A New Moon tarot draw for insight, self-reflection, and creative momentum.

The New Moon is a natural point to pause, reflect, and notice what feels ready to shift or grow. I use Tarot here not to predict the future, but as a tool for perspective — a way to explore ideas, questions, and possibilities you might not have considered yet.

Choose the card you feel drawn to. Each one includes a Card Insight, Reflection Questions, Symbols & Themes you may recognize in your creative or personal life, and a Mantra to carry with you through the month.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!



This deck is Way of the Panda Tarot by Kimberly M. Tsan and illustrated by Celia Libelle.

Tiger Eye - The Devil

Card Insight

The Devil gets a bad rap, doesn’t he? He's known for tempting you into things you say you don’t want. Is blamed for introducing you to pleasures that you can't seem to stay away from. But no one talks about who it is that actually makes the choices. Blame The Devil all you want. Sure he presents you will things you think maybe you can't live without, but you still have to choose to indulge. Sometimes, The Devil is a reminder that pleasure exists. Especially when you work so hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow that you lose all zest in life.

Reflection Questions

• Where are you tempted?
• What would happen if you gave into temptation?
• Does pleasure exist in your life?
• What are you choosing?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I choose which desires rule me.”

Hematite - Queen of Cups

Card Insight

Unconditional love is precious. Sometimes you recognize it and sometimes you don’t. Lost as we are in our own thoughts and struggles, it’s easy to lose sight of those who love us fiercely, and sometimes quietly. Know that someone loves you deeply.

Reflection Questions

• Who loves you and how do they show it?
• Who do you love, and how do you show it?
• What is your intuition telling you right now?
• How will you invite more love into your life?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“Love exists in my life.”

Ruby Kyanite - Queen of Pentacles

Card Insight

Sometimes we need to be mothered and sometimes we need to do the mothering. We are not islands. We do not grow in isolation. And yes, we think we can handle everything that comes our way, but sometimes, we just need guidance. Sometimes we need a teacher who nurtures us but keeps us grounded. Someone who helps us grow into our fuller selves without doing the work for us.

Reflection Questions

• Who is your biggest cheerleader and how do they cheer you on?
• Who do you cheer for and how do you help them achieve their goals?
• Are you in need of some mothering right now?
• Are you mothering someone right now and how are they receiving it?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I guide and am guided by nurturing growth.”

Stay Connected

If this reading sparked a thought or reflection, I’d love to hear how it resonated with you — feel free to share in the comments or ask any questions about the Tarot.

If you’d like these readings delivered on each New Moon, you can subscribe to my New Moon Missives and receive them directly in your inbox.

Wishing you a thoughtful and steady New Moon.

A New Moon tarot draw for insight, self-reflection, and creative momentum.

The New Moon is a natural point to pause, reflect, and notice what feels ready to shift or grow. I use Tarot here not to predict the future, but as a tool for perspective — a way to explore ideas, questions, and possibilities you might not have considered yet.

Choose the card that draws your attention. Each one includes a Card Insight, Reflection Questions, Symbols & Themes you may recognize in your creative or personal life, and a Mantra to carry with you through the month.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!



This deck is Celtic Dragon Tarot by D.J. Conway and Lisa Hunt.

Unakite - Queen of Cups

Card Insight

When you are in tune with your emotions and with yourself, it is much easier to trust in your intuition. Listen to the gut feelings that push you in a particular direction. Happiness begins with trusting yourself.

Reflection Questions

• What is your intuition telling you right now?
• What emotions are you feeling currently?
• Are you feeling guided to create in a certain way?
• What example are you setting regarding your intuition and emotions?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I trust myself.”

Rhodochrosite - Page of Pentacles

Card Insight

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you know nothing and must learn along the way. When you are a beginner, you don't know NOT to do things, or what the RIGHT way is so you are more likely to wonder and experiment. You acquire wonderful knowledge that isn't shaped by “rules”.

Reflection Questions

• Are you currently learning something new?
• If yes, what are you enjoying about being a beginner?
• If no, what would you like to learn, and what is holding you back?
• How can you approach your craft as a beginner, even if you have many years of experience?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I can learn anything.”

