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Art Journal with the Moon: Themes and Prompts for November 4-10, 2024 | How To Amplify Intentions with the Full Moon in Your Art Journal

In this post, I explore how to amplify intentions with the full moon in your art journal and share step-by-step instructions on how to create a Tree of Manifestation in your art journal. I also share a summary of the moon for the week of November 4-10, 2024 as it moves through the zodiac and interacts with the planets. 

The Moon This Week

This week, the moon is growing in energy and light as it moves towards a full moon in Taurus. This lunar cycle began with the new moon in Scorpio which was a great moon for fresh starts, new beginnings and setting intentions. The full moon in Taurus will be a great moon to amplify those intentions in.

Before we get into how to amplify your intentions in your art journal under the full moon, here is a more detailed summary of the moon’s energy this week, giving you an overview of what to expect as the moon moves through different signs and phases. However, if you’re looking for more specific ways to work with the moon’s energy each day, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. There, in my videos and reels, I share daily art journal with the moon prompts that guide you in doing deep inner work or practicing manifestation magic in a creative way with the moon. You can also sign up here, to get reminders in your inbox of the moon’s energy for the upcoming week and how you can work with it in your art journal to practice folk magictend to your soul or do your deep inner work

The week kicks off with the moon in the sign of Sagittarius having an opposing relationship with Jupiter and an intense relationship with Venus on Monday which is good energy for expansiveness and optimism. The collective energy has been heavy and intense lately. The intensity of it all can be overwhelming. If you can, know that it’s okay—more than okay—to put it all down, even if just for a moment. I understand that not everyone has the freedom to set burdens aside. Maybe you or your community is in crisis. Maybe your responsibilities don’t allow it, or maybe the challenges you’re dealing with are too immediate to put down. But if you can, even for a few minutes, allow yourself that gentle pause with the Sagittarius moon today.

You can connect with something that is timeless, that’s been here before all of this and will be here after.

The moon is a constant, quiet reminder of beauty and love that still exists, even when life feels overwhelming. In your art journal, imagine expanding goodness into the lives of those around you—your family, your community, and even the world. What would that look like? What would spreading a little goodness around you look like today?

On Tuesday, the waxing crescent moon moves into the sign of Capricorn and has a tense relationship with Neptune. Emerging from the darkness of the new moon, the waxing crescent moon symbolizes the first visible evidence of your intentions and desires beginning to take form. It’s a time of promise and potential that whispers of growth and possibilities yet to unfold. This phase of the moon is about taking the seeds you planted during the new moon—those quiet intentions set in sacred space—and tenderly helping them into the light. It’s a reminder that even your biggest, wildest, grandest dreams start small, and that every first step must be taken in faith because you can’t yet see exactly where you are going or where your creative dreams will lead you. In your art journal, revisit your new moon intentions.

On Wednesday, the waxing crescent moon is in the sign of Capricorn and it’s having a happy relationship with Saturn. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn in ancient astrology, holds the wisdom of patience and the power of slow, intentional progress. When the moon is in this sign, it brings a gentle but determined quality to your emotional and spiritual journey. The fact that the moon is also having a happy relationship with Saturn only amplifies this. This energy encourages you to set foundations, lay down plans, and take your dreams seriously—however small the steps may seem right now. It’s about knowing that real change and growth happen over time, through dedication and resilience. In your art journal, explore the reasons you believe in yourself and your dreams.

With the waxing crescent moon moving into the sign of Aquarius, Thursday offers the opportunity to love and accept yourself just as you are. Imagine if you truly embraced every single part of yourself—the quirks, the unique ways of thinking, the habits that make you you—and saw them all as purposeful and valuable. Aquarius energy reminds you that everything that sets you apart is not only intentional but also a gift to the world.

Imagine if you believed, with all your heart, that there’s nothing about you that needs to change for you to reach your goals.

You’re exactly where you need to be, with the exact traits, talents, and spirit that perfectly fit your journey and the people you’re meant to touch. Create a page where you capture what it feels like to truly love and accept yourself, just as you are. 

