Tag Archives: women artists

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Nov. 12 2023

Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems Matera

The artist this week is Carrie Mae Weems. Weems uses her art to bear witness to the presence or absence of black woman in history. She used photography, video, performance, installations, and social practices to explore this subject. Trained in dancing and photography in the mid-1980s she became interested in the observation methods used in the social sciences.

By the early 1990s, she began placing herself in her photographic compositions in an “attempt to create in the work the simultaneous feeling of being in it and of it.”2 She has since called this recurring figure an “alter-ego,” “muse,” and “witness to history” who can stand in for both the artist and audience. She helps us explore the concept of who is doing the looking and for what reason or end?  Watch the video explaining her work From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried (1995). Weems work could be summed up in this quote from an interview with Dawoud Bey, “My work endlessly explodes the limits of tradition… I’m determined to find new models to live by. Aren’t you?

Your pondering for this week:  What models do you live by?

 

Solar System highlights

The moon is still in Scorpio at the beginning of this week – keep your passions lit.   On Tuesday it moves to Sagittarius – find time to explore something new.  On Thursday the moon moves to Capricorn – giving you the drive to finish up the work week.  And on Saturday, the moon moves into Aquarius – spend time in society.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until Dec 1st, where we can experiment with our communication style.  Mars (action) is in Scorpio (passion and letting go) until November 24th. Wanting us to check that our actions are supporting the expression of our passion.  While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in her home sign Libra (relationships and harmony) until December 4th. So, November is a big month in exploring how to harmonize our communication to help us harmonize our relationships while we make time in our life for things that make us zing.

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Scorpio, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Taurus, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems, From Here I saw What Happened and Cried

Three of Air – This week has the potential to trigger old wounds.  This energy is not a warning of things to come but a place where healing should begin.  The Muse of Healing recommends that you dive deep into the why behind your frustration, anger, or sadness, find its source, and give yourself the love that was denied or never given.

Taurus
Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems, African Jewels

Seven of Earth – This week’s energy gives you the stamina and resilience to get stuff done.  The Muse of Work reminds you there is a harvest at the end of this push.  A time to enjoy what you have sown and rest from the work, but this week is not the time.  Carry on and get sh*t done.

Gemini
Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems, The Louvre

Six of Air – The Muse of Transition comes when it is time to move on. Whether it is a project, relationship, way of thought or action.  Something is not working for a reason.  Now is not the time to push through.  Let it go for this week and see if by week’s end it resolves or it is no longer a problem. If it does not, then you can reassess and simplify.

Cancerian
Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship would like you to enjoy yours.  Spend time with the ones that you love that love you back.  This is a time to share emotions and deepen bonds.

Leo
Carrie Mae Weems, A Distant View

Page of Earth – The Muse of Study would like you to pick up a book, listen to a podcast or watch a documentary.  This muse comes when you are doing to much internal gazing and/or skimming social media.  This muse challenges you to deep dive into something interesting.  There is a spark for you there, but it’s up to you to do the homework.

Virgo
Carrie Mae Weems
Carrie Mae Weems, 2 Playing Cards

Seven of Air – The Muse of Scheme is pushing you to plan.  This muse is not using scheme as a verb but as a noun ie:  a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect. Pull a hope or wish off the shelf and start to make plans for how to bring it into existence.

 

Libra
Carrie Mae Weems, African Jewels

Four of Earth – The Muse of Resources comes when your resources of time, money, and/or space are limited.  She advises that you budget them better this week or you will run out of one or all of them before you can finish what you started.

 

Scorpio
Carrie Mae Weems, From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage asks you what old thought paradigms are holding you back?  If you need help, she reminds you they are not yours but were placed there by others and you have now adopted them.  Maybe at some time they worked, but now they are more like burdens.  She advises that all you have to do is let go.

 

Sagittarius
Carrie Mae Weems 

Tower – The Muse of Deconstruction comes when some part of your life is on a shaky foundation.  Is your sleep schedule off?  Are you eating right?  Have you had enough physical contact?  Have you had time to just relax?  All these components are necessary supports for you to do you out in the world.  Shore up what is missing this week.

Capricorn
Cara May Weems – Not Manet’s Type

High Priestess – The Muse of Sacredness comes when you need to tap into your spirit.  She advises finding a mundane task you do every day and making it sacred.  Things like brushing your teeth become an act of loving kindness to your body.  Or taking out recycling becomes a ritual of honoring the earth.  She challenges you to make the mundane – sacred.

 

Aquarius
Carrie Mae Weems – In De Sica’s Light, Roaming Series

*Devil – Last week’s energy was around starting a new project or idea.  However, this week life is throwing some distractions to take you off course.  So, watch surfing the internet for hours, your social media intake, dealing with other people’s problem and not your own or any other rabbit holing that you may do.  This week is about staying focused.

