Cre8Joy

Cancer New Moon Mandala

2011-07-01T06:18:00.001-10:00

Gemini New Moon Mandala

2011-06-01T11:33:00.002-10:00

Taurus New Moon Mandala

2011-05-02T23:00:00.002-10:00

Aries New Moon Mandala

2011-04-03T17:30:00.000-10:00

Pisces New Moon Mandala

2011-03-04T15:24:00.006-10:00

Aquarius New Moon Mandala

2011-02-02T16:33:00.006-10:00

Capricorn New Moon Mandala

2011-01-31T15:11:00.001-10:00

Sagittarius New Moon Mandala

2010-12-05T15:25:00.001-10:00

Scorpio New Moon Mandala

2010-11-05T15:21:00.001-10:00

Libra New Moon Mandala

2010-10-11T09:16:00.001-10:00

Virgo New Moon Mandala

2010-09-10T09:12:00.002-10:00

Leo New Moon Mandala

2010-08-10T12:47:00.000-10:00

Cancer New Moon Mandala

2010-07-12T16:55:00.000-10:00

Gemini New Moon Mandalas

2010-06-12T04:17:00.001-10:00

Taurus New Moon Mandala

2010-05-13T16:31:00.001-10:00

Aries New Moon Mandala

2010-04-14T16:17:00.003-10:00

Pisces New Moon Mandala

2010-03-16T17:25:00.000-10:00

Aquarius New Moon Mandala

2010-02-18T14:49:00.003-10:00

Capricorn New Moon Mandala

2010-01-18T08:58:00.001-10:00

Sagittarius New Moon Mandala

2009-12-17T08:56:00.000-10:00

Scorpio New Moon Mandala

2009-11-17T08:53:00.000-10:00

Libra New Moon Mandala

2009-10-18T08:47:00.000-10:00

Autumn Mandala

2009-09-26T16:06:00.002-10:00

Virgo New Moon Mandalas

2009-09-20T13:43:00.000-10:00

Leo new Moon Mandala

2009-08-22T10:41:00.000-10:00

Cancer New Moon Mandala #2

2009-07-23T19:28:00.001-10:00

Cancer New Moon Mandala #1

2009-06-25T18:01:00.003-10:00

Gemini New Moon Mandala

2009-05-27T18:01:00.002-10:00

Taurus New Moon Mandala

2009-04-24T18:05:00.001-10:00

Aries New Moon Mandala

2009-03-26T18:44:00.002-10:00

Secrets #6 and #7

2009-02-26T14:28:00.003-10:00

Weeks 6 and 7 of the online book club Next Chapter: 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, facilitated by Jamie Ridler have slipped right by.

Chapter #6 was about Conquering Saboteurs and while I'm feeling overwhelmed and under pressure to keep up, I've discovered that one of my personal saboteurs is not finishing projects I've begun, especially if I've fallen behind. So, I'm going to excuse myself for letting life get in my way and move forward with my commitment to participation in this fantastic group of creative women.

In chapter #7 we were asked to share about the guides we have consulted to facilitate our creative growth. As Jamie pointed out, everyone who is participating in this group has become a guide for me. Via this group I have received unlimited encouragement and inspiration and owe you all a thank you. There are so many artists that I value as role models, I can't name them all, though I'm forever grateful to Donna Iona Drozda for her friendship, inspiration and guidance. Several books do stand out from among the many that have inspired me to greater things. Among them I would have to list Life's Companion: Journal Writing As a Spiritual Quest by Christina Baldwin and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

Pisces New Moon Mandala

2009-02-25T08:35:00.001-10:00

Secret #5 Committing to Self-Focus

2009-02-16T14:39:00.005-10:00

I'm a little late with my response to this chapter. I just returned from a reunion with 2 dear friends. The three of us spent a week together in a secluded cabin on a 60 acre tract in the mountains east of San Diego.

