Tag Archives: Tarot and Art

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 16, 2022

Mu Pan

Continuing this month’s theme of eeriness, the artist this week is Mu Pan @mupan1911.  Mu Pan’s paintings are like painted pyrotechnics and full of allegory.  They are often depict epic life and death battles between humans, animals, and fantastical beasts.  We can see his influences from manga, Chinese scroll paintings, Indian miniatures, and Japanese ukiyo-e prints.  However instead of just a scene or moment in time, his paintings tell a story. He often using primates as a metaphor of the facets in human nature, he blends narrative and social critique with his brush.    A tale that is a mixture of his perspective, history, and contemporary subjects.  Pan focuses the viewer to the injustices of the world with satire and the macabre.  Reminding us that the world is not always a place of beauty, like Halloween there are fairies and fiends.

If you are interested in his work, he has a show that started October 15th on the lower East side of NYC at @hashimotocontemporary.

Your pondering for the week is from The Art of War by Sun Tzu:  “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts slowly this week in Cancer, so Monday’s vibe may make it harder to get out of bed.  But by Tuesday the Moon gives us a shot of Leo sunshine motivating us and giving opportunities to shine.  The Moon then moves into fastidious Virgo on Thursday to end your work week.  And for the weekend it moves into Libra having us focus on our relationships, beauty and harmony.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra (relationships), to help you smooth some of the snafus that Mars is churning up.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is also in Libra asking us to tune into our loved ones needs, work together, equity, and finding common ground.  Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), where it stays until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it supports action and expansion until October 28th.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its intention.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Scorpio this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Taurus 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
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation has come with her wand in hand.  Like a fairy godmother she asks what do you truly want to bring into the world?  However, she only gifts you with divine inspiration; the work is up to you.  Though be aware that you have all the tools and materials you will need to do this conjuring.

 

Taurus
Mu Pan

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure is advising you to tidy up your space, schedule and how you do things.   This week requires efficiency and innovation in how you work.  She advises you to look what tires and frustrates you.  Those are the first areas to streamline.  Then you can look at the broader structures and begin innovating what doesn’t support your work flow.

 

Gemini
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Nine of Wands – Preparation is needed in all things this week.  The Muse of Provisions has you looking into pantry/freezer and bank account to restock for rainy days.  This is a great week to plan your meals and activities and not so great for spontaneity.

 

Cancerian
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Queen of Swords – This week focusing on the details is essential.   The Muse of Minutia advises reading the fine print, asking deeper questions, and working on smaller projects this week.  You can gain more from a fine-tuned perspective then a world-wide view.

 

Leo
Mu Pan

Four of Wands – The Muse of Home is here to help you focus on yours.  Take time this week to deep clean your den, buy an item to brighten your décor, or fill your frig/pantry with foodstuff that makes you fill cozy.   If your home feels good so will your heart.

 

Virgo
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Six of Coins – The Muse of Ripples comes to school you about daily karma.  She reminds you that small multiple kindnesses spread farther then one big wave. Take time this week to open doors, smile at strangers, and in general be more aware of acts of kindnesses.  By focusing on daily compassion not only will you find a sense of grace and peace, but you may also reap material benefits.  The challenge is seeing that the exchange is often not immediately reciprocal, but beware that reciprocation also works for negative energy.

 

Libra
Mu Pan

Seven of Cups – As you transition into your new year the Muse of Wishes would like a list of what you would like to happen in 2023.  The challenge is dreaming big enough to push boundaries but realistically enough to increase the probability that it will happen.  Use wish bones for material wishes, blown on dandelions for knowledge or ease of communication, whispered into flowers that you release onto moving water for matters of the heart, or burn your passion wishes so they may spread into the ether.  And be very clear what you wish for.

 

Scorpio
Mu Pan

*Fool – The Muse of Possibilities is the energy that is transitioning you from last year into your new birth year. This week is a blank slate.  So, this muse asks what are you going to write for this next chapter in your life?  What will you break free off?  What road will you take?

 

Sagittarius
Mu Pan

Two of Coins – You might find yourself being a bit off balance this week.  The Muse of Equilibrium has come to help you recenter yourself.  Her advice is to take on only one or two items at a time.  This is not a week to multitask.  And on a practical side she suggests making sure you are shod appropriately.

