Mabon: Welcoming the Autumn Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere

An Art Witch’s Mabon Altar

As the wheel turns and we step into the autumn equinox, or Mabon, we find ourselves in a moment of balance. Day and night are equal, a fleeting pause before the darkness slowly begins to overtake the light. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, autumn doesn’t always look like the classic imagery of crisp air and golden leaves, our climate and landscapes tell a different story. But the shift is still felt deep in our bones. The days become shorter, the air carries a different weight, and our bodies and minds begin adjusting to the seasonal transition.

The Energetics of Autumn

Autumn has always been a season of preparation. For our ancestors, this time was about gathering the final harvest, preserving food, and ensuring survival through the colder months. While we no longer need to store grains or cure meats for winter, we still experience a deep instinct to prepare. But instead of stacking firewood or preserving fruit, we turn inward, taking stock of where we are, what we need, and how we want to approach the coming months.

Physically, we may feel a pull to slow down. The pace of summer’s outward energy starts to wane, replaced by a need for warmth, comfort, and introspection. Emotionally, this can be a time of reflection, an opportunity to process what we’ve experienced and decide what we’re ready to release. Our creativity can shift too, moving from expansive, high-energy projects to more intimate, detail-focused work.

Creativity in the Cooler Months

For me, autumn and winter are deeply tied to my art journal practice. As the weather cools, I find comfort in working on individual pages, layering textures, words, and colours that reflect my inner world. There’s something about the ritual of journaling that feels particularly potent in the colder months. Art witchery and art magick thrive in this space, where creativity meets personal ceremony. This is the time to embrace the intimacy of creating just for yourself, without the pressure to share or produce for an audience.

Autumn Studio Tunes Playlist

As I settle into the slower pace of autumn, my studio is filled with the sounds that help me get into the zone. Music is such an integral part of my creative process, and in the cooler months, I find myself gravitating toward mellow, soulful tunes that nurture my introspective energy.

I've curated a special Autumn Studio Tunes playlist on Spotify to share with you, these tracks have been my go-to for getting into a creative flow this season. Feel free to follow and press play while you read, journal, or work on your own creative projects.

What’s on your playlist for this season? Let me know on the socials!

Art Witchery & Art Magick

This brings me to something I want to introduce more into my work: #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips, simple ways to weave magick into your art practice. You may have seen some of these I have already started to share over on the socials. But what exactly is an Art Witch, and what is Art Magick?

An Art Witch is someone who blends creative practice with intuitive and spiritual work. Art becomes a form of spellcraft, a way to connect with unseen energies, process emotions, and manifest intentions. Art Magick is about infusing your work with meaning, whether it’s through symbolism, intentional colour choices, or the physical rituals you bring into your creative space.

Rituals for the Studio

You don’t need elaborate tools or complex ceremonies to bring ritual into your creative practice. Simple things can shift the energy of your space and deepen your connection to your work:

• Light a candle to set an intention for your creative session.

• Burn incense or diffuse essential oils that align with the mood you want to cultivate.

• Make an intention-infused cup of tea—stirring in energy for focus, clarity, or inspiration.

• Use sigils or symbols in your art to encode meaning and intention.

• Create a small seasonal altar in your studio with natural elements that reflect the time of year.

Closing the Cycle: Mabon to Samhain

As we finish this phase of #CyclesOfCraft, we now step into the next, Mabon to Samhain (March 20 to April 30). This period deepens the themes of transition and release. It’s a time to honour what we’ve created, reflect on what we’ve learned, and prepare for the darker half of the year.

Over the next six weeks, I’ll be exploring ways to bring more ritual into my creative practice, leaning into the slowness of the season, and allowing my art to hold space for the shifts happening internally. Whether you’re a painter, writer, crafter, or journal keeper, I invite you to do the same, find the magick in the process and let your creativity be a sanctuary.

#CyclesOfCraft

Mabon Art Journal Prompt

Mabon is a time of balance and gratitude, a moment to pause and honour both what we’ve gained and what we are ready to release. As we shift towards the darker half of the year, let’s reflect on this seasonal transition.

Prompt: What are you harvesting in your life right now? What lessons, experiences, or creative projects have come to fruition? As the wheel turns, what are you ready to let go of to make space for new growth?

You can explore this prompt through words, colours, symbols, or imagery that represents this seasonal shift for you.

