New Moon in Taurus Artist Feature

New Moon in Taurus
April 24
8:22 pm PDT

The New Moon in Taurus slows us down, letting our roots grow deeply. It is a stubborn, creative, earthy and sensual time. So get inspired, get a massage, make art or make love. Notice the things that endure; the feel of wood and rock, the smell of a home baked bread or Russian tea. This fertile sign encourages strong, slow growth. (Excerpted from the We'Moon Datebook.)

The Taurus artist featured this month is an Etsy online friend of mine and a wonderfully talented Australian artist.

Spotlight on Taurus Artist, Susan Rodio

"Being a Taurus, I think I display many of the typical Taurean traits when approaching my art and creativity. Firstly, I just LOVE beautiful things, whether those beautiful things are art objects, paintings, flowers, photos, or anything in nature and I can be quite obsessive about things I am interested in.

Also when I get started on something I can be slow and steady or cautious about it at first, but once I'm stuck into something I get this intense determination and become very focused about it and it can be hard to tear me away from the object of my attention (my partner finds this most frustrating.)

For example when I start a painting I am a little tentative initially, but once I feel connected to the work and in a flow I generally can sit for hours at at time painting away and I find it hard to actually get up and do anything else as I don't like to lose focus, often 6 - 8 hours can go by and I haven't moved from my chair, which I think would be hard for most people that aren't as fixed in their nature."

Website: http://www.SusanRodioArt.bravehost.com
Etsy: http://SusanRodio.etsy.com
Blog: http://SusanRodio.blogspot.com

To read about more New Moon artists please click here.

New Moon in Aries Artist Feature

New Moon In Aries
March 26
9:06 am PDT

The New Moon in Aries gives us access to our fire and our spark, but temper, impatience and passions run high. We’re urgent to get back on track and re-center in our selves, but the challenge is to maintain our compassion and our sense of empathy. It’s time to do what truly makes us feel alive; initiate projects, set boundaries and buffet our temper. Many new beginnings are hatched now, making it a good time to try new approaches and discover new outlets. Spirit is moving, so channel Moon in Aries with your vital willingness to be and to do.

I originally met Dianna in the forums on Etsy, in my search for an Aries artist who could articulate the connection between being an Aries and being an artist.
Here is Dianna's story.

Spotlight on Aries Artist, Dianna

"In response to your post last night, here is my take on being an Aries in my art life.

Being an artist is somewhat of a new adventure for me. I have always been creative but I found an outlet to express that through my occupation as a high school ESL teacher (English as a Second Language.) It was not until two years ago that I began to paint and a whole new world opened up to me. In many ways it's been what my soul has been searching for and I just never knew it.

In November of 2008 I sold my first painting at an art auction. It was a life-changing and inspiring experience. From that night on, I have been able to change my thinking from being someone who likes to paint, to saying that I am, in fact, an artist.

Since then I have focused more on creating and pushing the limits of what I thought I could do. I am constantly looking for new ways to think about my artwork and pushing myself to turn those new dreams into a reality. I enjoy the challenge of working all day only to come home and work another full day in my studio - there is nothing that makes me happier, and on the days I cannot create, I feel incomplete. As such, this leaves me up until the wee hours of the night (and I am not one that does well with incomplete paintings!), often coming to school the next day with bags under my eyes and paint marks decorating my hands due to the blur of getting ready in the morning. My students never fail to comment on it, and in many ways I am glad that they notice. It has given me the opportunity to discuss my passion with them, in hopes of encouraging them to follow their dreams. I fully support my student's desire for an education, but I want them to understand that life is more than that.

I am thankful that my painting has helped me not only tell them that they should find their life's calling, but to actually show them. In my heart I know this is what I am supposed to be doing, both teaching and painting, and I feel that my experience as an artist has not only helped me uncover who I am at the core, but has also helped me to be a better teacher as well. This time of my life is exciting, and even stressful at times, but I know I am finally listening to my inner being and in doing that, I am finally finding peace."

