Pisces New Moon: Embracing Accessible Journeys, Bold Art, and Cosmic Vibes

Hey everyone, welcome to my latest blog post! I’m super excited to share a slice of my life with you, filled with accessible travel adventures, creative ups and downs, and some pretty cool cosmic reflections under the Pisces New Moon. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s dive into what’s been happening in my world.

Life Update: An Accessible Family Adventure

This cycle brought one of those unforgettable moments, a weekend getaway with my family that really pushed my accessible travel game to the next level. It was the first time I took off in my wheelchair, and wow, the planning was something else! We had to figure out accommodations with a few tricky steps (thankfully, my trusty crutches helped out), reserve a table, and even book a water wheelchair for a two-day water park adventure.

Not only did we tackle all those logistical hurdles, but the grandkids made it extra special. My grandson, who usually hesitates around the water, surprised me by warming up and splashing around with pure joy. And my granddaughter proved she’s a real thrill seeker by taking on the biggest rides and slides she could find. These moments remind me that, no matter how challenging travel can be, the laughter and adventure of family make every extra effort worth it.

Studio Update: Creative Hurdles and Group Show Opportunities

Art isn’t always a smooth ride, and this cycle was no different. Amid the heatwaves and holiday buzz, my creative flow took a little break. However, I’ve been busy preparing for the upcoming Creativa Exhibition with Collective 24, a group show that’s all about pushing creative boundaries and celebrating the diversity of art. Our first gallery fell through, which was a bummer, but we’re now sending submissions to new spaces with plenty of hope and excitement.

Our Collective’s Facebook and Instagram are now live, so be sure to follow along to keep up with all our progress. We love sharing the behind-the-scenes moments, both the challenges and the wins, as we navigate this unpredictable yet rewarding artistic journey.

Social Media Updates: Where the Daily Magic Unfolds

Hey, don’t forget to stay connected on social media! Every day is a chance to dive into a bit of creative magic:

• Mondays: Look out for #CyclesofCraft updates, where I share insights on working with the seasons and cycles in our lives and creative practices. It's all about aligning our art with nature’s rhythm.

• Tuesdays: Join me for Studio Updates—I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into my creative process, showcasing progress, challenges, and those candid moments that make art so raw and real.

• Wednesdays: Get ready for #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips. I’m dropping easy, everyday tips to sprinkle a little extra magic into your artwork, perfect for inspiring your inner art witch.

So, keep an eye on those days and join the conversation—let’s create, share, and infuse our lives with a bit of enchantment every week!

Artist of the Season: Celebrating the Bold Legacy of Pauline Boty

This cycle, I’m shining a big, vibrant light on the amazing Pauline Boty, a true trailblazer in British Pop Art whose rebellious spirit and fearless creativity continue to inspire me. Born in 1938 in London, Pauline burst onto the scene in the 1960s with a style that was as daring as it was colourful, and her influence still resonates powerfully today.

A Closer Look at Pauline Boty

After studying at Saint Martin's School of Art, Pauline quickly made a name for herself with a unique blend of vibrant colours, bold forms, and a no-holds-barred approach to social commentary. Her work was more than just eye-catching, it was a full-on statement against consumer culture and the outdated gender roles of her time. Every brushstroke felt like a declaration of independence, a bold challenge to the status quo that inspired both admiration and controversy.

What I really love about Pauline’s art is how it captures the raw, unfiltered essence of female experience. Her fearless exploration of identity, sexuality, and societal constraints paved the way for future generations of women artists. Even though her career was tragically cut short in 1966, her spirit of creative rebellion lives on. For me, as someone who’s always pushing against boundaries in art and life, Pauline’s legacy is a powerful reminder to embrace our uniqueness and keep challenging the norm.

Her art still sparks conversations around feminism, social justice, and cultural transformation, and every time I look at her work, I feel a surge of inspiration to break free from limitations and live my truth. In a world that sometimes feels too boxed in by expectations, Pauline Boty reminds us that art, and life are about bold expression and unapologetic authenticity. Read more about Pauline’s art and tragically short life here.

Astrology Update: Chill Reflections Under the Pisces New Moon

There’s something magical about this Pisces New Moon, a gentle nudge to slow down, reflect, and do some serious soul-searching. Unlike the usual high-energy manifesting vibes, this New Moon is more about looking back. Since this is the last cycle of the astrological calendar, it adds an extra layer of reflection to our journey. Instead of gearing up to manifest big dreams, don’t be surprised if you’re finding yourself reviewing the past and deciding what you’re going to leave behind to make room for the new astrological year.

