blog
Art Journal with the Moon for September 18-24, 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.
Autumn and Your Sense of Belonging
This week the sun moves into Libra marking the autumn equinox and the cycle of life continues as one season ends and another begins.
In my neck of the woods, the vibrant green leaves of the poplar and aspen trees have turned bright golden yellow and orange. Each leaf tells a tale of transformation, of surrender to the inevitable cycle of life. Animals, too, sense the shift. The squirrels in my yard are busy gathering and preparing for the colder months ahead. On my morning walk I heard the honking of geese as they fly south. It all makes for a warm and cozy reminder that change is once again afoot.
Autumn, with its cooler days and longer nights, draws us inwards, both physically and metaphorically. It’s a time for reflection, for taking stock of the months gone by. How much have I grown? In what ways have my dreams, hopes, and desires manifested? What am I looking forward to now?
In this season of harvest, there’s also a profound sense of gratitude that emerges, an innate urge to give thanks for all that’s deeply meaningful to us. Nature reminds us that life is fleeting. This awareness nudges us to cherish the things and people we love.
That’s what I’ve been focused on lately – the warmth of togetherness, and belonging. Autumn, in its gentle way, pulls me closer to those I hold dear, urging me to gather around feast filled tables. It’s a season that rekindles my connection to my roots, to the lineage that has shaped my very being. The thinning veil between our world and the ancestral realm allows me to feel, perhaps more than ever, the presence and guidance of those who walked before me.
Family, of course, isn’t limited to bloodlines. As we age, we find kindred spirits, souls that resonate with our own, forming bonds that are profound and unbreakable. These chosen families offer us a place of refuge, a sanctuary where we truly belong.
Autumn, much like the waning phases of the moon, invites us to explore the depths of our inner world and when you dive into your inner world it’s inevitable you will also dive deep into your relationships. As the trees shed their leaves, we too are invited to let go of past resentments, misunderstandings, and wounds, making space for forgiveness, acceptance, and deeper connections. That’s where my heart has been traveling as autumn approaches – celebrating my deep connections.
It’s a magical season to honor and cherish our families—both those we were born into and those we’ve lovingly built and appreciate the sense of belonging they offer.
I am in contemplation lately of my experience of belonging and how easily my highly sensitive nature and my history of emotional neglect and trauma can lead me to lose that sense of belonging. Do you have that experience too? I don’t like the experience because it makes me feel disconnected from the people I love.
I chalk this recurring experience of rejection and abandonment up to my attachment style and my highly sensitive nature. I know, it’s reductive but it helps me understand myself better. I don’t know much about attachment styles but the little I’ve learned about it helped me tremendously.
Experiencing trauma, particularly in early life, can interfere with the development of a secure attachment style. In the case of neglect or trauma, a child might develop an anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style. With anxious attachment, for instance, there’s often a hypersensitivity to relational cues, an overwhelming fear of abandonment, and a heightened alertness to signs of rejection. We become hypervigilant to cues that might indicate abandonment or rejection. This heightened sensitivity can persist into adulthood, making one particularly reactive to perceived slights or rejections. And if you’re like me, you’re often seeing signs of rejection or abandonment where they don’t even exist.
Add to this that highly sensitive people often feel emotions more intensely. This means that both positive and negative feedback can feel magnified. A simple comment that might seem trivial to one person can be profoundly impactful, sometimes evoking strong emotional reactions. The innate ability of highly sensitive people to pick up on and deeply feel the emotions of others can sometimes make them more susceptible to the emotional undertones accompanying criticism or rejection. They might sense disappointment, anger, or frustration even if it’s not overtly expressed.
Having your sense of belonging shaken can be deeply unsettling especially since highly sensitive people seek deep, meaningful relationships and connections. When we face rejection or criticism, especially from those we care most about, it shakes our sense of belonging and our internal foundations. We value relationships deeply so the idea of being alienated or isolated from a group or individual due to criticism or rejection can be a significant source of distress.
When you’re a highly sensitive person with a history of trauma and/or difficult childhood experiences (which, let’s face it, most spiritual healers and creators are), feelings of rejection or exclusion might trigger an “exiled” part within you holding the pain from the past trauma or neglect. When this part is activated, the emotional reaction might be intense because it’s not just about the current situation but also carries the weight of past experiences. When you feel rejected or not included, the young “part” of you that experienced trauma might get triggered. The emotions this part carries can be overwhelming. Simultaneously, other parts might jump into action to manage or numb these feelings, further intensifying your emotional experience.
