Tag Archives: Photography

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Oct. 25, 2022

Peter's dwarf epauletted fruit bat
Peter’s dwarf epauleted fruit bat  (Micropteropus pusillus)

Continuing the theme of October and eeriness we turn from Art to the animal world, specifically, bats. There are over 1,400 bat species worldwide.  You can find them everywhere but within the Artic and Antarctic circles.  Bats’ order, Chiroptera, composes about 20% of all mammal species.  They are classified into two groups, basically megabats and microbats.  Megabats eat fruit, nectar or pollen and do not use echolocation.  Where microbats do use echolocation and eat mostly insects but also fruit, nectar, pollen, fish, frogs, small mammals and 3 species eat blood.  Making bats essential to ecology as pollinators and a natural from of insect management. Even though bats are vital in suppressing mosquito-borne diseases, they can carry rabies and other pathogens, so it is important not handle them in the wild.  Bats can have a long life spanning up to 40 years.  Most are nocturnal though they predominately hunt around dawn and dusk.

Depending on the culture bats are seen as protectors or associated with evil. For example, the Creek, Cherokee and Apache see them as a trickster.  In the European culture they are associated with witchcraft, vampires, and death. Shakespeare has the Weird Sisters in Macbeth using fur of a bat in their brew.  And of course, there is Bram Stroker’s Dracula.   The bat is sacred in Tonga seen as a detached soul.  In ancient Mesoamerica a bat god presided over fertility and corn.  And in China five bats symbolize the five blessing: longevity, prosperity, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. I personally find many bats cute, so above and below you will see my favorite flying fur balls.

Your pondering for the week:  If you could be any animal what would you choose? Why?

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon continues in Libra, so the focus is still on relationships.  By Tuesday it moves into Scorpio, a new moon and a solar eclipse, so it is a perfect time to reignite your passions.   On Thursday the moon moves into Sagittarius time to expand your boundaries, and then for the weekend it moves into Capricorn so try not to take your work home with you.

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) has moved into Scorpio 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 also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  Jupiter is in Aries; it supports activity and expansion until October 28th.  Then it moves into Pisces wanting us to dream big and explore.  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
Bats
Eastern red bat (Lasiurus boralis)

Page of Wands – Last week you got the Muse of Manifestation gifting you divine inspiration, but the work was up to you to bring it to life. This week the Muse of Creativity would like to help continue your conjuring.  However, she advices to push your creativity and experimentation farther.  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take the sage advice of Thomas Edison: I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.

Taurus
Bats
Pied Bat (Niumbaha superba)

Eight of Cups – Last week the Muse of Structure was advising that now is the time to tidy up your space, schedule and how you do things to make them more efficient.  The Muse of Simplification continues this energy by asking you to streamline your daily activities and minimalize the stuff around you.  This can look as simple as clean your desk or go through you junk drawer/closet and get rid of stuff.  Clutter in any form is not your friend this week.

Gemini
Canyon Bat Parastrellus hesperus
Canyon Bat Parastrellus hesperus

King of Coins – The Muse of Finance is here pushing you to get your monies in order.    Take this week to balance your checkbook, add to your savings account, pay off more on your credit cards.  You need to gain a realistic perspective of your assets and your debts.  So, you can responsibly finance your wants in the coming months.

Cancerian
Bumblebee bat – Craseonycteris thonglongyai – smallest bat

Page of Cups – The Muse of Playfulness comes when you need to be less goal oriented and bring more delight into your life. Now this muse emphasis that joy often comes with more socializing, curiosity, and openness to change perspective.  It can be as simple as, if you find yourself on the couch, move to the floor, asking more why questions, or playing games with your loved ones.  Let your inner child free-range this week.

 

Leo
Desert long eared bat Otonycteris_hemprichii

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change comes with her spade and sickle in hand.  You are ready for change to happen but before it does you have to pull some weeds and ready the soil. Take time this week to get rid of emotions, thoughts or things that are no longer needed.  And then clean the physical space, calm your mind, and/or do a simple detox for your body (Epsom salt bath or sauna).

 

Virgo
Bats
Golden Crown Flying Fox Acerodon_jubatus_ Biggest bat

Queen of Coins – This week you need to pleasantly pamper yourself.  The Muse of Pleasure asks you how you compensate yourself, when you work as hard as you do?  When you indulge, do you feel good about it?  Or if you don’t, why do you work so hard if you are not reaping some benefit?  If you cannot give yourself some compensation for your hard work, then something is amiss with the work or your concept of deserving.  You might have to start fixing that first if that is the case.  Either way you still need to find a healthy way to treat yourself this week.

 

Libra
Bats
Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma_lyra)

Four of Wands- The Muse of Happy Home is wanting you to make your home a bit more comfortable.  Do you need to do a deep clean in your bedroom?  Do you need to rearrange your furniture?  Put up some photos of your family?  Does your living room need a splash of color.  Take this week before we hit holiday season and work on your living space.

