September 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Libra

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the September 2022 new moon in Libra.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the September 2022 new moon in Libra

The September 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Libra. The Libra archetype is closely associated with justice and maintaining balance in social interactions and within the self. They are the true diplomats among the zodiac archetypes, and focus on fair dealings in all their relationships.

Spiritually, the Libra archetype teaches the principle of intimate balance, of the ability to remain centered and true to yourself no matter what may be going on around you. This is a skill that can be particularly helpful for those of us who turn up our noses at societal expectations as we dance to the tune of our own drum beat. Being able to remain centered is also an important skill to have if you’re surrounded by toxic people – and in these times, even toxic politics! One of the easiest ways to remain centered is through the breath, and by being able to distinguish between the things that are in your control, and those that aren’t.

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September 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Pisces

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Pisces.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the September 2022 full moon in Pisces

The September 2022 full moon falls in the sign of Pisces. The Pisces archetype is highly intuitive and very open to the flow of creative imagination. This is the sign of creative dreamers and mystics and visionaries, which makes this full moon an excellent time to flex your intuitive and creative muscles.

Spiritually, the Pisces archetype teaches the principle of unity, of recognizing the divinity within you. One way to understand this principle is by looking at creation – the creator {God, Universe, Source, however you wish to name it} created this earth, the rivers and seas, the trees, birds, insects, animals, man. Similarly, man has the ability to create – and to create consciously. It is this ability that points to the spiritual truth of Pisces, that we are spiritual beings having a human experience {with the emphasis on our humanness in all its frailty and beauty}. It is by accepting responsibility for consciously creating – which isn’t always easy – that you connect most deeply with the creator. Needless to say, empathy and compassion are the cornerstones of the Pisces archetype.

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Art journal with me: Mixed media collage

Join me at the art table as I show you how to build up a layered art journal spread using collage paper from your stash.

Mixed media collage tutorial for beginners

If you’ve spent any amount of time in the mixed media art world, you would have a lovely stash of collage papers and ephemera — from old scrapbook paper to text pages, brown paper bags, vintage paper, music sheets, and even your own handmade collage papers or gelli prints.

And like any mixed media artist, you would constantly be on the lookout for interesting projects and uses for your stash of collage papers.

So, gather together some of your favorite papers, bring out your art journal and a few favorite colors of paint, and let’s create a sweet little mixed media collage art journal spread.

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August 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Virgo

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the August 2022 new moon in Virgo.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the August 2022 new moon in Virgo.

The August 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Virgo. The Virgo archetype is logical and practical, with an eye for detail and the steadfastness to go after their goals. This is a sign that thrives on meticulous planning, on honing skills to perfection and gaining mastery over their chosen vocation.

Spiritually, the Virgo archetype teaches the principle of devotion. One way to understand this principle is by looking at it through the lens of one’s devotion to their craft. While all the buzz seems to point towards profiting from your passion, there are numerous examples of famous writers and artists who held down a day job for most of their lives. Franz Kafka was an insurance clerk, Harper Lee was an airline ticketing agent, Mark Rothko was an elementary school teacher and Paul Gauguin was a stockbroker. They could all have given in to the dull drudgery of making a living, but they didn’t – and the world is much richer for their devotion to their craft.

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August 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Aquarius

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the August 2022 full moon in Aquarius.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the August 2022 full moon in Aquarius

The August 2022 full moon falls in the sign of Aquarius. The independent, free-thinking Aquarius archetype encourages us to examine our inner wild self and celebrate everything that makes us unique. It is the archetype of the reformer, the idealist who strives for tolerance, unity, and a better and brighter society. And despite these rather lofty ideals, the Aquarius archetype isn’t afraid to get in there and get its hands dirty.

Spiritually, the Aquarius archetype teaches us how to be true to our own voice, to listen to and follow the calling of our own heart and soul. By learning how to tune in rather than out, by being true to the things that make us unique, we undertake the journey to individuation.

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Expressive abstract painting tutorial

Join me in my art studio as I show you how to paint expressive abstracts in your art journal.

If you’ve been around here a hot minute, you’d know that I love abstraction. Figurative abstraction and abstracted whimsical portraits are my love languages. I’m slowly exploring pure abstraction, but that’s a much more complicated beast to tackle! During my research and experimentation with abstract, I came across expressive abstracts, and fell in love!

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July 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Leo

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the July 2022 new moon in Leo.

Tarot spread and astro-tarot forecast for the July 2022 new moon in Leo

The July 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Leo. The bold and dynamic Leo archetype infuses us with a passionate zest for living. It is the archetype of the fiery creative who is confident and unafraid to stand in the spotlight. But this infectious dynamic can also succumb to its shadow aspects of overbearing pride, drama and arrogance.

Spiritually, the Leo archetype teaches the principle of creative manifestation. Clarity of thought and focussed energy, which points to the spiritual principle that your beliefs about life tend to shape your life. You can see this spiritual principle at play with a regular gratitude practice. When you cultivate an active gratitude practice, you tend to experience a shift in your life and circumstances. And while your life may not change dramatically, your outlook to life can certainly shift.

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I Am art journal flipthrough

Wrapping up the series on using a neutral color palette in your art!

Art journal flip through of a neutral palette themed journal

Come join me in my art studio for a flipthrough of my I Am art journal. What started as an experiment — exploring a neutral color palette in my art, working in a smaller size, even a new-to-me binding — turned into a beautiful treasure!

Going into this challenge of using a neutral color palette in my artwork, I had no expectations and no idea if I would actually like these paintings, or even be able to paint without my usual vibrant color palette to fall back on.

But this experiment increased my confidence and opened me up to expanding my color palette. The thrill of trying something new — and being delighted by it — was an added bonus!

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Finding your zone of joy

On the final episode of this season of the Art with Soul podcast, we talk about finding your zone of joy as an artist. We’ll look at the careers of Edward Degas, Monet, and Mark Rothko for clues and inspiration on our own journeys, and give ourselves permission to paint in our zone of joy! Tune in!

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July 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Capricorn

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Capricorn.

Tarot spread for the July 2022 full moon in Capricorn

The July 2022 full moon falls in the sign of Capricorn. Symbolized by the mountain goat, which maintains perfect balance while it climbs over precarious rock ledges, the Capricorn archetype is one of disciplined and dogged determination towards the attainment of our worldly desires.

Spiritually, the Capricorn archetype teaches us about integrity and helps us to harness the ability to plan our work, and stick to it, no matter what. In these times of 24×7 consumption culture, it’s easy to be addicted with shiny object syndrome and forget about our goals and plans. Capricorn teaches us about the meaning of integrity: to align ourselves with our highest ideals and actualize our potential.

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