 

Pisces
Carrie Mae Weems – A Single Waltz in Time

King of Wands – The Muse of Charisma challenges you this week to turn up yours.  There is a vibrance in you that can move mountains and break down walls.  She does advise to watch that your compliments reside in truth and your goals are not solely self-center.  This exercise is for the good of the whole as well as you.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Nov. 5, 2023

Anne Ryan
Anne Ryan

The artist this week is Anne Ryan.  Ryan (1889–1954) was an American Abstract Expressionist artist associated with the New York School. She began as a poet and novelist, then moved on to oil painting.  By 1941 she encountered the New York City avant-garde when she joined the Atelier 17, a famous printmaking workshop in New York.

The prominent turning point in Ryan’s work occurred after the war, in 1948. She was 57 years old when she saw the collages of Kurt Schwitters at a gallery. That night she dedicated herself to this newly discovered medium. She started with words, scrapes of paper like Schwitters but moved onto a rich variety of fabrics and papers to achieve effects that are both calming and intimate. Ryan could see that collage like poetry conveys meaning in a compact space. Her work in this medium numbered over 400 pieces by the time of her death six years later.

Your pondering for this week:  Have you ever experienced something profound or meaningful because of its briefness?

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Virgo, a great way to start the week organized and ready to go.   On Thursday it moves to Libra – it’s all about relationships and balance.  And on Saturday, the moon moves into Scorpio – dive into your passions.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Scorpio (passion) until Nov. 10th. Express yourself but watch over doing it.   It then moves into Sagittarius, where we can experiment with our communication style.  Mars (action) is in Scorpio until November 24th. Wanting us to check that our actions are supporting the expression of our passion.  While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Virgo (organization) until November 8th. So now we move from contemplating our outward expression harmonizes with what is within, to applying what we have learned into our life.

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Scorpio, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Taurus, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Anne Ryan
Anne Ryan

*Justice– The Muse of Justice would like you to see that a variety of aspects in your life are not right or wrong, but they are complex and often paradoxical.  There are situations where you need to find the best solution which is one of compromise and equity.  This week is a balancing act of give and take with any negotiations.  This is especially true if you are doing any legal work.

 

Taurus
Anne Ryan

Five of Fire – The Muse of Chaos comes when you are working outside of the flow.  Think of this energy like jumping into the ropes of Double Dutch.  There are factors you need to work with, timing and commitment.  You don’t have to play but if you do, you will need to commit to it.

 

Gemini
Anne Ryan

*Magician – I hope you got rest last week, for this week the Muse of Manifestation is calling.  This is a great week to bring something into being.  The challenge is that you will need to focus the energy and it needs to benefit more than you.  Wands out – and start the magic.

 

Cancerian
Anne Ryan
Anne Ryan

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fun would like you to partake in some belly laughs.  Maybe you are down in the dumps, stressed or just so focused and serious, this week balance it out with some joy.  It will create more ease and flow in your heart, mind and creativity if you do.

 

Leo
Anne Ryan
Anne Ryan

King of Earth – The Muse of Construction is here to help you finish a project or at the very least get it to the next phase.  She challenges you by asking what is your motivation? If you have a solid answer that spurs you on to jump to it.  But if not, she asks you to ponder – is the problem you or are you building something you don’t believe in?

 

Virgo
Anne Ryan
Anne Ryan

Nine of Water – The Muse of Overflow comes for two reasons.  One you are accepting the abundance around you and the other is you are feeling like too much of a good thing can be overwhelming to.  The key for both is to share the abundance.

 

Libra
Anne Ryan

Page of Fire – The Muse of Art would like you to experience some this week.  This energy comes to give you inspiration and can relight your spark.  So, get out your art supplies and make some art, dance, go to a museum, music venue or gallery and experience some, or all of the above.

 

Scorpio
Anne Ryan

King of Water – The Muse of Emotions comes to remind you that you need to sit with yours and get to know them individually.  Each of your emotions this week has a valuable lesson or information for you.  To better understand this process read the Guest House by Rumi.

 

Sagittarius
Anne Ryan

Seven of Fire – The Muse of Climbing would like you to ponder what mountain are you climbing and why?  Is it to get a better vantage point?  Is it the challenge?  Etc.… The important point to these forms of questioning is to find out if the exertion level is enough to get you to the summit.  And if not, what resources do you need to help you reach it.

 

Capricorn
Anne Ryan

Ten of Fire – You are carrying a hefty load, and the Muse of Burdens asks you is this excess necessary at this moment?  She challenges you to deal with the parts that are a priority whether it is an obligation or timing and put the rest down.  For some things can wait or they are not your responsibility in the first place.

