Summon your creative muse 🔥
Count your blessings, bring more in!
Blessed be, peach!
As we move into July, the magickal focus turns to blessings. By now, the intentions you planted in spring should be coming into full bloom — and goddamn, you should be proud.
On the theme of blessings, I wanted to touch on something I read in Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. She writes...
"...the Greeks and the Romans both believed in the idea of an external daemon of creativity—a sort of house elf, if you will, who lived within the walls of your home and who sometimes aided you in your labours.
The Romans had a specific term for that helpful house elf. They called it your genius—your guardian deity, the conduit of your inspiration."
She goes on to say that the Romans believed a genius was something a person was blessed with, not something they could be.
So, I thought I'd bring the idea here to the newsletter. The act of channelling inspiration and creative confidence via a muse, guide, or deity.
This idea can also work for "non-woo-woo" people because the act of working with a creative muse doesn't always have to mean burning incense and praying at an altar.
Here are some ideas for you to try....
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Connecting with your creative muse
There are a ton of ways you can approach this, which is great because everyone will connect to the idea differently.
If you're not into the whole Wicca/spiritual/patchouli thing, you can simply look at famous writers and creators throughout history and choose someone you really connect with. Someone you respect, whose career trajectory you'd love to emulate. Louise Shanahan recently explored a similar idea on her 15 Minute Freelancer podcast!
By regularly engaging with their work, connecting with them on social media (if they're still alive), or keeping a picture of them nearby, you can channel their creative spirit into your work. Listen to their music, read their writing, watch their films, enjoy their paintings. Whatever you like! It's all good inspo.
My fellow magickal folk might like to research deities from different pantheons to work with. You could try Irish goddess Danu, Hindu goddess Saraswati, or one of the Greek Muses. Choose someone you like the sound of, do some independent reading, and make the connection!
If you're feeling especially witchy, you could even design a ritual to call forth your guardian deity. I recommend using an orange candle, jasmine incense, and bringing a gift or offering — a pinch of salt in a dish or a piece of writing would do nicely.
I found I could picture my personal muse as soon as I started to think about the way inspiration feels when it happens. I also discovered that, for me, inspiration is strongly connected to the element of fire. As an air sign, this was pretty unexpected.
I wonder what you'll discover about your own creativity 👀
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🌝 Blessing Moon – 13th July
Also known as the 'meadow moon', July's full moon celebrates slowing down to accommodate the hot weather. It's all about divination, dream magick, and meditation. If you've been toying with the idea of starting a dream journal, using tarot card writing prompts, or doing a bit of daily mindfulness, then this is a great time to start!
Because your garden (both physical and mental!) is in full bloom, the July full moon is a good time to take stock of your blessings and gifts. Maybe a gratitude journal or weekly wins spreadsheet is in order?!
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🔮 Freelance focus: wealth with the King of Coins
Our theme for July is money and abundance! The King of Coins symbolises leadership, business, and wealth, making it a great prompt for those who suffer from a dip in business each summer (I know I do!).
This card is also a reminder to share your resources with those who aren't as baller as you. So what are you waiting for, chump? Take yourself off to my blog and get stuck in.
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Other shit you might enjoy...
How I set up my freelance finances – watch now
The do's and don'ts of dropping out mid-project – watch now
The Witchy Freelancer eBook – learn more
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Blessed be, folks. You can find all previous issues of The Copy Coven here and you can find me on Twitter.