Following the Moon: Renewing the Heart

paper mache skin on half-size guitar 

I send all best to you as we wind down this mysterious time of the natural year when deep internal realinment takes place preparing us for the approaching 90 days of spring.

I've invested this moon in renewing my heart. I've been sitting in the quiet of my studio creating a tribute to my dear friend and mentor Ann Dearsley Vernon.
The video shows Ann's art created in the 12 months following a cutting edge medical treatment, the insertion of an LVAD. The procedure gave Ann a new lease on life...her vitality and passion soared and her paintings flowed like the newly revitalized blood in her veins.

On December 12 at 2am Ann suffered a massive stroke. Since that time she has been unable to communicate clearly and her time is spent in physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions. Every aspect of her recovery is made more complicated and affected by the LVAD that literally keeps her on the planet.

Honoring the family's request for holding back and not flooding her with visitors I sat and wondered what I could do so that my love for her was being directed in a healthy way. When the idea came: create a tribute...every step fell into place.

Along came the call for artists to create an 'instrument of art' for the 6th annual Sea Level Festival's . Both Ann and I have been active with Tidewater Arts Outreach since it began in 2004. TAO is the organization that hosts the SeaLevel Festival and so I accepted the half size guitar offered to me and went into the studio.

A work of art using someone elses images, in this case Ann Vernon's paintings as transfers, became my new experience as I moved forward to create a tribute to her life well lived.

 

  begin to lay in color and texture

 

 

 add repeat transfers of Ann's painting of her memory of collapsing in her garden

 

one side of the guitar holds a transfer of her painting 'Word Salad'...

  the opposite side panel with Ann and her painting 'My Mechanical Heart'...

 

 

We're in the Full Moon phase of the Renewal/Purity moon cycle. A lovely time to take a deep breath and renew the love of your heart.

As we move into the last weeks of the winter 'Mystery' quadrant of this year's Natural Wheel I dream of best health to your heart and for our world.

Enjoy your Luna See
d

Following the Moon: Who do You Trust?

Leo,Opposite hand Tarot, Drozda, mixed media, 1993

I hope you've had a fabulous Growth Moon ...in the blink of an eye... here we are:


Welcome to the New Trust Moon. As we are well aware it requires strength to cultivate trust. I truly appreciate that in a subtle way each year, at this place on the Natural Calendar, we have the opportunity to set a vision for where we choose to invest our Trust. Being born in February my moon/month keyword gift is Renewal...now half way round the wheel... is where I discover my opposite point and the challenge/opportunity for growth. Year by year I learn a bit more about surrendering fears, known and unknown, and radically trusting Life. Read more...

Subscribe to the Luna See

Following the Moon:

Luna See, Drozda, ink on Bristol, 2012

Welcome to Following the Moon... This week we begin the 'Illumination' Moon which visits us each year during the Moon of June. This New Moon began on Sunday, May 20, in the early evening (EDT). Perhaps you were able to witness the extraordinary 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.



This is a great time to set your Art/Life creatively ablaze for the 6 Moon/Months ahead. From the Equinox in March through the Equinox in September the primary creative quality is 'masculine action'...step up...step out...act...assert...it's completely natural to get a move on now. What would you like to have sizzle into your creative expression between now and November? Keep a journal...track the steps you need to take.


In June, with the Gemini Moon, you can be natural and seek to expand. Each New Moon provides space for a vision. Start with a vision that can expand your mind. This is a great Moon/Month to continue the active push that is expected at this point of the year. Move yourself forward and notice how qualified you are to create the work of beauty, goodness and care that only you can bring into the world.


The New Moon, and your opportunity to visualize your genius, continues through Thursday, May 24 and then opens to the Crescent Phase in the late evening. At the Crescent Phase (which extends through Monday afternoon, May 28) it's time to do your research focusing on your 'Illumination' vision.

read whole post here

Subscribe to the Luna See all new format in the Year of Change
 

Following the Moon: Eat Some Fire

Welcome to Following the Moon...

Heat Up Your Passion!!, Drozda, 2012

 
 
This week the Clarity Moon takes us through the Gibbous Phase...that means it's time to create, create, create in the direction of your intention for the year! Gibbous begins early morning (EDT) Tuesday, April 3 and extends through Friday, mid afternoon, April 6.