Since I didn't read the chapter until today, I was happy to discover that I had experienced all the"Keys" to the critical skill of Self-Focus throughout the week. Beginning with the confrontation fears of selfishness, simply by taking the time out of my normal routine and responsibilities to participate in this adventure. The 5 other "Keys" fell nicely into place.

Secret #4 Surrendering to Creative Cycles

2009-01-31T16:41:00.005-10:00

Week #4 of the online book club Next Chapter: 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women facilitated by Jamie Ridler focuses on surrendering to creative cycles. Author Gail McMeekin quotes entrepreneur Joline Godfrey as saying, "But I'm old enough and experienced enough to see that if you just trust the universe--and that's so trite and New Age sounding-- things have a way of working out in a better way."

Trite or not, it's true. The photo above is the front of my favorite t-shirt.

As an astrologer, I am acutely aware of cycles and phases. In fact, there are cycles within cycles and the more one has lived through them, the better one's understanding becomes. This time of year (December through March), along with the time around my birthday (late August - early September), I am brimming with renewed creativity.

For me, there aren't any void times, just times that get filled with other activities.

Secret # 3 Following Your Fascinations

2009-01-27T14:23:00.003-10:00

This is week 3 of the online book club Next Chapter: 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women facilitated by Jamie Ridler. This chapter is about Following Your Fascinations and offered 4 challenges.

Challenge #1: Risk Taking History
I am a risk taker, mostly calculated. I've packed up and moved across country 4 times. The first 2 times were unsuccessful, though fun and educational, and the last 2 moves were completely successful and utterly fantastic. I've been told that I'm also an emotional risk taker; like marrying someone 12 years younger.

Challenge #2: Intuitive Messages
As with risk taking, I generally follow my intuitive messages.

Challenge #3: Communicating with your inner patriarch
Don't think I have an inner patriarch. I come from a long line of strong women who taught me self reliance. In fact, it's taken me a long time to learn that men can be trustworthy.

Challenge #4: Bolstering your staying power
My husband supports and encourages me to follow my dreams. My family (daughters and grandchildren) bring out my bravery. Activities that help me persevere when feeling overwhelmed or discouraged are consulting a friend (a nod here to artist Donna Iona Drozda), meditating, and writing in my journal.

Jamie gave us the additional challenge of taking one brave step toward our dreams this week.
This was the most difficult challenge for me, as I couldn't think of a single thing I could do. Talk about a creative block. Participating in this book club blogging activity, must be my brave step.

Aquarius New Moon Mandala

2009-01-25T17:11:00.003-10:00

Since Aquarius is an air sign and the Sabian Symbol for the degree of this new moon implies a new beginning, I created this mandala out of photos of the sky taken at or shortly after dawn. I invite you to create or color one of your own.

Honoring My Inspirations

2009-01-17T12:05:00.007-10:00

This is the second week of the book bloggers group Next Chapter: 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin. The chapter title is "Honoring Your Inspirations." Thanks to Jamie for facilitating this group.

I was inspired by a quote from the author's interview with C.C.H. Pounder (page 25), who was intrigued by three Hummingbirds. The vision of the Hummingbirds stuck in my mind. Ted Andrews says in his book, Animal Speak, that Hummingbirds teach how to find the miracle of joyful living from one's own life circumstances. Hummingbirds are playful and independent. Some have been known to migrate 2500 miles and for that reason they are a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. In my previous post, I began the imagery for my annual Treasure Map or Dream Board. I've honored the inspiration I found in this chapter by adding 3 Hummingbirds to my imagery:

The rest of this post answers the questions asked at the end of chapter #2. It was an illuminating exercise.

