Monthly Archives: April 2018

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for Week of April 29, 2018

Japanese manhole covers

Japan has taken street art to a whole new level.  In the 1980’s, the government wanted to standardize their sewer system; however, in some of the outer communities they were meet with resistance.  Until a savvy bureaucrat solved the problem by having each town choose their own manhole design.  Now nearly 95% of the municipalities in Japan sport their own specially design manhole cover.  You can read about the history and see more examples in Drainspotting by Remo Camerota.

Ponderings:  When we want something to happen in our environment to evolve – letting people have creative input seems to oil the wheels of progress.  How can you use this tool in your own dealings?

P.S. Please share. I have added to your signs some manhole covers which may relate to your week ahead.

Aries- Ten of Wands

Japanese manhole coversThe Ten of Wands warns you not to take more on this week.  You have more than enough on your plate as it is.  Your hint:  Be aware of obligations that sprout from guilt.  If it does, don’t do it.

 

Taurus- Ten of Pentacles

Japanese manhole coversThe Ten of Pentacle is about completion that creates success.  This week focus on projects that are near completion. For now ignore projects that have just started or take on anything new this week. Continue reading Tarot-cast for Week of April 29, 2018 →

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for Week of April 22, 2018

Today we celebrate Earth Day around the world.  The origins of Earth Day is a story of co-evolution.  The first event evolved in the mind of John McConnell who in October 1969 proposed a global holiday to celebrate life on Earth and peace. The first celebration was in San Francisco on March 21, 1970.  He created an Earth Day Proclamation for the signers to take care of the Earth and all of its inhabitants.  So far it  has been signed by 36 World Leaders.  Earth /Peace Day is celebrated (on the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and on the Fall Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere) by the UN and various cities around the world by ringing bells to honor this oath.

The second arising was on April 22, 1970.  Senator Gaylord Nelson rallied an American-centric Earth Day which started with state wide protests against pollution on that day and ended with the creation of the EPA and the passage of the Clean Air, clean Water and Endangered Species Act by the end of the year.  By the year 2000 Earth Day has become a worldwide campaign to get people engaged in fighting for a cleaner environment.

Even though I am for both  Earth Days.  I am fonder of the celebration on the Spring Equinox.  Because it is grounded in the cycles unique to our world and has the holistic approach that if we see with the lens of peace we will do less harm.  Don’t get me wrong the April 22 Earth Day has birthed amazing activism around the world:  The Canopy Project, A Billions Acts of Green, Recycling etc…  But I wonder if we blended the two celebrations and honored the Earth on the Spring Equinox would it have changed our view to a more holistic and proactive one?

P.S. Please share.  I’ve picked some places and animals that need our protection.

Aries – Page of Swords

The Page of Swords represents the act of gathering information and doing it subtly.  This info is important to your future; however, gather your intel more behind the scenes than usual.

 

Taurus – Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups represents imagination and dreams.  Take this week to envision imagine your dream goals.  Use all your senses to conjure up what it will feel, smell, sound and look like.

 

Gemini – Two of Swords

This week you will come to a cross-roads.  The Two of Swords tells you now is the time to trust your intuition and make a decision.  You have been going back and forth long enough.  The funny thing with this card, no matter which road you pick you will end up in the same place.  This card is about the journey. The destination is already set.

Cancer – Nine of Wands

The Sun card is still shining on you. Last week, the Sun foretold that something you started around February 18th needs tending again.  The Nine of Wands is the card of preparation.  This gives you another week to gather your resources and continue to work on last week’s project(s).

Leo – Queen of Pentacles

Whatever you learned last week with the Page of Pentacles the Queen now wants you to start move forward with what you have learned.  This Queen is the kinder less pressing version of the Empress.  Anything you create this week will be more helpful in the short-term rather than the long.  And remember help is help in any form.

Virgo – Page of Wands

The Page of Wands tells you that your energy is being drained.  To ignite your passion again take a romp in the woods, color, go to a concert.  These kind of activities are necessary to rekindle your fire.

*Libra – Hanged Man

The Hanged Man comes when inertia sets in and there is nothing to do but wait it out.  The best way to handle a Hanged Man week is either to go totally off course and do a short project, or to look at what is on your plate now with a different perspective.  This is not a week to start anything.