We’re also riding the wave of a pretty epic planetary parade that’s been lighting up the skies. Make sure you check out my latest series on the social that highlight how this astrological event is affecting each sign. As we enter what I call the pre-eclipse shadow phase, with a Total Lunar Eclipse on March 14, 2025, and a Partial Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025, here’s some tips to navigating this period of change:

• Embrace the Unknown: Change is in the air, so try to let go of needing everything under control.

• Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is your best friend right now; listen to it, even if it whispers.

• Take Time to Reflect: Whether it’s journaling, art journaling, meditation, or just a quiet moment, give yourself space to process and decide what you’re ready to leave behind.

• Stay Grounded: Simple grounding practices, like deep breathing or a bit of creative expression, can help keep you balanced.

• Plan Small Steps: Use this time to think about small, actionable steps that can lead you toward a better tomorrow.

• Keep It Flexible: With energy shifting, a flexible schedule means you’re open to unexpected opportunities.

The vibe of the Pisces New Moon mixed with the intensity of the pre-eclipse shadow phase is all about letting go, reflecting deeply, and then stepping into the new astrological year with a fresh, empowered perspective.

Pisces New Moon Art Journal Prompt

As we reach the end of the astrological year, Pisces invites us to dive deep into our dreams and inner worlds. What emotions, patterns, or stories are you ready to release before the new cycle begins? What dreams are quietly calling you forward? Let the fluid, intuitive energy of Pisces guide your creativity, use flowing lines, soft colours, or dreamy imagery to express what you’re leaving behind and the visions you’re making space for.

How does it feel to surrender and trust the flow?

Shop My Art: Exciting News on Redbubble

Before I wrap up, I’ve got some fun news to share! If you’ve been loving my art and want to bring a little piece of it into your everyday life, check out my Redbubble store. Don’t miss out on the upcoming 20% off sale storewide, so it’s the perfect time to snag something unique, whether it’s for your home, office, or as a special gift. I’d be over the moon if you joined me on this creative adventure.

 Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this cycle, I just want to say thanks for coming along on this ride with me. Whether you’re into accessible travel, creative expression, or exploring the deeper cosmic energies, I hope you found a little something here that speaks to you. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes the challenges are just stepping stones to something amazing.

Stay connected with me and the Collective on Facebook and Instagram for more updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and all the moments that make this journey so wonderfully unpredictable. Here’s to embracing every bit of change, laughing through the hiccups, and celebrating every victory, no matter how small.

Lammas: Honouring the First Harvest & Our Creative Cycles

Lammas - The First Harvest Festival

As we step into Lammas, the first of the harvest festivals, we reach a moment of reflection and gratitude for the creative seeds we’ve planted and nurtured over these past months. This is the time to honour both our artistic and personal growth, as well as the shifting cycles of the natural world.

The History of Lammas

Lammas, or Lughnasadh, is an ancient festival marking the first harvest of grain. Traditionally celebrated on February 1st–2nd in the Southern Hemisphere, it acknowledges the bounty of the land and the hard work that has gone into bringing the harvest to fruition. However, astrologically, Lammas falls halfway between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox, which in 2025 is on February 4th. Named after the Celtic god Lugh, a deity of craftsmanship and skill, this sabbat invites us to celebrate our own creative talents and recognize how far we’ve come on our journey.

Celebrating Lammas in the Southern Hemisphere

Living in the Southern Hemisphere, our experience of the Wheel of the Year is different from the Northern Hemisphere traditions often found in mainstream paganism. Here, Lammas coincides with the height of summer’s warmth beginning to wane, the first golden hints of autumn approaching, and a deep gratitude for the abundance that sustains us. It’s a time to slow down, reflect on what we’ve cultivated, and prepare for the shifting season ahead.

Ways to celebrate:

• Set up a Lammas altar: Decorate with sunflowers, Banksia flowers, and other seasonal flora. Include native fruits such as finger limes and Kakadu plums for an Australian touch.

• Colours of the season: Gold, orange, deep red, and earthy browns.

• Crystals for Lammas: Carnelian (passion and creativity), Citrine (abundance), Tiger’s Eye (grounding and strength).

• Herbs to work with: Native Australian bush herbs such as Lemon Myrtle (clarity and healing), Wattle (resilience and renewal), and Eucalyptus (cleansing and protection), along with traditional herbs like Rosemary (protection and remembrance), Basil (prosperity), and Chamomile (calm and success).

