Tag Archives: the fox and the tarot

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.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 31, 2022

Hummingbird
Green Crowned Brilliant Chris Morgan

The artist this week is Mother Gaia.  There are over 365 species of hummingbirds. They only live in the Americas and range from Alaska to Chile.  Most species live in Central and South America.  A group of hummingbirds is called a charm; however, they are very anti-social except when mating. The smallest is the Bee Hummingbird which lives in Cuba (see Cancerian below) and weighs about the same as ¼ teaspoon of sugar (1.9grams).  They beat their wings between 10 to 80 times per second which produces the hum sound.  The fastest flyer is the Anna’s Hummingbird at 61 mph (see Capricorn below). It is also the only species that does not migrate in North America.

Hummingbirds are the only vertebrate that can hover, fly backwards and upside down.  Hummingbirds have the largest brain to body ration than any other bird, allowing them to have extraordinary memories.  They see like bees into the UV spectrum of light, which are the colors that flowers present to show where the nectar is.  They eat while awake about every 10 minutes.  So, they not only sip the nectar of 1,000-2,000 flowers a day, but they also eat small insect like gnats and aphids.

See Aries for photo:  This bird is not albino (can’t produce melanin) but is a rarer hummingbird that has leucism (produce melanin hence black eyes, feet, and some spots on feathers but can’t deposit other colors in their feathers).

Your pondering for the week:  Hummingbirds are one of my messengers from the universe.  What’s one of your messenger animals?

 

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Virgo – great for cleaning and reducing clutter in your life.   Then it moves into Libra on the 2nd – relationships are highlighted.  Then Scorpio on the Thursday centering around passion.  By the weekend it is in Sagittarius – awesome for adventuring.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Leo until the 4th – great for PR but watch that you are listening as much as you are sharing.  Then moves into Virgo a great time for sharing, helpful advice and hashing out solutions.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer – beautify your home, spend time with loved ones and focus on self-care. 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 remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping 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
Hummingbird
Leucistic Hummingbird Brad R Lewis Arboretum at UCSC – Santa Cruz, CA USA

*Moon – This period has been treating you a bit like a yo-yo.  Last two weeks were stops and starts and this week the muses advise to pull back in again. The Muse of the Subconscious is asking you to go back to your dreams and do some shadow work.  There is something blocking your forward path and your dreams can help unravel it.  For this week write a question down each night and see what answers or clues you find by morning.

 

Taurus
Display pattern -Wine throated hummingbird Knut Eiserman

Five of Swords – The Muse of Ego is here this week to help you navigate your emotions around dealing with other people’s egos.  You may be right in an assortment of scenarios this week but people around you are not ready or willing to heed your warnings or advise.  This is a week to pick your battles wisely and make sure your ego isn’t driving the conversation.

 

Gemini
hummingbird
Most unusual Marvelous Spatuletail

Page of Cups – The Muse of Play is here to help you loosen up.  You are too much in your head and need to let your intuitive creativity out to play.  The challenge with this energy is to make sure your play is not goal oriented.  This headspace is more about curiosity, discovery, and wonder.

 

Cancerian
Bee hummingbird
Smallest- Bee hummingbird

King of Wands – The Muse of Superpowers wants you to find yours or if known then hone. She asks you what are your top three superpowers?  Known or not they will be called upon this week.  The beauty of that is this week’s challenges are not a struggle.  You have “the power”.  (Yes, that is a He-Man reference)

 

Leo
Rufous Hummingbird Scott Bechtel
Most colorful – Rufous Hummingbird Scott Bechtel

*Death – Your second energy to work with this year is the Muse of Organic Change.    This Muse advises you to focus on areas that you want to change in your life.  Then she asks two questions: 1) What holds you back or that you need to get rid of, so you can have more physical resources to put towards new growth?  2)  What seeds would you like to plant for coming year?  The challenge with the later is to properly plant your seeds in groups that work together.  And planting seasonally so that they occur at the correct time.  Start this month planning for each season.  Remember this organic change is a yearlong process, so don’t try to push things faster than what can naturally happen.

 

Virgo
Longest tail- Long Tailed Sylph

Three of Swords – The Muse of Heartbreak is here to help you make an emotional breakthrough.  She does not come to herald sorrow but comes to heal deep wounds.  The challenge is when you are emotional triggered to not relive the trauma but see it as a wound that still needs tending to.  Self-care, self-parenting, and self-compassion are your tools this week.

