Tag Archives: sculpture

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Oct 1, 2023

Caitlin McCormack , Aequalis

It is my favorite month for spooky inspired artists.  The artist this week is Cait McCormack, @mister_caitlin. 

 In their words:  “My self-taught practice primarily involves meticulously crocheted cotton thread that is dredged in a mixture of non-toxic glues, natural dyes, and foraged pigments, and fashioned into sculptural forms. The string central to this process is typically sourced from estate and garage sales, as well as collections inherited from my deceased family members, who used it during the Great Depression to create delicate adornments for their homes and bodies. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a kindergartener, and the practice is deeply entwined with my lifelong compulsion to produce hand-wrought objects in response to the world around me.”  

I love that during this month the veil between life and death gets thinner. McCormack’s work reaches through this veil. She sources their material, skills, and subject matter from the past.  And then their subject matter brings up these transgenerational questions of death, gender, sex, isolation, and ruination.   And within this process they memorialize the trauma or triumph of living.  

 Your pondering for this week: How do you memorialize your traumas and triumphs?  

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Taurus – start this week by grounding yourself.   On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – hone your communication skills.  On Thursday, the moon moves into Cancer – self-care is needed.  Then for the weekend the moon is in Leo – find a bit of sun and relax in it.   

The planets are starting to move.  First Mercury (communication and knowledge) is going into Libra on October 4th.  We moved from lessons to being clear and concise when communicating to finding the balance of listening as well as communicating clearly.   Mars (action) is also in Libra until Oct 12th. Having us purview that our actions justify our goals    While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  It is in its last week having us explore the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?  

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.    

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Libra, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aries, 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  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Sweet-Dreams

*Temperance– Last week the Muse of Possibilities asked you to expand your horizons.  This muse reminds you that experiencing “the new” not only expands your environmental space but also allows expansion in your mind and your soul.  Now that you have created space, the Muse of Intention would like you to do a deep dive into the why behind what you intend do.  Do your actions align with your intentions?  And now with the background in exploration of what is possible, you have opened yourself to new intentions and/or the space to redesign the old ones. 

 

Taurus  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Swim-Team

Queen of Water – Last week you had tea with your more sobering emotions getting to know them more intimately.  This week the Muse of Fun would like you to reacquaint yourself with the sunnier side of your emotional spectrum.  Time for playing in puddles, ridiculous dad jokes, and spreading random joy to others.  

 

Gemini  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Anything That Moves

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Spirit has come to inquire about yours. How is your passion level?  Your spirit? How are you creating in your life?  What is getting you up in the morning?  If you cannot answer one or all these, this is the week to contemplate on finding those answers.  And if you can, take this week to create space for your spirit to grow.   

 

Cancerian 
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Backyard

*Sun – The Muse of Radiance would like you to apply some shine to your life and grow.  She reminds you, however, not to step into the full sun without some sort of metaphorical sunscreen. You need protection so that you do not spend your solar energy solely on others’ well-being or growth.   

 

Leo  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

Four of Earth – The Muse of Savings would like you to not overspend in the areas of money, space, or time this week.  She would like you to bank some of these material commodities, so you can spend them with more leisure later this month.   

 

Virgo  
Caitlin McCormack, Cat

Ace of Earth – Material new beginnings are blessed this week.  The muses say that this energy is great for starting new projects on the material plane.  Time to plant those bulbs in the fall so they can bloom in the spring 

 

Libra  
Caitlin McCormack, Can’t Go Back There

Eight of Fire – Messages and information surround you this week.  So, the Muse of Messages advises you on how to sort through this pile of “paperwork” in two ways.  One, you have a single focus and only access the messages through that lens.  Or two, you can collect everything you hear and see without discernment.  And then next week categorize and prioritize it.  The key is that all this information is useful and if you miss some along the way it will come back around.   

 

Scorpio  
Caitlin McCormack, Best Behavior

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship comes when you need to hang with your BFF’s, for your emotional cups need filling.  The interesting thing is that their cups need filling too.  So don’t be shy or worried about interrupting, the hang is beneficial to all of you. 

 

Sagittarius  
Caitlin McCormack
Libidinous Drifter

Seven of Air – The Muse of Simplicity would like you to work smarter not harder this week.  She advises working on only the things that are easy to deal with.  You will have more success and gain more ground than you think you will if you do so. 