Scorpio – Ten of Pentacles

Yippee you all finally get a break.  The Ten of Pentacles card says that you have done a good job these past four weeks and it is time to bask in your success.  You get this week off so enjoy what you have sown.

 

*Sagittarius – Moon

Last week, the Justice card challenged you to see how to champion justice with the mind and spirit and not with the heart and sword. This week, the Moon card is having you investigate and add integrity to the mix.  The Moon is about things that are hidden, coming to light.  So you will start to see that the Justice you sought last week is becoming illuminated.  The big challenge with this card is to make sure the justice you serve isn’t backed by the dark side of the Moon – the subconscious and/or overly emotional motives.  So the clearer you are of why you are championing this cause, the better protector you will be.

Capricorn – Ten of Wands

The Sun continues to shine for you this week with the focus of the Ten of Wands. You have come to a place where you have completed something but you are not letting it go.  Is this the perfectionist in you?  Or are you afraid of where to go next?  The Ten of Wands challenge is to release the projects that are finished, so you can continue growing the things that actually need work.

Aquarius – Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles is the card of mastery.  Your challenge this week is to master a skill.  This week is all about practice, practice practice.

 

*Pisces – Star and Ten of Swords

Okay, this is an interesting week for you all.  You got the Star which is the card of hope and success. and you got the Ten of Swords which is not listening to your instincts about people who end up hurting you.  So your big picture is you are on the right path, keep going, and follow the Star, and then in the details “beware of enemies bearing gifts.”

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

Nina

 

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for week of April 15, 2018

Japanese Tip

When I lived in San Francisco, my friends and I would often eat at our favorite neighborhood sushi restaurant.  It had the comfort and coziness of Mom and Pop joint but each meal had the quality of an all-sensing experience:  the cyclical cadence of conversation, the warm sake, the coolness of the fish, the smell of the soy sauce, the spice of the wasabi, the beauty and simplicity of how the sushi was plated on a variety of shaped white dishes …

At the end of our meals, my friends and I would take the left over bits of wasabi, rice, and pickled ginger and create small landscapes on our plates.  We did these as small offerings to our sushi chef and his wife for the lovely meal they had created for us. It felt more personal than just the ten dollars we slid under the plate.

In Japan tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.  So it was interesting that I came across this waiter who collected what he has now coined as the Japanese tip. In his words: ”  …I thought that it was a “thank you” sign from the customer.  Before it was just trash for me, but it changed to become a TIP from the customer.  Since than, cleaning the tables became much more fun.  I want to see more shapes. And I want to share this feeling with many people. So I started this project.”  Even in a country that doesn’t tip, this waiter still wanted to feel recognized for his service. My challenge for you all is to not only monetarily tip your waiter (in the countries where it is appropriate) but also give them the gift of recognition in another form: a smile, a thank you, draw something on a napkin, etc…

P.S. Please share.

Aries- King of Pentacles

Japanese TipThe Strength card last week seems to be your birth year card, so throughout the year you will be tested or learn ways to strengthen all aspects of your life.  The Strength card energy this week is with the King of Pentacles.  This card wants you to strengthen the activities that ground you.  This King asks you if you don’t believe in what you do for money than why are you doing it?  And if you do than be proud of the path you have chosen.

Taurus- Queen of Pentacles

Japanese TipThe Queen of Pentacles is all about healthy indulgences and creating spaces of comfort.  Do things that pamper you this week.  The more you do for yourself the more you will be ready to be there for others.

 

Gemini – Four of Wands

Japanese TipThe Sun continues to shine this week for you with the focus on home life.  The Four of Wands challenges you to make your home a place where people and things can grow.  This is a great week to Spring Clean or bring nature into your abode. Throw open your windows no matter the temperature you need to let some fresh air into your life.

 

*Cancer – Sun

Japanese TipThis is the second time the Sun has “shone” up for you this year.  Look back and see what you started around February 18th that needs tending again.  The Sun foretells that you will find success in what you have started.  If things aren’t growing or moving, this means you are missing only the last piece to the puzzle and with the light of your conscious mind you will find it.

