Tag Archives: the fox and the tarot

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 18, 2021

My Dad died this week so this tarotcast will be a little different.

Above is my favorite picture of my Dad and I; however, it is also the summer we had two of our worst fights, one about a cat and the other about my schooling.  I did not really talk to him for a full year after that, only answering in monosyllabic sentences when he called.   Memories like these have been cascading into my conscious- some good many difficult.  A friend said to me this week that complex relationships have complicated completions.

However, one subject where my Dad and I did have deep discussions, and also harbor my fondest memories, were around spirituality.  These discussions started a year after this picture, the same year I started reading tarot cards.

Many people are drawn to tarot because of its visual presentation often its beauty.  However, the real work is complex as this picture of me and my Dad, where there are both ease and challenges to learn from each card.   The aim with tarot, discussions, life in general is being open to their lessons and learning the skill of exchange.   These experiences define who we are and strengthen our spiritual core.   So, I am not going to do my regular tarotcast this week, which is a bit of a monologue in this format.  The pictures are from some of my favorite tarot decks, and each sign will get two words that references that card.  And you choose which energy you want to exchange with this week.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Taurus this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Scorpio it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

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

Nina

Aries
Children of Litha tarot

*High Priestess – Perceptivity/Secrets

Taurus
Dali tarot

*Justice – Equity/Prejudice

Gemini

Two of Wands – Objective/Exasperation

Cancer
Shadowscape tarot

Ace of Wands – Inspiration/Apathy

Leo

Six of Swords – Pilgrimage/Cornered

Virgo
Housewives Tarot

Five of Wands – Competition/Reconciliation

 

Libra

Four of Swords – Recovery/Sickness

Scorpio
Muse Tarot

*Tower – Disaster/Rebuild

Sagittarius
Tarot of The Divine

Queen of Cups – Nurturing/Manipulation

Capricorn
Tazama African

*Fool – Possibilities/Recklessness

Aquarius
Wombat Tarot

Page of Swords – Inquiry/Self-conscious

Pisces
Light Seers Tarot

Ten of Wands – Burden/Reassessment

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 11, 2021

Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock Tree Line

It is a New moon in Aries today. Since Aries starts the astrological wheel, this New Moon is about beginnings.   The Ram is all about action, launching and creating the new, this week set goals, start projects, plant seeds etc… Also, the Sun, Moon and Venus will parley with Pluto which can highlight power struggles but also can gives us the tenacity to solve them.

This week’s artist is Richard Whadcock.  Whadcock paints dream like landscapes.  They transport the viewer to the pastural dewy dawns, foggy aftermaths of a storm, the misty breath of a cold lake…  Having us ponder those times when we can see the potential, but nothing is yet fully in focus.  Where we question and contemplate what we are actually perceiving. Navigating our surroundings more with our emotions then with tactile knowledge. Pondering the unknown and times of transitions.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Aries this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Libra it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock Evensong

Eight of Coins – So first let’s sum up your big energies to work with this coming year.  Your Muse energies are balancing excess, blending binaries, cultivate and assessing what intensity and focus to beam this energy with.  And by doing this you can make leaps that take advantage of places that others cannot reach.  And now this week’s Muse reminds you this will take work and you will be busy.   But do not fret for you already have the primary skills to obtain these new heights.  It is just about fine tuning your assets.

 

 

Taurus
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock.
Taste the Air

Queen of Coins – Last week the Muse of Reflection reminded you of the cyclic nature of intention.  That your higher purpose connects to your emotions which in turn supports your energy flow to carry out your purpose.  This week’s Muse is more rooted in reality than the philosophical headspace of last week.  This week it is hands-on energy or really your five senses on.  You need some grounding after all that pondering, so this week use your five senses each day to integrate your ponderings into actions.

 

 

Gemini
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock Dawn Veils

Ace of Coins – Last week was creating plans, goals, and schedules for the next three months.  This week’s energy helps put those plans into action.  Remember this is just the beginning no need to rush.  It is vital to create grounded foundations so you can build higher and better.

 

 

Cancer
Richard Whadcock
Richard Whadcock Shore to Shore

Three of Swords – The Muse this week helps you connect with the emotions of sorrow, grief, loss, and disappointment.  As a water sign you know that there are lessons and value in all emotions.  Take time to come to an understanding with at least one of these emotions.  Learn its lesson and then heal the wound.