 

Capricorn
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Page of Wands – The Muse of Art and Inspiration is wanting you to tap into your artistic expression.  Even if you are not a fine artist there is something you do that inspires you down to your soul.  This Muse challenges you to play within that discipline this week.  You need to tap into the creation of everyday experiences of wonderment.

 

Aquarius
Mu Pan

*Moon – The Muse of the Subconscious has information for you this week.  But you will have to discover and tend to it with a delicate touch.  No thought is fleeting if it moves your heart.  This Muse would like you to follow these tendrils of emotional thoughts to their source for you will find gifts, healing, and wisdom.

 

Pisces
Mu Pan

Seven of Wands – It will be hard to focus with all the hubbub of this week.  The challenge is that a lot of the noise is useless fodder.  The Muse of Focus advise to tune out everything and look for the brightest thought, idea or emotion and s

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 2, 2022

Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Welcome to October one of my favorite months, were I picked art that emphasizes a sense of otherness and therefore can create a feeling of eeriness.  The artist this week is Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1889-1953.  Kuniyoshi was a painter, photographer, and printmaker. What makes his work interesting is his process of painting combining the Japanese art-think, painting from imagination and memory with ink, with a more Western style, painting from real life and using bolder colors in oil. His art is often categorized as social realism.  This is a movement that is mostly related to the time between the two World Wars in response to social and political hardships.  This movement focused in on “their subjects as heroic symbols of persistence and strength in the face of adversity.”

However, his choices of color palette, subject and technique take the viewer to a warped sense of reality and/or the vivid images of an anxiety dream. The dreams of an artist grappling with the duality of being praised for his work and being harassed for being Japanese in his daily life, for being Japanese and American. During the War he was classified as an enemy alien, his camera was taken, his bank account frozen and he needed to submit paperwork each time he traveled from NYC to his Woodstock studio.   He persevered and in 1948 he became the first living artist to have a retrospective at the Whitney Museum.  Even though he was winning awards with the likes of Hooper and O’Keeffe, his otherness and of being constantly vigilant is present in his work.  And more importantly that we don’t know his name like the former two shows how his otherness still prevails.

Your pondering for the week:  How does otherness show up in your life? How has it influenced how you see yourself or others?

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts the week in Capricorn – helping us get the workweek moving.  Then on Tuesday the moon moves into Aquarius – innovate and plan for future.  On Thursday it goes into Pisces – daydreaming is the focus.  Then for the weekend we have the active energy of Aries – so movement and action are on the menu.   Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo where practical communication is key.  And Mercury has left it retrograde period so we can start revving up our momentum.

Venus (beauty and harmony) has moved into Libra (relationships), so the focus is about tuning into our loved ones needs, working together, equity, and finding common ground.  Mars (action) is in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7 month stay instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it influences action and expansion until October 28th.  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.  Libra this is a perfect time to get an 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.

 

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

Nina

 

 

Aries

*Hanged One – You may feel the release of the retrograde period like a rubber band stretched about to burst with all the potential energy that you have stored up.  But the Muse of Inaction is asking you to slow your role for another week.  This Muse will put blockades up if you don’t heed her warning.  So, if you find yourself in a traffic jam, turn on the radio and enjoy the wait.  If something is block, it is because you need to rethink, or the universe needs something to bake for a bit longer.

 

Taurus
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Moon – This week could stir your emotions and/or your subconscious into scenarios of serene healing.  The Muse of Visions comes to help reveal aspects from the depths of the mind and history to heal.  She reminds you when encountering these ancestral entities, to do so with a light touch.  They are part of what made you into the unique person you are.  Seeing them with haze of a Vaseline lens is appropriate to see their beauty and/or to lessen the dread of their reintroduction and release.

 

Gemini
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Eight of Coins – This week you have the energy to get things done.  The Muse of Work is here to help you glide through your projects.  Her advice is to remember you have all the tools you need.  This week is more about tweaking your talents to fit the task than learning a whole new skillset.  Think mastery.

 

Cancerian
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Tower – This Muse of Disruption teaches us that we don’t have control over everything and that negatives are the aspects that give positives potential.  This week can bring seismic shakes or tremors from outside sources that can tumble down your best laid plans.  The key is that destruction has the potential of rebuilding better.  This Muse challenges you to see the cracks in your paradigms and shift them to safer, steadier, and more positive concepts and structures. Your motto: deconstruction before reconstruction.

