This week’s artist is Betye Saar. Saar is an assemblage artist and print maker. As she says: I’m a person who walks looking down, because you can find lots of great things on the ground. I’m basically a recycler… I find other people’s stuff and junk and recycle it into my stuff and junk.’ But how she puts them together creates deeper more complex meaning, a story. Saar believes that that an object carries its past. Not only it’s physical past of where it has been and who held it, but also it mystical past why did someone make, buy, and then discard the object.
Saar by assembling these disparate items, they become reborn with a new voice. Her visual storytelling ranges from political like The Liberation of Aunt Jemima (1972) or delves into mysticism like Legends in Blue (2020). It her unique ability to combine items from society that can disparage and reimagining them to tell stories of freedom and spirit that makes her a remarkable artist.
We all create our own assemblages in our homes, souvenirs, knickknacks, photos, etc… Your pondering for the week: Look around your space and what things have you put together? What personal altars have you consciously or subconsciously created? What do these altars represent?
Solar System highlights: The Moon starts this week in Leo –time to shine into the world. Then moves into Virgo on the 20th – organize and clean. Onto Libra for the weekend- perfect timing for bonding with partners and friends. No major planetary changes from last week. Except Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius – not a great time for action but a great time for your mind: Review, Reflect, and Reassess. 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 for another year.
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
Betye Saar
*Chariot – The Muse of Self Propulsion is handing you the keys to your future this week. However, the challenge is you need a direction/focus to apply this energy towards. If you do not, you will drive in circles. If you do then everything is within your reach. So ready, steady, go.
Taurus
Betye Saar
*World – The Muse of Endings and Beginnings is here to help you tie up loose ends and clean your plate, so you may start anew. Take this week to tidy your desk, inbox, entry ways, etc.… Literally or metaphorically you need to clean your portals so “the new” can walk in unimpeded.
Gemini
Betye Saar The Liberation of Aunt Jemima
*Strength – To get through the next couple of months with more ease you need to strengthen your core. This can be as simple as starting an exercise regime to work on your abdominals. Or it can be as complicated as re-working your life’s mission statement and/or goals. These exercises in inner strength will lead you to more ease not only this week but also well into your birth month.
Cancerian
Betye Saar The Phrenologer’s Window
King of Coins – The Muse of Fiscal Abundance has come to help you set goals for your finances. They ask what do you need to make yourself feel financial safe? It could be getting your taxes ready early, paying off your debt, having a larger savings goal, or buying a house. Take this week to review, reflect and reassess your finances.
Leo
Vanity Betye Saar
Six of Cups – This is your second six so a quick dive into six. Sixes in tarot represent the give and take that happens in the world. Last week it was about the balance of the cost and profit of success. This week it is about the balance of the past and future. The past has valid information for your future, but the lesson is not caring the pain or expecting repeated patterns. You bring the lesson and tools forward to use, so you do not have to relive past experiences.
Virgo
Betye Saar Imitation of Life
Four of Swords – The Muse of Rest is here again after also coming two weeks ago. This is a divine week for you to pull back and work with the Mercurian energy of Review, Reflect, and Reassess. Pull in and ponder to your hearts content. Healthy food, plenty of rest and a comfy couch or chair are your friends this week.
Libra
Betye Saar Window of Sirens
Six of Swords – The Muse of Mini-Transitions has come to get you out of a rut. This week make little changes that will affect your life in big ways. Releasing the past and finding new paths are key. This can be done by rearranging your furniture, finding a new places to hang, and/or releasing things that no longer work for you.
Scorpio
Betye Saar, The Long Memory
King of Cups – The past two weeks had you update your prime directive, a past paradigm or thinking process. And gave you clues either through dreams or synchronicities. Well, that theme continues this week with the Muse of Emotions. This energy asks you to make friends with your emotions because each of them that arise this week do so with a message. And as always with this muse Rumi’s poem Guest House is a reminder of how to do this.
Sagittarius
Betye Saar Black Girl’s window
*Fool– Ok so third big energy week. The past two weeks the muses asked you to use your intuition or spiritual practice to tap into the flow of information masked in synchronicities, riddles, and Fae energy. Then the Muse of Mixology had you honing the skill of spontaneity with knowledge by experimenting and combing different aspects of your life (ex: shadow/light, rest/action). And now with these skills and information the Muse of New Adventure is pushing you out the door to find new experiences. This can be as simple as finding new routes home or as complex as making a leap into a new job field or lifestyle.
Capricorn
Betye Saar Blackbird
Two of Swords – This week with each of your decisions you need to get in touch with how that decision feels with all your senses. This muse reminds you that it is not the goal but the journey that is important.
Aquarius
Betye Saar The Palmist Window
*Hierophant and Page of Swords – The muses this week want you to investigate your structures. This can look as simple as looking through Zillow for new places to live, finding a new way to organize your life (did someone say bullet journal), or health blogs for new workouts. Or it can look as complex as doing some research into how you prioritize the structures of your life. For example, you say family is important but spend most of your time at work?
Pisces
Beyte Saar Legends in Blue
*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation is here to help you bring the divine into existence in your life. Even though Mercury is in retrograde you all can begin manifesting. The challenge is that with each item, wish, manifestation you conjure it must also have a broader divine aspect to it. That can be as simple as you want a raise, but you also give more to charity this year. Or as complex that your new path has a higher purpose then survival.
