The artist this week is Lin Tianmiao.  Lin is best known for her installations using her technique of “thread winding”, completely wrapping thread, hair, felt or silk around everyday objects.  Her work often symbolizes the labor behind what is called women’s work.  How that work can silently bind a gender culturally.

Solar System highlights for the next two weeks

We have our first solar Eclipse in Aquarius on February 17^th. For those of you that have a sun or moon in Aquarius it would be good to lay low around that time if you can.  For those with nodes in Aquarius or Leo look for informational downloads around your future and letting go of what no longer works for you.

We also have our first retrograde of 2026 from February 26^th to March 20^th with Mercury in Pisces until April 14^th.  This lesson/exploration is around communicating our fantasies and dreams, non-linear thinking and a heightening of our Spidey sense.   The challenge is staying grounded when collecting information and giving it out.  Miscommunication is at its height during this time, so double check the “facts”.

Remember Saturn is back in Aries until April 2028.  Use this fiery energy to construct the systems you want to create and grow in.  The challenge is wanting change to happen faster then it can.  True change takes time and thoughtfulness.

EXTRA

*If you want a more in-depth look into the planets and how they affect you, you can get those with my yearly Astro reading or if you sign up for my monthly New Moon readings.  Aquarius/Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Leo/Virgo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in, now is the time.

**** I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the tarot & art-casts.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.

Nina

**In honor of Chinese New Year, I am using The Chinese Five Elements Oracle cards.

Aries

Earth Snake – Gratitude leads to abundance this new year. This pillar brings messages to be bold and genuine with your heart.  This snake advises you for this year to search deeply for hidden treasure beneath the surface.  And to begin to activate more joy by bringing it into your environment for example:  the colors that invigorate you.

Taurus

Fire Tiger – Share your gifts this year.  Your creative force is emerging stronger than ever and now is the time to channel it into your larger community. Keep doing what stokes your internal fire, this will help cultivate not only your creative energy but also your inner joy which you can share.

Gemini

Earth Rabbit – Be in harmony with the season you are in during this coming year.  Slow down and tune into the pace of nature.  This energy is asking you to be resourceful and work with what is available at each moment.  You have what you need to begin any project, even if that means you need to simplify to get started.

Cancerian

Fire Snake – For this new year allow your heart to take center stage and follow its lead.  Do more activities that expand you than contract you.  Use these expanded joyful moments to push through fear or stagnation.  This is a time for joy and light.  Not only do you need it but so does the world.

Leo 

Earth Sheep – Take this year to return to your center.  To return to your body and treat it like it is your sanctuary.  Tune in to what your body needs:  rest, food, hugs…  And then take this year to cultivate and mindfully engage in these acts of restoration.

Virgo 

Metal Tiger – The tiger suggests it is okay to step back and take a break this year.  Take this time to notice what attachments and expectations you are holding on to.  Where are you judging yourself too punitively?   It is a year of releasing what holds you back, so you can leap into action when the time is right.

Libra  

Metal Snake – This energy is asking you to embrace transformation. Part of that process is seeing yourself as the precious jewel that you are.  Take this year to let go of any fear of the “new” for you will be pleasantly surprised of what emerges after your shedding.  Allow your inner light to shine through your bejeweled facets instead of waiting for an exterior light to bounce off them.

Scorpio

Water Pig – This year engage in the universal flow.  You naturally move through changes with ease as soon as you get past your internal barriers.  Look into the waters of your dream future, ask your reflection “what is holding me back from jumping in.”  It is time to release these watery illusions and trust your instincts so the universal flow can carry you forward.   Go for a swim, water pig.

Sagittarius

Fire Rabbit – Welcome the Muse is your motto for the new year.  The creative muses would like to work with you, but you will need to take pause and listen for them.  These flashes of inspiration come during acts of joy as much as quiet contemplation.  Joy begets more joy and beauty more beauty.  So, the more you seek through these means the more creative communication can happen.

Capricorn

Water Ox – You are more powerful then you think or let on.  However, this year neither aggressive nor forceful strength will solely aid you.  The Water Ox recommends relaxing into your strong core by expressing your power by mindfully and slowly moving, for example: weightlifting, yoga or walking mediation.  And then once you have connected to your inner power create a shrine to it externally. This can be a rock, picture or a color that calms and slows you.  Something to remind you of the powerful Yin energy strength that you are cloaked in that balances this Fire Horse year.

Aquarius 

Water Horse – This new year provides you with paths to more freedom.  And these paths are paved with a loving embrace.  Love over hate.  Love over fear.  The water horse is impelling you to let go of your fears or burdens, so you can gain momentum and joy like a horse running on a beach.