 

Leo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Empress – The Muse of Creation is walking with you this week. She wants you to experience the sensual part of life which she hopes will add fodder to your creativity.  She asks how can you express a smell through sight, touch through hearing or taste with your spirit?  This is a great time to paint with your hands or create a meal without a recipe but only through sight.

 

Virgo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Page of Wands – Last week the Muse of Adventure was wanting you to do something out of the ordinary and explore all that the world offers.  This week the Muse of Inspiration continues this theme of discovery, but she would like you to follow the spark of awe farther down its path.  Instead of going on to the next encounter, explore this new phenomenon to its depths.

 

Libra
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Hanged One – The Muse of Suspension is your third energy to work with this year.  This Muse teaches us three things.  One, that an uncontrolled pause or halt is a time to rest and review your path. This is a time to recharge and stock up on your resources.  Two, the Universe’s timing is not in sync with yours and you will have to wait until the light turns green again.  This is not a year to push through plans but to take those pauses like a much-needed rest-stop on your life’s highway.   Lastly, you may be called to go off your life path.  She reminds you this is a choice.  And though you may have to sacrifice you will also gain unexpected gifts along the way.

 

Scorpio
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Lovers – The Muse of Relationships comes into play with yours.  This Muse can cause problems, but it does only to show you where to heal or rebalance emotional equity.  She reminds you true intimacy comes as often with good sex as it does with good collaboration.  You need teamwork in both instances to reap mutual benefits.

 

Sagittarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Three of Swords – This week will have its ups and downs, but the Muse of Breakthroughs is here to help.  She reminds you that we can learn as much from happiness as we can from sadness.  The former tells us what to fortify and strive for us to obtain joy again and the latter tells us what to avoid or solutions, so it won’t happen again.  Or when to just let go and heal.

 

Capricorn
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Seven of Swords – The Muse of Stealth comes to help you either navigate what you need do to stand up for yourself or to walk away from a situation, that if you participated would take you out of character.  She reminds you that genuineness is needed to navigate this week.  You have nothing to hide from or for.

 

Aquarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Four of Swords – The Muse of Rest comes when you are close to exhaustion but are not realizing it.  She would like you to unplug from technology and society at least once this week.  And then she suggests making good food and rest your highest priority.  This week you need to replenish a near empty tank.

 

Pisces
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Two of Coins – The Muse of Juggling is here this week to remind you that focus is key.  This is not a week to multi-task but to take one task at a time.  You can try to juggle two items but only if you are secure that you have the bandwidth to sustain both.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast Week of Sept 4, 2022

Jane Lee
Jane Lee

The artist this week is Jane Lee.  Lee is a painter that deconstructs painting and therefore the creation process.  She works with the components that build a painting, the canvas or the thread that makes it, paper, the stretcher, the paint.  Her painting exploration is Impasto to the ninth degree.  Impasto is paint that stands up from the surface because of how it was applied or the quantity of paint.

She typical does not work with paint brushes but utensils around her house and her hands.  She starts with a blank canvas and begins to layer it as she goes through the day.  Then she peels or digs back into those layers exposing them.  By exposing the layers, edges or decomposing the painting she makes the viewer ponder the process of creation, deconstruction, and then reconstruction.  Lee has us pull back our own process of layering our emotions and experiences as we walk through our day.  That we do not truly know what the day holds.  The knowing comes when we reflect and dig back into our life.  When Tan Siuli asked her about how she came to this process from traditional painting Lee said “I asked, what makes painting a painting? How can I create art in an unconventional way that is more related to daily life, that can allow me to be free, to celebrate and to embrace unexpected process, as in life?

Your pondering for the week: Can you walk through life excited about the unexpected?  And when you do reflect back, can you reconstruct your life into a piece of art, a thing of beauty?

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts in Capricorn – work and checking things off your to-do list.  Then on Wednesday the moon moves onto Aquarius – great for innovation.  By Friday it goes into Pisces – great for a dreamy weekend.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra where communication in your relationships is highlighted.   Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Virgo all this month a perfect time to tidy up your house and bring practical aesthetics into your life.

Mars (action) is now in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023.  Yes, that is a 7 month stay instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it influences action and expansion until October 28th.  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.  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.

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Jane Lee

Queen of Wands – The Muse of Fire is with you this week to help you accomplish anything you focus on.  The key is it to maintain optimism even in the mist of a challenge.  By thinking positive, you find the positive solutions and help you need.