Belonging makes me feel safe, settled, connected, rooted and held. Being excluded or rejected makes me feel isolated, lonely, unsafe and triggers my trauma response. When I feel rejected or abandoned, I also tend to be self-critical, assuming the reason I am rejected or excluded is because I’m weird, flawed, wrong or bad.
I recently experienced another moment of feeling rejected and excluded. It happens a lot in my inner world because my younger wounded parts tend to perceive events in my life through this lens. I used my morning walk among the golden yellow leaves to work through my thoughts and beliefs around what happened and to digest my feelings about it. I started by noticing how feeling rejected and excluded affected my stomach and digestive system which led me to connect with some younger parts who were feeling hurt.
I used my Moon Mapping recording for neutralizing emotional triggers in a relationship (episode 30). I love that episode because it’s a step-by-step process for discovering the unmet emotional need that is hiding in the relationship upset. I realized that although I wanted this particular person to change and include me more often, what I actually wanted was to feel close and connected to them again. That opened my heart and all this love for them poured out. It was beautiful and cathartic.
To me, that’s when autumn feels as it should – a warm hug enveloping all those that I love.
We all, at various points in our lives, face moments of feeling on the outside. Sometimes it’s due to circumstances, sometimes due to misunderstandings, and at other times, it’s just the complex ebb and flow of human relationships. We are a messy and complicated bunch. But these moments don’t define who you are or your place in this vast universe.
This autumn, surround yourself with those who love and understand you. The love of trusted friends and family can be an elixir for the soul. They are the ones who see you for the remarkable person you are and remind you of your worth, even when you might momentarily forget it.
And during those quiet moments, when the world feels a little too big and a little too cold, take out your art journal and reconnect with yourself. You have a universe of wonders within you. Your experiences, dreams, and memories make you beautifully unique.
Your worth isn’t determined by fleeting moments of exclusion or rejection. You are an invaluable part of this world, with so much to offer and so much yet to experience.
Every one of us belongs.
In this season, may you always find your way back to the warm, comforting circle of belonging, and may your heart be surrounded by souls that resonate with its beat.
Monday
Today the moon is in the waxing crescent phase, it’s in the sign of Scorpio and it’s having a happy relationship with Mercury and Saturn.
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 all the invisible support you imagine receiving from your spirit allies during this lunar cycle.
Tuesday
The moon is in the waxing crescent phase today and in the sign of Scorpio. It’s also having a tense relationship with Venus and an opposing relationship with Jupiter and Uranus.
The waxing crescent phase follows the new moon, representing a time of initial growth and forward momentum. This period stands for the very beginning stages of manifestation. The seed has been planted during the new moon and now, during the waxing crescent, it starts to break through the soil, symbolizing intention, hope, and potential coming to light. There’s a certain tenderness to this phase, a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.
Scorpio, a fixed water sign, is characterized by its intensity, depth, and transformative energy. Ruled by Mars in ancient astrology, Scorpio delves into the mysteries of life and is unafraid to confront the realms of the unseen, be it psychological, emotional, or spiritual. The sign also deals with matters of rebirth, regeneration, and the uncovering of hidden truths.
The waxing crescent moon in Scorpio urges a deep internal exploration. It’s not just about what you want to achieve, but why you want to achieve it. Scorpio’s influence demands honesty and depth in regards to your goals and dreams. It reminds us that superficial goals might not thrive well. Instead, goals that align with deep personal truths and core values will find the most potent energy to flourish.
Align the intentions you planted at the new moon with your deepest truths and as you move towards your goals and dreams ensure that your actions resonate with the core of who you really are and what you truly, deeply want.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents a serene landscape. like a peaceful night sky, that represents the feeling of being in a calm and nurturing void.
Wednesday
The waxing crescent moon moves into the sign of Sagittarius today. It’s also having a happy relationship with Pluto and Neptune but a tense relationship with Saturn.
The waxing moon signifies growth, expansion, and forward momentum. It’s a time of increasing light, both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing the growth of our intentions and the progression of our goals. There’s an active, building energy during this phase as we move toward the culmination of the full moon.
Sagittarius, a mutable fire sign, is characterized by its thirst for knowledge, adventure, and the broader horizons of life. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, luck, and higher learning, Sagittarius seeks truth, understanding, and the larger meaning in everything. This sign is driven by an innate optimism and a desire to explore.