    

Capricorn  
Caitlin McCormack, Cold Soil Kettle

Knight of Air – This week has the potential to be full throttle.  So, the Muse of Rushing is advising you to slow down.  Watch getting pulled into situations or conversations that have potential of requiring a heroine or hero.  This week take the slow road and the metaphorical back seat.  And if you have to take action, watch and listen before you leap. 

 

Aquarius  
Caitlin McCormack, Different On The Phone

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure ask what are your foundational needs? She asks you to be specific like you need healthy snacks in the house, to wind down before bed by reading, more alone time or more time with friends. And then she advises to take one foundational need and implement it solidly into your schedule.   

 

Pisces  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

King of Pentacles – Last week the Muse of Intention wanted you to dive into your intentions and make sure they align with your goals and vice versa.  Now the Muse of Action would like you to start doing the action steps that are now more in line with your desires and therefore your destiny.  Take the step. 

 

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Sept. 17, 2023

 

Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Orange Cannabis

The artist this week is Alissa Alfonso  @alissaalfonso.  Alfonso works with repurposed fiber, found metal objects and fused plastics.  Her series Nature’s Medicine is focused on creating traditional medicinal plants and botanicals from these discarded items.  Her work exemplifies seeing the beauty of nature alongside its disappearance. She also has a series of puffy landscapes that are beautiful.  Part of the beauty of her art is that it is not only based on awareness, the fleeting beauty of nature, but also hope. 

In her words: “I dream of puffy clouds, idyllic landscapes, and kaleidoscope skies super-enhanced with phytotherapy. I have always embraced a deep connection with the natural world through my art. That connection is rooted deep in my subconscious where my imagination refabricates nature into my artful practice. My creations are a complex mix of emotions, memories and passions that preserve the natural world the way I enjoy seeing it. They highlight the beauty we can find in nature, without downplaying the devastation that we have and are causing.” 

 

Your pondering for this week: This is more of an exercise than a pondering. Record, either through a photo or writing, a moment in your day. It does not have to be exceptional, but I would like you to describe that moment to yourself or another with an essence of preciousness.  

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Scorpio focus your passions.   On Wednesday it moves into Sagittarius – free up some time to wander.  On Friday, the moon moves into Capricorn– focus on getting items off your to-do list.  

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now halfway through its 10 weeklong stay in Virgo (analyzation) and out of retrograde.  So, lessons continue with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mars (action) moved into Libra (balance) until Oct 12th. Having us purview that our actions justify our goals    While 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?  

The outer planets are still having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.    

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Virgo, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Pisces, 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  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Russula Mushroom

Ten of Earth- Last week the muse wanted you to push through projects.  This is another week of hard work.  But the Muse of Completion would like you to work on only projects that you can finish or getting a project to its next stage.  This week the muses want you to see that your hard work has end points.  So, at the weekend you are directed to relax and enjoy the break. 

 

Taurus  
Alissa Alfonso Echinacea

*Emperor – The Muse of Manifestation wanted you to get a head start on manifesting last week and that even makes more sense now, for the Muse of Building has arrived.  I hope you brainstormed last week what you wanted to bring into the world because this week the muses want you to start on it.  Go on, stop reading and get on it.  

 

Gemini  
Alissa Alfonso White
Clover

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Mastery reminds you that you have the skill set for whatever comes at you this week. This muse advises you to get on it and do it.  So, if you had to focus on something focus more on the schedule of when to do it than the how. 

 

Cancerian 
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Dandelion

Queen of Air – You are in a rut or not able to see the long-term or what is in store going forward.  So, the Muse of Details has come advising to focus on the small and forget for this week about the big.  Take this time to tidy up what’s right in front of you.  

        

Leo  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Sea Grass

Seven of Water – The Muse of Daydreams comes when in some way you are letting the reality of now over-rule the hope of tomorrow.  She reminds you that your life’s work is to feel comfortable in shining. So, get dressed up to get coffee, smile just cause, be overtly nice to the bus driver, and dare to hope for the best.   