On Friday, April 6 the Full 'Clarity' Moon comes to call. It's the only time in the Natural Year when you'll have the opportunity to experience a sense of balance and order in the particular way that will visit now. Pay attention. See if you can show up with true, what the Buddhist teachings refer to as, 'equanimity'...go for it....really notice how much steadiness you possess.


This Moon is ruled by Aries and Mars. I truly respect the dynamic qualities of these Archetypes. They are here to bring it on in every and all forms.


Recently, while spring cleaning, I opened a cool looking storage box and my eyes widened to take in the surprise. There in front of me was a lost treasure... a stack of drawings done many years ago when I led a group of 'Luna-tics' in a year long exploration of the Major Arcana...through a process of creating 'opposite hand' postcard size 'Inner Child Tarot' cards. I've been missing this group of twenty two images for several years and had no idea where they might have gone. Have you ever lost a creative project and recognized how attached you get to the images and inspirations that come but once?

The Archetypes for this current Moon/Month are Aries/Emperor and Mars/Tower...they combine to challenge you to take your next step standing in your power, dying to the ego and all forms of bravado...
read complete post

Subscribe to the monthly 'Luna See'

Read the 2012 Lifecycle Forecast and find your gift...

Following the Moon: A Final Test

I Seem to be a Verb, Drozda

Since last October we've been exploring the quieting and calm that can be practiced for six Moon/Month cycles of each year. Now we come to the culmination and closure of that primarily inward time.


Here, at the close of the Natural Year we will do well to review, reflect and release anything that may still linger as a negativity built up since last spring. In the Purity cycle we can forgive the world.

During the Purity segment of the Natural Year we can make a conscious choice. Each of us is born with an inner support system. Joseph Campbell refers to these archetypal energies as Helping Hands. These unseen forces are also called Mighty Companions, Angelic Forces, Muses and the spontaneous occurrence of Synchronicity. Leaning into this level of support provides assistance when the Art/Life feels like it is on the floor, knocked out for the count. This is when, here...at this point on the wheel... we can get in touch with the Alchemical Shamanic Artist Within. We can engage in shape shifting the direction of the Art/Life so that it feels more and more like a true fit.

read more...


Subscribe to the monthly Luna See
Read the 2012 Lifecycle Forecast and find your gift...then email me...and I'll send it over.

See you next Monday for the Gibbous Phase of the Purity Moon

Following the Moon: Wake Up

Esperance, Drozda, 72x54" mixed, 2010

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. The 'Purity' Moon cycle begins Tuesday, February 21.
Today, February 20, is the last day of the Balsamic Renewal Phase. Dream of being awake!

My wandering friend Sara sent along this beautiful reminder to wake up on this day:

Maha shivratri is the day when shiv tattva touches the ground.

The consciousness (ethereal world) is 10 inches above the surface. On this day, it touches the Earth element. It is very useful for people to keep awake and meditate. This helps in fulfillment of desires....

 

It helps you grow stronger in your being.

It is like a new year for a sadhak (seeker).

The night on this day, when the constellations are in a particular position, it is auspicious. It is considered an auspicious moment for a spiritual aspirant.

 

It is the wedding of the spiritual and material world.

 

Ratri: That which comes you comfort is Ratri.

That which takes you from the issue to the solution is ratri. Ratri means night. It removes 3 types of discomfort.

 

Shivratri gives you comfort and confidence that the Divine is with you and He/she is your valentine.

 

Ask yourself what really, really, really works and reassure yourself in the areas that feel like a fit. As you come closer to the Equinox of March 20 sense that there is a shift taking place. Energy is beginning to move at a quickening pace.

The Crescent Phase of this 'Purity' Moon cycle begins Saturday, February 25...read more

Subscribe to monthly Luna See
Read 2012 Lifecycle Forecast and recieve your gift

I send along special heartfelt thanks to Ursuline College and Tri-C College for including me as Guest Artist, Keynote Speaker: 'Planting Seeds/Harvesting Health' and Workshop Presenter: 'Making Life the Master Peace' at 'The Art of Mental Health and Wellness' the 12th annual Art & Healing Exhibition at Tri-C Gallery East, Cleveland, Ohio.




Thank you Mary Sender, Amy Jacobs and all of your staff. Thank you gallery curator Roy Bigler. You all created a smooth and effortless ease that surround every aspect of a delightful experience. Thanks to all who attended the lively opening talk and the amazingly jazzed workshop...what a fabulous day!

