I have a thing for octopuses as you know if you have been reading this blog for awhile.  So, of course I was drawn to this woodcarving above by Jeffrey Michael Samudsky.  This piece is a replica of an Enteroctopus dofleini, Giant Pacific Octopus.  JMS carved it from a single fallen Redwood.  On his site you can see the process and how he work with and left many parts of the natural curve of the tree.  He does most of his work with a chain saw, but his artwork goes farther than what you typically see on roadsides traveling through tiny towns of the Northeast.  His pieces seem to personify the majesticness of not only the tree but also the animals he is carving.  Many of his of his pieces riff off of the traditional art form of totem poles.

Totem poles are an indigenous art form of the Pacific Northwest Americas.   They were carved out of the Giant Cedar tree, though due to the North Pacific weather few examples still exist before the 1900’s. Before the 1700’s and the introduction of iron and steel tools, they were carved with tools made from stone, shells or beaver teeth. The carvings symbolized the ancestors, clan lineages, notable events, cultural beliefs, myth and legends of that group.  They were also used as architectural supports, welcoming signs to guests, or held the remains of ancestors. Though some of them were used for a way to ridicule a person or group who had done that clan wrong.  So in essence, Totem poles were the highway billboards of today.

P.S. Please share.  Also, I have put up another quote to download for your vision board.  Enjoy.

Aries – Ace of Swords

Pulling an Ace of Swords foretells that the decisions you make ripple out into the next year.  So take time to think through any decisions this week, even little ones. Think Butterfly Effect.

 

 

 

Taurus – Two of Pentacles

The Two of Pentacles is the card of balance.  This card advice you to pick and then balance out juggling two of the main needs/projects in your life before you add in any more.

 

 

Gemini – Three of Cups

Last week, the Star card asked you to bring a little self-compassion and care into your life or challenged you to dive into your soul and heal karmic wounds so you can carry on with life a lot lighter. The Three of Cups continues this theme but asks you to search out close friends for support while doing this.

 

 

Cancer – Seven of Wands

The Seven of Wands is about expanding and contracting one’s passion.  This week be aware of how your environment tries to get you to react. Your challenge is to be proactive and not reactive.

 

 

 

 

*Leo – Chariot

The Chariot says now is the time to start moving into your new year in a balanced, conscious and determined way.  You all have until November 8, 2018.  While the nodes, in Leo and Aquarius, are pushing you to make the changes you want to care on for the next 18.5 years.

 

 

 

*Virgo – Magician

The Magician is your first karmic card for the coming year.  He represents the experimenter, the divine creator. The Magician asks: what do you want to pull down from the divine into the real world?  Your challenge is to make sure what you manifest in the coming year aligns not only your passions but also with your morals.

 

 

Libra – Six of Wands

The Six of Wands wants you to enjoy the bounty that surrounds you.  Your challenge is to make sure more than you benefits from it. Sharing is caring.

 

 

 

 

Scorpio – Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords advice to you is to slow down and notice what is going on around you.  There is information, that due to your chaotic life, you are missing. Your challenges – slow your roll and look left and right before crossing the road.  Side note this can also mean to be careful not hurting your extremities.

 

 

Sagittarius – King of Cups

The King of Cups wants us to open your arms and give everyone a bear hug.  Your challenge this week is making as many people in your life smile and feel comfortable in your presence.  The goal of this card is to make you better gauge how your emotions affect others.

 

*Capricorn – Empress

The Empress is not the easiest card for Capricorns.  This card challenges you to turn on your sensuous mojo.  And this is hard because you all want to be practical or have an outcome while doing it.  Asking how will this effort give me physical results?  Well sensuality is about feelings and your senses.  So the simple way to “turn on” is eat your favorite meal or drink and really savor it- take at least an hour to take in your nutrients.  Or a more complex and challenging way is spend all day in bed with the one you love and involve all your senses.

 

Aquarius – Eight of Pentacles

The Eight of Pentacles is the card of mastery.  Take this week to hone your skills and get better at what you already know.

 

 

 

 

Pisces – Eight of Cups

The Eight of Cups ask you to let go of emotions that no longer serve you and strength the ones you that do.  An easy exercise to do this process is throw eight things away you no longer need.

 

 

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

Nina