 

 

Leo
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock Silent Water

King of Cups – The Muse of Emotions is here to help you celebrate your emotional depth and width.  It is a great time to enrich your emotional IQ and befriend your emotional monsters.  Your challenge is when working with these entities not to get triggered and let them drive the car.  The poem Guest House by Rumi will aid with this skill.

 

 

Virgo
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock Shadow Tree

Nine of Wands – Preparation and defense is the name of the game this week.  The more you are prepared for the day the more you can pivot, weave and swat away any hindrances.  As they say the best defense is a good offense.  So, carry protein bars, fill your gas tank up, leave 10 minutes early, etc.…

 

 

Libra
Richard Whadcock.
Richard Whadcock.

Queen of Cups – The Muse of Fun is visiting you this week.  Reminding you that all work and no play makes Jack/Jill a dreary person.  So, watch comedies or stand-up, tell bad dad jokes, dance in your room, share laughs as often as you can, for laughter is the best medicine.

 

 

Scorpio
Richard Whadcock Evening Lake

Two of Cups – This week the Muse of Loving Relationships is here to remind you to tend to yours.  Whether that relationship is with a plant, an animal, or a person, this week you need to feed that connection.  Relationship is key to grounding you and maintaining your momentum, as well as theirs.

 

 

 

Sagittarius
Richard Whadcock Passage

Two of Wands – Last week the muses asked what metamorphosis you would like in your work, purpose, life, and/or relationships, and to choose your pace in that innovation.  Well luckily, you have another week to work on this pondering with the Muse of Future-gazing.   This muse challenges you not to just think of what you want to achieve in the coming year but what do you want to be doing in five, ten, twenty years from now.  You do not have to have a clear vision but at least a vague outline of the landscape will help.

 

 

Capricorn
Richard Whadcock Lake Edge

Six of Cups – The Muse of the Past is here.  This energy arises to give you information, but you will need to cull it from your memories.  Whether you go through old journals, photos, or allow it to seep into your dreamscape find a way to spark this download.

 

 

 

Aquarius
Richard Whadcock Back to Kerry

*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation is here to help you navigate this week’s surges.  She helps you blend desperation with patience, hopelessness with faith, and changes frustrating nothings and burdensome everythings into manageable somethings.  Your work is to get enough sleep and subsistence to keep you even keeled.

 

 

Pisces
Richard Whadcock Broadwater

King of Coins – The Muse of Building Prosperity is here to do just that.  This is a great week to look over your finances and create some action steps to increase your fiscal wealth.  Whether that is increasing your payments to your savings, buying a home, investing in the stock market, or starting a side hustle, you are in a good place and time to fortify your fiscal foundations.

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 4, 2021

Sonnet

It feels like spring this week, so it felt right for a sonnet. What is the difference between a poem and a sonnet.  A sonnet is a poem that is fourteen lines long that uses formal rhyme schemes.  A poem is a piece of writing that expresses feelings and ideas which are given power by using rhyme, rhythm and/or imaginary.   Below and in each sign’s tarotcast is a line from Sonnet 98: From you have I been absent in spring by The Bard, William Shakespeare.

From you have I been absent in the spring,

When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim,

   

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Aries this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Libra it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

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

Nina

Aries

*Fool– Another birth year Muses, so you all will have a lot of energies and muses to with from now until next April.  The last two weeks Muse energies were about balancing excess, blending binaries, cultivate and assessing at what intensity and focus to beam this energy at.  And now the Muse of Leaps of Faith is asking you to make that jump into the unknown.    This coming year you spirit animal is the Bighorn sheep of the western mountain of North America.  Who traverse ledges sometimes two inches in width. They are not as agile as mountains goats, but their vision, focus and feet are more specialized.  Enabling them to traverse areas that seem untraversable.  So, if you enhance your balancing, blending and vison you too can jump and take advantage of places that others can not reach.

Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,

Taurus

*Moon – More time to dive into the subconscious either through dreams, meditation, or aimless ponderings to connect to information about your higher purpose.  This Muse of Reflection is the light for last week’s higher purpose information gathering.  Again, look for clues in synchronicities and cycles. Take this Muse’s advise to be soft with your reflections and expectations.  She reminds you of the cycle where your higher purpose connects to your emotions which in turn supports your energy flow to do your purpose.

That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him.

Gemini

Three of Wands – This is a great week to create plans, goals, and schedules for the next three months.  The more preparation you do this week the more ready for action you will be for the coming weeks’ momentum.

Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell

 

Cancer

Nine of Cups – The Muse of Contentment has shown up this week.  She asks you to ponder what is enough?  Where are you pushing yourself to give 100% or strive for the unobtainable goal of perfection?  This week pull back at least 10% and you will find that almost brings more realistic and obtainable gratifications.

Of different flowers in odour and in hue,

Leo

Four of Cups – The Muse of Introspection arrives this week.  She advises you that deep pondering and philosophizing is needed before going forward.  However, she also challenges you to turn outward when you find yourself either to deep in the rabbit hole or feeling stuck.  The outside world has information to help you readjust so you can go back musing with a fresh perspective.

Could make me any summer’s story tell,

Virgo

*Chariot – The Muse of Self-Propelled Momentum is honking outside in her convertible to take you for a ride.  This energy challenges you to create momentum in your life.  Take the next steps towards your dreams and destiny.  If you find yourself unable, then get outside and move, walk, ride your bike, skate, or drive with the windows down.   Focus on the wind on your face and imagine moving forward.  Go.

Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew:

Libra

Two of Coins – The Muse of Balance is having you practice multi-tasking but with only two components at a time.  If you find yourself unsteady this week, stop put everything down and then pick one thing to work on until you regain your equilibrium.  Only then can you add another item to your list.

Nor did I wonder at the lily’s white,

 

Scorpio

Three of Wands – Last week the Muse of Tying up Loose Ends came to help you complete something, so you could create space and time for the new to take root. Well, this week’s Muse is the little sister to that.  This energy is that space between breathes or the task that needs to be set up before making a move.  So, if you could not finish things up last week, you got another week.  And if you have completed your tasks, then tidy your space and mind in preparation for your next move.

Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;

Sagittarius

Evolution/Judgment – It is time to up your ante and start anew.  This muse asks you what are you not achieving?    What metamorphosis would you like in your work, purpose, life, and/or relationships?  Now is the time to work on making that transformation happen.  No more same old- same old.  This is a perfect energy for these seasons of Spring/Fall.  You choose, are you ready to spring forward or do you need another season to simmer and wind down before moving on?  Either way this energy is about re-invention.

They were but sweet, but figures of delight

Capricorn

Two of Swords – Your Muse this week is the Muse of Choice.  In some places in your life, you may not have the privilege of choice, and in these places, you need to let go and go with the flow.  In other places though you do, and this is where your energy needs to be spent.  Though she reminds you when making your choices, the path you decide to travel is more important than the goal.

Drawn after you, – you pattern of all those.

Aquarius

Knight of Cups – The Muse this week prompts you that having emotions and being vulnerable leads to understanding and intimacy.  This week you may find yourself in a miasma of emotions.  Invite them in.  Have a cup of Tea with each, for they give you information that is useful in the weeks to come.

Yet seem’d it winter still, and, you away,

Pisces

Three of Coins – The Muse of the Collaboration is visiting this week.  That means your teamworking skills need to well oiled.  She reminds you three heads are better than one. So not only is your opinion needed but also your listening skills.      

As with your shadow I with these did play.

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 28, 2021

penguin

Yep, it is time for another round of cute animal pictures to raise our spirits.  The end of March is the also the end of the yearly migration of the Emperor Penguin and the beginning of a new generation of penguins.  If you have not seen the March of the Penguins, please do it’s an amazing documentary about Emperor Penguins and their breeding season.  There are 17 to 20 species of penguins (the debate is still on with scientists).   So far, the biggest known species is extinct and stood at the height of 1.77m/5’ 10” and weighed over 91kg/200 lbs.

The above is the tiniest, lesser know and only blue feathered penguin, the Little Blue Penguin, Fairy Penguin or kororā in Māori. It is found on the coastlines of Australia and New Zealand.  They are 33cm/13in in height and weigh about 1.5 kg /3 lbs compared to the Emperor who can reach almost 1.1m (3ft 7 in) tall and weigh 35kg (77 lbs).  Most penguin species eat krill, squids, and small fish.  Ten of the species are considered endangered from varying reasons of weather pattern, climate change, declining food sources, or increase in predation.