Blue Apatite - Nine of Wands

Card Insight

Don’t forget to pause, take a breath, and acknowledge where you came from, what you have achieved, and where you are headed. It’s easy to forge on and plug away, but it is important that you take a little time to assess where you are at, where you want to go, and plan your path to get there.

Reflection Questions

• Where are you coming from?
• Has your path or plan shifted on the journey so far?
• Are you still heading where you intended and do you need to make adjustments?
• Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your misadventures, and commit to the goal.

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I celebrate my wins, acknowledge my struggles, and commit to my goals.”

Stay Connected

If this reading sparked a thought or reflection, I’d love to hear how it resonated with you — feel free to share in the comments or ask any questions about the Tarot.

If you’d like these readings delivered on each New Moon, you can subscribe to my New Moon Missives and receive them directly in your inbox.

Wishing you a thoughtful and steady New Moon.

A New Moon tarot draw for insight, self-reflection, and creative momentum.

The New Moon is a natural point to pause, reflect, and notice what feels ready to shift or grow. I use Tarot here not to predict the future, but as a tool for perspective — a way to explore ideas, questions, and possibilities you might not have considered yet.

Choose the card that draws your attention. Each one includes a Card Insight, Reflection Questions, Symbols & Themes you may recognize in your creative or personal life, and a Mantra to carry with you through the month.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!



This deck is Animal Totem Tarot by Leeza Robertson and illustrated by Eugene Smith.

Jade - King of Cups

Card Insight

Emotions are not useless. They are not something to look down or hide from. A trues master recognizes what they are feeling and allows it to guide them. Emotions can be fuel, and like all fuel, you must learn how much t use, but used appropriately, they can help you build entire worlds. You guide and channel your emotions, don’t let them channel you.

Reflection Questions

• Do you feel that you have mastered your emotions? Why or why not?
• Where are your emotions guiding you and how do you feel about that?
• Where do you need more flow in your life and what can you do to aid in that?
• Reflect on a time when your emotions got the better of you.

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“My emotions are my guide.”

Boulder Opal - The Hermit

Card Insight

Sometimes the right thing to do is to take a step back. Give yourself a little space from the problems so that solutions can show up. This is the time to walk away for a little bit. If you are working on a creative problem and feel stuck, go do some dishes, take a walk, or even a 20-minute nap. If the problem is much bigger, then go out for the day, or a weekend, and think about other things. When you return, you will feel a bit more clear.

Reflection Questions

• What problems are you working on right now? Write down the problem and what kind of resolution you are hoping for. Then walk away, allow this percolate while you do other things.
• Do you build in space for things to “rest” before they are completed?
• Reflect on a time when you struggled with something and walking away for a little while helped bring you an aha moment.
• Do you allow yourself time to just sit and be? Why or why not?

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“I allow problems space to breathe.”

Larimar - Eight of Cups

Card Insight

Everyone needs a quest, right? We love quests. They are adventures that help us grow. Deep inside, something is calling you, inviting you to change course, and discover something new about yourself. This might be something as small as trying a new restaurant or as big as booking a trip. Only you will know what your soul is calling for. Will you answer the call?

Reflection Questions

• What quest does your soul want to accept?
• What about this quest are you afraid of?
• What rewards may come out of this quest?
• Reflect on quests you have previously taken and how they have shaped the person you are today.

Symbols & Themes

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Mantra

“Adventure is calling, and I must go.”

Stay Connected

If this reading sparked a thought or reflection, I’d love to hear how it resonated with you — feel free to share in the comments or ask any questions about the Tarot.

If you’d like these readings delivered on each New Moon, you can subscribe to my New Moon Missives and receive them directly in your inbox.

Wishing you a thoughtful and steady New Moon.

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future and more about problem solving or opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!



This deck is The Green Witch Tarot by Ann Moura and illustrated by Kiri Østergaard Leonard

Turquoise - Knight of Chalices

Sometimes, you need to accept the invitation. For those of you who are social and outgoing, this may mean accepting one that doesn’t seem appealing to you. And for you recluses, it means leaving your bubble entirely. So much of life is advanced through interactions with others. Powerful stuff can come from discussion with others! Don your inner charmer and go be social.

