May 2022: Tarot spread for the solar eclipse in Taurus

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the April/May 2022 new moon + solar eclipse in Taurus.

The April/May 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Taurus. The Taurus archetype is grounded and steadfast, calm and composed, firm and also somewhat stubborn. This is a sign that is practical and earthy, and is associated with material pleasures, desires, luxuriousness, and abundance.

Spiritually, the Taurus archetype teaches the principle of belonging through presence…our presence as sacred human beings…honoring the body temple…honoring the flow of life. This can be difficult given the society we live in, which praises the hustle over reverence and treats time as money rather than a finite resource that should be used wisely in the pursuit of the things that give us meaning.

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Reading wrap-up for April

Quote from A History of Objects by Carlo Pizzati

April was quite an interesting reading month. I read a nice variety of books, including one that was on my to-read list since years, but despite the raving reviews, it didn’t do anything for me.

Let’s start with the books I read as part of my Book Bingo challenge:

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How to paint an abstract owl: A step-by-step tutorial

Paint with me! Full video tutorial + a step-by-step demonstration.

Art journal tutorial - how to paint an abstracted whimsical owl

There’s something about owls — mysterious, wise creatures of the night with a gaze that can pierce your soul. I end up painting an owl at least once every year in my moon journal, which is where I create an intuitive ritualistic painting every new and full moon. For this tutorial, I’m showing you how to paint an abstracted whimsical owl. Gather your supplies, and let’s begin!

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Should you start an art business?

The real truth that all the #handsandhustle memes gloss over

Should you monetize your hobby?

On this episode of the Art with Soul podcast, I deconstruct a meme that hypes up starting a business versus working a regular job. We touch on what it really takes to run an art business, the fallacy of tying up meaning and life purpose with a career, and the validity of creating art for the love of it. This is a juicy episode, on a subject that is very close to my heart. Tune in!

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April 2022: Tarot spread for the full moon in Libra

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast, exploration of the the Sabian symbol, and additional resources for the April 2022 full moon in Libra.

Tarot spread for the April 2022 full moon in Libra

The April 2022 full 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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Art journal with me: Whimsical figurative painting

Join me at the art table as I show you how to create a whimsical figurative painting in your art journal.

Grab your art journal, pull together some of your favorite acrylic paints, brushes, and a few other supplies {scroll down for the supply list} and get ready to create a sweet little whimsical figurative painting.

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Book review: A History of Objects by Carlo Pizzati

From the back cover:

“A candy box reveals a son’s true feelings for his mother. A fish sculpture creeps into a budding and healthy relationship. A splint on a music teacher’s finger threatens to expose a secret.

Objects can come to hold great power over life and the course it takes. This collection of short stories explores the nuances of the human experience as objects of sentimental value, nostalgic appeal or cultural significance bear witness and shed light on all that remains unsaid. A History of Objects expertly demonstrates the ways in which the inanimate are far from lifeless.”

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What Andy Warhol can teach you about finding your confidence as an artist

On this episode of the Art with Soul Podcast, I share some thoughts on how you can develop the confidence to call yourself an artist, and to stand behind the art that wants to be expressed through you, in a way that matches your sensibilities. By way of Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell Soup Can paintings and Lee Ufan’s From Line series of abstract minimalism paintings, I’ll help you challenge the notions of what “real art” means.

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April 2022: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aries

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

Tarot spread for the April 2022 new moon in Aries

The April 2022 new moon falls in the sign of Aries. The Aries archetype is known for its bold – often rash – action, for going where angels fear to tread. As the first sign of the zodiac, it represents the active core of our spiritual journey on earth, and teaches us to act in accordance with our ideals. The Aries archetype teaches us to be unafraid to march to our own drumbeat, to assert our willpower towards the attainment of our desires, and to embrace beginner’s mind and the innate trust and explosive power {conviction + action} that is needed to start something new.

Spiritually, the Aries archetype teaches us about action. And as most of us know, it’s easier to talk about the things we want to do than to put in the work and actually do the thing! Aries teaches us that courage is the key to unlocking the full potential of this spiritual principle. And that comes from connecting your head to your heart, focusing your will, and taking consistent action towards your dreams.

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Reading wrap-up for March

Quote on confusion from Anxious people by Frederic Backman

I thought March was a slow reading month, until I pulled together the list of books I’ve read so far. I read a total of 6 books this month, one of which was a slow, involved read. I must say I’m pleasantly surprised!

First up are the three books that I read specifically for the Book Bingo challenge

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