Planets and Ponderings: Full Moon in Libra.  This moon is about harmony, peace and love however, for the next couple of days Venus planet of love and Chiron the wounded healer are in the opposing warrior and action sign, Aries.  So be aware relationships and communication can be a bit at odds, old wounds can re-open so try not to push anything to fast into action.  The best way to navigate this time is to be patient, listen with compassion and speak from a place of love.   And if you are feeling angst do something active with your body.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Aries this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Libra it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

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

Nina

Aries
Mutation of a King Penguin

*Sun and Knight of Swords – Last week your first energy for the coming year was about balancing excess and blending binaries.  This week you have two Muses to aid in that balancing act.  The first is the Muse of Energy.  This year is full of growth and light.  You will be able to cultivate anything you aim your energy at.  However, the second energy the Muse of Slowing Down warns that you need to buffer your intensity and slow your pace so you can think things through.  This is a year to actively expand but balance and moderation are your prim directives.

Taurus
penguin
Chin Strap Penguin

*High Priestess – The Muse this week is the partner to last week’s energy.  Last week was a time for reflection- to dive into the subconscious either through dreams, meditation, or aimless ponderings to connect with the flow of energies and emotions that need tending to.   By softening your gaze, you see the periphery with more clarity. That peripheral vison while be needed again this week.   When this muse shows up, she is calling you to dive into the information around and about your higher purpose.  Last week was a modification of self this week is a tuning of why you are here.  Look for clues in synchronicities and cycles.

Gemini
penguin
Magellenic Penguin

Nine of Coins – This is a great week for working on anything on the material plane. However, to maintain your focus you need more time alone then in the company of others.  Take moments to go into airplane mode and put out the do not disturb sign, and only let in people who have your back.

Cancer
penguin
Gentoo Penguin

Page of Cups – Last week a shift happened, the pendulum is on a new swing cycle.  And you were advised to seek the seeds of serendipity, knowing that there are lessons and gifts in each swing.  This week that energy is still in motion.  However, The Muse of Innocence is here to help guide you with a fresh set of eyes.  Though that vision is rosed color in tint, it is more adept at seeing the silver linings in your week.

Leo
penguin
Macaroni Penguin

Five of Wands – You are going to need last week’s lesson in balancing this week, for it is full of chaotic energies.  And harder for you because what cat isn’t attracted to the flicker and flutter of something in motion or distress.  It is your choice to jump into the game of cat and mouse.  But if you do, know it will be hard to keep your focus and goal in mind with all that movement.  Conscious focus and innovative side-stepping will be the key to success.

Virgo
King penguin chicks

Knight of Wands – Last week the Muse of Justice came to work with you around the concepts of fairness as well as inequity.  Challenging you that for true justice to happen so must deliberation.  This week is a whole lot smoother with the Muse of Perfect Timing at your side.  If you follow your integrity, you will be in the right place and the right time.  So good or bad there are hidden gems for you at ever turn.

 

Libra
Gentoo Penguin

Knight of Coins – Learning the right pace for the right job are the lessons this week.  If slow and steady is your speed, then work like you are running a marathon.  Hydration and nutrition are key.   If you work better in short quick sprints, then make your workflow mimic that pace.

Scorpio
penguin
Rock Hopper Penguin

*World – The Muse of Tying up Loose Ends is here to help you complete something.  This is a great week to tackle anything that has been on your to-do list the longest and/or has just one more step to completion.  This Muse is the forebearer to new beginnings, so she is here to help you create space and time for that new thing to take root.

Sagittarius
Adelie Penguin

Queen of Coins – The Muse of Living is here to help you combine getting things done with enjoyment.  Her first lesson is if you are not having fun while you are working then you are not doing it right.  And her second is if you are not savoring all your senses each day then you are not enjoying this time you have on Earth in this body.   If you do the second lesson the first becomes easier.

Capricorn
penguin
Emperor Baby

Four of Cups – Last week the Hermit Muse advised you to take yourself out of the world to gain perspective and regroup.  You get another week with this energy with her younger sister the Muse of Introspection.  Again, your best thinking is done in seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the world.   However, if you find yourself having circular thoughts then it is time to turn outward for clues and inspirations.  Which you can take back to your reverie.

Aquarius
Emperor penguin

Six of Coins – Last week the muses advised patience to gain a new perspective.  This week the energy shifts to more action.  The only caveat is that what you give out will reverberate back to you.  So, this is great if you are emitting positive energy.  But if you are being judgmental or just plan mean this will also echo back to you.  So, watch your P’s and Q’s.

Pisces
Rock Hopper baby penguin

Six of Cups – The Muse of the Past is wanting to go through photo albums and/or your attic/basement with you.   Why?  Because your past has answers and hidden treasures that will be useful in your near future.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 14, 2021

Cecil Kemperink
Blue Rising Cecil Kemperink 50x40x40cm.

