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Art Journal with the Moon: Themes and Prompts for December 2-8, 2024
In this post, I share a summary of the moon for the week of December 2-8, 2024 as it moves through the zodiac and interacts with the planets. I also share the spiritual depth of the dark season and how to work with it in your art journal to connect with your own inner darkness to heal and find your magic.
The Moon This Week
In the northern hemisphere, the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, draws near. As the nights grow longer, it is the time of year in my spiritual practice to honor the darkness – the darkness outside and the darkness within.
It is during the dark, quiet time of winter that the seeds of new growth lay dormant, waiting to become all they will grow to be—both in nature and within myself. It’s a time to pause, go inward, and connect with my inner wisdom, as well as with the earth’s cycles. It’s a time to honor the shadows, not as something to fear, but as a space of rest, renewal, and quiet reflection.
In the darkness, there is deep wisdom and a peace that comes from surrendering to the quiet, knowing that it is from this stillness that new life will emerge.
During this time, the earth is at rest, the seeds of the coming year sleeping beneath the surface, waiting for the light to return. The dark season is a pause in the cycle of life, a time for introspection, for looking inward. It is in this darkness that we find the space to heal, to release, and to prepare ourselves for the new growth that will come with the returning sun. It’s a time to listen to the whispers of your soul, to connect with your deepest truths, and to honor the journey you’ve traveled so far.
In your art journal, you can use this sacred time to let go of any old patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you. Try drawing symbols of the dark, like the moon or stars or a dark cave, or create a page honoring the quiet of the upcoming winter season.
It’s time to rest and reflect, knowing that the new light that follows the longest night will bring growth, expansion, and transformation. You can work with the magic of this season by embracing the energy of stillness, introspection, and new beginnings. This is the perfect time to reflect on the past year—what you’ve learned, what has served you, and what you want to leave behind.
This is not a time for forceful action but for gentleness and introspection. Allow yourself to sink into the darkness of the season, drawing symbols that speak to you of rest, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. You might create a page that reflects on what you need to let go of, what is no longer serving you, and what you are ready to leave behind. In the quiet of the night, you can honor your inner darkness—the parts of yourself that need nurturing, healing, and compassion.
Don’t forget, there is a sacredness in your own inner darkness. It is a space that is often misunderstood or avoided but within this quiet, still place lies profound wisdom and power. Your inner darkness is not something to fear or reject; it is a part of you that holds the seeds of your deepest truths, the unspoken parts of yourself that are waiting to be acknowledged, healed, and understood. In this sacred space, there are no judgments, no need to perform or be seen.
It is a place of magic where your inner parts rest waiting to reconnect with you and where you can reconnect with the essence of who you are at your core.
Just as the earth sleeps, your soul is silently preparing for what is to come. It’s in this quiet space that you can tend to parts of yourself long forgotten—old fears, limiting beliefs, and patterns that keep you from stepping fully into your light. When you embrace your inner darkness, you give yourself permission to be whole, to be human, to honor every part of yourself, even the parts that feel dead, broken or unseen.
By sitting with your own inner darkness in your art journal, by acknowledging it and offering it compassion, you begin to understand how complex and full of splendor you actually are. In the darkness, there is healing, renewal, and deep transformation. Your inner darkness makes way for your inner light to shine brighter. And, of course, it is in the stillness and quiet of your inner darkness that you can hear the whispers of your soul, reminding you of your worth, your power, and your purpose.
So, honor the sacred darkness within you, for it holds the wisdom that will guide you back to yourself – even if it feels heavy and scary and you want to turn away. Don’t. Allow yourself to greet it, feel its depth, and know that in time, the light will return—stronger, clearer, and more radiant because of the quiet work you did in your shadows.
As you art journal with the moon from now until the Winter Solstice, allow the stillness of the season to settle into your bones. Remind yourself that even in the darkest times, there is always the promise of the light coming back, bringing with it new hope, new growth, and new beginnings. Your soul is always evolving, always unfolding, and always returning to the light.
Now let’s look at 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 magic, tend to your soul or do your deep inner work.
