Tag Archives: art

Tarotcast

Tarotcast for the week of June 17, 2018

Ende illuminated manuscript

Happy solstice, summer to those of you on the northern hemisphere and winter on the southern side.  In honor of the illumination of half of Earth,  I picked the art of Illuminated manuscripts.  In its truest form, it is manuscripts that are gilded with gold or silver.  However, it has expanded to all text that are illustrated from the 6th century to the late 14th in Europe.  The amazing thing about this work is these are our first picture books.

Above is an example of Illuminated art, that is unique for it is illustrated by a woman, Ende.  She helped illustrated the  illuminations of the Apocalyptic Visions of St. John the Divine in the Book of Revelations in the Mozarabic style in the late 900’s. This style is heavily influenced by Islamic art forms on geometry, rich color, ornamented grounds and stylized figures.   Illuminating manuscripts were typical done by monks; however, she most likely was a nun.

There are two other hands discernible in these group of manuscripts.   It was a typical process that each individuals did a certain type of illustration for the work, but no others signed these sheets. She signed the work as DEPINTRIX (painter) and DIE AIUTRIX (helper of God).  Was her signature meant to illuminate more than its pictures?

P.S. I have added examples of this type of work from a variety of periods.  Please share.

Aries – Seven of Swords

Undated Sotheby's handout photo of King Arthur fighting the Saxons from The Rochefoucauld Grail, in French, illuminated manuscript on vellum, c.1315-23, which is estimated to sell for £1,500,000ñ2,000,000, when it will be offered in Sotheby's London sale of Western Manuscripts and Miniatures on 7th December, 2010. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday November 11, 2010. The illuminated 14th century manuscript containing what is believed to be the oldest surviving account of the legends of King Arthur is to be sold for up to £2 million, it was announced today. The Rochefoucauld Grail, a colourful, illustrated account of the knights of the round table, Merlin and the Holy Grail is said to be one of the finest medieval texts in private hands. It is due to be sold by auction house Sotheby's in London for a price estimated between £1.5 million and £2 million. See PA story SALE Manuscript. Photo credit should read: Sotheby's/PA Wire<br /> Copyright in this image shall remain vested in Sotheby's. Please note that this image may depict subject matter which is itself protected by separate copyright. Sotheby's makes no representations as to whether the underlying subject matter is subject to its own copyright, or as to who might hold such copyright. It is the borrower's responsibility to obtain any relevant permissions from the holder(s) of any applicable copyright and Sotheby's supplies this image expressly subject to this responsibility. Note that the image is provided for a one-time use only and no permission is granted to alter this image in any way.

The Seven of Swords is about taking responsibility for your actions. Of course, we should do this all the time, but when getting this card this week your challenge will be around being aware of the reverberation of your actions.

Taurus – King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles is the mini version of the Emperor.  This week is about building your empire whether that is your business, your home, or your home-life.  The question is:  are you happy with what you are building?  If not take this week to reassess what you need to do to feel “self”-made.

Gemini – Five of Cups

Last week the Devil arrived for your birth month. This card came to show you the coming year will bring in your last act to the old, and  begin a new life or evolution.  This year will challenge to stay focus on your path and stand firm on who you are or want to be.  So for this week the Five of Cups arrived to have you go through the emotions of letting go of the old way of life.  This card reminds you that you need to go through a mourning period for the past before you move on to a brighter future.

Cancer – Ten of Pentacles

The “building” energy of the past two weeks continues this week with the Ten of Pentacles.  But this card reminds you that it is as important to enjoy what you build as much as building it.

 

Leo – King of Wands

The King of Wands challenges you this week with a question to answer or maybe a demand:  How can you increase the creativity and passion to your work this week?

 

Virgo – Four of Wands

This week the Four of Wands recommends spending time at home or under the shade of an oak tree. This is the card of comfort, coziness, and a sense of well-being.  The only challenge with this card is seeing the little details of life are as important as the big things.

Libra – Five of Pentacles

The Five of Pentacles challenges us to ask for help when we are low in energy, funds, or resources.  This card shows up to remind us when we are exhausted the first thing you need to do is stop and realize that you are, and then look to a peaceful space or friends for help.

