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Art Journal with the Moon for October 16-22, 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.
My Eclipse Musings
I’m writing my thoughts on the moon this week after having made a mistake with the eclipse last weekend. Eclipse energy is known to be unpredictable and unstable and I seem to have fallen into that vortex and contributed to the instability.
I didn’t double check my eclipse source and I thought it was happening for my time zone around 11:54 pm on Friday the 13th but I was wrong. It was happening on Saturday the 14th so I apologize to all of you who might have relied on my misinformation.
It did, however, have me contemplate the eclipse energy in my own astrological birth chart. We’re still in eclipse season as we’re building up to a lunar eclipse at the end of the month and that unstable, unpredictable energy is bringing change and transformation in my 5th astrological house of creativity, joy, romance and children and right across from it on my birth chart in my 11th house of groups, community, friendships and hopes and wishes.
Making a mistake like I did in a way that affects my community ushered in this compassion for myself because I was treated by you all with acceptance and understanding. The people who reached out after I made a mistake were kind to me. They didn’t blame me or hate me or show up with resentment or frustration.
The focus of the solar eclipse this weekend was on our relationships and patterns from our past, urging us to release what no longer serves us and for me that was just so gosh darn beautiful. The words of comfort, support, acceptance and reassurance I received from my community when I made a mistake helped me feel freer to show up with my intuitive, messy, not-always-perfect, creative self. I am feeling so grateful for you all.
As I was sitting with the themes of the eclipse, especially how they relate to my birth chart personally, I knew something big and important was being worked through emotionally and spiritually but I couldn’t connect with it. I could feel it in my body and sense it was there right under the surface of things but I couldn’t feel it in my heart or name and understand it until I messed up and everyone met me with kindness.
The kindness I received was like this wave of love that opened my heart and I finally was able to see what I needed to see – about me, the eclipse and my fear of abandonment and how it affects my creativity.
I have a creative project that is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been working on it on and off for five years but I keep losing focus and putting it on the backburner. Every time I stop working on it, I sense there is a subconscious block causing my procrastination. And honestly, it’s one of those repeated pattern kind of experiences where I keep doing the same thing I don’t want to do over and over again and each time I do, I meet a new layer of my wounding. Every time I stop working on my project, it is because there’s another emotional layer that needs my attention and care but I’m not always conscious of that until months later. Instead, I just procrastinate and don’t work on the thing that is most important to me. Eventually I realize what I’m doing so I get curious. I ask myself why this is happening, “Why are you procrastinating, Dana?”
Each time I get curious, I eventually see what I need to see and meet those parts of my inner self with love and rewire my brain with the MAP Method until I’m ready to work on my project again. If ever you’ve had a pattern that continues to show up, you know how frustrating it can be. I make progress then get stuck again then I tend to what needs to be tended to and make progress again then get stuck again…
Inner healing takes heroic patience and determination sometimes.
The eclipse happened in the 5th house of my birth chart which is the house of creative projects so I’m not surprised I finally was able to see the emotional block that has been in the way these last few months. Ever since the eclipse polarity moved away from the Taurus/Scorpio part of my chart and into the Aries/Libra part of my chart, this profound healing has been going on around my feelings of belonging, friendship and community. I had no idea how tied up that was with the dream of finishing my book but the layer I was able to tend to this weekend was seeing how scared I am of being abandoned if I create something and share it with other people. It’s not a fear of rejection as much as it is a fear of abandonment. If I finish my book, I’m scared people will leave me. People I love will abandon me because I created something.
My mind was trying to protect me by avoiding the project, because it wants to keep me safe from potential pain and disappointment. The beautiful, imaginative, and brave ideas were held back by these fears, as my mind tried to create a sort of protective wall, attempting to shield me from potential hurt. And so, while my heart longs to express and create and finish my darn book already, the fear stands like a guard, making it challenging to step into the vulnerable space of authentic creation and sharing. It’s a tender spot to be in, where the desire to create and share is dimmed by the fear of how it—and in extension, me—may be abandoned by others.
If I could show you how important this book is to me, you would see all the way down to the core of my soul and in that light you would see a little girl sitting at a table drawing and writing her heart onto the page. It’s what I really want to do before I die. I want to make sure I finish this book but oh my goddess how I have procrastinated over and over again!
Please know I say this with gentleness and compassion because the truth is what has become more important than my goals and dreams over the years is treating myself and all my inner parts, especially my sensitive inner child parts, with all the patience and love they will ever need. I care more about how I treat myself and my inner parts than I do about finishing my book.