After emailing me the article above, Dianna sent me another email that I felt needed to be included in this post: "What a cool thing for me to sit and acknowledge my feelings in a way that I could put my thoughts into words. It has brightened my spirit and given me a new sense of courage. Thank you for your post. I can't say I would have taken the time to voice this otherwise. Regardless of whether or not I am chosen, I am glad that I came across your thread and wrote a response. "

You can visit Dianna's Etsy store here.

To read about more New Moon Artists please click here.

Spotlight on Aries

"The point of this New Moon in Aries is to direct the great pressure we feel for change right into healing ourselves, healing all the complexes and limitations that got us where we are now. So, when you see things collapse this month that you were sure are very important for you, consider that old and useless things are collapsing so that you won't collapse." An excerpt from Barbara Hand Clow's AstroFlash.

Spotlight on Aries Psychic & Metaphysician, Jason Lee Earle
"Being an Aries is both a blessing and a bit of a curse. As an innovator and creative dynamo my Arian traits are very well represented, I have plenty of ideas and enthusiasm, at least at the start of any project! I guess my biggest challenge is being the ‘completer-finisher’ that most long term projects require.

My artistic and spiritual interests are, not surprisingly, many and varied. As a musician I have worked as a solo performer and songwriter, as a member of a traditional folk band, and even as a collaborator on a film soundtrack. As a photographer I have produced some limited edition prints. As a writer I have written on a range of psychological, spiritual, and theatrical topics and as a ‘mystic’ I have theatrical, television and radio credits for consultancy.

My spiritual training (if that is the correct term) is as eclectic as my artistic endeavours, and a rather odd mix of scientifically based formal qualifications in combination with a life long interest in esoteric traditions. This makes for some very interesting ‘internal conversations.’

I guess were it not for the stabilizing influence of Taurus in my birth chart I would never have been able to complete any particular project, but live my life as an initiator. I guess I can only reflect upon what may have been possible were I able to focus my often divergent attentions on one particular discipline, but hell, then I wouldn’t be me!"

Here's a link to Jason's newly created YouTube site which has a video titled "Cornish Reflections" (photography by Jason) accompanied by the hauntingly mystical music of Ahanan.

You can learn more about Jason by visiting his website.

I originally connected with Jason on Twitter. For the upcoming New Moon in Aries on March 26th I will be featuring Etsy artist, Dianna and her cheerfully vibrant angel/saint acrylic paintings.

To see more New Moon Artist posts please click here.

Celebrate Bliss with the New Moon in Pisces

This lunar month is perfect for enjoying some much needed Piscean pampering. I'm planning to get an esoteric healing treatment from healing Goddess, Terri at The Pearl - her spa/home is a fairyland filled with art, antiques and healing vibes!

I suggest that some primo relaxation time is in order! Try luxuriating in a hot lavender bath or sleeping with a mugwort filled sachet or a moonstone under your pillow and don't forget to call upon a Piscean mermaid or two to water and bless your dreams.

This Pisces Moon heightens our awareness, our senses, our compassion, and our imagination. How will you apply this peace of mind to the world at large? How can you orient yourself to follow and express your bliss in ways that benefit the planet? Get ready to identify your gifts and let your talents blossom forth as the Spring Equinox fast approaches and we are catapulted into the sign of Aries.

FEELING SPACED OUT LATELY?

I know I have! I just emailed my best friend to apologize for being 2 weeks late in remembering her birthday and I was actually a month early! So what's going on?! If you've been feeling disoriented this past month it could be due to the large number of planets that are currently in the airy and ungrounded sign of Aquarius and this feeling will most likely continue in the month ahead. Aquarius can teach us how to stretch our limits and explore radical ideas but remember, Winter still prevails and encourages us to stay put and contemplate the year that has passed.

Try and stay grounded, tap your spirituality, explore new ideas, and let peace flow naturally into your life and your home as you prepare for the arrival of Spring on March 20th at 4:44 am PDT.

For those of you interested in exploring where the New Moon falls in your astrological chart to better prepare yourself for the month ahead I have created a New Moon Reading.