Free Mabon Colouring Page

To celebrate the season, I’ve created a free Mabon colouring page with an Australian twist! Featuring a wombat, an Australian raven, and native botanicals, this piece is a way to honour the unique beauty of our autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere. You can download it here. and use it as a mindful creative ritual during this time of transition.

Mabon Colouring Page

Mabon Sale – 25% Off in My Redbubble Store!

As we welcome the shift in seasons, I’m offering 25% off everything in my Redbubble store for a limited time! This is the perfect opportunity to grab prints, stickers, and other art-inspired goodies infused with the magick of the seasons. Head over to my store to check it out!

How do you experience autumn? Do you find your creativity shifting with the season? Let’s chat in, and keep over on the socials, and keep an eye out for more #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips coming soon!

25% off Sale storewide at my redbubble store

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.

Leo Full Moon February 2025: A Time for Boldness and Creativity

Moonlight from the Leo Full Moon streams through an open window, illuminating an art journal, paintbrushes, a quiet moment of magic and creation in the night.

The Leo Full Moon is almost here, bringing its bold, creative energy to illuminate where we shine and where we might be draining ourselves unnecessarily. This lunation is an invitation to step into our authentic selves, embrace joy, and reassess where we are placing our energy. Before we dive into the astrology, let’s catch up on the last couple of weeks.

Personal Update: Navigating Energy and Embracing Rest

The past fortnight has been a bit of a struggle with the extreme heat making everything feel heavier and more exhausting. Alongside my usual physio and hydro sessions, I’ve had several medical appointments, which has left me feeling more depleted than usual. The challenges of chronic illness and disability are always present, and it’s a constant balancing act between fulfilling necessary commitments and honouring my energy limits.

This has meant that I’ve had to lean into rest a bit more than I usually would, adjusting my schedule accordingly to avoid pushing myself too hard. I have also been digging into some old self-care techniques I haven’t used for a while. It’s been a reminder that listening to my body is just as important as the work itself.

Studio Update: Creative Exploration and Progress

Despite the heat and my medical appointments, I managed to carve out some studio time, and I’m happy to say that I had what felt like a successful experiment with texture and layering for my piece in the upcoming Creativa exhibition with Collective 24. I shared a reel over on Instagram showing my process—playing intuitively with different materials and techniques, letting the piece evolve organically. It was a much-needed reminder of how important it is to embrace exploration in art, even when the energy is low.

I’m excited to keep pushing forward with my work, especially as we move into the next phase of my Cycles of Craft campaign.

Layers, textures, and a little bit of alchemy!

Artist of the Season: Vivian Maier – Exploring the Unseen Through Photography

Born on February 1, 1926, Vivian Maier was a self-taught photographer whose work remained hidden until after her death. Working as a nanny for most of her life, she secretly captured thousands of street photographs, documenting everyday life with an incredible eye for composition and human emotion. Her work was only discovered in 2007 when a collection of her negatives was auctioned off, revealing an artist whose talent had been invisible for decades. Find out more about Vivian here.

Maier’s story speaks deeply to the themes I keep returning to in my own work—visibility and invisibility, the tension between being seen and unseen, the narratives that go untold. Her work captures fleeting moments of life, the beauty in the ordinary, and the quiet presence of those often overlooked. As I continue exploring these themes in my own art, I find her story both inspiring and haunting. She was an artist who created for the sake of creation, leaving behind a body of work that speaks even in her absence.

Leo Full Moon Astrology: Balancing Self-Expression and Collective Needs

The Leo Full Moon is a time of illumination, creativity, and personal power. Leo, ruled by the sun, is about self-expression, confidence, and radiance. This lunation asks us to check in with ourselves:

• Where are we wasting energy that isn’t serving us?

• What parts of our lives feel uncomfortable, and what can we do to nurture ease instead of forcing constant self-improvement?

• What is out of our control, and can we release our grip on it?

Leo’s energy reminds us to take up space, to celebrate who we are without apology. But while Leo is about the self, the sun is currently in Aquarius, the sign of the collective. This full moon highlights the balance between personal needs and the greater good. It’s a dance between honouring our individuality and understanding how we exist within a larger ecosystem.

We might feel the tension between wanting to express ourselves boldly and the pressures of societal expectations. This is a good time to reflect on where we are dimming our own light to fit in or where we are overextending ourselves at the expense of our well-being.

