Tag Archives: Tarot and Art

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Jan. 15, 2023

juli_artworld

The artist this week is Juli, @juli_artwork.  She is just starting out, so there isn’t much about her that I could find.  She is a student studying illustration and her “art captures canids and otherworldly animals with a creative twist.”   I especially love her riffs off classic paintings see:  Taurus, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces .  Also check her on Patreon.   I love Patreon.  It is another way I choose to support artists, 5% of my profit goes to artists there.  A way to give back, what art gives to me.

And if you haven’t caught the theme yet, the month of January is in honor of this year being the Chinese year of the Water Rabbit.  Rabbits are represented in a variety of cultures.  Last week we looked at cultures where they are seen as tricksters.  However, in Chinese folklore, rabbits accompany Chang’e, the goddess of the moon, and is represented as one of the zodiacal animals.  In Japanese and Korean mythology, they also live on the moon, but they make mochi, a snack of sticky rice.  In Vietnam rabbits are seen as symbols of innocence and youthfulness, however, they have replaced the zodiacal rabbit for a zodiacal cat.

Your pondering for the week:  What is your favorite food that reminds you of your youth?  Why was that food experience special.  For fun, try to recreate that feeling.

 

Solar System highlights

This week the moon starts in Scorpio – follow your passions.  On Wednesday it moves into Sagittarius – you might want the weekend to start sooner, but if you have a defined goal this will help you stay on track.  And on Friday the moon is in Capricorn – try not to take your work home with you.  Hang your problems up with your coat.

No change from last week for the rest of the planets.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) compromising is key to grease your work wheels.  It is also still in retrograde until the 18th.  This is a perfect time to reflect, review and redo. After Wednesday we can finally start 2023.  Mars (action) is now direct but still in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk and follow up with actions.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it is having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.

Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Aquarius (innovation) until January 26th – where we can focus on updating our environment and how we experience sensuality in our lives.  Jupiter (growth) is in Aries (action) until May 24, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

 

PS. 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. And if you need a quick stocking stuffer.  I can supply gift certificates for all my readings.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.  Happy Solstice no tarotcast next week so I’ll “see” you all in 2023.

Nina

*****I have changed using the RWS version of the tarot names and now call the suits:  pentacles/coins is now Earth, cups is now Water, swords is now Air and wands is now Fire.  I did this because I want to work more closely with the elements that these suits represent.

 

Aries
juli_artworld

*Chariot – Finally your planet Mars is moving forward and so the Muse of Movement would like you to take that energy and run with it.  This is a great week to start a project, set goals, move your body, and/or take a project to the next phase.  And if you don’t know where to start take the advice of Agnes Martin: “Your path is at your feet whether you realize it or not.”  The key to this week is just start moving.

 

Taurus
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

Eight of Fire – This week has a plethora of messages from a variety of sources.  The problem is which one to focus on.  The Muse of Messages advises to either write them all down and sort them out next week.  Or prioritize the first 8 you receive and focus on working with them.   No matter which way you choose, eyes and ears open.

 

Gemini
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

Nine of Earth – The Muse of Self Reliance is your cheerleader this week.  The path to ease is being confident that you can handle whatever is thrown at you.  That you will not only survive but thrive.  She reminds you if you are reading this you have endured way worse.  Use what you already know to tackle any challenges this week.  You got this.

 

Cancerian
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

*Magician – Where the past couple of weeks the muses have had you hold back, this week you are given a wand to conjure whatever you need.  The Muse of Manifestation is passing you the tools required to experiment and create.   This week use your imagination and curiosity to play with ideas and projects that you would like to manifest in the coming months.   She reminds you this is not about perfection or expectations.  This is about the actions that lead to discovery and materialization.

 

Leo
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

*High Priestess – The Muse of Wisdom is here to realign you to you.  This week is a deep dive into self-awareness and the rituals of sacredness.   Take this time to acknowledge your super-powers.   This Muse also questions are you using them wisely?   If so set up or create more support for your daily sacred rituals that bring you closer to the source.   If not, spend this week re-connecting with the celestial.

 

Virgo

juli_artworld
juli_artworld

 

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Vibrancy is asking you to turn up your volume.  Whether that is to add vibrant colors to your wardrobe, show your art or raising your voice to be heard.  This Muse would like you to stand out.  To express your uniqueness for all the world to see.

 

Libra

juli_artworld

Knight of Air – This week you need to slow down.  The Muses warns you to be careful of your extremities.  Like not running with scissors, be careful when chopping vegetables and watch where you step.  These missteps may happen on the material plane, but you also need to be careful of your words.  You can step into a situation with all good intentions but end up stepping on toes.  This week walk with more mindfulness.