If you, Dear Readers, are in the Cleveland area I invite you to stop in at Gallery East through March to savor the creative works of many who understand the power of creative healing. The exhibit is sponsored collaboratively by the Tri-C Creative Arts/Pre-Art Therapy Department, the Ursuline College Art Therapy & Counseling Department and Tri-C Gallery East, with support from The Buckeye Art Therapy Association.


See you next Monday for the First Quarter Phase of the Purity Moon



Following the Moon: Who Now?

Full Renewal Moon, Drozda 2012

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. We began the 'Renewal' Moon cycle on January 23. I hope that you're finding the pace and the purpose of your Art/Life gathering momentum in a way that feels stable and grounded for you. The whole idea of taking this time within the Mystery is to discover the tempo that feels most natural for your Art/Life so that you are well aware of the rhythm that feels healthiest for you.


Monday, February 6 is the last day of the Gibbous Phase. The three days of the Gibbous Phase provide a level of energy that's best for: create, create, create! Create in conjunction with what it is you're attempting to renew.

The Full Phase of this 'Renewal' Moon cycle begins Tuesday, in the late afternoon, and extends through Friday, February 10. At the Full Moon each month cyber friend Dr. Lilan Laishley shares her beautifully designed monthly Full Moon Newsletter. Here's an excerpt from the current issue:

During this Full Moon we continue to work with the creative and innovative energy available during this Year of the Dragon. Dragon combines the visible actions of a bold innovator with the invisible essence of a spiritual mystic. Bold innovation and spiritual mysticism seem like two very different qualities, and our job this month is to figure out how to bring them together in ourselves. Fortunately we have a Full Moon in Leo (bold!) and Neptune in Pisces (mystic!) to help us out. As I contemplate this Moon I have come to believe that only actions infused with spirituality will create the changes we need in this world. Fortunately for us, these qualities are as close as our own heads and hearts.

More

Subscribe to the Luna See monthly newsletter
Read the full article, 2012 Lifecycle Forecast and email me for your 2012 Personal Year energy PDF

Following the Moon: Renew You

Happy Year of the Black Water Dragon...Monday, January 23 through Thursday, January 26 brings us the New 'Renewal' Moon.


At the New Phase of each Moon/month the opportunity presents us with a lovely three days for creating a vision and with the Lunar New Year bringing its gifts of the Dragon just imagine what's possible.

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl, Drozda, Watercolor/Arches

How does Renewal look in your Art/Life?
You can look deep inside. You see what needs Renewal.

At the New Moon you're standing at the Eastern most point on your Moon/month circle. It's the dawn, it's the beginning. Take a moment to gaze out and imagine the 4 weeks ahead...so much will be coming to meet you.

The New Moon is that classic space in which you hold the vision of the 'art of the start'. Feel inspired by the 'not yet experienced', there is adventure ahead. It's the time to embrace the active emotion that can propel you toward your passion. It's time to be visualize the emergence of new levels of clarity in your Art/Life.

Being filled with inspiration as the Equinox approaches...'something wonderful is emerging, something wonderful is on its way'.


Read More...

Subscribe to the Luna See
Read the 2012 Lifecycle Forecast

Following the Moon: Refining Tradition

Rescue, Drozda, Acrylic/wood, 2001

Monday, January 16 through Thursday, January 19 brings us to the 3rd Quarter 'Cleansing' Moon. At the 3rd Quarter Phase of each Moon/month the opportunity presents us with a lovely three days for giving grateful thanks.

You can take a deep soothing breath. You can refine this into a tradition.

At 3rd Quarter you're standing at the top most point on your Moon/month circle. Take a moment to gaze out absorbing the lay of the last three weeks terrain and count the blessings.

The 3rd Quarter is that classic space in which you can realign. Feel washed over by the wisdom gathered and guidance received. It's the time to embrace the Instinctive You. It's time to be grateful to yourself for all the ways in which you have wisely chosen to invest in your Art/Life.

Be filled with gratitude for the wealth given to you to share within your world.
...More


See you next Monday for the New Renewal Moon and the start of 'Ages & Stages...registration is open.