On Friday, the first quarter moon in Aquarius is having a happy relationship with Mercury. The first quarter moon is all about decision, action, and commitment. This moon phase represents a critical point where the energy of the lunar cycle is building momentum, asking you to push past internal blocks and barriers. It’s a moment that requires courage and clarity because this is where the intentions you set at the new moon either gain strength or fizzle out, depending on how you respond. Imagine it as a fork in the road, where you have the chance to choose—you can commit more deeply to your dreams and goals, or you can let doubts and fears slow you down. In your art journal, work with this energy by exploring what barriers might be standing between you and your goals then create a visual or written declaration of your commitment, a pledge to yourself that you’re ready to push forward. 

Saturday’s moon moves into Pisces later in the evening in the mountain time zone. When the moon is in Pisces, it’s a beautiful reminder of the gifts that come from being a highly sensitive, intuitive person. Pisces represents the boundless, flowing nature of emotions and intuition—it’s like a deep, mystical sea that holds wisdom beyond words. Sensitivity is often misunderstood, but it’s also what allows you to pick up on subtle energies, feel deeply, and connect with people and nature in a profound way. With the moon in Pisces, you’re being invited to see your sensitivity as a bridge to your intuition and creative self. Think of the ways your sensitivity allows you to understand others without words, to feel emotions in their full richness, and to find inspiration in the little things.

Your sensitivity allows you to connect you to something greater—whether it’s a sense of universal love, an appreciation of beauty, or an understanding of emotions others might overlook.

This moon encourages you to recognize the magic in these gifts. Create a page that captures what you love most about your sensitivity, intuition, and creativity.

The week wraps up on Sunday with the moon in Pisces having a tense relationship with the planet Mercury. With the first quarter moon in Pisces forming a tense relationship with Mercury, there’s a unique blend of energy that asks you to balance intuition with logic. Pisces represents the realm of dreams, imagination, and intuition, while Mercury symbolizes communication, thought, and mental clarity. When these two energies clash, it can create a push and pull between what you feel deeply within and what you logically think. This energy encourages you to clear away any mental clutter, trusting that your intuition often knows what your mind may not yet fully understand. In your art journal, work with this energy by creating a page that celebrates the balance between intuition and intellect. Start by dividing your page in half: on one side, express your logical thoughts with words, symbols, or structured shapes. On the other side, let your intuition flow freely through abstract colors, fluid lines, or symbols that feel deeply meaningful. Alternatively, you might write down questions that are on your mind on one side of the page and let your intuition guide you toward answers on the other side of the page. 

Remember, the moon’s energy is here to support you in embracing who you truly are. By art journaling with the lunar energy this week, you’re not only connecting with the rhythms of nature but also nurturing your soul and manifesting the changes you really want to see in your life so you can more fully align with your true self.

Now let’s look at how to amplify your intentions in your art journal with the full moon.

Setting Intentions with the New Moon Then Amplifying Them with the Full Moon

Setting your intentions at the new moon and amplifying them at the full moon are two distinct yet complementary practices when you’re practicing magic in your art journal. When the new moon arrives, it’s a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. This is when you get to clarify what you truly desire and set your intentions for the cycle ahead. Think of it as planting seeds in the void of possibility. You take a moment to reflect on what you want to invite into your life, whether it’s a goal, a dream, or a new habit. This is your opportunity to envision your intentions clearly and lay the groundwork for what’s to come.

On the other hand, the full moon is about bringing those intentions into the light and amplifying their energy. It’s the moment when the moon is at its brightest, symbolizing culmination and manifestation. Here, you focus on what has grown from the seeds you planted at the new moon. You assess your progress, celebrate your achievements, and express gratitude for the abundance around you. This is also a good time to charge your intentions with energy if they haven’t manifested yet, which mine rarely do in one lunar cycle since I tend to focus on long-term dreams in my moon art rituals.

When you’re working with the full moon, the focus isn’t on the void of possibility like it is with the new moon. Instead, the focus is on culmination, completion and manifestation. The full moon is about celebrating what has grown and come to be and shining a light on whatever needs to be seen so that you’re intentions can manifest. It’s a time for gratitude, and recognizing the progress you’ve made. This means that when you amplify your intentions at the full moon, you’re not just initiating change; you’re actively engaging with the energy of completion and abundance which makes it a great time to visualize what it will feel and look like when your intentions become reality.