SPOTLIGHT ON PISCEAN ARTIST - SING:

I discovered Piscean artist, Sing of JustGiveMePeace in the Etsy Forums. I asked her how being a Pisces had influenced her artwork and this is what she told me:

"My drawings have always been a whisper....or a silent scream....a tell~tale story of what lies beneath the obvious. Hidden in the psychedelic colors of chaos I find peace. And in my swirly, twirly fairytale, I believe that under the cold crashing truth of reality the deep, deep water is warm and that in the trail of tornadoes and hurricanes accidental gifts are found and in this everyday thing we call life, if you're not laughing and dreaming you're only treading water. I'd rather be floating.... Much Peace, Sing."

NEW MOON IN PISCES GIVEAWAY CONTEST:

This month's Giveaway is titled "Circle of Mermaids" - an 11 x 14 matted print of my original silk painting featured at the beginning of this newsletter. To enter this drawing you will need to sign up as a fan of my Facebook Page and respond to my Discussion Board posting titled "What is bliss?" I can't wait to hear your inspirations! All my mermaid paintings were inspired by eight years of living in the gorgeous and unforgettable Laguna Beach, California where I befriended my very own red-headed mermaid, Tangerine!

The money issue remains a touchy subject for folks right now, so take a little time to examine your own relationship with money. My question for you, dear readers, is this: "Has money become more important to you than love?"

New Moon in Aquarius

NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS
01.25.09
11:55 pm PST

Keywords: liberation, detaching from old emotional patterns, collaborating and networking, exchanging ideas and concepts, community activism, visionary insight, marching to the beat of a different drummer, manifesting idealism to benefit the planet.

The last moon period may have been heavy and difficult but this upcoming New Moon will be inspirational and uplifting. What shifted for you in a big way over the last month?

"The whole world is hoping that Obama can cleanse the horrific, negative fields conjured up by the Bush/Cheney regime…the whole world must get back on course." Barbara Hand Clow - Astro Flash – a great site for political insights.

THE YEAR AHEAD FOR AQUARIUS OR AQUARIUS RISING:

The expansive planet Jupiter entered the sign of Aquarius for the first time in 12 years on January 5th and will remain there for the next year, The beneficent Jupiter offers travel, worldly insights, adventure and lucky opportunities to those who are willing to expand their horizons.

The Gift: the ability to envision and seize new possibilities and potentials for the future. A time to be independent, imaginative, eccentric and rebellious.

The Challenge: Temptation may lull you into foolish, overconfident and arrogant behavior. Watch out for rigidity and radical, unpredictable aloofness.

NEW MOON SOLAR ECLIPSE
01.25.09
11:58 pm PST

A solar eclipse is a conjunction of the Sun and Moon – the Moon actually blocks the Sun’s light inviting archetypal realms to flood our consciousness and making possible rapid and permanent changes in our brains.

During this time of awakening we will be able to open ourselves to accept and welcome the entire Universe in order to move beyond our limited Earthly perspective.

Eclipses catalyze our soul’s deeper calling and offer us a time of deep transformation. Since ancient times astrologers have used the eclipse as a means of prediction. To determine the effect of a specific eclipse, check your natal chart and find out in what house the eclipse falls. Each house governs a specific activity or area. The effects of an eclipse are felt whether it’s visible or not. You can find the exact degree of the eclipse in your own astrological birth chart to help identify potential release points where your inner potential will seek to reveal and release itself.

MERCURY RETROGRADE
01.11.09 - 01.30.09

Mercury is currently retrograde until January 30th. So if you are having any sort of computer, car, communication, travel problems and life appears to be moving forward at a snail’s pace then at least you will know why. Take advantage of this time to reflect, relax and de-stress.

MID-WINTER CELEBRATION TIME
02.02.09

February 2nd marks Mid-Winter, the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Other holiday names for this seasonal turning point are: Imbolc, The Feast of Lights, Candlemas, Chinese New Year and Ground Hog’s Day. It is a time of celebration, prophecy, purification and initiation.

What groups are you starting up or joining? What are you celebrating? How has your view of the big picture changed? Tell us about it!

If you are interested in having a reading done to find out how this New Moon will be influencing and effecting you personally, please check out my New Moon Soul Reading.

To see more New Moon posts please click here.