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The circle, an age-old symbol of eternity and wholeness, holds deep spiritual and magical significance. Delving into its ancient ties to community, the cycles of life, and the womb, let’s explore the circle’s rich tapestry of meanings and how you might incorporate it into your creative rituals when you art journal with the moon.

In my art rituals, I am drawn to the circle as much as I am drawn to the moon. It might be because the circle, in its most primal form, is a symbol that resonates deeply with my psyche and the rhythms of nature. It might be because as someone who practices creative moon rituals in her art journal, the circle mirrors the very celestial body I revere: the moon. Every lunar phase, from crescent to full, is displayed within the bounds of a circle. Just as the consistent, cyclical nature of the moon provides a sense of comfort, continuity, and connection so too does the circle. They both help to calm and soothe my highly sensitive nervous system.

Draw circles in your art journal during your moon rituals to calm, soothe and center yourself.

I asked AI why I might be so drawn to the circle in my art rituals and it suggested the following: within the confines of the circle, there are no beginnings or endings; it is a continuous loop that embodies the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. By repeatedly using the circle in your art, you might be subconsciously aligning yourself with these universal cycles, finding solace in their predictability and constancy amidst life’s chaos. I like that explanation. It resonates.

But maybe it’s because the circle evokes a sense of belonging, community, and shared experience. When I sketch or paint within a circle in my art journal, I might be feeling an inherent connection to ancestral traditions and the collective wisdom of ages past when we gathered around fires in circles, sharing stories.

Maybe it’s because the circle provides a boundary yet offers infinite possibilities within it. It’s a canvas that constrains and liberates at the same time – as all creative boundaries do. This duality can be entrancing, offering both a challenge and a familiar playground for creative expression. By being drawn to the circle, I’m exploring the depths of my subconscious (as Carl Jung and Susanne F. Fincher can attest), the vast expanse of the universe, and my intimate bond with the moon and its cycles—all within the embrace of a simple, yet profoundly symbolic shape.

Whatever the reason, and most likely it’s a little of all of the above and more I’m not even conscious of, I love working with the circle in my creative moon rituals when I art journal with the moon. I want to break down some of the spiritual significance and magical properties of the circle here for you to inspire you to work more intimately with the circle in your creative moon rituals as well.

The Circle and The Cycle of Life

In nature-based traditions, life is not viewed as a linear journey from birth to death but rather as an infinite loop. The circle is a potent symbol of this belief, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In this context, death is not an end but a transition, a doorway to a new beginning. This belief fosters a deep respect for life in all its phases and an understanding that every ending is, in essence, a new beginning.

Each cycle, whether observed in nature, human life, or abstract concepts, follows a predictable yet awe-inspiring pattern.

Life begins with birth, an emergence from a state of non-being into existence. This phase is synonymous with spring, where the seeds germinate, bursting forth with potential, optimism, and growth. As with a newborn or the fresh shoots in a forest, this phase is characterized by rapid growth, learning, and the wide-eyed wonder of discovery.

Growth follows next, a period of maturation and development. Like summer, it’s a time of fullness and exploration, akin to adolescence and young adulthood in human life. This stage is vibrant, dynamic, and holds the promise of life’s zenith, where plants, animals and beings come into their full power and potential.

The peak of the cycle is the climax of maturity, akin to late summer when the fruits are ripe and ready for harvest. In human terms, it parallels the stability and fullness of middle age, where wisdom is married to energy, offering the best of both worlds.

However, nothing remains static, and so follows the phase of decay or decline. It’s the autumn of the cycle, where the energy starts to wane, and preparations begin for the inevitable end. Just as leaves turn and fall, signifying a retreat back to the earth, older age in humans brings with it a slowing down, a reflection, and often a poignant acceptance of life’s impermanence.

The circle has no beginning or end which is how I imagine my soul to be – infinite.

Death, often feared and misunderstood, is the winter of the life cycle. It’s a cessation, a return to non-being. But in many traditions and philosophies, it’s not seen as an absolute end but as a profound transition. For without winter, spring cannot come.

From the stillness and cold of death comes transformation. It’s the deep, unseen processes that take place beneath the surface—the decaying leaves enriching the soil, the lessons from one life influencing the next, and the old giving way to the potential of the new.

Finally, rebirth heralds the return to life, completing the cycle and yet also beginning it anew. Like the first flowers after a long winter, rebirth signifies hope, renewal, and the eternal nature of existence.

This cyclical pattern—of birth, growth, maturity, decline, death, transformation, and rebirth—is an eternal dance, evident in all corners of the universe, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things and the beautiful, relentless rhythm of existence and the circle, in its wholeness and wonder, encompass this entire sacred cycle.

The Circle and the Cycle of the Moon

Perhaps one of the most visible circles in our lives is the moon. Its cyclical dance from new moon to full moon back to new mirrors our own rhythms—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Many nature-based spiritual practices give special reverence to the lunar cycles and I’m no exception. I art journal with the moon to time my moments of reflection, manifestation, release, and growth. By syncing my spiritual and self-care practices and rituals with the moon’s phases, I tap into a deeper, primordial energy, allowing me to harness its power and wisdom.

Each moon phase represents a distinct moment in the lunar cycle, yet all are interconnected, one phase naturally giving way to the next in an eternal dance.

Starting with the New Moon, the moment of being in the void, representing a clean slate, potential, and the birth of new intentions. As the moon waxes into the Waxing Crescent, the moon begins to illuminate, mirroring our growing aspirations and the initial steps toward manifesting our desires. The First Quarter Moon, with half of its face illuminated, stands for challenges and decisions, the midpoint of action, much like a crossroad.

The moon continues to grow in light and power with the Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase signals refinement, adjustments, and the anticipation of culmination. Full illumination is the Full Moon. It represents completion, fruition, and realization. Emotions, intentions, and energies are at their peak.

However, after the fullness comes the wane. The Waning Gibbous or Disseminating Moon begins the process of introspection, gratitude, and sharing the wisdom or harvest of the full moon. As the light diminishes with the Last Quarter Moon, it signifies release, forgiveness, and the letting go of what no longer serves, mirroring a moment of existential decluttering. The Waning Crescent or Balsamic Moon, the last sliver of light before another new moon, represents surrender, rest, and recuperation.

Then, in the circle’s continuity, we return to the New Moon, starting the dance afresh. This cyclic pattern of the moon, represented by the circle, speaks of the perpetual balance between growth and decline, effort and rest, illumination and darkness. Through its phases, the moon offers a roadmap for introspection, action, and renewal, all beautifully encapsulated within the endless loop of the circle.

The Circle, The Cauldron and the Womb

On a more intimate scale, the circle has often been likened to the womb due to its enveloping, protective, and nurturing nature. The womb is where life begins, cradled in darkness, safe and surrounded, growing until it’s ready to emerge into the world. This protective cocoon is an emblem of creation, transformation, and rebirth — the very essence of life’s cyclic nature. In various spiritual traditions, circles have been drawn or visualized during rituals and ceremonies to create a protective barrier, channel divine energies, or mark sacred space. The very act of creating a circle, whether physically or energetically, can serve as an invitation for deeper introspection and connection to the divine feminine within and around us.