Happy Spring Equinox. The zodiac wheel completes another turn on Saturday March 20th.  The sun moves into Aries and all the planets are in direct motion until end of April so great time to get things done and started.  But remember relaxation should be part of your equation. The new norm is innovation that has us working smarter not harder.

This week’s artist is Cecil Kemperink @cecilkemperink.  One first comes to her work above as a minimalistic piece.  She uses one material clay and one shape a circle.  However, Kemperink then interlinks these clay circles and we begin to see how something as simple can become a complex “organism.”  That through connection these pieces can be reformed into a variety of shapes while emitting a soul-chorded sound.  We now see that this simple circle when linked to each other becomes more versatile, strong because of the connection.  Kemperink explains Motion is a key part of the expressiveness of my sculptures.  The movements show the importance of each circle of the object.  Every ring is essential and influences the other: because they are all connected.

Note:  this article will not do her pieces justice.  Please go to her Instagram page and watch not only her process but also the motion and sound of her pieces.

Your ponderings for the week:  As we move into a new season, see, and appreciate your connections, for they confirm your existence, purpose, and make you stronger.

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

Nina

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Virgo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

Aries
Cecil Kemperink
‘Big Hugs’ Cecil Kemperink

10 of Cups – The Muse of Bliss is here to help you step into your birth month with a gleeful stride.  This week enjoy by inserting some merriment into each day.  Swap stories that create chuckles, watch comedies that make you laugh, tell Dad jokes that get you giggling.  Don’t you think this is the perfect time to laugh out loud, big belly laughs or snort even?   Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. – Victor Hugo

 

 

Taurus
Cecil Kemperink
Cecil Kemperink

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams would like you to dream bigger.  She nods with all your counterarguments about being grounded, vigilant and staying in the here and now.  But she reminds you that taking a dream break feeds the soul, expands the heart, and is a place where innovation is born.

 

 

 

 

Gemini
Cecil Kemperink
Cecil Kemperink

Page of Cups – The Muse of Play is here to loosen you up.  Yep, your juices need a refresh and no better way to do this then to play.  Crayons/fingerpaints out, doodle during boring meetings, take pictures from a 5-year-olds perspective, or reinvent the PBJ.  This muse reminds you play is a gateway to imagination and creativity.

 

 

 

Cancer
Cecil Kemperink

Nine of Coins – The Muse of Alone Time has left you a note.  Your solitude will be support and a home for you, even in the midst of unfamiliar circumstances and from it you will find all your paths – Rainer Maria Rilke. Find time this week for alone-time you will get more done then in the company of others.

 

 

Leo
Cecil Kemperink
Cecil Kemperink

Five of Wands – The Muse of Chaos is here, and it is your choice whether to open the door and let her in or ignore her insistence this week.  This energy comes to remind you chaos is an aspect of creation though uncontrollable and transient.  So, you can do little about it, except sidestep its path or join in it’s dervish dance.

 

 

 

 

Virgo
Cecil Kemperink.
threesome Cecil Kemperink.

Three of Cups – Connection is what you need.  Find ways to link up with your friends this week.  If you can mask up and social distance yourself a hang.  If not, then get on a phone and have a virtual beverage together.  You need a good chinwag with people who care about you.  One reason is to vent; the other to refill your emotional cups.

 

 

Libra
Cecil Kemperink
Souls Cecil Kemperink

Eight of Cups – The Muse of Closet Cleaning has come for a visit this week.  She comes when you have outgrown an emotion, purpose, copping mechanism, or your style.  There is something or someone that no longer is helpful in your life and it is time to shed it.  This muse recommends get you in the mood and thought pattern go through your closet or junk drawer.  Throw away all the items that are no longer useful or the style you are trying to convey. Motto: cleanse the trivia to get to the substance.

 

 

Scorpio
perpetuum orange

Knight of Swords – The energy is fast paced this week or at the very least feels as if you should be trying to keep up with something.  The Muse of Slowing Down has come to remind you to look both ways before you step out into the metaphorical and literal street. This week it is important to be mindful of your thoughts, words, and steps.  No rushing.

 

 

Sagittarius
Cecil Kemperink
Cecil Kemperink

King of Wands – Another good week for you all.  This is a week where that Sagittarian good luck is working in your favor.  Whether that is getting a parking space, a vaccine appointment, or following synchronicities like homemade sour dough breadcrumbs, it is all gold.  Also, by following your intuition, you can bring together many moving parts into a cohesive apparatus.  You are like Elizabeth in Queen’s Gambit. A step or two ahead of all that you do, once you are in the zone (If you haven’t seen it on Netflix – please do).