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 3rd – innovation is key. Then onto Pisces for the 5th – 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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
*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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
*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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
*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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
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
Lucia Heffernan
*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.
It’s that time again. Every Winter Solstice to New Years, I reflect on what has been and plan for what is to be. Also, I’m data geek. I keep excel sheets collecting data points from the tarotcast’s cards that each sign gets throughout the year. So, this tarotcast is dedicated to our rearview mirror of 2021.
I look at the data in two ways, how many times each card was pulled (for anomalies) and what the actual cards were for each sign (trends). For fun I want to see if the data shows some statistical difference and or trends, and so far, it has. This means that certain cards get pulled outside the average (which this year is 8 times). Now, to be truly scientific I would have to do this for many years. I am only on year six, but let’s see how this works with the data I have so far. (You can see a year in review for 2016 , 2017 , 20182019 & 2020). Also, some of you had asked why I include the tarot card’s name. I do this for my readers that want to learn more about tarot, so for you all that just want the trends, skip over the card names.
First, the look at anomalies or card pulls outside the norm: This is a look through a societal lens. This year the most pulled cards were the Justice & Devil in the higher Arcane, all the court cards but especially Queen of Pentacles and Four of Pentacles in the lower Arcane.
The Justice card is energy around what is Justice and Truth. The lesson is about us wanting yes/no answers but to gain the truth we must attend to the complexity of why and how for each specific case. This also relies on us seeing the truth of ourselves and our lives. So, a direct correlation of this is we saw a lot of energy around our judicial system. Think about all the cases that came up this year: George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Trump varies cases in court ie: voting, executive privilege and his private cases, the insurrectionists’ cases, the supreme court cases…. Society is being challenged to stand behind it’s concept of Truth and Justice. Personal it is about living our truth and understanding cause and effect. As Racheal Pollack says: It is not enough to foresee a likely outcome for us to change or prevent an event. We must understand why it is coming, and we must work on the causes within ourselves for the things we do and the ways we react. Free will exist and this energy helps us learn how to do it with integrity through understanding the complexity of truth in each situation.
The Devil’s energy checks who we are as people. We have been tested as countries, society, democracy, workers, economics, health, and our sanity, to name a few. The list feels endless on what we have been tested on personal and as a world community the past two years. The lesson with the Devil is did we pass our tests. Are we choosing the higher path? Are we releasing the ego?
Even though Covid and lock downs started this year, people or humanity came to the forefront. We had the highest amount of court cards dealt since I started doing this 6 years ago. The Court cards in general mean that people were integral, good or bad, in our lives. People provided lessons on refining our skill sets, our pace, our creativity, how we nurture and how we establish authority or present ego in the world. We were being asked to define how we “human.”
The Queen of Pentacles represents not only our essential needs but also luxury, self-worth, and this energy holds quality of life first and foremost. An example how this played out is with people trying to navigate how to go back to work without sacrificing quality of life. This energy has us seeing our self-worth in what we do, asking for raises and better working conditions, moving out of urban areas, or finding a new career.
The Four of Pentacles, it also was a big energy in 2020. This card governs resources/frugality. An example is Covid highlighting the systems that distribute our resources locally and globally, equality in distribution, and how we support others. In some instance we learned from 2020 e. not buying out all the toilet paper. However, new sources of fuckery have arisen, like our supply chain being an issue and triggering inflation. And people being self-oriented and not societal driven is also a challenge we still are working on.
The lowest pulls for the year are places where we did not have enough support from the Universe. The lowest card was the Ten of Swords. This card’s energy is about drama – the universe didn’t give us any help in this area. This causes things like a divided country, insurrections, people beating up flight attendants, and choosing violence as the only means to an end. Another unsupported energy was the Hermit. Usually, this energy helps us stand back and see the big picture. But we were not supported by the Universe, so it was up to us to stand back and see the cycles to gain perspective. This is still a challenge that some of us face.
Below in the cast are the trends within each sign in comparison to the norm. With my favorite art from 2021.
Lastly our Solar System highlights until the end of the Year
On December 24th we have the last Saturn(restrictions/structure) squaring Uranus (freedom), so watch for structures somehow bumping against freedom. This could be a snowstorm or the new variant raising its head keeping us in our homes. The Moon starts this week in Cancer – self-care is important- get it while you can. Moves into Leo on the 21st – time to shine. Then onto Virgo for the 24thth – great for running a tight ship but it’s the holidays maybe let things go a bit. Slides into Libra on the 26th -relationships are highlighted. Scorpio on the 28th – watch you don’t start partying too early- maybe a better time to clean up and tidy your emotional closet. Then a Sagittarius moon guides us with a philosophical approach to the end the 2021.
Mercury is in Capricorn – great for working out difference but must have a practical side to all convos. Venus is in Capricorn – where beauty and harmony are achieved with practicality. Mars is in Sagittarius – a lovely time to expand and explore not only your environment but your mind. And play is vital to let off some steam. And lastly, Jupiter moves into Pisces on the 28th, we saw a hint of what was ahead in the summer, and now we have until May to explore Jupiter (expansion) in Pisces- opportunities and broadening your horizons.
May light be on you, around you, and within you. Happy Solstice no tarotcast next week so I’ll “see” you all in 2022.