Personal Reflection

• What have you been invited to? Why not accept?
• What do you wish you were invited to? Why not invite your self?
• How would you like to see your creative endeavours advance?
• Where has discussion with another inspired your creativity?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Every invitation is an opportunity.”

Green Sardonyx - Queen of Pentacles

This is a reminder that, even though you may wish to indulge (hello impulse buys), it is important to make smart decisions with your money. Plan ahead. Maybe you have been managing your finances well, or maybe you’ve been spending a little too freely. Remind yourself what you are working toward and how you need to save for that. Great planning offers greater stability.

Personal Reflection

• What are you saving for, and why is it important to you?
• How have you been spending your money?
• How can you improve/tighten up your spending?
• If you don’t already have financial goals, brainstorm what you would like to have money for.

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I have a plan and know what I'm working for.”

Fire Agate - Knight of Athames

It is time to move out of the planning phase. You don’t want to be stuck always planning and never doing. You know what you want. You know how to get there. TAKE ACTION! Move swiftly so you don't chicken out. Be aggressive, stick to the plan, but allow a measure of impulsivity.

Personal Reflection

• What is the next step?
• How will you act?
• What are you afraid of?
• Do it, and then reflect on how it went.

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I will act now.”

Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? Are you interested in the tarot? I would love to hear how it resonates with you or answer any questions you may have about the Tarot so please leave a comment below!

You can sign up for my once a New Moon newsletter here: New Moon Missives and you will get these readings delivered to your inbox on the New Moon.

I hope this New Moon treats you well.

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future and more about problem solving or opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!



This deck is TrueBlack Tarot by Arthur Wang

Unakite - Death Card

Some endings are more important that others. Some are more heartbreaking than others. And some, are more freeing than others. The only consistent thing about endings is that they will eventually happen. We often have no control over that. But we can control how we experience that ending and what we learn from it.

Personal Reflection

• What endings are you facing?
• How are you feeling about that ending and why?
• What opportunities does this ending present?
• What can you learn?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“This ending has much to teach me.”

Sunstone - Strength

What does it mean to be strong? True strength is not measured in pounds or kilos. It is measured in all the moments you face resistance in your life. The moments when you feel like you will fail, like you want to quit, but you keep taking steps forward. It’s not about how many times you fall, it's about how many times you get back up again.

Personal Reflection

• Where are you feeling weak in your life right now?
• How might you face that weakness, or take steps to move beyond it?
• Is there an area of your life that could use a little more compassion?
• List all the ways you are showing up, even when you don't feel like it.

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I may fall, but I will always get back up.”

Yellow Jasper - Queen of Pentacles

We all need a safe space to land. We need to feel nurtured and cared for. We need to know that we have someone with whom we can be our truest selves. Sometimes, we find this in unexpected places, and others it is a simple as sitting down with our Moms. No matter where we find it, that space, that person, matters.

Personal Reflection

• Who makes you feel the most nurtured and cared for?
• Are you the safe space for someone?
• Where do you feel the most comfortable?
• Do you have an inklings of other places you might find care, nurturing and safety?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I have a safe space to land.”

Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? Are you interested in the tarot? I would love to hear how it resonates with you or any questions you may have about the Tarot so please leave a comment below!

You can sign up for my once a New Moon newsletter here: New Moon Missives and you will get these readings delivered to your inbox on the New Moon.

I hope this New Moon treats you well.

Will You Answer The Call?

Stepping into the darkness, your heart begins to race. You don’t know what brought you here, and the absence of light is unnerving. The quiet skittering doesn’t help, but you keep putting one foot in front of the other, even as your hair stands at attention. Where will this blackened path lead you?

Suddenly, a beam of light blazes to life ahead of you, lighting an altar of sorts. Upon it lay an envelope with your name on it. Strange, you didn’t know you were coming. Flipping it over, you see a wax seal of a beam of light. Breaking it open, you draw out a card. It is an invitation to begin a quest. Will you answer the call?

Since I’m passionate about challenging myself and others creatively, I will be sharing a monthly “Creative Quest”. I will try to make them as open as possible for all kinds of creatives, but since my mediums are primarily visual, they will likely lean that way.