 

Virgo  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Mushroom

*Devil – This week has every potential to be a bit of a roller coaster ride.  The Muse of Distractions advises setting goals early in the week so you can have something to focus on if the tempest arises.  Set your sights and hold the course. And do not let the metaphorical sirens call you off your path. 

 

Libra  
Alissa Alfonso Double Dose Cloudberry

Six of Air – The Muse of Transitions comes when you are going through or need to go through a subtle change.  She advises making just a few adjustments.  These incremental maneuverings can not only change the landscape but even change the outcome.  Steer with a light hand. 

 

Scorpio  
Alissa Alfonso Pea Flower

Queen of Water – Your second Queen.  Queens rule creation.  Last week the Muse of Senses wanted you to engage your senses to ground you in the abundance of life. This week the Muse of Fun would like you to create some light-heartedness to ground your heart in the abundance of positive emotions like laughter and love.  So, watch comedies, tell dad jokes, pun, smile at strangers, hug your friends and just be silly.   

 

Sagittarius  
Alissa Alfonso Aloe

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structures would like you to examine your everyday schedules.  How are they working out for you? If you need to, this is the week to adjust or redesign what is not working for you.  Your structures should support you not the other way around. 

    

Capricorn  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Ylang Ylang

Six of Earth – This week will have some twists and turns.  So, the muses advise to watch your reactions.  The Muse of Karma reminds that positivity creates positives and negativity creates negatives.  The challenging aspect with this energy is that karma does not always follow a straight line.    

 

Aquarius  
Alissa Alfonso Passion Flower

Queen of Earth – The Muse of Luxury would like you to indulge in some.  This muse advises the most memorable way is by using your senses.  So, each day indulge at least one of your senses.  Think scrumptious tastes, delectable smells, fuzzy feels, melodic sounds, and gorgeous sights.  

 

Pisces  
Alissa Alfonso Dandelion

Nine of Fire – The Muse of Preparation advises you to spend this week restocking your physical, mental, and spiritual resources.  Yes, winter is coming but not in the “John Snow” sense.  It is just that a new season is coming and the more prepared you are the better you will fare through it.   

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of August 27, 2023

Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa Desert Planet

The artist this week is Ruth Asawa. She is known for her intricate wire sculptures. However, she also painted, did printmaking and was an activist for the arts and education.  She was a co-founder of Alvardo School Arts Workshop and instrumental in building a public high school for the arts in San Francisco in 1982.

What I find interesting is her daily drawing practice.  Drawing was her way to hone her perception and concentration.  By doing so she heightened her awareness of her surroundings.  In her words: “My curiosity was aroused by the idea of giving structural form to the images in my drawings.  These forms come from observing plants, the spiral shell of a snail, seeing light through insect wings, watching spiders repair their webs in the early morning, and seeing the sun through the droplets of water suspended from the tips of pine needles while watering my garden.”

Your pondering for the week: Asawa said: a child can learn something about colour, about design, and about observing objects in nature. If you do that, you grow into a greater awareness of things around you. Art will make people better, more highly skilled in thinking and improving whatever business one goes into, or whatever occupation. It makes a person broader.” How has art made you broader in life, understanding of self, and/or more attuned to your surroundings?

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Capricorn – so we can jump into the week energized.  On Tuesday it moves into Aquarius – think outside the box.  On Thursday, the moon moves into Pisces – go with the flow. Then on Friday it moves into Aries – a great time to do small projects around the home.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now halfway through its 10 weeklong stay in Virgo (analyzation).  So, lessons continue with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mercury is in retrograde through Sept 13th.   Use this time as a pitstop to Reflect, Review and Redo.   Mars (action) moved into Libra (balance) until Oct 12th. Have us purview that our actions justify our goals    While 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?

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus until May 2024, an aspect that nurtures the expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence while investigating this aspect.  Saturn (structures) is in Pisces (flow) until 2026.  Wanting us to 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 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.  Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Pisces 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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*High Priestess – Your higher self is calling for a consultation.  So, the Muse of Intuition has come to help you integrate this deeper understanding.  One thing this energy tries to convey is confirming that you are here, as you are, for a reason.  You may not see it but this week you just being you is needed in the world.  As Carl Sagan said: “We are made of star stuff” and that is magic in and of itself.