 

 

Capricorn
Cecil Kemperink

Knight of Coins – Last week the Muse of Leaps came to help you out of a rut you may not have realize you were in, by having you play around with your routines.  This week you get to implement some of the things you discovered back into your regular schedule.  The one key is making your pace appropriate to your path.  If the way is rocky slow down, but if it is open road you can put the pedal to the metal.

 

 

Aquarius
Cecil Kemperink

Four of Coins – This week your resources – energy, time, money and space – are limited.  The key to this week is quality over quantity.  Make sure ever minute is used wisely that includes getting enough sleep, putting good food in your belly, and taking some “me time” to relieve some of the push you-pull me stress.  Make sure your needs are dealt with first before your wants.

 

 

Pisces
Cecil Kemperink
Cecil Kemperink

Page of Wands – The last card for your birth month is innovation.  You already know that organic change is a big theme this coming year. Advising you to have something in the works to change every season.   But another essential is this cannot be the same old rodeo with new costumes.  You have this year to play around with trying new things/ways to innovate the who, what, how and where and possible why in your life.   Nothing must be written in stone this year, so have fun experimentLeave the beaten track behind occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do you will be certain to find something you have never seen before.  – Alexander Graham Bell.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 7, 2021

Bisa Butler
I know why the Caged Bird sings Bisa Butler

If you all have been with me for a while skip down to the 4th paragraph, I have ranted on this before.  But if you are new…… I was an elementary coach for teachers and I am not fond of the emphasis and exaltation of a “minority” history months in American public schools and on Google.  Before you get mad please read on.  Though I understand its necessity when this movement started, back in 1926 as Black History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson.    Where he saw little to none African American representation in the “white halls of history” and probably was seeing the whitewashing of the Red Summer.  History week has now grown to a month, added new months for other minorities and spreading outside of America.  But have we now fallen into Hallmarking ™ history? In our political correctness, lost the thread?

Textbooks and curriculum of American schools still teach basically the same history– white-male-centric – but now in February you teach about MLK, in March about Susan B. Anthony, and Native American Heritage Month in November, so you can get it close to Thanksgiving – UGH.   This does the “minority’s history” an injustice.  First it loses its context in history as a whole.  The “minority” becomes not part of our shared history but as a parallel thing happening alongside predominately white male history or is only seen for a month in bubble in and of itself.  We lose the why it came about and the reverberation of that action now.

Secondly, it supports instead of works against our biological perspective of tribalism.  And we lose the perspective of the history of the individual within the collective.  The acts of an individual echoing through time and space. Lastly, this undermines teaching the student not only Socratic thinking which hinges on contextual information, but also disempowers the student to see that they can change the course of the future in ways they would never imagine.

The artist this week is Bisa Butlers @bisabutler should be used as a history teaching tool. She takes everyday photos of African Americans throughout history and contextualizes them by using exquisite fabrics and an skilled illustrative thread.  Take for instance the art above I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, she uses a Vlisco fabric called “Michelle’s shoes” for the woman’s skirt on the far right.  The fabric is inspired by West African textiles, done with and Indonesian batik and made in the Netherlands.

She vividly leads us to see the complex connected thread of these woman’s history, African roots to Maya Angelo and Michelle Obama to our multi-cultural world.  She brings these “everyday” people into a contextual history.   In her words: …I am telling the story— this African American side— of the American life. History is the story of men and women, but the narrative is controlled by those who hold the pen. ……..My community has been marginalized for hundreds of years. While we have been right beside our white counterparts experiencing and creating history, our contributions and perspectives have been ignored, unrecorded, and lost. It is only a few years ago that it was acknowledged that the White House was built by slaves. Right there in the seat of power of our country African Americans were creating and contributing while their names were lost to history. ………My subjects are African Americans from ordinary walks of life who may have sat for a formal family portrait or may have been documented by a passing photographer. Like the builders of the White House, they have no names or captions to tell us who they were.

Your ponderings for the week:  Learn the why behind something in your own history, and see how it affects you now and would you tweak it to change the future?  And the Planets:  New Moon in Pisces on March 13th great day for daydreaming.

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

Nina

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Virgo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time.

 

Aries
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler

*Chariot – This is the week to make change happen.  The Muse of Movement is here to help grease the wheels.  Momentum is not problem.  The only challenge with this energy is you must drive it and have a destination to drive it to.  If you do not have a focus you may run around in circles this week.