 

Libra
Longest bill the Swordbill Hummingbird

Four of Cups – Last week the Muse of Clean Slates and New Adventure wanted you to play around with a new avenue, study, or project – to be out in the world.  This week the Muse of Introspection has you change your focus from outward to inward. This is a great week to rework, experiment, and ponder.  The challenge with this muse is she also requires for you to spend a fourth of your time in the world, for it has some of the solutions and information you will need.  So, divvy your time with ¾ inward and ¼ outward activities.

 

Scorpio
Hummingbirds
Largest hummingbird Patagona gigas 

*Tower – The Muse of Revelation would like you to focus on the cracks in your foundations.  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?  Now is time for a change before outer circumstances do it for you.

 

Sagittarius
Hummingbirds
Violet Saberwing photo by Larry

Two of Coins – The Muse of Juggling comes when you need to either practice balancing or when you are focusing on too much.  This muse advises breaking down your tasks and doing them one or two at a time.  This is not a week to multi-task, for you will most likely drop the ball or not carry out the task at hand with your typical diligence.

 

Capricorn
Hummingbirds
Fastest- Anna’s hummingbird photo by Good-e-Nuf

*Devil– The Muse of Maybe tried to help with the unpredictable energy of last week.  She asked you to be more flexible in your planning.   This week the Muse of Distraction requires the opposite skill set.  This week you need to focus and stick with plans unless your intuition tells you to run for the hills.  Think of this energy like bees.  One bee you can ignore or dodge and keep working, but a swarm you need to go back inside.

 

Aquarius
Hummingbirds
Calliope Humming bird Nico Giuliani

Two of Cups – The Muse of Love comes when you need to bond with a loved one.  The task is to knowing you and your partner/pet/chosen family’s love language. They are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts and physical touch. Find out what makes you all tick and then take action.

 

Pisces
Hummingbirds
Violet Eared-hummingbird

*Emperor – The Muse of Building is here to help you expand your empire. She wants you to take action steps that will solidify your dreams and aspirations.  This can look as simple as working on a planned project, crossing off things on your to-do lists, or doing improvements to your home.   Or as complex as expanding your business or skill sets, investing in your future with property or in the stock market.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 24, 2022

Bridget McClum
Diver Bridget McClum

This week’s artist is Bridget McCrum. Since childhood she was fascinated with ancient remains and natural stone landscapes, so she began painting her surroundings.  Then by her forties she turned to sculpting it in stone.  Her studies are often but not always abstract interpretations of the glacial movement of geography in contrast to the rapid flight of birds.  In her words: “The landscape around my two homes has inevitably worked itself into my mind. The gentle curves of the hills of South Devon and the stark limestone cliffs carved by wind and sea on Gozo, have all subconsciously influenced my carving. Looking down on birds circling and gliding above their prey from my home high above the Dart estuary. They make marvelously abstracted subjects and I have carved them ever since I have been here.”

Her work is a study of stillness and movement.  She creates this by juxtaposing squares and rectangles that seem to effortless hold up smoothly curved abstract avian forms.  By working in stone and simplifying the line of birds in flight, McCrum enhances the elegant evolution of birds and their prowess in the air.  This contrast also exemplifies the intersection of how birds use topography to enhance their flight ie: their use of thermals or dynamic soaring.  This is where a bird catches a thermal to ride upward.  Once they reach these higher altitudes where the wind moves faster, they shift to same direction as the wind to gain speed.  Then they can glide relatively fast or slow while descending by shifting their wings or the angle of their body.  McCrum’s work is an exquisite example of observational study and interpretation of the beauty of nature through art.

Your pondering for the week:  Explore and utilize ways that you can use your environment to soar.

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Cancer this week.  This energy may feel like you do not want to leave your house, but if you must then make sure you balance it with quality self-care time.  By Thursday it has moved into Leo – time to shine.  Then for the weekend the moon moves into Virgo – great for cleaning and reducing clutter in your life.   Mercury is in Leo – great for PR but watch that you are listening as much as you are sharing.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer – beautify your home, spend time with loved ones and focus on self-care. 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 remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping 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
Bridget McCrum
Windrider Bridget McCrum

*Emperor – Hopefully last week you aligned you actions with your inner compass, because this week is all action.  The Muse of Building is here to get any project you focus on moving if you have a well-thought-out plan.  So, think like a city-planner this week.  Have you thought about who you serve and are you building a self-propelling structure to maintain it?  The challenge with this energy is not to build just to build, or act just to act but to thoughtfully create.