 

Taurus
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

Knight of Earth – The Muse of Surefootedness is here to help you pace your week.  This muse would like you to work on a step-by-step approach with all that you do.  If you focus too far into the future, you may trip yourself up in the present.

 

Gemini
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

Ace of Earth – Last week the Muse of Stops told you to slow down.   Now the Muse of Flourishing would like you to ponder what area of your life would you like to grow something.  We are still in retrograde season, so seeds can be planted but know they will take time to flourish.

 

Cancerian
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*Magician– The Muse of Manifestation would like you to ponder what you want to manifest in your life.  Now this is not just a list of wants and needs.  You will have to ponder the intentions behind them too.  Remember intentions are the children of your desires and the grandparents of your destiny.

 

Leo
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*Moon – The Muse of Subconsciousness would like you to turn your shine inward.  This energy is perfectly in sync with retrograde season’s reflection period.  During this week pay attention to your nightly dreams or subconscious murmurings.  For example, maybe songs pop into your head for no reason.  Go read the lyrics.  This week is full of personal subtext.

 

Virgo
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*Chariot – Another high energy Muse to work with this coming year.  The Muse of Momentum would like you to plot out your road map for the coming year. The last two weeks you have worked with the muses reflecting backwards and figuring out what you would like to carry forward especially around the aspect of daily life.  Now this Muse would like you to plan your exploration of the world around you in the coming year.  Think of things like trips, goals, and destinations.

 

Libra
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

Two of Earth – The Muse of Juggling is here this week.  You all usually balance two things pretty well.  But this Muse would like you to focus on just one thing at a time this week.  This is less about your skill at multi-tasking and more about practicing laser like focusing on one thing so you can enhance it to its fullest.

 

Scorpio
Ruth Asawa

Four of Air – Perfect energy for this retrograde season the Muse of Rest has come to visit.  She advises that this week you work on restoring your body and mind as much as possible.  So, eat well, go to bed early and try to lower your technological input as much as possible.

 

Sagittarius
Ruth Asawa

Queen of Earth – The Muse of Abundance would love you to engage in all your senses this week.  She would like you to remind yourself how wonderful and full your life is if you just slow down and engage with the things you have worked so hard to establish and maintain.

 

Capricorn
Ruth Asawa

Seven of Fire – The Muse of Fitness is visiting you all this week.  This Muse would like you to tune into your body’s needs, so you can strengthen them making them more resilient.  Things like eating well, exercise, and mental agility are on the list to work on.

 

Aquarius
Ruth Asawa

Ace of Air– Hopefully you all got to do some daydreaming last week, because this week you need to start making plans and gathering more knowledge around how to bring some of those daydreams to fruition.  It is also a great week to read a book, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, and write.  Any of those activities also help you focus your mind.

 

Pisces
Ruth Asawa

Three of Fire – The Muse of Planning comes when some background work needs to be done before you start on a new venture or plan.  This week investigate and work behind the scenes so you can execute the next part of a project or mission with more ease.

Tarotcast

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

Yayoi Kusama
You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies, Yayoi Kusama

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 14th.  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 10th 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.

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.  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
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama, Eye Flying in sky

*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
Yayoi Kusama first infinity room

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
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama, Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens

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
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama

*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
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Paris 2023 photo by Thanna V

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
Yayoi Kusama, Flower

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
Yayoi Kusama, Dots Obsession

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
Yayoi Kusama

*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
Yayoi Kusama

*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
Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Nets

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 May 14, 2023

Camille Claudel
The Waltz, Camille Claudel

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 6th.  Mars (action) is also in Cancer so until May 21st, 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.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Aquarius until June 11th, 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 during until November 19th, 2024.

 

***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
Camille Claudel
Camille Claudel

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
Camille Claudel
The Wave Camille Claudel

*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
Camille Claudel
Sakuntula, Camille Claudel

*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
Camille Claudel
Camille Claudel, Young Girl with a Sheaf

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
Camille Claudel
Maturity, Camille Claudel

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
Camille Claudel

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
Medusa  and Perseus, Camille Claudel

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
The Gossips, Camille Claudel

*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
Camille Claudel

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
Clotho, Camille Claudel

*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
La Fortune, Camille Claudel

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
Augustins, Camille Claudel

*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 April 23, 2023

Willard Wiggan

Happy Birth-month Taurus.

