Tarot and Art-Cast for week of July 16, 2023

July 16, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Simone Leigh, @simoneyvetteleigh. Leigh works in a variety of media including sculpture, installations, video, performance, and social practice to foreground black female experience. She describes her work as auto-ethnographic extracting figures and architectural forms in bronze, ceramic, and raffia that reference sources from Pan-African culture. Often, she combines “premodern techniques and materials—including lost-wax casting, salt-fired ceramics, and terracotta—with potent cultural iconographies such as cowrie shells, plantains, and tobacco. As she has written “I am charting a history of change and adaptation, through objects and gesture and the unstoppable forward movement of Black women.”

She will have a show from Nov. 3^rd 2023 to March 3^rd 2024. at Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC.

Your pondering for the week: What cultural or generational icons do you identify with? How does society perceive them and then how do you? Do they move you forward or hold you back?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Cancer – watch oversensitivity but great for reading a room. On Tuesday it moves into Leo – great time to shine but watch boastfulness. Then on Friday through the weekend it is in Virgo – work on your to-do list.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) joins Venus in Leo (expressing who you are, light). Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th. This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within? So, these two together would like you to do some studying, learning that will let you create more beauty in your life.

Mars (action) is Virgo until August 27^th. This combo makes getting things done on your to-do list easier. Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence. So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play. Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024. So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Cancer this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Capricorn it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

Aries

King of Water – The Muse of Emotional Maturity is asking you to be the adult in the room this week. She wants you to not only reflect on your reactions in situations but to apply empathy to the people’s circumstances around you also. This week read the room before engaging.

Taurus

Six of Earth – The Muse of Reciprocity foretells this week is all about fair exchanges. The more positive energy you put out in the world the more you get back. This works with negative vibes too. The challenge with this Muse is the path of return is not a straight route.

Gemini

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship is visiting you. This energy shows up when your emotional cup needs a refilling that only good friends can do. So, find time to hang out with your besties.

Cancerian

*Death – How appropriate for the final week of your birth month. The Muse of Death comes not only to end old cycles but to fertilize the ground for new ones. She asks what do you need to weed out of your garden to make space for new seedlings? Remember when choosing your seedlings for a balanced garden, you need to plant nutritious vegetables as well as beautiful flowers to attract pollinators. This change wants a balance of function and form

Leo

*Magician – As you enter your birth month the Muse of Manifestation has arrived. She asks what do you want to manifest this coming year with the tools you have already in hand? The challenge is this Muse wants these manifestations to be prompted by the celestials. So, spend this week in quiet mediation, connect with the spirt realm and do some divine planning.

Virgo

*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation is here to help remix the balance in your life. Some aspects of how, what, or the why you are doing something is unbalanced. She reminds you, like a good cocktail or entrée, the ingredients are not in equal amounts. To enhance the flavor, one uses a dash of this and that to make it tasteful and unique. Somehow you have metaphorically over-salted a part of your life. Take this week to get it back into “equilibrium”.

Libra

*Wheel – This week has aspects that you balance loving Libras do not like – surprises. The Muse of Fortune comes when unexpected outcomes or aspects come into our lives. They can seem to be good or unlucky. But the amazing thing about this muse is she brings unexpected change into your life which in the long run sets you up for a win. The challenge is allowing the unforeseen and uncontrollable to happen.

Scorpio

Ten of Air – This week has all the potential for a mishap. The Muse of Instinct however is at your side. She reminds you that your gut is very good at telling you what and what not to do if you would only listen and then trust it. If you sense to not engage in something do not push through it. This week is not about facing your fear or being strong but listening to your intuition.

Sagittarius

Ace of Air – This week holds a few decisions that you need to make with your head and logic and not your heart. This is counter to what all the planets’ energy is giving out, so it may feel weird not to check in with your emotions. But this week your emotions befuddle the situation. Also Aces herald new beginnings and this one is about new thought processes, writing or knowledge in general.

Capricorn

Six of Fire – The Muse of Success is here to applaud what you have been doing. However, she also warns before you jump into a new project, you need to celebrate your success and rest in your laurels. Take this week to refresh, revive and relish the time before the next challenge or quest.

Aquarius

King of Fire – The Muse of Sovereignty advises that you take the lead this week. Not only because it is easier but also because, to be honest, you are right. You have the know-how, the smarts to know when you don’t, and the wherewithal to find the right help if you need it. Lead on.

Pisces

Eight of Water – The Muse of Cleaning is here with a broom, bucket, and mop. Yep, this week you need to clean up. Whether it’s your desk, your house, garage, inbox, or mind, clutter and debris are not your friends. The more you clean the finer your focus and the easier the work.