 

Aquarius
Anne Ryan

Ace of Air – All Aces are energies presented to begin something.  This energy is about processing a new way of thought.  The muses suggest the best way to gather intel into this is looking outside yourself first then change the dogma internally.

 

 

 

Pisces
Anne Ryan

*Temperance – Moderation is key this week.  Moderation is defined as “the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s behavior or political opinions.”  But it can also be seen as the Middle Path in Buddhism “the avoidance of two extremes of practical life, namely, indulgence in sensual pleasures on the one hand and severe asceticism on the other.”  The muses would like you to avoid the extremes this week like over the top self-indulgences or severe self-judgements.

 

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Oct. 8, 2023

Sara Torgison, Hungry Ghost

It is my favorite month for spooky inspired artists.  The artist this week is Sara Torgison @saratorgison.  I couldn’t find much about her, but I love her art. Not only for her superb ceramic work but how she literally knits it together.  She creates pieces that show the paradox of connection, the need for it and how it can hold us in that connection for good or bad. She is self-declared “Teaching-Arting -Keeping it Weird” and looking through her post “weird” is a word she uses often.   

The definition of weird as an adjective is “suggesting something supernatural; uncanny.  The archaic use of it as a noun was “a person’s destiny.”  And the verb informal North American definition is “induce a sense of disbelief or alienation in someone”. The interesting thing about Torgison’s work is that it does all there.  So, we could say her weird art is an exploration of the supernatural weaving of destiny that also brings to light our own alienation.   

Your pondering for this week: What is your weird? (use any definition or all three to ponder) 

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Leo – create some shine.   On Tuesday it moves into Virgo – great for staying focused and organized.  On Friday, the moon moves into Libra – balance and relationships become the focus.  And on Saturday we have a new moon and the start of eclipse season which ends on Oct 28th.   

The planets are on the move.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra until Oct 22nd. Where the lessons are on finding the balance of listening as well as communicating clearly.   Mars (action) moves into Scorpio (passion) on Oct 12th.  Wanting us to make sure your actions are supporting the expression of your passion.  While Venus (beauty and harmony) just moved into Virgo (organization) and stays until November 8th. So now we move from contemplating that our outward expression harmonizes with what is within to now applying it into our life.   This week is prime time to start to make changes happen.  You will have all of October to catch this wave.    

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.    

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Libra, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aries, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.   

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

Nina 

 

Aries  
Made for Each Other, Sara Torgison

Two of Air– Last two weeks have prepared you for this week. First the Muse of Possibilities asked you to broaden your horizons.  Then Muse of Intention asked you with this expanded space what are your intentions? And now the Muse of Decisions is asking you to pick a path.  She reminds you to follow the path that is more attune with your heart than with logic.   

 

Taurus  
Spidery Senses – Eye, Sara Torgison

*Fool – The Muses of the Wanderer would like you to refresh your perspective by exploring new paths.  This can be as simple as taking a new route home, trying new kinds of food, or as complicated as trying on a new career.  The key is broadening and exploring your environment and therefore your experiences.   

 

Gemini  
A Well, Tended Void, Sara Torgison

Four of Earth – Resources are limited this week.  So, the Muse of Savings would like you to be thrifty in the areas of money, space, or time.  She would like you to bank some of these material commodities, so you can spend them with more leisure later this month.   

 

Cancerian 
Rosette, Sara Torgison

Two of Fire – The Muse of Horizons would like you to do some future gazing.  What would you like to explore in the coming months?  What challenges or goals would you like to set for yourself?  If stuck, the muse suggests things like spending time on the Discovery channel or surfing places to travel for inspiration.   

 

Leo  
Narcissist Knot, Sara Torgison

Four of Air – Last week you need to save your materiel resources, this week the Muse of Restoration would like you to bank some physical and mental rest.  She advises to spend time off technology, and just sit in silence.  Also, she suggests a series, if possible, of good night’s rest.     

 

Virgo  
Synergic Frey Sara Torgison

Ten of Fire – Virgo you have once again taken on more than you should.  The Muse of Burdens advises you to list your obligations and scratch off the last two.  By next week they will either be no longer a priority, someone else took it on or they weigh less in a week’s time.   

 

Libra  
 Pulled Together, Sara Torgison

*Wheel – The Muse of Fortune heralds the time for change.  Since this is also your birth month, a new moon and an eclipse in your sign, it seems now is the time to make your move.  The interesting thing with this energy is even if this change feels right or rough this change is needed to unlock a brighter future.    

 

Scorpio  
Savior Complex, Sara Torgison

Knight of Air – Muse of Rushing is advising you to slow down this week.  Watch getting pulled into situations or conversations that have potential of requiring a heroine/hero.  This week take the slow road and the metaphorical back seat.  And if you must act, watch and listen before you charge ahead. 

