Tag Archives: painting

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of July 30, 2023

Akilah Watts, Nexus

The artist this week is Akilah Watts @stricklyakilah.  Watts’ work is as vibrant as the landscape of Barbados, but this is a point of many of her paintings.  Is that she is a native and she and the people of the island are “part of the landscape” of Barbados.  Most people see it as a vacation spot but for her and other local artists, this is home.  As Watts says, she is trying to make a more realistic version of her home than the idealistic one of people who travel to it.

Where Watts’ previous work was about an external perspective this year she is working on a “new practice of being more in the moment, I have found myself experiencing a number of out-of-body experiences and I have been documenting the feelings of Absence that those experiences have evoked within me.” The commonality of her inner and outer art is that it conveys a vitality that resides in her as an artist, a seer, and a soul.

Your pondering for the week:  Work on seeing the people in your environment like the flora and fauna of your landscape.  This will help you connect to the coexistence that is always around us.

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Capricorn – discipline is key to the beginning of the week.  On Tuesday it moves into Aquarius – think outside the box until Thursday when you will need to go with the flow.   Then during the weekend, the moon is in its home sign Cancer – perfect for finding your cozy spot and naps.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo (analyzation) for a 10 weeklong stay.  So, this is around lessons with getting to the point when communicating.  Being clear and concise is the goal.  Mars (action) is also in Virgo until August 27th.  This combo makes getting things check off your to-do list easier.   While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence while investigating this aspect.  So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play.  Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024.  So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Leo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aquarius 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 I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Akilah Watts Pride

*Justice – The Muse of Responsibility is wanting you to make some decisions.  The challenge is that these decisions must be for the good of all.  You will need to hear everyone’s side and find the win-win situation.  This Muse reminds you the this is less about blame and more about fairness.

 

Taurus
Akilah Watts Revelations

*Fool – The Muse of Possibilities has joined you on your journey.  This is a time where beginnings happen, but these are less about planning these jumping off points and more about spontaneously discovering them.  And this Muse reminds you to have faith for you are surefooted on any path you take.  Think of this week like a treasure hunt or looking for Pokémon.  The more you are out and about the more you find.

 

Gemini
Akilah Watts Abundance

*High Priestess – The Muse of Intuition would like you to tap into yours this week.  You have been questioning yourself too much.  Overthinking.  Trying to make logical deductions and decisions in an illogical and unpredictable landscape.  Follow your gut and Spidey sense this week.  Also, this Muse will lead you to some interesting information, but it is hidden in synchronicities and symbols.

 

Cancerian
Akilah Watts Freshly Squeezed

Seven of Water– The Muse of Imagination would like you to flex your daydreaming muscle.  Daydreaming activates your imagination, but the challenge is sometimes your imagination can not be manifested into reality.  So, if you use this week as an exercise in playfully thinking about your life and at the same time keeping your expectations grounded.

 

Leo
Akilah Watts Sugar Plum

Ace of Earth – This week you are granted by the Muses a fertile field to plant your material-plane based seeds/wishes.  Make a list of materials things you want to sprout in the coming year.  The challenge is making both big and little wishes for the muses to work on.   The Muses remind you this is a more natural variegated garden not a Monsanto genetically modified one crop field.  Be diverse in your wishes.

 

Virgo
Akilah Watts From The Dryer To The Shop

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum works with our ambitions, impetus, and control.  When she pulls up you need to work on the where, when, and how of this part of your journey or project.  Maybe you need to check your metaphorically tires or refuel.  Maybe you need to just move forward but also check your GPS and make sure you are heading in the right direction.  No matter what the scenario this is about going forward not back and definitely not about making donuts in the parking lot of life.

 

Libra
Akilah Watts Remedy

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Outdoors would like you to go engulf yourself in some nature.  Whether that is reading a book in the park, finding shells at the beach, fishing or kayaking in a river or gardening in your backyard, this week you need to breathe in the open air to reset your natural rhythms.

 

Scorpio
Akilah Watts, Every Bush Is A Man

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship comes when your emotional cups need filling.  Something only besties can do well.  The cool thing about this hang, other than laughter and good times, is your friends need your company as much as you need theirs.

 

Sagittarius
Akilah Watts Girl You Sweet

Nine of Fire – Where last week was all about movement, this week the Muse of Interludes has arrived.  Take this week to refuel, restock and prepare for August.  The Dog Days of summer are coming so go take a dip in a pool or nap in a hammock.  This is not a week to push things through.

 

Capricorn
Akilah Watts Exposed

Four of Fire – The Muse of Home is advising to hang around at home as much as possible this week.  Fill your home with sweet scents and sounds.  Bring your house flowers to thank it for providing a haven for you.  And if you are not feeling safe, this is a time to reassess and take actions to make it so.

 

Aquarius
Akilah Watts Psst I Got Something to Tell You

Ace of Air– More decisions this week.  Where last week it was about choice, this week’s decisions are about new directions.  Something doesn’t feel right, and the Muses would like to help you remedy it.  The challenges are you need to decide which direction you want to begin this journey on, and this might require a new mindset.   Ask the Muses for communique like signs and or new knowledge you stumble upon.