When did your creative awakening or reawakening occur? Even though I have sketchbooks of fashion designs that I drew when I was 9, I decided quite young that I wasn't talented or creative. In complete denial of my own creative spirit, I married an artist, thinking myself more of a muse than a creative. During those many years, I invented recipes, decorated my homes (and those of others), hand made Christmas cards, built shadow boxes, constructed altars and shrines, designed stained glass pieces, filmed and edited home movies and conceived a multitude of creative solutions to personal and business problems. My creative awakening occurred years after my divorce and subsequent remarriage, when I started "playing" with mandalas at the age of 40. Looking back, I have to laugh at how many inspired ideas I've had and projects I've completed, never once thinking any of them were creative.
What talents do you have naturally? I am a problem solver. I have an eye for color and composition. I have a natural talent for inspiring, motivating and encouraging others.
What elements (fire, water, wood, air) draw you toward them? All the elements call to me, it depends on the time and place and my mood.
Where and when do you create? Where and when do you wish to create? My active imagination allows me to create wherever I am, but I usually create at my computer or in a small spare bedroom (AKA my studio) whenever I have an opening in my schedule; be it morning, afternoon or evening. Sometimes I wish I had a garage sized studio space (I have visions of creating something large) separate from my home.
What activates your creative energy, and what drains it? An emotional response to a book, photograph, painting, sculpture, music, even a conversation will get my creative juices flowing. Also, witnessing the creative works of others will activate my creative energy. Becoming immersed in worry or other kinds of negative thinking drains it.
Do you use creative rituals? I really had to think about this one. It depends on what I'm creating. Making a mandala, whether computer generated or hand drawn, is a ritual in itself. I begin with a brief meditation on a thought or a word or a feeling, following that, I gather whatever elements, colors, media I was inspired to use and then continue its creation while in a meditative state. When I have a previously inspired project I'm working on, I will listen to music or an inspirational CD by Pema Chodron. If I'm writing or initiating a new visual project, I'll sage the room and light a candle before beginning.
Does nature influence your creativity? Absolutely
What has been your greatest creative hurdle so far? Learning to see myself as an artist.
What time of day are you most receptive to inspiration? When I least expect it, which can be anytime.

My only regret about participating in this group, is that there are over 100 Highly Creative Women who post weekly, and so far I have not had the time to read each and every one. Something I plan on doing before the 12 weeks are over.

My word for 2009 and the beginning imagery for my Treasure Map or Dream Board

2009-01-11T18:47:00.007-10:00

Gaining perspective on a 3 year.

2009-01-11T13:12:00.012-10:00

So here I am beginning my annual journey through another calendar year.

2009 equals a #3 personal year for me in the repeating cycle of 9. Theoretically, the 3 personal year is associated with social expansion & creative success. I was recently reminded that in the tarot, card #3 is "The Empress", the figure of Creative Imagination.

Today I'm signing up for a book blogging group - Next Chapter: 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women. It started Friday January 9, 2009, but the site says it's never too late to join in.

I requested








12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women
by Gail McMeekin

from the library and it arrived right on the 9th.

So did 2 other books I ordered from Amazon.com,

Awakening in Time:
The Journey from
Codependence to Co-Creation
by Jacquelyn Small

The Abundance Book
by John Randolph Price

last week to facilitate my work with Donna Iona Drozda's 2009 Lifecycle forecast.

Additionally on the 9th, I signed up for a 5-day workshop in April with the focus on exploring the connection between my creativity and spirituality.

Looking at the 3 commitments I've made above and my new year vision below, I'd say I've set my intention this year.

Morning Epiphany

2009-01-06T10:47:00.004-10:00

Today I recognized an internal conflict in need of integration, writing in my journal.

"The conflict is between the desire/longing to experience wholeness via associations (family, friends, social groups and organizations) and the inherent distance that comes with being an outsider. I am an outsider who wants to fit in. But, if I did fit in, I wouldn't be an outsider anymore, would I? What does being an outsider mean to me? It is part of what makes me uniquely me, it is my Genius - my individual self-expression.

Perhaps I can bring balance to the dilemma by loving and acknowledging that outsider part of me by creating something from it everyday. I could participate in a creative group effort. Be an insider (part of the whole) simply by sharing my outsider self."

Can I accept the challenge?

Creative Every Day Challenge

2008 on the way out - 2009 on the way in

2008-12-31T17:30:00.003-10:00

What am I willing to leave behind with 2008?