 

Sagittarius
Leavings of Lullabies, Sara Torgison

Three of Air – The Muse of Sorrows comes when aspects of this week can trigger old wounds.  She reminds you these twinges are not about reliving the hurt but to find ways to do a deeper healing.  

    

Capricorn  
Ruminant Rising, Sara Torgison

*Sun – The Muse of Shine would like you to shine the spotlight on others.  Yes, this week the muses would like you to take a back seat and be the cheerleader instead of the leader.  It’s not that you need to be more humble or less efficient, it is just that you will be in a better light and less stressed if you help others do their thing.   

 

Aquarius  
Vessel, Sara Torgison

Knight of Wands – You are in the right place at the right time all this week.  The muses have some info for you, so they are placing you in the right places at the right time to hear and see these informational tidbits.  Now they do not guarantee that it will be all roses, but the thorns have data to download too.  Just remember you don’t have to act on any of it now.   

 

Pisces  
Partial Surrender, Sara Torgison

Four of Water – The Muse of Introspection is here but you need to watch falling into the waves of languor and self-doubt while doing this deep dive into emotions.  She reminds you, if you find yourself too far in your emotional bellybutton, to go hang with someone else or at the very least watch/read a good story to take you out of yours.    

 

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Oct 1, 2023

Caitlin McCormack , Aequalis

It is my favorite month for spooky inspired artists.  The artist this week is Cait McCormack, @mister_caitlin. 

 In their words:  “My self-taught practice primarily involves meticulously crocheted cotton thread that is dredged in a mixture of non-toxic glues, natural dyes, and foraged pigments, and fashioned into sculptural forms. The string central to this process is typically sourced from estate and garage sales, as well as collections inherited from my deceased family members, who used it during the Great Depression to create delicate adornments for their homes and bodies. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a kindergartener, and the practice is deeply entwined with my lifelong compulsion to produce hand-wrought objects in response to the world around me.”  

I love that during this month the veil between life and death gets thinner. McCormack’s work reaches through this veil. She sources their material, skills, and subject matter from the past.  And then their subject matter brings up these transgenerational questions of death, gender, sex, isolation, and ruination.   And within this process they memorialize the trauma or triumph of living.  

 Your pondering for this week: How do you memorialize your traumas and triumphs?  

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Taurus – start this week by grounding yourself.   On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – hone your communication skills.  On Thursday, the moon moves into Cancer – self-care is needed.  Then for the weekend the moon is in Leo – find a bit of sun and relax in it.   

The planets are starting to move.  First Mercury (communication and knowledge) is going into Libra on October 4th.  We moved from lessons to being clear and concise when communicating to finding the balance of listening as well as communicating clearly.   Mars (action) is also in Libra until Oct 12th. Having us purview that our actions justify our goals    While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  It is in its last week having us explore the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?  

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.    

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Libra, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aries, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.   

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

Nina 

 

Aries  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Sweet-Dreams

*Temperance– Last week the Muse of Possibilities asked you to expand your horizons.  This muse reminds you that experiencing “the new” not only expands your environmental space but also allows expansion in your mind and your soul.  Now that you have created space, the Muse of Intention would like you to do a deep dive into the why behind what you intend do.  Do your actions align with your intentions?  And now with the background in exploration of what is possible, you have opened yourself to new intentions and/or the space to redesign the old ones. 

 

Taurus  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Swim-Team

Queen of Water – Last week you had tea with your more sobering emotions getting to know them more intimately.  This week the Muse of Fun would like you to reacquaint yourself with the sunnier side of your emotional spectrum.  Time for playing in puddles, ridiculous dad jokes, and spreading random joy to others.  

 

Gemini  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Anything That Moves

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Spirit has come to inquire about yours. How is your passion level?  Your spirit? How are you creating in your life?  What is getting you up in the morning?  If you cannot answer one or all these, this is the week to contemplate on finding those answers.  And if you can, take this week to create space for your spirit to grow.   

 

Cancerian 
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Backyard

*Sun – The Muse of Radiance would like you to apply some shine to your life and grow.  She reminds you, however, not to step into the full sun without some sort of metaphorical sunscreen. You need protection so that you do not spend your solar energy solely on others’ well-being or growth.   

 

Leo  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

Four of Earth – The Muse of Savings would like you to not overspend in the areas of money, space, or time this week.  She would like you to bank some of these material commodities, so you can spend them with more leisure later this month.   

