As many of you know I love monsters.  As a kid the monster under the bed was a real thing until I bargained my socks for not grabbing me when I went to bed.  I then questioned maybe monsters were misunderstood and could be befriended.  This of course was supported by the books by my two favorite storytellers and illustrators Maurice Sendack and Edward Gorey.   One of my favorite monster artists John Kenn Mortensen   also has brought to life some of the monsters scenarios that I came up with as a kid.

He is a self-proclaimed outcast, father of twins and works in comics and television.  He “doodles” on sticky notes.  He doesn’t consider them illustrations because they don’t illustrate a narrative.  However, they do tell a story or maybe the beginnings of a visual one.  The sense of scary is so well balanced with his sense of wry humor – a nightmare with a tongue in cheek wit.  Not only is his imagination wickedly fun, it shows art doesn’t have to be big, can be done with things around your house  and can still create an emotion.

You can find more of his stuff on Instagram @johnkennmortensen)

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

Aries

Five of Coins –Last week I hope you took advantage of the Emperor’s energy, building on the material plane.  The Five of Coins continues the Emperor’s advice on you focusing on projects already started; however, you will find little time or resources to do anything else.  Again, this is another week not to start on the new.  One challenge is you can easily lose things and time, so be careful where you lay your keys and how you spend your hours.

Taurus

Page of Coins – The last couple of months you have had the Chariot with the Hanged Man giving you ample opportunity to get your show on the road.  Luckily the Page of Coins has shown up to assist in the process for another week.  The Page of Coins is the card of the student.  Your environment is trying to share some useful information to help in your progression.  The challenge is you keeping your mind open to new ideas while asking questions to deepen your knowledge.

Gemini

Eight of Wands – Information comes at you in all directions this week with the Eight of Wands.  The challenge is only grabbing on to the information that you need.  The best way to handle this barge of data is focus.  Focusing on what you want betters the funneling of information.

Cancer

Nine of Swords – The Nine of Swords is the card of worry.  The best way to deal with this is to give yourself time to worry and write them down.  Then circle the ones that you can do something about this week. And the best projects to work with this energy are ones that ground you, like working with your hands and/or body.

Leo

*Devil – What a combination for the last week and this week.  Last week, the Justice card came pointing out decisions that need to be made but you need more background information to make a justified decision.   Reminding you to stay true to your truth throughout last week.  Well that hasn’t changed with the Devil card.  The added challenge this week is your morality, integrity and purpose will be tested.   The Devil comes not really to teach you anything but to test you if you are being true to yourself.  So, the more honest you are that your choices are compatible with who you are, the better you will do with the trials surfacing.  This can look as simple as standing up for somebody on the bus, or as complex as telling your truth.

Virgo

Knight of Cups – The Knight of Cups energizes your emotions.  If you follow your heart this week you will gain momentum.  The challenge with this card is it tests your ability to be vulnerable.  The benefits you get in this vulnerability exercise is you get stronger and increase your compassion for yourself.

Libra

Two of Coins – The Two of Coins is the card of balancing in motion.  The challenge with this card is not trying to take on too much at once.  Learn to juggle one item before you add another to your schedule.   This is not a week where multi-tasking comes easily or productively.

Scorpio

Three of Cups – Nice card the Three of Cups.  It is the card of friendship.  This card comes when your emotional cup needs filling.  So, make hanging with friends your priority this week.

Sagittarius

Six of Swords – The Six of Swords is the card of perspective and simplification.  When this card shows up it advises standing back from aspects of your life or work this week to gain perspective.   The goal is to help you streamline your thoughts, solutions, and/or processes.  Your motto:  Work smarter not harder.

Capricorn

Two of Wands – The Two of Wands come when you need to broaden your horizon.  It is a great week for travel or going to events.  Walk outside your normal circle of life.   There is inspiration, intriguing information, and new experiences waiting just over your horizon – go find it.

Aquarius

Ace of Swords – Another Ace so new beginning abound once again this week.  Though the material plane was the focus last week.  This week is about decisions, information and ideas.  The only challenge is trying to follow it all at once.  So, the key to ease this week is focus and no multi-tasking.

Pisces

Page of Cups – Last week the Star Card had you making wishes, relaxing, healing and having faith in the Universe.  This week the Page of Cups continues pouring hope into your heart.  This Page challenges you that being kind to yourself and seeing the beauty that surrounds you with child-like eyes the more your emotional cup fills.  Embodying hope not only changes your outlook but those around you.

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

Nina