Just My Type #11: Take an Artist Date Based on your Sun Sign
Just My Type explores the ways our personality, fears and motivations impact our writing and, using personality types, provides suggestions for tailoring your writing practice to who you are as a unique, creative human.
The concept of the artist date comes from Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. An artist date, according to The Artist’s Way, is a weekly, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. While an artist date is meant to get the imagination going, the activity itself doesn’t need to be artistic. The artist date should really be thought of as a time for play, a break from creating in which to refill your creative well.
In astrology, the sun sign is the best known sign. It represents not only our core identity and life force, but it also influences our creativity and how we express our individuality. Each of the recommendations below suggests an artist date to take yourself on based on your sun sign.
Aries
Aries are determined and ambitious, with tons of energy and a love for a challenge. For an artist date, try out a new exercise class you haven’t done before, like CrossFit, a cycling class, a HIIT class or even something like rock climbing. Challenge yourself to get out of your routine and move your body in a new way.
Taurus
Taurus loves to relax, indulge themselves and be pampered. For an artist date, take a luxurious day for yourself–go to a spa, get a massage, take a relaxing yoga class, or take yourself out for coffee and a pastry. Indulge yourself, clear your mind and focus on doing things that feel relaxing for you.
Gemini
Gemini are playful and curious. They tend to be social butterflies. For an artist date, take yourself to a social event like a concert. Take in the energy of those around you, enjoy the music and enjoy interacting with new people.
Cancer
Cancers are homebodies who love to create cozy sanctuaries for themselves. For an artist date, have a solo at-home movie night. Pick whatever kind of film feels cozy for you–a rom-com, a critically-acclaimed drama, a favorite Disney movie from when you were a kid– and your movie-watching snacks of choice, and curl up at home for the night and just enjoy the film (without your phone or computer or any other distractions).
Leo
Leos are passionate and can be dramatic and even a little theatrical. For an artist date, try an acting or improv class. Even if you don’t want to continue taking classes, it can be fun to step outside of yourself, play a role and pretend to be someone else temporarily.
Virgo
Virgos are meticulous, detail-oriented and love systems and structure. For an artist date, try out a book club. As a Virgo, you’ll love the assigned reading, deadlines, and diligent note-taking and will probably be the most prepared person at the meeting.
Libra
Libras love beauty and harmony, and love to be surrounded by great art. For an artist date, take a solo trip to a nearby museum. Allow yourself to take in and appreciate different art styles throughout the museum, and reflect on what you like and dislike about different pieces to learn more about your own eye and personal taste.
Scorpio
Scorpios are known for their mystery and intensity. They often like to spend time by themselves. For an artist date, take a solo hike or walk in nature. Let yourself live in the moment and observe what’s around you rather than ruminating on your thoughts. Spending time in nature can often provide both a sense of peace and inspiration.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is intellectual, curious and always in pursuit of knowledge. For an artist date, take an online class on a topic that interests you. You can find free classes on sites like edX or Coursera. Don’t worry about finding a class that’s useful or relevant to your career. Just focus on what you feel most interested in learning about.
Capricorn
Capricorns are known for being responsible, practical and determined. For an artist date, do a DIY project. As a Capricorn, you’ll like making something useful or completing a project to improve your home in some way, and you’ll love the sense of accomplishment you feel when the project is complete.
Aquarius
Aquarius is known for being rebellious, progressive, and a humanitarian. For an artist date, sign up for a volunteer opportunity, whether that’s serving food at a homeless shelter, cleaning up a trail or park, building with Habitat for Humanity, or lending skills in some other way. You’ll enjoy the feeling of giving back and focusing on others for the day.
Pisces
Pisces are known for their empathy, compassion and gentleness, as well as for their connection with water. For an artist date, spend the day by yourself at a beach or lake, or even an aquarium. Let yourself relax beside the calming waves, take in the feeling of the water and the sand, or enjoy watching the fish swim past.
About Megan Moody
Megan Moody is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Writing from the University of Colorado Denver and currently works as a software engineer. She loves speculative fiction and humanizing technology through storytelling. She also loves cooking, painting and learning more about herself and others through personality types. Find her at megandcleo.com.