 

Virgo  
Caitlin McCormack, Cat

Ace of Earth – Material new beginnings are blessed this week.  The muses say that this energy is great for starting new projects on the material plane.  Time to plant those bulbs in the fall so they can bloom in the spring 

 

Libra  
Caitlin McCormack, Can’t Go Back There

Eight of Fire – Messages and information surround you this week.  So, the Muse of Messages advises you on how to sort through this pile of “paperwork” in two ways.  One, you have a single focus and only access the messages through that lens.  Or two, you can collect everything you hear and see without discernment.  And then next week categorize and prioritize it.  The key is that all this information is useful and if you miss some along the way it will come back around.   

 

Scorpio  
Caitlin McCormack, Best Behavior

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship comes when you need to hang with your BFF’s, for your emotional cups need filling.  The interesting thing is that their cups need filling too.  So don’t be shy or worried about interrupting, the hang is beneficial to all of you. 

 

Sagittarius  
Caitlin McCormack
Libidinous Drifter

Seven of Air – The Muse of Simplicity would like you to work smarter not harder this week.  She advises working on only the things that are easy to deal with.  You will have more success and gain more ground than you think you will if you do so. 

    

Capricorn  
Caitlin McCormack, Cold Soil Kettle

Knight of Air – This week has the potential to be full throttle.  So, the Muse of Rushing is advising you to slow down.  Watch getting pulled into situations or conversations that have potential of requiring a heroine or hero.  This week take the slow road and the metaphorical back seat.  And if you have to take action, watch and listen before you leap. 

 

Aquarius  
Caitlin McCormack, Different On The Phone

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure ask what are your foundational needs? She asks you to be specific like you need healthy snacks in the house, to wind down before bed by reading, more alone time or more time with friends. And then she advises to take one foundational need and implement it solidly into your schedule.   

 

Pisces  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

King of Pentacles – Last week the Muse of Intention wanted you to dive into your intentions and make sure they align with your goals and vice versa.  Now the Muse of Action would like you to start doing the action steps that are now more in line with your desires and therefore your destiny.  Take the step. 

 

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Sept. 17, 2023

 

Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Orange Cannabis

The artist this week is Alissa Alfonso  @alissaalfonso.  Alfonso works with repurposed fiber, found metal objects and fused plastics.  Her series Nature’s Medicine is focused on creating traditional medicinal plants and botanicals from these discarded items.  Her work exemplifies seeing the beauty of nature alongside its disappearance. She also has a series of puffy landscapes that are beautiful.  Part of the beauty of her art is that it is not only based on awareness, the fleeting beauty of nature, but also hope. 

In her words: “I dream of puffy clouds, idyllic landscapes, and kaleidoscope skies super-enhanced with phytotherapy. I have always embraced a deep connection with the natural world through my art. That connection is rooted deep in my subconscious where my imagination refabricates nature into my artful practice. My creations are a complex mix of emotions, memories and passions that preserve the natural world the way I enjoy seeing it. They highlight the beauty we can find in nature, without downplaying the devastation that we have and are causing.” 

 

Your pondering for this week: This is more of an exercise than a pondering. Record, either through a photo or writing, a moment in your day. It does not have to be exceptional, but I would like you to describe that moment to yourself or another with an essence of preciousness.  

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Scorpio focus your passions.   On Wednesday it moves into Sagittarius – free up some time to wander.  On Friday, the moon moves into Capricorn– focus on getting items off your to-do list.  

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now halfway through its 10 weeklong stay in Virgo (analyzation) and out of retrograde.  So, lessons continue with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mars (action) moved into Libra (balance) until Oct 12th. Having us purview that our actions justify our goals    While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?  

The outer planets are still having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.    

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Virgo, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Pisces, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.   

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

Nina 

 

Aries  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Russula Mushroom

Ten of Earth- Last week the muse wanted you to push through projects.  This is another week of hard work.  But the Muse of Completion would like you to work on only projects that you can finish or getting a project to its next stage.  This week the muses want you to see that your hard work has end points.  So, at the weekend you are directed to relax and enjoy the break. 

 

Taurus  
Alissa Alfonso Echinacea

*Emperor – The Muse of Manifestation wanted you to get a head start on manifesting last week and that even makes more sense now, for the Muse of Building has arrived.  I hope you brainstormed last week what you wanted to bring into the world because this week the muses want you to start on it.  Go on, stop reading and get on it.  

 

Gemini  
Alissa Alfonso White
Clover

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Mastery reminds you that you have the skill set for whatever comes at you this week. This muse advises you to get on it and do it.  So, if you had to focus on something focus more on the schedule of when to do it than the how. 

 

Cancerian 
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Dandelion

Queen of Air – You are in a rut or not able to see the long-term or what is in store going forward.  So, the Muse of Details has come advising to focus on the small and forget for this week about the big.  Take this time to tidy up what’s right in front of you.  

