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.

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Following the Moon: Begin Again

Welcome to the new Natural Year!

Welcome to Following the Moon and our first moon cycle of the Natural Year. I'm a week behind...but here we go...this whole year is one to practice being at peace with what is...though of course that does not condone being victimized...ya gotta know how to take a stand.



Speaking of taking a stand...this week we move through the First Quarter Moon Phase, Friday, March 30 through early morning Tuesday, April 3. It's timely to take an action that relates to your Art/Life intention. By all means know what you stand for in your precious Art/Life.


The keyword for this cycle is Clarity...can you see places where you can invite some in?


I began this new Natural Year by having a techno-breakdown...no computer and therefore no postings. When I asked for Clarity I saw that this was actually no problem. So I didn't turn it into one.


I'm an outdoors gal...so I went outside to play... lovin' it.

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Following the Moon: Open the Door

Happy New Natural Year!

Welcome to Following the Moon, March 19, 2012 the doorway of the Equinox opens to a new beginning!

I like to say, 'Something wonderful is emerging' when Aries comes to call . Read my dear friend Sandra's take on what's coming to meet us astrologically.

Can you feel and connect with the space that lies before you in the 12 Moon/Months ahead? The idea now is to be visualizing the birth of this new phase of your Art/Life as you communicate from a place of balance and inner peace. There's a grand challenge ahead and solutions to problems include listening, listening and listening even more deeply to your intuition... call it your Muse, your Inner Guide, Shaman, Hero, Grandmother, Alchemist, Advisor ... name this part so you can really become intimate.

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May you have the most creative and peace-filled year of your amazing Art/Life!

Following the Moon: The Art of the Start

Media Blend, 2012, Virginia MOCA

This week I celebrate the work of my Winter Media Blend Studio at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. What a fabulous and edgy unfolding as we traveled our seven weeks together. We also completed the seven week Saturday in the Studio with the young ones...here's a  sample of work one artist created for her self...

9-11 year/Saturday in the Studio, 2012, Virginia MOCA

Welcome to the Purity Moon cycle. I get pretty jazzed at this point in the Natural Year...I love being able to look over my shoulder taking in the breadth and depth of the physical, emotional and intuitive experiences that have come to visit in the year now closing.

Walking around the circle of the year by ’Following the Moon’ becomes more natural and brings an instinctive focus as you apply the Moon to Moon rhythms to your own Art/Life.

This final cycle in the Natural Calendar opened on February 21 and now we are in the Third Quarter Phases the point of giving thanks for what you have experienced from the past year.

This is an ending place. There’s much possibility in endings. This attending to closure is powerful ... it sets the tone for your Vision of the Natural Year ahead. As one door closes and the new opens on March 22 when the Aries cycle begins all possibility awaits your Art/Life.

Have you been dreaming of what your Art/Life will grow in the new walk round the wheel?

Read more...
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See you next week for the New Aries Moon and the beginning of the Natural Year!

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

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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

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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: 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: 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: 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: The Compositions of Our Lives

Memory Copy after Matisse, Drozda, 1976, Oil on paper, 24x36'

The Artist must summon all his energy, his sincerity, and the greatest modesty in order to shatter the old cliches that come so easily to hand while working, which can suffocate the little flower that does not come, ever, the way one expects.

Henri Matisse

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. Today, Monday, April 11, we're ten days into the 'Clarity' Moon cycle. The Clarity Moon cycle opens the door to the Natural Year and is a time of an emergent vision. The overall energy of the entire year suggests that there is important work to be done, foundations to be shored up and focus to attend to.
Are you feeling a larger picture? Are you getting a feeling for the overview of your Natural Year's walk? Can you envison where it may take you? Are you imagining the possibility? Are you sensing your direction?


Seeing the world differently is clearly being required of each of us. Artists are the antenna...
read more

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Following the Moon: What You Haven't Seen Before

Flotilla, Drozda, Acrylic/wood, 2001, Private collection

  It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.                             Ursula LeGuin

Welcome to 'Following the Moon'. Today, Monday, March 7, we're just 3 days into the Purity Moon Cycle.

The Purity Moon signals the end of the Natural Year. There's so much opportunity now through April 2, for looking over your shoulder. Imagine a rear view mirror and look all the way back to Spring Equinox 2010. Scan the happenings of your Art/Life in preparation for full release.