 

Pisces
Akilah Watts SeaGrace

Two of Earth – The Muse of Balance comes when two aspects of your life are not balanced.   For example, this can be work and play or nutritional meals versus comfort meals.   What two things are butting heads and stalling out you from moving forward.  This is not about letting either one go, but more about actions steps in moderation and compromise.

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of July 23, 2023

 Rowena Meeks Abdy
Rowena Meeks Abdy

The artist this week is Rowena Meeks Abdy.  Abdy was an American Modernist painter who primarily painted the landscapes of California.  Her street scenes and landscapes in oils, watercolors and mixed-media drawings appeared in over fifty exhibitions throughout California from 1908 to the mid-1940s.  She also illustrated two books On the Ohio and Old California.  These are now considered examples of historical landscape that give us a peek into earlier eras of each region.

Your pondering for the week:  The last 10 years of her career she stopped using the “color” white.  If you had to take away a color, what would it be?  For me it would be bubblegum pink. (Yeah Barbie™, I said it).

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Libra – attending to relationships and balance are key to the beginning of week.  On Wednesday it moves into Scorpio – find time for what makes your heart zing.   Then on Friday through the weekend it is in Sagittarius – great for travel and jaunts to new places.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) moves into Virgo (analyzation) on Thursday for a 10 weeklong stay. So, it moves from creative expression to a more serious getting down to brass tacks tactic.  Mars (action) is also in Virgo until August 27th.  This combo makes getting things done on your to-do list easier.   While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence.  So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play.  Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024.  So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Leo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aquarius 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 I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

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

Nina

 

Aries
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Seven of Water – The Muse of Daydreams is calling to you this week.  When this energy shows up the universe is asking for direction to help you manifest your dreams.  This Muse asks if you had no restrictions or obstructions what would you dream for?  Let your imagination soar this week. There is nothing to lose when imagining; conversely, there is tons of insight to gain.

 

Taurus
Rowena Meeks Abdy

*Justice – The Muse of Accountability comes when you are asked to choose a side or stand up for someone or yourself.  This is no time to let things go.  Whether this is about calling your representatives, standing with a colleague or friend, or naming your truth, this week you need to speak up.  And continue doing so until you are heard.

 

Gemini
Rowena Meeks Abdy

*Fool – This week you might need a re-do.  The Muse of Clean Slates is asking you to wipe clean your mistakes, missteps, or possible mind changing and start afresh.  This energy wants you to re-work a situation in a whole new light.  Think innovation and step outside the box to find another way.  And she reminds you don’t forget to lighten your step while doing it.  Your song:  Whistle While you Work.

 

Cancerian
Rowena Meeks Abdy

*Empress and Page of Water– The Muse of Growth teams up with the Muse of Joy this week to have you start the process of bringing more joy into your life.  Now these two together remind you this is a process of adding small actions into your days that bring a smile to your lips.  They need to be easy and achievable actions that you can do on a regular basis.

 

Leo
 Rowena Meeks Abdy
Rowena Meeks Abdy

*Tower – Last week the Muse of Manifestation asked you to confer with the celestials about what you want to manifest this coming year with the tools you have already in hand.  Now the Muse of Demolition wants you to confer with the celestials about what needs to be de-constructed so you can build a new.  There will be some healing in this process and the muses want you to have some say in the matter.  Because if you don’t figure this out the universe will step into “help”.

 

Virgo
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Ace of Swords – This week heralds a new beginning.  But it requires a decision on your part.  The challenge is you will need to elevate something.  It could be literally positioning higher, or it could be a metaphorical placement.    Either way innovation and new knowledge are the keys.

 

Libra
 Rowena Meeks Abdy
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Five of Air – All fives herald chaos in some manner.  This one is based around ego.  Whether it is your ego getting in the way of a solution or another’s, this block needs to be removed.  The easiest way is to talk about the facts instead of the possibilities.

 

Scorpio
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Nine of Fire – The Muse of Preparation advises that it is key to prepare for each day this week.  This means packing your lunches ahead of time, picking out your clothes for the next day, or checking if you have all the parts, you need before you start that project.  As Benjamin F. said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

 

Sagittarius
Rowena Meeks Abdy

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum is one of the energies you work with your whole life.  This muse works with our ambitions, impetus, and control.  When she arrives in your energy sphere you need to work on the where, when, and how of your journey or project.  Maybe you need to pull off the road and check your metaphorically tires or refuel.  Maybe you need to just move forward, or you may have to check your GPS and make sure you are heading in the right direction.  Either way this is about going forward not back and definitely not about doing donuts in the parking lot of life.

 

Capricorn
 Rowena Meeks Abdy
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Two of Fire – The Muse of Thoughtfulness asks you to engage in the act of pondering.  She advises not only to contemplate the small stuff but also the big ideas too.  Practice drill down to the micro and then expanding out to the macro.

 

Aquarius
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Two of Swords – We all have decisions to make every day, but the Muse of Decisions wants you to look at resolving yours a bit differently this week.  She advises to take the perspective of how you would feel in each decision- not to work with logic but more with your emotions.