Creative Quest - Dramatic Light

With this being the “spooky” month, I thought it would be fun to explore creating with dramatic light. It can be used to develop sinister or spooky atmospheres to significant effect.

What Is Dramatic Light?

Dramatic light is characterized by high contrast, featuring bright highlights and deep shadows. Paired with colour, atmosphere and shape, it guides the viewer's eye, creates visual intrigue, and shapes the emotion/vibe of the story being told. It’s often referred to as moody, bold, or compelling.

Other terms that describe this light are chiaroscuro and tenebrism. Chiaroscuro is high contrast, but there is usually still detail in the shadows. Tenebrism, on the other hand, allows details in the blacks to be lost.

Digital Art and Photography

There’s nothing I love more than creating drama, tension, mood, and evoking emotions. I often use this type of light to achieve those ends. I would lean more to the tenebrism side because I like the mystery of what can’t be seen. Here is a small sampling of examples from my portfolio. The first example is a composite, where I built up my scene. Notice how the light in the scene guides your eye. The other two are true portraits, one offering a sinister vibe and the other enhancing the drama. If you would like to see more examples in photography or digital art, you can visit my Galleries.

Painting and Drawing

Two of the examples below are from the Baroque period, the painters Artemisia Gentileschi and Caravaggio, respectively. Notice how the light they use draws your eye to specific places in the painting and what is left in shadow. Does it add to the drama of what is depicted? How would these scenes have looked if the light had been even or soft?

The two Instagram examples are contemporary artists in the drawing medium. Both use the light to enhance the story they are telling.

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A post shared by Feltnan (@feltnan)

Films and Gaming

The following are clips from a Quentin Tarantino film, Planet Terror, and a trailer for the video game, Elden Ring. Tarantino uses dramatic light and colour to tell two different stories in the same scene. The Elden Ring clip uses various forms of light to call attention to the shadow the storyteller is speaking about. Each choice calls attention and helps set the mood.

Writing

Even writers utilize dramatic lighting to help set their scenes. The opening of the quest features a simple example, but here are some examples from famous writers. Notice how J.R.R. Tolkien sets the scene using light in this brief excerpt:

“The company was in the big common-room of the inn. The gathering was large and mixed, as Frodo discovered, when his eyes got used to the light. This came chiefly from a blazing log-fire, for the three maps hanging from beams were dim, and half veiled in smoke. Baliman Butterbur was standing near the fire, talking to a couple of dwarves and one or two strange-looking men. On the benches were various folk: men of Bree, a collection of local hobbits (sitting chattering together), a few more dwarves, and other vague figures difficult to make out away in the shadows and corners.”

J. R. R. Tolkien

Your Creative Quest

Now that you have an idea what you will be working with, your quest, should you answer the call, is to create something that features dramatic light. Create a series of images, paint, draw, make a short film, design a video-game space, or write about it. Whatever your creative medium, find a way to explore this high-contrast lighting.

Mini Challenges

• Select a single light source and explore how changing its direction shapes the scene.
• Add colour to your lights and discover how that can enhance or change the mood.
• Combine light with atmospheric effects like smoke or fog, and discover how they can work together to tell a more nuanced story.

Self-Reflection Questions

All good quests involve some reflection. We’re here to grow as artists, right?

• What did you find the most challenging about this light, and what do you need to remember about it going forward?
• List the effects you enjoyed the most about this light.
• What are some other ways you could apply what you learned?
• Did working with this light spark any ideas for you for future projects?

The Portrait Witch's Workshop

Join my Facebook Group, The Portrait Witch’s Workshop, a gathering place to share progress, compare battle scars, and trade secrets with other questers.

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future. It's about problem solving and opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!

This deck is Thelema Tarot by Renata Lechner

Rutilated Quartz Card - 3 of Swords

What is heartache but a symbol of the depth of your feelings? This would not have hurt if you had not cared so much. If you had not put your trust in the universe? In a person? And would you change the depth of your feelings to avoid this pain? What would that serve? How dull would life be if you never felt passion? Love? Trust? Hope? What would your life look like?