• Rituals & Offerings: Bake damper infused with native bush herbs as an offering of gratitude, create art inspired by the themes of harvest and transition, or write a list of your creative accomplishments since the Spring Equinox, when we planted the seeds of what we wanted to manifest.

A Lammas Altar.

Personal & Creative Reflections

Lammas invites us to reflect on our creative cycle, beginning back at the Spring Equinox when we set intentions, through Beltane where we ignited new ideas and passions, the Summer Solstice where we basked in their full light, and now at Lammas, where we harvest the wisdom gained along the way.

For me, this journey has been deeply tied to The Unseen Woman and the experience of exhibiting her at the Merri Bek Summer Show. This piece spoke to the visibility and invisibility of women’s lives—a theme that continues to weave itself through my work. Alongside this, I’ve expanded my practice, exploring watercolours more deeply and now beginning to experiment with Procreate and digital art.

Opening my Redbubble shop was a big step. This has been an exciting new way to share my art, allowing people to bring small pieces of my work into their daily lives.

I’ve also taken a significant step by preparing to apply for my first grant, a means to continue delving into the themes of the visible and invisible. These explorations remind me that our art, much like the cycles of nature, is constantly evolving, layering upon itself as we learn, shift, and grow.

I would love to hear some of your accomplishments during this cycle, please share with me over on the socials.

Honouring Women’s Stories: A Defiant Act of Feminism

One of the most powerful aspects of this cycle was taking part in the 101 Women Project, where we honoured the women killed by gendered violence in 2024. This work felt like an act of defiance, a reclamation of space for those whose voices were silenced. The ongoing cycle of remembrance, resistance, and renewal is more important than ever. We must fight for the rights that our grandmothers and mothers fought so hard for us to have. We cannot give up. We cannot let these rights be taken from us.

As Lammas teaches us, our work—whether creative, activist, or personal—is never in vain; it is part of a larger, ongoing cycle of remembrance, resistance, and renewal.

Embracing Texture & Layers: Experimenting for Creativa

Looking ahead, I am preparing for the Creativa exhibition with Collective 24, where I am focusing on layers and textures—both literal and metaphorical. This new exploration ties back to the very essence of Lammas: layering experiences, building upon past efforts, and refining our craft as we move forward.

Playing with Texture and Layers

Introducing #ArtWitchTips & #WitchyLittleThings

As part of the next phase of #CyclesOfCraft, I’m excited to introduce #ArtWitchTips and #WitchyLittleThings—practical, everyday tips for art witches. These will be small, actionable ways to bring magic into your creative practice, aligning your craft with the seasons, lunar cycles, and personal intentions. Stay tuned for more magical creativity!

#ArtWitchTips and #WitchyLittleThings

Lammas Art Journal Prompt

Lammas is a time of harvest, gratitude, and reflection. As we honour the first fruits of our labour, it’s also a time to ask: What have you created, nurtured, or learned since the Spring Equinox? What are you proud of? What do you wish to carry forward into the next season?

Art Journal Prompt: Create a page celebrating your personal harvest. Use warm, golden tones, layered textures, and symbols of abundance. Incorporate elements that represent your own creative journey—whether it’s words, images, or patterns that tell your story.

A Lammas Art Journal Page.

Additional Creative Offerings

As a special offering for this sabbat, I am releasing a free downloadable colouring page that aligns with the themes of Lammas. This is a small gift of creativity and reflection, an invitation to slow down and engage with the energy of the season through art.

Free Colouring Page for Lammas

Looking Ahead to Mabon & Aligning Art with the Season

As we move toward Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, we begin shifting our focus from outward expression to inward reflection. Just as the trees prepare to shed their leaves, we can ask ourselves: What do we need to release? What do we want to carry with us into the darker months ahead? How can we align our creative practice with the energy of this turning season?

Lammas is our moment to pause, celebrate, and express gratitude—not just for what we’ve created, but for the journey itself. The cycle continues, and with it, the ever-unfolding story of our craft, our art, and our lives.

#CyclesOfCraft is an ongoing exploration of creativity, nature, and the rhythms that shape us. As we embrace the harvest of Lammas, we prepare for the next season of change. What are you harvesting in your own life and creative practice right now? Let’s honour it together.

Super Full Moon in Aries: Boldness, Release & Progress

As we reach the Super Full Moon in Aries on 17 October, I’m leaning into the themes of boldness, initiative, and celebrating progress. This cycle has been full of breakthroughs and some personal challenges, but I’ve learned that courage shows up in many ways.