 

Pisces
Rowena Meeks Abdy

Five of Fire – This week brings chaos, but you have the choice to join in the whirlwind or to stand on the sidelines.  The Muse of Mayhem reminds you that, if you do decide to join, you need to totally commit until the game’s conclusion.  Think Jumanji.

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of June 11, 2023

Yayoi Kusama
You Who are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies, Yayoi Kusama

The artist this week is Yayoi Kusama.  Her art is both joyous and deep.  She works in a variety of forms: painting, sculpture, performance and installations, and the thing most of them have in common is dots.

Her fascination with dots started with a hallucination as a child.  In this vision she was in a vast field of talking flowers.  Each flowerhead was a dot.  As she looked out into this infinity field, she felt as if she was disappearing or as she says “self-obliterating” into the landscape.  By adding these marks and dots, or putting us in multi mirrored installation, she makes herself and us, as viewers, melt into and become part of the work and in a deeper level part of the cosmos.

In her words: “Our Earth is only one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos.  Polka dots are a way to infinite.  When we obliterate nature and our bodies with polka dots, we become part of the unity of our environment.”

Your pondering for the week:  Be a polka dot.

 

******Just a heads up I am moving in this month, so I cannot guarantee what June will look like when it comes to the tarotcast. However, I will try to still put up some form of it, though it might be very abbreviated.  Also, I am booked for readings until July 14th.  However, I will have my cards with me during the move for Quick Draws so you can text or email me.  Though realize my response may take over 24 hours for me to get back to you.  And thanks again for reading the tarotcast.

 

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Aries – good for ideas and moving your body.  On Wednesday it moves into Taurus – great for work and spending time in nature.   Then on Friday through the weekend it is in Gemini – communication and relationships are the focus.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Gemini it’s ruling planet so exchange of knowledge and how you do it is highlighted.  Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Leo (expressing who you are, light) until October 8th.  This is a four-month exploration on the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?  Mars (action) is also in Leo, so find a few (2-3) tasks that you want to finish by July 10th and put your focus solely on them.  This combo guarantees success.

Jupiter (growth) is in Taurus, an aspect that nurtures expansion of pleasure in our lives.  The challenge is dipping into overindulgence.  So, we have until May 2024 to work on perfecting our balance between work and play.  Then Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make our structures elastic and responsive to change.  The challenge is our boundaries can get too bendy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient.

And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) in Capricorn (work, structure, business, and discipline) until January 2024.  So, Pluto is back to playing in the world of business and capitalism. This cycle started in 2008, so whatever you started back then this is the time to tie up any lose ends especially around the house and planets in Capricorn in your natal chart.

 

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Gemini this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Scorpio 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 I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

 

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

Nina

 

Aries
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama, Eye Flying in sky

*Justice – The Muse of Fairness is asking you to defend yourself and/or someone else this week.  Accountability is in question.  But she asks is it fair to have only one person culpable or for one person to take all the credit for a success?  As the say “there is no I in team”.

 

Taurus
Yayoi Kusama first infinity room

Five of Fire – Chaos is in the air this week, so the Muse of Breath is wanting you to take one deep breath each time you encounter the “Mess.”  She also reminds you that some of that chaos is caused by competition.  So, watch for one-upmanship.  And don’t get pulled into playing that game because someone will get hurt.

 

 

Gemini
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama, Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens

Three of Fire – Last week the Muse of Motion reminded you that the world awaits your participation. This week the Muse of Venture continues the theme of momentum, but now asks what is next?  Does what you do this week/month/year lead to what you want to do the next?  At least a partial roadmap is needed.

 

Cancerian
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama

*Judgement – The Muses of Evolution would like you to ponder what are you evolving in your life?  For example:  you want abundance in your life.  What skills or mindset do you need to acquire it.  Or do you want gentleness – what people are you attracting?  How are you being gentle with yourself?  So, start this process by discovering the word that you would like to become part of your evolution.

 

Leo
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Paris 2023 photo by Thanna V

Nine of Pentacles – The Muse of Independence would like you to push the boundaries that limit you this week.  She reminds you that this energy only comes when you are ready to venture out of your den.  Your birthday is coming up and she would like you to test your wings.

 

Virgo
Yayoi Kusama, One with Eternity Hirshhorn until July 16 2023

Nine of Air – The weather patterns for past and future-tripping is stormy this week.  So, the Muse of Worry is here to help you stop overthinking situations.  She reminds you that “worry is like paying a debt you don’t owe.”  So, your assignment is to stay in the here and now.

 

Libra
Yayoi Kusama, You Me and Balloons until Aug 2023 The Factory Manchester

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fluidity is recommending you go with the flow this week.  Take things as they come, try not to make abrupt changes, and allow what cycles in, to cycle out on its own accord.  If you find this challenging, she advises listening to calm ocean waves and sync your breathing with them.

 

Scorpio
Yayoi Kusama, Flower

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Craft is here to remind you that you are successful.  She would like you to list all that you have mastered.  This includes what might be considered mundane, like brushing your teeth daily, not yelling at someone, or paying your bills on time.  She would like you to realize humaning is hard and even though you have had some challenges you have survived and thrived.   So, keep on keeping on.