The artist this week is Willard Wiggan, @willard_wiggan .  He has a show at Wollaton Hall Nottingham, UK, which houses the Nottingham Natural History Museum from April to October 2023.  Wiggan’s show “Disappearing World” is collection of sculptures that highlight endangered animals and the loss of biodiversity.  All his sculptures are viewed through microscopes and many within the eye of a needle.   For Wiggan is an artist of the small and minutia.  He sculpts and paints the world’s smallest art pieces.  He has been honored by the Guinness book of world records twice.

Wiggan’s show illuminates that not only every species matters but also if all of us do small acts of conservation we can make a difference.  In his words, “My micro-sized sculptures convey a bigger message to humanity.  An artful reminder that our world is disappearing, we need to act, and make changes. My tiny work engages a larger conversation, inviting visitors to consider a simple concept, small things matter.” E

Your pondering for the week:  This month we celebrate Earth and highlight how we can create and maintain a healthier home for all living creatures.  What is your contribution in maintaining a healthier coexistence on our Mother Earth?

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Gemini, good for conversations and relationship work.  Then on Tuesday it moves into Cancer – self-care becomes the focus.   Then on Thursday through the weekend it is in Leo – time to shine.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding) and in retrograde – 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 Gemini.  So, a deep dive into gratitude and working with the positive and nurturing aspects of all your relationships (this includes your relationships with all living things and your environment).  Mars (action) is in Cancer.  It is best to let your heart run the show until May 21st.  However, at its worst we can get emotionally charged and overreact, and at its best we can consciously act on what our heart wants.

Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 16th – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And 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.  And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Aquarius until June 11th, giving us a 3-month 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 during this time.

 

***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
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan,  Mount Rushmore

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship is asking you to connect with your friends this week.  It can be as simple as inviting them over for a potluck, a game night or as deep as having a heart to heart.  Connection is key this week to not only fill your cup but others too.

 

Taurus
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan,  Albert Einstein

*Devil – This week can have aspects that feel overwhelming, unsettling, or challenging, so the Muse of Impulse has come to guide you through.  She reminds you that when you feel the above you try to gain more control, and thus you can react impulsively.  So, she asks you this week to work on your skills in “bull riding.”   Bull riders do not try and subdue or control the bull.  They just try to stay on, enjoy the challenge and get off without getting hurt.

 

Gemini
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan,  Marie Antoinette

Two of Water – The Muse of Reciprocity would like you to engage in some love.  Whether that is self-love, partnered love or any relationship love, this week is about giving as much as it is receiving.

 

Cancerian
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan,  Trex

Seven of Air – The Muse of Stealth is asking you to walk lightly into situations this week.  There is more going on behind the scenes than you know.  So, this Muse advises to hope for the best, but expect the worst.  Your song for the week by Mel Brooks.

 

Leo
Willard Wiggan skateboarder on an eyelash 

*Fool – Adventure time continues with the Muse of Spontaneity.  This Muse would like you to turn left when you usually go right, try to find the end of a rainbow, say yes to a meandering walk or car ride.  The key is to go through this week without expectations and along the way you will find inspiration, hidden treasures, and possibly the feeling of freedom one finds when we leave our expectations on the side of the road.

 

Virgo
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan  Black Rhino

*Strength – This week the Muse of Instinct is your guide.  For the group of you in touch with following your gut, this should be an easy week.  But for those that question and don’t believe in their inner voice or moral compass, well this week can be a bit of a challenge.   No matter which group you are in, this muse would like you to flex your core muscle of self-confidence.  As Ru-Paul said, “Chin-up, shoulders back, tits out.”

 

Libra
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan

Four of Fire– The Muse of Home is asking you to invest in yours.  Spend time and energy to beautify the place you live in.  That can be a simple tidying up or jazzing up your digs with more plants, or a new color way.

 

Scorpio
Willard Wiggan
Willard Wiggan

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum would like you to spend this retrograde period in contemplation of what needs changing that only you can do and then make a road map to get there.  Self-reliance, a destination, and ambition are the key elements that you need to muster, so once this retrograde season is over (May 14) you are ready to roll.