Subscribe to the monthly 'Luna See'

Read the 2012 Lifecycle Forecast

Following the Moon: Nature/Nurture: YOU

Standing at the West Gate, Drozda, Ink on Bristol board

Monday, January 9 through early evening (EST) Thursday, January 12 brings you the opportunity to reflect (that's what Full Moon's make room for) upon all that you are willing to face and release as part of the Cleansing of your Art/Life at this time. I'd like to share with you the creative brilliance of my friend Lilan Laishley. You can Google her and sign up for her newsletter at the top of her home page. I put her link in repeatedly and for some reason it wouldn't open. Lilan is a word artist who writes a beautifully illustrated Full Moon journal/newsletter that you may enjoying subscribing to. I know that each month I brighten when it arrives and I am ever delighted by Lilan's gift for word-weaving the 'above with the below'.


This, the Full Moon segment of the cycle, is an important time for nurturing yourself. The Full Moon is that classic space in which we can see our shadow and it can sometimes feel a bit spooky and disconcerting. Thta's for good reason. It's a marvelous time of the Moon/Month to allow yourself the time/space to claim more of who you are now. It's a time to relate to yourself more clearly. Who you are now, in January during the Cleansing cycle is not known because you're in the depths of the Mystery. Yet even in the 'not knowing' you can recognize that you are filled with treasure of enormous value to yourself and our world.

Read more...

IT’S TIME TO BECOME AN AHA ADVOCATE:

January 12…this Thursday... registration opens

On January 24 as the New ‘Renewal’ moon begins, AHA’s for the Art/Life e-studio will open with ‘AGES & STAGES'...THE NATURAL ART OF PERSONAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT 'Ages & Stages' explores YOUR gold mine applying eight focused ways to deepen your Art/Life adventure. In this eStudio we will be getting personally attuned to the gifts and talents that are yours to share... in 2012...specifically. You'll be able to place your Art/Life goal on the Natural Wheel at Spring Equinox and watch the unfolding Moon by Moon.

Read more...

Subscribe to the Moon/monthly 'Luna See'
Read the 2012 Lifecycle Forecast

A Water World

River View:Dusk, Drozda, 2011

It's the Strength Moon cycle and this week the energy is offering each of us the opportunity to be as creative, in connection to our current goal, as we can allow. We're moving toward a Lunar Eclipse at this weekend's Full Moon...The Full Moon makes me think of the pull of the tide so here are a few more shares on the topic of water.




Palm, Kim Keever


The glorious, albeit disorienting, large format photographs by Kim Keever are on exhibit at MOCA . I've had the pleasure of spending time with them over the last two months and also observing how catalytic Kim's method is for inspiring minds. My young artists in the MOCA 'Saturday in the Studio' arts apprentice program quickly found themselves enthralled. This was made easy for them with a terrific hand's on corner of the gallery. Two empty 20 gallon tanks are surrounded by baskets of many miniature landscape elements that Keever favors. With these, tiny clamp on lights and filmy fabrics that drapes 'like his pumped paints' they were very happy to create their own versions of 'tank art' (as they coined the term).
Here's a bit of info on Keever's process...and a video of him working in the studio...

"New York-based Kim Keever makes photographs of bonsai-scaled landscapes assembled inside a 200-gallon tank that is filled with water and topped with paint pigment and addressed with lights and gels to create convincing effects of clouds and atmosphere. His tropical vistas, sylvan forests, and mountain views openly wear their own artifice while they also display the fine-grained complexity of the real thing. Looking at them can be an otherworldly experience. NewArtTV visits Keever at his East Village studio."

Read more...and click over to my main blog see the charming water tale here

Following the Moon: Relaxing With What IS

La Luna, Drozda, 2011, mixed media

Welcome to the New ‘Experience’ Moon


The New Moon begins Tuesday, September 27 in the early morning (EST) and the New Phase extends through Friday, September 30 at noon.
At the time of the New Phase, during this post Equinox cycle, you can begin the turn toward the calming period of the Natural Year. You can begin to slow down and cease the push. You can begin to relax your pace. This Experience cycle is about recognizing that your own needs are now met. You can consciously begin to open to Life and the Mystery in the six months ahead. Now you can acknowledge that you’re truly a pioneer…you’re moving in a direction that is all new…and you get there by turning inward.