 

Scorpio
Bats
Sulawesi fruit bat (Acerodon celebensis)

*Chariot and Hanged One – Ok you have two Muses or paths for the start of your birth year. The first is one of Change.  This Muse is about self-propulsion.  If you want things to change it will be up to you to set the GPS.  She will help with the energy, but you must set the destination and plot the journey.  Or you can go with the second the Muse of Inertia and stay where you are.  However,  this path is a meditation, an internal transformation.  You will dive deep into self-reflection and modify emotions and thoughts.  So, it’s up to you, change the outside or change the inside.  You’ll have most of this year to pick who you would like to work with.

Sagittarius
Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)
Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

Page of Swords – You will need to gather intel this week.  The Muse of Inquiry is here to help.  She advises to not take the first answer to a question as absolute fact.  There is more just under the surface.  It is not that people are hiding things on purpose but more they have not realized the answer either.   The challenge is not making the inquires feel like an inquisition.

Capricorn
Hammer Nosed Bat Hypsignathus_monstrosus

Six of Cups –The Muse of Recollection comes when the past holds information for the present.  If something reminds you of childhood, dive deep into it this week.  With this week’s Scorpio new moon and solar eclipse, you can do some pertinent shadow work and healing around the past.

 

Aquarius
Honduran White Bat Ectophylla alba
Honduran White Bat Ectophylla alba

Ten of Cups – The Muse of Happiness is shining on you this week.  She reminds you that happiness is fleeting so really revel in the moments of joy when they come.  She suggests by the end of the week writing down ten small moments of bliss.  By doing so you will find that there are more than ten, or if you are having trouble then you need to see you are trying to idealize an innately hard situation.

Pisces
Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus

Ten of Coins – The Muse of Shortcuts is here to tell you this week there are none.  Everything will work out if you take a longer view.  You are on the right path, doing the right thing, now it will just take dedication and time to “bake the cake”.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Sept. 25, 2022

Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

The artist this week is Shirin Neshat  @shirin__neshat.  Neshat is a photographer and filmmaker.  She left Iran in 1974 as a teenager and return eleven years after Islamic Revolution in 1979.  Her memory of cosmopolitan Tehranian women in miniskirts was replaced by  formless black chadors. This visual and ideological change is one of the many ideas she expresses in her art.   Her photographs and films are often in black and white.  She uses this color contrast to explore the dichotomy in religion, politics, violence, and feminism. She explains aspects of this exploration about her video Turbulent, 1998.  “Her music and her presence in this room represents something rebellious,” Neshat explains. “… This is indicative of how I feel about women in Iran. In the way that they are so far against the wall, but they are far more resilient and protesting and they’re much more of a fighter than the men because they have much more at stake.”

Twenty-four years later this is still true.  On Tuesday, September 13th, Masha Amini was arrested for allegedly breaking hijab rules and suffered from multiple blows to the head before dying three days later in the hospital.  Women throughout Iran are protesting cutting their hair and burning their head coverings in solidarity. This news resonates with reproductive rights issues in US, Muslims in France being able to wear a hijab, LGBTQ+ rights, racism, the Uyghur genocide in China, etc…  These are all issues around the subjugation of choice and identity.  Anytime someone is singled out or seen as other, we are not adhering to the creed of equality.  It is vital for all of us to support woman’s choice, LGBTQ+ rights, and rally against, genderism, racism and extremism before more people die.

Your pondering for the week: How do you support freedom of choice and diversity in your own neighborhood as well as around the world?  One way in the US is to vote.

Solar Systems Highlights

The Moon starts the week in Libra – relationships are the focus.  Then on Tuesday it moves onto Scorpio – indulge in a passion.  By Friday and through the weekend, it is in Sagittarius – go adventuring.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo where practical communication is key.  Also, Mercury and 6 other planets are still in retrograde.  So, take time for revising, reviewing, and reassessment, and if you must start something new or travel just prepare for upsets or a slowing down of the progress.

Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Virgo all this month a perfect time to tidy up your house and bring practical aesthetics into your life. Mars (action) is in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023.  Yes, 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
Shirin Neshat

King of Pentacles – The energy this week is all about resource building.  This Muse wants you to invest in what will make your present and future more stable.  She asks you to find ways to increase your income, send out resumes and investigate other job opportunities.  Not so much for you to make a switch, though you can, but to give you more information on how to improve your income like asking for a raise or working from home part time.  Also, this is a great time to start or finish projects.

 

Taurus
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

Two of Swords – The Muse of Decision comes when you need to reconnect with how you feel about your choices more than focusing on the outcome. This week is about the journey not the destination.

 

Gemini
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

*Justice – The Muse of Equity comes to help you rebalance a situation, paradigm, or relationship.   She asks what is setting you off balance this week and then how can the solution be more equitable for all involved?  The challenge is if you are laying down the law that not only is it justifiable, but it must also be flexible.