 

Taurus
Ghafer II Bridget McCrum

Six of Coins – The Muse of Mini-Karma arrives when karma is about to re-balance.  So, as you go about your daily life this muse reminds you that being nice begats positive benefits.  However, this is also true for being unkind which will producing negatives.  The other challenge with this energy is that it usually doesn’t reciprocate in a direct line.  So, watch your p’s and q’s and be mindful of possible side swipes or unexpected gifts.

 

Gemini
Bridget McCrum
Etrusa Bridget McCrum

Eight of Coins – Last week was about paying attention to downloads from your subconscious.  This week is about refining your conscious and physical skillsets.  The Muse of Mastery comes when your superpowers and expert skills are needed, so share your amazingness this week.

 

Cancerian
Bridget McCrum
Moon bird Bridget McCrum

Five of Wands – This Muse of Drama comes when you need to sharpen your confidence on when to fight and when to walk away.  You can engage in rivalry but if you do you cannot play victim.  You have chosen to play the game.  However, this muse reminds you that you can also just not participate and walk away.  The choice is really yours.

 

Leo
Granta Bridget McCrum

Nine of Swords – Your first Muse to work with this birth year is the Muse of Overthinking.  This year you are going to be challenged by getting out of your mind and acting on what you can.  Now this Muse does give you some rules to live by for this year.  1) Worry only about what you actually can control in the present. 2) Do not use the phrase or concept of: would have, should have, and could have. And 3) You need to prioritize good sleeping habits.

 

Virgo
Bridget McCrum
Mesopotamia Bridget McCrum

Two of Coins – The Muse of Balance comes when you are trying to do too much.  She advises to do only one to two things at a time.  This is not a week for multi-tasking.

 

Libra
Awakening Bridget McCrum

*Fool – The Muse of Clean Slates and New Adventure has come to have you play around with a new avenue, study, or project.  This, like last week, is a great period to start a project, plant a garden or continue a new venture.  The challenge with this energy is she asks you to come at anything you do with fresh eyes or playfulness.  If you are having trouble doing this, she suggests doing this exercise: When you go somewhere familiar take a new route or venture out without a purpose and see where you land.  These activities will exercise your adventurous side.

 

Scorpio
Bridget McCrum
Standing Stone Bridget McCrum

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams is here wanting you to play with your imagination.  Find time to daydream.  Play scenarios in your head where everything works out perfectly.  The challenge is identifying these dream signs in your reality.  If you don’t see the beginnings of this path, then it is time to dream a new scheme.

 

Sagittarius
Bridget McCrum
Mythical Horses Bridget McCrum

Page of Coins – The Muse of Critical Thinking has come to guide your thoughts this week.  Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgement.  However, the challenge is when the subject is complex and therefore several different definitions or arguments can exist.  So, this week keep to the facts and put the speculation aside, and if you can not come to a verdict with what you know, wait for more evidence.

 

Capricorn
Bridget McCrum
Meteorite Bridget McCrum

*Wheel– The Muse of Maybe comes when the energy for the week is unpredictable.  Her advice is to be careful not to over-plan or tightly schedule this week.  The more flexible you can be the more apt you will be to navigate the hits and misses of the week, and possibly find treasures on paths not planned.

 

Aquarius
Gharfer I Bridget McCrum

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation comes to help you conjure up whatever you like.  Even though you have all the tools you need to do as you wish, the challenge is really thinking through the consequences of what you are bringing forth.  Does it actually coincide with your purpose or plan?

 

Pisces
Bridget McCrum

Ace of Cups – The Muse of Emotional Beginnings is here to make sure that your heart plane is nourished before you embark on this new phase of emotional growth.  She reminds you that it is more beneficial and sustainable if you can fill your emotional cup then to rely on ours doing it for you.  Self-Love first, fishy frien

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 10, 2022

Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

The artist this week is Sophie Woodrow @sophiewoodrow.  Woodrow is a ceramic artist that works in porcelain. Her figures are an amalgamation of the natural world.   Sophie’s artisanship comes through the elegant equilibrium of minimalism in color, delicate intricacy in form and a context of otherworldliness. If spirit guides had guises, then many of them would look like her figurines.