The cauldron’s circular and deep shape further amplifies the symbolism of the womb. Just as the womb holds the potential of life, the cauldron is a vessel that holds ingredients, energies, and intentions, melding them together to birth something new. Its form is a tangible representation of the alchemical processes that turn elements into something sacred and powerful.

Whether it’s for brewing potions, burning incense, or holding a sacred flame, the cauldron, with its circular embrace, focuses and magnifies the energies of the elements within. Its circular form serves as a protective boundary, ensuring that the magic created inside is pure and undisturbed.

Whenever I draw, paint or work within a circle in my art, I bring the magic of the womb, the cauldron and the divine feminine with me.

The Circle and the Wheel of the Year

In the northern hemisphere, nature is a perpetual cycle of seasons. Many nature-based spiritual practices use the circle to represent the Wheel of the Year, which encompasses the eight seasonal celebrations. These celebrations mark the Earth’s journey around the sun and the changing seasons, from the rebirth and freshness of spring to the abundance of summer, the harvests of autumn, and the deep introspection of winter. Each phase brings its own energy, its own lessons, and its own magic.

In March, when the Earth isn’t tilted toward or away from the Sun, day and night are of equal length. It’s the spring equinox or Ostara where we’re celebrating new life, rebirth, awakening and renewal.

In May, at the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice we celebrate Beltane. Days are longer, the sun is growing in power and it traditionally heralds the peak of spring. It’s a time to celebrate passion, vitality, love, connection, desire, the fires of creativity and fertility.

Around June 20th-23rd the Sun is at its northernmost point in the sky, leading to the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. The Earth’s North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun and it’s the Summer Solstice, a time to celebrate reaching the peak of your power, the earth’s abundance, joy, fullness, the sun at its peak and the fulfillment of potential.

Around August 1st, Lughnasadh falls between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It’s a time to celebrate all the hard work you do, enjoying the fruits of your labors, recognizing the sacrifices you need to make for future growth and the value of making preparations.

Around September 20th-23rd we reach Mabon or the Autumn Equinox, another point where day and night are of equal length. As with Ostara, the Earth is not tilted toward or away from the Sun. It’s a time to celebrate the harvest, gratitude, reflection, decline, decay, letting go and embracing the descent into the dark half of the year.

Samhain is celebrated around October 31st to November 1st. It’s the midpoint between the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice and is often seen as the start of the winter season. It’s a time to honor the dead, celebrate the thinning of the veil, connect with your ancestors, remember and pay homage to those who came before you and communicate with the spirit world.

The circle, as Wheel of the Year, carries all of life and all of death then brings us back to life again.

Around December 20th-23rd, at the Winter Solstice or Yule, the Sun is at its southernmost point in the sky, leading to the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. The Earth’s North Pole is tilted furthest from the Sun and it’s a time to celebrate stillness, rebirth, embracing darkness to find the light within, renewal, hope and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Finally Imbolc, celebrated around February 1st-2nd, is a point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Traditionally, it marks the first signs of spring and the increasing strength of the Sun. It’s a time to observe stirrings, initiations, recognizing the first signs of life after winter’s death, blessings, purification and the flame of inspiration.

Picture the Wheel of the Year in your mind as a circle divided into eight equal pieces and each piece being marked like a spoke on a wheel. Each festival, or “spoke” on the wheel, is a touchstone, grounding us in the lessons and magic of the season. As the wheel turns, it reminds us that change is the only constant, and that each phase, whether of growth or decline, has its purpose and beauty. Now imagine those eight becoming invisible but the circle remaining as one shape. Through this circle, we learn to embrace the rhythm of life, celebrating and finding meaning in every twist and turn of our Earthly journey. By recognizing and honoring the seasons through the shape of the circle, I align myself with the Earth’s rhythms, forging a deeper connection with the land and its spirits.

The Circle as Mandala

One of my favorite ways to work with the sacred symbolism of the circle is to create mandalas. As Susanne F. Fincher describes in her book, Creating Mandalas, mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning center, circumference or magic circle.  Mandalas have been a spiritual symbol and an artistic motif for centuries, revered for their representation of unity, wholeness, and the infinite.

At the heart of a mandala is the idea of the center, an axis upon which the world turns, reflecting the universe and our place within it. In many spiritual practices, mandalas serve as sacred spaces that capture divine energies and facilitate meditation, drawing the observer into a realm of introspection and connection with the Divine.

From a psychological perspective, Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, introduced the West to mandalas as a means to bridge the conscious and unconscious realms. Jung posited that creating mandalas allowed individuals to externalize their subconscious thoughts and feelings, making them tangible and thus more accessible for introspection. The very act of drawing or coloring a mandala can be therapeutic, grounding, and centering, especially during times of chaos or emotional upheaval. They act as mirrors, reflecting back the intricacies of one’s inner world and aiding in the process of self-discovery and healing. This is how I like to use them.

The circle is a mirror, reflecting back your inner world.

Incorporating mandalas into your art journal during moon rituals can be a transformative experience. As we explored earlier, the moon, with its phases and cyclical nature, is inherently connected to the concept of the circle and thus resonates deeply with mandalas. As you work with a mandala in your art journal under the guidance of the moon’s energy, you are creating a sacred space, a personal sanctuary that connects you to your subconscious realm. Begin by setting an intention, perhaps related to the specific phase of the moon or a personal challenge you’re facing. As you fill in your mandala, let your intuition guide your hand. Colors, patterns, and shapes may emerge, each resonating with emotions, memories, or insights from deep within. By the time your mandala is complete, you may find clarity, a renewed sense of purpose, or simply a deeper connection with your inner self. That is the magic of the circle and art.

In Conclusion

As you can see, the circle isn’t just a circle to me. It draws on the power of the seasons, the Wheel of the Year, the womb, the cauldron, the goddess, the divine feminine, the cycle of life and the phases of the moon, just to name a few. From the Earth’s dance with the Sun to the nurturing embrace of the womb, the circle stands as a sacred symbol of life’s inherent cycles. It invites us to meditate on our connection to the universe and our place within it. As the moon waxes and wanes in the night sky, the circle encapsulates her phases, guiding our emotions, intentions, and energies in tandem with her. With so many meanings and influences, the circle becomes more than just a shape; it is a powerful symbol of unity, wholeness, and endless possibility.

The next time you turn the pages of your art journal and prepare for your moon ritual, let the circle inspire you. Embrace its teachings and its rhythms. Let it guide your hand and heart, and enjoy the magic that lies within its boundary.

with love,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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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,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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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.

Happy New Moon in Virgo

We’re greeting a new moon in Virgo this week.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I find the cycles of the moon deeply comforting. Much like the comfort of a deep breath in and out, the moon’s waxing and waning phases offer a rhythm that you can align yourself with.

The waxing moon (when the moon is moving from new to full) is like a deep inhalation.

With each night, as it grows fuller, it’s as though the moon is drawing in energy, filling itself up with potential and dreams. It’s a period of growth, expansion, and anticipation. There’s a mounting vibrancy. The waxing moon embodies dynamic and active energy.

Then comes the peak – the full moon, that held breath at the top of the inhalation where everything feels alive, radiant, and potent.

Next, the waning moon (when the moon is growing darker) is the gentle exhalation.

It is a time of release, reflection, and gratitude. The moon, after building up then holding its breath, now exhales, letting go of what no longer serves it, creating space for the new. It’s a time of surrender and introspection, reminding us that there’s grace in letting go and power in the stillness that follows. The waning moon embodies receptive and restful energy.