 

Cancerian
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

Three of Wands – Last week the Muse of Structure asked you to reinforce and tweak the structures in your life, the where, when, and how parts.  This week the Muse of Planning continues this theme, focusing on if your plans are sufficient and sustainable.  Again, this energy is aligning perfectly with this retrograde season.  Keep reflecting, reviewing and readjust when necessary.

 

Leo
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

Seven of Wands – The Muse of Boundaries comes when you will need to have strong boundaries and may have to strive to hold them in place. The challenge is you may feel judge this week.  But this Muse reminds you that only you know your true mind, and what makes you happy.  Your motto:  Know thyself.

 

Virgo
Shirin Neshat
Shirin Neshat

*Fool – The Muse of Adventure is wanting you to expand your space.  She asks you to do something out of the ordinary, find new places to discover, eat new things, explore all that the world is offering you right now.  She also reminds you that spontaneity may be needed to get you out and about.

 

Libra
Shirin Neshat

Six of Wands – The Muse of Good News is your second energy to work with this birth year.  She brings you success not only on things that you focus on but also spontaneous wins.  You will need to still work but overall, this year has lovely spots throughout to rest on your laurels and enjoy your wins.  She reminds you this is where you will be challenged, so pause and celebrate your little and big wins this year before moving to your next quest.

 

Scorpio
Shirin Neshat

Two of Pentacles – The Muse of Juggling is here to help you navigate this week.  She advises this is not a week to multi-task but to take on one item at a time.  You can juggle two things at most but no more, or you may have to clean up after or fix a variety of mishaps.

 

Sagittarius
Shirin Neshat

Knight of Cups – The Muse of Charisma is advising you to turn yours on this week.  The challenge is you will have to show a bit of vulnerability to be believed.  Time to wear your heart on your sleeve.

 

Capricorn
Shirin Neshat

Ten of Coins – The energy this week wants you to check off some items on your to do list.  This is a week that finishing a project is well rewarded.  The challenge is after you have completed a project to honor and enjoy the completion before moving on to the next task.

 

Aquarius
Shirin Neshat

Queen of Coins – Where last week was work related, this week the Muse of Abundance wants you to enjoy your hard labor.  She reminds you that you work hard so you can relax into the feeling of abundance and grace.   So, enjoy the pleasures of a job well done.

 

Pisces
Shirin Neshat

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams comes when you need to cast some wishes out into the Universe.  The challenge is they need to be realistic.  This is less “dream big” and more “dream wisel

Tarot & Art Forecast for Week of Aug 28, 2022

Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

The artist this week is Berenice Abbott.  Abbott started her work in portrait photography in the 1920’s in Paris and Berlin, a contemporary of Man Ray.  A visit to New York City in 1929 made her and her focus move onto the streets of New York City.  Abbott was fascinated how environment effected city dwellers’ collective behavior and vice versa.  She believed through her photographs that people could be empowered to take control of the urban sprawl and make it more humane.  Abbott was part of the straight photography movement, but you can see her point of view through her choice of angles.   Skyscrapers became menacing, and inhabitants are like ants. During this time, she invented a distortion enlarging easel, which created unusual effects on images, and the telescopic lighting pole, still used today.  In 50’s and 60’s  her photography focus changed again, to Physics.

Science was always part of her art.  In April 1939, Berenice Abbott wrote a “manifesto” entitled Photography and Science. “We live in a world made by science,” she stated. “There needs to be a friendly interpreter between science and the layman. I believe photography can be this spokesman, as no other form of expression can be.”  And this Physics series is what I highlighted for this week.  Not only does it articulate the psychical aspect of physics, but it also highlights the beauty of it.

Your pondering for the week: Find the beauty in the everyday.

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Libra – balance and relationships are highlighted.  Then it is on Wednesday onto Scorpio – a time to reignite your passions.  For the weekend the Moon moves into Sagittarius – travel and discovery are the focus.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra where communication in your relationships is highlighted.   Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo – update your style, bio and resume so you can accent your shine.

Mars (action) is now in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023.  Yes, that 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 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.  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
Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

Ten of Pentacles – Something on the material plane is coming full circle this week. The Muse of Ancestry is here to help you close old cycles and release ancestral debts. What fiscal dogma no longer serves you?  Take the lessons learned and close this chapter.  So, you may start anew.

 

Taurus
Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

*High Priestess –The concept of pondering continues this week with the Muse of Knowledge.  Where last week you had to glean information from perspective, this week’s muse gives you hints and clues like easter eggs.  She wants you to follow your intuition and synchronicities to gather bits of wisdom and then decipher the messages.   So be on the lookout for multiple numbers and reoccurring themes.  By following the spiritual breadcrumbs, you will find answers, help, or materials for how to move forward in the coming weeks.   And remember you can ask questions but like the sphinx this muse talks in riddles.

