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Art Journal with the Moon for November 6-12, 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.
What Would Your Inner Crone Do?
My heart has been heavy lately from world events and yet, at the same time, I know this is a luxury compared to the devastation and destruction so many people are facing right now. I feel powerless, filled with grief and anger at the fact that innocent people are dying and suffering. It’s hard to watch the horrifying events unfolding and at the same time, I’m not interested in burying my head in the sand like my younger self would do. There are so many people in the world experiencing the pain and devastation first hand and there are many others who don’t have the luxury of looking away.
I aspire to mature into a wise old Crone one day and I know wise old Crones aren’t afraid of the dark. They don’t look away because it’s more comfortable to do so. The wise old Crone archetype is connected to the dark moon and the new moon phase and therefore is the archetype I reach to this week as the moon withdraws into darkness once again.
I imagine my Inner Crone would move slowly and deliberately this week because she understands that tensions are high, the collective energy is stressed and grieving. Reacting in haste can cloud her judgment, so she takes her time to respond thoughtfully and gives the people around her a whole lot of grace. She knows that whether or not they feel it, everyone is affected by the chaotic, unpredictable energy in the collective field so she tries imagine the best of the people around her even when they are acting their worst. She balances having boundaries and offering grace.
I imagine my Inner Crone, as an archetype of deep wisdom and reflection, would carry a profound awareness of the inequalities that pervade our society right now, particularly those rooted in racism and the systemic oppression and how they are affecting world events. She would listen to the stories, pains, and experiences of others with humility that comes from knowing that there are many things she cannot know firsthand. She listens more than she speaks, understanding that this is where learning begins.
I suspect my Inner Crone focuses her energy on what she can influence – her thoughts, her actions, her immediate environment, the communities she can support – rather than expending it on what is beyond her control.
Recognizing the power of ritual to heal and to navigate through life’s transitions, I imagine my Inner Crone would likely have a daily spiritual practice this week that keeps her grounded and centered (and we all know her ritual would be art journaling with the moon). I imagine she is like a big oak tree, able to offer a place of regulation and steadiness in a world that is extremely activating and dysregulating.
Also, while deeply compassionate, I imagine my Inner Crone has a healthy detachment when she needs it. She cares deeply but does not always get lost in the emotional turmoil of the world, knowing that she must conserve her energy to be of service. She knows the importance of tending to her own needs, so she can maintain her strength. This might mean quiet time, meditative walks, or simply a warm cup of tea by the fire cuddling up with her beautiful pet.
Lastly, I imagine my Inner Crone is the living embodiment of resilience. She would navigate these times as she has all others – with the knowledge that she has endured much, and this too shall become a part of her enduring spirit.
How do you imagine your Inner Crone would navigate the week ahead?
As we move through these times of global intensity and personal challenges, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in your feelings. The world’s events touch each of us in profound ways, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. It’s okay to not be okay. Nothing about what we’re witnessing (or may personally be going through) is okay. This week, as the moon wanes and we transition from the shadows of eclipse season, it offers us a natural time for reflection and self-care.
During this phase of the moon, consider your own healing as an act of kindness to the world. Your individual peace contributes to our collective serenity. Allow yourself to be present with whatever emotions arise; this awareness is your first step toward being with what is. If you find yourself feeling helpless, remember that small, consistent actions like supporting a local cause or advocating for change can create ripples.
Feeling deeply is not a weakness but a testament to your empathy and humanity. As you emerge from the eclipses, let it symbolize your own emergence from darkness, ready to reflect and renew. The waning moon encourages you to let go of emotional weight, to clear space for new beginnings.
It’s natural to grapple with guilt or feel emotionally sapped from the constant stream of distressing news. It’s also common to feel a disconnection from your spiritual center. Acknowledge these feelings, then gently guide yourself back to your rituals and routines that ground and comfort you. Simple things matter right now.
Incorporate calming practices into your daily life—whether it’s through art journaling with the phases of the moon like you do with me, engaging in mindful movement, or finding solace in the support of a community. These acts of self-care are not selfish; they replenish your strength and capacity to care for others.
In the spirit of nurturing your emotional and spiritual wellbeing, I’d like to extend a heartfelt invitation to join me Sunday, November 12th at noon Mountain Time for my free group Moon Mapping session.
We’ll be working with the transformative MAP Method, a tool that is beautifully suited to help us gently but powerfully clear the subconscious blocks that can hinder our planning and visioning for the future and tend to the many emotions we’re navigating in these times.
Whether you are new to this practice or have joined us before, this session is tailored to support you in feeling emotionally and spiritually prepared to plan and vision the year ahead. It’s a fitting way to shed the weight of the old and make room for new beginnings.
Please consider this an open invitation. There’s no cost to attend; it is my offering to you, a way to contribute to our collective healing and personal growth. All you need to do is bring your open heart and a willingness to explore the depths of your inner landscape and visit the link below to apply.
Join Me Here
Let’s gather this Sunday to support each other in making the next year one of peace, purpose, and positive transformation.