Falling into alignment with this lunar rhythm can be profoundly soothing. Just as focusing on our breath during meditation brings a sense of calm, aligning our lives with the moon’s ebb and flow can ground us. It’s a reminder that there’s a time for ambition and action, and equally, a time for rest and reflection. By recognizing these phases, we can tune into a rhythm that has guided our ancient ancestors for millennia.

This week, we’re in the waning moon phases until we greet a new moon in Virgo on Thursday.  It’s a week of both rest and reset but since the moon isn’t having a lot of aspects with other planets, it seems quieter than usual. Plus, Mercury is stationing direct and we have a day where the moon is void of course for a relatively long amount of time. This all speaks to me of rest, respite, relaxation and introspection. Personally, I’m choosing to wait until the weekend to set my new moon intentions.

Even though the new moon happens on Thursday in the mountain time zone, the circumstances surrounding it are suggesting to me that we pause and wait before moving forward. This is for all the reasons I just mentioned but mostly because of Mercury stationing direct. When a planet appears to move direction there is this period of time where it’s halted or stopped. Much like if you were driving forward then decided to drive backwards. You would have to press on the brakes, stop, put the car in reverse then start moving again.

Since the new moon is in the sign of Virgo which is ruled by the planet Mercury, looking to the mood and condition of that planet gives us hints about how we should be working with the new moon to come into alignment with it. I think Mercury is suggesting we think about where we want to go but make sure everything is ready and good to go before we set our intentions.

There is a lot more forward moving energy on the weekend so, to me, it feels like a better cosmic soil to plant new seeds of intention in. Personally, I don’t believe in perfection and hard, steadfast, immoveable rules. Instead, I believe we each have our own internal compasses to consider when we’re aligning with the moon and practicing magic so definitely take a moment to tune in and decide what feels right for you. When do you want to plant your seeds of intention during this Virgo new moon?

Every new moon presents an opportunity to set intentions that align with the essence of the zodiac sign it is in. When the new moon graces the sign of Virgo, it brings themes of precision, practicality, and a devotion to service. Virgo, an earth sign, invites us to consider a few different themes. Here a quick list of some of them to get your creative juices flowing:

Health and Well-being: Virgo governs health and well-being, making this new moon an ideal time to set intentions related to your physical body. That can mean initiating a new exercise regime, falling in love with your body, focusing on food that makes you feel nourished and cared for, or embarking on a cleansing ritual. You might feel called to focus on this topic during this new moon.

Intention example: “I commit to nourishing my body with foods that make me feel vibrant and energized and engaging in physical activity that brings me joy.”

Digestive System: Virgo’s association with the stomach and digestive system offers a unique perspective on setting intentions, especially when it comes to how we process both food and our emotions and experiences.

Intention example: “I intend to honor my body by mindfully choosing foods that nourish and support my digestive health. I will pay attention to how different foods make my stomach and digestive feel and adjust my diet accordingly.”

Emotional Digestion: Just as we digest food, we also ‘digest’ our experiences, emotions, and thoughts. The process of understanding, assimilating, or letting go of experiences can be likened to the digestive process and how we digest emotions affects how our digestive system feels.

Intention example: “I am committed to processing my emotions and experiences in a healthy manner, ensuring I take the time to understand, learn, and release what no longer serves my highest good.”

Daily Routines: Virgo also invites us to consider order and routine in our lives and work. Look at your daily rituals. Is there a habit you want to cultivate or perhaps one you wish to break? The Virgo new moon supports intentions around refining your daily practices to optimize productivity and well-being.

Intention example: “I intend to create a morning ritual that aligns with my highest self, setting a positive tone for my entire day.”

Service to Others: Virgo’s essence is deeply connected to service. Reflect on how you can give back, whether it’s in your personal relationships, community, or through broader humanitarian efforts.

Intention example: “I set an intention to volunteer twice a month, offering my skills and time to those in need.”

Personal Growth: With its analytical nature, Virgo encourages self-improvement. This is a fantastic moon phase to commit to learning a new skill or diving deeper into a subject that piques your curiosity.

Intention example: “I am devoted to expanding my knowledge in this subject ________  and will dedicate time each week to this pursuit.”

Simplifying and Organizing: Virgo invites us to sort and organize so we can enjoy more simplicity and efficiency. Harness this energy to declutter spaces, whether physical (like your home) or mental (like old belief systems).

Intention example: “I intend to declutter my living room, ensuring that everything I own serves a purpose and brings joy.”

Grounded Spirituality: While Virgo is often associated with practicality, it also has a deeply spiritual side. This is a period to explore and integrate spiritual practices that keep you grounded.

Intention example: “I commit to a weekly grounding meditation to connect more deeply with the earth and my inner self.”

Which theme or topic really stood out to you? You might want to set your new moon intentions around that theme this time around.

By setting intentions that resonate with Virgo’s essence, you align yourself with the mood and condition of the moon. If you want more detailed information about the new moon, scroll down and look at the journal prompt for Thursday.

I hope you enjoy the moon this week and I look forward to meeting you here again next week.

Monday

The moon is in the fixed fire sign of Leo today. Leo is ruled by the sun so the moon is carrying a little of that energy as well today.

Leo energy wants to bring loyalty, dependability, power, radiance, generosity, warmth, optimism and solidity. It wants to help you shine your light in the world, believe in your worth and boost your confidence. It is warm and expressive but sometimes can bring energy that influences you to be abrupt or impulsive.

Imagine your inner light – the part of you that shines bright no matter what has happened to you or how you are feeling – the part of you that is forever radiant and worthy of goodness.

Now imagine that light grows a little brighter. As it grows brighter, it attracts more goodness to you today.

Imagine your light attracting goodness to you all day long.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your inner light.

Tuesday

The moon is void of course for most of the day in the mountain time zone.

This sometimes happens when the moon is moving from one zodiac sign to another or when it’s not making any aspects with other planets – I think of it as though the moon is just hanging around alone and in the in-between space – no longer where it was but not yet where it will be. The moon likes reflecting energy down to us but when it’s void of course there’s nothing substantial for it to reflect so its reflecting that emptiness back to us.

It’s as if our celestial guide takes a brief pause, suspending its influence and opening a unique window of stillness and introspection. The moon is currently in the balsamic phase for it emphasizes this energy of introspection.

Embrace this pause, take a step back, and reflect. This period is not about making significant decisions or initiating new projects; rather, it’s a time for taking stock, for going inward, and for focusing on self-care and inner peace.

When the moon is void of course, it is a good time to engage in activities that nurture your emotional well-being. This is also an opportune time for self-reflection and introspection, allowing us to connect more deeply with our inner selves.

On the flip side, it’s best to avoid initiating new projects, making important decisions, or embarking on significant endeavors during this period. The energy of the void of course moon is not conducive to starting new things; rather, it supports wrapping up loose ends and investing in self-care.

Consider reflecting on these questions during a Void of Course Moon:

What areas of my life require my attention, but I’ve been neglecting?

How can I better care for my emotional well-being?

What loose ends do I need to tie up before moving forward?

The void of course moon invites us to embrace the pause, to indulge in introspection, and to nurture our emotional health. It’s a gentle reminder from the cosmos that in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, taking time for yourself, for stillness and self-care, is not only beneficial—it’s essential.