Nina
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. And if you need a quick stocking stuffer. I can supply gift certificates for all my readings.
This year compared to other signs was a very energetically charged year for you all. You were one of the three signs that had the most karmic cards. Every month you had at least 2 highly charged weeks, until October and things kinda slowed down. If anything, this was a year of change for you. In some form or fashion, you were on the move. Your big themes for 2021 were building, action and learning to manage the pace of your life. And if you found your rhythm you got a lot done, even though it may have felt scattered. So, take the end of the year to relax. And if you didn’t then spend the last couple of weeks of 2021 figuring out what pace (follow your heart, follow inspiration, marathon, or sprint) you want to work at in 2022.
Taurus
This year you had the highest karmic cards in comparison to other signs. 2021 started slow but by the beginning of March you were dealing with 2-3 big energies every month. And they varied from building, growing, nurturing, emotions, metamorphosis, relationships, structures… And even though these energies were all over the place, they also had a general theme of expansion. Try to spend this last part of the year reflecting on all that you have done and take a break! Consolidation and focus maybe required for the beginning of 2022.
Gemini
Bisa Butler The Equestrian
Where 2020 you had the highest karmic energy to deal with this year you had the lowest compared to other signs. You had time to focus on a few themes: growth, a test from the past, your purpose, and structures. You did have the highest amount of Ace cards and threes. Aces pertain to new projects, ideas, and inspiration. The threes’ themes are around collaboration, planning the future and friendship. If you can, ponder what things you did start in 2021 that you would like to continue. Then make a sketch of what it would look like and who you would like to be there to experience it with.
This year you were one of the three signs that had the most karmic cards in comparison to the other signs. And April and may have been particularly hard. You also had to deal with at least two major tests from the past at the beginning and middle of the year. Then scattered in between those times you were investigating themes around healing, emotions, your purpose, being stuck, deconstruction, balance, metamorphosis, and creation. In many ways you have shed your shell numerous times in 2021. Take the last part of this year to applaud yourself for making it through this maze of karmic interactions and ending up better than you started.
You had slightly less than average amount of karmic energy cards this year compared to other signs. The year started off slow with some healing you needed to do, which you returned to in the summer. Though by September and into October karma was taking you on a roller coaster ride. Where your themes of justice, metamorphosis, wrestling with integrity, growing, letting go, stagnation, balance and life purpose were pushed into your field of vison week after week. And like most of the signs you also had a test from the past to make choices around. If you can, try to take the next couple of weeks off and tap back into that balance and healing aspect that started off your year.
Virgo
Sabine Pigalle
You along with the world dealt with the big energy of Justice but you were one of the few that didn’t have to personally deal with the Devil – tests around morality. You had your tests in 2019 and 2020. So, this year was a year of learning especially on the physical, emotional, and spiritual planes. Your first three months of 2021 were busy with checking items off your to-do list and then in March karma started to kick in. From then on, once a month, you dealt with a karmic theme. And they varied from luck, purpose, structure, subconscious, bring the divine down, and healing. Your biggest theme, which you revisited 3 times, is self-propelled change. So, take the next two weeks to tally all the things you have learned and how your life has changed from where you were in 2019.
Libra
Tamara Natalie Madden
You all were dealt the average amount of karmic energy this year compared to the other signs. Like most of us, you were karmically tested at least once this year. But you are one of the few that personally did not have to deal with Justice- choices around balance, truth, and consequences. This is your life card, so you explore this theme all your life and can take off a year 😉. However, you kept busy with Karmic themes of healing, organic change, self-growth, self-propelled change, moderation, opportunities, relationships, growth and bring the divine down into the world. Overall, this was a year to explore possibilities and express your power creatively in the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual realms. The next two weeks think about how you have incorporated the divine feminine (creativity and nurturing) into different parts of your life.
Scorpio
Shaman Hassani
This year you all were dealt the average amount of karmic energy compared to the other signs. Like most of us, you were karmically tested at least once this year. But you are one of the few that personally did not have to deal with Justice- choices around balance, truth, and consequences. You did however deal with the Tower, deconstruction of what is not working in your world, four times. Usually, this deconstruction starts from an outside source that you cannot control. Hopefully you could navigate these earthquakes without too much unease. If you’re reading this then you have survived. YES you! Because that 4 Tower occurrences are no joke. However, the Universe did not just give you a bag of coal as a present for 2021. This year you were also dealt more helpful karmic themes of inner strength, recognition, freedom, healing, enlightenment, and opportunities. Take the next two weeks acknowledging how strong you are and how much you have learned. Then starting as early as Dec 28th taking advantage of Jupiter (luck) moving into a water sign and celebrate the amazing job you have done surviving 2021.
Sagittarius
Crane Dance Hung Lui
This year you had one of the two the lowest karmic cards dealt this year to a sign, and the only sign to not personally do the year’s theme of the Devil and Justice (read intro) . Your karma gave you time to focus on finding your groove, metamorphosis, balance, healing, luck, and building up your “empire”. You also worked with the divine feminine (creation) on the physical, emotional, and intellectual planes. You did focus on the numerical six cards all year more than any other sign. This numerical group works with cause/effect, past/future and karmic balancing. So, take these next two weeks to ponder the scales in all parts of your life. Where do you want to expand balance in 2022 to create even more flow in your life?