Remember, taking care of your emotional and spiritual well-being isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about building the resilience and clarity you need to move forward and contribute to the world in the ways only you can. Let’s embrace this time to release, reflect, and renew together.
Monday
Today the last quarter moon moves into the sign of Virgo. It’s also having a tense relationship with Mercury and an opposing relationship with Saturn.
The last quarter moon, also known as the third quarter or waning half-moon, is the second to last phase in the moon’s monthly cycle. After the brilliance of the full moon, the moon’s illumination begins to wane, drawing inward once more. The last quarter moon stands as a symbolic crossroads, a time of reflection, release, and inner transformation.
The last quarter moon is viewed as a time of introspection and surrender. As the moonlight diminishes, we too are invited to draw inwards and assess our inner landscapes. It’s a period of letting go, symbolizing the release of old beliefs, habits, or emotional baggage that no longer serve us.
Emotionally, this phase is about acceptance and forgiveness. We are encouraged to make peace with our past, cultivate forgiveness towards ourselves and others, and create space for new possibilities and growth.
To enhance your experience of the last quarter moon, consider these questions:
What lessons have I learned in this past moon cycle?
What am I ready to let go of?
How have I grown and changed over this moon cycle?
Who or what do I need to forgive to move forward?
What seeds of intention do I want to plant for the next cycle?
The last quarter moon invites you to pause, look inward, and clear away what no longer serves you. As you align with this lunar rhythm, you nurture your ability to adapt, release, and prepare yourself for new beginnings. So, as you look up at the night sky or art journal with the moon tonight, take a moment to remember every ending is a new beginning in disguise.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents what you need to let go of before you consider what seeds of intention you want to plant during the next cycle.
Tuesday
The moon is in the sign of Virgo today.
Enriched by its ruling planet, Mercury, Virgo prompts us to articulate our feelings and experiences with clarity.
Virgo’s energy is both nocturnal and deeply rooted in the earth, giving it a grounded, calm presence. Its mutable nature helps you adapt to circumstances with grace and pragmatism. One of Virgo’s most profound gifts is its drive for efficiency and organization. It pushes you to seek out the most effective methods, weaving a tapestry of practicality, attention to detail, and an unyielding love for quality. Yet, with its magnifying precision, it’s easy to become enmeshed in minute details, sometimes at the risk of losing sight of the broader picture.
The moon in Virgo is a time to pause and reflect: Are you content with what you’ve been manifesting in your life? It’s essential to understand that while not every event or experience in our lives stems directly from our actions, many do. For those experiences you have molded and shaped, which ones bring joy? Which ones perhaps weigh heavy on your spirit? This Virgo moon nudges you to discern, evaluate, and, if needed, recalibrate.
As a highly sensitive person, you are uniquely attuned to your environment and internal landscape. Art journaling during this moon in Virgo will help you translate your thoughts and feelings onto paper, blending colors, shapes, and words, allows you to visually navigate the complex web of your emotions. Through your art journal, you can work with the Virgo moon’s energy, taking stock of what is working in your life and what might need a gentle shift.
If there are aspects of your life you’re not entirely content with, what adjustments can you make? How can you align more authentically with your heart’s desires and the intentions you planted during the new moon?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents an adjustment you’d like to make in your life.
Wednesday
The last quarter moon is in the sign of Virgo for most of the day but then is void of course in the late evening in the mountain time zone. It is also having a lot of relationships with other planets – most of them really pleasant and happy relationships. It’s having a happy relationship with Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Jupiter and Pluto and it’s having an opposing relationship with Neptune.
The moon is in a relationship with Neptune where its like they’re coming from opposite sides which can feel polarizing or like your emotions being in opposition with your dreams.
The Moon is all about your inner feelings—how you nurture yourself and others, your instincts, and your need for comfort. Neptune is the planet of dreams and spirituality, but also illusion. It can make things feel a little confusing or unclear. On a day like this, you might find your emotions are super sensitive and you’re picking up vibes from all over the place. It’s easy to get lost in daydreams or feel a bit overwhelmed by all the feelings floating around. Since the moon is having so many happy relationships with other planets though, you might be absorbing some really great energy so stay open to receiving good things today.
On a day when the Moon opposes Neptune, it’s a good idea to ground yourself. That means doing things that make you feel stable and centered—like meditation, spending time in nature, or just being still for a moment. It’s also a perfect time for reflection, like journaling your thoughts and feelings to help sort out what’s real from what’s just an illusion. Since Neptune can inspire creativity, this is a great time for any kind of artistic expression that helps you explore and release your emotions. Spiritually, you might feel more open to the mysteries of life, so gentle exploration of spiritual practices can be fulfilling—just keep one foot on the ground so you don’t float away with the tide.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents escaping into a place in your imagination that feels expansive and wondrous.
Thursday
The balsamic moon is in the sign of Libra and it’s having a close relationship with the planet Venus.
Today, the moon and Venus are in close proximity astrologically speaking. As these two bodies come together, they allow us to feel their combined strength more deeply.