Eclipse Season 2025: Preparing for Cosmic Shifts

Lunar Eclipse in Virgo – March 14, 2025

The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo is a full moon that calls for a deep cleansing and recalibration. Virgo energy is all about order, healing, and refinement, so this eclipse will illuminate the areas of your life that need attention, particularly around health, organization, and habits. It’s a time to release old patterns that no longer serve your well-being or your creative process. Whether it’s letting go of toxic work habits or clearing clutter in your physical or mental space, Virgo will guide you towards a more streamlined, balanced life.

This is a great time to reflect on how you’ve been nurturing your body and mind. Have you been paying attention to your self-care, or is it time to let go of habits that are depleting you? Virgo asks us to take practical steps toward self-improvement, so any work done during this eclipse will have long-lasting benefits.

Solar Eclipse in Aries – March 29, 2025

The Solar Eclipse in Aries brings a surge of fiery, bold energy that could inspire sudden changes or new beginnings. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is about taking action, being courageous, and embracing the thrill of the unknown. With this solar eclipse, the universe is asking us to look at where we need to be more assertive, take risks, and stand up for ourselves.

This is a potent moment for setting new intentions and creating a fresh start, especially in areas where you’ve been holding back. If you’ve been feeling like something in your life is stagnant or you’re ready to leap into a new direction, the Aries solar eclipse provides the perfect energy to break free of any lingering hesitations. It's a time to step into leadership, take charge of your creative vision, and assert your power in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your true desires.

Eclipses & Your Creative Practice

Even though the Lunar Eclipse in Virgo and the Solar Eclipse in Aries are still a month away, now is a good time to start preparing. The energy of eclipses tends to build up over time, so it’s worth starting to reflect on what you might need to release or what new intentions you’d like to set. This period offers us a chance to get clear on what we want to move away from and what we’re ready to move toward.

In the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the themes of both eclipses and how they can influence your creative practice. We’ll talk about how to align with these energies in more practical ways and share some rituals and ideas to guide you through this transformative time.

For now, start considering what feels out of balance or stagnant in your life and creative process, and begin to gently let go of anything that no longer serves you. The time for big shifts is coming, and it’s a great opportunity to begin building the foundation for change.

 Art Journal Prompt:

Under the glow of the Leo Full Moon, reflect on where you are ready to shine. What part of yourself have you been dimming? Use bold colors, expressive marks, or even collage elements to celebrate your authentic self. How can you take up space in your creativity and life without apology?

#CyclesofCraft Update: Lammas to Autumn Equinox

Last week, we celebrated Lammas, the first harvest festival, marking the shift towards autumn. If you missed it, I shared a special edition blog reflecting on this seasonal transition. Now, we begin our slow movement toward the autumn equinox, though Melbourne’s late summer heatwaves are making that feel distant. The land is shifting, even if it’s subtle, and soon we’ll start to see the first hints of seasonal change.

Lammas is a time of gratitude, of acknowledging what we have cultivated, both physically and creatively. As we move toward the equinox, it’s a reminder that balance is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.

Witchy Rituals for Creative Flow: Tea Magic and Intentional Art

I introduced a new series over on Instagram last week, starting with a simple tea ritual: taking a moment before beginning an art session to prepare a cup of tea (or any drink), stirring with intention, clockwise to invite something in, counterclockwise to release. It’s a grounding practice, a way to shift into creative space with mindfulness.

The idea behind these little rituals is to weave magic into the everyday, to make space for intention and presence in our creative practice. Whether it’s lighting a candle before beginning a painting or using a specific scent to mark the start of a work session, small moments of ritual can help us transition into a more focused, inspired state.

There will be more of these small rituals and creative prompts coming soon, so keep an eye out for #LittleWitchyThings and #ArtWitchTips on Wednesday’s. I’d love to hear any little rituals you have.

 Redbubble Store Update: Shop My Art & Upcoming Sale

A quick reminder that my Crow Series and other designs are available in my Redbubble store. There’s another sale coming up—25% off from February 17-23—so if you’ve had your eye on something, it’s a great time to grab it!

I haven’t added new pieces yet, but I’m looking forward to bringing some fresh designs into the store in the coming months.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Power and Shine Unapologetically

As this full moon peaks, give yourself permission to rest in who you are, rather than constantly striving to be more. Take stock of where you’re directing your energy and whether it’s truly serving you. And, most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Leo teaches us to shine, to embrace joy, and to take up space. But it also reminds us that confidence comes from within—not from external validation. Take this full moon as an opportunity to step into your light, unapologetically.

Wishing you all a luminous and reflective Leo Full Moon.

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.

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.