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 moon moves into the sign of Virgo today. Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury so it’s carrying a little of that planet’s energy as well.
Virgo energy is nocturnal and of the earth. It is mutable and versatile. It supports you in being efficient and organized. It wants to help you find the most effective way of doing things. It brings practicality, attention to detail, a love of quality and precision but it can cause you to get lost in the details.

When the moon is in Virgo, it’s the perfect time for review and adjustments.

Do you like what you’ve been creating in your life lately?

You’re not in control of creating everything you experience in your life but of the things you do have control over, which situations and experiences that you’ve been creating do you enjoy and which situations and experiences have you not been enjoying?

If you don’t like what you’re creating, what adjustments can you make?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents an adjustment you’d like to make in your life.

Thursday

Happy new moon in Virgo.

Enriched by its ruling planet, Mercury, Virgo prompts us to articulate our feelings and experiences with clarity. Virgo’s energy is also 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? Not every event or experience in our lives stems directly from our thoughts or actions but some do. For those experiences you have molded and shaped, which ones bring joy? Which ones perhaps weigh heavy on your spirit? This Virgo new 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 new moon in Virgo will help you translate your thoughts and feelings onto paper, blending colors, shapes, and words, allows you to visually navigate 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?

To personalize this moon even further, let’s get specific and see the area of YOUR life that this moon energy is focused on.

To figure out what area of your life this moon wants you to focus on, you simply need to know your rising sign.

If you don’t know your rising sign (it’s different than your sun or moon sign), then you can read more about it here and you can calculate what it is here. I also show you how to calculate your birth chart using the whole sign house system here. When you create your birth chart in this way, you will see your rising sign is the zodiac sign that occupies the first house in your birth chart.

If your rising sign is Aries, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with daily routines and work tasks, your relationship with pets or your health and vitality. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “How can I improve my morning routine?” “What steps can I take today to improve my health and vitality, and how will I stay committed to these changes over time?” “Am I satisfied with the balance between work, leisure, and self-care in my daily life?” “What daily habits or routines would I like to create or strengthen to help me reach my goals?” “What changes in my daily routines would enhance my relationships with loved ones?” “Am I mindful of the media and information I consume daily, and is it aligned with my values and goals?”

If your rising sign is Taurus, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with your children, your sex life, your hobbies, pleasures, or creativity. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “How would I describe the current state of my relationship with my children?” “What aspects of my parenting style am I proud of, and what areas do I feel could use improvement?” “How can I ensure that I’m taking care of my own well-being so that I can be a more present and patient parent?” “What are my creative passions, and which of them do I want to nurture during this lunar cycle?” “What are my long-term creative aspirations, and how can I take small steps toward achieving them?” “Am I currently communicating openly and honestly with my partner(s) about my needs and desires?” “What aspects of my sexual experiences bring me the most joy and connection?” “Am I giving myself permission to prioritize pleasure and joy in my daily life?” “What are my long-term aspirations when it comes to experiencing more pleasure and joy in my life?”

If your rising sign is Gemini, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with your parents, your ancestors or your home and living situation. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “Are there any unresolved issues or conflicts in my relationship with my parents or the people that raised me that I want to address or heal?” “How do I express my gratitude and appreciation for the care and support I received from my parents or caregivers?” “Do I have an overall vision for the kind of relationship I want to have with my parents or caregivers, and how can I work toward that vision?” “Are there any home-related goals, such as homeownership or renovations, that I want to work toward?” “What is my overarching intention for my home during this lunar cycle?” “Are there any rituals or routines I can establish to maintain a clean and energetically clear home?”

If your rising sign is Cancer, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with learning, teaching, communication, siblings, peers, neighbors, the goddess or earth-based rituals. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “Are there any communication challenges or patterns of miscommunication that I would like to address or improve?” “How do I typically express my thoughts and emotions? Do I feel that my current communication style aligns with my authentic self?” “Are there specific relationships in my life where I want to improve communication, and if so, what steps can I take to do so?” “What specific skills, knowledge, or subjects am I interested in learning or improving?” “Am I satisfied with my current learning habits and routines, or do I feel there is room for improvement?” “Are there any obstacles or limiting beliefs that have been holding me back from pursuing my desired areas of learning?” “Do I have a specific goddess or aspect of nature that I feel particularly drawn to or connected with for this lunar cycle?” “What rituals or ceremonies do I want to practice more of to honor the moon, goddess, or nature?” “Are there any elements of my nature spirituality that I would like to deepen or explore further?”

If your rising sign is Leo, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with money, income, assets, possessions or livelihood. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “What are my financial goals, both short-term and long-term?” “Am I satisfied with my current financial situation, or do I feel there is room for improvement?” “What spending habits do I want to change or improve upon to meet my financial goals?” “What is my overarching intention for my financial well-being and goals during this lunar cycle?” “Does the way I earn money align with my passions, values, and life purpose?” “Are there any limiting beliefs or self-doubts that have been holding me back from earning more money, and how can I overcome them?” “What are my financial goals and aspirations in terms of accumulating or managing assets?” “Are my possessions and assets protected in the way I want them to be and if they are not what can I do during the lunar cycle to ensure their protection?”

If your rising sign is Virgo, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with your identity, body, appearance or your spirit. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “Am I satisfied with my current self-care routines and practices, or do I feel there is room for improvement?” “How can I show my body love during this lunar cycle?” “Are there any negative self-perceptions or beliefs about my body that I want to release or change?” “How do I prioritize self-care and self-love in my daily or weekly routine?” “What practices or activities make me feel most connected and in tune with my body?” “What guidance or wisdom would I like to receive from my higher self this lunar cycle?” “How do I want to grow or deepen my relationship with my higher self?” “Am I satisfied with my current sense of self, or do I feel there is room for growth and evolution?” “What roles and labels do I currently identify with, and how do they impact my sense of self?” “Are there roles and labels I identified with in the past that no longer suit me?” “Do I embrace and celebrate my individuality, including my quirks and imperfections?”

If your rising sign is Libra, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with your subconscious mind or deep inner shadow work. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “What specific aspects of myself or my past do I feel are in the shadows, waiting to be explored and integrated?” “What emotional patterns, triggers, or reactions do I notice in myself that may indicate areas of inner work?” “How does my inner dialogue and self-talk influence my self-perception and behavior?” “What self-care practices can I implement to support myself as I engage in shadow work and inner work?” “What is my overarching intention for my shadow work and inner work during this lunar cycle?”

If your rising sign is Scorpio, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with friendships, groups, community and your hopes and wishes. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “Am I satisfied with the depth and quality of my social relationships, or do I feel there is room for improvement?” “What boundaries do I have in place to protect my well-being in my friendships?” “What is my vision for the kind of friendships I want to cultivate in my life?” “What is my overarching intention for my friendships and social connections during this lunar cycle?” “What communities or groups do I currently belong to, and why are they important to me?” “Am I satisfied with my current level of community engagement, or do I feel there is room for improvement or expansion?” “Are there any local issues or causes that I am passionate about and want to support?” “What are my most cherished hopes and wishes for my life right now?” “Are there any fears or doubts that I need to confront and overcome to pursue my hopes and wishes wholeheartedly?”