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Tarot and Art-Cast for week of June 11, 2023

June 11, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Yayoi Kusama. Her art is both joyous and deep. She works in a variety of forms: painting, sculpture, performance and installations, and the thing most of them have in common is dots.

Her fascination with dots started with a hallucination as a child. In this vision she was in a vast field of talking flowers. Each flowerhead was a dot. As she looked out into this infinity field, she felt as if she was disappearing or as she says “self-obliterating” into the landscape. By adding these marks and dots, or putting us in multi mirrored installation, she makes herself and us, as viewers, melt into and become part of the work and in a deeper level part of the cosmos.

In her words: “Our Earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos. Polka dots are a way to infinite. When we obliterate nature and our bodies with polka dots, we become part of the unity of our environment.”

Your pondering for the week: Be a polka dot.

******Just a heads up I am moving in this month, so I cannot guarantee what June will look like when it comes to the tarotcast. However, I will try to still put up some form of it, though it might be very abbreviated. Also, I am booked for readings until July 14^th. However, I will have my cards with me during the move for Quick Draws so you can text or email me. Though realize my response may take over 24 hours for me to get back to you. And thanks again for reading the tarotcast.

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Aries – good for ideas and moving your body. On Wednesday it moves into Taurus – great for work and spending time in nature. Then on Friday through the weekend it is in Gemini – communication and relationships are the focus.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Gemini it’s ruling planet so exchange of knowledge and how you do it is highlighted. Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Leo (expressing who you are, light) until October 8th. This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within? Mars (action) is also in Leo, so find a few (2-3) tasks that you want to finish by July 10^th and put your focus solely on them. This combo guarantees success.

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence. So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play. Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Gemini this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Scorpio it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

Aries

*Justice – The Muse of Fairness is asking you to defend yourself and/or someone else this week. Accountability is in question. But she asks is it fair to have only one person culpable or for one person to take all the credit for a success? As the say “there is no I in team”.

Taurus

Five of Fire – Chaos is in the air this week, so the Muse of Breath is wanting you to take one deep breath each time you encounter the “Mess.” She also reminds you that some of that chaos is caused by competition. So, watch for one-upmanship. And don’t get pulled into playing that game because someone will get hurt.

Gemini

Three of Fire – Last week the Muse of Motion reminded you that the world awaits your participation. This week the Muse of Venture continues the theme of momentum, but now asks what is next? Does what you do this week/month/year lead to what you want to do the next? At least a partial roadmap is needed.

Cancerian

*Judgement – The Muses of Evolution would like you to ponder what are you evolving in your life? For example: you want abundance in your life. What skills or mindset do you need to acquire it. Or do you want gentleness – what people are you attracting? How are you being gentle with yourself? So, start this process by discovering the word that you would like to become part of your evolution.

Leo

Nine of Pentacles – The Muse of Independence would like you to push the boundaries that limit you this week. She reminds you that this energy only comes when you are ready to venture out of your den. Your birthday is coming up and she would like you to test your wings.

Virgo

Yayoi Kusama, One with Eternity Hirshhorn until July 16 2023

Nine of Air – The weather patterns for past and future-tripping is stormy this week. So, the Muse of Worry is here to help you stop overthinking situations. She reminds you that “worry is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” So, your assignment is to stay in the here and now.

Libra

Yayoi Kusama, You Me and Balloons until Aug 2023 The Factory Manchester

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fluidity is recommending you go with the flow this week. Take things as they come, try not to make abrupt changes, and allow what cycles in, to cycle out on its own accord. If you find this challenging, she advises listening to calm ocean waves and sync your breathing with them.

Scorpio

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Craft is here to remind you that you are successful. She would like you to list all that you have mastered. This includes what might be considered mundane, like brushing your teeth daily, not yelling at someone, or paying your bills on time. She would like you to realize humaning is hard and even though you have had some challenges you have survived and thrived. So, keep on keeping on.

Sagittarius

Four of Fire – The Muse of Home would like you to spend time in yours. Not as a punishment but more like a staycation. Find ways to enjoy your abode. And if you are away from home, she would like you to buy something for it. Think – new pillow, a plant, a picture – what would make your home happy and feel appreciated.

Capricorn

*Hanged One – Last week the Muse of Spiritual Purpose wanted you to partake in sacred mysteries. And now the Muse of Suspension would like you to ponder what you found out. She suggests turning it inside out, looking at it upside down or the meanings in reverse. By circumnavigating around, over and under this knowledge, you get a fuller understanding and if you’re lucky an innovation/revelation/revolution.

