Following the Moon: Stepping Up and Stepping Out

                                                                                                    Silent Observations, Drozda, 1987, Acrylic/panel, 48x60, private collection

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”

                                                                    
                                                                     Martha Graham


We've all come upon these magnificent words and during this cycle they are most fitting and foundational.

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. Today, Tuesday, May 31, we're closing the door on this year's 'Wisdom' Moon cycle. Do you feel the swell of creative energy building?

Situations, circumstances, ideas and impulses are now meant to be in fast forward. That doesn't mean you have to jump onto a band wagon it simply indicates that this is the opportune time to be considering what your Art/Life needs from you to fuel it forward in the direction that you feel would be so great for you.

As you've heard here before: notice the natural world to tune into the true pulse and rhythm of life in its native state...there's no better time than approaching summer to feel the many layered aspects of aliveness taking place.

This New Moon cycle opens your Art/Life to 'Illumination' and there is every reason to believe that you can pioneer that idea that is closest to your heart, the vision and dream that is most authenticly yours out and onto the world stage as this month unfolds. You know how we're often told to think big and stretch...maybe that means something huge and substantial in your mind or perhaps you prefer surrounding yourself with the simple life. Whichever end of the spectrum you find yourself, or anywhere in between, June 2011 is the appropriate time to get your groove on.

I love the Art/Life that is quietly rooted. The parent Great Horned Owls have been whispering to the fledglings...read more

Please feel free to return to comment here or here.

Following the Moon: Wisdom, Food and Wealth

Homage, Drozda, Acrylic/board, 20x16", 1998

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. I trust that your Art/Life brought you some in-depth opportunities for growth over the past week. We're currently traveling through the 'Wisdom' Moon cycle.


This is the second moon cycle within the 90 day Spring quadrant. Begin to cast a line out toward Summer Solstice, June 21, sensing what is required to accomplish the goals you've set. Keep in mind that this time of year is all about gathering forces and taking action based upon the goal that you set at the Spring Equinox.
The month of May opens the door to deepening the Wisdom that we're born to express through our Art/Life. Now is the time to see, sense and feel the relationship that you have with its multi-layered aspects.

Wisdom, Food and Wealth

One day wisdom., food and wealth started on a journey. As they went along they came to a man sitting under a tree. The man said, "Where are you going?" They said, "We are hunting a place to live." The man said, "As for me, I want wealth to live with me." Wealth said, "You are a dumb man. If you had chosen wisdom, all three of us could have lived with you. But you have chosen me. This cannot be, because if I lived with you without wisdom, you could not have me long."

They started off again and they met another man. The man said, "Where are you going, young man?" They said, "We are hunting a place to live." The man said , "I believe that I would like to have food live with me." Food said, "You are not clever. If you had chosen a certain one of us, all of us would live with you. But look, you have chosen me. Do you think that you could keep me? No, you could not keep me. Let us go on."


Farther on they came to a man who was working. He said, "Where are you going today?" They said, "We want a place to live." The man said, "I would like for wisdom to live with me." Food said, "If you have chosen wisdom, then I will live with you, too. I know that you will be able to take good care of me." Wealth said, "If you have chosen wisdom, then I will live with you, too. I know that you will be able to take good care of me." All three lived with him because he made a good choice.


Parable by Northeastern Nigeria Bura Folktale


Tuesday afternoon, May 24 the Third Quarter Phase opens and extends through Saturday, May 28.

In the Third Quarter phase of the Wisdom cycle consider what it is you're grateful for...see if you can include the chance to say: Thank you... 'all is well'.

Read more comment here or there it's so good to share.

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Following the Moon: Distractions Fly Away

Shakyamuni, Drozda, Private Collection

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. It's Tuesday, May 17 and we're in the powerful and potent Full 'Wisdom' Moon. My friend Che'usa includes a wonderfully informative post about the power of this Full Moon as a Tibetan Buddhist Festival called Wesak.


This Full Moon extends through Friday evening, May 20. This is an excellent time to remind yourself that the rhythms of these cycles create a mirror. Each month when we come to the Full Moon these several days offer all of us a chance to see our shadow.... look it in the eye.