Scorpio – Queen of Swords

It is another week of strategizing and preparing with the Queen of Swords.  This queen is the personification of strategy and communication.  The better prepared you are at what to say this week the easier the week will flow.  Watch your words.

 Sagittarius – Ace of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles foretells new beginnings on the material plane.  This is a great week to plant something, to start a project, or invest in your future.  Things grow from each thing you do this week.

 

Capricorn – Six of Swords

The Six of Swords challenges you to do some conscious exploration this week.  Whether that is in your world or in your mind, pay attention to what surrounds you.  The challenge is to take note or pocket those things or thoughts that grab and then keep your attention.  You will find them useful trinkets for future wanderings.

Aquarius – Eight of Pentacles

Last week the Magician challenged you to experiment with new things.  This week is the opposite with the Eight of Pentacles.  This card advises you to spend this week honing your craft.  The challenge is to only spend time on things you already are good at.  Keep your magpie quality of collect and trying new bright and shine things at bay.

Pisces – Seven of Cups

Last week, the Judgment card challenged you to be a more evolved and thoughtful you.  This week takes on a lighter tone with the Seven of Cups.  Sevens are the cards of explanation and contraction.  This card has you explore how your dreams can expand or contract your future.  We have a tendency to unrealistically dream or dream to small.  The best advice with this card is to dream just out of reach, so with a bit of effort you will obtain your goals this week.

 

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

Nina

 

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for the Week of June 3, 2018

Ornitographies by Xavi Bou

Above is the art project Ornitographies by Xavi Bou.  It is a study of birds in motion within a single time frame, making visible the invisible.  This series investigates the unnoticed movements and questions the limits of human perception of time.  Unlike the movement and scientific studies of Eadweard Muybridge and Etienne-Jules Marey  Xavi’s pieces feel more organic, more flowing. His images show the flow of movements of past, present and future.

To me these are a visual representation of zazen.  The goal of zazen is just sitting, suspending judgmental thinking and letting the words, ideas, images and thoughts pass by without getting involved in them.   It is about experiencing the whole concept of life without judgment in each moment.  Sounds simple but I have found it super hard.  As I watch my kitten playing with his mouse, I realize he is one of my teachers of this practice.  May you have a lovely week my friends.

P.S. Please share.

Aries – Knight of Swords

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week you had the theme ‘beauty adorns virtue”  This week continues that theme with the Knight of Swords  This card suggest that you slow down and take time to smell the roses. Be in each moment.

Taurus – Four of Wands

Ornitographies by Xavi BouThe artist last week asked you to pay attention to the details. The Four of Wands wants you to focus on the details in your home.  Focus on the how to create more harmony in your home.  Whether that is adding a calming color or adding some pop, remember harmony does not equate to uniformity.

Gemini – Three of Swords

Ornitographies by Xavi BouThe painting last week was about standing up for you rights, even if it is seems hopeless.  And that beauty arises outside the realm of judgment.  The Three of Swords extends this theme by having you deal with three self-defeating thoughts.  Your challenge is  look at the reason of why you carry around these thoughts through a lens of self-compassion.

*Cancer – Emperor

Ornitographies by Xavi BouThe artist’s theme last week was about being aware that you do not have control over reality, but you can nudge it towards your favor. And so the Emperor extends this thought for another week by having you add to and build upon the reality you are in.  This can look as simple you have to go to work but can you manipulate the time or space that you do it in.

Leo – Eight of Wands

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week’s art theme was to see parody(humor) in your life.  The Eight of Wands continues that theme of bring in and accepting the positive even joyful energy in your life. Arms and minds open.

*Virgo – Hermit

Ornitographies by Xavi BouDulle Griet’s hinted about being a bit devilish or against the social norm last week.  The Hermit would like you to continue the exploration of the outer edges of societies’ norms, but in theory with meditation and reflection.  This is a favorite card of Virgo, for this is a lifelong challenge of balancing your social and solo sides. The challenge with this card is not to seek solitude out of a reaction of being over social but to be proactive about scheduling your need of space and time to decompress. And the bigger challenge is do it without guilt.

Libra – Four of Pentacles

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week your challenge was to met people outside of your normal wanderings.  This week the Four of Pentacles takes an about-face from the emotional realm to the physical one.  Your goal is to save time, money and space anywhere you can.  Your challenge is not to feel selfish about it.