On Tuesday, March 8 we move into the Crescent Phase...that 'thin grin' is hanging in the evening sky reminding us to be willing to research that which we dream to create...touch in on your Art/Life dream, taste it, breathe in its aroma, use all of your instincts to gain access to the opportunity that lies beyond the doorway opening into the Spring, now so fast approaching.

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Following the Moon: Renewing the Heart

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Welcome to ‘Following the Moon’ and the Renewal cycle. A four week period that comes each year, at this time, offering us a sense of replenishment and self-renewal. The Natural Wheel turns and carries energies of our Art/Life through mystical depths as we melt into the flow of our lives. I’ve just finished reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and, in this Year of the Rabbit, I recommend it’s sweet story of the heart.
Today Monday, February 21, we’re in the Disseminating Phase of the Renewal Moon. This phase is about sharing what we’ve learned. There are two approaches to this. The first is to simply look back over the past three weeks. Formulate what has come to make you aware of being refilled. The second is more profound and challenging…it offers the space for traversing the terrain that you’ve crossed carrying you all the way back to last Spring and the New Moon of April 2010. I prefer the long view.

I realize that each year spirals into the next and, taking into account where I’ve been throughout the last twelve months, makes for a more inclusive review and seeding of the year ahead.
Read more...

Follow this blog and celebrate the natural rhythm of your Art/Life

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See you next week for the Balsamic Phase of the Renewal Moon and the start of the Purity Cycle.
Sing the day
~Iona

Following the Moon: The Heart Soars

Bird Dance, Drozda, Acrylic/canvas, 12x12" 2011

The heart soars up like a bird

From a nest of care

Up, up to a larger sky

To a softer air.

No eye can measure its flight

And no hand can tame;

It mounts in beauty and light,

In music and flame.

Of all the changes of Time

There is none like this;

The heart soars like a bird

At the stroke of bliss.

The Flight of the Heart

Dora Reed Goodale

 Welcome to Following the Moon and the beginning days of the 'Renewal' Moon cycle. We stepped through the door into this cycle on the New Moon February 2. This is clearly one of my favorite times of year. Between now and Friday the Crescent Phase brings its gifts. Stay in sync with whatever you are currently investigating. You might ask, 'What in my Art/Life could benefit from a bit of revitalization, replenishment, rekindling, repair, restoration or... going for the gold...where do I feel a renaissance taking place?

This is when you can take the time each month to do your focused research.

Delve into the area that you would like to renew. Make inquiries, exploring your options. This very lively place in the Winter/Spring quadrant of The Mystery is a natural intention setting zone.

'Renewal' energy abounds between now and Friday, February 10 (predawn EST). 
I love this quote from Faith by Sharon Salzberg, "...when I complained about feeling inadequate, Khenpo challenged me with, "Why be so anemic? Why not aspire to be a liberated being, for the sake of all beings? Why not? and later she, again quoting Khenpo, "The price of gold goes up and down, but the value of gold remains the same. Your experiences will always change, will go up and down, but what is of innate value in you lies in your awareness and love."

And another renaissance thought form from Igor Stravinsky, "In order to create there must be a dynamic force, and what force is more potent than love."

All year you are being given the opportunity to put these kinds of teachings into place within the context of your Art/Life realizing that you living in a period of Renaissance right now.

As the Crescent Phase wanes on Friday, February 10, in the predawn (EST) catch the shift that opens the door to the First Quarter Phase when it's all about action pertaining to what you are choosing to renew.

I did a bit of sleuthing this morning and was pleased to find reminders everywhere I looked of how easily attached I get to certain ways of thinking and doing. I notice how I can seize up and go into overwhelm. You know the feeling. So much to do and no way to get it all done.

In my investigation I came upon this gift. I placed it into my calendar so that, in addition to my morning sitting time/formal meditation I will renew myself at midday with a 5 minute breathing break. I've done this several times in the last few days and find that now even when I'm doing other things my breathing is deeper calmer more rooted. Let me know what you think if you give it a try.

I find that this time of year is rather perfect for breaking some sort of pattern of rigidity. Remember that ice is hard yet it's water just the same.

Symbolically there is space now to thaw some aspect of the Art/Life in preparation for movement.