 

Taurus
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

Six of Coins – The Muse of Exchange is here to balance karma.  When this muse shows up you may be called to help someone and find help when you ask for it.  This is a generous energy, so spread the good around.  Motto:  There is enough if we share – Lordcowboy.

 

Gemini
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

Eight of Swords – The Muse of Bondage comes when your thoughts are holding you back.   Watch your self-talk this week.  She asks would you say to a friend what you say to yourself?  Would you put them down or not support their dreams?  You are in control of these thought-chains.  Now is the time to let them go and be free.

 

Cancerian
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

*Devil – The Muse of Diversion comes to teach discipline and focus.  This week will feel as if you have no gumption or are so easily distracted that getting things done might be challenging.  The easiest way to work with this energy is to do what needs to be done first.  Then you can play/daydream once you have done your chores.

 

Leo
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

*World – The World is calling to you this week.  The Muse of Opportunities is knocking at your door.  The challenge is opening it.  Whether it’s fear or just feeling overloaded, you would like not to put more on your plate.  And this Muse agrees.  Something will need to end to bring the new in.  So, take time to tie up loose ends or let go of something that just isn’t working.  Because new possibilities need a seat at your table.

 

Virgo
Jane Lee

Two of Coins – Your third Muse for your birth year is the Muse of Juggling.  She brings you lessons around balance, accomplishment before addition, and adaptability.  You will have multiple opportunities that will also hone your skills of prioritizing, time management, and efficiency.  And a side note, physically it is a good year to do balancing exercises like tai chi, yoga, or capoeira.

 

Libra
Jane Lee

Seven of Coins – This week might feel like an up-hill battle.  But the Muse of Perseverance is here to help fortify your determination to take something to completion.   You have come so far, and you have the will and energy to keep going.  Your rewards are coming; it will just take a bit more energy and time to get there.

 

Scorpio
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

King of Coins – This week it is time to turn a vision into tangibility on the physical plane.  This can be in the areas of home, work, or the world.  By building in your physical realm, you increase your resources as well as others around you.

 

Sagittarius
Jane Lee

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams has come to invoke your imagination and expand your dreams.  The universe works with our dreams to create available options for our life choices.  Your dream-cups have dried up.  Time to fill your cups, so the universe has something to work with.

 

Capricorn
Jane Lee

Page of Swords – The Muse of Inquiry comes when you need to investigate a bit deeper into circumstances.  It is not that aspects are purposely hidden.  For people, they might not be aware or focus on the deeper aspect.  And if it is a circumstance, you just need ask more questions to find a more suitable solution.

 

Aquarius
Jane Lee
Jane Lee

Five of Cups – This week can be very frustrating for tiny things will just not line up.  So, the Muse of Mistakes and Mishaps comes to help.  She advises these frustrations happen for a few reasons.  One, things that are just not in your control and you shouldn’t try to make them yours to deal with.  People are responsible for their own messes.  Two, the mishap is yours, but you are way too hard on yourself when making it.  And three you are way to hard on someone else’s misstep.  They already know and you don’t need to point it out.  We all make mistakes or have off days.  Let go of the errors and learn the lesson when there is one.

 

Pisces
Jane Lee

Knight of Swords – This week can feel rushed.  However, you need to slow down to assess the real situation.  Think and inquiry before jumping.  And on a side note, be careful with your extremities.  No running with scissors.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Aug 14, 2022

Lois Mailou Jones 1982
Lois Mailou Jones 1982

The artist this week is Lois Mailou Jones.  She worked with textiles, costumes, watercolors, paintings, and collages and was part of the art department at Howard University (1930 to 1977).  Her work is typical recognized for its use of masks, bright colors, and geometric shapes, a deep dive into her cultural ancestry.  Even though her interest in masks continued throughout her career, her arc of color choice and style wasn’t always that way.  It progressed from muted to vibrant, realistic to abstract that correlates with her travels and studies.  Jones is a brilliant model of the concept of a lifelong learner.

