In this article, I’ll share how I began creating narrative talismans, explain the astrological principles behind them, and explore why I choose to create original paintings through ritual, celestial timing and intention.

Where It Began: Can a Painting Hold Energy?

In 2021, after taking time away from my art practice to grow my family, I returned with a question:

Can a painting carry an energetic signature beyond its surface?

I had noticed some artists writing words into the under layers of their paintings–intentions that would later be obscured by the final image. Like how a glass of water can carry the emotions one speaks into it, I couldn’t help but wonder if those words still carried an influence on the finished piece even though they were no longer visible.

So I began experimenting.

With each new painting, I set a clear intention. I wrote words or symbols into the first layers of paint before building the final image.

The first layer of paint placed on one of my Ember paintings.

Several of the works I created in 2021 and 2022 were entirely abstract. When I began sharing them, I was astonished by how accurately viewers described the very emotions and themes I had embedded within them.

That was my first confirmation that what we can’t see, still has power.

In 2023, I began studying astrology in a much deeper way. What started as curiosity became a dedicated two-year journey under Austin Coppock, one of today’s leading practitioners of astrological magic and electional architect of Sphere + Sundry's enchanted line of products.

Under his tutelage, I learned how intention and timing can work together, transforming symbolism into something far more precise.

What are Narrative Talismans?

Narrative Talisman is a term I coined to describe the type of art I create.

It refers to original paintings that carry an enchanted quality beyond their visual form, either through written intention embedded in their foundation or through astrological magic.

Astrological magic works by aligning creation with specific celestial energies–such a planet, fixed star, or decan–during an auspicious moment in time.

Canvases consecrated under an astrological election that highlighted the Moon. 

Official astrological talismans are typically made from materials such as metal or gemstones, as these materials have a conductive quality that can effectively hold energy. Paper is also recognized as a viable material for talismans, though less durable and less likely to hold a strong charge for very long. These objects are created under carefully chosen astrological conditions and are meant to be carried or worn to attract outcomes aligned with the celestial energy invoked.

The fact that different grades of talismans can be made based on the materials used has led to the recognition of a new subcategory of enchanted objects known as talismanic materia. These can range from candles to oils to even bath salts, which have each been created in ritual and therefore carry celestial resonance, even if they are not traditional wearable talismans.

It is in this enchanted space where my artwork lives.

They are not small engraved objects made for the pocket. They are narrative images–story-driven works–created during ritual timing, designed to bring supportive celestial influence into a living space.

In other words: They are visual stories infused with astrological energy.

The Planetary Energies Within My Work

While many celestial forces can be worked with, I currently create paintings under the influence of the following planets. Each one carries a distinct energetic signature:

• Venus: known for beauty, harmony, love, creativity

• Jupiter: known for growth, success, expansion, good fortune

• The Sun: known for leadership, vitality, recognition

• The Moon: known for nurturing, emotional clarity, comfort

• Mercury: known for communication, intellect, organization

Since Venus has the most aligned energy when it comes to creating paintings, she therefore tends to be the planet that I work with most often in my art.

A consecration ceremony performed under a favorable Venus election.

Each narrative talisman that has been made using astrological magic, was created under an election. An astrological election is a specific moment in time when one chooses to initiate an action. Each election has its own level of potency and energetic qualities based on how the planets were configured that therefore brings another level of nuance to an artwork that goes deeper than the generalized themes of each planet. Remedial-grade astrological elections are the highest form of celestial energy one can work with.

If there is a specific artwork of mine that calls to you and you would like to hear more about the energy it was consecrated in, then simply send me a message and I will be happy to elaborate.

Why Create Art Through Astrological Magic?

Creating a narrative talisman requires patience, planning, and precision.

Materials must be gathered.
Timing must be calculated.
The moment must be exact.

Consecrating canvases that I later used in the creation of my Venus in the 12th series.

Auspicious alignments do not occur on demand. When they arrive, everything must be ready.

So why go to all this effort simply to begin a painting?

Because I have always been drawn to what cannot be seen.

In my twenties, I traveled to historic destinations searching for ghosts.
In my thirties, I uncovered inequity within the animation industry that initially went unseen by others.

As someone born with a significant 12th House placement, I have long felt attuned to hidden forces: the subtle, the liminal, the dreamlike. To me, it feels natural to create art that acknowledges those unseen dimensions.

I see my paintings not only as aesthetic compositions, but as physical vessels--objects capable of holding intention and celestial resonance.

In essence, they are auspicious objects for your space.

Magic for your walls.

An enchanting force you can return to again and again.

Collecting a Narrative Talisman

If a particular painting speaks to you, it may not be by accident.

Each narrative talisman is created during a rare and carefully chosen moment in time, a moment that will never occur in exactly the same way again. When you bring one into your space, you are welcoming not only the image itself, but the intention and celestial alignment woven into its creation.

If you feel drawn to a piece, I invite you to reach out. I am always happy to share the energy behind my work.