The full moon is also a time of release. With the sun in Libra and the moon in Aries, we are called to find balance between harmony and action, between peace and boldness. Consider what no longer serves you and is holding you back from embracing your true self. For me, I’m releasing the fear of not being “enough” in my work, my health, and my personal life. It’s been weighing me down, and now is the time to let go. What fears or doubts can you release to make room for new growth? Let go of indecision, self-doubt, or the need for approval from others so you can step confidently into your power.

I invite you to join me in this release and share what you're letting go of on social media—tag me so we can support each other through this phase of transformation!

Studio Update

I’m excited to share that the piece I was working on during the last cycle has been accepted into the Merri Bek Summer Show at the Counihan Gallery in Brunswick. The theme of the exhibition is (Be)Longing, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. The opening is on 9 November at 2 pm, which also happens to be my birthday! I won’t share too much about the work yet—more details to come later.

In the Make, Create, Express course, I’ve been working on a few abstract pieces, and you can check out my process reels over on Instagram. Meanwhile, in my other course, The Art of Individuation, this week’s lecture, "An Opening in the Hedgerow: Women’s Mysticism in the Christian Late Middle Ages," has sparked something deep in me. It’s drawn me back to an idea I’ve been nurturing for a while—exploring the yoni as a hedgerow, both rich in symbolism.

The yoni is a Sanskrit term representing the physical womb, vagina, and vulva, literally being the source of life. It is also a symbol of the divine feminine, associated with creation, birth, and rebirth. The hedgerow, traditionally a physical boundary between fields, also holds spiritual meaning. It is seen as a liminal space—a boundary not just between the physical world but between realms, representing an opening to the other side, to the divine. These ideas are deeply connected for me, and I can feel the beginnings of a new body of work forming. I’ll keep you updated as this unfolds.

Studio sessions are not complete without some tunes. Check out this month’s playlist. What have you been listening to? Jump over to the socials and let me know what you would add.

Living with Disability

This cycle has been tough on my health. Managing pain and the emotional strain has taken its toll, but I’ve been focusing on summoning courage in my art and rehabilitation. On the days when my body struggles, I’ve been quietly working on some website updates and playing with graphic design to create a more cohesive look for my blog and socials. It’s slow progress, but it’s something I can manage when energy is low.

Artist Date

I had a much-needed artist date this week when I visited my hometown, with a dear friend, to see the incredible Kate Miller-Heidke, supported by the beautiful Georgia Mooney. The experience was nostalgic, full of old memories, and even better, I reconnected with an old friend—an unexpected but lovely surprise.

Artist of the Season: Rosaleen Norton

This season’s featured artist is Rosaleen Norton, famously known as the Witch of Kings Cross. Norton, an Australian artist and occultist, challenged societal norms through her visionary art and mystical practices. Her work, heavily influenced by esotericism and paganism, explored the supernatural, often depicting gods, demons, and mythological creatures. As one of the earliest “Art Witches,” Norton fused her spirituality with her artistic expression, carving a path for those who seek to combine magic and art. Her defiance of conventional morality and fearless embrace of the taboo make her an inspiration for this full moon's themes of boldness and release. You should definitely look into her life and artwork; you can start here. There is also a wonderful bio pic you can watch; you can find the details here.

Looking Ahead

As the Southern Hemisphere wheel turns towards Beltaine, I’m looking forward to celebrating at a Fairy Ball. The theme is Gods and Goddesses, and I’ve been putting my creative energy into making a costume. If you’re still celebrating Samhain or Halloween, remember there’s still time to order from my Crow Series and get it before the end of the month! Order you journal here. If you would like to order postcards or the Limited-Edition Framed Prints email me.

Here’s to stepping into the boldness of the full moon, releasing what holds us back, and celebrating our progress, no matter how small.

Rosaleen Norton image links:

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New Moon, New Beginnings: A Journey Back to Art

Libra New Moon

As the New Moon rises today, accompanied by a partial solar eclipse, I’m embracing the energy of new beginnings. Libra, the sign of balance, harmony, and relationships, invites us to reflect on where we need find balance in our lives and creative practice. This lunar cycle feels especially powerful, coming just after the Spring Equinox, Ostara, here in the Southern Hemisphere, a time when light and dark are equal, reminding us of the beauty in balance and transition.

Setting Intentions:

A Fresh Start

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the cycles of nature and the moon. Aligning my creative process with these cycles not only grounds me but also infuses my work with a sense of purpose and flow. Today, I’m setting my intentions for the upcoming months, focusing on creating art that speaks to the themes I’m passionate about—women’s rights, social justice, and the often-overlooked experiences of living with disability.