 

Gemini
Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

Five of Wands – The energy this week is very chaotic.  However, it is your choice on whether to engage.  If this is a challenge you want to work with then do so, you will learn a lot.  But if you are too tired or bored then feel justified to walk away.   But remember this “game” has rules to play by.

 

Cancerian
Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

Eight of Wands – This week is full of information, some for you, some for others, and some just useless commercials.  The challenge is trying to discern which is which.  The Muse of Messages helps by advising you to focus on questions you want answers for and/or themes for your creative process.  Then sort the incoming convos through them.

 

Leo
Berenice Abbott

Queen of Wands – The Muse of Creatures comes when nature is calling to you.  Flora and Fauna are inspiration, solace, protection, and messengers for you this week.  Did anyone say Cat Café?

 

 

 

 

Virgo
Berenice Abbott

Ace of Wands – Your second Muse for your birth year is the Muse of Genesis.  Creation and new beginnings are potent this year.  This is the year to start new projects, move, expand your social circle and your passions. What seeds do you want to plant that will sustain you for months and years to come?

 

 

 

Libra
Berenice Abbott

*World – The Muse of Opportunities is knocking at the door.  The challenge is opening it.  Whether it’s fear or just feeling overloaded, you would like not to put more on your plate.  And this Muse agrees.  Something will need to end to bring the new in.  So, time to finish up something or let go of something that just isn’t working.  Because new prospects need a seat at your table.

 

Scorpio
Berenice Abbott
Berenice Abbott

Page of Swords – The Muse of Reporters comes when you need to do some investigation into situations.  For example, you ask a loved one “how are you” and they reply “fine.”   Well, it’s not that that is a lie; it just isn’t the whole truth.  Ask more questions this week to get to the real answers.  The challenge is this is about being inquisitive not interrogating.

 

Sagittarius
Berenice Abbott

Page of Cups – When was the last time you played for just the joy of playing?   Take time this week to take your inner child out to have some fun, the sillier and joyful, the better.  Trampoline?  Water balloons?  Finger paint?  Sidewalk chalk?  Crayons?

 

Capricorn
Berenice Abbott

*Tower – You may not have much control over this week’s events, but you can prepare for the worst and hope for the best.  The Muse of Deconstruction comes when your foundations need to be surveyed for cracks and instabilities.  This systems check is perfect to do before the coming retrograde period 9/9-10/2.  Think of it like hurricane preparedness – you’re not sure if it will hit your area but you are prepared for the season.

 

Aquarius
Berenice Abbott

*Fool – The Muse of Spontaneity is asking you to come out and play.  Find time this week to meander without a purpose, take walks in parks, drive with no destination in mind, let your mind wander without a goal.  These goalless meanderings will bring something fresh, new, and needed to your psyche.

 

Pisces
Berenice Abbott

*Star – Life has been full-on, and you need break in the storm.  Well, this week the Muse of Hope and Healing comes with shooting stars and illuminations.  She reminds you that there is hope and you have many things to be grateful for.  Take time this week to talk to the stars and ask for things that you need.  The universe is list

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of Aug 7, 2022

Shadi Ghadirian
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

The artist this week is Shadi Ghadirian @shadighadirian.  Ghadirian draws from her own experience as a modern woman living within the ancient codes of Shariah law and war.  She juxtaposes everyday objects humorously in her Qajar and Like Everyday series and with a more serious tone with Nil,Nil series and Miss Butterfly.  Her photographs expose us to how Middle Eastern woman are often portrayed in traditional roles as well as how they are seen outside the Middle Eastern culture.

In Like Everyday Series she used her wedding gifts as props contrasting her perceived new role as housekeeper and wife with her professional life.  We also see that the items she has chosen portray the stereotypes of women all over the world ie: hatchet as the shrew, or the teacup as a hostess.  As a viewer we see in Ghadirian’s work the push and pull of the culture war of past and present, Eastern and Western culture, traditional women roles versus professional lives, and trying to live while at war.  By playing with these contrasts Ghadirian brings us not only to the quest of Middle Eastern women’s challenge of trying to define themselves in their culture, but also has the viewer seeing our own struggles in defining who we are.

Your pondering for the week:  Where have you been pulled by opposing forces?  Did it help/hinder the shaping of who you are?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Capricorn – perfect to getting an energetic and focused start to the week.   Then it moves into Aquarius on the 10th – innovation and forward thinking is the focus.  Then the moon is in Pisces for the weekend – spend some time near or in water.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Virgo a great time for sharing, helpful advice and hashing out solutions.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer until Thursday – beautify your home, spend time with loved ones and focus on self-care.  Then it moves into Leo where the focus switches to updating your style.  Mars (action) is in Taurus, so action steps are at a saner, slower, and steadier pace.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  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.  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.

