Our loving landscapes art is believed to be based in our genes. The theory of evolutionary aesthetics says that things like color preference, shapes, emotional ties with objects, and other aspects of the aesthetic experience can be explained with reference to our evolution.   A study that surveyed people from all over the world found that we preferred landscapes that showed a perspective from higher ground, water, trees, and animals. I wonder if that is what drove Grandma Moses to paint her landscapes.

Anna Mary Robertson Moses was a Virgo, born on September 7, 1860. She is one of my favorite painters and one of my inspirations. She is my muse because, like me, she start painting later in life and her “art life” started with embroidering pictures and quilting. Her landscapes remind me of quilts – simple patches of color that make you feel warm, safe and loved.

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

*Aries – Death – Another big week for you with the Death card. Last week, The Wheel of Fortune had you try out new experiences without judgments or expectations. That should have given you a fresh perspective at what is possible. Now the Death card’s lessons around organic change can go more smoothly this week. Now again, this is two big cards in a row, so take heed – something needs to change in an essential way. The Death card recommends making small changes that will lead to a major shift. This can look like getting a new organization system that will expand your productivity and then brings you recognition at work, or getting rid of all the processed food in your cabinets because you need to improve your health. The Wheel gave you big picture ideas. And Death is giving you the time to make that change happen – one step at a time.

Taurus – King of Cups – This week is time to strength your people skills. You will be tested from a variety of sources and you will need to use your charm to smooth over the social wrinkles. Your only challenge is to keep your own emotions out of the mix.

Gemini – Five of Wands – Last week I hope you were able to literally and figuratively check your tires and engine. This week will be very chaotic. Think of this as a little test to make sure that last week’s adjustments stick. If you have issues, then go back and readjust and if you don’t, then avoiding the potholes won’t bother your alignment.

Cancer – Two of Swords – The Two of Swords’ lessons are around making choices. Sometime this week you will feel that you don’t know which choice to choose. However, the challenge and advice from the Two of Swords is – if you get really quiet you will hear the right choice for your conundrum.

Leo – Nine of Swords – This week make sure you get your bed-rest. You might have some trouble sleeping so turn down the lights early and tuck in with a boring book. Eat well and get your exercise. Nine of Swords’ lesson is around dealing with stress before it gets too stressful. Just a side-note – you might have nightmares this week. Just remember they are actually letting your mind release some steam.

Virgo – Two of Wands – You have been doing some heavy lifting these past two weeks, creating a balanced life and being okay with your emotions. This week things calm down. You find yourself moving into the future with a better perspective of your past and its lessons. The Two of Wands challenge is to start implementing what you learned about yourself the past two weeks. It’s a great card for your birthday month. It means “You got this.”

Libra – Eight of Wands – You are going to get some good news and a lot of information this week. Your only challenge is to keep your ears and eyes open. Don’t worry, you can process it later – just take it all in.

 

Scorpio – Four of Wands – You all are sticking with the wands for the third week in a row. So just a bit of info with wands, they are the suit that helps you move towards enlightenment. This is soul work and big picture stuff.   Over the past couple of weeks, you have looked at your accomplishments for inspiration and integrity, and now it’s time to look at what fuels you from home. I call this card “the gypsy card” because it really deals with the statement “the home is where your heart is.” This week, look to where, who, and what makes you feel at home and stoke that fire.

Sagittarius – Knight of Cups – This week the Knight of Cups is asking you to put your heart on your sleeve. Okay, I know you all are like “Yeah right” or “What are you talking about people know me.” But if you are truly honest with your emotions with at least one person this week, you are going to get some pretty spectacular love gifts. Your challenge is picking the right person to share with, because behind that laissez faire attitude is a very sensitive heart.

Capricorn – Queen of Wands – Queen of Wands is begging you to do something creative, and if you can mix that creativity with the outdoors – all the better. Queen of Wands’ lessons are all around Awe. Her challenge this week is to experience something awe-some and create something to remember it by. That can look like dancing to your favorite music, seeing fireworks and drawing that on the sidewalk, driving through nature, making food, etc… Essentially, sometime this week – make your jaw drop!

*Aquarius – The Star – The Star is Aquarius’s card. This week it shows up to help you see a glimmer of hope and healing after the past weeks’ stings. The Star’s lessons are around enlightenment, optimism, healing and hope. The Star challenges are how to rekindle your motivation and trust the constantly changing nature of the universe. The pendulum swings both ways. The Star heralds that things are swinging to the positive. But, you will need to look for it. I just want to add – this week, pay attention to the cosmos like the north star. It will guide you along your true path.

Pisces – Eight of Wands – The Eight of Wands means information and good news. Here is the interesting thing with the Eight of Wands, even the bad news has a glimmer of gold in it. There are two challenges with the Eight of Wands. The first challenge is trying to find that glimmer of gold. The second challenge is that you are going to get a lot of information.   So here’s the trick – don’t try to process it all at once but choose to deal with the bad news first.

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

Nina