Monday
The week kicks off with the moon moving into the sign of Capricorn on Monday which is good energy for revisiting your inner sense of stability, responsibility, and practicality. It also highlights such qualities as groundedness, persistence, and a strong connection to the physical and natural world.
The Crone archetype, which I like to think of as embodied by the wise old woman, and Hecate, the goddess of magic, crossroads, and deep intuition, both reflect Capricorn’s spiritual depth. These figures represent wisdom that comes with experience, the ability to navigate transitions and endings, and the power to transform and rebirth. The moon in Capricorn activates these archetypes, urging us to embrace the wisdom of letting go, the importance of life’s cycles, and the value of introspection and inner guidance.
The moon in Capricorn teaches us about the cycle of life—acknowledging that endings are a natural and necessary part of growth and transformation. It encourages you to respect the process of aging, to honor the wisdom that comes with experience, and to understand the power of your own inner guidance as you navigate the complexities of life.
It’s a time to set realistic goals, to plan for the future with a clear and practical mind, and to honor the wisdom you’ve gained through life’s challenges and transitions. The energy of Capricorn invites you to build a solid foundation, to respect the limits of the physical world, and to work patiently and persistently towards your goals.
In your art journal today, create a page that celebrates the goals or visions you have for the coming year.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, the growing moon is in the sign of Capricorn and it is having a happy relationship with Saturn. This brings a steady, grounded, and deeply supportive energy to help you build toward your goals. Capricorn and Saturn share a connection in ancient astrology, as Saturn rules Capricorn, making this alignment especially potent for creating long-term success. This energy encourages discipline, focus, and careful planning. It’s about setting solid foundations for your dreams and recognizing that the best results come from consistent, intentional effort over time.
This is a perfect moment to reflect on your long-term goals and how you can break them into manageable steps. Saturn’s influence brings wisdom and maturity, reminding you that success isn’t always quick but is always worth the work. The growing moon adds a layer of momentum, encouraging you to take the next step in nurturing your intentions.
In your art journal, work with this energy by creating a page that represents structure and stability in your life or business. You might start by drawing or collaging images of strong foundations—like a sturdy tree, a well-built home, or a mountain—to symbolize the steady growth you’re working toward. Write or draw symbols for one or two specific goals you’re currently building, and then outline a few simple, achievable steps you can take to move forward. Let this page be a visual representation of your commitment to your dreams and a reminder that every small step matters.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, the waxing crescent moon moves into the sign of Aquarius. 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.
The waxing crescent moon is a good time to revisit the intentions you set during the new moon. Ask yourself: What steps can I take, however small, to bring my dreams closer to reality? This moon phase encourages you to take action, even if it’s just a small gesture or a subtle shift in your daily routine, to affirm your commitment to your creative dreams.
This is also a time to nurture your inner light, to be kind to yourself as you navigate the vulnerabilities that naturally come with having a creative dream and try your best to move towards it. It’s not an easy thing to do and there are bound to be challenges along the way. The waxing crescent moon’s energy encourages you to move forward with gentleness and determination.
It’s a time to weave your creative dreams into the fabric of your daily life. In your art journal, create a visual reminder of your new moon intentions or explore through drawing, painting, or writing, the steps you feel called to take next.
Thursday
With the waxing crescent moon in the sign of Aquarius, Thursday offers the opportunity to love yourself just as you are and to see how you contribute goodness and light to your community just by being yourself.
This moon offers a beautiful space of self-acceptance and self-celebration. 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 your community and to the world. Imagine if you believed, with all your heart, that there’s nothing about you that needs to change in order for you to be valuable to your community. 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.
Aquarius asks you to trust in who you are and to see your individuality as a contribution to the people you love and your community. It’s a sign that celebrates the idea that each person’s unique expression brings something necessary and beautiful to the whole. In your art journal, let this be your focus. Create a page where you capture what it feels like to truly love and accept yourself, just as you are and to acknowledge and validate the goodness and light you offer the people you love and your community. Reflect on how every piece of you is not only enough but perfectly aligned with the impact you’re here to make. Let this Aquarius moon be a gentle reminder that you don’t have to change a thing to belong and contribute. Embrace the magic of being unapologetically, beautifully, and authentically you and contributing to your community and the world in the way only you can.
