One look at the homepage of True North Arts and you might think, “Oh, this website is all about mandalas.” And yes, I love mandalas, but like many creatives, I dabble in a wide range of mediums and practices. I’m not all about mandalas.
Recently, while cleaning out and organizing my Creative Nest (my new name for the spare room dedicated to all things artsy and playful) I came across a journal with so many pages waiting to be filled with words and color.
The last time I opened these pages was nine years ago! Where did the time go? In my travels this year, I’ve been collecting stickers for my water bottle, but now that it’s completely covered, I’ve been looking for another place for them. I found it in this journal.
This spread started with my latest finds: a whimsical lobster and a sticker reminding us that mental health matters. This journal has square spaces for writing, doodling, collage, and yes, stickers. In this first spread, I recorded notes about visiting Portsmouth, NH, my return to journaling after nine years, how good it feels to have my creativity back after a five-year hiatus, and hitting a milestone at my day job.
On the facing page, a cool color scheme of blues inspired by the Mental Health Matters sticker became the backdrop for a collage with the quote, “You only lose what you cling to.” I journaled about my own mental health journey, which began a year ago.
Morning Retreats and the High Priestess
This past week, I returned to what I call my morning retreats. I’m a morning person and love starting my day with quiet reflection. Inspired by this journal and the High Priestess tarot card, I decided to add some structure to this sacred time:
- Pause: Begin with a full meditation or a simple moment of stillness. The High Priestess invites us to listen to our inner wise self.
- Journal: Write in a notebook reflecting on the meditation.
- Divination: Pull Tarot cards or cast coins for an I-Ching reading and return to my notebook.
- Art Journal: Record insights, inspirations, affirmations, and reminders.
This new journal is where I’ll capture highlights, insights, quotes, affirmations, lists, and reminders, illustrated with doodles, Washi tape, stickers, and images cut from magazines, calendars, and greeting cards.
We are in the sign of Virgo, often seen as a High Priestess herself. Virgo naturally notices patterns in the cycles of nature, reads signs and synchronicities, and balances analytical thinking with intuitive wisdom.
I found this beautiful painting of an owl on a greeting card. It reminded me of Athena who is a lot like Virgo. Both are very analytical and strategic. The owl was Athena’s trusted companion who sees in the dark what we can’t. The dark being a metaphor for our subconscious.
While thinking is one of Virgo’s super powers, too much of a good thing can get you in trouble. Herein the question, “Are you getting caught in the tangles of doubt?” is a perfect at times when caught up in overthinking.
Other notes on this spread include:
- Trust the knowing
- Divine feminine yin energy
- Listen and be still
- The sacred pause
Each morning after I pause, I’ll ask: What message does my inner High Priestess have for me?
Virgo, the Hermit, and Mercury
This spread also explores other Virgo archetypes: The Hermit and Mercury.
- The Hermit invites inner reflection, contemplation, and soul-searching, exactly what my morning retreats embody.
- Mercury, Virgo’s ruling planet, is the messenger who travels between worlds, bringing insights. I noted the rune Ansuz, associated with communication, in one journaling box and while writing I decided that I’ll start recording short messages for my newsletter subscribers as a way to connect more personally.
The Knight of Swords appears in another box, his swiftness echoing Mercury’s energy:
- Knight of Swords asks: Are you determined?
- Virgo says: Strive for excellence, daily.
- Mercury says: Be brave and move quickly!
- Feeling scattered? Virgo advises: Organize your thoughts to focus your energy on the goal.
The final takeaway question: What is your biggest goal right now, and what will it look like when you achieve it?
Cosmic Timing
Some notable dates to keep in mind:
- 9/7/25 – Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces
- 9/21/25 – Second New Moon in Virgo & Solar Eclipse
Eclipse season brings swift shifts. With Mercury entering Virgo on 9/2/25, anything that has felt stagnant or sluggish will gain momentum—especially for mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces).
As I share my journal entries, I hope you feel inspired to get creative with your soul-searching and note-taking. Here’s to adding whimsy to our soulful, creative living practices.
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Call for Art: Peace Mandalas
Free Event: International Day of Peace, September 21, 2025
Keep Exploring
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