On Friday, September 30, in the early morning, the Crescent Phase begins. The Crescent Phase extends through the late evening of Monday, October 3 giving you the ability to research and develop the Experience that is the work of your now inward turning heart. Think about harvesting what the Natural Year has brought your way. Gather your resources...read more

Following the Moon: AHAs for the Art/Life: Registration Now Open

Welcome to 'Following the Moon': It's the Fall Equinox...a beautiful time to consider deepening calm and turning our attention toward balanced harmony.


With this in mind I'm taking a step onto a new path in my Art/Life and I invite you to join me.

Beginning on the New Moon, Tuesday, September 27, and through the entire 'Experience' Moon cycle ending October 26, I will be offering my first in the eStudio series titled AHA's for the Art/Life.



Our first eStudio is called "Tools for Change." In this four week Experience, we'll explore the gentling of time. You will be able to experience the cadence of lunar flow through the area of your Art/Life that you choose to focus upon. With the information that you gather during this four week eStudio you'll have access to completely transferrable and continually applicable 'Tools for Change'.
The AHA eStudio format is structured so that you can be fluid in terms of how you engage.

You can either take the information in privately at your own pace, or you can share your process by bringing it to the "Tools for Change" forum. At the forum we'll share our Experience and keep the conversation going.

My heartfelt invitation to you is to step into this Experience... a natural way to gentle and calm time making space for consistency and focus.

        Cost for the eight modules of "Tools for Change"               September 27 - October 26:

$40.00

Our first eStudio opens on September 27 with each phase of the moon (approximately every four days) the next segment of our Experience will be posted within our secure 'Tools for Change' site.


You can Experience 'Tools for Change' in two ways... self guided or interactive. Either format allows you full access to information for the gentling of the next phase of your Art/Life.

Here at the Fall Equinox consider a quiet focus.

Walk into calm and balance.

Take an inward turn and greet your Art/Life with these gentling 'Tools for Change'.

                                           REGISTER AND SIGN UP NOW
  

 

                                                                                   Fall Equinox...the time for calm balance



~Lookin' Up~
        d

Following the Moon: Love is a Verb

Heart Work, Drozda, 2009, underpainting

Welcome to the First Quarter Moon phase of the ~Love Moon cycle~

“The love we give away is the only love we keep” Elbert Hubbard (1859-1915)

The First Quarter Moon phase began Sunday, September 4 in the early afternoon (EST) and extends through Thursday, September 8 at dawn.

At the time of the First Quarter Phase under this September Moon we rally and manifest what we’ve been working toward. We make a push forward and step up the pace. This Love cycle isn’t about getting our own needs met it’s about giving our best and making what we love visible.
The vision that we held at the Spring Equinox (March 22) and at the New Moon of August 28 (think gathering power) becomes propelled…think rocket booster…blast o’ power… and this level of moving forward requires courage. I may sound like a broken record but this is the month to send your energy ideas into orbit…this is the month to grab hold of your star and shine. And just to keep it all in perspective…a gentle reminder that blasting off into a place of depth connection to ‘loving the life that is’ requires major courage and committment...read more


            IT’S TIME TO BECOME AN AHA ADVOCATE:


On the New ‘Experience’ moon, September 27, AHA’s for the Art/Life e-studio will open with ‘Tools for Change’. Eight focused ways to deepen your calm and quiet as you balance intention, motivation and desire. Being a member of the AHA community will be a rich and enlivening no pressure addition to your Art/Life. This is an opportunity to experience a lot of joy in a time when…hello…we truly deserve to recognize that we as artists are responsible for bringing the best we have to offer to every situation, relationship, opportunity and challenge…this is the time we were made for.

Participants in the live workshop version of AHA wrote in their evals:

“I want more!”

“This is a very powerful,creative and wonderful course. The instructor is very talented and brings forward participants gifts and skills.”

“Uplifting, encouraging, motivating, self-encouragement.”

”This is the second time I took this course and I loved it even more this time…”

Thanks so much (!!) for your AHA interest, email me at drozda33ATgmail.com and we’ll have a grand time as we share this wonderful new adventure…specifics will be coming on September 19… I so appreciate your patience with me on this…I’m in a new world and I’m all a flutter with the technology ‘-) To Paraphrase the wisdom of Osho : “…one learns what is a mistake and how not to commit it. Knowing what is error, one comes closer and closer to AHA’s”…and so it is.

Following the Moon: Topsy Turvy Love

Welcome to the New 'Love' Moon...