 

Taurus
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler

Knight of Wands – This Muse comes to say you are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.  You may not see it, but your timing is perfect. Whether you are standing still, trotting along or in full gallop allow your spirit to guide you.

 

 

Gemini
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler

King of Cups – The Muse of Emotional Acceptance has come to help you heal old wounds of the heart.   This muse celebrates the hardest emotion that we deal with as humans: grief.  There is something you need to grieve.  This energy wants you to dive deeply into this emotion of loss. When we grieve, we empty the cup fully and by doing so allow the cup to be refilled.

 

 

Cancer
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler The Princess

Ace of Coins – The Muse of Material Beginnings is here.  This is a perfect week to start a new project, re-plan your garden, buy something to fix up your house or start a savings account.  The key to this energy of sustainability is to create with the concept of quality over quantity.

 

Leo
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler Asantewa

Queen of Swords – The Muse of Details has come to help guide you through this week.  This energy comes when it is important to read the fine print, plan out a project in detail, and sweat the small stuff.  You can find pleasure if you pay attention to the details of your life.  Time to get out that metaphorical (or literally if you must) fine-toothed comb or cleaning toothbrush and tease out the specifics.

 

Virgo
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler

King of Swords – The Muse of Long-term Planning is here to set up your itinerary for the rest of the year and three- and five-year goals.  This week do not get caught in the morass of minutia.  Turn your gaze to the horizon and the dreams of tomorrow.  Vision boards out, daydreaming on, and no boundaries in vastness of your future.

 

Libra
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler

Four of Cups – Last week the Muse of Divine energy was here to grow whatever you wanted to focus on.  You get another week to do just that.  But this week’s Muse ask you to go back and relook over what you are working on.  There is something that does not feel quite right.  That thing or idea needs some more introspection.  The challenge with this is after you have done a pass with your internal eye, turn outward to get another person’s opinion.  Though make sure it is with someone you trust with your dreaming.

 

Scorpio
Bisa Butler To God and Truth

Ten of Coins – The Muse of Finishing is here to help you complete a project.  Either find the oldest thing on your to-do list or finish up something that has been nagging at your subconscious.  This is a great week to move a project forward to completion or at least a big leap towards it.

 

Sagittarius
Bisa Butler
Bisa Butler Broom Jumpers

Ten of Cups – The Muse of Bliss is here to point out all the good things in your life. This week sit back and enjoy all that you have worked hard to get.  If you have a roof over your head start there, food on the table you are doing great; and a job that is getting your needs meet, Whoot.  And if you do not have these things, help is on the way.  You just need to ask and then open your door; you have friends that are wanting to pay you back some of the kindness you have given in the past.

 

Capricorn
Bisa Butler The Equestrian

*Fool – The Muse of Leaps is here to help you out of a rut you may not realize you are in.  The key to this is to do the non-routine.  Sleep late or get up with the sunrise, turn off all electronics after sunset for a night, eat for one day without cooking unless over an open fire, do not look at your emails for a 24-hour period.  I know you all love your routines, but this week shake it up and see what new ideas sprout from the cracks.

 

Aquarius
Bisa Butler Daughter of the Dust

Queen of Coins – The Muse of Physical Pleasures is here to help you through this week.  This muse comes when you need to ground yourself.  She reminds you to connect with your five senses if you can daily.  Eat good food, see beautiful things, feel something textural, smell some aromatherapy, and listen to your favorite music.   Enjoy the simple things in life.

 

Pisces
Bisa Butler Africa The Land Of Hope

*Death – Ok so this rarely happens but the Muse of Organic Change arrives again during your birth month to remind you how important this year is to make big changes happen.  And to do so you need to release, release, and release some more.   And while you are doing all this releasing you are using this “stuff” to compost new soil to grow from.  The challenge with this energy is having the patience and attunement with your surroundings like a gardener.  You need to pay attention to the cycles of growth and harvesting.  This can be a year where you are planting and harvesting each season.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Feb 28, 2021

Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

The artist this week is Nancy Fouts.  Fouts is a visual punster.  Her humor, imagination and mischief-making reconnects us to our own playfulness while challenging our conventional mindset. She has the viewer repurposing and expanding what is the traditional known.

Fouts reminds us that art and life can be lighthearted as well as thought provoking.  That is what humor does; it lightens our heart.  It relieves the burdensome mind of worry.   Prompting us that life can be fun without losing our hard-fought wisdom. In fact, humor when done well makes our minds sharper and more innovative, which is so needed at this time.   The pondering for this week – how can you sharpen your mind through your wit?