Excess of all kinds. Excess wight, excess judgment, excess material possessions.

Reduce and recycle.

What will this free me to do? or, put another way, What am I choosing to include in 2009?

Exercise and meditation
Yoga morning and evening
art activities
gatherings
service
journal keeping
coloring book calendars

Solstice Mandala

2008-12-21T16:18:00.002-10:00

Scorpio Mandala

2008-10-28T16:17:00.002-10:00

Libra Mandala

2008-09-28T16:14:00.002-10:00

Virgo New Moon Mandala

2008-08-30T13:55:00.000-10:00

Leo New Moon Mandala

2008-08-01T16:00:00.001-10:00

An Award for You

2008-07-18T08:58:00.002-10:00

Here's an award for you!
All my favorite blogs and blogfriends on the right are nominated.
If you are visiting here and like the award please take it.

The rules?
None.
Just like love, all good things should be shared and passed on freely, so just give the award to anyone you think who deserves it.
(choose your own size; click right and save as...)
Enjoy!

Received from Marianne at Mandalas and More

Solstice Mandala

2008-06-21T18:18:00.001-10:00

Summer of Love

Gemini New Moon Mandala

2008-06-05T12:15:00.000-10:00

Taurus New Moon Mandala

2008-05-07T12:53:00.001-10:00

Aries New Moon Mandala

2008-04-05T17:47:00.001-10:00

Pisces New Moon Mandala

2008-03-08T17:30:00.002-10:00

Aquarius New Moon Mandala

2008-02-11T12:17:00.002-10:00

Capricorn New Moon Mandala

2008-01-10T11:41:00.000-10:00

Scorpio New Moon Mandala

2007-11-09T16:14:00.000-10:00

Virgo New Moon Mandala

2007-09-11T15:57:00.000-10:00

Virgo SoulCollage®

2007-09-11T09:38:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who serves the mystery."
(Virgo on the cusp of my sixth house -
No planets in Virgo other than 5th House Sun -
Libra intercepted in the 6th with Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune conjunct )

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

Leo SoulCollage®

2007-08-12T13:23:00.000-10:00

"I am the one with a creative heart."
(Leo on the cusp of my fifth house -
Venus conjunct Pluto in Leo, Leo Mercury and Virgo Sun)

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

Leo New Moon Mandala

2007-08-12T11:55:00.001-10:00

Cancer SoulCollage®

2007-07-22T08:54:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who nurtures change."
(Cancer on the cusp of my fourth house -
Moon & Saturn conjunct the IC and Venus conjunct Pluto in Leo)

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

Cancer New Moon Mandala

2007-07-15T16:05:00.000-10:00

Gemini New Moon Mandala

2007-06-18T10:13:00.001-10:00

2 Gemini SoulCollages®

2007-06-14T16:40:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who connects with others to build resources."
(Gemini on the cusp of my second house - Uranus Mars conjunction)

"I am the one who nurtures communication."
(Gemini on the cusp of my third house - Moon Saturn conjunction in Cancer)

Taurus SoulCollage®

2007-05-16T16:40:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who is worthy and appreciative of generous self-care."
(6 degrees of Taurus on my Ascendant)

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

Aries New Moon Mandala

2007-04-25T17:56:00.000-10:00

Aries SoulCollage®

2007-04-17T08:28:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who leads the way within."

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

A Treasure Map for my Desktop

2007-03-26T16:26:00.000-10:00

Spring Inspiration

2007-03-24T14:04:00.000-10:00

My desk top photo for spring.

Pisces SoulCollage®

2007-03-24T13:34:00.000-10:00

"I am the one who weaves my dream with spirit."

Join Michele's monthly SoulCollage® Challenge!

Mandala for the Pisces New Moon

2007-03-24T13:27:00.000-10:00

You can download, print and color or download and photoshop your own Pisces Mandala courtesy of Clare Goodwin.