If your rising sign is Sagittarius, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with your career, reputation or ideas of success. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “What are my long-term career goals and aspirations?” “Do I have a clear plan or strategy for reaching my career goals, both short-term and long-term?” “What does a balanced and fulfilling career look like to me, and how can I work toward it?” “Are there any limiting beliefs or fears related to my career goals that I want to address and overcome?” “What qualities and values do I want my reputation to reflect?” “What are some key accomplishments or qualities that I want to be known for?” “Do I consistently align my actions and decisions with the reputation I want to cultivate?”

If your rising sign is Capricorn, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with faith, spirituality, spiritual practices, publishing, long-distance travel or future success. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “What aspects of my faith or spirituality bring me the most comfort, connection, and inspiration?” “Do I have a regular spiritual practice or routine, and how does it support my connection to the divine or the spiritual realm?” “What steps can I take to further deepen my faith or spirituality and align it with my life’s purpose and values?” “What are my long-distance travel goals and destinations that I want to explore?” “Have I created a travel bucket list of destinations or experiences that I want to fulfill?”

If your rising sign is Aquarius, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have to do with my relationship with death, debt, shared money or taxes. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “Are there any emotional or psychological factors related to debt that I want to address through self-reflection or therapy?” “Am I actively tracking my income and expenses to understand my financial situation better?” “What expenses or spending habits can I cut or modify to allocate more funds toward debt repayment?” “Am I comfortable discussing and contemplating the topic of death, or does it evoke fear or discomfort?” “How do I cope with grief and loss, and are there strategies or resources I can employ to support my grieving process?” “Are there any fears or anxieties related to death that I want to confront or work through?” “What legacy or impact do I want to leave behind for future generations?”

If your rising sign is Pisces, the new moon is inviting you to set intentions in the areas of your life that have do with your close, intimate relationships, marriage or partnerships. Consider what adjustments you can make in order to experience more of what you want in these areas of your life. For example, ask yourself, “What are the strengths and qualities of the relationship that I value the most?” “What are my long-term goals and aspirations for this relationship?” “How do I want to express love, affection, and appreciation to my partner in the future, and how do I want my partner to express them to me?” “What boundaries and expectations do I have in my partnership, and are they effectively communicated and respected?” “Are there any past unresolved issues or resentments that we need to address and work through together?” “What is my overarching intention for nurturing and deepening my close intimate partnership during this lunar cycle?”

 

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your new moon intentions.

Friday

Today, the moon moves into the sign of Libra later in the day. This 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, draw, paint or collage an image that represents a hope or wish you’d like to make for a certain relationship in your life.

Saturday

The moon is in a harmonious relationship with the beautiful planet Venus 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 joy you want to invite more of in your life.

Sunday

The moon is in a tense relationship with Pluto today.

The moon is the queen of the night. She 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.

Pluto wants to illuminate what is hidden in your subconscious realm to help you transform. It can bring endings, new beginnings, deep spiritual growth and rebirth. With Pluto’s energy influencing us, its helpful to face your shadows and your inner darkness – and hopefully you can do that with compassion.

In this tense kind of relationship the moon and Pluto are having today, challenging emotions can surface and affect how you speak or act. It can stir up difficult issues to process or unresolved issues that still need to be tended to. It’s like facing dark truths that ultimately set you free.

Personally, I see this as an opportunity to address those exiled parts within our psyche. The ones we’ve hidden away because of shame, fear or the worry that we won’t be loved or accepted. Those parts get activated in this kind of moon energy and yes, it can cause challenges in your life and relationships but its hard to tend to those deeply hidden inner parts without them being activated so there is a blessing to this kind of tense moon energy. It supports our emotional and spiritual growth by giving us the opportunity to meet the emotional or spiritual needs of our hidden parts.

Think of an inner child part of you that you have hidden away. Why did you hide them away at the time? Is there something they needed at the time? How can you offer that part of you what it didn’t receive in the past?

In your art journal, create an image that represents an inner child part of you that needs your care and attention today.

Have fun with your art journal and the moon this week.

with love,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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Does your highly sensitive nature stop you from expressing your soul’s desire to create or serve?

Many highly sensitive people, as well as those who’ve weathered the storms of difficult childhoods or past traumas, possess an extraordinary capacity for empathy and acceptance. This profound connection to the world around them alongside a deep understanding of the pain and suffering that can happen here often sparks a soulful yearning to serve, to heal, and to create spaces of refuge and understanding for others. It’s not just a fleeting wish; it’s a foundational part of who they are. They come out of their experiences, both beautiful and challenging, wanting to light the way for others.

Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

Big Hearts in Sensitive Bodies

I’m no exception. My soul longs to create and serve but my highly sensitive nature makes it challenging to do just that.

I don’t navigate the world like most people do and I suspect if you’re reading this, neither do you.

It’s not just because I’m a witch and an artist and I talk to my guardian angel Cassandra like she’s my best friend. It’s also because I’m a highly sensitive person with a history of trauma and a health condition that causes unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening flare ups.

I used to get so frustrated with my sensitivities. I still do sometimes. I hate not being able to eat and drink what everyone else is eating or drinking. It’s not fun leaving a summer campfire because the smoke causes a flare-up. It’s not simple having to plan days of recovery after a vacation because travel causes my body to overreact. It’s not light and easy entering a room and absorbing all the emotional information (people carry a lot of emotional baggage around with them and they’re usually not even aware of it but I am).

There are wonderful gifts that come along with my sensitivities.

I feel things deeply. I can savor moments with complexity and nuance. I can empathize and connect with others on a deep emotional level. I can tune into frequencies that other people aren’t aware of. I don’t need psychedelics to enter altered states of mind quickly and easily. My emotional capacity is vast and a constant source of inspiration. My emotions give me a rich understanding of life. I talk to my angels and ancestors and I can sense and feel how real their presence is. The spirit world is close and tangible. And my intuition is like a guiding compass, providing direction and insight in my life.

But there are also some frustrating challenges. I live with limitations that other people don’t have to worry about. I get overwhelmed easily. I have to constantly be mindful about stress and anxiety. I can’t bypass emotional blockages. If I have an emotional block, it will prevent me from moving forward. Guaranteed. Every single time! I can’t just get over it. My system doesn’t work like that. I have to process and deal with my emotions in order to move forward. I don’t have the luxury of ignoring or dismissing them. I have a higher risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. I’m more deeply affected by criticism or conflict. It takes me longer to develop and maintain emotional resilience.

Just like the Moon

As you can see my highly sensitive nature is just like the moon – brilliant and bright and full of shadows and darkness at the same time.

I think we all have our unique way of moving through life but when you’re highly sensitive, I’ve learned it’s important to acknowledge the gifts and the burdens that come with your sensitive nature.

One of the reasons it’s difficult for highly sensitive people to validate their own emotional experience and their own highly sensitive nature is because the people around them who are not as sensitive just don’t get it. In subtle, and sometimes not so subtle ways, we’re told, “You’re too much.” or “You’re too intense.” People think we’re overreacting, and they just want you to get over it. The world doesn’t like to stop and tend to emotional needs and over time we learn to ignore and dismiss our emotional needs as well.

But like it or not, I have a lot of emotional and physical needs and ignoring or dismissing them is not an option. My world has to stop more often than I want it to so I can tend to my needs – emotional or otherwise.