You may have fallen in love with her work, like I did.  But much like connecting to spirit guides, to obtain Woodrow’s work is a combination of mystery, devotion, and a possible pilgrimage.  In my research to find out about her there are few avenues:  a couple of well-placed articles, a website error and even finding what gallery she is showing in right now is an enigma (a hint in her Insta comments, Narbeth Pembrokeshire, Wales).

However, this research reminded me of the spiritual journey that resonates for both Art and Spirituality.  The purpose of this quest is rarely to find answers, it is the process of pondering life and our place within in it.  As a viewer/audience of art or even the artist themselves, we need to be careful of our ego demanding that the artist make their art easily accessible or that spirituality is obtain with some sage.  In this age of Instant-cart and Amazon, we need to be reminded that experiencing Art, Nature and Spirit is a quest and should be more like a golden egg hunt for awe then a click of fleeting satisfaction.

Your pondering for the week:  How can you bring more mystery, moments and meaning in your journey?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Sagittarius so it may be hard to settle into your work week, but by Tuesday you get into the groove with the Moon in Capricorn’s help.  On Thursday it moves into Aquarius great for innovation and ideas.  Then it’s in Pisces giving us a dreamy weekend.   Mercury is in Cancerian waters great for reconnecting with whomever is your mother figure and verbally supporting the woman in your life.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge).  Ladies tell your stories.  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 remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

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

*Hanged One – The Muse of Purpose came last week to solidify your reason for being. You have another week to ruminate this theme with the Muse of Inertia.  This Muse puts blockades in your way to make you stop and think about where, what, and how of the possible forward planning action steps.  She does this for two reasons.  One if you need to tweak your plan or two if the timing isn’t right.  So if you feel resistance, stop and look both ways before you proceed.

 

Taurus
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

*Fool – Last week the Muse of Hermitage asked you to step back from your daily life and look at your placement within your timeline and the World’s.   Now the Muse of Clean Slates is adding its energy to your ponderings.  She asks, what if you had a clean slate?  What if you said from this point on, I am going to _____ and nothing can hold me back.  What would you fill into that blank? Because now is the time to step into this new journey.

 

Gemini
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

Ten of Wands – The Muse of Obligation has come to help you prioritizes your responsibilities.  This week has the potential to feel overwhelming, but this muse helps by reminding you to watch your definition of obligation.  You are only responsible for your stuff and no one else’s.  Time to put their responsibility back on their shoulders because you have enough to do.

 

Cancerian
Sophie Woodrow

*Hierophant – Your next Muse for your birth year is the Muse of Constructs.  All this year is about refining or creating new structures that support your well-being.  It is like you are molting and building your new shell.  Devote this time to adopting or creating mottos to live by, environments where you thrive, and schedules that run with your natural bio-rhythms.

 

Leo
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

Eight of Coins – This is your second eight so a tiny dive into the number.  Eights represent refining and releasing.  Last week the Muse of Bondage asked you to let go of what is holding you back.  And now the Muse of Superpowers is asking you to focus and hone the skill set you are good at.  Her homework is to name three of your super-powers and refine them instead of hanging on to your kryptonite.

 

Virgo
Sophie Woodrow

Five of Cups – This week will have its ups and downs.  So, the Muse of Spilled Milk is here to help you clean up and move on. The not-so-great things happening this week are not the worst things you have gone through.  She reminds you that these are minor spills easily cleaned up and “You have more milk in the fridge.” So, your motto:  My cup many not runneth over but it is refillable.

 

Libra
Sophie Woodrow

Three of Swords – Last week the Muse of the Subconscious provided you with insight to create more ease.  Though they may take some time to decipher. Hence, the Muse of Wound-healing has stepped-up to highlight the insights that are meant to heal deep wounds.  So, pay attention to emotional and thought induced landmines this week, for this muse is prompting you to work on the reactions instead of the action itself.

 

Scorpio
Sophie Woodrow

Five of Swords – This week has the potential to frustrate you.  The Muse of Ego has stepped in to help you navigate these irritations. She first asks you how important is it for you to interject yourself into the situation?  Then she advises unless you or the people around you will be hurt, walk away.  So, pick your battles this week.