 

Sagittarius
Yayoi Kusama, Dots Obsession

Four of Fire – The Muse of Home would like you to spend time in yours.  Not as a punishment but more like a staycation.  Find ways to enjoy your abode.   And if you are away from home, she would like you to buy something for it.  Think – new pillow, a plant, a picture – what would make your home happy and feel appreciated.

 

Capricorn
Yayoi Kusama

*Hanged One – Last week the Muse of Spiritual Purpose wanted you to partake in sacred mysteries.  And now the Muse of Suspension would like you to ponder what you found out.  She suggests turning it inside out, looking at it upside down or the meanings in reverse.  By circumnavigating around, over and under this knowledge, you get a fuller understanding and if you’re lucky an innovation/revelation/revolution.

 

Aquarius
Yayoi Kusama

*Star – The Muse of Inspiration is one of your life energies.  She is helpful by encouraging you and leading you to new ideas.  However, the challenge comes when you almost have too much inspiration/choices.  So, she would like you to focus on one idea that you want to have happen and let that lead your actions for the week.   Also, you get one free wish from the universe.  What is it?   Remember only one, so make it good.

 

Pisces
Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Nets

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage shows up when your thoughts are tying you down.   She reminds you these negative thoughts were put there by others and you have adopted them.  But she also prompts you that since you hold the chains you can let them go.

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Feb 19, 2023

Happy Birth-month Pisces.

This week’s artist is Kerry James Marshall. @kerryjamesmarshs Marshall is an artist and professor best known for his mix media portraits of Black America especially around themes and depictions that have been historically omitted from the American and Western Art history.  A mission he calls the “counter-archive” of the painting of black subjects.  ‘Part of what I’m doing in my work is about attending to this absence of black representation in the historical narrative.  But the question is always then, when you put black people in a picture, what should they be doing?’

Marshall answers this question in two ways ideologically and technically.  Ideologically he shows black people going about their day, creating “a sense of simple presence.” Part of my project is to escape this kind of imperative that everything you do as a black person is always about lack. That there’s never a moment in which you have simple pleasure – where you’re just there, where you’re just simply being. And your being is not fraught with all these other layers of historical meaning.’ Though in some of his paintings like The Garden Projects (see Aries and Pisces below) shows us the conundrum between the history of black people in America and his mission.

Technically,  he plays with the color black chromatically.  First in the choice of saturation and then his use of varying shades of black placed  masterfully next to each other.  ‘If you looked at the palette, I was using you’d think, “Well, that’s black, black and black next to each other.” And they don’t look so different. But when I use them in a painting next to each other, the differences become more apparent. Because the iron oxide black is inherently red.  And if you stack that on top of carbon black, it obviously looks red. Or I’ll mix in cobalt blue, a chrome oxide green, an earth tone like raw umber or yellow umber.  What I’m doing is changing the temperature, from cool to warm and warm to cool.”   Not only is his art a master class in color theory and painting but it also makes the viewer think about the color black and how we visually see it in the world.

Cite Apollo article.

Your pondering for the week:  What is color?  What does each color mean to you?  And then when you apply it to a person’s skin does that change its context or that person?

Solar System highlights

This week begins with a new moon in Pisces on Monday – perfect for daydreaming and wandering in the realms of the unconscious and spirit.   On Wednesday it moves into Aries – a great time to start projects.  Then on Friday through the weekend the moon is in Taurus – perfect for working or playing in the outdoors.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) has now moved into Aquarius (innovation and society) – a great time to talk about personal and social change. This should also help Mars in Gemini’s lessons.  For Mars (action) is still in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk and follow up with actions.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it is having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.

Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Pisces until Wednesday, so we move from going with the flow to Aries firing up our passion and pushing us to action.  Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 16, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) spends its last weeks in Aquarius until March 7th – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

 

PS.  Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Virgo 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 I have a new tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

May light be on you, around you, and within you.  Happy Solstice no tarotcast next week so I’ll “see” you all in 2023.

Nina

Aries
Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall The Garden Projects series

Five of Fire – The unruly currents are still around this week.  Where last week was more anticipatory challenges, this week you are faced with known challenges.  However, you have the Muse of Chaos to guide you through this turbulent time.  Her advice is to take your ego out of the mix.  Some chaos you cannot control but what you can manage is your headspace and your ability to ride them out.  You have done these tasks before; they are more bothersome than detrimental.  So, get out your soul surfboard, calm your mind and ride the waves.

 

Taurus
Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall, School of Beauty

Seven of Earth – This week is the perfect combination of work and rest.  The Muse of Satisfaction reminds you that the rest after labor can be more satisfying than lazy days’ rest.  She advises that after each focused exertion to equally attend to the blissful moments that that this work has gotten you to.

 

Gemini
Kerry James Marshall

Seven of Air – The Muse of Small Steps advises you to simplify your projects into bite size pieces.  By seeing this week incrementally, you are more likely to gain success than by aiming for a broader goal.  Put on your metaphorical “reader glasses” and focus on the minutia.

 

Cancerian

Ace of Earth – This is a great week to start a project, plant something, look for a new way to make money, or learn a new skill.  The Muse of Material Beginnings is here to help organize and fertilize this new project or skillset.