Friday
On Friday, the waxing crescent moon is in the sign of Aquarius and it’s having a tense relationship with Uranus. This energy can feel unpredictable, dynamic, and charged with a sense of urgency. Aquarius is an air sign connected to innovation, individuality, and future-focused thinking, while Uranus is its ruling planet in modern astrology, known for its sudden insights, breakthroughs, and disruptions. When these two energies meet in a challenging relationship, there’s tension that pushes for change, often in unexpected or surprising ways.
This energy can stir up restlessness or a strong desire to break free from old patterns or routines that feel restrictive. It may feel like your inner rebel is coming out, wanting to shake things up and make bold moves. At the same time, the tension reminds you that change often comes with friction, and it’s important to ground yourself as you navigate these shifts.
In your art journal, you can work with this energy by exploring themes of liberation and breaking free. Create a page that symbolizes the old habits, beliefs, or systems you’re ready to break free from.
Ask yourself: What do I need to let go of to feel more aligned with my authentic self? What unexpected opportunities might arise if I allow myself to step out of my comfort zone? Let this page capture both the tension of letting go and the excitement of stepping into something new.
Saturday
On Saturday, the waxing moon in Pisces is having a challenging relationship with Mercury which creates a unique and magical dynamic between two archetypes deeply connected to the unseen realms. Pisces, with its dreamy, intuitive energy, invites you to flow into the vast waters of imagination, spirituality, and universal love. Mercury, as the messenger, is the archetype that moves seamlessly between all worlds—the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. This connection amplifies your ability to receive insights and messages from realms beyond the physical, offering a profound opportunity to bridge intuition and intellect in a meaningful way.
This energy might inspire moments of creative downloads, symbolic dreams, or sudden flashes of understanding that seem to come from nowhere. Mercury’s adaptability supports Pisces’ intuitive wisdom by helping you translate those subtle feelings into something tangible and communicable. While the tension between the moon and Pisces may feel like a nudge to work a little harder to integrate these energies, it ultimately encourages you to trust that your inner messages can find a voice.
In your art journal, you can work with this energy by creating a page that acts as a portal to receive and express messages from the unseen realms. Begin by setting an intention to connect with your inner guide or spiritual wisdom. Use soft, flowing colors and imagery to evoke Pisces’ connection to dreams and intuition, and weave in Mercury’s energy by adding symbols of communication, like written words, lines connecting points, or imagery of keys or pathways.
Ask yourself: What messages am I ready to receive from the unseen realms? How can I give form to the intuitive insights flowing through me? Let this practice become a bridge between what you feel and what you can express, helping you channel the wisdom of both Pisces and Mercury into a message you might need to hear today.
Sunday
On Sunday, the first quarter moon is in the sign of Pisces.
The first quarter moon is a powerful phase that’s 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.
This moon phase encourages you to dig deep, face any resistance or self-doubt, and ask yourself: what am I willing to overcome to make my dreams a reality? The first quarter moon pushes you to confront your own blocks, whether they’re old habits, lingering doubts, or fears of change. It’s like a call to action, urging you to take those next steps, however challenging they may feel, and to say “yes” to your own growth.
In your art journal, work with this energy by exploring what barriers might be standing between you and your new moon intentions manifesting. Start with a page dedicated to these blocks—use words, images, or symbols that represent them. Then, on another page, imagine yourself moving past these obstacles. What does it look like to say yes to yourself and your dreams? Create a visual or written declaration of your commitment, a pledge to yourself that you’re ready to push forward. Use colors, shapes, or images that feel bold and decisive, mirroring the energy of this first quarter moon. Let this be a reminder that you have the power to choose your path, and that each choice brings you closer to the life you envision.
Art Journal with the Moon 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 cycles, practice 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, December 4, 2024
This Week’s Theme: Embracing the Sacred Dark
Register Here
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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