 

Sagittarius
Sophie Woodrow

Page of Wands – The Muse of Originality is asking you to indulge in the arts and/or nature.   Usually, this muse shows up when you need to re-ignite your imagination.  She asks you to plan something awe-inspiring to do this week:  a concert, play music, watch the stars, nature walk, dance, go to a museum, or paint your own masterpiece.

 

Capricorn
Sophie Woodrow

Ace of Coins – This week is perfect for beginnings on the physical plane.  Whether that is planting in your garden or creating something in a workshop, starting a new endeavor, etc.… This week has all the grow-power you need to fertilize your new seedling.

 

Aquarius
Sophie Woodrow

Nine of Swords – This week can have more downs then ups, which can send you into your head or bed.  So, the Muse of Worries comes with this advice.  She asks you to categorize your worries into things you can do something about, things you are not sure you can do something about and things you can’t.   Then drop the last two and focus on working on the solutions for the worries that are relevant now.

 

Pisces
Sophie Woodrow

Nine of Coins – Last week the Muse of Inertia advised you to slow down, meditate and reflect more than do.  This energy continues somewhat with the Muse of Contentment. This muse like you to begin moving but do it at a relaxed pace.  This is not a week to commit to everything but more to metaphorically turn your life volume knob down from a 10 to a 9.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of June 26, 2022

Anne Fusco Life is tough my darling
Anne Fusco Life is tough my darling

In general, my aim is to be uplifting and write about my ponderings around art, science, and tarot (spirituality) as differing conduits to try and explain our collective experience.  And I share it with you for with theses hopes:  That the tarot part will give you guides to create more ease in your life, and for you to find support and comfort with your intuition.  The science part is to share how amazing and awe-inspiring the universe is.  And lastly the art, which shows how amazing people’s imagination and spirit can be portrayed through visual means.  This week I struggled.

Three days ago, the Roe versus Wade a 50-year ruling was overturned and I am furious and unbelievably sad.  I have cried for 3 days straight.   So, I was having a hard time writing, my mind was swirling- everything felt contrite.  What is making me sad and angry about this decision isn’t totally about reproductive rights.  It is about people not believing that women are capable to choose their own destiny. That women don’t think about motherhood, a child’s safety, the environment or circumstances these potential souls might be brought into.  That a woman in 36 states, who possible like me 35 years ago when my birth control pills didn’t work and I got pregnant, may not have the privilege and rights I had and women before me fought for. So, I was struggling to find light and hope.

While scanning my inbox for support, I found one of my favorite voices Anna Fusco @lordccowboy.  Fusco’s art and writing gives me hope for the future of women, our resilience and humanity in general.  She opens herself up to her viewers through her musings by painting, line drawings and her words.  She lets us into the messy parts of living as much as its moments of awe-inspiring beauty.  And though one may not be able to relate to every aspect of her art (like I don’t surf), I do relate to her the process of her pondering.

Fusco guides us to reflect, to think, to imagine, to mull over, to hope…She shares how she experiences moments of life which in turn prompts us to live in our own.  She reminds us that humans are messy; we are the paradox and fulcrum of our shortcomings and excellence.  Her art and ponderings gives us hope to continue trying to be the best human we can be, even when we are struggling.

Your pondering for the week:  What is liberty? And would you let someone else define yours?

To support women’s choice support an organization like Sister Song, write or call your representatives, speak up, and vote!

 

Solar System Highlights

On Monday the moon is still in Gemini good for conversations. Then on Tuesday the moon goes into Cancer time for home life and self-care.  Mercury is in Gemini its home spot.  This eases conversations and inspires downloads of knowledge.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge). Interesting that the divine feminine is getting talk about right now.  Ladies tell your stories.  Mars (action) is in Aries (action).  Good for getting things done.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

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

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum brings you the fuel, but you will need to manifest the direction.  This energy helps you get unstuck, but the challenge is you need provide the focus and goals.  Or you will tend to run in circles.  So, she asks what do you want to accomplish this week?  Write a list and then go at them one by one.

Taurus
Anna Fusco Feelings are perfectly safe
Anna Fusco Feelings are perfectly safe

Two of Cups – This week the focus is on your love relationships.  Spend quality time with those you love, for your emotional cups need filling, as do theirs.