Scorpio – Six of Pentacles

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week your challenge was two-fold, taking on a challenge and proving the “haters” wrong.  This week, the Six of Pentacles’ lesson is around the “give and take” in your life.  The goal is lowering your input to people or work that you are not getting something positive in return.  The challenge is to do it without them noticing.

*Sagittarius – Judgment

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week your painting was about finding and bonding with your inner horse.  The Judgment card challenges you to create a ritual or rite of passage that moves you on to the next act of your life.  This can be as simple as lighting a candle and blowing it out to release the old, or as complex as burning all your old journals.

*Capricorn – Tower

Ornitographies by Xavi BouThe art last week challenged you to see the boundaries you may be holding on to around your passions or your way of life.  The Tower comes this week to break down those walls if you haven’t already.  The Tower comes to shake things up because something you have not been dealing with and that doesn’t work, needs to change.  The best way to deal with this card is to stand back and enjoy the destruction.

Aquarius – Five of Swords

Ornitographies by Xavi BouThe painting last week advised you to see that your history or past experiences are useful in the present whether you see it or not.  The Five of Swords this week continues this theme by challenging you that you can learn more from your mistakes and failures then you can from your successes.

Pisces – Four of Cups

Ornitographies by Xavi BouLast week’s painting suggested to come at your life with softer edges.  This theme continues with the Four of Cups this week.  This card is the card of self-compassion and empathy.  To see the world, its people and yourself without sharp edges.

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

Nina

 

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for the Week of May 27, 2018

Night Rain on Oyama by Utagawa Toyokuni II
Night Rain on Oyama by Utagawa Toyokuni II

This tarotcast is an experiment with my casting for the week and art.  Usually I pull cards and then cast about for the art to go with the general energies of that week.  This week I am going in the opposite direction and letting the art take the lead.  I think the arts were born under the sign of Gemini.  Gemini is the first sign in which we work on how and why we communicate with the world.  Art is a place where we try to create, experiment and communicate with something outside ourselves to convey what is going on inside ourselves.

So this tarotcast I’m going to let the art solely express your goals, challenges, energies that surround you.  I will add a tidbit about the painting that I find relevant to the piece or energy of your cast.  This is exercise in mindfulness, of truly experiencing a piece of art. I challenge you to dive deep into each piece and ask how does this makes me feel and see what thoughts it brings to the surface.  Like the sign of the Gemini where the twins peer at each other, looking for similarities and differences, so does the exercise of experiencing art.  The artist is the twin to the piece and then the piece becomes the twin to the viewer.  Art challenges us to look in to it and truly see ourselves – our common humanity through time and space.

P.S. I have also put links for each piece if you want to dive deeper into the art or artist. Please share.

Aries- Ginervra de’ Benci by Leonardo da Vinci 1475

twin

On the back side of this portrait he painted VIRTVTEM FORMA DECORAT (“beauty adorns virtue”)

Taurus–  Portrait of Paolo Morgia by Fede Galizia, 1595

Fede was well-known as a portrait painter by the age of twelve. She was meticulous in her attention to detail look at the reflection of the glasses in his hand, they reflect a window not seen.

*Gemini – Portrait d’une negresse by Marie-Guillemine Benoist 1800

Six years previously slavery was abolished in France, though short-lived, so this image became the symbol for woman’s emancipation and black people’s right.

Cancer – Early Moonrise, Florida by George Inness 1893

Inness was known for interpreting rather than recording natures views, moving away from the Hudson River School artists’ transcriptions of nature.   According to Inness “you can suggest reality…you cannot paint reality.”

Leo – Stay High 149 aka Wayne Roberts 197?

He was a superstar in the underground up and coming graffiti scene of the 1970’s.  This piece is a parody on the British television show The Saint.

Virgo – Dulle Griet by Pieter Bruegal the Elder, 1565

Dulle Griet also known as Mad Meg, in Flemish folklore who leads an army of woman to pillage Hell.  Her mission refers to the proverb “She could plunder in front of hell and return unscathed.”