 

Leo
Kerry James Marshall

King of Earth – Another productive energy week for you.  The Muse of Construction comes to help you move a project to the next phase.  However, this is not a fly by the seat of your pants kind of week.  The key to this energy is knowing the inventory of the resources needed to do so.  Take time at the beginning of the week to gather what is needed.

 

Virgo
Kerry James Marshall Slow Dance

Queen of Earth – The Muse of the Senses would like you to enjoy yours this week.  Her assignment is to find ways to luxuriate in each sense.  So, indulge in saturating smells, sensualizing sight, enchanting your ears, and titillating your tastebuds and touch.

 

Libra

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Practicality advises that it is time to stop theorizing and go do it.  You may have been sitting on an idea or project and this energy is heralding that the time is ripe for action. Go make things happen.

 

Scorpio
Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation would like you to conjure something from your imagination into reality.  You have all the tools necessary for this invocation.  The only caveats are that you will need a connection to the divine and the Force of Will to make it happen.  So, declutter your mind from the “what ifs” so you have a clear link to your imagination and begin creating.

 

Sagittarius
Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fun is here with you this week.  This energy usually comes when life has become mundane, and you are finding yourself in an endless repeating cycle of wake-work-sleep.  She recommends finding time to frolic throughout this week.   She wants you to reconnect with the real meaning of life – finding your joy.

 

Capricorn
Kerry James Marshall

*Chariot – The Muse of Movement is here to help you focus.  This week supplies tons of to-dos and luckily the universe is giving you the gas to make a run of it.  However, it is solely up to you to have a direction, route, and do all the driving.  So, before this week starts make sure you have mapped out what needs to be done and where you need to go, or you will be doing metaphorical donuts in the parking lot.  And she reminds you rest stops are necessary for any trip so plan those in too.

 

Aquarius
Kerry James Marshall

Six of Earth – The Muse of the Ripple Effect has come to visit this week. She comes when you need to be mindful of how you are treating people. As a sign, you all are uber-conscious of being respectful in society; however, this week it is important to bring that mindful kindness to the folks closer to you.  You might find it hard to connect because your mind is elsewhere.   But it would be beneficial to create moments of intimacy and connection not only for your people, but it will ground you too.

 

Pisces
Kerry James Marshall The Garden Projects Series

Five of Earth – This week comes with some challenges, but the Muse of Refuge is here to help you.  First, she reminds you that you are not alone, but you will have to put some effort into connecting with people.  Secondly, she reminds you that all of humanity deals with challenges and hardships, so your difficulty is not unique.  She is not trying to  diminish your feelings.  But she just doesn’t want you to isolate yourself while you are having them.  The big lesson with the challenges you will face this week is seeing that people have your back if you let them.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 30, 2022

Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Walk in the Park

Happy Halloween, Samhain, and Day of the Dead

Finishing off the theme of “eerie October” is the artist Jeff Wigman @jeffwigman.  Wigman’s art exudes a sense of eeriness, but it also humorous or better yet satirical.  The definition of satire is “trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly.”  His work is a commentary and exploration of society, art, and the human psyche.  Wigman mostly works with oils and seems to be exploring the oil painting techniques and well known imagery of the last 700 years.  Many of his paintings have that darker quality and aspects of the Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Bosch, but also a nod to more current artists like Paul Cézanne or Edward Hopper.

For example, classical painters would paint a still life with the skull or skeleton to symbolize death or the unachievable nature of immortality.  Wigman paints the classic skull imagery but with a twist, putting these symbols of death on playing puppies’ bodies, or skeletons walking down a lane.  We smile or laugh at first but then the feeling of creepy or eeriness sets in.  His paintings are visual examples of the beauty and veracity of satire.  These paradoxical feelings take us into our own psyche.

Wigman make us think not only of the situation or concept but also of our perceptions of good and evil, virtue and vice, or laughter and despair.  This duality is much like our celebrations around death and the turning of fall into winter.  We confront our beliefs of mortality, hiding behind masks to fool or scare spirits or inviting the departed to food and festivities.   Contemplating death can be scary and sacred.  Humaning is complex, lets allow it to be so, and try to have fun doing it.

P.S. There are often hidden treasures in his paintings go to his Instagram or website and focus in.

Your pondering for the week:  What costume would you wear to scare or appease the spirits of Halloween? I have added some examples that match with your tarot card.

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon continues in Aquarius, so we start the week best if we think outside the box or even about the box.  By Wednesday it moves into Pisces, making it easy to daydream but harder to focus on work.   On Friday the moon moves into Aries enticing us not to relax but experience what life has to offer.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Scorpio (passion), so conversations can be intriguing and/or impassioned. If there is a crack or wound in your relationship it will show up during this time.  This pairing brings aspects to work on out of the shadows and pushes us to heal them.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is also in Scorpio counter balancing Mercury and Mars’ placement.  It is highlighting your sex life and all things that make you “shiver with anticipation.”

Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it and Mercury are having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter has moved into Pisces wanting us to dream big and explore what pleasantly gets us up in the morning.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

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
Jeff Wigman gravy boat

Four of Coins – Resources are limited this week. The Muse of Savings is advising you to check your bank accounts, pantry, and schedule.  Restock your pantry, rebalance your money and time.  Make sure you are spending your resources on aspects that nourish you. Costume:  Banker or Bank robber.