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Shadi Ghadirian
Shadi Ghadirian Nil,Nil

Three of Swords – Last week the Muse of the Subconscious was asking you to do some shadow work and find what is hidden or blocking your path.  This stirred up some emotions, so this week the Muse of Wounds has come to help you in the healing process.  First, she reminds you that these hurts have a source in your past.  So this week self-care and healing are your focus.  Secondly, she reminds you that you are a warrior/ess.  You are alive and have survived these hurts.  However, to truly mend you must go to the root of the wound and heal it from there.

 

Taurus
Shadi Ghadirian
Qajar Shadi Ghadirian

Six of Coins– The Muse of Mini Karma is here to remind you that what you do and say reverberates into your world strongly this week.  The positive energy you give out is reciprocated; however, this exchange usually takes a winding path.  You smile at someone, and another person opens a door for you.  However, the challenge is this also work for negative energy.

 

Gemini
Shadi Ghadirian
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation advises to ground yourself this week and let the energy of life flow through you without resistance.  By going with the flow and seeing all perspectives, you will find the middle path of ease and balance.  This is not a week to rush or push through.  Relax into the ebbs and flows of your life.

 

Cancerian

Knight of Coins – This week the Muse of Pace advises that slow and steady gets you to where you want to go.  This is not the time to add more to your list but to get done what is already there.

 

Leo
Shadi Ghadirian
Nil Nil Shadi Ghadirian

Page of Swords – Your third energy to work with this year is the Muse of Inquiry.    This Muse advises to sharpen your skill at astute questioning and deep listening this year.  Many scenarios will play out in the coming months and the only way to be in on the inside scoop is to keep asking questions until you get to the core of the problem.

 

Virgo
Shadi Ghadirian
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

Five of Cups – The Muse of Spilled Milk comes when you are focusing on the negative and not seeing the positive aspects of the situation.  So yes, you will have a few emotion bumps in the road this week, but you also have some lovely spots you can engage with. Or think of it like this, what has not worked out was spoiled milk anyway and not appropriate to consume.  Now is the time to find the good and leave that spoiled milk on the ground.

 

Libra
Qajar Shadi Ghadirian

King of Wands – You have the clarity and confidence to tackle anything this week as long as you follow your intuition.  This is not a week to second guess yourself.  You got this, now go.

 

Scorpio
Be Colorful Shadi Ghadirian

*Magician – Last week the muses asked you:  What needs to be retrofitted to endure the stress and strain of your life?  Do you need to eat better?  Sleep more?  Or is it more challenge like letting go of someone or a job that is slowly sucking your life-energy?  This week’s energy gives you the boost to start conjuring these more sustainable structures.

 

Sagittarius
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

Two of Swords – The Muse of Choice has come to help you make decisions.  There will be options this week that signal a fork in the road.  This muse advises when choosing to not rely on your pros and cons list but more on how you would feel in each choice.  This week the heart guides you better than the mind.

 

Capricorn
Nil Nil  Shadi Ghadirian

Six of Cups – The past will play heavily in the present this week.  The Muse of Days Gone By shows up when the past has some hidden bounty for you in the present.  Pay attention to feelings of déjà vu and artifacts of ancient times.  Or you can explore attics, basements, and antique stores for treasures.

 

Aquarius
Miss Butterfly Shadi Ghadirian

Page of Coins – This week you will need to put on your thinking cap and/or hone a skill or two.  The Muse of the Student shows up when you need to learn something before you start in on a project.  So literally or metaphorically read the instructions and assess your tools before you start to build.

 

Pisces
Like Everyday Shadi Ghadirian

Four and King of Swords – You have two muses this week working in tandem.  First the Muse of Restoration telling you to find time to unplug from the world.  Then the Muse of Long-Term Planning is wanting you to use this time to think about where you want to be in 1,3 and 5 years.   This week you need silence to mull over the plan to get you from here to there.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 31, 2022

Hummingbird
Green Crowned Brilliant Chris Morgan

The artist this week is Mother Gaia.  There are over 365 species of hummingbirds. They only live in the Americas and range from Alaska to Chile.  Most species live in Central and South America.  A group of hummingbirds is called a charm; however, they are very anti-social except when mating. The smallest is the Bee Hummingbird which lives in Cuba (see Cancerian below) and weighs about the same as ¼ teaspoon of sugar (1.9grams).  They beat their wings between 10 to 80 times per second which produces the hum sound.  The fastest flyer is the Anna’s Hummingbird at 61 mph (see Capricorn below). It is also the only species that does not migrate in North America.

Hummingbirds are the only vertebrate that can hover, fly backwards and upside down.  Hummingbirds have the largest brain to body ration than any other bird, allowing them to have extraordinary memories.  They see like bees into the UV spectrum of light, which are the colors that flowers present to show where the nectar is.  They eat while awake about every 10 minutes.  So, they not only sip the nectar of 1,000-2,000 flowers a day, but they also eat small insect like gnats and aphids.

