Maurice Sendak’s book Where the Wild Things Are started my love and fascination with monsters. This book has only 330 words, yet it is so complex in its ideas. It is takes us into and through the realm of anger, loneliness and fear. Max shows us how to use imaginations to confront fear and combat loneliness, and the book’s conclusion teaches emotional self regulation when Max decides to come home. These are deep emotions to cover in 330 words, so Maurice conveys another layer through his illustrations.

His illustration choices are subtle yet convey a deeper subtext. For example see above, how Max’s posture and his eyes closed show his ecstasy and abandonment and how  Wild Thing One’s posture mimics his. This picture shows W.T. One at the head of this “merry” band; however, W.T. One’s glance back to Max reminding us that Max is the true leader, for he has conjured up this world.  And you can see all the monsters show a facet of Max’s emotions.

Below are more illustrations of Mr. Sendak from Tolstoy, the Hobbit, Brothers Grimm etc… I challenge you to examine his illustrations –  find the complexity of emotion he conjures up with the subtleness of his illustration choices.  I think you will find just like in Max’s world, they show us parts of ourselves.

P.S. Please support your local artists this holiday season. Remember, signs with * it’s a big week for you.  Funny interview with Stephen Colbert and Maurice Sendak

Aries – Ace of Pentacles – Last week, you got the Magician who said you have things under control. The Ace of Pentacles continues this theme. Though the challenged has changed slightly from watching your step around people to actually working with others. Take the help that is offered this week.

Taurus – Seven of Cups – The Seven of Cups’ lessons are about hope and illusions. This week the challenge is disregarding or correct illusionary thinking without losing or crushing hope.

 Gemini – Ten of Cups – This week the Ten of Cups asks you to enjoy life. This card reminds you to re-adjust your joy meter by seeing that contentment can be just as enjoyable as ecstasy and more obtainable.

 

Cancer –  Three of Pentacles – Last week, having learned Judgment’s lesson’s about perfectionism versus being unique, you can get back to work with the Three of Pentacles.  The Three of Pentacles challenges you to ask for help when you need it. Teamwork and cooperation is the key to success this week.

 

*Leo – Empress – This week the Empress wants you to love. Her lesson’s are always about love, nurturing and growth, but this week your challenge is how to increase love in your life. Whether this is hanging with friends, a lover or even yourself, it is a time to spend and cash in on the love exchange.

 

Virgo – Knight of Wands – The Hangman asked you to put things on hold last week. Now the Knight of Wands challenges you to start moving your life forward again, but still advise to continue the theme of the Hangman – contemplation. For the road forward is full of horse poop. Watch your step.

 

Libra – Ten of Cups- Finally, Libra a week which actually feels like a fun and loving birthday week. The Ten of Cups means contentment, happiness and love. Your only challenge this week is to partake in the joy of life. Smile it’s your birthday.

 

Scorpio – Knight of Cups – The Knight of Cups lesson’s are how to be and get more loving in your life, and the place to start is with yourself.   Your challenge this week is practice the lesson from RuPaul: If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?

Sagittarius – Seven of Swords – The Seven of Swords asks what motivates you and does it align with your morals? This week your morals will be challenged, so being clear of what motivates you will help you make the right decisions and avoid any moral dilemmas..

Capricorn – Queen of Pentacles – One of the Queen of Pentacles’ lesson is to create comfort. Your challenge this week is to make the world a more comfortable place. This can look like helping the homeless,  or more intimately by making your family a real nice sit down dinner.

*Aquarius – Emperor – The Emperor’s lesson are about taking care of business. He is the card of creating stability, nurturing common sense and making the world a safer place. Your challenge this week is just that. This can look like becoming a mentor or making your house more secure or safer for your family.

*Pisces – Fool – On the best of days the Fool wants us to be like a Zen master. On the worst of days the Fool forewarns that we may feel foolish in our choices. Your challenge this week is to be in the moment as much as you can, and if you make a mistake don’t beat yourself up. You can be the wisest Fool by learning from your mistakes and being mindful of how they came about.

 

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

Nina