Taurus
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Queen of Corona

Queen of Wands – The Muse of Passion is here nudging you to indulge in yours.  She does suggest sharing them either with a co-collaborator, friends, or the world.  Tuning into, enjoying and sharing your passions with the world not only re-energizes your inner fire but sparks others as well.  Your song:  Come on Baby Light my fire with Shirley Bassey.  Costume:  A Great Queen or Revolutionary.

Gemini
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Senators sporting in a Small Town

Two of Swords – You know as a sign it is hard for you all to decide.  Well, this week is cooking up some doozies for you.  The Muse of Decisions is advising you to take time and consider your options before making any of them.  She reminds you the decision is less about the goal but how you want to get there or the factors surrounding it.  Costume:  A Coin or a Wand.

Cancerian
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Drunken Centaur

Ace of Cups – The Muse of Love ask you to make a wish that comes from the heart.  If you had a seed based in love, what would it grow?  Imbue that hope in water, an actual seed or paper and then gift it to a water source around you.  Send this love-wish out into the world and see what comes of it in the months to come.  Costume:  Fairy godmother or Maleficent (or any other “evil” Disney/fairy tale character).

 

 

Leo
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Puppy time

Ten of Cups – The Muse of Bliss would like you to notice and enjoy your abundance. You are at an end of a cycle.  Take this week to gather all the positives that have happened in the past 10 months and review.  By seeing what has been abundant in your life you can indulge in the serenity of a chapter ending, lessons learned and take only the cups that are full forward.  Costume:  Buddha or Kali.

 

Virgo
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman untitled

Seven of Coins – The Muse of Work comes to help you push projects into the next stages.  She asks you first to step back and relook at the schema and see if anything needs tweaking.  And if you find that you need to start over or ditch the plan, do not be afraid for this week is the time to do it.  Costume:  Chef or Butcher.

 

Libra
Jeff Wigman Big View

*Emperor- This week is great for expanding your empire.  The Muse of Building has come with her T-square and level.  She likes to help with hands-on projects, like fixing that squeaky door or building a birdhouse.  It is all about making your space a better place for you and yours.  Whether you are building on the physical plane or conceptually it is important that you build with durability and longevity in mind.  Costume:  Prince(ss) or Pauper.

Scorpio
Jeff Wigman fast freinds

Page of Wands – Your second Muse for this year is the Muse of Creativity.  This year is all about adventuring into and experimenting with your creative life.   This is a great year to learn something new that makes your heart zing.  Find a new outlet for your creative nature and your emotions.  She suggests the arts in some form but anything that makes you grow and open your heart to living and learning around the human experience is up for grabs. Costume:  Artist from any genre.

Sagittarius
Jeff Wigman Heading East

*Fool – The Muse of Foolishness comes when we take ourselves too seriously.  This Muse wants you to loosen up and enjoy the adventure of being human.  She agrees that at times we do need to plan but this week it is better to fly by the seat of your pants and enjoy the ride.  She is having you exercise faith in yourself and the Universe.  And to relearn to laugh at sageness as much as folly, for you will land on firm ground eventually 😉.  Costume:  Mad Hatter, Jester, or Politician.

Capricorn
Jeff Wigman
Jeff Wigman Bad Barbecue

Ace of Pentacles – This is an auspicious week to start a new project on the material plan.   This Muse of New Beginnings is wanting you to algin yourself with growth and prosperity.  You can actuate this energy by beginning a venture with your hands.  Whether that is drawing out plans, a schema, a new schedule, learning to do a new skill or at the very least put your idea in a seed/bulb and plant it.  This Muse asks what do you want to manifest on the physical plane?  Costume:  Farmer or Alchemist.

 

 

Aquarius
Jeff Wigman lousey magicians

Eight of Swords – The Muse of Illusion comes when you have bound yourself to a thought pattern that no longer works for you.  The challenge is you trying to decipher your thoughts around it instead of saying “no” letting go and walking away from this paradigm.  You need a whole new pattern of thought around this issue, but you must release the old one without guilt, critique, or judgement first. Costume:  Magician or Snake Oil Dealer.

Pisces
Jeff Wigman After the Flood

Seven of Wands – This week you need to stand your ground.  The Muse of Nonconformity comes to help you push through obstacles. If they align with your true self, you will find it easier, and impossible if they do not.  She reminds you it is not what others think that creates who you are.  You create you.  Be the Unicorn.  Costume:  Unicorn or Narwhale.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 16, 2022

Mu Pan

Continuing this month’s theme of eeriness, the artist this week is Mu Pan @mupan1911.  Mu Pan’s paintings are like painted pyrotechnics and full of allegory.  They are often depict epic life and death battles between humans, animals, and fantastical beasts.  We can see his influences from manga, Chinese scroll paintings, Indian miniatures, and Japanese ukiyo-e prints.  However instead of just a scene or moment in time, his paintings tell a story. He often using primates as a metaphor of the facets in human nature, he blends narrative and social critique with his brush.    A tale that is a mixture of his perspective, history, and contemporary subjects.  Pan focuses the viewer to the injustices of the world with satire and the macabre.  Reminding us that the world is not always a place of beauty, like Halloween there are fairies and fiends.