Aquarius

*Star – The Muse of Inspiration is one of your life energies. She is helpful by encouraging you and leading you to new ideas. However, the challenge comes when you almost have too much inspiration/choices. So, she would like you to focus on one idea that you want to have happen and let that lead your actions for the week. Also, you get one free wish from the universe. What is it? Remember only one, so make it good.

Pisces

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage shows up when your thoughts are tying you down. She reminds you these negative thoughts were put there by others and you have adopted them. But she also prompts you that since you hold the chains you can let them go.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of June 6, 2023

June 4, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Radim Schreiber. Schreiber is a photographer and videographer. His main subjects are insects but for the past 15 years it has been fireflies. It wasn’t until 2008 did the technology evolve so he could photographs his subjects. He now can use standard photography techniques and with no flash. Fireflies hold a special place in our hearts, and it is Schreiber’s vision in his words: “I believe that fireflies open doors to joy, magic, and deep connection with nature. It is my mission to use the latest technology to represent fireflies in the best light possible, understand and communicate their message to the world.”

The Lampyridae are a family with more than 2,000 species. They are soft-bodied beetles commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates. Fireflies are found in temperate and tropical climates, usually in areas that are damp or have a close water source. While all known fireflies’ glow as larvae, only some species produce light in their adult stage, and the location of the light organ varies among species and between sexes of the same species.

It is not just the magic of their glow heralding the beginning of summer, but also fireflies’ light-producing talent, luciferase, that has provided invaluable tools for improving public health, for facilitating innovative research, and for advancing medical knowledge. Beginning in the 1960’s it was used as detection of noxious bacteria in food. Then when the genetic blueprint for luciferase was decoded in the 1990s it has been used to detect cancer, genetic activation, and helps in deciphering when a drug is working on a disease.

Cite: ted talk

Your pondering for the week: If you can’t find fireflies in your area to go watch. Find something else magical or awe inspiring to help you light up the beginnings of summer.

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Capricorn – great for starting full throttle into the work week. On Wednesday it moves into Aquarius – work on thinking outside the box. Then on Friday through the weekend it is in Pisces – do something that connects you to what you see as spirit.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding), so do your words follow with actions? Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Leo (expressing who you are, light) until October 8th. This is a four-month exploration in the question: How you outwardly express yourself, does it harmonize with who you are within? Mars (action) is also in Leo, so find a few (2-3) tasks that you want to finish by July 10^th and put your focus solely on them. This combo guarantees success.

Jupiter (growth) in Taurus an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence. So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play. Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Aquarius until June 11^th, giving us a taste of what the next 20 years will bring. Pluto is considered a generational planet and takes its time doling out its challenges and treasures. Pluto is bouncing back and forth from capitalistic Capricorn to socialistic Aquarius, so politics, technology and societal whims should be interesting to watch until November 19^th, 2024.

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

Nina

Aries

Queen of Wands – Last week the Muse of Sacred Wisdom guided you to important information. Now the Muse of Practice is asking you to put it into action. The challenge is if you missed the window of information gathering last week. So, this Muse gives you another chance, but she requires you to gift your guides while asking for their guidance. That can be simple acts of giving them a bit of your dinner or drink or just dusting off your altar.

Taurus

Queen of Earth – The Muse of the Sense would like you to engage with the abundance that surrounds you by engaging with your five senses. Work on giving yourself the time to linger and truly enjoy what you are tasting, seeing, hearing, smelling, and touching. The world is truly your oyster.

Gemini

*Chariot – The Muse of Motion has pulled up to your door and is beeping her horn for you to climb in and go. This can be as simple as having a joyride or two or as complex as making a bigger move like changing careers or locations. This Muse reminds you that the world awaits you, but you need to get out of the parking lot and press the petal to the metal.

Cancerian

*Star – The Muses of Hope comes to grant you a wish. However first you must ponder what is that one thing you really hope for? Then go out into the night and make a wish. As the cricket sings “when you wish upon a star your dreams come true.”

Leo

Ten of Air – All tens herald the ending of something. This Muse of Drama declares there is an ending of sorts in the areas of discourse or understanding. This muse observes that you have tried to get something across, and it is falling on immature (in like the not ready to hear it way), or noncompliant ears. And because it takes two to tango, how you are saying something isn’t working. So, you have two options: walk away or find another way to speak and listen.

Virgo

Page of Earth – The Muse of Learning comes when you have something to absorb to make a project easier in obtaining success. So hit the books, find a mentor or teacher, or dive into the internet. No matter who you pick to learn from, make sure they have mastered the skill or are knowledgeable in that area and then keep your own mind and ears open.