Capricorn
Fanny Sanin
Happy Birthday Month! You all had an average year in karmic energies compared with the other signs in 2021. Your themes were freedom, fortune, inner strength, structures, and organic change. And you were tested at least twice this year on a lesson from the past. However, the trend that stood out was having the most court cards dealt, specifically knights and pages. This means that people were flowing in and out of your life all year. They never stayed for long, but they are the map pins in 2021. Also, this year learning was emphasized, and this flow of people helped you define “pace” in your life. For the next two weeks contemplate who you surround yourself with. You have collected a vast variety of characters to enhance your life story. How have they influenced your life? And make sure you balance in some “me time” before the end of the year. Even if it is just a quick walk under the stars.
Aquarius
New star Nasa
You had an above average amount of karmic cards as compared to other signs. Not the worst hand dealt but you “came in” fourth. Meaning you were dealing with one or two karmic themes each month. You like most of us this year had personal tests from the past and dealt with the karmic theme of fairness and balance. Your personal karmic themes for 2021 were issues around structures, building or deconstructing your profession, purpose, healing, creativity, freedom along with stagnation, relationships, personally finding your shine, and learning to work with organic change. With all that 2021 has brought to your door, you have survived, healed, and even prospered. Saturn (restriction and structure) is still playing in your sign until 2023. So, the place of “freedom” where you flourish will be hinder, but you can take advantage of this time by grounding yourself in your work, your purpose and mooring to the structures that you will need as a foundation for jumping off in 2023. And remember you all are the Royals of daydreaming and innovation, and the next 20 years are yours. Take these two weeks to write a list of what you need on the physical plane to support your freedom going forward.
Pisces
Richard Whadcock Passage
You all were dealt the average amount of karmic energies compared with the other signs in 2021. Though you are one of the few signs that did not deal personally with tests from the past. The themes you did explore are transformation, structures, freedom, self-propelled, change, and emotions. And your big theme that you visited three times was organic change. You started this year explore how to work with the Universe more intuitively and continued that theme the rest of 2021. Jupiter on the 28th is going into your sign which means it joins your sun sign. So next year has huge potential for growth and expansion for you. Spend the final two weeks of 2021 writing an expansive and imaginative wish list for 2022.
The artist this week is Artemisia Gentileschi. She lived in the 17th century mostly in Italy. Gentileschi was one of the few woman painters of that time and was well known enough that she made a living with selling her paintings to nobles and royals like Charles I of England.She is also known for being the daughter of Baroque painter Orazio Gentileschi and being raped and winning her case against her rapist when she was 17.
When men write about her, they note the power of her brushstroke likening it to men of her time, or her boldness of portraying strong women characters, unlike the men of her time. Feminists write about her through a lens of a survivor and a woman who made her way in the patriarchal system. When female art historians write about her, they see her in a broader context with a variety of aspects that contributed to what she painted and why.
As a viewer we do look through our personal lens. Asking questions like did this feminine perspective become her selling point? Or was it the subjects she chooses? her “fame” of the rape? Or did she exemplify Baroque art with its drama, rich and deep color and intense light and dark shadows?
All of these are pertinent questions, but also, maybe we just like her work, amazed at how she can capture candlelight. As we view and relate to art or our lives, one must remember that a point in time resonates throughout our lifetime, but it does not solely define us or our actions. We are a sum of all the things that makes us. And at the same time, we are beautiful, amazing, and valid for just being alive as any other thing in nature.
Solar System highlights: The Moon starts in Capricorn – focus on getting things done on material plan. Then on Tuesday it moves into Aquarius – use your intellect and thinking outside the box is needed. The Moon then finishes in Pisces for the weekend – follow your dreams and soul’s desires. Mercury is in Scorpio – the focus is passion and letting go of forms of communication that no longer work for you. Venus is in Capricorn – where beauty and harmony are achieved with practicality. Mars is in Scorpio – desire is in the air, as well as, it is a great time to finish up projects. And lastly, Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is their focus until end of December.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Scorpio this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Taurus 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
Artemisia Gentileschi
Three of Swords – The Muse of Heartbreak has come to help you heal from a hurt you have been holding on too. This hurt usually shows up as self-criticism. These are deep wounds that keep cyclically happen in your life. So, fill in the thought “I’m not lovable because….” And heal that wound so you can accept the love that is already in your life or coming around the corner.
Taurus
Artemisia Gentileschi
Eight of Swords – The Muse of Self-binding Thoughts has come to trigger beliefs that no longer serve you. Your challenge is to release yourself from these mind ghosts. The keys to these emotional handcuffs are the upsets/traumas happened in the past, were put there by others, and you have made them your own. Release and free yourself.
Gemini
Artemisia Gentileschi
*High Priestess – Last week the Muse of Fortune calibrated your karma, good or bad, a debt has now been paid. Now, the Muse of Higher Purpose has come to realign you with your path. You are here for a variety of reasons: being a parent, sibling, work, your passion, etc.… If you listen to your inner voice or external synchronicities, this Muse will guide you to resources that help you gain traction on your path.
Cancerian
Artemisia Gentileschi
*Empress – Your third big energy week. So, you may be feeling a bit tired, stressed, and/or overwhelmed. Because you had the Muse of Destruction dismantling some aspect of your life that needed fixing. Then the Muse of Stabilization shored you back up. Now it’s time to create with the Muse of Creation. Ugh but your tired. Breath. This energy would like you to focus on a project that will take you through the New Year. She asks, what will you birth into 2022? Grow it slowly, and nurture yourself as you nurture it.