See you next Monday for the Gibbous phase of the Renewal Moon,
~Iona~
 
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Following the Moon: The HeART of the Matter

Sabbatarrian, (detail), Drozda, Acrylic/canvas, 2006

When everything falls apart and we feel uncertainty, disappointment, shock, embarrassment, what's left is a mind that is clear, unbiased, and fresh. But we don't see that. Instead, we feel the queasiness and uncertainty of being in no-man's-land and enlarge the feeling and march it down the street with banners that proclaim how bad everything is. We knock on every door asking people to sign petitions until there is a whole army of people who agree with us that everything is wrong.

Pema Chodron

There are as many different ways to experience this time on earth as there on people on the planet. This cycle allows the room for you to pay attention to what can kindly drop away.

On Sunday, January 16 at dawn (EST) we entered the Gibbous Phase and we'll be there until Wednesday afternoon, January 19. This gives you a space of time for filtering and digesting what you've been focused on since the New Moon on January 4. Seasonally this is the time of year, and energetically this particular year suggests paying close attention to the level of trust you carry for your Art/Life.


This is the month for Cleansing, take some time to discover what that means to you at this time. I followed a thread based on what I'm addressing in my Art/Life and I discovered connections to words like: modification, alteration, improvement, enhancement, fine-tuning, elegance, culture, style, maturity and civility. These give me ideas for ventilating current challenges....read more


Please read my full length article for 2011 and find your Personal Year Energy gift here 
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Following the Moon: The Strength of What Is

Make a Wish, Drozda, Acrylic/wood, 2001, 14x20"

Lines Written In The Days Of Growing Darkness

Every year we have been

witness to it: how the

world descends

into a rich mash, in order that

it may resume.

And therefore

who would cry out

to the petals on the ground

to say,

knowing, as we must,

how the vivacity of what was is married

to the vitality of what will be?

I don’t say

it’s easy, but

what else will do

if the love one claims to have for the world

be true?

So let us go on

though the sun be swinging east,

and the ponds be cold and black,

and the sweets of the year be doomed.

by Mary Oliver, from New York Times, Sunday, November 7, 2010

How grand that we have this niche of days to settle into as we wrap up the calendar year 2010. If you’ve kept a Gratitude Journal this year take some time and leaf through the pages to reacquaint yourself with the richness that you’ve woven this year in your Art/Life. Starting Friday morning through Monday, January 3 craft the intention for your Art/Life. Dream the dream for your coming calendar year and imagine the Sky Dance that lies ahead as you open to the possibility that awaits....read more... please feel free to come back here to comment if it's easier for you...and thank you so much for sharing the 'Art/Life' and 'Following the Moon' this year...



HAPPY 'ART/LIFE' NEW YEAR!!

Iona

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Following the Moon: I Go Among Trees and Sit Still

The Fields of Dewachen, Drozda, 2004, Acrylic/board

It’s the Introspection moon cycle and time for the natural process of slowing down and looking within. I’ve been having a grand time with this process, walking in the woods, sitting back by the water watching the ducks laugh and painting and journaling in the wee hours when it’s most quiet. I’ve been sleep-deprived for most of this cycle and so in the middle of the night I’m leaning in and listening to the Muse, the voice of intuition. I’m then investing the time to set the intention for the coming year.

More...at my new blog...feel free to leave comments here, after your visit, if it's easier.



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Following the Moon: Counting Blessings

Family Tree, Drozda

The New Moon phase continues through Tuesday, November 9 around noon. Time  for considering the Art/Life goal(s) that you have for this cycle.  On Tuesday afternoon we open to the Crescent phase; time to embrace your goal with ferocious strength through Saturday morning. Really lean into what you’re about at this time. Research where you feel you’re going. From Saturday, November13  until Wednesday, November 17 you have open space to actively engage.  Move your ideas and Art/Life inspirations out into the world, all the while reminding yourself to ‘be still’ and ‘stay centered’.... read more

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Following the Moon: Love the One You're With

Pretty Wild...I've migrated my blog...please come and visit at my new address:

http://donnaionadrozda.com/blog

I can't wait to continue the Luna See journey with you.