Honestly looking at our insecurities, confusions, and inner turmoil during the Wisdom cycle may bring us some of the most powerful Art/Life insights and outcomes that we can possibly imagine.

During this cranking up time of the year conceive of, picture, envision, think of, expect, and assume that you can power yourself into another level of Art/Life expression.

I received this quote, attributed to the Tibetan Buddhist saint, Milarepa, from my friend Rita in an email today. Milarepa's words fit this point in the Wisdom cycle beautifully:

Maintain the state of undistractedness, and distractions will fly away. Dwell alone, and you shall find the Friend. Take the lowest place, and you shall reach the highest. Hasten slowly, and you shall soon arrive. Renounce all worldly goals, and you shall reach the highest Goal. If you follow this unfrequented path, you will find the shortest way. If you realize Sunyata (the absolute Emptiness), compassion will arise within your hearts; and when you lose all differentiation between yourself and others, then you will be fit to serve others. ~ Milarepa

Read More...return here to leave a comment or share a few thoughts there ...it'so good to hear how the moon cycles are moving through your Art/Life.

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Following the Moon: God is an Artist

Morning, Drozda, Acrylic/canvas, 36x48", Private Collection

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. Today, Wednesday, May 11, we're one week into the 'Wisdom' Moon cycle and things are moving in a fast forward mode barreling toward this cycles Full Moon on May 17.
Do you feel the energy charge that's taking place? Yes, you're always busy these days, yet notice the natural world to tune into the true pulse and rhythm of life in its native state. Notice the activity level of the birds as they prepare to fledge the first batch of nestlings. Notice the blast off of trees and flowers. There's the mad dash to reproduce and make the most of the expanded daylight. Being part of the natural world it makes sense that our pace would also quicken as we give birth to new ideas and set the tone for the direction we intend to move throughout this year.


The First Quarter Phase of the Wisdom Moon began Tuesday, May 10 in the late afternoon (EST). It extends though Friday midnight, May 13 and offers the stretch of time devoted to taking action on your goal. First Quarter is always the time to risk. Go someplace or do something that makes you feels a bit edgy. What have you considered applying for? Who do you need to contact? Where are the new materials that you've thought to experiment with? Trust that if it's in conjunction with your Art/Life the encounter will move you in the direction that you want to go.
On Saturday, May 14 the Gibbous Phase begins and up until early morning Tuesday, May 17 there's time to bring in a little left brain engagement. Analyze your project and discern the strength of your preparations so far. Be clear and smart as you reconnect to the emotion that's been propelling you toward this leg of your Heart's Work.

Though the Gibbous Phase connects us to an emotional check and balance the main thrust of this year is logical building. The May cycle is the second step outward following the inward directed Winter season. The days are lengthening and the Wheel is now open and oriented to the outer action direction. During the weeks ahead, ask: 'Why am I here?' 'What do I contribute?'

From this vantage point you can observe the visions for your Art/Life future. From here you can gaze outward and set into motion actions to take as you move forward on your Art/Life journey.

This continued practice of holding a vision, this 'active seeing' will anchor you into a greater 'Wisdom'.

Read more, comment here or there...and thanks so much for visiting.

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Following the Moon: Wisdom Wonder

Wisdom Wonder, Drozda, Encaustic, 2010, 6x4"

'Wisdom Begins in Wonder' Socrates

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. Today, Monday, May 2, we're on the threshold of the 'Wisdom' Moon cycle which begins tomorrow.

In May there is the deepening opportunity to visualize the wisdom that you carry into your Art/Life walk. Each year at the time of the Spring Equinox we begin again, we're re-birthed if you will, and the canvas, the slate, the stage is clear for starting a new twelve month segment of the Art/Life journey.

The New Moon begins in the early morning hours Tuesday, May 3 and extends through late Friday night, May 7 (EST). Each month during these few days you can reboot your project and visualize where you intend to go during the coming four weeks. As you move into this first week of the cycle use your ability to hold an image of what your goal looks like.

These days are always well spent in looking forward. Gaze toward your biggest opportunity to stretch. This entire year is asking a great deal of us and as artists it's important to be inventive and courageous and...as this moon's keyword suggests: wise.
Read more...


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