 

Sagittarius
Willard Wiggan  Dragon 

Seven of Fire – So hopefully last week you took note on the areas that your accolades were pointing you to.  Because the Muse of Exertion is wanting you to use them to manifest or defend a stance.  Your willpower is what will power the next steps to advancing your cause.

 

Capricorn
Willard Wiggan,  Charlie Parker

Five of Water – The Muse of Reflection is here to help you work with this retrograde period (now until May 14).  Since your birthday you all have had a bit of a Mister Toad’s Wild Ride, ups, downs, and unexpected turns.  She advises using these next couple of weeks to process what you have experienced.  Letting go of what is lost or no longer useful and walking forward with what is rejuvenating and refreshing.

 

Aquarius
Willard Wiggan Falcon

Four of Water – The Muse of Stillness is sitting and waiting for you to sit with her for part of this week.  She advises you to split your time between introspection and interaction.  Doing only one will lead you to imbalance or overindulgence.  Where doing both, fairly evenly (remember there is no such thing as perfection), will bring contentment and stability.

 

Pisces
Willard Wiggan – Crown on a head of a pin

King of Air – The Muse of Far Perspective is here to remind you that this retrograde season instead of trying to manage with short term fixes, to turn your gaze and mind to long-terms solutions.  So, think less like applying band-aids and more like enacting life-changing choices.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of March 26, 2023

Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage Realization 1938

The artist this week is Augusta Savage. Savage was a sculptor, teacher, and community organizer.  Whether it is the crinkle of a shirt, the lines created by a body or the steady gaze of her piece John Henry, Savage’s sculptures are the essence of the sublime.   She brings natural beauty and emotions to her portrait sculptures, with a simple curve of the mouth or how we can feel the cold water the boy is about to jump into (see below).  This is the goal of portraits in all their forms, to not only portray a person but to engage us in our collective humanity.

Savage was a seminal artist.  Though an artist since her youth, it wasn’t until she was 29 when she was awarded a scholarship to Cooper Union in 1921, before 142 men on the waiting list.   Where she earned her 4-year degree in 3.  Then in 1929 and 1931 she was granted two fellowships in Paris.  In 1934 she became the first African American member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors and opened her own studio becoming an influential teacher in Harlem.

In 1937, she was asked to be the first director of the Harlem Community Art Center.   Also in 1937, Savage was one of four women and only two African Americans to receive a professional commission for her work to be included in the 1939 NY World’s Fair.  She spent two years creating Lift Every Voice and Sing (see Aries below), an homage to the influence of Black music in American culture.   But why do most of us not know her?  And if we do only know her through these smaller pieces.  What would not only Savage’s legacy, but our society be like if works like hers were not only in historical representation but also in the present public eye?

The above work is called Realization.  Though stunning, Savage was never able to bring it into the world, due to the absence of consistent funding and support for women artists, which still rings true today.  Realization is defined as an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact. Only 11% of all acquisitions at 26 prominent US museums over the past decade were of work by women artists.  When will we truly realize as a society that there is not equal representation of women?  Not until we see fifty percent of what we support and see in any museums and public spaces are created by women, and not just in highlighted shows for Women’s month.

Your pondering for the week:   How can you better experience and implement a truer representation of equal representation in your life?

Solar System highlights

This week the moon begins in Gemini – communication is key.   On Tuesday night it moves into Cancer – watch that your emotions don’t block your drive.  Then on Friday through the weekend the moon is in Leo, your time to play in the sun.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus(grounding) – this is a 7-week course on being calm and focused as you convey your thoughts and intentions.  Mars (action), after its 7-month stay in Gemini, shifts our focus from creating action not reaction through communication, moves into Cancer.  Now instead of our mouth running the show are hearts are.  So, at its worst we can get very emotionally charged and overreact, and at its best we can consciously act on what our heart wants.   Venus (beauty and harmony) is also in Taurus until April 3rd.  This is where it loves to be.  It wants us to indulge our senses especially with the natural world.