For example, she took a yearlong sabbatical to Paris in 1937 where she found like most African American’s at that time that her race seemed irrelevant to her success.  During this time, she introduced African tribal art into her paintings and the Parisian galleries loved them.  This experience celebrated and spurred on her exploration of the idea of masks and ancestral art.  Then in 1970 we see a jump in color and abstraction in her work.  At that time, she was commissioned by the US Information Agency to serve as a cultural ambassador to Africa, touring eleven African countries.  This trip influenced her further exploration into various African motifs that she continued until her death in 1998. These are only two examples of how she expanded her perspective throughout her life.  She studied and worked throughout America, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean and her work shows how each experience expanded and deepened her art.

Your pondering for the week:  What events helped color your world?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Aries which is a great energetic start to the week.  Then Taurus comes in on Tuesday continuing the momentum for getting things done.  Then the moon moves into Gemini for the weekend a great time to hang and exchange thoughts with friends.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo – time for sharing, helpful advice and hashing out solutions.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo – update your style, bio and resume so you can accent your shine.  Mars (action) is in Taurus, so do your action steps at a saner, slower, and steadier pace.  Jupiter is in Aries; it influences action and expansion until October 28th.  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
Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones textile 1928

Ten of Wands – People will be asking a lot of you this week.  The Muse of Burden has come to help.  She reminds that you have responsibilities but not all of them are yours.   Yes, you could get tasks done quicker, or just get them done.  But this does not help you focus on what you really need to do or teach those around you to carry their weight.  Time for applying some accountability into your life.

 

Taurus
Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones 1937

Queen of Coins– The Muse of Sensuality comes when you need to re-ground into your senses.  She challenges you two ways.  One, she reminds you that the reason for working is to also enjoy that works’ rewards.  Then she challenges you to dive into each sense this week by rewarding yourself through sensually experiencing life.  Partake in pleasurable food, scents, sounds, textures, and sights.

 

Gemini
Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones 1938

Five of Wands – I hope you worked with the Muse of Moderation practicing the middle path of ease and balance.  For this week, the Muse of Chaos brings challenges that try to un-stabilize your footing.  You can manage these encounters as long as you realize you are stepping into “the game.”  So your motto maybe something like:  “yes, I’m jumping through hoops but I have trained for it and can do it with ease.”

 

Cancerian
Lois Mailou Jones 1947

Eight of Wands – This week will be full of messages and information.  The challenge is that not all of them are pertinent or yours.  So, the Muse of Messages advises that you ask specific questions and if needed ask for a clarifying symbol (ex: you see a bird, a dog barks or that somethings comes in threes) to help sort through what is useful this week.

Leo
Lois Mailou Jones
Loïs Mailou Jones,  1949

*Fool – Your final card for this year is The Muse of Possibilities.  But let’s review your other muses to work with this year.    First was the Muse of Overthinking giving you rules to live by about staying in the present.  Then the Muse of Organic Change wants you to create change by letting go of the past and planting seeds for the future.  The challenge with the latter is to properly plant your seeds in groups that work together and in proper seasons.  Then the Muse of Inquiry advises to sharpen your skill at astute questioning and deep listening to help you find the answers you will need.  And lastly the Muse of Possibilities prophesizes that this year can be a starting point for new adventures. The challenge is can you let go of the past, simplify the present and plan based on natural timing for the future.  Remember this is a yearlong process, so don’t try to push things faster than what can naturally happen.

 

Virgo
Lois Mailou Jones 1953

Four of Wands – The Muse of Home is calling for you to spend time feathering your nest.  She asks what makes you comfortable and secure in your home space?  Does your house need to be cleaned, cupboards replenished, or add some color to your space? This is the week to spend time make your home a place you want to be in.

 

Libra
Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones 1958

*Moon – The Muse of the Subconscious comes to shine light on what is hidden.  This week pay attention to your dreams and/or synchronicities (ex: seeing the number 3).   The challenge with this Muse is that it does take some deciphering to get at the heart of the message.  She advises to start with your feelings, and they will lead you on to the path of discovery.

Scorpio

Queen of Swords – The Muse of Details is helping you out this week.  She recommends creating ease by paying attention to the minutia.  That means read the fine print, listen to what people are actually saying, deep dive into questions and look at multiple views without bias.  The challenge is coming from curiosity and not interrogation.

Sagittarius
Lois Mailou Jones 1971

Three of Coins – Collaboration is key to ease this week.  You all often don’t ask for help but this week it is important to.  Because you need varying perspectives, possible physical help and to see that you are supported.   The challenge is putting pride and ego aside and asking for it.