Leo – Page of Pentacles

Japanese TipThe Page of Pentacles declares that this week you should spend your time hitting the books.  The challenge is to be open to learn something new.  You will find that you will need that knowledge in your near future.

 

Virgo – Three of Cups

Japanese TipThe Three of Cups challenges you to go get your friends and hang out this week.  Yep that is right your challenge is to enjoy this week. Since this card has shown up twice this year, seems you need to hang out with friends more constantly.

 

Libra – Ten of Wands

Japanese TipYou are carrying too much again Libra.  Time to let go of some of your duties and obligations.  The Ten of Wands warns that you have chosen to take on more burden then is necessary or healthy.  Lighten your load this week.  Even letting go of one thing will make you feel better.

 

*Scorpio – Devil

Japanese TipThis is the fourth pivotal week in your life. Last week Death returned to push you to learn how to work with the environment to make change that sticks.  Now the Devil is here in all his glory trying to divert you from that path.  This week people, events, environment, and even that little voice in your head will try to sidetrack you. Keep strong.  Keep to your integrity.  And Keep moving forward.

 

*Sagittarius – Justice

Japanese TipJustice is the card of fair play.  Here is the interesting thing with Sagittarius and the Justice card, you both believe in fairness and equality and are willing to fight for it. But Sagittarius, like their forebears the centaurs, you have a bit of a wild streak. When you think you are right, well, you all can get a bit fiery about it.  Where Justice card many times teaches us to let karma take its natural course.  So your challenge this week is to see how to champion justice with the mind and spirit and not with the heart and sword.

 

*Capricorn – Sun

Japanese TipSuccess is on the horizon for you.  The Sun is here to help you grow anything you put your focus on.  The question is where do you want to direct your gaze first?  This is a big karma card so take your time but don’t let your dreams wither away with indecision.

 

Aquarius – Queen of Cups

Japanese TipThe Queen of Cups is all about the 3 Cs:  calm, compassion, and comfort.  The challenge is to make sure you have at least two out of the three first then you can spread it around.

 

Pisces – Ace of Cups

Japanese TipThe Ace of Cups of cups heralds the beginnings of emotional fulfillment.  The challenge with this card this week is seeing that no matter how full the cup that it is “good to the last drop.”

 

 

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

Nina

Tarotcast

Tarotcast for Week of April 8, 2018

Takashi Murakami

Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist, who works in both fine and commercial arts.  He is known for blurring the lines between “high” and “low” arts.  I am drawn to him today because of his use of smiling flowers and inquisitive mushrooms.  However, as you dive  into his work, like every artist there is a deeper meaning.

Art shows us the emotions behind our history.  As Takashi said in a recent interview, As an artist, all I can do is paint when history-making moments unfold, like Francisco de Goya did during the Spanish Civil War. All I can do is look at the situation, understand it and put it into my work so that hopefully it will remain a permanent part of our history.

P.S. Please share.  For more on Takashi click here.

*Aries  – Strength

This week will be easier if you fortify your inner strength.  Now I’m not suggestion drinking for courage especially for anyone with an addictive personality.  You should work on having habits in place that ground you and give you courage in more positive ways.  But if a glass of wine, chocolate, or binge watching BadLands grounds you can do it without guilt, but only this week.

Taurus – Knight of Wands

Since mid-March you all have actually been in a good place. The Knight of Wands is confirming that even the hardships you have gone through are starting to make sense and you are seeing the purpose behind the movement.  Your challenge is to keep moving and know you are on the right path. Continue reading Tarotcast for Week of April 8, 2018 →

Tarotcast

Tarotcast for Week of April 1, 2018

Aphrodite or Venus to the Romans

Happy April Fool’s. This celebration’s origins arose from the Roman holiday, Veneralia (yes, also the origin of the word venereal).  This woman-only Roman holiday was for the Venus Verticordia or the Chaste Venus. Legends say that the Sibylline Oracle divined creating a holiday to help woman stay chaste after an incident where some vestal virgins and matrons, as Ovid put it, broke their vows.  It was celebrated on April 1st, at the beginning of Aphrodite’s month.  The ritual entailed woman parading the statue of Venus to the male baths, bathing her, dressing and adorning her and then walking her back to her temple. This ritual became widely adopted by woman of all walks of life.

