NOT MAGIC
Creativity is not magic. It’s maintenance.
Creativity can certainly feel like magic. To be in flow, in collaboration, to be fully present and engaged in the creative process. Flow feels magical, ingenuity feels magical, yet these transformational states are fostered through maintenance not magic. Sometimes these states feel like love. I know for me they do, but contemplating creativity as magic suggests that the act is mysterious and out of our control. Which would mean that professionals have no idea what fuels the creative process. Magic would suggest that creatives chase butterflies with a net and hopefully just get lucky. If you are a creative professional you know luck has nothing to do with your abilities. Not at all.
Magic is for amateurs.
If you want to encourage someone to paint who has never painted before, yes tell them there are no mistakes in art. Show them one of the many books brimming with inspirational creativity quotes about magic, flow, and fear and with a lot of encouragement sooner or later they pick up the brush and paint. And yes, that can feel like magic.
Yet, creative professionals know this outlook is flawed. There are MANY mistakes in art. Art can be complete garbage for a multitude of reasons that exist outside of objectivity. There is good and bad art. Art can actually be judged and if you create for a living, it should be.
The idea that creative professionals are running around banging into walls and getting lucky is ridiculous. And also insulting. For professionals, the creative process functions best as finely tuned and fully understood. Not a mystical magical thing that appears and blooms only under a full moon. Imagine expecting the same of a mass transit bus driver? They will drive and we will reach our destination when inspiration strikes. Society would fall apart.
The lack of tested methods available to guide creative professionals toward agency and sovereignty in their creative process has fueled this unhelpful way of thinking. Creativity is actually quite straightforward. That sounds unsexy, for the creative process to be practical, but it can be and for professionals it should be. Understanding how to cultivate the process and also control it doesn’t rob creativity of all the good feelings. It simply takes away the mystery and uncertainty and gives the artist back their agency.
In my experience I have found that most writing and contemplation about creativity and the creative process do not illuminate the foundations of how to cultivate it. What we find are inspirational stories, exercises, and ideas that might inspire and create insight, but do not necessarily have a long lasting impact on the creative process itself. Nor do they help artists cultivate and learn to trust the true limitlessness of their creativity. This amuses me endlessly, because creating this kind of deep understanding of how creativity works and can be cultivated is actually very basic. The skills required to create agency in the creative process are easy to learn. The method is quick and can be done anywhere by anyone. And the best part is, understanding creativity in this way has an incredibly positive impact on all aspects of life. When we understand our creativity and trust it, life gets a lot more fun.
My Mentorship clients know the method I am referring to is a holistic approach I’ve developed that centers on viewing creativity as energy and then simply moving it. Very practical, maybe not super sexy, but extremely effective.
xxx
LAS
NEW MOON
Solar Eclipse
4-08-24
Aries
Gate 51
Gate of Shock
This New Moon solar eclipse in Aries, coupled with the transit of Gate 51, presents an opportunity for introspection and intentional growth. This celestial event prompts us to reevaluate our intentions and aspirations, focusing on areas of our lives we aim to develop and expand, while intensifying the energy of the New Moon, shedding light on hidden truths, and signaling the closure of past chapters.
Influenced by Aries' presence, this eclipse takes on additional dimensions of initiative, courage, and individuality. Aries, ruled by Mars and associated with the first house of self-expression and identity, brings a focus on personal autonomy and assertiveness. This influence invites us to boldly pursue our creative passions and assert our unique vision in the world, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, independence, and authenticity. Furthermore, Mars, as the ruling planet of Aries, imbues the eclipse energy with dynamism, passion, and determination, inspiring us to take bold action and overcome obstacles in pursuit of our creative goals.
This period signifies a natural cycle of creation and renewal. Eclipse energy encourages us to dismantle outdated patterns and embrace transformative change, fostering a clearer path toward our creative endeavors, albeit with heightened intuition and uncertainty about the future. It's essential to establish a solid foundation, addressing any unresolved issues or obstacles before moving forward. The swift and impactful nature of the eclipse, particularly in Gate 51, may bring unexpected challenges that prompt us to realign with our purpose.
