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.

Embrace Innovation and Creativity with the Aquarius New Moon.

Life Update: Navigating Challenges and Finding Inspiration

Life Update: Navigating Challenges and Finding Inspiration
It’s been a challenging cycle. My second nerve block this week meant plenty of doctor’s appointments and hospital visits, keeping me away from the studio. On top of that, Melbourne’s Summer has made things difficult. My little companion Morgana has been on a holiday at my sister’s, where she can enjoy some air conditioning. As much as I’m missing her, it’s just been too hot here for her.

I was also honoured to take part in the 101 Women Project, a powerful tribute to the 101 women killed last year by gendered violence. Dressed in black and wearing red veils, we stood in silence for 30 minutes on the steps of the State Library in Melbourne. From there, we processed single file down Swanston Street to Lonsdale Street before entering the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre. It was a deeply moving and visually striking display of art and activism.

Thank you to Fleassy Malay for organising this event and ensuring it was accessible for all participants. I also had the privilege of helping with the media release for the event, an honour to support such an important cause. Family and gendered violence, as well as the ongoing femicide epidemic in this country, need as much awareness as we can generate in the hope that governments will take decisive action.

On another note, I’ve been struggling with my visioning for 2025. My vision wall is still a work in progress, as the uncertainty of my health makes future planning a bit overwhelming. I’m trying to approach it with patience and flexibility, leaving space for hope and creativity to flourish.

Studio Update: Exploring Digital Art and Upcoming Exhibitions

With all the appointments this cycle, I haven’t had much time to pull out the paints. Instead, I’ve been diving into Procreate on my iPad, discovering how my collage and mixed media concepts translate digitally. It’s exciting to see the possibilities this opens up, and I’m looking forward to experimenting further.

I’ve also been researching ways to incorporate more texture into my piece for the upcoming Creativa exhibition with Collective 24. I’ve been working on the colour palettes for the marketing and social media promotions. We are in the process of setting the social media accounts, I hope to share them with you in my next blog post. It’s exciting to use some of the skills I’ve been learning here and on my own social media platforms. Speaking of which, I have just opened a Bluesky Social account! If you’re there, I’d love if you follow me, find me under Ange’s Studio, and I’ll follow you back.

On top of that, grant writing has been a major focus, as I delve deeper into my concepts around the seen and unseen realms of being a woman and living with a disability. There’s also a watercolour workshop from ArtisMagic.online waiting for me, I’m hoping to jump back into that soon.

#CyclesOfCraft Update: Lammas Celebrations and Creative Prompts

The wheel of the year is turning again as we approach the seasonal celebration of Lammas on February 4th. Keep an eye out for my special edition blog post next week, where I’ll share info, tips, and creative ways to honour this time of year.

In the meantime, let’s revisit this cycle’s art prompt:

Earlier this cycle, I shared an art prompt inspired by the Aquarius New Moon: "What bold visions or unconventional ideas are ready to emerge?" Reflecting on this, I’ve been exploring how Aquarius themes of originality and progress resonate with my own creative journey. As you revisit this prompt, consider these guiding questions:

• What unique perspective or idea have you been holding back?

• How can you show up more authentically in your creative practice?

• What does "progress" mean to you right now, and how can you embrace it?

I’d love to see what you create—don’t forget to tag me or use #CyclesOfCraft to share your work!

Aquarius New Moon Art Journal Prompt - #CyclesOfCraft

Artist of the Season: Alice Neel’s Visionary Portraits and Legacy

This season, I’m drawing inspiration from Alice Neel, a brilliant 20th-century American painter known for her striking portraits and commitment to portraying real life. Neel was an Aquarian herself, and her life and work reflected the humanitarian and innovative spirit of this sign.

Neel was a fearless champion of social justice, a Leftist, and a staunch supporter of Trade Unions. Her commitment to equality and human rights was evident not only in her art but also in her activism. At a time when women were not afforded the rights we have now, Neel boldly created work that celebrated individuality and diversity while challenging societal norms.

Her portraits often focused on women, marginalised communities, and her own experiences, capturing the raw and honest essence of her subjects. Two of her iconic works are:

• Andy Warhol (1970): A raw, vulnerable portrait of Warhol, capturing him shirtless with scars from a past assassination attempt.

• The Family (1970): A powerful piece that captures the dynamics of a family unit, emphasizing connection and individuality.

Neel’s fearless approach to art and life is a constant source of inspiration as I develop my own projects. If you want to discover more about this courageous women, start here.

Astrology Insight: Embracing the Aquarius New Moon’s Innovative Energy

The Aquarius New Moon is all about innovation, vision, and breaking free from the old to create the new. This is a time to think outside the box, embrace collaboration, and focus on how we can contribute to collective growth.

The world feels especially chaotic and unsettled right now, and that could be a reflection of recent celestial activity. The recent Planetary Parade and the appearance of a comet have stirred up energies, bringing transformative yet turbulent vibrations to the forefront. These cosmic events often manifest as upheaval here on Earth, urging us to reevaluate, adapt, and evolve.

Aquarius, ruled by Uranus, is a sign of forward-thinking and collective progress. This New Moon invites us to consider how we can innovate in our lives and contribute to a better future. It’s a time to set intentions not just for personal growth but also for how we can impact our communities and the world at large. Embrace your uniqueness, and don’t be afraid to share your unconventional ideas, they might just spark the change we all need.

Lunar New Year 2025: Insights into the Year of the Wood Snake

This Lunar New Year welcomes the Year of the Wood Snake. The Snake is a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and intuition. Combined with the steady, growth-oriented energy of wood, this year encourages us to shed old skins, embrace personal evolution, and plant seeds for long-term growth.

Here’s a quick look at how the Wood Snake’s energy might affect each Chinese zodiac sign:

• Rat: A year of steady progress but remember to trust your instincts.

• Ox: Opportunities for personal growth and transformation abound.

• Tiger: Creativity and intuition are heightened; follow your passions.

• Rabbit: A time to focus on relationships and emotional resilience.

• Dragon: Transformative opportunities; take calculated risks.

• Snake: Your year! Embrace your natural wisdom and intuition.

• Horse: A year for introspection and refining your goals.

• Goat: Focus on balance and nurturing your inner world.

• Monkey: Dynamic changes bring opportunities for growth.

• Rooster: A steady year for building foundations and connections.

• Dog: Trust your intuition and embrace new beginnings.

• Pig: A supportive year for self-care and personal evolution.

The transformative energies of the Wood Snake align beautifully with the themes of the Aquarius New Moon. Together, they encourage us to embrace change, innovate, and move forward with courage and intention.

2025 Year of the Wood Snake

Discover New Designs in My Redbubble Shop

If you’re looking for something special, don’t forget to check out my Redbubble shop. I’ve added some new designs as well as my classic Crow Series, perfect for gifts or a little treat for yourself.

Wishing you all a transformative and inspired Aquarius New Moon. Let’s step into this new cycle with courage, creativity, and a sense of wonder. As always, thank you for being part of my artistic journey.

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