I want my inner child parts to know that it’s okay. Every time I procrastinate I meet another inner child part within me who needs my love, my care and my attention. I refuse to make my dream of finishing my book more important than my inner parts. They are most important to me. My goals and dreams will happen in their own timing but my feelings, my experience and my needs are my priority. I will not abandon myself ever again (or at the very least, I will try my very best not to).
And that’s what I see me telling this inner child part who is afraid of being abandoned. I see me saying to her, “I will not abandon you. I will never abandon you. I am here now. I will be here when you finish your book. I’m not going anywhere. And when your book is done, I will hold it in my hands and press it to my heart and it will be as precious to me as you are because your creations are important to me. I don’t care what anyone else says or thinks about them, I will hold them as sacred and precious because you are sacred and precious to me. No matter what, you will have me.”
I know that my feelings of abandonment are intertwined with feelings of not belonging and not fitting in so I also imagine saying to her, “I know that sometimes life can feel like this massive puzzle, and finding where you fit in can be challenging. It’s okay to feel out of place sometimes. A lot of us do, even if it doesn’t seem that way on the outside.
I want you to know that just because you might feel different or out of place now doesn’t mean you’ll always feel this way. Life has a way of changing, often when we least expect it. And sometimes, the things that make us feel unique or out-of-sync with others are the very things that become our strengths in the future.
Remember, everyone has their own journey and their own timeline. And it’s okay if yours looks a little different than someone else’s. It doesn’t mean you’re behind or not doing things right. It just means you have your own unique path to walk.”
That is the magic the moon and the eclipse weaved into my life so far.
How has it been for you?
This week the moon is growing in energy as we move towards a full moon lunar eclipse on the 28th.
The sun is also moving into Scorpio next week so the moon will be reflecting those deep waters soon. For the next couple weeks, I think this will be enhanced by the fact Mercury is moving into Scorpio as well so every time the moon has a relationship with Mercury, it will be reflecting that Scorpio energy too.
My mentor, Kelly Surtees, describes this Mercury in Scorpio energy as a journey through deep emotional and spiritual waters, inviting us to dive into the profound realms of our emotions and thoughts. Scorpio, known for its intensity and depth, prompts Mercury to dig deep, fostering conversations and reflections that are rich, meaningful, and sometimes, quite revealing.
During this transit, conversations might naturally veer towards exploring feelings on a deeper level, not shying away from topics that are typically hidden beneath the surface. We might find ourselves engaging in discussions about our most secretive or suppressed feelings, bringing into the open what has been lurking in the shadows. There’s an encouragement to talk about all kinds of feelings, even those that are usually veiled or uncomfortable, thereby opening channels for more genuine, albeit intense, interactions.
The energy of Mercury in Scorpio is notably reflective and introspective, propelling our thoughts to survey beneath the surface in a quest for facts and understanding. It ignites a strategic, sharp mindset that’s adept at dissecting situations to understand their root core. There’s a distinctive pull towards investigating the “why” and “how” behind our emotions, desires, and interactions.
Mercury’s stay in a water sign like Scorpio offers a therapeutic and psychologically rich period, where thinking, talking about, or gaining new insights around our emotions and feelings becomes a prevalent theme. It’s a time where processing and digesting emotions might become a central part of our communicative exchanges, offering potential for healing and transformative conversations.
Moreover, the strategic nature of Scorpio enhances our ability for strategic thinking, offering a climate where making smart, strategic decisions is supported. There is an emphasis on a longer-term focus, seeking sustainability and depth in plans and dialogues.
To me this all means it’s a great time to book those sessions with your therapist, coach or professional intuitive. Your hidden subconscious blocks and emotional issues will be easier to navigate, and you’ll probably get to the root of things a lot sooner or with more ease.
Enjoy art journaling with the moon this week.
Join Me
If you want don’t want to art journal with the moon alone this week or you want to work with the MAP Method to rewire your brain, you might want to join me for my regular “Held by the Moon” live online gatherings. Our next gathering is Monday, October 16, 2023 at 6:30-8:30 pm MT. It is a live virtual event but if you can’t join us live, I will send you a link to the recording later in the week.
During these online creative gatherings, we combine the ancient wisdom of lunar cycles with the power of art journaling and the MAP Method to facilitate profound inner work. Together, we overcome limiting beliefs and neutralize memories that are standing between you and your dreams so that you are one step closer to experiencing the results you’ve been working towards.
Each time we gather we focus on a different theme.
Our next theme is Working with the Solar Eclipse in Libra
Join me here
Monday
The moon is in the new moon phase and it is in the sign of Scorpio. It is also having an opposing relationship with Jupiter.