 

Scorpio
juli_artworld

Ten of Fire– The Muse of Burdens suggests relinquishing some of your tasks this week.  Be aware of not overextending your commitments and be realistic of what you can handle.  The lesson with working with this muse is to take responsibility for some things but not all things.  Others need to learn how to carry their load or learn to help you carry yours.

 

Sagittarius
juli_artworld

Three of Earth – The Muse of Collaboration advises you to work with others this week to create more efficiency and innovation.  As they say two heads are better than one, but three heads and six hands are better still.

 

Capricorn

Page of Earth – The Muse of Critical Thinking is your helper this week.  The basic elements of critical thinking are keeping an open mind, asking questions, gathering relevant information, having cognitive flexibility, thinking through to solutions and conclusions.  This week is about being reasonable.

 

Aquarius
juli_artworld

Five of Air – This week holds the energy of tension.  You can be pulled taunt by the interactions of others.  The Muse of Tension advises how to navigate this stormy weather by doing these five things:  take a breath before entering a situation or conversation, let go of your ego, be still, let any chaos flow pass you not through you and use silence constructively.

 

Pisces
juli_artworld

Knight of Water – The Muse of Compassion is here to help you navigate the emotional waters within you and others.  Choice wisely who you open up to this week.  You need to practice your vulnerability but also to discern who is worthy of your heart.  This is not a lesson on guardedness but one on ask

Tarot and Art Forecast for week of Jan. 1, 2023

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Celebrate 40,000 Years of American Art, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Welcome 2023!

The artist this week is Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.  Smith, also a curator, teacher and activist describes herself as “a cultural arts worker”.  Smith’s art is a commentary on personal, social, environmental, and political issues of navigating the world as a Native American.  By working with layers of paint, images, collage elements, sign-like petroglyphs, text she texturizes meaning into her work.  Smith’s complex art compels the viewer to see their own complexity in history, representation, gender, and race.  In her words. “Art should reveal the unknown to those who lack the experience of seeing it.”   Her message from her art is a process of viewing, agitation often through humor, hopeful understanding and then a call to action.

For example, the above work, Celebrate 40,000 years of American Art though seemingly simple is deep in meaning.  First, she has us see the rabbit’s smoke/shadow-dance from background to forefront hinting the movement of past to future. This leads us to the words reminding us that American Art started when Native Americas first walked in the Americas and the importance of bringing Indigenous art into the context of and dialogue of Art. Third, the rabbit imagery has been used in indigenous art for millennia and most notably as the trickster spirit of some Native tribes.  The rabbit in their stories can be a hero but is often prone to inappropriate behavior like gluttony, carelessness, and an overinflated ego.  So simultaneously Smith is using the rabbit image as a critique of modern artists and the art world.  Like the work done by Joseph’s Beuys’s How to explain Pictures to a Dead Hare playing with the concept of what art is or the controversial aspects of Jeff Koon’s Rabbit which sold for $91million dollars. Her work nods not only to history but also to stepping more mindfully into the future.

Your pondering for the week:  Let us use this retrograde period to walk or dance slowly 2023 and with more mindfulness.  Not leaving the harder lessons of the past five years but honoring our history as we create our future.

Solar System highlights

This week the moon starts in Taurus – start the week slow but steady.  On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – conversations and relationships are highlighted.  On Friday we have a Full Moon in Cancer, a lovely time for self-care, family and enjoying your home.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) compromising is key to grease your work wheels.  It is also in retrograde.  This is a perfect time to reflect, review and redo. Mars (action) is still in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk and follow up with actions.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it is having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  And it’s in retrograde until January 12th, so again this is highlighting to walking into 2023 very slowly, mindfully, and calmly.

Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Aquarius (innovation) on January 2nd – where we can focus on updating our environment and how we experience sensuality in our lives.  Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 24, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

*****I have changed using the RWS version of the tarot names and now call the suits:  pentacles/coins is now Earth,  cups is now Water, swords is now Air and wands is now Fire.  Because I want to work more closely to the elements that these suits represent.

PS. 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. And if you need a quick stocking stuffer.  I can supply gift certificates for all my readings.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.  Happy Solstice no tarotcast next week so I’ll “see” you all in 2023.

Nina

Aries
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Hierophant – You all start this year with the Muse of Structures.  The place to look is not on the physical plane but on a spiritual and heart center one.  This Muse asks you to focus on looking at your support/foundations with your spiritual self and with your close friend group.  She wants you to strengthen the weave in your daily life with the people that are important to you and a spiritual practice.  Their access may require what seems like a sacrifice of your resources, but it is actual sustenance.