Personal Reflection

• What is causing you pain right now?
• Why do you think it hurts so much?
• How would you change it and why?
• Where will you go from here?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“My heart bleeds because I am strong enough to feel love.”

Green Sardonyx Card - Queen of Wands

What if . . . what if you said “Fuck what they think?” and went ahead and did your own thing? What if you shed other’s opinions to focus on your own? What if you let go of other’s expectations and lived the life that called to you? Became the person you wanted to be? Can you imagine how much power you would have, if the rest world of the world's opinions didn't matter to you anymore?

Personal Reflection

• Who do you want to be?
• What is holding you back from becoming that person?
• Do you trust yourself? Your intuition? Why or why not?
• What will be your first steps on the path to recognizing your own value?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I decide who I am and where I am going.”

Rhodochrosite Card - The Wheel of Fortune

Life is a constant ebb and flow; a cycle of living and dying. Of resting and growing. And while we have some measure of control over the events of our lives, somethings are beyond our control. Still, what we do matters. If you believe in karma, the concept of getting back what you put out, where do you think the wheel would land for you? And sometimes, fate is a fickle bitch who loves to through a wrench into our plans. Will you trust that there is a greater design at work?

Personal Reflection

• Are you proud of the choices you made?
• Do you have any regrets? How will they shape your choices moving forward?
• Do you take chances? Will you?
• What cycle of your life are you currently in?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Every cycle has its purpose.”

Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? Are you interested in the tarot? I would love to hear how it resonates with you or any questions you may have about the Tarot, please leave a comment below!

You can sign up for my once a New Moon newsletter here: New Moon Missives and you will get these readings delivered to your inbox on the New Moon.

I hope you have a fantastic Lunar Cycle!

Who Is Brooke Shaden?

Brooke Shaden is a conceptual self-portrait artist, writer and educator. When I first began my conceptual photography journey, I spent a lot time consuming tutorials, and among the first that I binge-watched were those by Brooke Shaden on CreativeLive. I was obsessed with the style of art she produced and I wanted to create work like hers. Of course, in the beginning I was more concerned with the how, but as I got to know Brooke and her work, I realized that the “why” is more important. What we wish to convey to others guides how we compose the image ,and the things we include in the frame can symbolize so many things.

I consider Brooke to be one of my creative mentors. I feel lucky to have been part of one of her Impact in Focus sessions and to have witnessed her creating in real life. Brooke is unexpected because she is sweet, kind, and funny but creates these impactful, and often uncomfortable self-portraits layered with dark symbolism.

Brooke’s Works That Inspire Me

Just days before Brooke posted Fallen Fruit, I had brainstormed a very similar concept. I had been thinking about what it means to have a menstrual cycle and how there is a power in it. When I had the Mirena device, I didn't have a cycle for the whole two years, and my emotions were way out of whack. I wanted to show what having a cycle means for me and my idea was to create a self-portrait of myself squatting with very real looking blood dripping down my inner thighs, but I was still working out exactly how I wanted it to look. I knew I wanted it to feel powerful and meaningful. Then Brooke posted hers and I felt so many things. I was incredibly moved, a little jealous, and very curious. What did this symbolize for Brooke? In her Instagram caption she writes that the work is inspired by the phrase “fruit of my loins.” For her, it was about being a foster parent. No, she didn’t birth the children herself, but she still had a hand in shaping those lives. I have never believed that biology alone makes you a parent. It's the effort you put in.

Infection causes a visceral reaction. It reminds me of my image, I Need You To Feel This from my 2021 Jukebox June project where I depict my anger and my serenity. Brooke’s evokes anger too and a lack of control is symbolized by the many ways in which she is bound: arms, breasts, and even the hands pulling her mouth open while ants crawl over her face. I get the sense that she is being controlled by her anger and I think we have all felt like that at one time or another.

What We Can Learn About Symbolism and Fearlessness From Brooke

Brooke's work teaches us two major lessons. First, there are many ways to symbolize things and those symbols may mean different things to different people. Second, it's important to create the work you want to create. There will alway be people who hate what you create. Who cares? There are more important questions:

• who are you speaking to?
• why are you speaking to them?
• what do you want them to know?
• what do you want them to feel?
• how will you share that with them?
• what symbols will you use to convey your message?