Today’s moon carries with it a tinge of Mars, ruler of Scorpio, bringing that planet’s distinctive vibes to our emotional landscape.
Scorpio’s energy, while not always conducive to outward vulnerability, offers us a protective shell, a sanctuary where we can safely introspect and explore our deeper feelings. There’s no denying that Scorpio shields us, but this shielding is not just about hiding away. It’s about providing a safe space for healing, for facing those secret or repressed emotions that we might shy away from on any other day.
Scorpio energy urges us to dive deep into our emotional and spiritual realms, which are essential territories for healing and transformation. Art journaling becomes a powerful tool during this time, allowing us to visually and creatively express, process, and navigate our feelings. The intensities of conflict and destruction in the world are vast, complex topics that are devastating. It can awaken a storm of emotions within us. Through art, we can try our best to capture and understand how we think and feel about the overwhelming situations people are forced to face.
Let’s use our art journals as maps, charting our emotional landscapes, addressing the pain brought about by the conflict in this world, and try our best to find solace in the transformative power of Scorpio. Remember, while the Scorpio energy might urge us to hide and protect, it also provides us with a powerful catalyst to face, heal, and transform our deepest emotions. So, get out your art journal and become friends with the moon today.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents the emotions you experience when you witness pain and suffering.
Tuesday
The moon is still considered to be in the new phase today. It is also moving into the sign of Sagittarius and having a tense relationship with Saturn, an opposing relationship with Uranus and a happy relationship with Pluto and Neptune.
When the Moon is in a happy relationship with the planet Pluto like it is today, it brings a harmonious energy that intertwines your emotional and intuitive self (represented by the Moon) with themes of transformation and rebirth (represented by Pluto).
You might feel drawn to change or transform an emotional experience you’ve been carrying.
It’s also a time where your intuition might gently nudge you toward considering areas of our life that are ripe for transformation or renewal. What in your life are you ready to transform?
Spiritually, this can be a period of rebirth, where you find your inner world and your inner parts (your young inner child parts or your ancestral parts or your past life parts) aligning with a spiritual truth that is new for you.
In essence, this energy encourages you to look within and embrace change, helping you to let go of past emotional baggage and regenerate from within. There’s an invitation here to explore the depths of our emotional and spiritual selves, but with the supportive energy of the moon and Pluto, it’s likely to be a gentle and gradual exploration rather than a turbulent journey. It’s a great day to book an emotional or spiritual healing session.
In your art journal, draw, collage or paint an image that represents something about your self or your life you are ready to transform.
Wednesday
The moon is now in the waxing crescent phase, in the sign of Sagittarius and it is having a tense relationship with Venus.
This waxing crescent moon phase is when a silver sliver of the moon begins to appear in the night sky. The moon is moving from being dark, still and invisible to growing and coming into full power.
I like to think of this phase as the time when the dream seeds I planted during the New Moon are just starting to form shoots or tiny roots. I might not be able to see my prayers being answered or my dreams manifesting but I can have faith that despite the limited capabilities of what my physical senses can pick up, Spirit is conspiring in my favor and there are invisible forces at work in my life helping me to grow, heal, evolve and create.
In my art rituals, this is the time when I’m meditating on the intentions I set during the New Moon. I’m revisiting my intentions and trying to call them up in my imagination again and trying to tap into the emotions those intentions evoke within me. I’m feeding my dreams with the power of my imagination and my emotions.
How far can you stretch your imagination today?
How much goodness can you imagine growing in your life today?
How many invisible forces can you imagine are helping you today?
How many invisible actions can you imagine your angels and spirit guides are taking to help you reach your goals and manifest your new moon intentions?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents goodness growing in your life.
Thursday
The waxing crescent moon moves into the sign of Capricorn today. It is also having a tense relationship with Neptune and a happy relationship with Saturn and Mercury.
When the Moon has a happy relationship with Saturn and Mercury, a gentle, supportive, and constructive energy permeates our emotional and mental landscapes. Saturn brings a stable, disciplined outlook, encouraging us to approach our feelings and situations with a mature and responsible attitude. It asks us to be patient, persevere, and perhaps to structure our emotional world, creating a solid foundation from which to build upon.
Meanwhile, Mercury sprinkles a dose of healthy communication into our relationships. It makes it easier to express what you’re feeling, promoting clear, thoughtful dialogue and enhancing your ability to listen and be heard.