Libra

Five of Water – Last week the Muse of Structures wanted you to reevaluate yours. And now the Muse of Loss is here because something in your emotional plane is creating waves. This could be due to you not doing your homework last week. Or a sign that you have done it, but the process is not complete. This Muse challenges you that even though there is a loss, there is also a gain that you are not embracing. This week find the silver lining.

Scorpio

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change is one that Scorpios deal with your whole life. This is the process of dissolution, purification and then rebirth. This week you are in the process of that change. Figure out which part you are in and move to the next stage.

Sagittarius

Queen of Cups – The Muse of Fun is here and wants you to find ways to indulge her. Whether you play dress up, color outside the lines, watch comedy, climb something, play games, or hang with people that make you laugh, laughter and joy is what she would like you to focus on creating this week.

Capricorn

*High Priestess – The Muse of Spiritual Purpose would like you to spend time partaking in a form of scared mysteries. That could be ponder ancient manuscripts, hiking deep into nature, creating altars, or finding time for meditation. No matter the path you take she will impart some needed wisdom. The challenge with this Muse is that she hides this knowledge in synchronicities, faint but persistent whispers, and intricate thought exercises.

Aquarius

Ace of Water – All aces signify a new beginning. This Ace represents a new emotional start. The challenge is that you need to fill the cup before you take part in your journey. This week gather and list all that you love and brings you joy, so you can walk forward nourished with gratitude and delight.

Pisces

Two of Air – The Muse of Choices comes when you are ruminating or stalling on deciding. She reminds you that at least in this case it doesn’t matter if you go left or right, both will get you where you want to go. It is the movement more than the decision that holds importance.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Un’ichi Hiratsuka (平塚運一, Hiratsuka Un’ichi). Un’ichi was a Japanese woodblock printmaker. He was one of the prominent leaders and teachers of the sōsaku hanga (創作版画, “creative prints”) movement in 20th century Japan.

Sōsaku-hanga was an art movement of woodblock printing which was a backlash to the traditional ukiyo-e collaborative system where the artist, carver, printer, and publisher engaged in division of labor. Sōsaku-hanga artists advocate self-expression and the principles of the art form as “self-drawn” (自画 jiga), “self-carved” (自刻 jikoku) and “self-printed” (自摺 jizuri). This movement allowed artists more freedom and flexibility with their art and technique.

Your pondering for the week: Where does freedom and flexibility show up in your life, work, relationships? And if you find it lacking, what can you do to expand it?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Virgo – helping us start the week organized and focused. On Tuesday it moves into Libra – balance and harmony are key. Then on Thursday it’s in Scorpio – watch for emotional ups and downs. Lastly for the weekend it moves into Sagittarius – get out and explore your world.

This week the planets are the same as last week. Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding), so do your words follow with actions? Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer (self-care). Time to do whatever your version of a spa-day looks like. Mars (action) is in Leo (energizer) find a few (2-3) tasks that you want to finish by July 10^th and put your focus solely on them. This combo guarantees success.

NEWS

******Just a heads up I am moving in June, so I cannot guarantee what June will look like when it comes to the tarotcast. However, I will try to still put up some form of it, though it might be very abbreviated. Also, I am mostly booked for readings until July 14^th. I have a few openings left so if you want to book, book soon. Lastly, I will have my cards with me during the move for Quick Draws so you can text or email me. Though my response may take over 24 hours for me to get back to you. And thanks again for reading this tarotcast.

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

Nina

Aries

*High Priestess – The Muse of Sacred Wisdom comes to you this week to guide you to important information. The challenge is that she does it through synchronicities and enigma. So, look for multiple sightings of numbers, words or images that will help lead you to spiritual gifts.

Taurus

King of Earth – Manifestation continues with the Muse of Commerce. She asks you to define what you are buying and selling. Does it really represent what you want to manifest in your life? If so, great partake in commerce. If not, take this week to make sure what you are spending on is actually what you want to manifest.

Gemini

Knight of Fire – This week the Muse of Perfect Timing rides with you. She reminds you that no matter where you find yourself this week you are at the right place at the right time. The challenge is that each situation you encounter isn’t always positive. Nevertheless, positive or negative, you are supposed to be there to learn or impart something of importance.

Cancerian

Knight of Earth – The Muses of Pace is with you this week to keep you moving forward. She reminds you with the tale of The Tortoise and the Hare. The turtle won the race because of his slow but steady progress without hubris. This is not a week to overdo but to chip away at whatever is on your to-do list.

Leo

Four of Air – The muses of the fours help us ground and stabilize ourselves. The Muse of Restoration is recommending you find time to invite tranquility into your schedule. She usually shows up when you are not paying attention to your fuel tank. It is running near empty and only taking time-outs can stabilize you for what is ahead this week and into next.