Pisces

Fire Monkey – This year asks you to commit to the decisions you have made and to be clearer about the ones you are making.  Realize when choosing that neither path is wrong.   But on one path you feel more liberated and the other asks you to give it your all assuring more rewards.  To make that decision you must rely on your heart and not your head.  Release your attachments of the past and welcome the future.

The artist this week is Rockwell Kent.  Rockwell Kent, “though best known as an artist and illustrator, pursued many careers throughout his long life, including architect, carpenter, explorer, writer, dairy farmer, and political activist.”

Your pondering:  In the Northern hemisphere we are half way between the start of winter and spring.  This is a time to celebrate the home and those that live within it.  To plant seeds and air out our homes.  To notice the sun’s light returning, and bask in possibilities of spring.

Solar System highlights 

Mercury on Feb 6^th and Venus on the 10^th move into Pisces.  Time to dream up new ways to convo and begin seeding your dream landscape.

Saturn moves back into Aries until April 2028.  Use this fiery energy to construct the systems you want to create and grow in.  The challenge is wanting change to happen faster then it can.  True change takes time and thoughtfulness.

EXTRA

In case you missed it in the last cast: A few changes to the cast for now, as I figure out how I want to move forward.  I am only going to do the solar system highlights section when something big changes.  If you want a more in-depth look into the planets and how they affect you, you can get those with my yearly Astro reading or if you sign up for my monthly New Moon readings. I am diving deeper into a big project around tarot and oracle cards.  So, I’ll be switching back and forth with Oracle and Tarot decks in the coming year. This is so I don’t get stagnant with your forecasts and I keep learning.   I still love showcasing artists, so for now that is still in and then of course each sign’s cast every other week.

*Signs with an * it is a big week for you.    Aquarius this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Leo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in, now is the time.

**Using the Botanica Tarot Deck this week.

**** I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the tarot & art-casts.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.

Nina

Aries

Oak/King of Pentacles – Oak trees can live over 500 years and are home to many species of wildlife.  So, it provides a home, sustenance and memory.  Nature would like your past experiences to guide your wisdom. While also showing hospitality and support to those around you for the coming weeks.

Taurus

Snapdragon/Two of Wands – Snapdragons originated in the Mediterranean and now proliferate around the world.  Nature in the coming weeks proclaims it is time to believe in your vision and embark on a new adventure.  The challenge is that something that initially was good can hold you back.  Time to move forward.

Gemini

Olive Tree/Three of Cups – According to mythology the goddess Athena, sovereign of wisdom and strategy, created the first olive tree as a gift.  So, for the coming weeks Nature is predicting that your path is diverging.   And the challenge, while only one choice can be made, all the paths have merit.  It is time to get your friends together to help you make the choice.

Cancerian

Raspberry/6 of Pentacles – The scientific name of this species is Rubus idaeus referring to its origin, Mount Ida of Anatolia. This is the location of the mythological beauty contest that led to the Trojan War.  For the next two weeks Nature’s forecast is abundance for you, but good things are often hidden behind the bramble.  Be kind and generous even when you might be stuck by the proverbial thorns, for in the near future you will taste the sweet fruit of your labor.

Leo 

Thistle/Five of Wands – In Scotland there is a legend that the thistle thwarted an invading army with its prickly armor.  Thus, Nature is forecasting chaos and competition may lay ahead of you in the coming weeks.  You have two routes: avoid the area in general or boldly go in, aware of the possible nettles.  Either way bold commitment is needed.

Virgo 

Sage/Ace of Swords – Sage’s name comes from the Latin salvere, which means to save or heal.  This week natures calls you to find inner and outer peace by establishing a motto or word to live by and through.  By seeing through this lens, you shine brighter, love stronger, and are more victorious in your new endeavors.  Know thyself, so you may heal.

Libra  

Stinging Nettle/Five of Swords – Stinging nettle needles inject histamine and other chemicals that leave a stinging sensation when brushed against it.  However, in tea form it is known to help with allergy symptoms and a wide variety of anti-inflammatory ailments.   Therefore, Nature is forecasting that turmoil is in your path in the coming weeks. However, you have a choice about how to deal with it.  You can let it sting or you can transmute the information into a curative concoction.

Scorpio

Wild Apple/Tower – Malus sieversii, the wild apple, is the origin of most of our common apples.  With this fruit as a metaphor, Nature is foretelling an awakening on the horizon for you. The challenge is that this event has destructive qualities to it.  But this deconstruction allows you to rebuild a better and brighter future.

Sagittarius

Forget-me-nots/Ten of Wands – A story behind this flower is that a knight fell into a river and died while trying to pick these flowers for his lady.  Thus, Nature warns you that you might have promised more then you can handle.  Yes, you still have some responsibilities, but you do not need to take every one that is asked of you.