Capricorn
Lois Mailou Jones 1972

Six of Swords – This is the second 6 so a quick dive into the number.  Sixes often have to do with cause and effect.  Last week it was how the past effects the present.  And this week the Muse of Transitions help you take that knowledge and move it into the future.  Often this means that something needs simplifying to continue to the next phase.

 

Aquarius
Lois Mailou Jones 1977

Page of Wands – The Muse of Intuitive Thought and Creation comes when you need to re-light your spark.  She asks you to reunite with your passions.  What turns you on?  What makes you wake up excited?  Now is the time to put these activities back into your schedule.

Pisces
Lois Mailou Jones 1983

Seven of Swords – The Muse of Schemes shows up for one of two reasons.  She shows up when you need to be very watchful of how you navigate work situations.  Or she comes when you need to scheme up a new plan to increase your chances of success.  Either way play nice.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Aug 7, 2022

Shadi Ghadirian
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

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
Shadi Ghadirian
Shadi Ghadirian Nil,Nil

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
Shadi Ghadirian
Qajar Shadi Ghadirian

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
Shadi Ghadirian
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

*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
Shadi Ghadirian
Nil Nil Shadi Ghadirian

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
Shadi Ghadirian
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

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
Qajar Shadi Ghadirian

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
Be Colorful Shadi Ghadirian

*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
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

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
Nil Nil  Shadi Ghadirian

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
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

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
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

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.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Jan 2, 2022

Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan
Happy 2022!

This week’s artist is Lucia Heffernan @luciaheffernan.  Heffernan paints animals in human situations. This anthropomorphic view is often used in comics, cartoons, and children’s books.  We are all familiar with Cassius M Coolidge’s Dog’s Playing Poker paintings to advertise cigars in the early 1900’s or Bugs Bunny.  Often animals are used to characterize and/or make fun of human behaviors.

The difference with Heffernan’s work is the animal is represented first and then the human characteristics are layered on top.  As she says, “This collision between animal and human sensibilities creates a whimsical, theatrical, and often humorous world that viewers can relate to on an emotional level.” Heffernan allows us to see that we are animals too and that we can discover our own humor and innocence in the reflection of our fellow earthly companions.

I picked her Yoga Chick series because it resonates with how we all like to make goals for the coming year.  A friend of mine (thanks Lou and @cynyassy) sent me this cartoon that asked when goal setting- are you committing to the outcome or the process?  By committing to the just the goal you may not get there and if you do what next?  But if you commit to the process then you are learning along the way.  So, no setbacks, no failure just expansion.  Just like in yoga (or any spiritual practice), you don’t go in thinking I will downward dog four times.  The goal with the practice is the practice.  So, your pondering for the week – what process are you willing to commit to?

Solar System highlights:  The Moon starts this week in Capricorn – great time to start a practice, business, or project.  Then moves into Aquarius on the 3rd  – innovation is key.  Then onto Pisces for the 5th – a great time for dreaming.  And moon ends in Aries – spend the weekend in motion.  Mercury is in Aquarius – find new ways to communicate.  Venus is in Capricorn – where beauty and harmony are achieved through practicality.  Mars is in Sagittarius a lovely time to expand and explore not only your environment but your mind.  Jupiter is in Pisces; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And Saturn is still in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Capricorn this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Cancer 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
Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan

King of Cups – Your typical MO is action.  “Let’s get things done”, but this week you will need to get in touch with your emotions.  Instead of making a to-do list.  Make a to-feel list.  What do you want to feel in the coming year?

 

Taurus
Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan

*Tower – You need to start this year by doing a “building inspection” of your life.  Something is making you off kilter, or there are cracks that need tending to before you start the year.  Your foundations need stabilizing.  So, start this year by doing some deconstruction before you start constructing.

 

Gemini
Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan

Four of Cups – Introspection is the name of the game this week.  Yep, some deep belly-button gazing is required before you start this year.  By doing this you will find 3 wonderful gems of insight.  However, keep one ear/eye open for messages from outside sources that will help you with your last bit of info.

 

Cancerian

Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan

*Temperance – You will need to start your year in the slow lane.  This week is about honing your skills in balance, patience, and moderation.  By not rushing into the year, you can stabilize your energy, so you can better unite with the flow instead of swimming against it.

 

Leo
Lucia Heffernan

Ten of Coins – The start of this year is around wealth.  The challenge is that your wealth does not come from one source.  Yes, the material plane cannot be denied, but you need to reassess your place on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  By changing your perspective from lack to a desire for growth, you see that some of your needs are met and which ones need to be boosted.