Leo
Artemisia Gentileschi
Five of Cups – The Muse of Spilled Milk is here to remind you that every mess you encounter this week is not your responsibility. Yes, you have things that need cleaning, but this Muse reminds you that some problems are meant for others to deal with. So, your challenge is to see why you are doing it. Are you avoiding your own messes? Do you like the attention even though it is co-dependent? Or is it if not you then who? Focus on your mess only this week.
Virgo
Artemisia Gentileschi
Two of Swords – The Muse of Decisions is here to help you make more aligned choices. We all are making choices every day, but are they aligned with how we want to feel as we make them? This muse suggests this week pick a feeling or word that you want to live by and then make choices from that feeling or word.
Libra
Artemisia Gentileschi
Ace of Cups – The Muse of Love has come to fill your emotional cup. She suggests noting all the loving things that happen in this week. Your pet greeting you, your kid’s hug, someone opening a door for you, or a smile. But here is how she challenges you. When someone does a wrong, mentally thank them for the reminder of how you don’t want to be or show them some compassion. They may be having a shitty day. You see, kindness fills the cup coming and going.
Scorpio
Artemisia Gentileschi
Two of Cups – Next energy up for your new year is the Muse of Relationships. This year highlights relationships. The challenge with this energy is by 2023 all your relationships should all be built on equality. They fill your cup as you fill theirs. Start this week cleaning out the emotional vampires.
Sagittarius
Artemisia Gentileschi
Seven of Coins – The Muse of Work has come to help you further a project on the material plane. This energy is like those people that give out water during marathons. Look for moments to re-energize yourself, take small breaks like a walk if you are stuck, drink tea, or tiny 10-minute desk naps; and keep going.
Capricorn
Artemisia Gentileschi
Page of Coins – The Muse of Learning has come with books in tow. This week is great for acquiring a new skill or useful bit of information. You might have to hit the books, watch documentaries or informational podcasts. Knowledge is power.
Aquarius
Artemisia Gentileschi
Eight of Coins – The Muse of Mastery comes when you need to focus on a project and move it to completion or tweak it to a more valuable form. Art is taking the everyday and lifting to a place where we can see its beauty. This week take something to the next level.
Pisces
Artemisia Gentileschi
Three of Wands – The Muse of the Productive Waiting has arrived reminding you to use this time and space to prepare for what is about to happen. For example, if you were going on vacation in 2 weeks, pack now and you might find that you need a new bathing suit. Something needs to be done while you are waiting for the next thing to happen.
First I want to thank all of you for reading my ponderings. I just finished my sixth year doing these tarotcasts and I am grateful to all of you. Well here we go for another round….
The artist this week is Fanny Sanin. Sanin explored many art forms, but eventually honed her eye to explore geometric abstraction. She focuses on color and form, but all within boundaries of straight lines and arcs. Her goal is for the viewer to perceive through symmetry and balance an almost “mystical experience.” A place where the composition does not jar or distracts us but narrows our perception. Her work eases the eye while heightening our natural intuition/response. When you go to her website her paintings are grouped by decades and we can see how she went from non-form abstraction, 1962-1968, to this geometric play for the next 50 years. (You can see partially the progress as you scroll down ). In her scope of work the viewer can see not only her journey with color and form but also that this play is endless. Where a lifetime of work does not complete this line of discovery.
Your pondering this week: is this true with all that we do? Are there endless combinations to work with for lifetimes? And if so, what are yours?
Solar System highlights: On Monday the Moon starts in Capricorn– a great time to get things done on the material plane. Then on Oct 13th it goes into Aquarius – a time of invention and innovation. The Moon then finishes in Pisces – dreamy vibes for the weekend. Mercury is in its last week of retrograde in Libra– great for communication, creating networks and getting in touch with friends. Remember when Mercury is retro not a great time to start projects but perfect tie to Review, Reflect and Revise.
Venus is now in Sagittarius and asks are we feeding and nurturing our relationships enough to keep them growing? Mars is Libra – another planet sending energy into investigating relationships this is around the question are your actions following your words? This theme and work around your relationships is big until Mercury moves into Scorpio Nov. 7th. And lastly, Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is their focus for the rest of this year.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Libra this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Aries 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
Fanny Sanin 1973
*Empress – The Muse of Creation has come to help you grow anything you put your mind to. Her challenge is this project may take up to 10 months of work to fully develop. If you can not commit to this, then creation is still available to you, but you will have to let go of expectations of the outcome. For example, you want to grow a zucchini then up to 10 months of focused attention will grow a bounty of zucchini. However, if you can’t spend the time and focus, something will grow in its place, but you will not know it’s form until the summer of 2022.
Taurus
Fanny Sanin 1976
Ten of Wands – The Muse of Burdens is here to help you in relieving some of yours. This week there is no way you are going to accomplish all that you need to do. So, this Muse suggest make a list of your todos, prioritize them two ways by ease and necessity, and see where those two lists overlap. Then only do, at most, the top eight. The rest put off until next week. The lesson with this card is not only to get things done but you may find that next week the leftovers might lose their significance.