Gemini

King of Wands – Last week the Muse of Organic Change advises that now is the time to let go and create space for the new to grow. Now that you have created some space, the Muse of Innovation asks what you would like to grow in this empty space?  Spend this week pondering what can you implement to innovate a better life?

Cancerian
Anna Fusco The sea the sea!
Anna Fusco The sea the sea!

*Star– For your second energy to work with this year the Muse of Healing and Hope has “shone” up.  So, this week write down some aspects that you would like to heal, and some hopes you would like to cast.  You get a year to rest and gather your strength and make plans for a healthier future.

 

Leo
Anna Fusco Heaven
Anna Fusco Heaven

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams asks you if you had seven wishes what would they be?  The challenge is being very precise and very realistic when making them.

Virgo
Anna Fusco I smile at others
Anna Fusco I smile at others

Page of Coins – The Muse of the Student comes when you need to learn something.  This week you will be missing some skill set.  Your challenge is to let your hubris go and crack open the books, internet or find a mentor.

 

Libra
Anna Fusco Whipped Cream

Page of Swords – The Muse of Investigation comes around when information is needed but it will be a challenge to get it.  Not that someone is purposely hiding the answers, but you will need to probe deeper then a casual “how are you or what do you mean?”

Scorpio
Anna Fusco Might as well
Anna Fusco Might as well

Ace of Swords – Hopefully you set your goals last week because this week you will need to be decisive and very focused.  If you have not, then do that on Monday before you start your work week.  And in general follow logic more than your heart this week.

Sagittarius
Anna Fusco There is enough if we share

Two of Wands – The Muse of Future Planning is here again.  Either you did not plan far enough into the future a couple of weeks ago, or you need to tweak some of your plans.  Hint: This Muse likes to have a few out of the box ideas so it can manifest more opportunities when possible.

Capricorn
Anna Fusco The Flowers I See Right Now

Seven of Swords – The Muse of Stealing comes when you are “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”  So, what resources/things are you moving around but not really dealing with the problem?  Time to fess up and work on the solutions.

 

Aquarius
Anna Fusco People come People go

*World – The Muse of Opportunities is here to open doors for you.  The challenge with this card is feeling that when you make a choice you must stick to it.  That is not the case right now.  Take each opportunity and try it on for size.  And then pick the best fit.

Pisces
Anna Fusco Good requires very little

Seven of Coins – Hopefully you pulled back from society last week to get perspective because this week is all about work.  Yep, it is time to pull up your trousers, roll up your sleeves and start checking off what needs to be done.  It may sound hard but once you start you will find your flow.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of June 19, 2022

Happy Birth-month Cancerians!

The artist this week is Shantell Martin @shantell_martin. (This blog is a hard medium to show her work for much of the impact comes with the immersion into it and many of her pieces are moving.  For example, just go to her website and run your cursor over the drawings around her image.  But I am going to try, and hopefully you will be more intrigued and click through to her sites.)

Martin makes “simple” ink line drawings and takes us on a journey possible into to her stream of conscious but definitely into our own self-discovery.  She is a renaissance philosopher artist.  Martin often collaborates and has vast interests in a variety of mediums, music, design, fonts, sculpture to name a few. Her works represented here are parts installations in public spaces.  There is a sense of fun of whimsy that we often need to remind ourselves of, even when we are thinking big thoughts.  That we can simultaneously follow a line of thought and wind it through a variety of emotions, but come out with a more optimistic and airy sense of space.

Martin has been fascinated and working with the concept of “line” since youth.  As she said in a Colossal Interview “With just a few simple strokes you can imagine something or bring it to life.  There’s something quite magical about that, and as an artist, I feel we all fundamental have our own line inside us. We have something we could extract…it would be unique and different for every single individual that created a line.”   So, your pondering for this week is Martin’s Art Manifesto.  Even if you are not an artist these aspects can be applied into your life.  For an exercise replaced the word “art/artist” and with “us/our” in the sheet below and find your line.

Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Manifesto
Solar System Highlights

Just a heads-up Monday through Wednesday the Moon, Mars and Venus are all in placements that can ooze stubbornness and noncompliance.  Watch that you don’t get into any battles because nobody wins during this time.  Then on Thursday the Moon moves into Taurus giving us that slow and steady energy to finish out our work.  By Saturday it is in Gemini a great time for friends and lively conversations.  Mercury is in Gemini its home spot.  This eases conversations and inspires downloads of knowledge.  Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Gemini (communication and knowledge) on the 22nd.  Finally, Venus can get some breathing room from Mars.  So, after Wednesday fences can be mended and people find places to compromise.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

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

Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

*Moon – The Muse of Shadows would like you to work with your more obscured attributes.  She would like you to reflect on your societal persona.  Has it masked some hidden talents?  Does it truly reflect your soul’s desires or your heart’s?  What abilities have you hidden because of should, could, would have statements? Time to walk at least one of these hidden abilities back out into the light.

Taurus
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

*Wheel – Last week, the Muse of Healing and Hope asked if you could heal one thing what would it be?  And if you had one truth to live by what would that be?  The Muse of Fortune often comes to unstick momentum, so she continues this line of questioning.  She asks what are you trying to control that cannot be controlled?  Where are you metaphorically trying to grasp water or manipulate an aspect of the Wheel of Life?   This Muse is reminding you the world turns without you.  She does not mean to lessen your power but to redirect it to the present.

Gemini
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Open Your Eyes

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change advises that now is the time to let go and create space for the new to grow.  This can look as simple as cleaning out your closets, old junk drawers or your garage.  Or as complex as letting go of old concepts or relationships that no longer feed you.  Think of it like tilling the soil of your life. You are preparing the ground for new things to grow.

Cancerian
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

Ten of Coins – The Muse of Abundance is your first energy to work with this birth year.  This Muse is asking you if you can celebrate your success and enjoy all that you have worked for?  This year is about enjoying the family you have created, the friends you have, and your material successes.

 

Leo
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

Ten of Wands – You will be asked to do a lot this week; however, the Muse of Obligation reminds you all the tasks are not your responsibility.  This week your challenge is to discern what is yours and then drop the rest.  By taken on other’s responsibilities you are creating unhealthy dependent relationships instead interdependent collaborations.

Virgo
Shantell Martin The May Room

Two of Coins – The Muse of Equilibrium comes when something is out of balance.   She asks what is making your life askew? Are you working too much?  Then Play more.  Or are you playing too much? Then realign with your ambitions.  Are you feeling tired or sick?  Look at adjusting your sleep habits or food intake.  The challenge with this exercise is believing you must take on all the imbalances at once.  Start small and pick one focus, like go to bed 15 minutes earlier, for you might find the others naturally readjusts with the smallest of calibrations.

 

Libra
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Open Your Eyes

*Strength – The Muse of Strength comes for two reasons, either you need to strength your core muscle, or you need to strengthen your convictions.  If its your core muscle be careful lifting things this week and do some strengthening exercises.  If it is your convictions, shore up your boundaries and realign yourself with your belief systems.  Often this Muse asks you to ponder what is the most important ethic that you hold and then apply the answer in all your challenges this week.

Scorpio
Shantell Martin The May Room

*Chariot – This week will have a lot of energy not only within you but also around you.  The Muse of Momentum has given you the impetus, but you must supply the objectives. So be careful starting off this week without a responsible agenda.  Without a plan this energy can combust or have you doing donuts in the parking lot.  However, if you have goals and actions steps you should find the road smoothly paved.

Sagittarius
Shantell Martin

Eight of Wands – The Muse of Messages shows up all this week downloading information.  The challenge is managing your inbox.  So, the key to ease this week is prioritize what you need to respond to and leave the rest.  Also, it is a great time to pick out a book or audio file and savor the glory of the written word.

Capricorn
Shantell Martin

Five of Coins – The Muse of Devotion is asking what or whom do you pray to?  This week will have its challenges, so where do you go for spiritual guidance?  This week reconnect to the divinity, person, place, or thing where you can find solace for your soul.

 

Aquarius
Shantell Martin

Nine of Wands – The Muse of Resilience is standing by you to help you make it through the challenges this week.  First, she reminds you that you have been through way worse and survived.  And secondly, she prompts that you do not have to take it all on at once.  You can methodically come at one challenge at a time and the rest will wait their turn, though they may grumble a bit.  You got this.

Pisces
Shantell Martin

*Hermit – The Muse of Solitude is inviting you to pull away and get some perspective.  Yep, you have the Muses’ permission to hide this week.  So, turn off your phone any time you can; however, this does not mean that you can sit in a haze.  The challenge this week is to stand back and look at your surroundings and make a game plan of how you are going to re-enter into society.