Virgo

Ace of Air – The Muse of Intellect advises that you need to think of new ways to solve old problems. She challenges you to find these new solutions by innovating how you are thinking about the problem. For example, the problem may be the solution or how would you deal with it if it wasn’t problematic.

Libra

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structures comes when your structures need to be reevaluated. She asks what daily structures are working for you? What ones are working against you? How can you add more support to the ones that are working? Can you change the ones that aren’t and if not, how can you support yourself to maintain them? The simplest place to start is looking at your sleep cycle. The more complex is how your structures are entwined or constructed by others.

Scorpio

Five of Earth – Where the last two weeks were beneficial, this week brings in some chaos. The Muse of Scarcity challenges you by having you look at what is draining your resources. Whether the solution is decreasing your spending, paying off more of a debt, or stop wasting time with an unprofitable task, now is the time to find ways to seal the leak.

Sagittarius

Five of Water – All muses of the fives herald some form of chaos. This week the Muse of Loss comes because something in your emotional plane is creating waves. This Muse challenges you even though there is a short-coming, there is also a gain that you are not embracing. This week find a silver lining in every cloud.

Capricorn

Four of Fire – The Muse of Home advises you to put your energy into your home life. Time to garden, play board games, bake, cook, re-decorate, etc… This is a week to not only make your home cozier but also make time to enjoy it.

Aquarius

*Devil – Distraction is in the air this week. The Muse of Disruption has come to help. She advises you to do things like break down your goal into small doable tasks or find time in your day to put your phone on airplane mode (remember to tell others or they can create more distraction trying to find you). The more focused you are on what needs to be done and the more you get others on board with your program, the more likely you will be able to mute the rest of the distractions.

Pisces

Two of Earth – The Muse of Juggling is here to help you balance either your schedule or your bank book. For the former try not to do more than two tasks at a time and for the later saving is way better than spending this week.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of May 21, 2023

May 21, 2023 Nina

Filipina-A racial identity crisis_(1990) by Pacita Abad

Happy Birth month Gemini!

The artist this week is Pacita Abad. Abad experimented by using her version of the “trapunto” technique (and Italian word used in sewing and stuffing material to give a 3-d aspect) with her paintings. However, she also adds a myriad of objects such as buttons, mirrors, fabric, thread, beads, and mirrors to give it even further dimension. Abad traveled extensively and we can see how each of these countries gave her ideas, techniques, and materials to experiment and expand her own art.

She experimented with traditional art practices like ink-brush painting in Korea, paint brushing the Dominican Republic, batik making in Indonesia, tie-dye in Africa, mirrors in India, shells in Papua New Guinea. However, the continuity was the way she expressed her personal experiences through vibrant colors and the concept of the circle. Abad’s “work brought together images and experiences across cultures, economies and histories and offered reflections on the global long before the discourses of globalization and transnationalism were felt in the art world.”

Your pondering for the week: What do you do in your life that expands your cultural borders/experiences? And how can you be a better global citizen?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Cancer – start the week off with self-care. On Thursday it moves into Leo – your time to shine. Then for the weekend it moves into Virgo – spend time organizing your house and getting ready for summer or winter depending on your hemisphere.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding), so do your words follow with actions? Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer (self-care) until June 6^th. Time to do whatever your version of a spa-day looks like. Mars (action) has moved into Leo (energizer) find a few (2-3) tasks that you want to finish by July 10^th and begin putting your focus solely on them. This combo guarantees success.

Jupiter (growth) in Taurus an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence. So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play. Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make sure our structures are elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Gemini this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Scorpio it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. and I have a new tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

Aries

*Lovers – The Muse of Love has come to your house this week. She would like you to practice intimacy with those you care for. Do they know your love language, and do you know theirs? Favorite Food? Hardest time in life? What they are most proud of? If so great, and if not now is the time to have those talks. However, no matter which, now is the time to engage with your people so they know that they are loved by you.

Taurus

*Magician – The Muses of Manifestation is here to help you manifest something this week. It can be big or small… simple or complex. However, she would like you think about these criteria while manifesting: It works collectively in the material, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual plane. You should already have all the tools and skills to pull it off. And its effect should bring positivity into the world.

Gemini

Three of Air – This Muse of Breakthroughs has come to help in healing deep wounds. The challenge with this energy is it does it by triggering the sore spot. So, it is important to not react to the infliction but to dive deep into why it hurts. These are usually triggers that run deep in the past, getting activated in the present, so we can heal it now that we are in a safer space. On a totally physical level this can be a sore shoulder from a past injury that needs some care, or it can be a thought or emotional hurt that needs re-wiring or re-parenting.