By working with both phases in your art journal, you create a beautiful cycle of intention setting and amplification, nurturing your dreams under the moon’s guiding light.

Amplifying Intentions with the Full Moon in Taurus

Taurus is grounded and sensual, representing stability, security, and a deep connection to the earth. It encourages you to focus on what truly matters. Think of Taurus as the cozy, comfy places in nature you can retreat to like your favorite garden or a park surrounded by trees. It’s grounded, loves nice things, good food, and relaxation. It wants to support you in focusing on what truly makes you feel happy and fulfilled. Taurus wants you to enjoy your life and see tangible results for your efforts. It’s ruled by the planet Venus so whenever the moon is in Taurus, it’s reflecting a little of that planet’s lovely nature as well. 

I love working with the energy of Taurus in my art journal because it’s earthy and sensual and seems to scream manifestation to me. If Taurus were my fairy godmother I just know she would wave her magic wand and give me everything I want so I can spoil myself lavishly and experience the things that bring me the most joy.

But instead of a fairy godmother I have the magic of manifestation. Maybe manifestation is about being my own fairy godmother and making my own dreams come true – with a little divine help of course.

Manifestation, after all, is about taking something that exists in the realm of your thoughts and desires and bringing it into the physical world. This process begins with setting a clear intention at the new moon. You need to know exactly what you want to create—this could be a new job, a healthier lifestyle, or a more fulfilling relationship. The clearer your vision, the more focused your energy can be. Taurus energy would have you make sure that the intentions you’re setting are leading you to a life that you truly enjoy. 

Once you’ve established your intention, the next step is to draw down energy from the spiritual realm. Through ritual, meditation, or visualization techniques, for example, you connect with your spirit allies and the divine forces of love you pray to, seeking their support and guidance. This is where another one of the qualities of Taurus come into play. Taurus is an earth sign that embodies practicality, stability, and perseverance. It encourages you to anchor that spiritual energy into something real and tangible. Do you need to make a plan to help your dreams come true? What are the first actions steps you’re going to take to manifest your dreams? Taurus also teaches you the importance of patience and consistency; manifestation is not a quick fix but a journey that requires dedication. You need to be devoted to and committed to your dreams.

Taurus wants you to remain grounded during the manifestation process. Nurture your nervous system, stabilize your energy and stay focused on your goal. And Taurus says, don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way and celebrate your progress. That’s why you’re doing this in the first place, isn’t it? To enjoy your life? Acknowledge the small wins. Savor the magical moments. Have fun and do it in a way that brings you joy and pleasure. 

So let’s imagine, for a moment, Taurus as a Tree of Manifestation.

The leaves of the tree are your connection to the divine. Just as leaves release oxygen, your thoughts and desires are released out to the universe. Just like leaves soak in sunlight, you receive inspiration and guidance from the divine forces of love who want to support you in manifesting the changes you want to make in your life. This back-and-forth relationship with the divine is magical; you express your intentions, the divine responds with love and support. With this analogy I hope I made it so that every time you watch the leaves of a tree dancing in the wind, you think of whispering your dreams to the divine forces of love that are waiting to support you.

Now, consider the trunk and roots of the tree as the embodiment of manifestation. The trunk represents your strength and commitment to bringing your intentions into reality, while the roots dig deep into the earth, anchoring your dreams in the physical world. This allows you to ground your dreams into reality and ensure they are firmly rooted in your life.

When you amplify your intentions during the full moon in Taurus, you’re drawing down from spirit in order to make your dreams real in your everyday life.

Creating the Tree of Manifestation in Your Art Journal

Let’s work with the Tree of Manifestation to amplify your intentions under the full moon in Taurus. I’m sharing this with you now even though the full moon isn’t until next Friday so that you can prepare to do this art ritual on the day of the full moon. Alternatively, you can complete your Tree of Manifestation in the waxing moon energy of this week then set your journal out under the full moon to charge it. There’s no right way to do it. Just do what works for you in your life.

This Tree of Manifestation is helpful because it allows you to visualize what it will feel and look like when your intentions become reality. I share another example of this process in this post

I learned this technique from Colette Streicher, the founder of the MAP Coaching Institute, when I was training to become a certified MAP Practitioner. There is a MAP process called Magnetization that I think makes the Tree of Manifestation even more effective for amplifying your intentions under the full moon. If you want to create this tree in your art journal with me and experience a MAP session focused on Magnetization, come join me for this week’s online Witchy Wednesday Art Circle. 

