Hello and Happy August!
Today is a magical day! (Brace yourself for some astrology talk…)
It’s August 8.
8.8.
We’re also in the year 2024 = 2+0+2+4 = 8
8.8.8.
In numerology, eight is a very potent number: the number of infinity, of strength, and balance. Put two eights together and it amplifies into abundance. Put three eights together and it turns into not just abundance but fortune.
But that’s not all! Today is also the Lion’s Gate Portal.
The Lion’s Gate Portal is when the Leo Sun aligns with the fixed star Sirius, the ‘dog star,’ which represents growth, loyalty, and wealth. In astrology, this creates an energy gateway, and a great time to focus on goals, creative projects, and growth.
Personally, I love any excuse to make a vision board or goal set. Summer is a stagnant time for me and I’ve been feeling stuck, waiting in that liminal space of “I can’t really start a new endeavor until kids go back to school.” The summer heat also slows me down, and my health is always an issue in July and August because of it.
So today is the day! If you’re looking for an excuse to start something new, embrace the magic of 8 and the lion’s strength! Rather than a card draw this month, we’ll focus on the Strength Card and all its beauty. In fact, guess what card number in the Major Arcana Strength sits at?
It’s 8!
I hope this month and the rest of the season brings you abundance in all areas!
Nicole C.
Art in the Wild
As always, your support of my work means the world! Here are a few places to find it:
Organize your office the fun way: with fungi-themed file folders and giraffe-print binders!
Are you feeling crafty? Spoonflower has a collection of prints, including my best-selling Hermit Crab Love one.
Learn Tarot through my unique workbook, Journey Through Tarot, available currently on Amazon! (My coloring books are also available on Amazon or a select few at Jellybeans in Springfield)
The Pocket Poetry Vending Machine is currently hanging out at The Creamery Arts Center lobby! I’ll be moving it to another location in the fall, so let me know if you have a spot you’d like to see it at!
Latest Crazes
The Wizard of Oz is coming to Springfield Little Theatre, and my youngest kiddo will be performing as a munchkin and Ozian! While we are all very excited for her, I’m also excited to break out my glitter rainbow bomber jacket for nights I volunteer in the lobby! (see photo below)
Glitter Jackets make everything better. Purchase here (affiliate link) My sister and I are having fun working on Bubbly in a Teacup, our blog platform that highlights life’s little luxuries on a box-wine budget. Some favorite posts we’ve put together recently: Family Movie Night, Summer Reading Challenges, and Homemade Cold Brew Coffee Recipe. (Paid Subscribers will get a summer reading challenge bingo card download! Thank you for your support!)
Creative stagnation calls for desperate measures. I’ve signed up for a few fun workshops and subscription services that send a monthly design prompt or do some portfolio-building exercises. If you’re looking for something to boost your brain, I enjoyed creating a holiday collection with Stacy Bloomfield and the Make Art That Sells courses.
Strength
And now to help remind you of your own strength. The Strength Card in Tarot speaks to our inner strength, determination and power. The card helps you build confidence, be persuasive, and persevere. I found a write-up of the card you might enjoy: Lion as Archetype, Tarot as Mirror, Artist as Seer. And here are a few examples from some of my favorite decks:
If you enjoy learning more about using tarot as a creative and problem-solving tool, don’t forget to buy a Tarot Workbook to start exploring the cards. They are great tools for self-reflection!
And don’t forget, paid subscribers receive a downloadable reading challenge bingo card! Thank you as always for reading, subscribing, and supporting!
Keep calm and alpaca on,
Nicole
Download below!