Cancerian

*High Priestess and Seven of Earth – The Muses of Synchronicities and Function are here to help this week. These two muses would like you to look at how you tap into your divine power and knowledge. What is your practice? If you have one, then take this week to refine it. If you don’t then it is time to get in touch with your guides, put up an altar, define your sacred space and/or wander in spiritual places. Either way look for synchronicities to guide you to wisdom and new paths.

Leo

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Craft is recommending using your superpowers this week to make your world and the world at large a better place. So, Leo one of your superpowers is enhancing “shine.” This Muse asks not only can you help someone else shine, but can you also allow your luster to shine more?

Virgo

Four of Earth – The fours in the tarot help us ground and stabilize ourselves. This week the Muse of Material Savings is advising you to invest in yours. Now the material includes monetary aspects, but it also includes time and space. Her advice is to invest into at least one of these areas so you can stabilize your prospects. Examples are clean your house, put money into savings or invest, or dedicate time in activities that ground you.

Libra

Nine of Water – The Muse of Contentment would like you to focus on what you are grateful for. Her assignment, if you are willing, is to acknowledge something you are thankful three times each day (each morning, then each afternoon then each night). This activity will give you clarity in where you should invest your emotions in the coming month.

Scorpio

*Sun – Last week the Muse of Inner Strength had you practice poise and answer what makes you proud of being you. Well, its companion Muse of Shine has also showed up to not only have you continue that practice, but now would like you radiate this optimistic personal perspective to another. Whether that is as simple as smiling to a stranger or helping one of your friends see the best side of themselves. This week is about lifting-up, radiating positivity, and optimism.

Sagittarius

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Mysticism wants you to engage with your spirit. This is best done through interactions with art or nature. By communing with either, your mind can ponder, discover, and be inspired. So, take time this week to go to a museum, the ocean, hike in a park or dabble in your own art. Allow non-goal-oriented experiencing into your week.

Capricorn

Two of Fire – The Muse of Future-Tripping and Window Shopping would like you to spend time meandering through possibilities. This muse often shows up when you are stuck or not thinking outside the box or even at times big enough. She asks you what would you do if you had all the money, space, time, and energy you needed? Ponder and explore if you have set up boundaries that either are illusionary or that may have a work around.

Aquarius

Nine of Air – The Muse of Anticipation comes when you are fretting over something. She reminds you that hope and worry are both about anticipating the future. Worry has us trying to second guess outcomes. Where hope has us build outcomes. Both have their worth, but which one would serve you better with the thing you are fretting about?

Pisces

Three of Earth – Collaboration is key this week. The Muse of Teamwork reminds you that two heads are better than one but three are even better. But this muse also reminds you that when collaborating make sure that each person on your team brings different skills and perspectives. Diversity is key.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of May 14, 2023

May 14, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Camille Claudel. Claudel is a sculptor and is now recognized for her figurative works in bronze and marble. Claudel’s sensual sculptures are a testimony to her ability to convey an emotional narrative in metal and stone. Unlike her male contemporaries who stayed within the stoic realms of neoclassical and imperial styles. She addressed themes of love, passion, rejection, loneliness, the complexity of aging, and mental anguish with movement and emotionality.

By the end of the 1800’s her work was censored as overly sensual and inappropriate, especially from a female. Between that and the ending of her long-standing affair with a fellow sculptor, Claudel’s emotional state began unraveling. She experienced a psychological breakdown. As unsupported personally, as she had been professionally, her mother and brother placed her in an asylum. Where she stayed for 30 years until her death.

People with mental health issues in our society are sadly still seen as pariahs. So, what can we do to change the paradigm? First and foremost, “One of the best tools in your tool kit is empathy, advised Dawn Brown, national director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine Services. If you work on extending empathy to others in your daily life, you’ll be more equipped to do so to a stranger.”

Your pondering for the week: How can you bring more empathy into your life?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Aries – action is the key to begin the week with. On Thursday it moves into Taurus – ground your emotions. Then for the weekend it moves into Gemini – great time to reconnect or make new friends.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now moving forward in Taurus (grounding), so we can now move onward with more confidence. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer (self-care) until June 6^th. Mars (action) is also in Cancer so until May 21^st, it is best to let your heart run the show. At our best we can consciously act on what our heart needs. But be aware that at our worst we can get emotionally charged and overreact during this time.

Jupiter (growth) has moved into Taurus – so we go from manifestation to expanding pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence. So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play. Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make sure our structures are elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Taurus this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And 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. and I have a new tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

Aries

Three of Fire – The Muse of Enterprise advises contemplation on what you need to set into place for your next venture. This is a week for planning and preparation as you wait for pieces to fall into place or for the timing to be better for success. Preparation and patience are key this week.