The planets:  Mars is in Taurus (great for getting things done but need to watch hard headedness) and Venus is in Pisces, (great for emotional work can be overly touchy).  Well, they square off this week.  This brings our relationships in focus – love and hate can be illuminated, and on a grander scale has us working on binary thinking in general.   Remember absolutes are great for stability but suck at innovation.  And they are rarely 100 percent true, so be careful that this or that thinking does not define you or your actions.

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

Nina

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Virgo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time.

Aries
Nancy Fouts

Five of Swords – This is your second five card so let’s dive into that for a sec.  Fives signify that there is chaos in your life that either needs to be tamed or avoided.  Last week was to avoid and not take on responsibilities that was not yours.  This week the chaos is yours.  Your ego is causing turmoil.  This Muse is here to help you see that your ambition/social standing is making decisions not your integrity.

Taurus
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Two of Wands – The Muse of Adventure is guiding you this week to expand your horizons.   This energy is begging you to go out and experience other parts of the World.  This might be hard to do right now, but this Muse reminds you the internet can expose you to musings from all over.  Here is a fun link to get you started.

Gemini
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Ace of Wands – Last week the Muse of Suspension was holding the energies at bay, so you could take time for introspection and innovation.  I hope you could do this pondering so you can start this week dabbling with those innovations in the real world.  These is a great week to start anything new.  If you were not able, this energy still allows for ruminations, but make sure you have some plans drawn up by the end of the week.

Cancer
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Six of Coins – This week is all about the flow and movement of energy.  The more aware you are of this dance the more momentum you can obtain.  This Muse reminds you when all parties are served, seen, and appreciated the energy balances and flows with more ease.

Leo
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Ten of Coins – This week signifies you are in the midst of a chapter closing within the material plane.  The Muse of Completions is here to help you be mindful of how hard it was for you to get here.  And before you move on to the next, enjoy being in this moment.   Be present this week to see and partake in your accomplishments.

Virgo
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Page of Cups – The Muse of Play is calling you to come out and enjoy the simple things in life.  Laying in a sunbeam and imagining you are a plant, fishing for Moby Dick, digging to China (or America depending on where you are at), air-conducting the London Philharmonic, or air-guitar/drums for your favorite band.  This Muse wants you to revisit when you thought anything was possible and you could be anyone you wanted.  This exercise is allowing you to stretch who you are today.

 

*Libra
Nancy Fouts

Sun – Last week the Muse of Letting Go was here to help you release what is no longer working for you. Hopefully, this has now provided room for this week’s Muse.  The Muse of Divine energy is here to grow whatever you want to focus on.  This Muse asks you if all your needs were meet what would be the first thing you would want? Then she prompts you to put that on your mirror and repeat it every time you see it.

 

Scorpio
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Nine of Cups – The Muse of Contentment has arrived to help you find a place of peacefulness.  She asks you to lay down your need or perception of perfection.  She reminds you that 75 percent is still passing.  This is not about being perfect but being ok with things being slight not okay.  She reminds you that contentment is easily obtained when not pushed to 10 (or 11 for you Spinal Tap peeps).

Sagittarius
Nancy Fouts

Six of Wands – The Muse of Successes is here to remind you that small steps get you to the same goal as large leaps.  Look for these small successes to lead you to paths of ease this week.  Now is not the time to begin anything new or push something through.  If it is working, go with it, and if difficult, hold off.

Capricorn
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Two of Swords – This week is a simple yes or no kind of week.  Your time is best spent doing then mulling.  If you come to a place of indecision, this Muse suggests pulling out a coin and flipping it.   Whatever lands will have a useful lesson in its answer and keep you moving forward.

Aquarius
Nancy Fouts

Knight of Cups – This week your emotions are on the surface or at least they should be.  Brenne Brown explains this energy well.  …We associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and uncertainty.  Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that Vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity, authenticity, and love.  Be open to your love ones.

 

Pisces
Nancy Fouts
Nancy Fouts

Nine of Pentacles – The themes for this birth year are big (letting go and metamorphizing), and last week was about taking part in the world so you could find your place in it.  But this week you can put all that momentous stuff aside and just enjoy the simple things in life.  The Muse of Refuge reminds you to balance all that extrovert-ness with your innate introvert-ness.  This can be as simple as beautifying or tidying your personal space to make it into an oasis of calm, and then enjoy.