Step One – Set a Clear Intention

Setting a clear intention is crucial. When you work with the new moon to set intentions, it’s about planting seeds in the fertile ground of possibility. This is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and truly identify what you want to bring into your life. A clear intention acts like a roadmap, guiding you toward your goals. It allows you to articulate your desires, making them more tangible and real. Without this clarity, your intentions can become vague or unfocused, which may lead to confusion and uncertainty as you move forward.

As you shift to the full moon and the moon happens to be in the right conditions for manifestation like this one is, the focus changes to amplifying those intentions. This is the time to assess the growth of what you planted at the new moon and to celebrate your progress. You might need to tweak or change your intention here. A clear intention helps you evaluate what has manifested and what still needs nurturing. It allows you to recognize your achievements and inspires you to deepen your commitment to your goals. By amplifying your intentions with clarity, you create a powerful energy that supports your desires, making them more likely to come to fruition.

I’m really passionate about the process of setting a clear intention and understand how vital it is as a foundational step in your magic. In an upcoming blog post, I’ll dive deeper into my personal process for setting and amplifying intentions but for now, just take some time to be clear before you create your Tree of Manifestation.

Step Two – Prepare for Ritual

If moon rituals are familiar to you, prepare your sacred space and invite Spirit, the elements and directions to join you in whatever way works best for you.

If, however, you are new to moon rituals, I’ve included a quick guide to the steps I follow to prepare for my moon rituals in a this blog post. Take a look at it before moving forward.

Step Three – Create a Magical Background

Start by choosing colors that resonate with Taurus energy. Earthy tones like greens, browns, and soft yellows can help ground your intentions, while touches of gold can symbolize abundance and prosperity. You can also incorporate colors you associate with the intentions you want to magnify. As you begin to create your background, consider how these colors make you feel and how they reflect the intentions you want to amplify.

You might also want to incorporate symbols that align with Taurus, such as the bull, flowers like roses or daisies, or natural elements like stones and leaves. These symbols can serve as reminders of the qualities you want to embody, such as stability, patience, and growth. Use these elements to create a layered background that feels rich and meaningful.

Working with mixed media is a fantastic way to add magic to your art journal. You could by writing a letter to your spirit allies in the background. I usually start this way.  You can then add a layer of watercolor or acrylic paint as a base and scratch sacred symbols into the paint. Next, you can collage pieces from magazines or printed images that resonate with your intentions. Finally, you can draw plants, animals or sigils with ink that invoke the kind of magic you want to work with to manifest your intentions.

You can also use materials like fabric scraps, textured paper, or even natural elements like dried flowers or leaves. These can be glued down to create tactile layers that represent the grounded energy of Taurus. Consider using gold or metallic paints to add details or outlines, bringing an extra touch of magic.

As you work on your background, keep your intentions at the forefront of your mind. Allow your intuition to guide you in choosing elements and arranging them in a way that feels harmonious. This process is not just about creating art; it’s about weaving your intentions into the very fabric of your journal. When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful Tree of Manifestation sitting on a magical background that amplifies your intentions and reflects the powerful energy of the full moon in Taurus.

Step Four – Draw or Paint the Tree

As you begin drawing or painting the branches, roots, and trunk of your Tree of Manifestation on the background you created, take a moment to reflect on how you want your tree to look and the feelings you want it to evoke within you. Consider the overall shape and style of the tree. Do you want it to be strong and sturdy, symbolizing stability and resilience? Or perhaps you prefer a more whimsical tree, representing creativity and growth. Think about the emotions you want this tree to convey—feelings of abundance, security, or connection to nature can all influence how you approach this part of your art.

You will be writing your intention on the trunk of the tree so ensure you make the trunk of your tree large enough to incorporate that later. As you draw the branches, think about how they reach upward and outward, representing you reaching toward spirit. Each branch can symbolize different aspects of your life that will be changed or improved when your intentions manifest in your life. This process is not just about the visuals; it’s a way to infuse your tree with your desires and intentions.