Gemini
Fanny Sanin 1977
Ten of Cups – The Muse of Bliss Finding is here with brownies. This energy comes when an emotional restoration is needed. Find or create moments that create bliss each day. Ex: napping with your animal, sitting in a sunbeam, a beverage of choice while sitting still, read a book, stay in your PJs for a day etc….
Cancerian
Fanny Sanin 1980
*Justice – The Muse of Truth appears this week to help you make an important decision and/or search for your personal truth. She asks are you aligned with your higher self and your credos. Now this can go both ways, possibly you need to adjust your actions to align with beliefs or your beliefs need tweaking. This is not a week of right versus wrong. You need to see the grey behind the decisions and find a balanced compromise that does not dilute who you are.
Leo
Fanny Sanin 1986
*The Hanged Man– The last couple of weeks you have been working with lessons around fairness, decisions and how they affect your growth. This week you are in a holding pattern. This energy is aligned perfectly with the last week of Mercury’s retrograde. Whether you spend that time revisiting the last two week’s lesson or decide to tune out, both are beneficial. The challenge is around not being pushed forward when you know the timing, i.e. this week, is not right for moving forward.
Virgo
Fanny Sanin 1992
Ace of Coins – You have the energy this week to start new projects; however, with Mercury in retrograde you are making your life harder if you do. Yes, the early bird catches the worm. But if you go before dawn, the worms aren’t up yet because it is too cold. Therefore, this week instead of jumping into doing, prepare and organize, so you can be the first one out of the gate next week.
Libra
Fanny Sanin 1994
*Empress – The third energy to work with for this coming year is the Muse of Creation. This Muse is big karmic growth energy to work with however, it will take all year to see the fruits of your labors. This Muse wants to co-create abundance and beauty into your life. So first she asks to acknowledge the beauty that already surrounds you. These you want to continue growing. And then she has you ponder what is missing? This year she will help you fill in voids of your garden.
Scorpio
Fanny Sanin 1996
*Strength – The third big energy week for you. The past weeks had the Muse of Opportunity opening doors for you to dabble in new worlds. The Muse of Patience and Moderation advising you to reduce your speed and rebalance. And this week the Muse of Inner Strength has arrived to build your courage, determination, and compassion. So, it is interesting that you can work with all these big energies in the final weeks of your birth cycle, and that they coincide with Mercury retrograde. When this happens, the Muses are trying to get you to tie up loose ends and prep the ground for your coming year. They ask you what do you want to finish up/let go of before your birthday? By dealing with them now, you create space for creation in the coming year.
Sagittarius
Fanny Sanin 2004
Eight of Cups – The Muse of Release has come to help you clean out your closets or send something/person off. This can look like literally cleaning out your space or it can be releasing emotions, situations, persons that don’t jive with who you are. This energy usually shows up to create space for new things, people or situations that will be arriving soon.
Capricorn
Fanny Sanin 2007
Four of Cups – Last week the Muse of Composting came to help review and recycle what no longer serves, by taking the nutrients from the past to grow the future. The Muse of Contemplation continues this theme in the final week of Mercury’s retrograde. Take this week to do ¾ internal work and ¼ external. She advises that slowing down will speed up the process.
Aquarius
Fanny Sanin 2009
Six of Cups – The Muse of Remembering has come to swapp stories of youth and the past. This energy comes around when the past has information for your present. Pay special attention if you feel a Deja Vue or a familiarity. Sit with it, notice all that is happening around you for clues to your download.
Pisces
Fanny Sanin 2010
Seven of Wands – The Muse of Grit has come to help you make a stand or fortify your resolution. She helps by reminding you the why you are dealing with/through the challenges you have control over. Is it for more ease? Better Life? Sense of Security? If you can stand behind why you are fighting, then what seems like a war becomes a quest for your desires
This week’s artist is Mona Caron, @mona.caron. Her main art form are murals, beautiful, majestic, but sublime in image and message. She has a series where she paints weeds larger than life, like side of a building large. The definition of weed is – a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants. Weeds are often considered a nuisance. Something to pull out. Or life barely noticed but eking out an existence in a landscape of urban concrete. However, Caron utilizes them to show their beauty and resilience. (Please watch her stop-motion animation, as they sprout out on urban landscapes.)
Often weeds are more native than the plants chosen to be planted in a garden. Alexis Nikole Nelson known as the “Black Forager” on TikTok shows us that what is considered a weed can be used as an urban food source. Or Sean Sherman and Dana Thompson’s cook book The Sious Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen highlights native food as foundations of amazingly tasty recipes. These people are reconnecting us to a lost knowledge base in our society and a broader perspective on what is a weed.
So, the pondering for this week: where in your life do you try to pull out your weeds? By eradicating them are you missing their beauty, contribution to your resilience, and them as a resource? Possibly, that your weeds are more native and useful to your actual being than what you are cultivating?
Solar System highlights: This week the Moon starts in Sagittarius – great for excursions and adventuring through the 13th. Then the Moon goes into Capricorn a great time to focus on work and getting things done. Then on 17th it goes into Aquarius – time for innovating and tweaking what you did on the previous days. Also, a great time for deep intellectual conversation and experimentation over the weekend. Mercury is in Libra– great for communication, creating networks and getting in touch with friends.