It’s worth it though. Living in a way that honors and respects my sensitive nature seems at first like it forces me to move at a slower pace and deal with more obstacles but in the end, my body is happier and I’m able to create and serve like my soul longs to do.

Living Aligned with Lunar Cycles and Seasonal Rhythms

The two most significant changes I made in my life that enable me to manage my sensitivities are neutralizing memories with the MAP Method and living aligned with lunar cycles and seasonal rhythms. There are a lot of ways to tend to your highly sensitive needs but these are the ones that work best for me.

Living aligned with lunar cycles and seasonal rhythms allows me to co-regulate with nature and as someone who struggles to co-regulate with people, the moon and the seasons are far more accessible to me. Co-regulation, in the context of trauma-informed care, refers to the process wherein our nervous system aligns with another system to find balance. Typically, this is thought of in relation to another person. For instance, a parent’s emotional state can directly impact a child’s emotional state. When a baby is distressed, a calm parent can soothe the baby not only through their actions (like rocking) but also through their calm presence, voice, and facial expressions. The baby’s mirror neurons pick up on this calm demeanor and their nervous system responds by moving towards a state of calm as well. Over time, with consistent co-regulation experiences, the child will learn self-regulation skills, understanding and managing their emotions with greater autonomy. Because I had untended to trauma responses from such a young age and intense emotions were an everyday occurrence in my environments, I find it more enticing to co-regulate with nature than with people.

It’s entirely possible—and deeply healing—to co-regulate with elements of nature.

The consistent waxing and waning of the moon, the predictability of the tides, and the ebb and flow of seasons offer a gentle, rhythmic pattern that your nervous system can synchronize with. Just as a distressed child might find solace in the steady heartbeat of a parent, your own system can find peace and calm in the natural rhythms that surround you.

Aligning with lunar cycles or seasonal rhythms provides a reliable external pattern for your body to attune to. This external stability can be especially valuable for those who’ve experienced trauma, as our internal rhythms might feel chaotic or unpredictable. When you align with the steadiness found in nature, it offers a grounding anchor, a point of return, and a gentle reminder that there’s a broader, consistent, and nurturing system at play. By consciously engaging with these lunar and seasonal patterns—like setting intentions with the new moon or recognizing the need for rest in winter—you not only honor your intrinsic bond with nature but also foster a sense of stability, predictability, and safety within yourself. In this alignment, your nervous system finds its rhythm, and healing is fostered in the most organic and profound way.

When I art journal with the moon and time my deep inner work and spiritual growth with the seasons and lunar cycles, I don’t just tend to my soul, practice magic and process my emotions, I also help root a deep sense of safety and stability into my nervous system.

Neutralizing Memories with the MAP Method

The second most effective thing I’ve done to manage my sensitivities is learning to neutralize memories with the MAP Method.

Neutralizing memories refers to a transformative process wherein the emotional charge or impact of past events is reduced or completely removed. Neutralizing a memory means adjusting the emotional charge it carries so its impact on the present is diminished or rendered neutral.

The MAP (Make Anything Possible) Method is one of the techniques that make this neutralization possible. Using this method, you can access a particular memory and work with your subconscious mind to alter the emotional associations linked to it. Without delving too much into technicalities, the MAP Method essentially involves inviting higher intelligence or subconscious wisdom to help reconfigure these memories, removing the sting or intensity they might have. It doesn’t delete or alter the memory itself; instead, it changes how you feel and react to that memory.

Let me give you an example, let’s imagine you have a childhood memory from when you are about seven years old. You excitedly showed your drawing to your father, expecting praise. Instead, he dismissively commented on how the drawing wasn’t good and that you should focus on your studies rather than wasting time on art. The emotional trigger from this memory was far more intense than it would be now that you’re an adult but as a child his comments crushed you. Now imagine every time you thought about this moment or faced situations where you had to showcase your skills or achievements, you felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and fear of rejection. This led to you avoiding many opportunities in life, fearing criticism and belittlement.

Now imagine that with the MAP Method, you revisited this memory and neutralized its emotional charge. You didn’t have to talk about the memory, process the emotions around it or view it in a different way. All you had to do was listen to a command and your subconscious mind replaced the emotions you felt with more helpful, positive emotions and empowering beliefs.

Now, when you recall the memory, you no longer feel the intense sting of rejection and pain. You see a young child eager to showcase their art and a father who, maybe because of his own upbringing or stresses, couldn’t provide the support you needed at that moment. Instead of feeling hurt, you feel compassion for her younger self and maybe even for your father as well. The memory still exists, but its emotional charge — the pain, the rejection, the humiliation — has been neutralized. You now feel free to share your achievements and talents with the world with confidence, unburdened by that haunting feeling of inadequacy. You have reclaimed your narrative!

When you work with the MAP Method, you don’t even have to know which memory is causing the pain or emotional blockages in your life.

For example, I’ve been experiencing recurring pain and discomfort in my right hip for quite some time – like decades. Traditional explanations for this kind of pain have pointed to physical activities, poor posture, or even the aging process. But, like many, I believe that my body can sometimes store emotional memories, and these memories can manifest as physical discomfort or pain which I suspected was happening in my right hip.

I decided to explore this hypothesis further using the MAP Method. Unlike conventional therapeutic approaches, which might require diving deep into the root cause of such discomfort by discussing and processing painful memories, the MAP Method offers a unique perspective. I didn’t need to know or understand the exact memory causing the discomfort. Instead, I focused on my hip’s physical sensations – the tension, the discomfort, the strain.

I created then listened to the specially curated episode from the Moon Mapping Year focused on neutralizing memories stored in the hips. The commands in the episode, designed to communicate directly with the subconscious mind, got to work. As I listened to the recording, something profound happened. My subconscious started processing and neutralizing the emotional baggage tied to my hip pain. I didn’t need to actively engage with or even be aware of the specific memories or traumas my body might has been holding onto.

By the end of the 30-minute recording, I felt a noticeable difference. The discomfort and pain in my hip had diminished, almost as if my body had let go of the emotional weight it had been bearing. It was as if the MAP Method, through its commands, told my subconscious mind: “It’s okay to release this. You can let go.” And my body responded by easing the pain.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity and non-invasiveness. There’s no dredging up of painful memories, no exhaustive emotional processing—just targeted commands allowing the subconscious to heal in the way it knows best.

This is especially beneficial for highly sensitive healers and creators because HSPs, by their very nature, experience emotions more intensely and deeply. Our heightened senses mean we don’t just remember an event; we re-experience the sounds, sights, and emotions associated with it. When these memories carry pain, trauma, or negative emotions, they can be particularly overwhelming for HSPs and our nervous systems, affecting our present moment, mood, or even physical well-being. By neutralizing these memories, we can liberate ourselves from the shackles of the past. We can find more peace in the present and approach life with a clarity unperturbed by the echoes of past pain and the truck loads of emotional and energetic baggage we absorb and pick up can finally be released.

As you can see, neutralizing memories and living aligned with the seasons and lunar cycles allows you to experience a life with less emotional ups and downs, less pain and less stress which gives you more motivation, confidence and energy to focus on serving and creating the way your soul longs to serve and create.

The world needs what your soul longs to give.

Finding Balance and Freedom

This is why I do the work I do. Because the world needs what your soul longs to give but I know, like me, you can’t give it when you’re bogged down by your sensitivities.