Taurus
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Lovers – Connection is the theme for you to start with this year.  The Muse of Intimacy invites you into the year with a visualization of what this could mean.  The Muse asks you to open your inner eye to a landscape blooming with flowers, a pair of birds singing harmonies of contentment.  A journal lying open on a chair welcoming you to be curious and trusting.  A cottage in the background where you see a simple but hearty meal waiting for you.  This is the magic, learning and exchange of deep connection: growth, harmony, openness, acceptance, and nourishment.  Welcome it into 2023.

Gemini
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Four Directions, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Four of Air– You need to slowly roll into 2023, for the Muse of Restoration is calling you to stay in the stillness.  The quiet of ritual seclusion brings inner silence and the profound rest you still require.  Revitalization and healing are possible this year when sufficient time is dedicated to quietude.  However, it is up to you to place and ensure quiet time into your schedule.

Cancerian
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change walks with you into 2023.  Spend time this week evaluating what you are bringing into the new year.  This Muse asks you to spend time releasing more of what you no longer need so the “new” has a place to grow.  The challenge with this time of pre-creation is it is still nebulous.  Work on staying with the planets’ retrograde period of review, revise and release (until January 18th), and keep the need to know at bay.  Organic change is inevitable, terrifying, but also beautiful when allowed to naturally blossom.

Leo
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Coyote Made Me Do It, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ten of Earth – You are walking into 2023 still having to do some clean up from 2022.  The Muse of Fortitude helps us with the banality of day-to-day existence or the struggle of the last mile.  She reminds you that this last bit of cleaning up is a pause to adjust and reinvent what will soon be the past.  That you still can make magic happen with this ending.  This seems to coincide with taking advantage of the planets in retrograde.  So, the real beginning of the year starts mid-January for you.

 

Virgo
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Six of Water – Do not rush into 2023 just yet.  The Muse of Remembrance is advising you to do some journaling to close out 2022.  Pick six memories of the past year where you have successfully dealt with a challenge and/or experiences that has shaped the person you are now.  By doing this exercise you will raise your vibration level to match the positives vibes awaiting you in 2023.

Libra
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Wisdom Knowledge

Nine of Earth – The Muse of Independence walks with you into 2023 to boast your confidence.  Last year was challenging in many aspects. And you have come through it, maybe a little battle sore but with more resources and resilience than you realized you had.  So now walking into 2023 you are wiser and better resourced, making the journey going forward easier and giving you the confidence to see and utilize your hard-won sovereignty.

 

Scorpio
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ace of Air – This is the card of new beginnings on the thought plane.   The Muses would like you to make an outline of your goals and aspirations for 2023.  The challenge is twofold.  First being penetratingly truthful with what you want.  Don’t be unassuming or question the substance of the goal.  Secondly, leave enough room for something magical to happen too.  So, make a few goals that are more about feeling of something you need than reality of a thing.

Sagittarius
A Nickel For Your Thoughts, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Queen of Air – The Muse of Details walks you into 2023.  Perceptiveness is the skill she wants you to use this week. For example, while entering a room, see how people are gathered, who is pay attention, on their phone, laughing, talking quietly, or sitting alone.  By distinguishing the details of situations before engaging, you can align yourself to where you want to be or the next action.  Instead of your typical go with the flow attitude, this week is more about preemptive cleverness in deciphering decisions and actions.

Capricorn
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
In the Footsteps of My Ancestors, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ace of Earth – Apropos that you would get a new beginning card for your birth month and for the year.  The Muses would like to bestow some fertilizer on your year.  These energy gifts are the stability of a the Pando root system, strength of Australian Buloke wood, wisdom found in the earth crust, fertility of an Ocean Sunfish, and the potential for abundance if you put in the ground work.

Aquarius
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ten of Fire – You are walking into 2023 still having to do some clean up from 2022.  Luckily this slow walk into 2023 is supported by the planet’s retrograde period that ends on January 19th.  The Muse of Responsibility advises that you spend time finishing tasks leftover from 2022.  First evaluate if the things on your list are still relevant to the coming year.  Then prioritize, what on your list only you can do.  Lastly spend the next two and half weeks getting as much of the rest checked off as you can.   Clearing your to-do list is essential before you begin your new birth year.

Pisces
Coyote Made Me Do It, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Eight of Water – The Muse of Simplification is suggesting the best use of this retrograde period is to reassess if you need to exit a situation and move on to something new. She would like you to lighten your load so you can set a new course into 2023.  May times this un-baggaging has to do with emotions that no longer work for you. Or aspects that you are holding on to for comfort or sentimental reasons instead of living in the present.  Time to release.

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

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.

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 shareLordcowboy.

 

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.

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.

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.