Please note that this history was from a male viewpoint in a male-dominated and exalted society.  I would like to suggest another perspective.  Perhaps the Vestal Virgins were forced to break their vows.  And the Sibylline Oracle, all women, actually created an earlier version of the Me Too movement.  Creating a ritual where woman could publicly show that the representation of  females, love, and sexuality could walk into an all-male venue, get nude, bathe, pretty herself up again,  walk back to her home and remain unscathed.   Did those Oracles pull the first prank over the Roman’s male dominated society by hiding equality in a ritual?

P.S. Remember you can now reach me for quick questions on the Instantgo app.  

Aries – Eight of Wands

The Eight of Wands tells you to keep your ears, eyes, and mind open.  There is important news coming your way.  This information will make life better and easier this week.

Taurus – King of Cups

The Sun challenged you to say yes to things that peak your interests, last week.  The King of Cups continues this theme.  This King asks you to say yes to activities, ideas, and people who warm your heart.  Your challenge this week  is to keep your heart open.

Gemini – Page of Cups

All of March had you looking at how to implement a more carefree lifestyle.   The Page of Cups continues this theme.  His advice is to stop being so cynical. Take time this week to put on your rose-colored glasses, let your guard down, and play.

Cancer – Queen of Cups

Hmm your second Queen.  So what differs with the Queens compared to the other court cards?  Queens step back and look at cycles.  They think of life like playing double-dutch.   You watch and wait to see the rhythm of the ropes and then jump in.  Last week the Queen of Swords wanted you to gain perspective from your planning/mind.  This week the Queen of Cups wants you to stand back and see the rhythm of your heart and desires.  Again the question is are you still on course but also are you enjoying it?

Leo – Four of Pentacles

The Four of Pentacles is about resources. This card asked where do you feel resentful, greedy, or not supported?  Your challenge is to follow that line of thought back to the resource/need you are missing and then go get it.

Virgo – Three of Cups

Second Three in a row.  Threes in tarot mean looking at things that stabilize or destabilize you. Last week the cards had you looking for a guru to help.  This week this card challenges you to see the value of friendship in stabilizing yourself.  Take time with your friends and bask in you all’s mutual love and respect.

Libra – Nine of Swords

The Nine of Swords means worry.  Yes, there are things we worry about, and yes worry is important to make sure we are ready for possible outcomes.  The challenge is to realize you have done all the productive worrying and now you are heading into rumination which gets you nowhere.  This week leave your worries at the door. No really, I mean when you go home visualize leaving your worries at the door, and tell them you will pick them up tomorrow or even better next week.

Scorpio – Four of Cups

Last week, the Death card said work with your environment to create change. The Four of Cups adds to this challenge by asking you to dream bigger.  You can create the life you hope for, and as this card says, have faith that the universe can give you even more than what you can actually see.  Your challenge this week  is to stay open and let life surprise you.

*Sagittarius – Hanged Man

The Hanged Man foretells stagnation but also it is a great time for reflection. This is not a week to start new things or try to push things to fruition; especially since we are in the middle of Mercury in retrograde.  This is a great week to contemplate and look at anything from many angles.  Also this is a time for diversions from normal routines.  It can look as simple as reading a good book to as complex as going on trip outside your comfort zone.  This week expand your mind.

Capricorn – Three of Swords

The Three of Swords means three things are going to be a pain in your arse.  The challenge with this card is not to make a big deal of it.  These three challenges are triggering old patterns, so don’t play that sad song over in your head again.  Lift the needle and put on another record.

Aquarius – King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles is the supreme executor of actions on the material plane, but also he know how to enjoy his harvest.  The challenge is to keep your nose to the grindstone this week, but when you have off- take off and enjoy.

*Pisces – Emperor

Where last week the Fool challenged you to choose a new or fresh activity.  This week the Emperor takes you a step further.  Whatever the Fool taught you about your path or goals, the Emperor says you are ready to materialize the next step.  This can look as simple as last week you tried and loved jujitsu, so the Emperor challenges you to sign up for the class for 6 weeks.  Or as complex as you found out you love baking and the Emperor asks how can we start a business around that?

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

Nina