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

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