You can also consider choosing a specific type of tree whose spiritual or magical properties resonate with the intentions you want to amplify. Researching the properties of different trees can deepen your connection to nature and to your intentions and give your artwork even more meaning.

Step Five – Write Your Intention on the Trunk of the Tree

The next step in your Tree of Manifestation is to write your intention on the trunk of the tree, and I love to do this in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Imagine how lovers carve their initials into the bark of a tree, creating a lasting symbol of their bond. This intimate act captures a moment in time and signifies a commitment, and I find it’s a beautiful metaphor for how you’re committing to your intentions.

To replicate this feeling, take a moment to focus on your intention and the energy surrounding it. Use a pen, paint, or any medium that feels right for you, and write your intention directly on the trunk of your tree. As you do this, think of it as marking this commitment into your very being, similar to leaving your initials on the tree. 

Consider using a unique font or style that resonates with you, whether it’s flowing and cursive or bold and sturdy. You might even embellish it with small symbols or designs that reflect your intention, further personalizing this space. This act is not just about writing; it’s about making a sacred promise to yourself and the universe that you are dedicated to bringing this intention into reality. By placing your intention on the trunk, you create a strong, visual reminder of what you’re cultivating, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of your heart and mind.

Step Six – Paint or Collage the Leaves

The next step in creating your Tree of Manifestation is to paint or collage the leaves onto the branches you’ve drawn. Use this step to visualize how your life will look once your intentions manifest into reality.

As you add each leaf, think about what it represents in terms of practical changes you want to see in your life.

When your intentions become reality, what will the outcomes be?

What results will you see?

What specific changes will you see in your daily life when your intentions manifest?

How will your routines differ?

What new opportunities will you pursue, and what habits will you adopt?

Think about your surroundings—what physical changes will you notice?

Will your home feel different, or will you be engaging in new activities that bring you joy and fulfillment?

On each leaf, write a word or short phrase that describes a specific aspect of your life that will be different once your intentions come to fruition.

By focusing on these practical and tangible aspects, you create a clear picture of what your life will look like when your intentions are realized. This not only strengthens your vision but also aligns your actions with your dreams.

Step Seven – Write Your Feelings in the Roots 

The next step in your Tree of Manifestation is to paint or write words that describe how you will feel once your intentions become a reality in your everyday life. This part of the process is incredibly important because it connects you emotionally to your vision, allowing you to embody that future state right now. As you create, think about the specific feelings you will experience when your intentions manifest. For example, you might write words like “joy,” “freedom,” “peace,” or “empowerment.” Each word serves as a reminder of the positive emotions that will accompany the changes you’re working towards.

Embodying the feelings of your future vision now is a powerful practice. When you evoke those emotions in the present moment, you align your energy with what you want to attract into your life. This alignment makes it easier for the universe to respond to your intentions, as you are essentially creating a vibrational match for your desires. For instance, if your intention is to feel more confident in your career, start embodying that confidence in your daily life. This could mean speaking up in meetings, taking on new challenges, or simply carrying yourself with pride.

As you write or paint these feelings onto your tree, visualize yourself living your dreams. This step of connecting to your feelings helps bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. By fostering these feelings today, you create a powerful energy that draws your intentions closer to you. Remember, the more you can feel the essence of your future reality in the present, the more likely it is to manifest in your life. 

Working with the Tree of Manifestation Together

JOIN THE NEXT WITCHY WEDNESDAY ART CIRCLE

Witchy Wednesday Art Circle is a weekly online gathering where we align with the moon and nature’s cyclespractice folk magic in our art journals, and use the MAP Method to clear subconscious blocks that stand between you and your dreams. These gatherings are designed to help you tend to your soul, practice magic, or process any emotions you haven’t had time for earlier in the week.

We finish with a Moon Mapping session, where we use the MAP Method (Make Anything Possible) to release old memories and overcome limiting beliefs that hold you back.

Don’t worry if you don’t have an art journal or art experience—this is all about the process, not the final result. You can use pencil crayons or markers on any paper you have! You’ll leave feeling lighter, clearer, and ready to take confident steps forward, with a deeper understanding of your own unique magic.

Our Next Gathering

When: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

This Week’s Theme: Preparing to Amplify Intentions with the Full Moon in Your Art Journal

Register Here 

with love,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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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.

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