Jupiter (growth) is also in Aries until May 16, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint in Pisces.  So now all that work you did with structures, building and innovating them the past 5 years, it is time to make sure they are elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too flexy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient, think like bamboo or jellyfish.  And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) moves into Aquarius giving us a 3-month 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 during this time.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Aries this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Libra 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
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage Lift Every Voice and Sing

King of Water – The Muse of Emotions is challenging you to be the mature person in the room.  You are being asked to circumnavigate and direct others’ emotions out of the more shadowy lands that are laid out for you and yours this week.  That means you need to step up your compassion and speak from heartfelt empathy to gain any ground or consensus.

Taurus
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage The diving boy

Ten of Water – The Muse of Bliss is asking you to highlight what brings you joy this week.  First, she reminds you that you are successful in more than a few aspects of your life, and you need to honor those accomplishments.  Secondly, she asks you before you move to the new “next…”, take this week to have a bit of fun.

Gemini
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage

Two of Fire – The Muse of Future is asking you to take a moment this week and do some pondering on what your plans and intentions are for 2025?  She knows we are just ending month-three of 2023, but she asks  – are you doing what needs to be done to get to where you want to be by the end of next year?  This week is the perfect time to readjust if your actions and goals are not lined up, or you might find you need a whole new game plan.

Cancerian
Augusta Savage, John Henry

King of Fire – The Muse of Leading is calling you to take the lead this week.  She reminds you that being a leader does not mean having to do everything.  Delegation, teamwork, and cheerleading are vital.

Leo
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage

Nine of Air – Your second nine, so a little on that number.  Nines are about preparation.  Last week was about preparing your soul/fire to create a new spark.  This week you are asked to prepare your mind.  The Muse of Worry is here to help with your over-thinking.  Science has proven that worry and hope ignite the same part of the brain, so they are linked.  Why we worry is because we have an investment/hope for the future. However, where that goes haywire is when we continue to worry about possibilities that are beyond our control.  So, this week, focus only on the things you have actual control over and leave the rest to hope.

 

Virgo
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage

Five of Earth – Lat week had the potential for some storms and hopefully you were prepared for them.  This week you are dealing with the aftermath.  The Muse of Low Resources comes when your assets are at a low point.  This can be your energy, time, space and/or money.   She reminds you that you do not have to do this by yourself.  It is okay to be not okay this week.  You have friends and loved-ones that can give you a variety of resources, but it is up to you to ask for it.  And then not to feel less than for the asking.

Libra
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage The Musican

*Devil – This week can have a few deja’vu events for you.  The Muse of Tests comes to see if you have learned your lessons.  If you find yourself irritated, confused, lost, or tempted, she advises you to step back and think about the lesson behind the troubles.  You have already learned the lesson. You are just being asked to respond correctly to what has challenge you in the past.

 

Scorpio
Augusta Savage

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage comes to release you from old thought patterns that no longer work for you.  This can be as easy as an ah-moment or as complicated as feeling trapped.  However, you should pay attention to both those feelings, for this energy is highlighting negative inputs from others that you are holding onto. And it will help you finally find your sovereignty from these thoughts and situations.

Sagittarius
Augusta Savage Gamin

Six of Earth – The Muse of Pay Back is asking you to pay forward this week.  Whether that is paying for someone’s coffee or calling a friend or smiling at a stranger.  This week she asks you to emote as many positive vibes as possible out into the world.  For this muse will give you back positive energy three-fold.  The challenge with this muse is that the path of return is never direct or straight so keep your eyes open for money at your feet and smiles in the streets.

Capricorn
Augusta Savage
Augusta Savage The Singer

*Tower and Seven of Water – The Muse of Destruction and the Muses of Dreams are working together this week.  As a team they are asking you to lower your expectations of what you are dreaming.  Outside forces are not willing or able to work for your usual perfectly controlled outcomes or goals this week.  So, it is best to be as prepared as possible for twists and turns and then go with the flow.

Aquarius
Augusta Savage

Two of Water – So last week the Muse of Relations wanted you to focus on all your relationships.  Well, the energy has not switched that much this week.   The Muse of Love is now here and wanted you to invest some positive emotions into your closest relationships.  By filling your loved one’s cup, they can also fill yours.  And if it feels not equitable, now is the time to have a heart to heart around each other’s definitions of sharing and how you like affection to be given to you.

Pisces
Augusta Savage

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fun is asking you to have some.  You are taking life too seriously and this muse is advising to find friends and loved ones to do something fun or silly with.