        

Leo  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Sea Grass

Seven of Water – The Muse of Daydreams comes when in some way you are letting the reality of now over-rule the hope of tomorrow.  She reminds you that your life’s work is to feel comfortable in shining. So, get dressed up to get coffee, smile just cause, be overtly nice to the bus driver, and dare to hope for the best.   

 

Virgo  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Mushroom

*Devil – This week has every potential to be a bit of a roller coaster ride.  The Muse of Distractions advises setting goals early in the week so you can have something to focus on if the tempest arises.  Set your sights and hold the course. And do not let the metaphorical sirens call you off your path. 

 

Libra  
Alissa Alfonso Double Dose Cloudberry

Six of Air – The Muse of Transitions comes when you are going through or need to go through a subtle change.  She advises making just a few adjustments.  These incremental maneuverings can not only change the landscape but even change the outcome.  Steer with a light hand. 

 

Scorpio  
Alissa Alfonso Pea Flower

Queen of Water – Your second Queen.  Queens rule creation.  Last week the Muse of Senses wanted you to engage your senses to ground you in the abundance of life. This week the Muse of Fun would like you to create some light-heartedness to ground your heart in the abundance of positive emotions like laughter and love.  So, watch comedies, tell dad jokes, pun, smile at strangers, hug your friends and just be silly.   

 

Sagittarius  
Alissa Alfonso Aloe

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structures would like you to examine your everyday schedules.  How are they working out for you? If you need to, this is the week to adjust or redesign what is not working for you.  Your structures should support you not the other way around. 

    

Capricorn  
Alissa Alfonso
Alissa Alfonso Ylang Ylang

Six of Earth – This week will have some twists and turns.  So, the muses advise to watch your reactions.  The Muse of Karma reminds that positivity creates positives and negativity creates negatives.  The challenging aspect with this energy is that karma does not always follow a straight line.    

 

Aquarius  
Alissa Alfonso Passion Flower

Queen of Earth – The Muse of Luxury would like you to indulge in some.  This muse advises the most memorable way is by using your senses.  So, each day indulge at least one of your senses.  Think scrumptious tastes, delectable smells, fuzzy feels, melodic sounds, and gorgeous sights.  

 

Pisces  
Alissa Alfonso Dandelion

Nine of Fire – The Muse of Preparation advises you to spend this week restocking your physical, mental, and spiritual resources.  Yes, winter is coming but not in the “John Snow” sense.  It is just that a new season is coming and the more prepared you are the better you will fare through it.   

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Sept. 3, 2023

Baya

The artist this week is Baya.  In 1947 at the age of 16 she had her first major art show.  What makes her work so amazing besides her vibrant color choice is that she painted women and nature that exudes a sense of joy.

As I researched her work there are conflicting views on not only her life but why she painted the way she did.  Just a bit of history Algeria was taken over by the French from 1830-1962.   And during this colonization, native Arabic/North African culture and language was wiped away or hidden in the “craft” world.   The only reason I highlight this is that often when describing art, especially from non-European cultures, it is lumped into Euro-centric criteria.  cite

This is especially true with Baya’s work.  She is often categorized as a surrealist or Brute(naïve).  Even though she has said she is not to be categorized as a surrealist and did take art classes while working for a French women art collector in her youth.  Also, she is cited in a variety of sources, that while she worked alongside Matisse and Picasso, Baya  influenced their work.  Which is a whole other discourse of who influenced who, why we make that so important and often through a Euro-centric lens.

My point is that art stands on its own.  It is a conversation between the artist and the viewer.  One of my goals doing Tarot and Art Cast is just to highlight the beauty of art or at least art that I find intriguing.  And in so doing,  I am beginning to write less and less about what is said about the artist and using their own words more.  So, for the some of you that have noticed, that is why I am exploring and writing  in a “shorter” format.

Your pondering for the week:   Baya once said: “When I paint, I am happy and I am in another world.” What thing in your life brings happiness or transports you to another world? Are you able to invest time into these things?

 

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Taurus to help us ground ourselves.   On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – where communication becomes the focal point.  On Friday, the moon moves into Cancer – focus on self-care for the weekend.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now halfway through its 10 weeklong stay in Virgo (analyzation).  So, lessons continue with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mercury is in retrograde through Sept 13th.   Use this time as a pitstop to Reflect, Review and Redo.   Mars (action) moved into Libra (balance) until Oct 12th. Have us purview that our actions justify our goals    While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus until May 2024, an aspect that nurtures the expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence while investigating this aspect.  Saturn (structures) is in Pisces (flow) until 2026.  Wanting us to make our structures elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024.  So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Pisces it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Baya

Two of Water – Relationships are the theme this week.  The Muse of Love would like you to acknowledge the loves in your life.  Whether that is bringing your pet a treat, or buying your loved one flowers or calling a good friend just to tell them how spectacular they are.  This week is about sharing your love for another.