With the Moon in the mix, your emotions might gently nudge you towards both thoughtful conversations and stable emotional responses, allowing you to communicate your needs while also ensuring you feel grounded and secure in your emotional self. It’s like having a supportive friend and a wise mentor helping you navigate through emotional and communicative waters, ensuring you express yourself effectively while maintaining emotional integrity and stability. So, this energy encourages a balanced, stable, and open flow where emotions, thoughts, and communications can be handled with both sensitivity and wisdom. It’s a beautiful mix.
Whether or not you notice this in your communication today, I invite you to take a moment imagining what communicating your needs clearly, without guilt or shame, looks like in your relationships. Imagine the people in your life receiving that information with so much kindness and love. If you knew no one would judge, shame or reject you for what you need, what would you ask for?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents a need you have but one you have not yet communicated.
Friday
Today the waxing crescent moon is in the sign of Capricorn. It is having a happy relationship with the planet Uranus and Neptune and an intense relationship with Pluto.
If you’re feeling a tug towards introspection and setting boundaries, it’s likely the influence of the moon as it moves through the grounded sign of Capricorn. Picture the moon draped in a wise, ancient cloak, urging you to understand and respect your limitations.
When you’re a highly sensitive spirit, you’re a beautiful tapestry of deep emotions and intuitive insights. You feel deeply, and often, the world’s energies can be overwhelming. The Capricorn moon, with its nocturnal and receptive nature, offers a timely lesson: just as the moon must stay in orbit around the earth, you too have your limits, and it’s essential to honor them.
Capricorn is ruled by Saturn so the moon is drawing down a little more of that planet’s wisdom on time, endings, and responsibility. Capricorn’s energy is a call to the practical, to the deliberate, and to the disciplined aspects of our lives. It reminds us to move forward in our lives with persistence but also with caution, ensuring that we aren’t overburdening our sensitive souls. This energy can feel restrictive, but it can also be wisely protective. By being emotionally reserved at times, Capricorn energy helps shield and conserve your strength.
Dancing with the energy of your ancestors, and echoing archetypes like the Crone and Hecate, the Capricorn moon whispers ancient tales of understanding the balance between ambition and well-being. It’s a time to reflect on the power of knowing when to push forward and when to pause, of recognizing that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to honor your limitations, even if it feels counterintuitive.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents an emotional, energetic or physical limitation you have that you vow to respect and honor as you move towards your goals and dreams.
Saturday
The first quarter moon is in the sign of Capricorn. It is also having a happy relationship with Uranus and Neptune and an intense relationship with Pluto.
When the Moon is in its First Quarter Phase, it’s like we’re at a spiritual crossroads.
The energy is vibrant, somewhat challenging, but also invigorating, as the Moon forms a tense relationship with the Sun, creating a kind of tug-of-war.
For highly sensitive souls, this might be a time of heightened awareness, where emotions and energies feel especially potent or like they are building up, just like the moon is.
It’s also a period where the seeds of intentions set during the New Moon begin to sprout, and the moon asks, “Are you sure about this path?”
The First Quarter Moon invites reflection on whether the direction you’re headed aligns with your emotional and spiritual desires. For someone deeply attuned to their inner world, this might mean feeling a stir of motivation to adjust or reaffirm paths and choices, or perhaps encountering a few emotional bumps in the road that prompt a pause for thought.
It’s a time to check in with yourself, to ensure your sprouting intentions and the possibilities that are starting to emerge around it truly resonate with your deeper, spiritual self.
Carve out quiet time to reflect, meditate, or journal, allowing your soul space to whisper its needs and desires to you, and ensuring that the opportunities that are coming your way align harmoniously with your inner emotional landscape. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and assure that your heart and your actions are moving together in harmony.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents an emotional need you have in one of your relationships.
Sunday
The first quarter moon is in the sign of Aquarius. It is also having a tense relationship with Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.
Aquarius is ruled by the planet Saturn so the moon is carrying a little of that planet’s energy as well today.
Aquarius is a fixed air sign so it brings that energy of fluidity and the ability to change but it couples it with being constant, dependable and able to persevere. Aquarius energy likes to act its own way and distance itself from groups. It is air energy so it concentrates its focus on the intellect and the mind but it can be stubborn. If you’re having a hard time being your own person, the moon in Aquarius can help you love and accept the quirky, different and unique things about yourself.
Imagine you loved every bit of yourself and knew that everything that made you different was deeply on purpose and ultimately helpful to everyone you are connect with today.
Imagine you are perfect just as you are – exactly where you are right now in your life with the exact perfect personality, habits and ways of being. Imagine nothing about you has to change for you to reach your goals.
In your art journal, draw, paint or create a collage that represents the things that make you different, quirky or unique.
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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