 

Virgo
Lucia Heffernan

Four of Swords – The beginning of this year is centered around rest.   Rest in its verb form is defined as cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. Your challenge is to still yourself – mind, body and spirit, so you can recharge your batteries.  Do things like unplug, sweat lodges, deep water massage, stare out your window for hours…    

 

Libra
Lucia Heffernan

Two of Cups – Love is the energy that starts off your new year.  Love is defined as feeling deep affection for _____. Spend this week filling in the blank as many times as you can.  

Scorpio
Lucia Heffernan

Ace of Swords – Insight and clarity are the themes to the start of this year. Take this week to modernize an old inspiration, motto, truth into this new decade.  You are rewiring your brain to update your prime directive, a past paradigm or thinking process.

 

Sagittarius
Lucia Heffernan

*High Priestess – Sacred knowledge is being delivered to you this week.  Use your intuition or spiritual practice to tap into the flow of information masked in synchronicities, riddles, and Fae energy.  Dance in the moonlight, follow willow wisps, do radio divination – find ways to tap into the source.

 

Capricorn
Lucia Heffernan

Knight of Cups – This year starts with the energy of the romance.  For those that know you well, under your can-do practical personality lies a gushy romantic.  It is time for you to turn on your charm and caring for ones closest to you.  Connection and intimacy are key for the start of 2022.

 

Aquarius
Lucia Heffernan
Lucia Heffernan

Nine of Swords – As you start 2022 you need to deal with your pessimism.  Yes, 2021 was harsh and frustrating for you, but it is also the beginning of a 20-year cycle where you are in your groove and the rest of us catches up with how you think, and problem solve.  Let go of your worry and upgrade your natural gifts of flexibility and adaptability.

 

Pisces
Lucia Heffernan

*Strength – Last year you faced and subdued many of your demons.  So, this year starts with acknowledging them and checking on their leashes.  You start this year much stronger than at the beginning of 2021, so 2022 will be easier.   But the challenge is believing that you have done the hard stuff, that you are smarter and stronger.  That you have and will endure.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of May 9, 2021

Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Happy Nurturing Energy Day or Mother’s Day. Today is a celebration of not only Mother’s but the nurturing and caring energy that is associated with Motherhood.  The artist I picked this week is based on that caring energy, for this is a love story of a daughter to her Mum and an artist’s love for her subjects.

This week’s artist is Tish Murtha. Her daughter, Ella, has lovingly collected and showcases her mother’s work. Murtha’s style is social documentary photography.  She used the camera as a tool for social change by highlighting the societal disadvantages in her local community.  Part of this collection, highlighted here, is around young people in the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s in North East England.

There is a quality to Murtha’s work, unlike the voyeuristic style of Lisette Model or raw images of Diane Arbus, this is a love story.  The unconditional love that a mother gives to a child, or any true nurturer gives to another.  Murtha offers not the typical perspective of outsider looking in but an insider lovingly opening her world and inviting us in.  She frames the pictures and captures the actions of her subjects, though in a raw environment, showing the joy and imagination of childhood to the beginnings of self-awareness and  status in society as teens.  And as adult viewers she leads us to ponder our own childhood and a create a more empathetic eye around social justice issues.  Reminding us to come at both as gently, protectively and supporting as an empathic nurturer would.

Today is Mother’s Day in the States. For those of you who are lucky enough to have a mother that unconditional loves you, be grateful.  But, for those who do not have lost their mother, never knew her, lost children, have mother/child relationships that are strained, have not chosen to be mothers and those that are still yearning to be.  Mother’s Day is about nurturing, unconditionally supporting and protecting those around you.  This world needs nurturing especially right now, so hug the people that cherish you and be that loving nurturer for others.

Planets:  Mercury is in Gemini until July 11th.  This is a place where it loves to hang so lots of evolutionary conversations can happen.  And Venus also is in Gemini helps with the good vibes.  The New Moon is in Taurus emphasizing you to bring more beauty and slow living into your life.  Think luxuriating.  And then Jupiter (expansion) takes a quick jaunt into Pisces from the May 13th to July 28th giving you a heads up what your 2022 will be like and what area your growth will take place.