 

Taurus
Baya
Baya

Two of Earth – The Muse of Juggling is here to help with Balance in your life.  This could mean working on your physical balance –can you stand on one foot while raising the other leg?  Or investigating the balance between your spending and saving habitats.  Or it can be looking at your work-life balance.  This muse advises to look where you feel overwhelmed or off kilter and start rebalancing there.

 

Gemini
Baya
Baya

Knight of Air – So this theme of starting and stopping has been a theme for the past 3 weeks.  And once again the Muse of Slowing Down is asking you to do just that.  Usually, this Muse shows up when you are being asked to do more than your share, you need more mental space, or you are feeling rushed to make a decision or deadline.  You do not need to be the heroine/hero/fixer this week.

 

Cancerian
Baya
Baya

*Strength – The Muse of Inner Strength would like you to remind you that you have super-powers and aspects of your character that are unique.  Your uniqueness is part of your strength.  This week define and refine them, for you will need them in the coming weeks.

 

 

Leo
Baya
Baya

*Devil – The Muse of Wild is knocking at the door.  Now for some of you (with air or fire signs as your moon sign) the wild is a distraction taking you off your path. For the rest of you (with water or earth signs as your moon sign) you all may need to answer the call so you can expand your boundaries.

 

Virgo
Baya

*Lovers – Wow another high energy Muse to work with this coming year.  The last three weeks you have worked with the muses reflecting backwards and figuring out what you would like to carry forward especially around the aspect of daily life.  And then you were asked to make a road map for the coming year.  And now the Muse of Relationships is asking you to review who do you want in your proverbial car for this part of the journey.  With this many high-power muses visiting, this year holds great opportunities so plan well.

 

Libra
Baya

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation would like you to start picturing what you want to manifest in your coming birth year.  You fall babies usually like to shed or release things first to make room.  But this Muse would like you to think about what you want to bring in.  So when you begin releasing you will know how much room you actually need.

 

Scorpio
Baya

*Moon – Continuing the retrograde vibe the Muse of the Subconscious would like you to turn your gaze inward and listen to any information you might receive.  Make note of your dreams or emotional hits this week. Though this Muse reminds you not to interpret these signs literally – this energy works with metaphors.

 

Sagittarius
Baya

*Hanged One – The Muse of Stillness has put you on hold.  This week is about finding answers and inspirations in the quiet.  You all as a sign like to move, but this week the muses would like you to slow down or take advantage of the breaks.  Whether that is at a stop light, a lunch break, or waking up a half-hour before anyone else.  Find the space between the moments, for there is information waiting for you in the silence.

 

Capricorn
Baya
Baya

Nine of Air – The Muse of Over-Thought comes when your mind is doing overtime. This is when your thoughts are running over your thinking.  So, it is time to use all the tricks you have learned about focus and letting go of control and put them to good use.  This muse reminds you that you are smart and maybe too smart for your own good.  She advises you to “play dumb” just for this week, so you can give your thinking some space.

 

Aquarius
Baya

Ace of Fire– this is your second Ace, so a quick dive into that energy.  Ace are always new beginnings.  Last week was about making plans and gathering intel for a new endeavor.  This week is about experimenting with your idea/project. This week can be about creative brainstorming with the new info you obtained last week.  Think tinkering/experimenting – not doing.

 

Pisces
Baya

Queen of Air – The Muse of Details reminds you that though the details are important if they are seen as just separate items not part of the whole then you lose the actual picture.  Your are dealing with a situation(s) that is like a pointillistic picture.  Each dot is important, but you need to step back to see the whole image.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of August 20, 2023

Agnus Martin Untitled

Happy Birth month Virgo!

The artist this week is Agnus Martin.  Martin’s art is another form of contemplation.  While most abstract expressionist artists were doing Action art or Color Field.  Martin took a more spiritual approach to her art.  For her painting was like “going into a field of vision as you would cross an empty beach to look at the ocean.” Her work did not exclude nature or landscape but as she explained: “Nature is like parting a curtain, you go into it. I want to draw a …that quality of response from people when they leave themselves behind, often experienced in nature, an experience of simple joy … My paintings are about merging, about formlessness … A world without objects, without interruption.”

Your pondering for the week:  To Martin even formlessness did not mean sameness.  If you are feeling that life is mundane or ruttish ponder this:  When Martin was asked about the process of the slightly varied forms in some of her series of paintings, she recalled studying clouds.  “I paid close attention for a month to see if they ever repeated. They don’t repeat.”  And neither do your days, there is always a variation, a distinction, that makes that day different than the rest.  Try to see the passing of time through the lens of nuance.

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Libra – start the week with harmony and balance.  On Tuesday it moves into Scorpio – where the focus is on your passion.   Then on Thursday, the moon moves into Sagittarius – go on adventure this weekend.

The planets are doing the same thing as last week.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo (analyzation) for a 10 weeklong stay.  So, this is around lessons with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mercury also turns retrograde on the 23rd through Sept 13th.   This is a great time to Reflect, Review and Redo.   Mars (action) is joins Mercury in Virgo until August 27th.  This combo makes getting things check off your to-do list easier.   While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence while investigating this aspect.  So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play.  Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024.  So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Pisces it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Agnus Martin The sea

Three of Swords – The Muse of Deep Wounds comes this week to help you in areas where you are triggered.  If you find yourself reacting to something, do a deep dive into the why behind it.  If you find that your shoulder hurts, is it due to being tense or a deadline? Use this energy to heal the root of the problem instead of soothing the symptom.

 

Taurus
Agnus Martin Starlight

Four of Water – The Muse of Contemplation would like you to pull back and do some belly button gazing.  She would like you to ponder some internal questions.  Simple questions like why did I say yes to this event or harder ones like who am I?  The challenge is that a fourth of this contemplation is done with eyes looking out.

 

Gemini
Agnus Martin The Tree

*Hanged One – Where last week the Muse of Chance advised you to participate in it all, the Muse of Stops is telling you to slow down.  This makes sense since your planet is going retrograde on Wednesday.  So, for you all it is important not to start any projects during this time.  Think of retrogrades as the Rest Stops of Life.  A place to refuel, rest and recheck if you are heading in the right direction.

 

 

Cancerian
Agnus Martin Gratitude

*Justice– The Muse of Equity would like you to consider how you share responsibilities this week.  Maybe you take on too much, maybe not enough.  But she says something is off kilter and needs to be readjusted.  She reminds you that equity is not always physically equal shares, but feelings have something to do with the weight of imbalance too.

 

 

Leo
Agnus Martin The Rain

Two of Water – The Muse of Romance would like you to court something you love.  It can be a person, a plant, a passion, animal, or yourself.  Romance is defined as a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.  So, spend some energy to relight that excitement and invite spontaneity in for some mystery.

 

Virgo

*Hierophant – You ended your last birth year with the Muse of Integration.  She asked you to ponder what were your success last year?  What have you learned?  What needs to be left behind?  And what are you going to carry forward?  Now the Muse of Structure, who you work with your whole life, comes this week to start off your new year.  Hopefully you did last week’s exercise, for if you did, this week of structuring a new year should be a breeze.  If you didn’t then those questions are a good place to start.

 

Libra
Agnus Martin
Agnus Martin

Four of Earth – The Muse of Conservation visits this week.  She has you assess your resources on the physical plane:  time, money, and space.  During this retrograde work on making these areas feel like places of abundance rather than impoverished.

 

Scorpio
Agnus Martin
Agnus Martin

*Emperor – Now that you have done your considering and weighing last week with the Muse of Accountability.  The Muse of Formation would like you to start building it.  Now this week is the beginning of the retrograde period.  So, if you are going to start something, do it before Wednesday.  But if that is impossible, then the projects you do start may need more planning and restructuring than you thought.  Overall, it is important that you take your time with what you are doing for the next couple of weeks.  Think like the Tortoise not the Hare.

 

Sagittarius
Agnus Martin
Agnus Martin

Seven of Fire – The Muse of Defense calls you to stand your ground on some matter.  You all are usually great at finding ways for everyone to win, but this week you may need to pick a side.  If so make sure the defense come with a strong argument and even stronger boundaries.

 

Capricorn
Agnus Martin I Love Life

Two of Fire – The Muse of Inbetween teaches you lessons of being present in the moment.  Yes, while most of us are reviewing and reassessing, you all should just be. She advises to stay away from learning from the past and planning for the future.  But to stay in the moment to see the lessons of the now.

 

Aquarius
Agnus Martin
Agnus Martin Milk River

Seven of Water– The Muse of Daydreaming has come to help you do some reimagining.  This is a good energy to have during the retrograde period.  Something is not quite right in your sphere of existence.  And this muse would like you to work with your superpowers of imagination and thinking outside the box to reharmonize the situation(s).

 

Pisces
Agnus Martin
Agnus Martin

Ace of Earth – Interesting this energy is about new beginnings, but it is also a retrograde period.  So, the Muse of Grounding would like you to find ways to pull your energy downward instead of going with the flow.  This could look like exercising, digging into some dirt, working with clay, walking barefoot on grass, hugging trees, or even getting a massage.  She would like you in your body this week.