The New Moon began Sunday, August 28 just before midnight (EST) and extends through Thursday, September 1 in the pre-dawn.

At the New Phase we gaze out into the future. During the 'Love' cycle you have an unusual opportunity to turn your view of the Art/Life on its head and see what you've been involved with... as if for the first time. The Love cycle is a very heady time. You know how things go topsy turvy when you fall head over heels for another? Consider that same sort of oo la la for what you've been devoting your creative time and energy to since the Spring Equinox on March 20.

Gaze into the vision that you hold for your Art/Life. This is the Love Moon cycle. Four weeks available for basking in the Love... for all that you create. Pretty heady stuff...
read more


My 10 year anniversary illustrated e-book of Twenty Two Prayer Poems for Care Givers now available here


e-studios: 'AHA's for the Art/Life' begin September 27...

Experience the strength that comes when you align with the Natural Calendar in relation to your Art/Life


Become familiar with the Natural Calendar's progression in conjunction with the goals, visions and dreams for your Art/Life

Establish your own natural, empowered rhythm available to you under all circumstances and conditions

Following the Moon: Graditude for Engaged Detachment

Summer at Casa del Mar, Drozda, 1979, watercolor/Arches, 18x24"

Welcome to the Third Quarter phase of the ~Trust Moon cycle~


The Third Quarter phase began Sunday, August 21 in the early evening (EST) and extends through Thursday, August 25 in the early afternoon.
At the time of the Third Quarter Phase we can breathe in grace and gratitude. We can invest this time in remembering how miraculous it is to come to this thanksgiving place each month (moon).

Here we enter a very grown-up space. This time period is when it becomes clear that one goal simply leads to another. During these few days a great deal can happen. There's the opportunity to reflect in a way that sets the stage for where the Art/Life will carry you next. There's also the option to just allow space to be...to rest in preparation for the deep dream of where you would like to be moving as you enter the next cycle in the month ahead.

This manner of working with the progression of the moon cycles has delighted me for two decades. Using the model that's shared here at 'Following the Moon' offers a way of working with time that's rich in 'room to breathe'. In that breathing space find the ability to listen more deeply to inner creative prompts.


Consider the keyword for each month since the Spring Equinox... more

~Metta~
d

Following the Moon: And Now... A Few Lovely Announcements

Welcome to the Full Moon phase of the Trust Moon cycle! The Full phase extends from Saturday, August 13 until Wednesday, August 17.



I've waited till today, August 16, before beginning to post again (after a 2.5 month break) because I've been working in the studio on a renewed way of moving through the world and I wanted the first piece to be in place, and the first mention to happen, here at 'Following the Moon'.

So before we look at the current natural energy of the Lunar phase I'd like to make three wonderful announcements.


                                       {visualize white birds flying up into the bluest of skies}


Announcement #1...

New e-book release of Twenty Two Prayer Poems for Care Givers...
I start with a celebration: This year is the 10th anniversary of the publishing of Twenty Two Prayer Poems for Care Givers a quieting collection of meditations that I wrote and illustrated while serving as a hospice volunteer.
Today I'm so pleased to share with you the launch of the anniversary edition as an e-book available as an immediate download for $9.99. I hope that you will consider a copy for yourself and I know that there are those in your immediate circle who could benefit from its gentle, soothing and timeless path. If you print the download and have them spiral bound with a clear acetate cover it will make a gorgeous gift...for you and those you love.



From the Introduction to this new e-book edition:

Rosalynn Carter's recent testimony before congress might teach each of us in turn:

There are only four kinds of people in the world
1. Those who have been caregivers

2. Those who currently are caregivers

3. Those who will be caregivers,

4. And those who will need caregivers.

In the ten years since publishing the original volume of Twenty Two Prayer Poems for Care Givers I've learned a great deal more about the necessity of being first of all Care Givers of the Self. The Prayer/Poems have grown and blossomed for me over this decade. More and more they point, like arrows, to the daily choice and opportunity we each have... to learn to take wise and good care of what Tibetan Buddhist's call this "precious human life". Here are a few of the comments received in response to the original hardcopy edition....read more

Please visit my main blog site to read about the other two lovely offerings coming in the next month...


Love all around...
d

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.

Subscribe to the monthly Luna See newsletter

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.

Subscribe to the monthly Luna See