The growing energy of the moon meshes well with Sagittarius’s expansive and adventurous spirit. It reminds you to broaden your perspectives, dream big, and set intentions that stretch beyond your usual boundaries. Be bold with our aspirations.
What can you learn to support your new moon intentions? Where can personal growth support your new moon intentions?
Above all, consider how the intentions you set at the new moon fit into the broader narrative of your life. What larger truths or understandings about yourself or this world are you aiming to uncover when your intentions are realized? Why are the changes you want to see in yourself, your life or the world so deeply meaningful to you?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your big and bold dreams.
Thursday
The waxing crescent moon is in the sign of Sagittarius and it’s having a happy relationship with Venus, Mars and Jupiter and a tense relationship with Mercury 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, draw, paint or collage an image that represents the kind of love or joy you want to attract into your life.
Friday
Today, the first quarter moon moves into the sign of Capricorn. It is also having a happy relationship with Saturn and a tense relationship with Neptune.
The first quarter moon is a pivotal phase, symbolizing a time of action and challenge. Roughly a week after the new moon, this phase represents the initial obstacles or challenges we face in the progression of our intentions set during the new moon. It’s a call to action, urging us to address whatever hurdles are in our path and to make the necessary adjustments. The energy here is dynamic, often pushing us out of our comfort zones and compelling us to confront the barriers that stand between us and our goals.
Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign, is known for its discipline, ambition, and pragmatic approach to life. Governed by Saturn, the planet of responsibility, structure, and time, Capricorn is deeply concerned with achievement, order, and the long-term. It has an innate ability to plan and lay down structural foundations, always keeping the end goal in mind. Think of Capricorn as the adept builder or the wise elder, who understands the importance of patience, persistence, and hard work.
When the first quarter moon is in the sign of Capricorn, like it is today, the active, challenge-oriented energy of this lunar phase finds a friend in Capricorn’s disciplined and methodical nature. This is a time for being strategic and realistic. Instead of being overwhelmed by obstacles, the moon is encouraging you to break tasks down into manageable steps, prioritize what’s essential, and move forward with deliberate and steady effort.
It’s also a time where you can be especially mindful of your resources (time, energy, finances) and how you’re allocating them in pursuit of your new moon intentions.
Don’t forget the value of perseverance and if a hurdle stands in your way, get curious. Is this merely a temporary setback or do you need to reevaluate things and make a change in the direction you’re going?
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents breaking down the intentions you set at the new moon into manageable steps you’re committing to take.
Saturday
The first quarter moon is in the sign of Capricorn today. It’s also having a happy relationship with Mercury and a tense relationship with Mars.
The moon is in a happy relationship with Mercury today.
Mercury is the messenger of the Gods. It is concerned with communication and connection. It influences transportation, commerce, language, writing, speaking and education. It also represents the mind. When it’s happy it is helpful to the mind and learning and inspires curiosity, ingenuity and business. In a happy state like it is today it brings helpful thoughts, good communication, ease with technology, curiosity and success in business.
It’s a day where your right and left brain are harmonious and respectful of each other. You’re more likely to trust your intuition or follow your creative impulses. Because the moon rules your emotions and dreams it’s also a day where you’re more likely to communicate how you feel in a way that others will respond to in a caring or helpful way.
In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents communicating how you feel.
Sunday
The first quarter moon moves into the sign of Libra. It’s also having a happy relationship with the sun, Uranus and Neptune and it is in a close relationship with Pluto.
The moon in Libra brings to light dynamics in our relationships, our experience with balance, and inner harmony. And for the highly sensitive, it offers a gentle reminder to find balance between nurturing our own souls and cherishing our connections with others.
With Libra being ruled by the planet Venus, the moon reflects a little of this planet’s energy as well. Imagine the moon, tinged with Venus’s soft and beautiful aura, inviting us into a space of art and grace.
When the moon is in Libra, it can be a time to have fun with friends, gather and enjoy group activities. Libra encourages us to find acceptance and understanding in our interactions. However, it’s worth noting the delicate dance that Libra plays – while it nudges us towards sociability and connection, it can also lead us to focus too much on others. And there is the challenge: the quest for balance. Especially for the empathic or the highly sensitive, it’s essential to remember to honor your own feelings and needs even as you immerse yourself in the world of others.
In your art journal, create an image that represents taking care of your emotional needs while you’re interacting with the important people in your life.
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