As we enjoy Virgo season, a time deeply connected to health and well-being, I’d like to share something I’ve crafted specifically for souls like ours: The Moon Mapping Virgo Collection.

Virgo season, with its intrinsic link to health, especially the stomach and digestive system, acts as a cosmic nudge. It beckons us to question: Am I truly nourishing myself? What emotional baggage am I carrying in my abdomen? This season, I invite you to journey with me. Let’s realign, release, and rejuvenate.

This special private podcast series is exclusively curated for highly sensitive healers and creators who want to lighten their emotional and energetic load – especially the memories that are intertwined with your relationship with food and eating and the memories you’ve stored in your digestive system. Within this collection lie eight audio journeys, each harnessing the power of the MAP Method to neutralize memories. Imagine releasing long-held emotional anchors, telling your body it’s safe and allowing it to function with newfound freedom and efficiency.

Like most highly sensitive people do, I put my heart and soul in the things I create. If you’re ready to sign up and receive access to the Moon Mapping Virgo Collection, do it now because for a limited time, until Friday, September 8, 2023, you receive $50 off the regular price. Learn more or sign up here.

with love,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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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.

Virgo Season: A Time of Nourishment and Renewal

My art studio is a mess!

But don’t worry, it’s the good kind of mess. It’s the kind of mess that happens when you’re right in the middle of transformation.

That’s because I was so aligned with Virgo season without even realizing it and woke up one day with a dire need to deep clean, purge, restructure and remodel my home studio. As I mentioned last week, Virgo is placed in my 4th astrological house of my birth chart which means all this Virgo energy we’ve been getting from the moon as it reflects that Virgo sun is activating those areas of my life that the 4th house represents. The 4th house in astrology happens to represent your home and living situation (as well as your relationship to your ancestors, parents and the people and experiences that grew you) so here I am in fine Virgo form purging years of papers I’ve carried with me from University through to all my failed projects then painting furniture and walls, moving things around so it flows better and keeping things fresh and renewed. It feels great!!

That’s because in the height of Virgo season, we’re often inspired to organize our physical surroundings – decluttering our homes, rearranging our workspaces, and curating our environments for maximum productivity.

In the northern hemisphere, it’s a time when the days shorten and a crispness begins to tinge the air. Summer, with its golden promise of endless adventure, sunlit evenings, and that intoxicating freedom, starts to give way to the rhythm of routine. And while there’s a touch of melancholy as I say goodbye to those warm sunny days, there’s also a familiar, almost comforting hustle that accompanies the transition.

If you have school aged kids, suddenly, everywhere you look there are backpacks to be filled, school supplies to be bought, and an endless list of forms to be filled out (I hated filling out my son’s forms). The house is abuzz with the chatter of new teachers, classmates, and all the excitement (and perhaps a dash of anxiety) of a new school year. No more weekday sleep-ins; it’s back to the morning scramble.

And if you’ve had the chance to slip away for a summer vacation (I did this time), coming home can feel like a crash back to reality (and yes, it definitely did for me this year). There’s unpacking to be done, the inevitable mountain of laundry, and let’s not forget the post-vacation grocery run because, let’s face it, all I had in the fridge was some wilted lettuce and questionable condiments.

Despite it all, there’s an unmistakable grounding energy to Virgo season. It’s in the evening routines, the slow re-establishment of order, and the return to the familiar nooks and corners of our daily lives. It’s like slipping into your favorite pair of worn-in jeans after a summer of shorts and flip-flops. There’s a solace in the structure, a quiet joy in the rituals that anchor us.

Virgo season is both a little bit bitter and a little bit sweet.

The sign of Virgo also has a natural affinity with health, particularly the stomach and digestive system. It’s as if the universe is whispering to us, reminding us to pause and ask: “Is what I’m consuming nourishing me? Are there any trapped emotions here that need release?”

In the zodiac, each sign governs specific parts of your body. Virgo, a meticulous and health-conscious Earth sign, is intricately linked to your digestive system. The symbol of the virgin, representing purity and nourishment, gives a nod to your body’s process of separating the pure from the impure – much like your digestive system naturally knows how to discern nutrients from waste.

It takes food and breaks it down into miniscule bits and pieces, diligently sorts through everything you throw at it and chooses only the things it needs, determining which parts will fuel your muscles, which parts will repair your tissues, and which parts will be stored for later. As the sorting continues, your digestive system also works diligently to filter out and discard any unwanted material, ensuring that only the best and most beneficial nutrients are used and distributed to where they are needed most. Throughout this complex process, your digestive system ensures that everything is delivered precisely where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Every element, from the smallest micronutrient to the most vital proteins, is handled with care and precision, making sure your body runs on time and in harmony.

Your digestive system is inextricably linked to your emotions. It is often dubbed our “second brain” because it’s home to millions of neurons. These neurons communicate and react to your emotions. Stress, anxiety, joy, or sadness—each emotion sends ripples through your digestive system. Intense emotions can lead to digestive disturbances, be it the nervous fluttering before a first date or the stomach clenching in stressful times or the slowing down of digestion when your trauma response is triggered.

For overall health and well-being, a relaxed digestive system is so important. When your digestive process runs smoothly, your body can efficiently absorb nutrients, giving you the energy and vitality you need.

On the flip side, when your digestive system is in turmoil, your body’s ability to absorb nutrients diminishes. This can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and overall decreased vitality. Furthermore, an upset digestive system can produce neurotransmitters that affect your mood, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression.

A calm and efficient digestive system influences both your physical wellness and your mood. Just as a well-functioning gut can lead to clarity of mind, positive moods, and higher energy levels, a disrupted system can be a precursor to a slew of health issues and emotional disturbances.

Nurturing your digestive health means nurturing your entire being, understanding that every emotion you feel, hang onto and swallow instead of express plays a part in your well-being.

Just like the foods you consume, emotions too need their space for digestion, otherwise they can leave a lingering, unsettling mess for your body to carry and manage.

Emotions are energy in motion. When you don’t process them – when you push away the shame, silence the guilt, or bury the rage – you inadvertently ask your body to store this energy. Your digestive system, sensitive as it is, often becomes the unwilling vault for these unprocessed emotions. Instead of humming along in its task of processing food, it gets burdened with an energy that it wasn’t primarily designed to handle. The result? The gentle rhythm of your digestive system can go awry, the natural flow interrupted by emotional blockages.

Unprocessed emotions don’t just fade into the background. Instead, they linger like undigested food particles, and just as stray food particles can trigger reactions like allergies or sensitivities, unprocessed emotions continually get triggered by events in your daily life. Every time they are reignited, your digestive system feels the heat and carries the pressure of having to manage those emotional triggers. It’s like a gentle stream constantly being disturbed by unexpected splashes. Over time, these splashes, these emotional disturbances, affects the tranquility of your digestive system.

Facing emotions, especially the challenging ones, is akin to giving your digestive system a deep cleanse. Delving into the depth of your feelings can be overwhelming, but by confronting them, you allow them to move, to flow, and finally, to be released or be transformed into something more nourishing to you and your body. And just as your body feels lighter after a physical cleanse, emotionally confronting and processing your feelings gives your entire being, especially your digestive system, a renewed sense of lightness.

