The Spiritual Significance and Magical Properties of the Circle

September 20, 2023

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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Category: Reach Your Goals with the Moon

Tags: art therapy, art witch, circle, coregulation, creative journal pages, creativity, emotional release, highly sensitive people, journal pages, magical properties of circle, moon pages, moon ritual, moon rituals, nervous system, self-care, self-love, selflove, trauma

Art Journal with the Moon for September 18-24, 2023

September 17, 2023

This is a summary of the moon’s energy for the upcoming week and the inner work and magic you can do in your art journal to make the most of the opportunities the cosmos is gifting us with.

Every week the emotional and magical opportunities the moon is sending you are different because the energy she is drawing down from the planets and stars changes moment to moment. Planets and stars and moon phases and moon signs each carry their own unique energy. This is my weekly update of the moon’s comings and goings to support you in aligning with her energy.

Get your art journal or a scrap of paper you see lying around, your art supplies or those pencil crayons you have hidden away somewhere and have fun. Spend 10 – 20 minutes focusing on the themes the moon is supporting you to explore that day while you play with colors and shapes and watch what happens over time.

It’s amazing what a little consistent creative time can do.

Autumn and Your Sense of Belonging

This week the sun moves into Libra marking the autumn equinox and the cycle of life continues as one season ends and another begins.

In my neck of the woods, the vibrant green leaves of the poplar and aspen trees have turned bright golden yellow and orange. Each leaf tells a tale of transformation, of surrender to the inevitable cycle of life. Animals, too, sense the shift. The squirrels in my yard are busy gathering and preparing for the colder months ahead. On my morning walk I heard the honking of geese as they fly south. It all makes for a warm and cozy reminder that change is once again afoot.

Autumn, with its cooler days and longer nights, draws us inwards, both physically and metaphorically. It’s a time for reflection, for taking stock of the months gone by. How much have I grown? In what ways have my dreams, hopes, and desires manifested? What am I looking forward to now?

In this season of harvest, there’s also a profound sense of gratitude that emerges, an innate urge to give thanks for all that’s deeply meaningful to us. Nature reminds us that life is fleeting. This awareness nudges us to cherish the things and people we love.

That’s what I’ve been focused on lately – the warmth of togetherness, and belonging. Autumn, in its gentle way, pulls me closer to those I hold dear, urging me to gather around feast filled tables. It’s a season that rekindles my connection to my roots, to the lineage that has shaped my very being. The thinning veil between our world and the ancestral realm allows me to feel, perhaps more than ever, the presence and guidance of those who walked before me.

Family, of course, isn’t limited to bloodlines. As we age, we find kindred spirits, souls that resonate with our own, forming bonds that are profound and unbreakable. These chosen families offer us a place of refuge, a sanctuary where we truly belong.

Autumn, much like the waning phases of the moon, invites us to explore the depths of our inner world and when you dive into your inner world it’s inevitable you will also dive deep into your relationships. As the trees shed their leaves, we too are invited to let go of past resentments, misunderstandings, and wounds, making space for forgiveness, acceptance, and deeper connections. That’s where my heart has been traveling as autumn approaches – celebrating my deep connections.

It’s a magical season to honor and cherish our families—both those we were born into and those we’ve lovingly built and appreciate the sense of belonging they offer.

I am in contemplation lately of my experience of belonging and how easily my highly sensitive nature and my history of emotional neglect and trauma can lead me to lose that sense of belonging. Do you have that experience too? I don’t like the experience because it makes me feel disconnected from the people I love.

I chalk this recurring experience of rejection and abandonment up to my attachment style and my highly sensitive nature. I know, it’s reductive but it helps me understand myself better. I don’t know much about attachment styles but the little I’ve learned about it helped me tremendously.

Experiencing trauma, particularly in early life, can interfere with the development of a secure attachment style. In the case of neglect or trauma, a child might develop an anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style. With anxious attachment, for instance, there’s often a hypersensitivity to relational cues, an overwhelming fear of abandonment, and a heightened alertness to signs of rejection. We become hypervigilant to cues that might indicate abandonment or rejection. This heightened sensitivity can persist into adulthood, making one particularly reactive to perceived slights or rejections. And if you’re like me, you’re often seeing signs of rejection or abandonment where they don’t even exist.