Venus is now in Scorpio – time to up your game in actions in your intimate relationships. And a great time to feed your pleasures and passions in general just watch overindulgences. Mars moves into Libra – another planet sending energy into investigating relationships this is around the question are your actions following your words? This theme and work around your relationships is big until Mercury moves Scorpio Nov. 7th. And lastly, Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is their focus for the rest of this year.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Pisces 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
San Pabulo Mona Caron
Knight of Coins – Last week’s energy was pushing you to evolve into a new you. Having you investigate the best qualities of your peers and mentors that you want to add to you. The Muse of Getting Things Done is asking you to start this process with actions steps. It is time to walk your talk.
Taurus
Mona Caron Taiwan
*Temperance – Last week, the Muse of Structure came to help you build a sense of a schedule with the flexibility and spaciousness to create freely. Hopefully you have placed some of those flexible structures, for now the Muse of Flow has come to help you equalize the consumption and release of energy with in them. This can look as simple as mediating with breath work at the opening and close your day or creating better but flexible eating habits with your only rule is eating 100 different things a week (that includes spices). How do your rules and structures work with to promote flow? The key is broadening your rules.
Gemini
Mona Caron San Francisco
King of Coins – The Muse of Experienced Wisdom has come to remind that you are a source of inspiration. This week you will be called on for your expertise. The challenge is how you give it. You audience needs inspiration as well as a sense of security and hospitality.
Cancerian
Mona Caron Jersey City
Eight of Coins – Last week the Muse of Co-Creation recommended bringing into your life and working with the people, things and ideas that make you a better you. You get another week to do that with the Muse of Mastery. This Muse wants you to practice with these co-creating elements to produce or at least deepen the your understanding and applicability of your work.
Leo
Mona Caron Brooklyn
Two of Swords – The Muse of Decisions is here to help you decided. This week will require a lot of what feels like monumental decisions; however, the individual decisions are not as consequential as the reason behind your decisions. Make sure the why behind what you decided is more tangible then the possibly the decision itself.
Virgo
San Francisco Mona Caron
Seven of Swords – This is your last week of your birth month and gives you your final theme to the year. Let’s review. So far, the Muses to work with in your coming year are Muse of Teamwork, Muse of Transitions, and the Muse of Healing. So whatever you are working on it is more fortuitous or more likely of having success with more sets of eyes, minds, and hands then just yours. Your second energy advise for the first part of your journey to travel light. Do this by physical lightening your load and simplicity are key. Your third and Big Karmic energy is magic is flowing around you to help heal and reset you on your purpose. And lastly the Muse of Victory with Small Battles gives you the key to ease. Break your work processes down to bitesize chunks and any challenge is surmountable.
Libra
Mona Caron Portland
Ace of Swords – The Muse of the Intellect will accompany you this week. Cool logic and defined truths are the keys. Your mind is your biggest asset. And with it and this Muse’s help you find new innovated solutions to old problems.
Scorpio
Mona Caron
Eight of Cups – The Muse of Dissatisfaction has come to help you see and release things that no longer work for you. This can be as simple as releasing the plethora of plastic tops that have no mates or memorabilia that no longer resonates or a job that sucks at your soul. This week begin to release what no longer works for you.
Sagittarius
Mona Caron Switzerland
*Star – The Muse of Healing has come with her first aid kit and tea. You need some rest and recuperation. This week might identify some deep wounds that need mending or a deeper contemplation on emotions you are having to succor. Take advantage of any time you have space to just be with your body and listen. Ask it what it needs. Long Bath? Massage? Sweat Lodge? Multiple nights of 8-hour sleeps? This week is a perfect time to heal the body so it can support the mind and soul.
Capricorn
Mona Caron Lisbon
Seven of Swords – Last week, the Muse of Hermitage has called you back to the cave to gain perspective. Now the Muse of Cunning has joined to help you figure out how to come back into society with your refreshed perspective without succumbing to societies whims and obligations. Again, these muses remind you at times the chase or hidden discovery brings more pleasure than something easily won. You don’t have to hoard your gifts, but you don’t need to give them out like Halloween candy either.
Aquarius
Mona Caron San Francisco
Five of Coins – Last week the Muse of Truth came to help align you to your purpose or to help you find a solution to a problem. This week brings with it a bit of chaos that can leave you feeling drained of your resources. However, your newly focused purpose, or the skills you used last week to solve problems will come in handy with this energy. This Muse reminds you the universe has your back. The help you need is there is you reach for it.
Pisces
Mona Caron Union City
Four of Cups – The Muse of Inner Wisdom has come with your mediation pillow and yoga mat. This week belly button gazing is needed. Your soul/body/mind have some information to disentangle with you. So, whether you mediate, journal, or doddle. Tune out the outside so you can tune inward. Because this inner work has answers so you can tune outward with more ease. The only challenge you can’t stay in this state past this week.
This week’s artist is Hung Lui @hungluiartist who just passed in August. She is a painter and often created mixed-media installations around her paintings. Hung’s style is layered not only technically but also in context. She uses layered brushstrokes combined with washes of linseed oil to create her paintings. Her portraits are of refuges, prisoners, prostitutes and the forgotten. Her installations might have one piece, a broom, clock, or cup paired with the painting. Or be a mountain of railroad tracks surrounded and leading to a pile of fortune cookies.