Without the repeated disturbances of unprocessed emotions, your nervous can finally function with calmness and clarity. Signals between your brain and your digestive system become more harmonious, less fraught with interference. Your digestive system, in turn, rewards you with efficient digestion, better absorption, and an overall sense of well-being.

In essence, by giving your emotions the attention and processing they deserve, you’re not just healing your mind, you’re also bestowing your digestive system with the peace it so rightly deserves. It’s a beautiful act of self-love.

As you can see, this Virgo-inspired tidying up doesn’t just apply to your home and routines. It also applies to the deepest corners of your mind and soul and your digestive system. Much like a cluttered room can make it hard to find things, a cluttered inner world can muddle your spiritual insights and emotions – this is one of the reasons we art journal with the moon my friends. It’s not just to practice magic or manifest the changes we want to see in our lives or in the world. It’s also to tend to our souls and process our emotions.

As you can see, it’s a great time to tend to your digestive system and your relationship with food and eating!

Which is why, for a limited time, I’m offering access to a private podcast called the Moon Mapping Virgo Collection.

Introducing the Moon Mapping Virgo Collection.

The Moon Mapping Virgo Collection is a library of 8 powerful audio journeys carefully curated from the Moon Mapping Year that each focus on neutralize memories around food, eating and your digestive system.

Virgo season is a great time to unburden yourself of harmful memories around food and eating. The depth of our food memories makes them powerful triggers. I bet you noticed that just reading the word “food” evokes thoughts, feelings and sensations instantly.

Memories also affect your digestive system.

With the power of the MAP Method, these recordings invite you to neutralize memories, especially those nestled in your digestive system, allowing you to whisper back to your body, “All is well. You are safe.”

All this leads to a digestive system that’s less bogged down by emotional baggage, more relaxed, and functioning efficiently. 

For this week only, when you join this adventure, you will have access to all the recordings in this special collection until December 1, 2023 with $50 OFF the regular price. Sign up before Friday and start listening on your favorite podcast app today!

Learn more here.

Monday

The moon is in the fixed earth sign of Taurus today. Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus so the moon is carrying a little bit of that planet’s energy today as well.

Taurus energy is stable and secure. It brings an air of grace, calm, tolerance, tenacity, comfort, pleasure, grounding, safety and security. Depending on the way it affects you or the area of your life it influences the most, it may also bring laziness, inactivity or stubbornness.

Emotionally, Taurus is like that reliable friend who offers a warm hug and a cup of tea when life gets tough. Think stability, security, and sensuality. This energy invites us to slow down, smell the roses, and be fully present. Our emotions might feel a bit more settled and less prone to wild swings. It’s an excellent time to cherish the simple pleasures that soothe your soul—comfort food, good music, or a long walk in nature. But watch out for stubbornness, because Taurus energy can have you clinging to old habits, even when they no longer serve you

Spiritually, Taurus encourages us to anchor ourselves in the present moment, to find the sacred in the mundane. It’s a time to reflect on what truly matters, to nurture your connection with the Earth, and to explore your relationship with the material world. Taurus calls you to dig deep, to discover the emotional ties you have with materiality, and to consider whether they’re helping or hindering your spiritual growth.

To align with the energy of the Taurus moon, create a page that represents your personal definition of comfort. How do you visually express the feeling of safety and stability? What objects, colors, or textures make you feel grounded and at ease? Explore this theme through your art and let it be a gentle reminder of the warmth and security you can cultivate within yourself.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents what brings you comfort.

Tuesday

The moon moves into the sign of Gemini today. Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury so the moon is carrying a little of that planet’s energy as well.

Gemini energy is adaptable, flexible and brings swiftness and movement. It sometimes can bring energy that feels frantic or unstable as well as scattered, inconsistent, unreliable or unfocused but it is also dynamic, versatile, communicative, multifaceted, friendly and curious with the capacity to change and be interested in many different things which means it sees the good in people and the possibilities in experiences.

Try to think of something in your life you want to move more swiftly. Perhaps it’s a challenging experience that you would like to process or move through more quickly. Perhaps it’s a dream you’d like to draw more closely to you.

With ease and grace, what is one thing in your life you hope shifts or changes quickly and easily?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents something you’d like to move through more swiftly.

Wednesday

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:

1. What lessons have I learned in this past moon cycle?
2. What am I ready to let go of?
3. How have I grown and changed over this moon cycle?
4. Who or what do I need to forgive to move forward?
5. 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.

Thursday

The moon is in a tense relationship with Neptune today.

Neptune wants to help us connect to source energy and experience what its like to reach our divine potential, feel unconditionally loved and feel our interconnectedness. It also wants to open our psychic gifts, help us receive divine inspiration and dissolve barriers so we experience wholeness and unity. It also wants to help us expand and use our imagination and see the unseen or know the unknown.

It’s a planet of intuition, psychic abilities, imagination, spirituality and dreams but it can also represent our delusions or our desires to escape, including our desire to escape our uncomfortable feelings.

In this tense relationship with the moon, Neptune can cause you to feel unsettled and uncertain. It can especially blur the line between your experience and someone else’s – which for empaths and highly sensitive people means you might be more prone to absorb other people’s feelings today, so much so that you get confused about what is yours to carry and what was never yours to never pick up in the first place. It’s a good day to protect your energy field. 

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your protected and happy energy field.

Friday

The moon is in the water sign of Cancer today. Cancer is ruled by the moon so the moon is in a sign it feels most at home in.

Cancer energy is nocturnal in nature. It is sensitive, sentimental and carries the wisdom of cycles. It is connected to your ancestors, your roots and your feelings of home. It walks alongside your subconscious realm.  It is the wise and whole mother within who knows how to wrap and protect and care for all your inner parts.  It is calm, compassionate and nurturing but it is also emotions that move up and down and all around. It wants to help you meet your emotional needs and teach you have to feel emotionally safe. It can help you change and transform your inner landscape but it can also amplify your defensiveness or resistance.

Think about where in your life you could use some nurturing and tender loving care.

How can you take care of your body today?

How can you take care of your emotional self today?

How can you take care of your spirit today?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents nurturing energy that lovingly cares for you.

Saturday

The moon is still in the sign of Cancer today.

Like the moon, the sign of Cancer is connected to our emotions. It’s also like the thoughtful friend who always remembers your birthday and shows up with tissues and ice cream when you’re feeling down.

Emotionally, Cancer is all about family, home, and those cozy comfort zones. It’s like a warm blanket that wraps around you, offering a sense of security in an uncertain world. Cancer’s energy can also be a bit moody and prone to emotional waves. It’s a time to honor your feelings, even the messy ones, and to nurture your inner emotional landscape. 

Spiritually, Cancer invites you to dive into your own psyche, to explore the depths of your emotions, and to connect with your intuition. It also encourages you to seek solace within yourself and to create a safe inner haven. Consider the ways you can offer yourself the love and care you might be seeking from external sources.

Today, in your art journal, create a visual representation of your emotional sanctuary. What does it look like? What colors, textures, and images resonate with the idea of emotional security for you? Allow your art to be a reminder that you carry your safe haven within, no matter the storm outside.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represent your emotional sanctuary.

Sunday

Today the moon is in the balsamic phase.

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, create an image that represents the emotional baggage you’re ready to release.

Have fun with your art journal and the moon this week.

with love,

Dana da Ponte

 

 

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