Add to this that highly sensitive people often feel emotions more intensely. This means that both positive and negative feedback can feel magnified. A simple comment that might seem trivial to one person can be profoundly impactful, sometimes evoking strong emotional reactions. The innate ability of highly sensitive people to pick up on and deeply feel the emotions of others can sometimes make them more susceptible to the emotional undertones accompanying criticism or rejection. They might sense disappointment, anger, or frustration even if it’s not overtly expressed.

Having your sense of belonging shaken can be deeply unsettling especially since highly sensitive people seek deep, meaningful relationships and connections. When we face rejection or criticism, especially from those we care most about, it shakes our sense of belonging and our internal foundations. We value relationships deeply so the idea of being alienated or isolated from a group or individual due to criticism or rejection can be a significant source of distress.

When you’re a highly sensitive person with a history of trauma and/or difficult childhood experiences (which, let’s face it, most spiritual healers and creators are), feelings of rejection or exclusion might trigger an “exiled” part within you holding the pain from the past trauma or neglect. When this part is activated, the emotional reaction might be intense because it’s not just about the current situation but also carries the weight of past experiences. When you feel rejected or not included, the young “part” of you that experienced trauma might get triggered. The emotions this part carries can be overwhelming. Simultaneously, other parts might jump into action to manage or numb these feelings, further intensifying your emotional experience.

Belonging makes me feel safe, settled, connected, rooted and held. Being excluded or rejected makes me feel isolated, lonely, unsafe and triggers my trauma response. When I feel rejected or abandoned, I also tend to be self-critical, assuming the reason I am rejected or excluded is because I’m weird, flawed, wrong or bad.

I recently experienced another moment of feeling rejected and excluded. It happens a lot in my inner world because my younger wounded parts tend to perceive events in my life through this lens. I used my morning walk among the golden yellow leaves to work through my thoughts and beliefs around what happened and to digest my feelings about it. I started by noticing how feeling rejected and excluded affected my stomach and digestive system which led me to connect with some younger parts who were feeling hurt.

I used my Moon Mapping recording for neutralizing emotional triggers in a relationship (episode 30). I love that episode because it’s a step-by-step process for discovering the unmet emotional need that is hiding in the relationship upset. I realized that although I wanted this particular person to change and include me more often, what I actually wanted was to feel close and connected to them again. That opened my heart and all this love for them poured out. It was beautiful and cathartic.

To me, that’s when autumn feels as it should – a warm hug enveloping all those that I love.

We all, at various points in our lives, face moments of feeling on the outside. Sometimes it’s due to circumstances, sometimes due to misunderstandings, and at other times, it’s just the complex ebb and flow of human relationships. We are a messy and complicated bunch. But these moments don’t define who you are or your place in this vast universe.

This autumn, surround yourself with those who love and understand you. The love of trusted friends and family can be an elixir for the soul. They are the ones who see you for the remarkable person you are and remind you of your worth, even when you might momentarily forget it.

And during those quiet moments, when the world feels a little too big and a little too cold, take out your art journal and reconnect with yourself. You have a universe of wonders within you. Your experiences, dreams, and memories make you beautifully unique.

Your worth isn’t determined by fleeting moments of exclusion or rejection. You are an invaluable part of this world, with so much to offer and so much yet to experience.

Every one of us belongs.

In this season, may you always find your way back to the warm, comforting circle of belonging, and may your heart be surrounded by souls that resonate with its beat.

Monday

Today the moon is in the waxing crescent phase, it’s in the sign of Scorpio and it’s having a happy relationship with Mercury and Saturn.

The moon is moving from being dark, still and invisible to growing and coming into full power.

I like to think of this phase as the time when the dream seeds I planted during the New Moon are just starting to form shoots or tiny roots. I might not be able to see my prayers being answered or my dreams manifesting but I can have faith that despite the limited capabilities of what my physical senses can pick up, Spirit is conspiring in my favor and there are invisible forces at work in my life helping me to grow, heal, evolve and create.

In my art rituals, this is the time when I’m meditating on the intentions I set during the New Moon. I’m revisiting my intentions and trying to call them up in my imagination again and trying to tap into the emotions those intentions evoke within me. I’m feeding my dreams with the power of my imagination and my emotions.

