John Bauer is an artist known for his illustrations for Among Gnomes and Trolls first published 1907.  He had a unique process when painting.  He would start with a small sketch about the size of a stamp with the basic shapes of the image.  Then he would slightly scale it up adding more detail. He would do this many times until he reached the size of a square piece of paper between 20-25 centimeters (8-9 inches).

Gnomes and trolls are associated with the earth but come from different origins.  Troll mythology comes from ancient Norse and Scandinavian oral history.  They said to be beings that are human-like, usually associated with nature or areas of landscape, and are not typically helpful to humans.  Gnomes, on the other hand, didn’t show up until the 16th century in writings by Paraceisus who classified them as earth elements.  He describes them as two spans high, living underground and not liking human interaction.

Paracelsus was a physician, alchemist and astrologer.  He is considered the “father of toxicology” and promoted chemistry as one of the corner stones in medicine.  Interestingly, he had a lot in common with gnomes and trolls.  He worked with minerals, was small in stature, and did not suffer fools gladly.

PS.  Don’t forget your Astrological Tarot Reading for this year.

Aries – King of Cups

The love continues this week with the King of Cups.  This King reminds you that your emotions are one of  big principles of human life.  Your challenge this week is to be in your emotions.  The more you deal with your emotions now, the less you will see them as a burdens in the future.

*Taurus – Hanged Man

Last week, the Chariot arrived the second time this year, challenging you to  deal with balance issues while making a change in your life.  This week is still big work, but where last week was about movement, this week is about stillness.  The Hanged Man is time to sit in the sacred and reflect.  This can be as simple as sitting on your porch and just reflecting on day, or as complex as mediating on big questions like Who am I, What is my purpose, and/or Why am I here?

Gemini – King of Swords

The King of Swords is the card of authority.  Somewhere in your life your authority is being threaten or is weak.  You need to batten down the hatches, secure the ramparts, and make sure your boundaries are safe and sound this week.  It is time to draw the line in the sand.  Your challenge is, while your boundaries are strong, you will need to listen to the other side.  The King of Swords prepares for war, but diplomacy is always the first parlay.

Cancer – Ace of Pentacles

Last two weeks, the Sun asked you to basked in your successes, and Temperance to focus on creating balance and calm in your life.  Now the Ace of Pentacles wants you to start creating this week. This week start a project, plant seeds in your garden, get your hands dirty.

Leo – Four of Swords

The Four of Swords advise you to make sure you get some rest.  The challenge is taking the time to do it.  Even though you are feeling the call of spring you should still hibernate.

 

Virgo – Ten of Cups

The Ten of Cups has you examine the good in your life right now.  Ten symbolizes endings and beginnings in life.  And many times our emotions highlight those events along our timeline.  The challenge from this card is to rejoice in your highs and lows because having both shows you that your emotions are more cyclic than linear.

*Libra – Judgment

Last week, the Hanged Man advised you to examine all possibilities, not take them to fruition, but to make the reasons behind your choices stronger.  And this week it is time to make those choices with the Judgment card.  The challenge with this card is to align your choices with evolving you and life.  This can look as simple as changing your wardrobe style to match your new job, or as complex as changing your friend group to one with less drama.

Scorpio – Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands advises you to take this week and do some soul-searching on where you need to get some of your flow back. Your passion is flickering and you need to tend to your fire.

 

Sagittarius – The Three of Cups and the Eight of Cups

Last week the Emperor advised you to go build something. This week the theme continues with a couple of paradoxical pointers. The Three of Cups wants you to build by creating more joy and fun.  Where the Eight of Cups challenges you to get rid of your emotional baggage.  The lesson in this is in with the fun and out with the emotions that no longer serve you.

Capricorn – Ace of Wands

Last week, the Sun challenged you to bask in all the good that you are growing. The Ace of Wands continues this theme by asking you what do you want to grow next and then plant it.

 

Aquarius – Ace of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles tells you this is a great week to start a new project.  The challenge is to add something new to your environment that will help you at work or working with ease.

 

Pisces – Page of Wands

Page of Wands advises you to experience the awe in your life.  Your spirit is depleted and it needs a couple of sunsets, to gaze at or do art, or anything that taps you back into the flow of the Universe’s energy.

 

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

 

Nina