~Sing the day~
Iona

Following the Moon / Growth of Courage

'When I Was Born', Drozda 1992

8.5 x 15 inches

Acrylic on wood

Welcome to this week's 'Luna See'. 'Luna See' provides a model for lookin' up and feeling time (and your movement through time) with a calm and focused flow. I present 'Luna See' to you as an instrument for gentling through your art/life day. You may also subscribe to the monthly 'Luna See' newsletter.



Let's begin by taking a deep calming breath. The planet may be cranked. Your life may be feeling the pressure... yet let's BE the artists that are filled with courage. Courage means to have heart. Right here, right now, with what's happening, you can calm down and trust your individual growth process.

Here's a reminder... it fits so beautifully with this point on the year's wheel:


Wild Geese


You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.


Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.


Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.


© Mary Oliver.

'Mandala', Sarah Myers

cellphone photo

Creativity Salon Participant and Dear Friend

Between today, Monday, July 19 and next Monday, July 26, the moon's phases (First Quarter, Gibbous, Full) continue to provide you with creative focus points. They are: take action, analyze and realization.


The First Quarter Phase offers three days to be about expressing the growth that's bringing forth your new sense of identity. Until Wednesday night, July 21, be active by feeling and moving. Active is the idea, dancing toward your goal for this cycle. Perhaps you can't dance in body at this moment...if that's the reality then dance in spirit. Be shamanic. Joseph Campbell relates this: As a Native American Elder giving advice to a young one said,

'As you go the way of life, you will see a great chasm.

Jump.

It is not as wide as you think.'

This action phase offers an excellent opportunity to S T R E T C H ... then take time to write in your journal, make the call, send the email, communicate with your tribe. Choose a way to anchor what you've manifest thus far. Can you feel the sense of celebration for what you've allowed to percolate and grow since July 11? Maybe. Maybe not.

When you wake up July 22, Thursday morning, reconnect to your vision from July 11. If you made a mind map or collage during the New Moon go back now to check in with those images and ideas. Actively analyze and prepare to be the uniquely qualified artist at life that you are born to be. You are the artist who has the courage to express a new view and a true heart connection. You transport us. If you read that and say, 'Who me?' that's OK. The beauty of the natural wheel is that it will bring you around to this point again next year. You will be given the opportunity to grow further into who you truly are. I love that about the wheel...it keeps on turning.

Late on Sunday, July 25 (I'm working with EST) the phase shifts to Full and we have all the way until Friday, July 30, to reflect on what Growth has taken place since July 11. Next Monday we will visit what the Full phase offers.

Creative exercise: Until late Wednesday make a stretch and be brave. Take a leap of faith in the area of your art/life projects. Find that place within you that will give you the feeling that says, "YESSSS... I can do this!" At the Gibbous Phase, late in the evening on July 21, create a conscious connection to your support system.  Anchoring what it is your art/life is manifesting right now. Make notes. That's what anchoring is. After you leap, you anchor. You honor it all by putting the experience down in writing or some chosen creative medium.  Then you call on a trusted witness and tell them about the abyss you've flown over. You rejoice.


Above all BE your fearless Self. Remember that July brings with it the keyword of Growth.  Growth implies development. The idea is to continue tapping into your vision for the 29.6 days of this cycle taking you to August 9. In August the keyword turns to Trust yet you can be actively growing toward that quality now.

Each of the eight phases, in turn, brings a focus point that you can utilize in tandem with your Muse. Your Muse is yours alone. She helps you in doing the inner work of connecting with your on-going guidance. Her joy is to craft an experience that is uniquely yours....ever preparing the way for what's next.


You are the artist who has the courage to express a new view and a true heart connection. This is the year to be about forging a deeper and truer sense of Self. This year's global energetic field impacts us all. A renewed sense of identity requires that you know how to persist and carry on. You may find inspiration by visiting a completely courageous artist  here or by relaxing into a healing meditation here. As you practice conscious fortitude you grow stronger and more capable...year by year.

I recognize July as the 'push point' every year. Notice the opposite point too: how and when you feel like stopping. Then pay particular attention to where you feel the 'safety net' that gives you the stamina to, as my dad always said, "Carry on".


"Sometimes I wonder how all those people who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear which is inherent in a human situation."


Graham Greene

'Don't Stop the Dance', Drozda 2006

60x60 inches

Media Blend on Unstretched canvas

 Share the Growth of your 'Luna See' and...

~May your heart gently sing the days