By approaching this time with mindfulness and proactive reflection, we can navigate the shifting energies with resilience and clarity. This is a beautiful opportunity for personal and professional growth, to embrace the principles of courage, initiative, and self-expression as we journey toward our goals with confidence and determination.
Journal prompts for this New Moon:
1. Reflect on your current creative intentions and aspirations. What areas of your creative practice do you aim to develop and expand during this period of introspection and growth?
2. Consider the hidden truths and unresolved issues in your creative journey. What past chapters are ready to be closed, and what new beginnings are you prepared to embrace with the intensity of the New Moon solar eclipse?
3. Explore the influence of Aries' energy on your creative expression. How can you harness the qualities of initiative, courage, and individuality to assert your unique creative vision and navigate obstacles on your path?
4. Evaluate the solidity of your creative foundation. What outdated patterns or obstacles need to be dismantled to pave the way for transformative change and a clearer path toward your creative endeavors? How can you cultivate resilience and clarity amidst the uncertainty of the future?
SOLAR TRANSIT
4-10-24
Gate 42
Gate of Growth
On April 10 the sun gracefully transverses Gate 42, the Gate of Growth. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. This celestial transit encourages a deep exploration of your inner realm, focusing particularly on the profound energy of perseverance and the acknowledgment of achievements. This gate is fueled by a profound belief in a bright and promising future. It excels at bringing projects, dreams, and goals to fruition, representing a powerful force for manifestation and success.
The energy of Gate 42 is characterized by a tenacious spirit that persists even in the face of challenges. Individuals with this gate activated in their chart tend to possess the ability to endure and overcome obstacles, driven by a vision of a positive and successful outcome. The belief in a bright future serves as a motivating force that propels them forward, even when faced with setbacks.
To elevate the frequency of Gate 42, celebrate all aspects of life. This celebration includes not only the big achievements but also the smaller milestones and moments of progress along the way. Recognizing and appreciating these accomplishments contributes to the overall energy of optimism and reinforces the belief in a positive future.
Gate 42 encourages individuals to embody the energy of perseverance, celebrate achievements, and maintain a belief in a bright future. By doing so, they not only enhance their own ability to bring projects to fruition but also contribute positively to the collective energy, fostering an environment where optimism, determination, and success are celebrated and manifested.
1. Reflect on your inner realm and explore the depths of your perseverance. What challenges have you faced recently, and how have you persisted in the pursuit of your goals despite adversity?
2. Take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, both big and small. What milestones or moments of progress have you reached on your journey toward manifestation and success?
3. Consider your vision of a bright and promising future. How does this belief fuel your determination and drive to overcome obstacles on your path? How can you cultivate and strengthen this belief in your daily life?
4. How can you elevate the frequency of Gate 42 in your life? In what ways can you actively celebrate all aspects of your life, fostering an environment of optimism, determination, and success for yourself and those around you?
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button bellow.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I have hesitated in the past to finish what needed to be completed to make room for something new, I now choose to bring things to completion to make space for my vision of the future and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Have a great week exploring these transits! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Hit the buttons below to schedule a reading with me and download the free Human Design information sheets to learn more!
IN HARMONY
Janet Jackson is back on tour and that’s amazing. I grew up on her music and in the early days of MTv she reigned supreme. Anyone else memorize the hand gestures to Miss You Much? Her music always makes me feel good and whenever I feel stuck or just blah, she’s my go to. There are too many favorites to share but one that really gets me moving is All for You. The video is an adorable mix of animation and choreographed dancing showcasing Janet’s well known backup dancers and of course her incredible abs. (Also epic Control dance break). If you weren’t wearing oversized Levi’s and cropped tanks that year what were you doing? Some of us are still rocking that look. Just saying for a friend.
I hope you enjoy it too. Hit listen to get a taste.
And hey, some of you asked for all the In Harmony songs as a playlist. If that's you, here it is.