Try This

Who would I be if I didn't give you some homework? I encourage you to do all of these if you can:

Brooke has been collaborating with Sony Alpha Female this year to bring a 52-Week Challenge where she has provided prompts for every week. You can still join in.

I started the project, but after the loss of my husband, I had to give myself some space and I am no longer participating, but it is a wonderful challenge. This image is one my favourites I had created for the challenge. My intention had been to tie my creative project to my scorpion progression project (achieve Scorpion yoga pose). The creative prompt would be my focus for my practice that week and my practice would inform my image. This particular week the prompt was “Red”. I experienced stabbing pains in my head when transitioning from belly poses to seated poses and I had wicked heartburn during my planks. So the pins in my head symbolize those pains. The hands yanking me backward symbolize the doubting voices that try to keep me from progressing.

Find Brooke’s Symbolic Self-Portrait Art

You can find Brooke's work in all of these places:

• Website: brookeshaden.com
• Instagram: @brookeshaden
• Facebook: Brooke Shaden Photography
• Flickr: Brooke Shaden

Conceptual Art Takeaways

Visionaries is my way of honouring the artists who influence my work. In each entry, I share two of their creations that speak to me, what we can learn from them, and offer you an assignment or three to grow your own creativity.

I would love to hear if this series interests you, if you have questions about how each visionary has impacted my work, or anything else you might wonder! I love questions, so please ask them!

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future. It's about problem solving and opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!

This deck is The Pulp Tarot by Todd Alcott

Rose Quartz Card - The Two of Pentacles

Balancing everything on our plates often feels like a juggling act, right? But it's really a matter of choosing what you need to balance. We often take on things that don’t serve us in any way. Or, we over prioritize what we do for others over what we need to do for ourselves. You are the author of this story, and if you need to cut something to feel balanced, you have every right to do so.

Personal Reflection

• What are you balancing?
• Of the things that you are balancing, what is serving you?
• What isn't serving you?
• What can you let go of?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I decide what I am willing to balance.”

Fire Agate Card - Nine of Swords

It’s so easy to become overwhelmed. Just as it is easy to take all the blame into ourselves. This is a reminder to both adjust your priorities and release any guilt that is holding you back. We are human, and we make mistakes. Guilt doesn't always serve us. All you can do is learn from the experience and try to do better from here on out.

Personal Reflection

• What is overwhelming you?
• What can you do about it?
• What are you feeling guilty about and why?
• How will you move through that guilt?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I am human and I can learn from my mistakes.”

Brecciated Jasper Card - Four of Wands

Celebrate everything you have accomplished so far. This may only be a waypoint on the journey, but it’s important to take time to acknowledge how far you have come. Every milestone deserves a celebration. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, achievements, goals mets, classes finished, tasks done, etc. The list of things to celebrate is endless.

Personal Reflection

• What have you accomplished?
• How will you celebrate?
• Who has supported you ?
• How will you celebrate them?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“There is much in my life worth celebrating.”

Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? I would love to hear how it resonates with you, please leave a comment below!

You can sign up for my once a New Moon newsletter here: New Moon Missives and you will get these readings delivered to your inbox on the New Moon.

I hope you have a fantastic Lunar Cycle!

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future. It's about problem solving and opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!

This deck is Lumina Tarot by Lauren Aletta

Fluorite Card - Four of Cups

Are you feeling bored right now? You might feel that being bored sucks, but in truth, it is an opportunity to shape an adventure for yourself. To create something new. You might even been feeling a bit of the “grass is greener” but you know why it is greener over there? They water it. The feed it. It’s time to consider what is that feeds your soul and start shaping a life that fills your cup.

Personal Reflection

• Where are you feeling bored in life?
• What would you rather be doing?
• What are you envying elsewhere and why?
• What small thing can you do today (daily even) that will move you toward what you want?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Boredom invites me to unlock my imagination.”

Hematite Card - Knight of Cups

Where does Prince Charming show up in your life? The card is the embodiment of charm, passion, and creativity. And maybe a little “Oh! Look! A shiny thing!” syndrome. There is something about charming people that lights up the people around them but sometimes they can be difficult to nail down. Especially when there are just so many things to explore and discover. You are being called to embrace the charm and adventure in your life.