These items bring us into her pieces like a smell leads us to memory or an object starts a dream. Then as we awaken and remember, we hold on to an aspect that is vivid and punctuated but the whole is blurred. Hung’s art feels as if she is summoning ghosts. As she says “When I moved to the West, exactly half a lifetime ago, I carried my ghosts with me. The ghosts I carry are a burden, but also a blessing.” Your pondering for this week: seeing your ghosts as blessings.
Solar System highlights: This week the Moon starts in Virgo– it’s all about organizing and cleaning until the 8th. Then the Moon goes into Libra and a focus on relationships. And finally, into Scorpio for the weekend- time for finding some fun. Mercury is in Libra– great for communication, creating networks and getting in touch with friends. Venus is in Libra until the September 10th – enjoy your relationships and work with the energy around equity. And then it moves into Scorpio to add more positive energy to the weekend vibe. Mars is in its last week in Virgo – clean and tidy up anything your gaze goes to. Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is their focus for the rest of this year.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Pisces 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
Blue Boy Hung Lui
*Judgment – Last week’s energy was about co-creation, and the Muse of Evolution takes it to the next level. Time to push your self out of the same old – same old and evolve into a new you. If you could become any type of chimerical creature, what would you be? A Merlion? A Catantram? Your challenge this week to answer – What are the best qualities of your peers and mentors that you want to add to you?
Taurus
Mirror Hung Lui
*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure is here to help you with your Achilles heel, over- doing. If you make a structure so airtight, you make the building and its inhabitants unable to breathe. Or so impenetrable, you stifle creativity. Your work this week is about balancing work with play. All work kills creativity. All play ends up not getting you to the goals you have set. So, how can you build a sense of a schedule with the flexibility and spaciousness to create freely?
Gemini
Dry Well Hung Lui
Five of Coins – This week’s energy can highlight a sense of lack in your life. So, the Helper Muse has come to highlight you are not alone nor totally lacking. Though this week is hard it is not doomed. There are gifts to this week. But you must reach out to acquire them. This Muse reminds you that focusing energy on only the negative feeds it. Her advice, starve the worry and feed the hope.
Cancerian
Crane Dance Hung Lui
*Lovers – The Muse of Co-Creation recommends looking at who and/or what you are partnering with to create this part of your life. She advises call on your likeminded friends and do some deep imagining. Or ingest some literature or music that inspires you. Spend some time with your favorite material or tool and make something. Bring into your life the people, things and ideas that make you a better you.
Leo
Dragonflies Hung Lui
Ten of Cups – The Muse of Family is highlighted this week. She reminds you that family are the people that support you. They can be the ones you are born with but are also the ones you have gathered. Time to connect with your peeps and deepen your roots.
Virgo
Polly Bemis Hung Lui
*Star – Your third and Big Karmic energy to work with this year is the Muse of Healing. This year, magic is flowing around you to help restore and rediscover your purpose. As you leave behind the past, pick up the lessons and move into a brighter future. The lesson this Muse has is that wounds leave scar tissue, and these areas must still be tended to and stretched often. You have all year to work with this energy, but this week spend time with your bruises and wounds and see which ones still need mending.
Libra
Visage VII Hung Lui
Two of Wands – The Muse of the Future is here to activate your imagination and set some goals for you to work on into 2022. If nothing was in your way, would your goals change? This Muse wants you to ponder obtainable and seemly unattainable goals. She then asks you what is in your way to get to these seemly inaccessible aspirations. Compare them to the strengths that make your obtainable goals possible. Work on areas where there is crossover.
Scorpio
America Hung Lui
Queen of Wands – The Muse of Nature is calling to you. Animals and plants are calling you to impart their wisdom. Whether it is the resilience of a dandelion growing in sidewalk, the focus of a dog finding a scent, the joyous song of a bird, the fragile beauty of a butterfly or the contentment of a cat finding the perfect spot to rest. Nature is giving you clues on aspects in your life that you need to work on.
Sagittarius
Refugees Woman and Children Hung Lui
Ace of Cups – The Muse of Love is here. Whether you are in a relationship or not this energy advises you to share some part of you. The more you joyfully fill another’s cup the more your cup will be filled with joy. The challenge is if it does not bring the joy then you are sharing that negative energy in a loop, so try something new or quit and move on.
Capricorn
Chinese in Idaho Portrait II Hung Lui
*Hermit – The Muse of Hermitage has called you back to the cave. This energy comes when you need to gain perspective by pulling back from society. But the challenge is you can not completely withdraw. So, your pondering becomes: How can you hang out your open sign without being bombarded by the crowds? Think about the paradox of honesty and stealth. Like being that spooky shop that is on some back alley. You know it is open but it hard to get to its exact location.
Aquarius
Jongzhe- First Spring Thunder Hung Lui
*Justice – The Muse of Truth has come to help align you to your purpose or to help you find a solution to a problem. However, this energy holds you accountable for your actions and words. If you are aligned with your divine or searching for a truth to aid, then no worries. However, is you are not aligned or hunting up a “good story” then be careful, for Justice is swift.
Pisces
Strange Fruit Comfort Women Hung Lui
Three of Swords – The Muse of Heartache is here with tissues and a shoulder if you need one. This week can be rough and triggering. First be kind to yourself. And secondly, be aware you are being triggered because something is not aligned to your heart purpose. Either it is an old hurt or hole that needs mending. Tend to it this week.
intentions are the children of desire and the grandparents of destiny
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