“My Art is my Craft and My Craft is my Art”—this mantra has been my guiding light. It reminds me that my practice is not just about the finished pieces but about the ongoing journey, the process of creating, reflecting, and growing. This new moon, I’m particularly inspired by the idea of balance—how to find harmony between my art and advocacy, my personal and creative life, and my inner and outer worlds.

Earlier this year, I spent nine weeks in hospital, which kept me away from my art for a significant time. The experience has profoundly impacted my life, as I’m now navigating the world in a wheelchair with limited mobility. Back home, I’ve reorganised my studio and, between physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions, I’m finally creating again.

Studio Update:

Exploring Balance and Harmony

In the studio, I’ve been working on my entry for the Merri-bek Summer Show. This year's theme is “(Be)Longing”.  I have been thinking a lot about visibility and how it changes over time. Without giving too much away, I’m playing around with some ghostly, layered forms to explore what it feels like to be seen—or not seen—as we get older. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m excited (and a little nervous!) to see how it all comes together.

I’m grateful to have won a spot in the yearlong Make, Create, Express workshop by Art is Magic Online This incredible program, featuring diverse lessons from talented artists worldwide, has been a lifeline, keeping me creatively engaged and inspired. I can’t wait to share my new work with you! I strongly encourage you to check out their workshops.

I'm also taking a short course inspired by Jennifer Higgie's book, The Other Side: A Journey into Women, Art and the Spirit World. I first discovered this book during my time at art school while researching women artists who incorporated spiritual themes in their work. I’m deeply intrigued by how these artists intertwined their creative processes with their beliefs and explored otherworldly dimensions in their art.

The New Studio

Smudging before creating the Magick

Let's begin!

The Spiral Path

Sigils

Fire Dragon

WIP: On my easel

Medusa

The Other Side

Artist of the Season: Libra

Maya Lin and the Art of Reflection

This lunar cycle, I’m inspired by Maya Lin who was born under the sign of Libra, a renowned artist and architect known for integrating art, architecture, and the environment. Her work, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, redefines public spaces and commemorative art. Beyond memorials, Lin’s creations often highlight environmental issues, transforming landscapes into contemplative spaces that raise awareness. Her philosophy, “to make people aware of their surroundings,” resonates with the themes of reflection and connection I’m exploring in my own work this cycle. Learn more about Maya Lin here

Maya Lin - Photo by Michael Katakis, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Looking Ahead:

Themes of Balance and Justice

Over the next two weeks, leading up to the Full Moon in Aries, I’ll be focusing on the concept of balance—not just in my art, but also in my advocacy work. I want to explore how these two aspects of my life intersect and support each other. How can I create art that not only expresses my personal experiences but also amplifies the voices and stories of others who are often silenced?

Embracing the Eclipse

Eclipses are known for shaking things up, bringing unexpected changes and revelations. This partial solar eclipse in Libra feels like a cosmic invitation to re-evaluate, to let go of what no longer serves, and to make space for new growth. I’m excited—and a little nervous—to see where this energy takes me. But I trust that, by staying connected to my intentions and my craft, I’ll navigate these shifts with grace and purpose.

As we move through this cycle together, I invite you to reflect on your own life. Where do you need more balance? What new beginnings are you ready to welcome? Please let me know on the Socials your reflections. Let’s embrace this Libra New Moon as an opportunity to realign, renew, and create with intention.

Seasonal Celebration:

In the Southern Hemisphere we are approaching Beltaine. However, at this time of the year many of us celebrate Samhain. I know it’s hard not to when everyone else is embracing Halloween. So as Samhain/Halloween approach, it's the perfect time to welcome the Crow into your space. My Crow Journals, featuring original Lino cut artwork, are available now on Amazon. You can also order crow-themed postcards directly via email, and framed, limited-edition prints are available for those seeking a unique piece. Order soon to ensure delivery before the end of the month!

Coming Soon! 🌙✨

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my blog this October! This space will be a blend of studio updates, personal reflections, and the stories behind my art, all woven together with themes of feminism, disability, and social justice.

Each post will align with the new and full moon, offering a chance to connect more deeply with the rhythms of nature and creativity. I can’t wait to share my journey with you and invite you into my world as I explore how these themes shape my artistic practice.

Keep an eye out for my first post—coming soon! 🌿

Coming Soon - Stay Tuned