If you are interested in his work, he has a show that started October 15th on the lower East side of NYC at @hashimotocontemporary.

Your pondering for the week is from The Art of War by Sun Tzu:  “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts slowly this week in Cancer, so Monday’s vibe may make it harder to get out of bed.  But by Tuesday the Moon gives us a shot of Leo sunshine motivating us and giving opportunities to shine.  The Moon then moves into fastidious Virgo on Thursday to end your work week.  And for the weekend it moves into Libra having us focus on our relationships, beauty and harmony.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra (relationships), to help you smooth some of the snafus that Mars is churning up.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is also in Libra asking us to tune into our loved ones needs, work together, equity, and finding common ground.  Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), where it stays until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it supports action and expansion until October 28th.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its intention.

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
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation has come with her wand in hand.  Like a fairy godmother she asks what do you truly want to bring into the world?  However, she only gifts you with divine inspiration; the work is up to you.  Though be aware that you have all the tools and materials you will need to do this conjuring.

 

Taurus
Mu Pan

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure is advising you to tidy up your space, schedule and how you do things.   This week requires efficiency and innovation in how you work.  She advises you to look what tires and frustrates you.  Those are the first areas to streamline.  Then you can look at the broader structures and begin innovating what doesn’t support your work flow.

 

Gemini
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Nine of Wands – Preparation is needed in all things this week.  The Muse of Provisions has you looking into pantry/freezer and bank account to restock for rainy days.  This is a great week to plan your meals and activities and not so great for spontaneity.

 

Cancerian
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Queen of Swords – This week focusing on the details is essential.   The Muse of Minutia advises reading the fine print, asking deeper questions, and working on smaller projects this week.  You can gain more from a fine-tuned perspective then a world-wide view.

 

Leo
Mu Pan

Four of Wands – The Muse of Home is here to help you focus on yours.  Take time this week to deep clean your den, buy an item to brighten your décor, or fill your frig/pantry with foodstuff that makes you fill cozy.   If your home feels good so will your heart.

 

Virgo
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Six of Coins – The Muse of Ripples comes to school you about daily karma.  She reminds you that small multiple kindnesses spread farther then one big wave. Take time this week to open doors, smile at strangers, and in general be more aware of acts of kindnesses.  By focusing on daily compassion not only will you find a sense of grace and peace, but you may also reap material benefits.  The challenge is seeing that the exchange is often not immediately reciprocal, but beware that reciprocation also works for negative energy.

 

Libra
Mu Pan

Seven of Cups – As you transition into your new year the Muse of Wishes would like a list of what you would like to happen in 2023.  The challenge is dreaming big enough to push boundaries but realistically enough to increase the probability that it will happen.  Use wish bones for material wishes, blown on dandelions for knowledge or ease of communication, whispered into flowers that you release onto moving water for matters of the heart, or burn your passion wishes so they may spread into the ether.  And be very clear what you wish for.

 

Scorpio
Mu Pan

*Fool – The Muse of Possibilities is the energy that is transitioning you from last year into your new birth year. This week is a blank slate.  So, this muse asks what are you going to write for this next chapter in your life?  What will you break free off?  What road will you take?

 

Sagittarius
Mu Pan

Two of Coins – You might find yourself being a bit off balance this week.  The Muse of Equilibrium has come to help you recenter yourself.  Her advice is to take on only one or two items at a time.  This is not a week to multitask.  And on a practical side she suggests making sure you are shod appropriately.

 

Capricorn
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

Page of Wands – The Muse of Art and Inspiration is wanting you to tap into your artistic expression.  Even if you are not a fine artist there is something you do that inspires you down to your soul.  This Muse challenges you to play within that discipline this week.  You need to tap into the creation of everyday experiences of wonderment.

 

Aquarius
Mu Pan

*Moon – The Muse of the Subconscious has information for you this week.  But you will have to discover and tend to it with a delicate touch.  No thought is fleeting if it moves your heart.  This Muse would like you to follow these tendrils of emotional thoughts to their source for you will find gifts, healing, and wisdom.

 

Pisces
Mu Pan

Seven of Wands – It will be hard to focus with all the hubbub of this week.  The challenge is that a lot of the noise is useless fodder.  The Muse of Focus advise to tune out everything and look for the brightest thought, idea or emotion and s

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 2, 2022

Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Welcome to October one of my favorite months, were I picked art that emphasizes a sense of otherness and therefore can create a feeling of eeriness.  The artist this week is Yasuo Kuniyoshi, 1889-1953.  Kuniyoshi was a painter, photographer, and printmaker. What makes his work interesting is his process of painting combining the Japanese art-think, painting from imagination and memory with ink, with a more Western style, painting from real life and using bolder colors in oil. His art is often categorized as social realism.  This is a movement that is mostly related to the time between the two World Wars in response to social and political hardships.  This movement focused in on “their subjects as heroic symbols of persistence and strength in the face of adversity.”