See Aries for photo:  This bird is not albino (can’t produce melanin) but is a rarer hummingbird that has leucism (produce melanin hence black eyes, feet, and some spots on feathers but can’t deposit other colors in their feathers).

Your pondering for the week:  Hummingbirds are one of my messengers from the universe.  What’s one of your messenger animals?

 

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Virgo – great for cleaning and reducing clutter in your life.   Then it moves into Libra on the 2nd – relationships are highlighted.  Then Scorpio on the Thursday centering around passion.  By the weekend it is in Sagittarius – awesome for adventuring.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Leo until the 4th – great for PR but watch that you are listening as much as you are sharing.  Then moves into Virgo a great time for sharing, helpful advice and hashing out solutions.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer – beautify your home, spend time with loved ones and focus on self-care. Mars (action) is in Taurus, so action steps are at a saner, slower, and steadier pace.  Jupiter is in Aries until October 28th.  It influences action and expansion over the summer months.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is its focus.

P.S. 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.

 

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

Nina

 

Aries
Hummingbird
Leucistic Hummingbird Brad R Lewis Arboretum at UCSC – Santa Cruz, CA USA

*Moon – This period has been treating you a bit like a yo-yo.  Last two weeks were stops and starts and this week the muses advise to pull back in again. The Muse of the Subconscious is asking you to go back to your dreams and do some shadow work.  There is something blocking your forward path and your dreams can help unravel it.  For this week write a question down each night and see what answers or clues you find by morning.

 

Taurus
Display pattern -Wine throated hummingbird Knut Eiserman

Five of Swords – The Muse of Ego is here this week to help you navigate your emotions around dealing with other people’s egos.  You may be right in an assortment of scenarios this week but people around you are not ready or willing to heed your warnings or advise.  This is a week to pick your battles wisely and make sure your ego isn’t driving the conversation.

 

Gemini
hummingbird
Most unusual Marvelous Spatuletail

Page of Cups – The Muse of Play is here to help you loosen up.  You are too much in your head and need to let your intuitive creativity out to play.  The challenge with this energy is to make sure your play is not goal oriented.  This headspace is more about curiosity, discovery, and wonder.

 

Cancerian
Bee hummingbird
Smallest- Bee hummingbird

King of Wands – The Muse of Superpowers wants you to find yours or if known then hone. She asks you what are your top three superpowers?  Known or not they will be called upon this week.  The beauty of that is this week’s challenges are not a struggle.  You have “the power”.  (Yes, that is a He-Man reference)

 

Leo
Rufous Hummingbird Scott Bechtel
Most colorful – Rufous Hummingbird Scott Bechtel

*Death – Your second energy to work with this year is the Muse of Organic Change.    This Muse advises you to focus on areas that you want to change in your life.  Then she asks two questions: 1) What holds you back or that you need to get rid of, so you can have more physical resources to put towards new growth?  2)  What seeds would you like to plant for coming year?  The challenge with the later is to properly plant your seeds in groups that work together.  And planting seasonally so that they occur at the correct time.  Start this month planning for each season.  Remember this organic change is a yearlong process, so don’t try to push things faster than what can naturally happen.

 

Virgo
Longest tail- Long Tailed Sylph

Three of Swords – The Muse of Heartbreak is here to help you make an emotional breakthrough.  She does not come to herald sorrow but comes to heal deep wounds.  The challenge is when you are emotional triggered to not relive the trauma but see it as a wound that still needs tending to.  Self-care, self-parenting, and self-compassion are your tools this week.

 

Libra
Longest bill the Swordbill Hummingbird

Four of Cups – Last week the Muse of Clean Slates and New Adventure wanted you to play around with a new avenue, study, or project – to be out in the world.  This week the Muse of Introspection has you change your focus from outward to inward. This is a great week to rework, experiment, and ponder.  The challenge with this muse is she also requires for you to spend a fourth of your time in the world, for it has some of the solutions and information you will need.  So, divvy your time with ¾ inward and ¼ outward activities.

 

Scorpio
Hummingbirds
Largest hummingbird Patagona gigas 

*Tower – The Muse of Revelation would like you to focus on the cracks in your foundations.  What needs to be retrofitted to endure the stress and strain of your life?  Do you need to eat better?  Sleep more?  Or is it more challenge like letting go of someone or a job that is slowly sucking your life-energy?  Now is time for a change before outer circumstances do it for you.

 

Sagittarius
Hummingbirds
Violet Saberwing photo by Larry

Two of Coins – The Muse of Juggling comes when you need to either practice balancing or when you are focusing on too much.  This muse advises breaking down your tasks and doing them one or two at a time.  This is not a week to multi-task, for you will most likely drop the ball or not carry out the task at hand with your typical diligence.