Capricorn

Saffron Crocus/Three of Pentacles  – Saffron, the filament from this purple crocus, is the world’s most expensive spice by weight and is very labor intensive.  It takes around 4,500 blossoms to make one ounce of saffron.  Hence, Nature is foretelling that in the coming weeks you may have task(s) that require more hands and minds then just yours.  Ask for help and guidance to decrease your labor and increase your productivity.

Aquarius 

Passionflower/ Knight of Wands – The purple passionflower also known as Maypop is a hardy fast-growing native vine of the southeastern United States, Central and South America.  With this beautiful flower, Nature is calling you to follow your passions in the coming two weeks.  And if you find it hard to feel your true desires, a deep dive into nature will bode well in reconnecting to them.

Pisces

Daisies/Page of Pentacles – The daisy suggests the simplicity of a summer day making chains of flowers.  Nature is calling you to keep an open mind during these coming weeks.  By doing so, as information comes to you, you can slowly integrate it into your plans and ideas.  This is not a time to rush your reasoning.    Bask in and weave your thoughts.

Hi All,

Happy 2026.  Every new year I pick a word to be my lens.  To be a guide and interpreter for my focus.    So, to start this year’s tarotcast,  I pulled a card for you  from various Oracle decks and present you with that word.  You can use it or let it be a jumping point to discover your lens for 2026.  Also I am highlighting one of my favorite artist Jenny Holzer.

“Holzer has presented her astringent ideas, arguments, and sorrows in public places and international exhibitions…. Her medium, whether a T-shirt, plaque, or LED sign, is writing, and the public dimension is integral to her work. Starting in the 1970s with her New York City street posters and continuing through her light projections on landscape and architecture, her practice has rivaled ignorance and violence with humor and kindness.”

Solar System highlights for the year (if you are wanting this part as a guide keep this cast- see Extra below for why)

We start the year with the inner planets, Earth, Mercury, Venus, and Mars are all doing their thing in Capricorn.  So, the beginning of the year feels very solid and steady for us personally.  A time to plan and get your ducks in a row.

Then the ride begins.  The inner planets start to go their separate ways and the outer planets shift to a new paradigm that we haven’t seen in generations.

Jupiter, the planet of abundance and growth, is in Cancer until June 2026.  This placement is exalted, because Cancer boosts Jupiter’s positive aspects and vice versa.  Jupiter creates more ease in our emotional growth, intuition, feeling nurtured as well as giving it.  However, the two-fold challenge is that growth needs time to cultivate and may bring growing pains.  So be kind and patient with others and yourself as we grow into our abundance.   Then it moves into Leo until June of 2027 where it focuses its abundance on how we shine.  And the challenge being not to over shadow the ones around you.

Saturn is in Pisces until February 13, 2026.  So, we are back to our structures having trouble being…well… structured.  And I am sending out extra feel-good vibes for you all with a Saturn in Aries or Pisces and are dealing with this erratic Saturn return.  Then it moves back into Aries until 2028 where it wants us to focus on shifting and recreating  our structures and system to usher in a  new era.

Neptune is in Pisces until January 26, its home sign.  Great for imagining and dreaming, but often unrealistic on the ground.  Then it moves into Aries until March 2039 where now we can work materializing what we have imagined for the past few years.

Uranus is in Taurus until April 25 so the revolution is on hold or at least very sluggish.  Then it moves into Gemini until August of 2032.  This is a time for radical innovation especially around belief systems, communication, and travel.

Pluto is in Aquarius until March 2043.  Wherever Pluto sits in your chart a great time to slowly build and find more confidence to reimagine that part of your chart.  For society, once the other outer planets get to their new signs (end of June) it is time to create the change we want to see in society.

EXTRA

A few changes to the cast for now, as I figured out how I want to move forward with the tarotart cast and my other offerings.  I am only going to do the solar system highlights section when something big changes.  If you want a more in-depth look into the planets and how they affect you, you can get those with my yearly Astro reading or if you sign up for my monthly new moon readings.  I still love showcasing artists, so for now that is still in and then of course each sign’s cast every other week.  And I will be pulling not only from tarot but from oracle decks.  I may go back to weekly once my Mom has transitioned, but I will make that decision once we are there.

*Signs with an * it is a big week for you.    Capricorn this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Cancerian it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in, now is the time.

**** I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the tarot & art-casts.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.

Nina

Aries – Gestation

Taurus – Bloom

Gemini – Revolution

Cancerian – Dream

Leo – Wild Card

Virgo – Boundaries

Libra – Courage

Scorpio – Calling

Sagittarius – Liminality

Capricorn – Surrender

Aquarius – Creation

Pisces – Synchronicity