Libra – Le Pont del Europe by Gustave Caillebotte, 1881

The three prominent characters in this portrait are theorized as a  representation of the three classes of Parisians who normally not met in society but do on this bridge.

*Scorpio – Carousel in Santa Monica by David Michael Hinnebusch 2006

In 2006, a friend of the artist, who didn’t like Hinnebusch’s art on found materials, took him shopping at the art store. He bought $2,000 US worth of Golden Acrylics, brushes and 10 large canvases and this is one of the painting that came out of that excursion.

Sagittarius – Personnages aux Chevaux, Characters with Horses, by Marcelle Cahn  1935

Was one of the few female artist in 1930’s associated with the movement Abstraction-Creation, which was a counteract to the Surrealist movement.

Capricorn – Closed Gallery by Robert Barry 1969

Closed Gallery consisted of three invitations to gallery shows in Amsterdam, Turin, and Los Angeles printed on simple white cards. They informed the recipients that during the exhibition, the gallery would be closed. “It’s the purest form of this notion of what the physicality of art is and what art is really all about. One doesn’t need to even have the gallery space”, said David Platzker, who sent out numerous announcement cards worldwide, each saying simply “During the exhibition the gallery will be closed”.

 

Aquarius – La Rue du Soleil,  Port Vendres by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1926

Charles started his career as an architect and was influential in the Art Nouveau and Secessionism.  He abandoned it later and focused solely on painting watercolors later in life.  Though like the reflection of the buildings in the water you can still see buildings are still in his mind.

Pisces – Summon Up by Frederick Hammersley, 1958

He wrote that “hard-edge is often very hard to take, coming to the cold or even to the practiced eyed.”

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

Nina

 

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for Week of May 20, 2018

rock garden of chandigarh

The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a sculpture garden in Chandigarh, India.  It was started in secret by Nek Chand, a government official in 1957. He worked in his spare time, may times at night, bicycling his materials into the forest, an kept it secret until 1976.  since it was on public land the authorities wanted to tear it down, however, locals fought for his creations. He won and was hired by the government to continue his work with a crew of 50 workers. Today it is spread over an area of 40 acres. The entire project was built from industrial and home waste and thrown-away items.

I just love this story and its creation.  It started from a man who saw all this destruction and waste and he decided to create something magical.  This is an amazing trait of humans and to create beauty out of what others consider trash. A trait that is useful in building up our resilience but also creates a bit of magic in our lives.

P.S. Please share.

Aries- Six of Cups

rock garden of chandigarhLast week the Tower challenged you to let go of needing to control change and to subtly navigate it by shifting your stance.  This week the Six of Cups continues the theme by having you look back in to your history for clues on how to deal with this change.

Taurus– Nine of Swords

rock garden of chandigarhThe Nine of Swords is the card of worry.   Worry can be helpful when you use it to prepare for the future or to re-think about your past.  However, the challenge with this card is to know when worry becomes nothing but thoughts that have no objective or conceives a useful action.  This week be aware where your worries take you. Continue reading Tarot-cast for Week of May 20, 2018 →

Tarotcast

Tarot-cast for Week of May 6, 2018

Ellsworth Kelly

Above is the artwork, Colors for a Large Wall, by Ellsworth Kelly. Kelly covered 64 square canvas in a single color and then randomly fused them together to become a bigger piece.  This was the beginning of his life-long inquiry that paintings were objects within themselves. This painting became the seed for many of his future pieces juxtaposing panels of different size, shapes and colors in to countless variations of work.

Kelly once said that ..if you can turn off the mind and look only with the eyes ultimately everything becomes abstract. I would also add that paradoxically it becomes simpler.  That by turn off the mind both abstract and simplicity can hold a unique form of beauty and peace.

P.S. Please share.

Aries- Four of Swords

Ellsworth KellyScience says that rest is a valuable component of your health regime and the Four of Swords recommends you will need it.  The Four of Swords also challenges you actually to not push anything through this week.

Taurus- Two of Cups

Ellsworth KellyThe Two of Cups recommends applying your energy to deepen your close relationships.  Our emotions are set into memory with our senses. So look in your love ones’ eyes, breathe in their scent, touch them with love, and listen to their feelings behind their words. Continue reading Tarot-cast for Week of May 6, 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 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