Taurus

*Moon – This is a beneficial week to dive into your subconscious and the Muse of Visions is here to help in your enlightenment. Pay attention to your dreams for they have treasures to uncover. Not every part of your dreams is prophetic, but the ones that incite an emotional response have nuggets of truth to decipher.

Gemini

*Lovers – This Muse of Relationships is a lifelong company of yours. As a karmic mission, Geminis have the gift of gab and are on assignment to explore the ins and outs of relationships in all their forms. This week you will be working with this muse and looking at the levels of intimacy you have with various relationships. You will find yourself deepening some and distancing yourself from others. This muse would like you to look at them through the lens of commitment versus obligation.

Cancerian

Queen of Earth – Last week you were recommended to slow down or even stop and rest. This week the lights are green, but the Muse of Senses would like you to still take your time. She advises establishing strong boundaries around when you work and when you relax. She also recommends that you indulge in your five senses to keep yourself grounded in the present.

Leo

Four of Earth – The Muse of Hoarding is having you investigate why you are holding so tightly to an aspect in your life. A clue to this behavior is that it feels as if it stabilizes you. This could be true, or it could be based in fear. This is the week to discern which is the case. For if it is the former, then you are working against what innately is stabilizing in that aspect. By holding it so tightly, you are hindering its ability to create more abundance. She reminds you that faith in yourself is the key to stabilization.

Virgo

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Craft is recommending indulging in what skills you are good at. However, Virgo, you are very good at a variety of things. This week the muse challenges you to use your many talents or at least one in the world. Not only will this enhance your craft, but it will also lead to a turn into profit.

Libra

Knight of Air – This week if you find yourself in a rush or being pushed to decide – slow down. The Muse of Rushing arrives when things around you are too chaotic, and you need to slow down to think before you act. She advises while making any decisions you take your time and assess before committing. Especially when the situation is not a real emergency but is portrayed as one.

Scorpio

*Strength – The Muse of Inner Strength would like you to practice poise this week. Poise is defined as “a graceful and elegant bearing in a person”. So, this can be as simple as working on your posture or as intricate as defining what grace and elegance looks like for you (not society’s concept of it). She asks you what makes you proud of you?

Sagittarius

Nine of Air – The Muse of Overthinking comes when you are doing exactly that about something. She advises that you put this problem to bed for this week and let it simmer in the netherworld. You may find that it resolves itself, the solution sprouts from your subconscious or it never was a problem in the first place.

Capricorn

*Fool – This is a great week to clear part of your schedule, for the Muse of Spontaneity would like you to come out and play. She reminds you that play is as equally important to you goats’ mental health as hard labor. So go on a drive without a destination or at least take a different route. Or do something creative just for the sake of creation. By letting go of goal orientation for just a sec, you will find not only a sense of freedom but maybe a new path/adventure to propel you into the future.

Aquarius

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Spirituality wants you to engage with your spirit. And for you this is best done with art or in nature. By surrounding yourself with either, your mind can wander and be inspired. So, take time this week to dabble in your own art, go to a museum, go to the ocean or hike in a park.

Pisces

*Magician – The Muses of Manifestation is here to help you manifest something this week. It can be big or small… simple or complex. However, she asks three questions of your manifestation: Is it divinely inspired as opposed to be based solely in the material, emotional or intellectual plane? Does it require you to gain more skills? Does your manifestation bring good into the world? If the answers are No, Yes and No respectively then it is not the right manifestation back to the drawing board.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of May 7, 2023

May 7, 2023 Nina

The month of May is mental health awareness month. So, the artist this week is Anna Zemankova considered one of the prominent figures in Art Brut (outsider art). Early in her life she painted landscapes as a hobby but gave that up when she had her children. Pouring her creative spirit into their clothes, rooms, and conjuring fairy tales. But as her children aged and left home, she lost her sense of self and depression set in. So, she began drawing in her 50’s as a form of therapy. She followed a strict routine where she produced pieces evoking botanical forms and portraying them in delicate hues. Later she embellished her drawing with embroidery and beadwork. Zemankova leads us as the viewer and seemingly herself to calmer spaces where flow and nature reside. She worked at her art for the next 26 years, until her death in 1986.

Anxiety has been a been a visitor of mine since childhood. And when I had a health scare in my mid-thirties, well, it decided to rent a room in my mental space. It has taught me that I am an introvert trying to fit into an extrovert centric society, I need to create better boundaries and it brought art into my life. I had always wandered the edges of art by surrounding myself with artistic people, but I never really tried it.