Personal Reflection

• What in my life charms me?
• Where in my life could I use a little more passion?
• How am I expressing my creativity?
• Am I getting distracted by too many things and how can I reel myself in?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“A little charm goes a long way.”

Aragonite Card - The Hierophant

Who are your mentors? Mentors can be found in many places and may teach us many things. Some help us understand our spirituality. Others help us become better versions of ourselves. They can teach us new skills, change how we think, and help us grow. Who are you mentoring? You may not think that you have an impact on the people around you, but you do. How we live our lives inspires others. Sometimes the lessons we teach, show others what they don’t want for themselves. Consider how you want to impact the world.

Personal Reflection

• Who are my mentors and what are they teaching me?
• Where would I like to find a mentor and what do I hope to learn?
• Who am I mentoring and how do I feel about that?
• What lessons would I like to impart on the world around me?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Mentors provide much needed guidance.”

Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? I would love to hear how it resonates with you, please leave a comment below!

You can sign up for my once a New Moon newsletter here: New Moon Missives and you will get these readings delivered to your inbox on the New Moon.

I hope you have a fantastic Lunar Cycle!

New Moons are like a blank slate, they remind us that it's possible to make a fresh start, to begin again, and choose to embrace new opportunities. They are also a wonderful time to turn within and reflect on all that came before, what we’ve learned and how we move forward. Navigating this stuff on our own is hard! I hope these messages will help you figure it out.

My approach to the Tarot has always been less about knowing the future. It's about problem solving and opening our mind to new perspectives or possibilities. Each of these messages will come with something to consider, some personal reflections, some ideas for creative endeavours, and mini mission.

Choose Your Message

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then click on the card that speaks to you!

This deck is Legacy of The Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti.

Malachite Card - 5 of Swords

As much as they suck, our failures teach us so much. No one likes to fail, but if you aren't failing, you aren't trying hard enough. The most successful people fail often. It means they step outside of their comfort zones and try new things. They make new discoveries and begin building new skills. Get comfortable with not being good at things. Every one starts somewhere. Why not have some fun while doing it?

Personal Reflection

• What have you failed at and what did you learn from the process?
• What was most uncomfortable about failing?
• What did you enjoy failing?
• What do you want to fail at now?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Failing helps me move forward.”

Sunstone Card - 6 of Wands

Personal victories should be celebrated. We tend to “play small” or feel uncomfortable with the attention we receive when we do something well. Being modest doesn’t always serve you. When you work hard at something and it pays off, you deserve to celebrate the win. This doesn’t mean that winning is everything, or that you are done working toward something bigger, but every small win counts. Scream about it.

Personal Reflection

• What have I succeeded at, and what did I learn from that success?
• What was most uncomfortable about succeeding? Why?
• What did you enjoy about succeeding?
• How will you incorporate this experience in future endeavours?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“I deserve to celebrate my successes.”

Stromatolite Card - Page of Wands

Your inner child is screaming at you to let it out. It wants to create, fell all the things, and adventure. In all likelihood, you have been so focused on your responsibilities that you have forgotten to let yourself play. Ideas aren't born in a vacuum, they are collected, combined, and shaped by the experiences we have. When you were young you didn’t worry about what was right, or what would work, or where something would lead. You just tried, explored, and discovered. It's time to adventure once more.

Personal Reflection

• When did I last PLAY?
• Where and when did I last adventure?
• What and when did I last try something new?
• What adventure would I like to have now?

Key Concepts

Key symbols and themes that may be useful to you in your creative practice this moon cycle.

Affirmation

“Play lets me enjoy life and discover what interests me.”

Explore More and Keep in Touch

Did you enjoy this reading? Share your thoughts on it in the comments.

Back in 2021, I create a series of portraits of the Major Arcana, you can check them out here: Tenebrism Tarot

You can be notified when these come available by signing up for my New Moon Missives, a newsletter sent every New Moon to your inbox that contains the following:

You can sign up for these once per month letters here: New Moon Missives

I hope you have a fantastic Lunar Cycle!