Venus, often seen as the planet of love, grace, beauty, fertility and growth, nudges us towards the things that beautify our lives. When you think of Venus, images of love, chocolate, gold coins, blossoming flowers, tender embraces, harmonious melodies, and passionate connections might come to mind. She’s the epitome of sensuality, intimacy, and happiness. This planet embodies the soft sigh of contentment, the laughter shared with friends, and the simple joys that make life worth celebrating.
Venus isn’t just about pleasure; she’s also about artistic expression. Venus revels in helping us channel our emotions and perceptions into beautiful forms, reminding us of the artistry that resides in all of us.
Imagine this vibrant Venusian energy being amplified by the moon. The moon, our emotional compass, intensifies these feelings, making them even more palpable. It’s as if the moon is holding a magnifying glass to Venus, urging us to look closer, feel deeper, and embrace the beauty and love around us.
With all this intensified good-feeling energy, today is the perfect day to infuse your art journal with themes of love, pleasure, and beauty.
Start by choosing colors that represent affection and joy to you. That might be soft pinks, passionate reds, and shimmering golds or it might be teal greens, aqua blues and silver glimmers. It might be dark greens, rich reds and royal purples. This is your creative expression. Play with the colors that feel affectionate and joyful to you.
You might also want to paint or draw symbols of love and harmony – perhaps intertwined hands, blooming flowers, or figures in an embrace. You may also want to include affirmations or quotes that echo Venus’s message, such as:
“I thrive in love and beauty.”
“I make time for the things that bring me joy.”
“Life offers endless opportunities for love and connection.”
Let your journal page be a reflection of Venus’s desires for you and a reminder of the love, beauty, and pleasure that exists within and around you. Life is unpredictable and challenging and there are a lot of things to grieve in these uncertain times. Reminders of beauty and pleasure are important.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents thoughts of love and beauty you’d like to send out into the world.
Friday
The balsamic moon is in the sign of Libra.
The balsamic moon is the time right before the new moon, where everything is quieting down, wrapping up, and preparing for a fresh start. Now, if you place this sleepy moon into Libra, the sign all about balance, harmony, and relationships, it’s like the moon is whispering to you to fix any lopsided friendships or relationships or to smooth over any arguments, all while keeping things as fair as possible. This is a time for healing, particularly through relationships and partnerships and with the magic of compromise and harmony.
Take a breath and let go of old grudges. It’s a good time for tying up loose ends in relationships, saying the things you need to say before you can start fresh. Emotionally, it’s a moment to forgive and find balance in your feelings. Spiritually, it’s about seeking inner harmony, maybe through drawing or painting what balance and harmony in your relationships looks and feels like to you. Think of it as your spiritual housecleaning time, putting your relationships in order, inside and out, before the new moon kicks off a new cycle.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents a relationship you want to bring harmony to.
Saturday
The balsamic moon moves into the sign of Scorpio. It is also having a tense relationship with Pluto and a harmonious relationship with Saturn.
The moon wants to illuminate the darkness, bring about change, be a mirror to reflect us back to ourselves and awaken our receptive and intuitive powers. She represents your body and emotions and reminds you that life is an ever-changing cycle of birth, death, decay and rebirth. She wants to bring kindness, nurturing, novelty and adaptability.
Saturn is associated with the earth element and the archetype of the Crone and it wants to bring responsibility, seriousness, deep thought, reflection, wisdom, strategy, maturity, structure, sensibility, frugality, discipline, routine and actions that inspire order in your life.
Saturn brings this stability to your emotions and intuition today. I think of it as emotional maturity. You can feel confident trusting what you feel, including your gut feelings. You’re more likely to respond when you feel emotionally triggered versus reacting. Saturn and the moon being in this kind of happy relationship also helps you to see your dreams and your future with clarity and have realistic expectations of what it will take to become who you are working on becoming.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents the archetype of the Crone.
Sunday
The balsamic moon is in the sign of Scorpio and it’s having an opposing relationship with Jupiter.
The balsamic or waning crescent phase of the moon, just before we plunge into the darkness of the New Moon, is a deeply spiritual time, ripe with opportunities for introspection and release.
Emotionally, the balsamic moon phase is like your spiritual guardian, whispering, “It’s okay to let go.” It’s not the time for launching new projects or making big decisions. Instead, it’s a time for tying up loose ends, letting go of what no longer serves you, and giving yourself permission to rest and recharge. The balsamic moon phase is a little like a detox for your soul.
Spiritually, this phase is your invitation to dive into your inner world and tend to what emotionally and spiritually needs tending to. It’s like a spiritual retreat, allowing you to explore your dreams, fears, and the stories you tell yourself. This energy encourages you to let go of old emotional baggage and release patterns that might be holding you back. It’s an opportunity to make peace with the past and create space for new beginnings.
Imagine you’re decluttering your emotional closet. What do you need to let go of? What emotional weight is dragging you down? In your art journal, create a page that represents the things you’re ready to release. It could be a collage of images or words, or even an abstract representation of the emotional baggage you’re letting go of.
In your art journal, draw, paint or create a collage of images that represents the emotional baggage you are ready to let go before the new moon.
Have fun with your art journal and the moon this week.
with love,
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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.
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