P.S. 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 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.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

*Hermit – The Muse of Perspective through seclusion has come to lead you to a quiet place where you can hear yourself think.  This energy comes when being in the flow of things is distracting you from ease or finding an easier solution.  You know that saying work smarter not harder.  Well to find that you need to turn off your phone and put out the do not disturb sign.  You will find perspective and solutions in the solitude of your own thoughts.

 

Taurus
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Seven of Cups – Last week the Muse of Creation came to rife with you this birth year. This is the Mother/Nurture card energy at its best when it is used to generate anything that nurtures, consoles, and promotes growth.  The challenge is growing pains but there will also be compassion and comfort waiting in the wings to support you.   This week continues that energy and asks you to ponder what do you want to create with the Muse of Dreams?  She challenges you to dream bigger, put aside your practical self for just this week and send out big, beautiful birthday wishes to the Universe.  The universe works in mysterious ways if you allow it.  Your Motto: Grow to Dream; Dream to Grow.

 

Gemini
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

*Devil – This being your final weeks of the past birth year it is appropriate that you would get the Muse of Tests.  Take this week to look back at the time since your last birthday.  Where were you tested/challenged?  What did you learn from it?  If the situation/problem came up again, how would you handle it now?  Think of this week as your final exams before you go to the new level in your coming birth year.

 

Cancer
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

*Moon – Okay another round with the Moon.  This is your third week in the shadow realm.   These muses help you work with cycles, the bigger picture, and snipping karmic threads.  Only by lovingly bringing out your old karmic patterns with ritual, meditation, art in all its forms, or repetitive work can you connect to your higher flow, inner knowledge, and outer guides.  There is wisdom in awe, silence, synchronicities, and patterns, so keep all your six senses open for another week.

 

Leo
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Page of Coins – Last week the Muse of Distraction challenged your flow.  She only shows up when you are near completion of a goal or learned lesson.  You have passed the test.  Now the Muse of Learning is knocking.  This energy is about needing to learn something that will help your flow and ease.  However, the challenge is pushing down your ego, so you can hear the advice/wisdom.  For our challenges can be our best teachers.

 

Virgo
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Seven of Wands – This Muse of Competition has come to sharpen your stance.  Whether that is standing up for yourself or what you believe in, you will be called on this week to voice your truth and possible protect another’s.

 

Libra
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Ten of Cups – The last couple of weeks you had the ability to wield some powerful energies of Momentum and Strength.   These energies help combat apathy, misdirection, or self-doubt.  And remind you can accomplish anything you set your heart (not your mind) to.   You get this last week to wrap up any loose ends with these energies.  So, plan out the coming months and strengthen the reason you have chosen this path.  But also find some time this week to rejoice in how far you have come.

 

Scorpio
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

King of Wands – The Muse of Art is here to inspire you.  Spend time this week either participating in art or watching it.  When this Muse shows up she tries to shake things up so innovation can take place.  But to get into this headspace you must immerse your self in art forms, music, dance, fine arts, etc.… The juxtaposition of art and inspiration re-ignites your passion and expands your mind to find alternative and better ways to work.

 

Sagittarius
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Four of Swords – The Muse of Balance and Moderation came last week to help you dive into what is not working and needs to be healed in both your inner and outer worlds.  Well, you get another week to rebalance, rework, and re-new.  The Muse of Rest and Restoration is here asking you to slow down.  Find time to rest your mind this week, so you can hone into the flow with more ease in the coming months.

 

Capricorn
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Knight of Cups – The Muse of Flirtation has come to release you from your hardcore work ethos you have been using to make it through the past months to year. This Muse promotes smart-ass joy.  It takes the form of puns, goofiness, superman gestures, and eyelash flutters accompanied by “Who me?” …  So, practice adult humoring this week.  This wit practice keeps joy in your life while sharpening your mind.

 

Aquarius
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Queen of Swords – The Muse of Details is sitting next to you reminding you that small thoughts and actions are more important this week, than sweeping gestures.    By honing down your work load to just the essentials then breaking down those into small doable steps, will get you farther and with less distractions than if you peer at just the horizon.

 

Pisces
Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

Eight of Cups – The last two weeks have given you big energies to work with, release, growth, and structuring.  This week is much simpler but still the same themes.  The Muse of Simplification has come to help you sweep up and get rid of the past month’s debris.  Take this week to literally or metaphorically clean house and simplify the clutter in your life.