Christmas carols are all over the radio.  And one of the top ten is Hark the Heralds Angels Sing. The melody was composed by Felix Mendelssohn.  Or was it?  His older sister Fanny Mendelssohn was an accomplished pianist by the age of 13.  Starting a year later both she and Felix received instruction in music composition.  Their teacher favored Fanny over Felix; however due to the prevailing attitudes of the times her Father was tolerant but not supportive.   Her father wrote to her in 1820 Music will perhaps become his [i.e. Felix’s] profession, while for you it can and must be only an ornament.

This did not stop her. She married a more supportive husband, Wilhelm Hensel (he drew the sketch of her above).  During her life, she composed over 460 pieces of music, and the number is increasing.   In 2010 historians found in her diary her mentioning Easter Sonata which was attributed to her brother and is now attributed to her.  This wasn’t the first time her songs were misconstrued for her brother’s.  In 1842 while Queen Victoria was receiving Felix at court, the Queen expressed intention of singing her favorite song of his; however, Mendelssohn had to confess it was Fanny’s.  In several correspondence between the two siblings one finds that they helped each other in arranging music through out their lives.  So, it is possible that Fanny had a hand in one of our popular Christmas carol.

 

P.S. Remember signs with an * it a big week for you.  Sagittarius this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Gemini it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time.

 

Aries

Seven of Swords – The last couple of week’s energies helped you with the processes of change and building momentum.  This energy decreases this week but still helps you create minor victories, however, they can test your morality and focus.

 

Taurus

Nine of Coins – Last week you were tested on what you stand for and keeping your focus.  This week the energy turns from outward to inward.  It is a great time for any work in the physical plane.  Last week distractions continue but this week you have a chance creating a physical distance to help you focus. The challenge is to get any work done you need to find your secret garden and only let in those that respect your privacy in.

 

Gemini

Eight of Wands – Last week, the Sun card brought energy to do what you needed to, and challenging your skills of focusing the right amount of attention on each project/person.  This week continues this positive vibe.  Anything you aim at will hit the mark.  The challenge is that you will get a lot of information back from in each inquiry.  So, focusing on what is a priority can be a test.

 

Cancer

*Wheel – The Wheel’s energy is about changing your fortune.  This dynamism arrives just before the eclipse that will affect Cancer/Capricorn.  These eclipses are your battery chargers for the next 12 years.  This week’s challenge is figuring out where you want to hook up your battery’s cables for the following week.

 

Leo

Ace of Coins – This week is great for starting projects or anything to do with your hands/body.  The Aces come to pave new highways and in this case, it is on the material plane.  No challenge this week – dig in.

 

Virgo

Nine of Cups – The energy this week is all about contentment.  This is both gift and challenge.  The challenge comes from feeling as if there is something missing, however, the gift is you are right where you need to be, doing what you need to do.  Bliss is fleeting but contentment can be reach daily.

 

Libra

*Hermit – The Hermit comes when you need space to gain perspective and grounding.  The challenge is finding that time and space, not only because, this is the holiday season but you all typically have a load of people around you.  It would be advisable that you find alone time this week before the hustle and bustle starts over the holidays.    This can look as simple as going holiday shopping alone or taking the long way home.

 

Scorpio

Nine of Wands – Last week’s energy was asking you to make your dreams and ideas into reality.  This week continues that energy however, with a focus on preparation, gathering resources and protecting your time to do the work. The challenge might feel like an upper ward battle, but your persistence will win out in the end.

 

Sagittarius

Ace of Swords – This week should feel, no matter when your birthday falls, as a fresh beginning.  This coming year will have a focus on communications, philosophizing, and the mind.   The challenge is focusing while all your thoughts are swirling around you this coming year.  Take some time this week to listen to your thoughts for new ideas are in the mix.

 

Capricorn

Knight of Cups – This week is all about vulnerability.  This isn’t an easy card for you all because of your stoicism.  Vulnerability is not wining or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when you have no control over the outcome.  Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s out greatest measure of courage. – Brene Brown

 

Aquarius

Queen of Coins – The energy last week was about building on what already exist and challenging you that what you build should help others and not come from a place of hubris.  This week continues this theme of building, but it is also about the balance of working and enjoying life.  This week give all your senses some time to indulge.  Ie: eat for taste, smell for comfort, listen for joy, feel for love, and see for beauty.

 

Pisces

Ace of Coins – Last week you needed to gain perspective and some distance literally and metaphorically.  Hopefully this will help guide you, for this week’s brings new beginnings on the physical plan.  This is a great week to start new projects.  Also, it would be great is you can do something with your body that will ground you.  This can be as simple as taking a walk outside, creating something with your hands, or shoveling snow or dirt which ever hemispheres you are in.

 

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

Nina