Happy 2022!

This week’s artist is Lucia Heffernan @luciaheffernan.  Heffernan paints animals in human situations. This anthropomorphic view is often used in comics, cartoons, and children’s books.  We are all familiar with Cassius M Coolidge’s Dog’s Playing Poker paintings to advertise cigars in the early 1900’s or Bugs Bunny.  Often animals are used to characterize and/or make fun of human behaviors.

The difference with Heffernan’s work is the animal is represented first and then the human characteristics are layered on top.  As she says, “This collision between animal and human sensibilities creates a whimsical, theatrical, and often humorous world that viewers can relate to on an emotional level.” Heffernan allows us to see that we are animals too and that we can discover our own humor and innocence in the reflection of our fellow earthly companions.

I picked her Yoga Chick series because it resonates with how we all like to make goals for the coming year.  A friend of mine (thanks Lou and @cynyassy) sent me this cartoon that asked when goal setting- are you committing to the outcome or the process?  By committing to the just the goal you may not get there and if you do what next?  But if you commit to the process then you are learning along the way.  So, no setbacks, no failure just expansion.  Just like in yoga (or any spiritual practice), you don’t go in thinking I will downward dog four times.  The goal with the practice is the practice.  So, your pondering for the week – what process are you willing to commit to?

Solar System highlights:  The Moon starts this week in Capricorn – great time to start a practice, business, or project.  Then moves into Aquarius on the 3^rd  – innovation is key.  Then onto Pisces for the 5^th – a great time for dreaming.  And moon ends in Aries – spend the weekend in motion.  Mercury is in Aquarius – find new ways to communicate.  Venus is in Capricorn – where beauty and harmony are achieved through practicality.  Mars is in Sagittarius a lovely time to expand and explore not only your environment but your mind.  Jupiter is in Pisces; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And Saturn is still in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

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

King of Cups – Your typical MO is action.  “Let’s get things done”, but this week you will need to get in touch with your emotions.  Instead of making a to-do list.  Make a to-feel list.  What do you want to feel in the coming year?

 

Taurus

*Tower – You need to start this year by doing a “building inspection” of your life.  Something is making you off kilter, or there are cracks that need tending to before you start the year.  Your foundations need stabilizing.  So, start this year by doing some deconstruction before you start constructing.

 

Gemini

Four of Cups – Introspection is the name of the game this week.  Yep, some deep belly-button gazing is required before you start this year.  By doing this you will find 3 wonderful gems of insight.  However, keep one ear/eye open for messages from outside sources that will help you with your last bit of info.

 

Cancerian

*Temperance – You will need to start your year in the slow lane.  This week is about honing your skills in balance, patience, and moderation.  By not rushing into the year, you can stabilize your energy, so you can better unite with the flow instead of swimming against it.

 

Leo

Ten of Coins – The start of this year is around wealth.  The challenge is that your wealth does not come from one source.  Yes, the material plane cannot be denied, but you need to reassess your place on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  By changing your perspective from lack to a desire for growth, you see that some of your needs are met and which ones need to be boosted.

 

Virgo

Four of Swords – The beginning of this year is centered around rest.   Rest in its verb form is defined as cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. Your challenge is to still yourself – mind, body and spirit, so you can recharge your batteries.  Do things like unplug, sweat lodges, deep water massage, stare out your window for hours…    

 

Libra

Two of Cups – Love is the energy that starts off your new year.  Love is defined as feeling deep affection for _____. Spend this week filling in the blank as many times as you can.  

Scorpio

Ace of Swords – Insight and clarity are the themes to the start of this year. Take this week to modernize an old inspiration, motto, truth into this new decade.  You are rewiring your brain to update your prime directive, a past paradigm or thinking process.

 

Sagittarius

*High Priestess – Sacred knowledge is being delivered to you this week.  Use your intuition or spiritual practice to tap into the flow of information masked in synchronicities, riddles, and Fae energy.  Dance in the moonlight, follow willow wisps, do radio divination – find ways to tap into the source.

 

Capricorn

Knight of Cups – This year starts with the energy of the romance.  For those that know you well, under your can-do practical personality lies a gushy romantic.  It is time for you to turn on your charm and caring for ones closest to you.  Connection and intimacy are key for the start of 2022.

 

Aquarius

Nine of Swords – As you start 2022 you need to deal with your pessimism.  Yes, 2021 was harsh and frustrating for you, but it is also the beginning of a 20-year cycle where you are in your groove and the rest of us catches up with how you think, and problem solve.  Let go of your worry and upgrade your natural gifts of flexibility and adaptability.

 

Pisces

*Strength – Last year you faced and subdued many of your demons.  So, this year starts with acknowledging them and checking on their leashes.  You start this year much stronger than at the beginning of 2021, so 2022 will be easier.   But the challenge is believing that you have done the hard stuff, that you are smarter and stronger.  That you have and will endure.