Mandala for the Aquarius New Moon

2007-02-18T14:46:00.000-10:00

You can download, print and color or download and photoshop your own Aquarius Mandala courtesy of Clare Goodwin.

Mandala for Virgo New Moon

2006-08-28T12:53:00.000-10:00

Inner Process - Outer Expression

2006-08-03T17:51:00.000-10:00

A piece of playfulness takes on meaning and form.

My Mandala for the Cancer Lunation Cycle

2006-07-25T10:52:00.000-10:00

Made with pieces of the 2006 photos used in "Home - Then and Now"

Home - Then and Now

2006-07-03T11:25:00.000-10:00

Watch my then and now slide show (1 minute)

My Mandala for this Gemini Lunation Cycle

2006-06-19T15:28:00.000-10:00

A reflection on my question.

The Visiting Peacock

2006-05-18T16:42:00.000-10:00

We were blessed to be outside watching this fine specimen's dramatic arrival and departure. He roosted in one of the trees across the street at sunset last night and glided gracefully into our lower back yard this morning. We offered him bread crumbs in return for some photos. He appeared to enjoy the breakfast, but was nervous about the camera.

An internet search for peacock symbolism rewarded me with associations ranging from wholeness, to self-authority, to royalty, to the expression of one's own beauty, and included 12th century distinctions of the tail feathers representing pride and vanity when displayed and humility when not.

My metaphysical dictionary describes birds as airborne messengers.

Ted Andrews, my favorite resource for animal symbolism, writes that the keynote for peacock is Ressurection and Wise Vision or Watchfulness. He lists peacock's most outstanding features as a raucous voice, ungainly looking feet and a beautiful multitude of feather eyes. Andrews says the peacock is associated with Greek, Egyptian, Chinese, Hindu and Christian myth, in addition to the mythical phoenix that rises from the ashes.

Our visitor had a regal quality. He was a quietly self-contained, proud and beautiful, yet shy bird.

Taurus Mandala

2006-05-12T15:13:00.000-10:00

Tarot Symbolism For Taurus and Venus

2006-04-30T18:47:00.000-10:00

Aries Mandala

2006-04-11T16:21:00.000-10:00

Me, Myself and I's

Mandala created digitally from my first self portrait

Inspired by Che'usa

2006-04-06T17:20:00.000-10:00

My first self-portrait,
inspired by Che'usa's Dreamer

First Quarter Kitty

2006-04-06T14:19:00.000-10:00

UviUvi helps out with my chart work!

Red Sweaters

2006-04-03T23:04:00.000-10:00

RedSweater.org is an example of creativity in action.

It came to my attention during the new phase of the Aries lunation cycle. Aries is associated with leadership, individuality, vitality and the color red . Read the artist's statement regarding her choice of the color red.

Tarot Symbolism for Aries and Mars

2006-03-30T15:07:00.000-10:00

Spring - Coming Out of Winter

2006-03-28T17:27:00.000-10:00

The Moon - #18 in the Major Arcana of the Tarot

2006-03-24T19:39:00.000-10:00

The Moon symbolizes the path of consciousness, from the watery depths of the subconscious, through the ego controlled objective consciousness, to the heights of super consciousness. The Light of Truth, reflected by the Moon, guides us through the darkness. Ruled by Neptune, Pisces and The Moon teach us to use the power of imagination to visualize spiritual ideals and project them into physical form. from ZodiacArts.com

Snow Scenes

2006-03-17T18:08:00.000-10:00

Julian, California March 10 - 14, 2006

Mandala for the Pisces New Moon

2006-03-02T21:28:00.000-10:00

"I dream of wayward gulls and all landless lovers, rare moments of winter sun, peace, privacy, for everyone."

-- William Claire (1935 - ) American Writer

'05 Birthday Affirmation Viewed 6 Months Later

2006-02-27T12:00:00.000-10:00

Redirect Alert

2006-02-24T22:41:00.000-10:00

Maybe you're looking for Sandra's Moon Phase Journal?