Tag Archives: women artists

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 10, 2022

Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

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

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

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

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

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Sagittarius so it may be hard to settle into your work week, but by Tuesday you get into the groove with the Moon in Capricorn’s help.  On Thursday it moves into Aquarius great for innovation and ideas.  Then it’s in Pisces giving us a dreamy weekend.   Mercury is in Cancerian waters great for reconnecting with whomever is your mother figure and verbally supporting the woman in your life.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge).  Ladies tell your stories.  Mars (action) is in Taurus, so action steps are at a saner, slower, and steadier pace.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

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

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

Nina

 

Aries
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Taurus
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Gemini
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Cancerian
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Leo
Sophie Woodrow
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Virgo
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Libra
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Scorpio
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Sagittarius
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Capricorn
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Aquarius
Sophie Woodrow

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

 

Pisces
Sophie Woodrow

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

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of June 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Solar System Highlights

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

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

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

Nina

Aries
Anna Fusco Going Left
Anna Fusco Going Left

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

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

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

Gemini

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

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

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

 

Leo
Anna Fusco Heaven
Anna Fusco Heaven

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

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

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

 

Libra
Anna Fusco Whipped Cream

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

Scorpio
Anna Fusco Might as well
Anna Fusco Might as well

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

Sagittarius
Anna Fusco There is enough if we share

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

Capricorn
Anna Fusco The Flowers I See Right Now

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

 

Aquarius
Anna Fusco People come People go

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

Pisces
Anna Fusco Good requires very little

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

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of June 19, 2022

Happy Birth-month Cancerians!

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

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

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

Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Manifesto
Solar System Highlights

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

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

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

Nina

Aries

Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

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

Taurus
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

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

Gemini
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Open Your Eyes

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

Cancerian
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

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

 

Leo
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin

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

Virgo
Shantell Martin The May Room

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

 

Libra
Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin Open Your Eyes

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

Scorpio
Shantell Martin The May Room

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

Sagittarius
Shantell Martin

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

Capricorn
Shantell Martin

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

 

Aquarius
Shantell Martin

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

Pisces
Shantell Martin

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

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of June 12, 2022

Djakou Kassi Nathalie

The artist this week is Djakou Kassi Nathalie @djakoukassi.  Djakou works with clay like quilters work with fabric.  In many of her pieces she carves stylized masks, houses, mathematical equations, shapes, and lines in a crazy quilt like fashion.  Weaving together a tale with small treasures, like a person peeping out a window with 2020 carved beside it or a notched gear placed like the sun over a house.  Her work relates powerful stories against domestic violence, man’s volatile interactions with nature, survival, and the inspiration of divine womanhood.  These masks which adorn many of her large vessel, vases, plates, and stylized figures are as if our ancestors or ancients are looking at as, questioning our reasonings and telling us their knowledge. Are they and Djakou reminding us of cautions and insights from the past that reverberate into the now?  That our present-day life is interwoven with generational knowledge, our own past experiences, who we are now, and then questions our own legacy?  The beauty of how all our stories intertwine, connect and that ultimately together we build vessels for the next generations?

Your pondering:  As humans, we are a tapestry of our experiences interwoven and stitched to the past as much as the present. What will be your part in Earth’s weaving?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Sagittarius, so it might be hard to get into the groove of the work week and leave the weekend vibe.  But by Tuesday the moon is in Capricorn, and it becomes easier to focus on getting things done. By Thursday it shifts to Aquarius where it lifts energy towards innovation and the removal of grid locks.  Then on the weekend the moon moves into Pisces, great for all things involving water and nestling into home and family.  Though be aware you can get some celestial downloads too.

Mercury moves to Gemini on Monday its home spot.  This eases conversation which we will need with Venus and Mars’ lesson this week. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Taurus one of its favorite places.  And Mars (action) is in Aries where it loves to hang to provide momentum.  However, when it comes to relationships these two put out a stubborn vibe.  Hence, we are back to challenges in our relationships, though this helps us learn the skill of compromise.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Gemini this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Sagittarius 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
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Two of Wands – The Muse of Future Adventures is nudging you to do some goal setting and to balance that with a vacation plan. What places would you like to explore next year and where do you see yourself in June of 2023?

 

Taurus
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Teacher, Djakou Kassi Nathalie

*Star – The Muse of Healing and Hope wants you to realign with your north star. She asks if you could heal one thing what would it be?  And if you had one truth to live by what would that be?  This is the week to start that particular wound healing and calibrate yourself to that truth.

 

Gemini
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Koki, Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Three of Cups – Your last Muse for the coming year is the Muse of Friendship.  First let’s review your other guides for your birth year.  The Muse of Collaboration came saying that people are vital to broadening your perspective and adding skill sets that you will need to create a better life. Then the Muse of Karmic Kindness forecasted that any good or bad deeds you do come back to you three-fold, however, the reciprocation is never linear. And then the Muse of Commitment has you working on why you are dedicating yourself to something more than looking at the “why not”.  And now the Muse of Friendship enters the chorus reminding you that friends are who you fill and empty your emotional cups with.  This year people are vital to your wellbeing and growth.  So, open up your contacts and start reconnecting.

 

Cancerian
Roots Djakou Kassi Nathalie

*Strength – Your third high energy week and your last week to wind up your birth year.  The last two weeks’ themes have been about creating, building, and nurturing.  And this week the Muse of Strength is wanting you to work on integrating and strengthening your habits to support these concepts.  So, this Muse is asking what do you need to maintain the space and time to play with creation, manifest it into being and then feed it so it can grow to the next level?  The challenge is starting small and slowly in taming your internal and external chaos.

 

Leo
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Shape of Numbers Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Nine of Swords – The Muse of Worry comes when your mind is on “11”.  You are overthinking and this week’s energy is not going to help.  So, this muse shows up to remind you that “worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.”   You can plan until the cows come home and 999 out of 1000 times you will have worried for not.  So, what would happen if you focused that worry brain power somewhere else more pertinent like what is happening in the present.  One of your superpowers is dealing with problems in the moment.  So, if you stay present, you will more likely solve the potential worry if they actual occur or acknowledge that it will solve itself in time without you.

 

Virgo
Djakou Kassi Nathalie

*Death – The Muse of Organic change comes when you need to pull some weeds in your metaphorical (or literal garden with all you gardeners out there).  You need to create space in your life and your environment.  Take this week to clear some space.  This Muse is a harbinger that good things are coming but they need room to grow, so some clearing is necessary.

 

Libra
Strong connection Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Ten of Coins – The Muse of Prosperity comes when you are at a place to enjoy the hard work you have put in.  You have worked your butt off to get here.  And why did you work so hard if you don’t spend time enjoying it?  Take time this week to luxuriate  before you move on to the next project.

 

Scorpio
Stop Garbage, Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Five of Wands – The Muse of Chaos comes to shake things up.  She is not always helpful in how she does it though.  Often, she nudges your insecurities or rivalry to reveal your wants and needs.  First make sure you are not measuring your self-worth according to another person’s life or opinion.  Once you have done that, then tend to satisfying your wants or needs without comparisons.

 

Sagittarius
Eternity, Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Ace of Wands – The Muse of Inspirations is knocking on your door.  It is time to broaden your world and your goals.  Take time this week to visit new places and adventures.  If you do so, they will not only stimulate you but also inspires new experiences which then fertilize your own growth.

 

Capricorn
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Djakou Kassi Nathalie

*Moon – The Muse of Visons is here all this week to bring forth dreams, apparitions, and emotional bubbles from the subconscious.  Do not see these sights as omens but more like dreamscapes to play with your imagination and glean insight from its shadows.  Use this spiritual fodder to nurture your artistic side.  And lastly go howl at the moon on the 14th or 15th when the moon is in your sign.

 

Aquarius
Speak Out, Djakou Kassi Nathalie

 

Two of Swords – “Decisions, decisions, decisions” seems to be your earworm this week. To make any decision this week you need to think about the journey more then its goal.  Because no matter which path you take you will get to the same end point; so, take the path that feels right to you.

 

Pisces
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
Heritage Djakou Kassi Nathalie

Three of Wands – The Muse of Venture comes when it is time for you to start on a project.  The important step for it to begin with ease is preparation while you are waiting for the right time or way to finance it.   This week is no time to stand idle.  Make the space and time for this new thing to come in.  Think of it like feathering one’s nest before your next golden egg is laid.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of May 8, 2022

Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, Mother’s Kiss, 1890-1891; Drypoint and aquatint on paper, 13 3/4 x 9 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of John and Linda Comstock in loving memory of Abigail Pearson Van Vleck; Photo by Lee Stalsworth

This week I highlight the art of Mary Cassatt, painter and print maker.  She studied and showed her work in Europe in the late 1800’s.  And in 1877 was invited by Degas to join a group of independent artists, that became known as the Impressionists.  Cassatt was the only America to officially join the group.  During this time, she revised her technique, composition, and use of color.  She began to experiment with printmaking especially influenced by Japanese artisans.

Her subjects were taken from her life as a woman: her family, the theater and opera.  These were not the standard sitting portraits which she was also known for but showed her interest in figure compositions and movement.  However, her study of the relationship and everyday experiences of mother and child brought in an emotional quality to her paintings. She entices the viewer to reminisce our own experiences as a child and/or a caregiver.  A gentle touch, arms embracing you, sharing intimate moments of care.

 

Mother’s Day is not only a moment to honor our mothers, but also a day to honor nurturing.   Nurture is defined “as the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something.”  Whether you have children, are a mother, have a mother or none of the above, nurturing is a verb that needs strengthening in this world right now.

Your Pondering: How do you nurture for yourself and in your world?

 

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Virgo – clean and organize your workspace to begin the week.  Then it moves into Libra on the 12th – relationships and balance are highlighted.  Then on Saturday it moves into Scorpio – great for imbibing in your passions.  Mercury is in Gemini it home sign, so conversations and knowledge are highlighted.  However, it turns retrograde on May 10th so from then on review, reflect and revise until June 3rd.  If you must start a project or have a deep conversation, remember patience is key during this time.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Aries (action and chaos).   So, Mars and Venus stop working with each other again until the end of month.  Mars (action) is still in Piscesian dream land while Venus wants to get going and see action steps.  Lesson in patience and compromise are still big this week.  Also, Jupiter moves into Aries on May 10th.  So, expansion and growth go from dreams to reality.   And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus for this year.

 

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
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Five of Coins – The Muse of Challenges is creating more chaos than ease this week.  Luckily you had the Muse of Core Strength last week reminding you that you are a powerhouse, a force to be reckon with.  And this week’s Muse to point out that you are not using your resources well or not asking for help.  So, call in the troops.

 

Taurus
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Magician – Your fourth and so far, most powerful Muse is the Muse of Conjuring.   While the other Muses are helping you finish and release, this Muse is making you a conduit to the divine.  You will be provided all the tools you need this year, but it is up to you to experiment with them and bring ideas to life.

 

Gemini
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Star – The Muse of Oneness had you connect with the world last week and now another powerful Muse steps in to illuminate you.  The Muse of Healing and Illumination comes to soothe and help you cure old wounds, and she does this with inspiration and hope.  Connection is still key for this week.  So, foster the good relationships with nurturing care and the bad, they are reminders how not to act.  Be grateful for both for the latter shows you your wounds and the former, heals them.

 

Cancerian
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Eight of Swords – Boundaries and bindings abound this week.  This Muse of Captivity points out that you however hold the keys to your freedom.  You do not have to be bound to the social constructs around you.  You know that some of them are causing harm.  Take this week to unbind these negative thoughts that never served you.

 

Leo
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Tower – The Muse of Disruption is here again to point out what needs changing in your life.  You have two choices with this energy.  You can let her run havoc and tear down what isn’t working.  Or you can work with this kali like energy as motivation to make the changes yourself. The former can be easier but the later creates less dust and general mayhem.  And remember the choice is always yours.

 

 

Virgo
Mary Cassatt

Six of Swords – The Muse of Transitions is here to move you to the next phase.  This can be adding one serving of a fruit or veggie to your diet or rearranging your space to be more feng shui.  Or, reordering your schedule so you can get in some exercise.  Little shifts need to happen this week so you can create more flow and ease.

 

Libra
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Ace of Wands – The Muse of Vitality is pushing you to play with your creativity and ignite your imagination.   So, start that project you been thinking about.  Connect with your artistic side and play with paints or play in your garden.  Her point is to experiment and activate your mind with color and creativity.

 

Scorpio
Mary Cassatt

Seven of Coins – Last week the Muse of Construction came to help you expand your empire and build it better.   This week the Muse of Labor picked up the torch and is giving you the energy to continue the work.  She reminds you that, if you put in the work this week, accolades will follow.

 

Sagittarius
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Three of Wands – The Muse this week would like to help you lay the foundation to a project or relationship.  This is a great week to do research, check out sites and plans for viability.  Mercury going into retrograde will help this process.  As they say measure twice and cut once.

 

Capricorn
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Seven of Wands – The Muse of Advantage is with you this week.  Though you may feel in the right or positioned to win, be careful how you play the scenario.  Winning is wonderful if it is done with humility and grace.

 

Aquarius
Mary Cassatt

Five of Cups – The Muse of Silver Linings has come to help you navigate this week’s chaos.  She comes when events do not always work in your favor.  But she points out that in all cases they are only partial losses.  The cup is half full, rain must happen for the rainbow etc.…

 

Pisces
Mary Cassatt

*Temperance – The Muse of Harmony is here to help you sort through this week.  Harmony is defined “as pleasing arrangement of parts.” This can be as simple as playing with new spices in your food, working with different color combinations with your wardrobe, or as complicated as rearranging the priorities in your life.   So, this week as you view your surroundings how can you combine and arrange them to be more pleasing to your eye as well as your soul?

 

 

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of May 1, 2022

therapy and art
Agnus Richter

Art and therapy are vital for my mental health.  I first utilized them  in college for my test anxiety and then for the last 20 years helping me work through a bout of medically induced agoraphobia that evolved into general anxiety.  May is mental Health Awareness Month.  So, this tarotcast I am highlighting art and mental health.  Above is a jacket made by Agnus Richter.  She was a seamstress and at 49 was arrested for disturbing the peace and trespassing.  She was diagnosed for paranoia and admitted to Hubertusburg Asylum in 1895, where she remained for the last 26 years of her life. Throughout that time, she embroidered all her clothes with phrases.  The only piece that has survived is the above coat she made from pieces of women’s institutional clothing.  This and the pictures below are examples of Art Brut and housed in The Prinzhorn Collection Museum.

In the early 1900’s drawing, painting and clay-work had been used in psych-wards for years as an activity that calmed patients.  Hans Prinzhorn and Walter Morgenthaler both psychiatrists at that time were interested in the bridge between mental health and creativity.  Morgenthaler wrote a book on studying the art of schizophrenic, Adolf Wolfli, and a year later Prinzhorn published Artistry of the Mental Ill in 1922.  Where he collected thousands of artworks from various asylums in and around Heidelberg, Germany. These books caused ripples positively in the art world attracting artist like Klee and Kandinsky, but it also was used more ominously during the rise of Nazism as evidence of the “degenerate”.  However, Prinzhorn theorized through his work that image making is an innate desire to leave traces of our existence and gave a voice to the voiceless.

Your Pondering: to help all our general mental health, smile at a stranger.  So, they can know that today at the very least they have been seen.

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Gemini – the gift of gab shines on us.  Then it moves into Cancer on the 4th – self-care in the middle of the work week makes the week go by with more ease.  Then on Saturday it moves into Leo – get out in the sun and enjoy your people.  Mercury has moved into Gemini it home sign, so conversations and knowledge are highlighted.  However, get any projects started before Mercury turns retrograde on May 10th.

Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Aries (action and chaos) on May 2nd.   So, Mars and Venus stop working with each other again until the end of month.  Mars (action) is still in Piscesian dream land while Venus wants to get going and see action steps.  Lesson in patience and compromise are big this week.  Also, Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th.  It supports expanding opportunity, luck and to dream bigger.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus for this year.

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
art and therapy
Josef Forster

*Strength – You are going to need your strength this week.  The Muse of Core strength is here to help.  She reminds you that are a powerhouse, a force to be reckon with.  First, on a physical level add core strengthening exercise to your regime to strength your back.  Then on an emotional level strengthening your boundaries and a spiritual level reconnect with your purpose and morals.  By doing these exercises your mental health will be able to handle any chaos or crisis, big or small.

Taurus
art and therapy
Emma Hauck

Ten of Swords – Your third Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Culmination.  This year will be full of cycles ending.  Do this by purging, project finishing, and releasing.  However, you will have to navigate it with more intuition then with logic.  So far, your Muses for the year are standing firmly in the present.  Experience each day to its fullest and let this Muse help you let go of or finish off what you do not want to carry into the future.

Gemini

therapy and art*World – The Muse of Oneness is visiting to help you connect.  This Muse reminds you it is easy to connect to the woes of the world but harder the places to rejoice.  This week call old friends, hang with your family, take a walk into nature, stare at ant hill, smell the roses, have tea watching the world go by.  Connect into this amazing world you live in.

Cancerian
Karl Gustav Slevers

Page of Swords – Not everything this week is clear cut, so the Muse of Investigation has come to help.   She reminds you to read between the lines, ask more questions and listen deeply.  Knowledge not only brings more ease but is instructive and illuminating too.

Leo
art and therapy
Anonymous

Three of Wands – The Muse of Enterprise has come with the energy help you do what is needs to be done.  But the plan needs to be plotted out first and only by you.  Make your to-do list, plot out your actions steps and then start checking them off. The only challenge is you may not see the profit from your labors for weeks to come.

Virgo
August Nater

*Lovers – People and relationships are highlighted this week.   The challenge is that it will take work for things to run smoothly.  So, the Muse of Intimacy reminds you to that being vulnerable, curious, and humble will help you solve communication and interaction challenges.   I.e.: you catch more flies with honey then vinegar.

 

Libra
Peter Moog

King of Cups – It seems like this week will be a roller-coaster of emotions around you and therefore can affect you.  Luckily the Muse of Emotions comes with the reminder that these outbursts are fleeting.  The challenge is that you will have to invite them in.  They will lose their steam and putter out if listen to but not acted on.

Scorpio
art and therapy
Anonymous

*Emperor – This week you have the energy to build upon anything you put your focus on.  The Muse of Construction has come with her T-square and power tools to help.  Your challenge is having a clear idea about what you want to build.  And for the extra points, does this formation improve upon what is already existing in your life?  Your motto:  Build better.

Sagittarius
Johann Knopf

*Star – Last week had an evolutionary vibe to it, where your choices need to be an upgrade but also liberate you.  This evolution whether seen or under wraps has drained you.  So whatever choices you made the Muse of Healing Illumination has come to restore your energy and download some information.  Find time this week to do some deep relaxing.  This is beverages by water sources, nesting in with a good fiction book, or just getting a good night’s sleep.  You deserve some down time.

Capricorn
Paul Goesch

Four of Swords – The Muse of Rest comes when your batteries are low.  She advises you to unplug, take a social break and relax.  You need to realign with the serene.  So, find time to turn off the chatter.  Your motto:  Peace and Quiet.

 

Aquarius
art and therapy
Anonymous

Six of Wands – This week take time to celebrate your accomplishments.  No joke these past couple of years have been hard, but you have made it through.  You have achieved so much.  The Muse of Celebration reminds you to take the time to celebrate the small success as well as the bigger triumphs, before moving to the next set of challenges.

Pisces
art and therapy
Jacob Mohr

Eight of Swords – The Muse of Bondage provides challenges this week for you to break from old thought patterns.  If something feels or sounds like a “broken record”, time to change the tune, i.e., your thought pattern.  Remember just like an “earworm” they are placed there by others, but you have made it one of your “top ten”.   So, now is the time to replace it with your own hit single.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 24, 2022

Mabel Allington Royds
Water Lilies Mabel Allington Royds

The artist this week is Mabel Allington Royds.  Royds is painter and printmaker.  She began creating color woodcuts using the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e printmaking process.  However, instead of a three-person collaboration on a print (artist, artisan, printer), she learned from Frank M. Fletcher how to do all three stages independently.  Royds innovated the technique further by applying pigment to the woodcuts by paintbrush rather than using a roller. And instead of using more expensive cherrywood blocks she bought six-penny pastry boards from Woolworth’s.  And as her technique evolved, in this multi-block process, she began omitting the key board (often the first step in the printing process that establishes and prints the outlines of the piece).  This allowed for the colors to merge in a more painterly fashion.  She preferred to produce prints as people wanted them, adding even more variation and uniqueness to each print.

The pondering for the week:  If you outline every aspect of your life are you missing the possibilities of spontaneous or experimental creation? So practice coloring without lines.

 

Solar System Highlights

There is a solar eclipse on April 30th in Taurus. Things can slow down around this time lucky it’s on the weekend.  The Moon starts this week in Pisces – daydreaming is easy but maybe not so great if you have a lot of work to get done.  Then it moves into Aries on the 27th – great time to power through the work week and make up for lost time at the beginning.  Then on Friday it moves into Taurus – great for family, gardening and getting out into nature.  Mercury is in Taurus until the weekend, so it moves from getting to the root of conversation and grounding relationships through dialogue to a freer flowing conversation.   Mars is in Pisces with Venus.  So, these two are working with each other again.  Mars by having you work with your intuition to create movement, and Venus wanting us to create more beauty and harmony in our environment and relationships.  Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

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
Mabel Allington Royds
Trees on a slope Mabel Allington Royds

King of Coins – The Muse of Domain is advising you this week to metaphorical walk your perimeters and survey your land.   This week to create more ease you need to have a better understanding of what you have built so far and what your needs are to build going forward.  Do you need more space, better equipment, help?  And start working on checking off those action steps.

 

Taurus
Mabel Allington Royds
White Lilies Mabel Allington Royds

Ace of Coins – Your second Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Material Plane Beginnings.  Whether that is a new house, space, or project.  This year you are supported in creating new things on the material plane.  Think money, space, resources, and time.  Take this week to write lists of what you want to physically grow this year.

 

Gemini
Grapes Mabel Allington Royds

Ten of Cups – Happiness is all around you this week.  It is up to you to tap into it and enjoy those moments.  These can be big causes for celebration like finishing a project or a gathering of friends and family.  Or it can be in those little moments of watching flowers grow from your porch, sitting and having a beverage with a friend or having the time to finally take a nap.  Enjoy these moments of bliss they don’t come often or as easily.

 

Cancerian
Mabel Allington Royds
Magnolia Mabel Allington Royds

Six of Coins – The Muse of Mini Karma sits on your porch this week. This muse reminds you that acts of kindness not only improve the world but also improve your mood.  But she also states to be aware that negativity spreads and rebounds just as easily.

 

Leo
Mabel Allington Royds
Dandelions Mabel Allington Royds

Four of Cups– The Muse of Saturation has come to warn that you are internalizing thoughts, actions, and emotions.   You have saturated yourself with too much news, tv, overthinking, comfort eating, etc…  Being overwhelmed has led you to state of vibrating numbness.  Time to get out of your bed, head, belly button, or emotions and go do something.  Preferably something that involves nature, kittens/puppies, or small children.

 

Virgo
Mabel Allington Royds
Honeysuckle Mabel Allington Royds

Eight of Swords – Circumstances this week trigger you to feel bound or stagnate.  The Muse of Bondage has come with the keys to free you.  The issue is you are holding onto the locks of thought or work patterns.  Time to let go of old patterns put there by others and take your power back.

 

Libra
Mabel Allington Royds
Columbines Mabel Allington Royds

Queen of Swords – You are going to need your mind sharp this week, for the Muse of Details has arrived.  This energy comes when you need to magnify the small stuff.  It is important to deal with the specifics, for if that is sorted the larger picture falls into place more easily.  If by chance this week you are dealing with contracts, the law, or signing deals make sure you read the fine print.  It is not that it is essential bad, but it can be a place to negotiate aspects in your favor.

 

Scorpio
Tiger lilies Mabel Allington Royds

Queen of Cups – The Muse of Fun is here to liven up the party.  She is nudging you go out have fun, laugh, and partake in the world.  Sometimes you water signs soak in too much emotionality of others, so this week is about letting go of some steam.  So, find a batting cage, break-room, dance floor, swimming hole or sweat lodge and transmute those hotheaded negative emotions of others into something more enjoyable.

 

Sagittarius
Foxglove Mabel Allington Royds

*Judgment – This week has an evolutionary vibe to it.  You may be asked life changing questions, make decision that change your trajectory, or be challenged to evolve to the next level.  Remember you have a choice to stay where you are at or move on.  But no matter which choice you make this Muse advises the answer should liberate you in some way.

 

Capricorn
Artichoke Mabel Allington Royds

Two of Wands – The Muse of Future Casting calls for you to gaze out the window and imagine new plans and outcomes.  This week carve out some time to plan your garden, next project, or go big your life’s hope and dreams.  This Muse asks: What’s next?

 

Aquarius
Cyclamen Mabel Allington Royds

Three of Coins – Last week you needed personal insight.  This week is all about asking for advice and help from others.  The Muse of Collaboration comes when getting other people’s help or opinions is vital in creating more ease in your work and life.  You don’t need to know everything or do everything.  At the very least, use those second set of eyes and ears to check your work.

 

Pisces
Cineraria Mabel Allington Royds

Two of Coins – The Muse of Equilibrium comes for two reasons.  One you need to focus on one thing at a time this week.  And something is off kilter that needs to be re-balanced.  This could be work and play, work and sleep, nutrition, or literally your balance sucks.  So, maintain a tight focus and practice standing on one foot.