Until I got sick and came very close to full blown agoraphobia. I started therapy and making sock monkeys. And then I learned how to sculpt from a friend and re-discovered my childhood love of dioramas. And then I took a class in scientific drawing and dabble in landscape paintings. Art now is an integral part of my mental health regime. It allows me to turn off anxiety’s soundtrack, reconnect with my flow, and do this blog. Thanks for reading it!

Your pondering for the week: How do you support your mental health?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Sagittarius – work on going with the flow. On Tuesday it moves into Capricorn – where you can finally get into the work week with more focus. Then on Thursday it goes into Aquarius – look for innovative ways or outside of the box thinking. Then for the weekend it moves into Pisces – time to daydream and play.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding) and in retrograde until May 14^th – this period is useful to reflect, review and redo especially within the aspects of how to be calm and focused as you convey your thoughts and intentions. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer (self-care) until June 6^th. Mars (action) is also in Cancer so especially until May 21^st, it is best to let your heart run the show. At its best we can consciously act on what our heart needs. But be aware that at its worst we can get emotionally charged and overreact.

Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 16^th – great for manifestation and expansion and during retrograde we can still get things done. Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint in Pisces to make sure our structures are elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient, think like bamboo or jellyfish.

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

Nina

Aries

Four of Fire – The Muse of Happy Home would like you to focus your attention on creating a more comfortable home. Whether that means doing spring cleaning, adding plants or a pop of color, or fixing that squeaky door, spend time this week making your physical home more comfortable and inviting.

Taurus

*Devil – This week has the potential to be something like Mister Toad’s wild ride with turns, mystery, adventure, surprises, and a bit of mayhem. Be aware that these detours are liable to distract you from your goals. So, the challenge becomes twofold. First have a clear focus of what you want to happen. And secondly if things de-rail, be flexible but have the resolve to get things back on track.

Gemini

Ten of Fire – The Muse of Burden comes when you are taking on too many responsibilities. Some of these things you carry are actually your responsibility and then some are not. So, she first advises you to put down what isn’t yours. Then with the rest she has you put them in order of urgency, take off the last two items, and only then can you successfully tackle the rest.

Cancerian

*Hanged One – If you are trying to get something done with a sense of urgency, this week’s energy will be like swimming upstream. However, the Muse of Suspension is the perfect energy for Mercury in retrograde vibe. Like last week this is a time to slow down review, revise, and redo. Now is not the time to move forward, but if you find the need to, carry flotation devices so you can take breaks from the opposing currents.

Leo

Seven of Air – The Muse of Stealth heralds that things are not as they seem. She says this is not a malevolent situation, but more likely it is surround by an air of ambivalence, wariness, or unsureness. So, she advises you to walk softly into situations this week until you can suss out the lay of the land.

Virgo

Five of Water – This week you will need to let some disappointment go to see the positive in a situation. The Muse of Partial Loss advises that though this week may have some burdens and frustrations there are at least two beautiful treasures within the situation. You just need to look around and see them.

Libra

Ace of Water – Last week the Muse of New wanted you to branch out and do something that you have never done before to expand your horizons. You get to continue this quest of “the new” with this week’s energy. The challenge is to find new ways that please your heart and deepen your emotional well.

Scorpio

Knight of Water – The Muse of Flirtation would like you to practice this skill this week. If you are partnered, time to reignite your relationship with flirtation and splashes of intimacy. If you are solo, flirt with others and light up their shine. Either way this muse challenges you all to flirt with yourself. For example, each time you pass a mirror give yourself a knowing wink.

Sagittarius

*High Priestess – The Muse of Sacred Knowledge is passing down some info for you. The challenge is that these messages are conveyed in paradoxes and synchronicities. So, take time this week to wander in the philosophical realms of the mind.

Capricorn

Six of Earth – The Muse of Karmic Reciprocity is playing with you this week. She reminds you that kindness begats kindness, but the opposite is also true. The challenge with this energy is that the path of reciprocity is never a straight one.

Aquarius

Nine of Water – The Muse of Contentment is wanting you to ponder what would make you content. She is challenging you to recalibrate your happiness meter. For you have either lowered your expectations too far or expect them to be an 11 on a 1 to 10 scale. What small change could you make or ask for that would give you pleasure of satisfaction? She advises to start there.

Pisces

Tower and Queen of Fire – The Muses of Fortification and Change would like you to stock up on resources and check your foundations. This can mean as simple as checking your plumbing for leaks, tires to see if they are worn, or restocking your pantry. Or it can be as complex as shoring up your mental health, getting your resume ready, or signing up for classes. Change is coming, are you ready for it?

Solar System highlights

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Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

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Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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NEWS

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini