The artist this week is Shadi Ghadirian @shadighadirian. Ghadirian draws from her own experience as a modern woman living within the ancient codes of Shariah law and war. She juxtaposes everyday objects humorously in her Qajar and Like Everyday series and with a more serious tone with Nil,Nil series and Miss Butterfly. Her photographs expose us to how Middle Eastern woman are often portrayed in traditional roles as well as how they are seen outside the Middle Eastern culture.
In Like Everyday Series she used her wedding gifts as props contrasting her perceived new role as housekeeper and wife with her professional life. We also see that the items she has chosen portray the stereotypes of women all over the world ie: hatchet as the shrew, or the teacup as a hostess. As a viewer we see in Ghadirian’s work the push and pull of the culture war of past and present, Eastern and Western culture, traditional women roles versus professional lives, and trying to live while at war. By playing with these contrasts Ghadirian brings us not only to the quest of Middle Eastern women’s challenge of trying to define themselves in their culture, but also has the viewer seeing our own struggles in defining who we are.
Your pondering for the week: Where have you been pulled by opposing forces? Did it help/hinder the shaping of who you are?
Solar System Highlights
The Moon starts in Capricorn – perfect to getting an energetic and focused start to the week. Then it moves into Aquarius on the 10th – innovation and forward thinking is the focus. Then the moon is in Pisces for the weekend – spend some time near or in water. Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo a great time for sharing, helpful advice and hashing out solutions. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer until Thursday – beautify your home, spend time with loved ones and focus on self-care. Then it moves into Leo where the focus switches to updating your style. Mars (action) is in Taurus, so action steps are at a saner, slower, and steadier pace. Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th. It influences action and expansion over the summer months. And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its focus.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Leo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Aquarius it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.
May light be on you, around you, and within you,
Nina
Aries
Three of Swords – Last week the Muse of the Subconscious was asking you to do some shadow work and find what is hidden or blocking your path. This stirred up some emotions, so this week the Muse of Wounds has come to help you in the healing process. First, she reminds you that these hurts have a source in your past. So this week self-care and healing are your focus. Secondly, she reminds you that you are a warrior/ess. You are alive and have survived these hurts. However, to truly mend you must go to the root of the wound and heal it from there.
Taurus
Six of Coins– The Muse of Mini Karma is here to remind you that what you do and say reverberates into your world strongly this week. The positive energy you give out is reciprocated; however, this exchange usually takes a winding path. You smile at someone, and another person opens a door for you. However, the challenge is this also work for negative energy.
Gemini
*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation advises to ground yourself this week and let the energy of life flow through you without resistance. By going with the flow and seeing all perspectives, you will find the middle path of ease and balance. This is not a week to rush or push through. Relax into the ebbs and flows of your life.
Cancerian
Knight of Coins – This week the Muse of Pace advises that slow and steady gets you to where you want to go. This is not the time to add more to your list but to get done what is already there.
Leo
Page of Swords – Your third energy to work with this year is the Muse of Inquiry. This Muse advises to sharpen your skill at astute questioning and deep listening this year. Many scenarios will play out in the coming months and the only way to be in on the inside scoop is to keep asking questions until you get to the core of the problem.
Virgo
Five of Cups – The Muse of Spilled Milk comes when you are focusing on the negative and not seeing the positive aspects of the situation. So yes, you will have a few emotion bumps in the road this week, but you also have some lovely spots you can engage with. Or think of it like this, what has not worked out was spoiled milk anyway and not appropriate to consume. Now is the time to find the good and leave that spoiled milk on the ground.
Libra
King of Wands – You have the clarity and confidence to tackle anything this week as long as you follow your intuition. This is not a week to second guess yourself. You got this, now go.
Scorpio
*Magician – Last week the muses asked you: What needs to be retrofitted to endure the stress and strain of your life? Do you need to eat better? Sleep more? Or is it more challenge like letting go of someone or a job that is slowly sucking your life-energy? This week’s energy gives you the boost to start conjuring these more sustainable structures.
Sagittarius
Two of Swords – The Muse of Choice has come to help you make decisions. There will be options this week that signal a fork in the road. This muse advises when choosing to not rely on your pros and cons list but more on how you would feel in each choice. This week the heart guides you better than the mind.
Capricorn
Six of Cups – The past will play heavily in the present this week. The Muse of Days Gone By shows up when the past has some hidden bounty for you in the present. Pay attention to feelings of déjà vu and artifacts of ancient times. Or you can explore attics, basements, and antique stores for treasures.
Aquarius
Page of Coins – This week you will need to put on your thinking cap and/or hone a skill or two. The Muse of the Student shows up when you need to learn something before you start in on a project. So literally or metaphorically read the instructions and assess your tools before you start to build.
Pisces
Four and King of Swords – You have two muses this week working in tandem. First the Muse of Restoration telling you to find time to unplug from the world. Then the Muse of Long-Term Planning is wanting you to use this time to think about where you want to be in 1,3 and 5 years. This week you need silence to mull over the plan to get you from here to there.
You must be logged in to post a comment.