 

Capricorn
Hummingbirds
Fastest- Anna’s hummingbird photo by Good-e-Nuf

*Devil– The Muse of Maybe tried to help with the unpredictable energy of last week.  She asked you to be more flexible in your planning.   This week the Muse of Distraction requires the opposite skill set.  This week you need to focus and stick with plans unless your intuition tells you to run for the hills.  Think of this energy like bees.  One bee you can ignore or dodge and keep working, but a swarm you need to go back inside.

 

Aquarius
Hummingbirds
Calliope Humming bird Nico Giuliani

Two of Cups – The Muse of Love comes when you need to bond with a loved one.  The task is to knowing you and your partner/pet/chosen family’s love language. They are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts and physical touch. Find out what makes you all tick and then take action.

 

Pisces
Hummingbirds
Violet Eared-hummingbird

*Emperor – The Muse of Building is here to help you expand your empire. She wants you to take action steps that will solidify your dreams and aspirations.  This can look as simple as working on a planned project, crossing off things on your to-do lists, or doing improvements to your home.   Or as complex as expanding your business or skill sets, investing in your future with property or in the stock market.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 17, 2022

twilight zone coral reefs

Happy Birthday month Taurus!

So, I think we all need a bit of good news.  Since the beginning of 2022 there has been a lot of discoveries in ocean region called the twilight zone.  This is area is between the shallow reefs and the deep sea, 100-500 feet beneath the ocean surface.  Researchers have found off the coast of the Philippines, Maldives, Tahiti and Hawaii large coral reef systems that are thriving.

The picture above is from Tahiti a reef just found that they believe to be the 7th largest reef.  So far climate change has not affected this habitat thought they have found human garbage in Maldives and Hawaii. However, scientists believe that these might be a viable nursery for species from shallower reefs and are discovering new species of fish like Rose veiled Fairy Wrasse (see Aquarius) and the Super Mind-Blowing Rainbow Fish . (see Gemini. Yeah, that’s what scientist named it until they can figure out how to classify it lol).

Many of the fish in this zone are highly colored which seems counter intuitive.  But as one goes deeper in the ocean red, pink and orange colors become invisible and thus camouflages these fish. And the coral, unlike their shallower relatives that make food from sunlight, these coral grab plankton to eat.  They also use florescent pigment to reflect light acting like little mirrors scattering the light in the otherwise dark reef.

Your pondering for the week:  How can you add color into your life to lighten your darker days.

Support California Academy of Science’s Hope for Reefs project.  Pictures by L. Rocha and K. Whitney

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Sag – exploration and adventure.  Then it moves into Capricorn on the 20th – great time to power through the work week.  Then on Saturday it moves into Aquarius get into society or a philosophical conversation.  Mercury is in Taurus a good time to get to the root of conversation and ground relationships through dialogue.   Mars (action) is in Pisces with Venus.  So, these two will be working with each other again.  Mars by having you work with your intuition to create movement, and Venus wanting us to create more beauty and harmony in our environment and relationships.  Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Taurus 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.

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

Nina

Aries

twilight zone coral reefsTwo of Coins – To finish out your themes for this birthday year, the Muse of Equilibrium joins the ranks.  Your energies so far are around simplifying, letting go of thought patterns that no longer work for you, syncing with your natural flow/pace, and you seeing a profit in all that you do.  So now this Muse comes in reminding you that though this is a work positive year, you still need to balance it out with playtime.  All work and no play make Jack or Jill bored.

Taurus

twilight zone coral reefsEight of Coins – Your first Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Skill.   This year is about honing the skillset you already have.  She reminds you that scheduled time to practice is key to up your game.  So, take this month to examine your skills and then plan a way to take them from a 9 to a 10 or 11.

Gemini

twilight zone coral reefsPage of Wands – The Muse of Inspiration is downloading ideas to you this week.  However, this is not a time to start on these projects.   Take notes as they come and then let them marinate in your creative juices.  On a side note this muse does suggest you play with your wardrobe so that it shows more of your quirkier side.

Cancerian

twilight zone coral reefsEight of Cups – The Muse of Simplification advises to slow down and streamline your life.  It is a great time to clean out your closet, drawers, and heart with things and aspirations that no longer fit you or the lifestyle that you want.  These actions create space to move into the next stage of your life.

Leo

twilight zone coral reefsKing of Wands – The Muse of Superpowers is reminding you that you are a creative, intuitive, superhero.  So, her exercise for you is to list your top four superpowers and then do something with them this week.  Time to save and/or brighten the world, one metaphorical (or literally if you so desire) kitten at a time.

Virgo

Nine of Coins – The Muse of Self Reliance has come to remind you that you are kicking booty, and by the weekend a little celebration is needed.  She advises working solo this week or only asking people that are reliable to come into your sphere.  Everyone else is just a distraction.

 

Libra

Queen of Coins – The Muse of Luxury is coaxing you to spend some of your hard-earned cash on you.  She asks why you are working so hard if you are not enjoying some of the benefits?  This week’s motto:  quality over quantity in all that you do and all that you spend your time and money on.