How far can you stretch your imagination today?

How much goodness can you imagine growing in your life today?

How many invisible forces can you imagine are helping you today?

How many invisible actions can you imagine your angels and spirit guides are taking to help you reach your goals and manifest your new moon intentions?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents all the invisible support you imagine receiving from your spirit allies during this lunar cycle.

Tuesday

The moon is in the waxing crescent phase today and in the sign of Scorpio. It’s also having a tense relationship with Venus and an opposing relationship with Jupiter and Uranus.

The waxing crescent phase follows the new moon, representing a time of initial growth and forward momentum. This period stands for the very beginning stages of manifestation. The seed has been planted during the new moon and now, during the waxing crescent, it starts to break through the soil, symbolizing intention, hope, and potential coming to light. There’s a certain tenderness to this phase, a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.

Scorpio, a fixed water sign, is characterized by its intensity, depth, and transformative energy. Ruled by Mars in ancient astrology, Scorpio delves into the mysteries of life and is unafraid to confront the realms of the unseen, be it psychological, emotional, or spiritual. The sign also deals with matters of rebirth, regeneration, and the uncovering of hidden truths.

The waxing crescent moon in Scorpio urges a deep internal exploration. It’s not just about what you want to achieve, but why you want to achieve it. Scorpio’s influence demands honesty and depth in regards to your goals and dreams. It reminds us that superficial goals might not thrive well. Instead, goals that align with deep personal truths and core values will find the most potent energy to flourish.

Align the intentions you planted at the new moon with your deepest truths and as you move towards your goals and dreams ensure that your actions resonate with the core of who you really are and what you truly, deeply want.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents a serene landscape. like a peaceful night sky, that represents the feeling of being in a calm and nurturing void.

Wednesday

The waxing crescent moon moves into the sign of Sagittarius today. It’s also having a happy relationship with Pluto and Neptune but a tense relationship with Saturn.

The waxing moon signifies growth, expansion, and forward momentum. It’s a time of increasing light, both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing the growth of our intentions and the progression of our goals. There’s an active, building energy during this phase as we move toward the culmination of the full moon.

Sagittarius, a mutable fire sign, is characterized by its thirst for knowledge, adventure, and the broader horizons of life. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion, luck, and higher learning, Sagittarius seeks truth, understanding, and the larger meaning in everything. This sign is driven by an innate optimism and a desire to explore.

The growing energy of the moon meshes well with Sagittarius’s expansive and adventurous spirit. It reminds you to broaden your perspectives, dream big, and set intentions that stretch beyond your usual boundaries. Be bold with our aspirations.

What can you learn to support your new moon intentions? Where can personal growth support your new moon intentions?

Above all, consider how the intentions you set at the new moon fit into the broader narrative of your life. What larger truths or understandings about yourself or this world are you aiming to uncover when your intentions are realized? Why are the changes you want to see in yourself, your life or the world so deeply meaningful to you?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents your big and bold dreams.

Thursday

The waxing crescent moon is in the sign of Sagittarius and it’s having a happy relationship with Venus, Mars and Jupiter and a tense relationship with Mercury today.

Venus is associated with fertility and growth and represents beauty, grace, softness and gentleness. It brings love, friendship, harmony, passion, sensuality, pleasure and is concerned with our relationships and our relationship with pleasure and joy.

The moon and Venus both have receptive qualities. In the spiritual realm, Venus and the moon work well with intuitive natures to encourage you to live in flow. They provide you with the energy that helps you open, surrender and trust.

In the physical realm, the moon represents the body so bringing that gentle energy of Venus to your body by focusing on doing things that make you feel happy, nurtured and cared for today is helpful.

In the emotional realm, allow the full spectrum of your emotions the respect they deserve today and try to express how you feel in ways that bring harmony and gentleness to your relationships.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents the kind of love or joy you want to attract into your life.

Friday

Today, the first quarter moon moves into the sign of Capricorn. It is also having a happy relationship with Saturn and a tense relationship with Neptune.

The first quarter moon is a pivotal phase, symbolizing a time of action and challenge. Roughly a week after the new moon, this phase represents the initial obstacles or challenges we face in the progression of our intentions set during the new moon. It’s a call to action, urging us to address whatever hurdles are in our path and to make the necessary adjustments. The energy here is dynamic, often pushing us out of our comfort zones and compelling us to confront the barriers that stand between us and our goals.

Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign, is known for its discipline, ambition, and pragmatic approach to life. Governed by Saturn, the planet of responsibility, structure, and time, Capricorn is deeply concerned with achievement, order, and the long-term. It has an innate ability to plan and lay down structural foundations, always keeping the end goal in mind. Think of Capricorn as the adept builder or the wise elder, who understands the importance of patience, persistence, and hard work.

When the first quarter moon is in the sign of Capricorn, like it is today, the active, challenge-oriented energy of this lunar phase finds a friend in Capricorn’s disciplined and methodical nature. This is a time for being strategic and realistic. Instead of being overwhelmed by obstacles, the moon is encouraging you to break tasks down into manageable steps, prioritize what’s essential, and move forward with deliberate and steady effort.

It’s also a time where you can be especially mindful of your resources (time, energy, finances) and how you’re allocating them in pursuit of your new moon intentions.

Don’t forget the value of perseverance and if a hurdle stands in your way, get curious. Is this merely a temporary setback or do you need to reevaluate things and make a change in the direction you’re going?

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents breaking down the intentions you set at the new moon into manageable steps you’re committing to take.

Saturday

The first quarter moon is in the sign of Capricorn today. It’s also having a happy relationship with Mercury and a tense relationship with Mars.

The moon is in a happy relationship with Mercury today.

Mercury is the messenger of the Gods. It is concerned with communication and connection. It influences transportation, commerce, language, writing, speaking and education. It also represents the mind. When it’s happy it is helpful to the mind and learning and inspires curiosity, ingenuity and business. In a happy state like it is today it brings helpful thoughts, good communication, ease with technology, curiosity and success in business.

It’s a day where your right and left brain are harmonious and respectful of each other. You’re more likely to trust your intuition or follow your creative impulses. Because the moon rules your emotions and dreams it’s also a day where you’re more likely to communicate how you feel in a way that others will respond to in a caring or helpful way.

In your art journal, draw, paint or collage an image that represents communicating how you feel.

Sunday

The first quarter moon moves into the sign of Libra. It’s also having a happy relationship with the sun, Uranus and Neptune and it is in a close relationship with Pluto.

The moon in Libra brings to light dynamics in our relationships, our experience with balance, and inner harmony. And for the highly sensitive, it offers a gentle reminder to find balance between nurturing our own souls and cherishing our connections with others.

With Libra being ruled by the planet Venus, the moon reflects a little of this planet’s energy as well. Imagine the moon, tinged with Venus’s soft and beautiful aura, inviting us into a space of art and grace.

When the moon is in Libra, it can be a time to have fun with friends, gather and enjoy group activities. Libra encourages us to find acceptance and understanding in our interactions. However, it’s worth noting the delicate dance that Libra plays – while it nudges us towards sociability and connection, it can also lead us to focus too much on others. And there is the challenge: the quest for balance. Especially for the empathic or the highly sensitive, it’s essential to remember to honor your own feelings and needs even as you immerse yourself in the world of others.

In your art journal, create an image that represents taking care of your emotional needs while you’re interacting with the important people in your life.

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

with love,

Dana da Ponte

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Category: Art, Crafts and Rituals

Tags: art journal pages, astrology, creative journal pages, journal pages, leo, lunar cycle, moon cycle, moon pages, moon ritual, moon update, self-care, spiritual art

Art Journal with the Moon for September 11-17, 2023

September 10, 2023

This is a summary of the moon’s energy for the upcoming week and the inner work and magic you can do in your art journal to make the most of the opportunities the cosmos is gifting us with.

Every week the emotional and magical opportunities the moon is sending you are different because the energy she is drawing down from the planets and stars changes moment to moment. Planets and stars and moon phases and moon signs each carry their own unique energy. This is my weekly update of the moon’s comings and goings to support you in aligning with her energy.

Get your art journal or a scrap of paper you see lying around, your art supplies or those pencil crayons you have hidden away somewhere and have fun. Spend 10 – 20 minutes focusing on the themes the moon is supporting you to explore that day while you play with colors and shapes and watch what happens over time.

It’s amazing what a little consistent creative time can do.

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.