and harsh – maybe even sometimes aggressive but it also helps to light a spark in your spirit and connect you to your passion and enthusiasm.
The moon is also in a happy relationship with the sun.
The moon often represents the physical body in astrology and the sun represents your spirit, vitality and life force energy. The moon being in a happy relationship with the sun brings vitality to your body. It also means feeling confident and free to be yourself or in other words, to break down the walls of protection and allow your spirit to shine in this world. It’s a day with a little more flow and ease than usual.
Notice where the energy flows in your life today and move with it. Don’t fight against currents today. Go with the flow and look for opportunities that expand you in some way.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents going with the flow.
Sunday
The moon is in a trine, or in other words, a harmonious relationship with the beautiful planet Venus today.
Venus is associated with fertility and growth and represents beauty, grace, softness and gentleness. It brings love, friendship, harmony, passion, sensuality, pleasure and is concerned with our relationships and our relationship with pleasure and joy.
The moon and Venus both have receptive qualities. In the spiritual realm, Venus and the moon work well with intuitive natures to encourage you to live in flow. They provide you with the energy that helps you open, surrender and trust.
In the physical realm, the moon represents the body so bringing that gentle energy of Venus to your body by focusing on doing things that make you feel happy, nurtured and cared for today is helpful.
In the emotional realm, allow the full spectrum of your emotions the respect they deserve today and try to express how you feel in ways that bring harmony and gentleness to your relationships.
In your art journal, create an image that celebrates the planet Venus.
Have fun with your art journal and the moon this week.
with love,
Pinterest pins

hi i'm dana...

This is a space where art and spirit come together. On the blog, I share art rituals for working with the magic of the moon. I also work with the subconscious mind to lighten your emotional load and follow your creative dreams.

Work with Me
Subscribe to receive hand-drawn journal pages to enjoy every full and new moon:
"*" indicates required fields