However, his choices of color palette, subject and technique take the viewer to a warped sense of reality and/or the vivid images of an anxiety dream. The dreams of an artist grappling with the duality of being praised for his work and being harassed for being Japanese in his daily life, for being Japanese and American. During the War he was classified as an enemy alien, his camera was taken, his bank account frozen and he needed to submit paperwork each time he traveled from NYC to his Woodstock studio.   He persevered and in 1948 he became the first living artist to have a retrospective at the Whitney Museum.  Even though he was winning awards with the likes of Hooper and O’Keeffe, his otherness and of being constantly vigilant is present in his work.  And more importantly that we don’t know his name like the former two shows how his otherness still prevails.

Your pondering for the week:  How does otherness show up in your life? How has it influenced how you see yourself or others?

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts the week in Capricorn – helping us get the workweek moving.  Then on Tuesday the moon moves into Aquarius – innovate and plan for future.  On Thursday it goes into Pisces – daydreaming is the focus.  Then for the weekend we have the active energy of Aries – so movement and action are on the menu.   Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo where practical communication is key.  And Mercury has left it retrograde period so we can start revving up our momentum.

Venus (beauty and harmony) has moved into Libra (relationships), so the focus is about tuning into our loved ones needs, working together, equity, and finding common ground.  Mars (action) is in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7 month stay instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it influences action and expansion until October 28th.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its focus.

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

*Hanged One – You may feel the release of the retrograde period like a rubber band stretched about to burst with all the potential energy that you have stored up.  But the Muse of Inaction is asking you to slow your role for another week.  This Muse will put blockades up if you don’t heed her warning.  So, if you find yourself in a traffic jam, turn on the radio and enjoy the wait.  If something is block, it is because you need to rethink, or the universe needs something to bake for a bit longer.

 

Taurus
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Moon – This week could stir your emotions and/or your subconscious into scenarios of serene healing.  The Muse of Visions comes to help reveal aspects from the depths of the mind and history to heal.  She reminds you when encountering these ancestral entities, to do so with a light touch.  They are part of what made you into the unique person you are.  Seeing them with haze of a Vaseline lens is appropriate to see their beauty and/or to lessen the dread of their reintroduction and release.

 

Gemini
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Eight of Coins – This week you have the energy to get things done.  The Muse of Work is here to help you glide through your projects.  Her advice is to remember you have all the tools you need.  This week is more about tweaking your talents to fit the task than learning a whole new skillset.  Think mastery.

 

Cancerian
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Tower – This Muse of Disruption teaches us that we don’t have control over everything and that negatives are the aspects that give positives potential.  This week can bring seismic shakes or tremors from outside sources that can tumble down your best laid plans.  The key is that destruction has the potential of rebuilding better.  This Muse challenges you to see the cracks in your paradigms and shift them to safer, steadier, and more positive concepts and structures. Your motto: deconstruction before reconstruction.

 

Leo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Empress – The Muse of Creation is walking with you this week. She wants you to experience the sensual part of life which she hopes will add fodder to your creativity.  She asks how can you express a smell through sight, touch through hearing or taste with your spirit?  This is a great time to paint with your hands or create a meal without a recipe but only through sight.

 

Virgo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Page of Wands – Last week the Muse of Adventure was wanting you to do something out of the ordinary and explore all that the world offers.  This week the Muse of Inspiration continues this theme of discovery, but she would like you to follow the spark of awe farther down its path.  Instead of going on to the next encounter, explore this new phenomenon to its depths.

 

Libra
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Hanged One – The Muse of Suspension is your third energy to work with this year.  This Muse teaches us three things.  One, that an uncontrolled pause or halt is a time to rest and review your path. This is a time to recharge and stock up on your resources.  Two, the Universe’s timing is not in sync with yours and you will have to wait until the light turns green again.  This is not a year to push through plans but to take those pauses like a much-needed rest-stop on your life’s highway.   Lastly, you may be called to go off your life path.  She reminds you this is a choice.  And though you may have to sacrifice you will also gain unexpected gifts along the way.

 

Scorpio
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

*Lovers – The Muse of Relationships comes into play with yours.  This Muse can cause problems, but it does only to show you where to heal or rebalance emotional equity.  She reminds you true intimacy comes as often with good sex as it does with good collaboration.  You need teamwork in both instances to reap mutual benefits.

 

Sagittarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Three of Swords – This week will have its ups and downs, but the Muse of Breakthroughs is here to help.  She reminds you that we can learn as much from happiness as we can from sadness.  The former tells us what to fortify and strive for us to obtain joy again and the latter tells us what to avoid or solutions, so it won’t happen again.  Or when to just let go and heal.

 

Capricorn
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Seven of Swords – The Muse of Stealth comes to help you either navigate what you need do to stand up for yourself or to walk away from a situation, that if you participated would take you out of character.  She reminds you that genuineness is needed to navigate this week.  You have nothing to hide from or for.

 

Aquarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Four of Swords – The Muse of Rest comes when you are close to exhaustion but are not realizing it.  She would like you to unplug from technology and society at least once this week.  And then she suggests making good food and rest your highest priority.  This week you need to replenish a near empty tank.

 

Pisces
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

Two of Coins – The Muse of Juggling is here this week to remind you that focus is key.  This is not a week to multi-task but to take one task at a time.  You can try to juggle two items but only if you are secure that you have the bandwidth to sustain both.