 

Scorpio

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Illusions and Dreams is visiting you this week.   Her purpose is twofold.  One she asks you to daydream this week for the Universe is needing a clear picture of what you want to come into your life.  But this energy also forewarns you will have a variety of choices being presented, and some of them are not realistic.  Stay grounded and choose wisely.

Sagittarius

Page of Coins – The Muse of Study comes when you will need to be in a learner mind-frame.  She asks what skill do you need to add to your repertoire to up your game?   How can you expand your knowledge and use your brain in a new way?  Find a mentor, take a class, read a book outside of your regular genre, or play a game that works your brain.

Capricorn

*Magician – The Muse of Experimentation is here with her whole chemistry kit.  This energy shows up to create, to play, to research, but also to tap into the celestial and pull something into reality.  Whether that is an idea, a painting, a piece of writing or a project, the key is to materialize it and then experiment with it until you touch the divine.

 

Aquarius

High Priestess – Insight is key to navigating this week.  Luckily the Muse of Intuition is here to set out Easter eggs, white rabbits, and synchronicities for you to follow. This energy often comes when the future seems hidden or obscured.  Keep your mind and eyes open this week for the breadcrumbs and you will find your answers.

Pisces

 *Devil – This week brings you trials and tribulations, like gnats buzzing around you.  This energy often comes to test your moral resolve, or do you walk your talk.  Hence, the Muse of Shadows is here to help you navigate the dark side.  She reminds you that you have gone through way worse and now is the time to show the world your best and more learned side.  Your reminder in Yoda’s voice:  “Anger, fear, aggression, the Dark Side of The Force are they.  Easily they flow.  Quick to join you in a fight.  If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 20, 2022

Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Audrey Hepburn

Happy Birthday Aries!  And Happy Spring and Nowruz!

Nowruz (new day) is a Spring festival that dates to ancient Persia 3,000 years ago.  Nowruz is celebrated in a variety of countries that marks not only spring but also the beginning of the Iranian solar calendar.  Celebrations begin two to three weeks leading up and including the Vernal Equinox.  People preform ritual dances, fill vessels in the home with water to banish bad luck and set up tables covered with the seven symbolic items: seed sprouts – rebirth, senjed (Persian olive)- love, garlic – protection, apple – fertility, sumac – love, vinegar – patience, and samanu a pudding made from sprouted wheat = wealth.   And celebrators on the Wednesday night before the Equinox jump over fire to scare away a bad luck.

Therefore, to continue the use of light and in honor of Nowruz tradition of jumping over fire we focus on photographer Philippe Halsman and his Jumps series.  A Halsman portrait is easy to identify.  It has strong lightening, often a sense of the absurd and his unique stamp in the darkroom. As in his words: For me, lighting is what a brush is to a painter.  I want my light to give an awareness of the 3rd dimension, that it shows volume and depth.  Above all I consider light as a means of characterization.” In the 1930’s he also designed his own camera with a quicker click speed and that had the photographer look through the lens, instead of standing beside the camera.  By doing this it made his sitter look into the camera and gave Halsman more control over what he could capture in the moment.

In the early 1950’s Halsman started asking famous people to jump and capture it using his distinctive lightening, sense of humor and his talent for bring out unique and often hidden aspects of his subjects.  “I was motivated by a genuine curiosity.  After all, life has taught us to control and disguise our facial expressions, but it has not taught us to control our jumps.  I wanted to see famous people reveal in a jump, their ambition or their lack of it, their self-importance or their insecurity, and many other traits.”  Your pondering for this week:  What characteristics come to play when you are asked to jump?

Solar System highlights:  The Moon starts in Scorpio – spring has sprung.  Then on Tuesday it moves into Sagittarius – get outside to take breaks from the grind. On Thursday it goes into Capricorn to help us finish up projects and our work week.  Then for the weekend the Moon is in Aquarius a perfect time to investigate the arts, read a book expand your mind. Mercury is in Pisces until March 27th – talk through dreams with friends but not so great if you are trying to pin down action plans or solutions.

Mars (action) is in Aquarius (innovation, perspective, and long-term thinking). Time to experiment with innovations.  But if you are trying to get something done quickly, be aware that for the next couple of weeks there might be more talking then doing.  Venus (beauty, relationships) is also in Aquarius this can be a great time to do long term planning with your significant others or dabble in creative endeavors with them.  But still remember not to push for solutions or set goals in stone – brainstorming is key.   Jupiter is in Pisces until May; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Aries this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Libra 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
Philippe Halsman Duke and Duchess of Windsor

Eight of Cups – Time to clean up and organize this week.  The Muse of Simplifying and Letting Go is knocking at your door. This Muse comes when your emotional or physical space is cluttered.  She asks what your priorities are and do you have the space and time for them?  If not time to clean house and make space for the new.

 

Taurus
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Marilyn Monroe

Ten of Coins – This week is a great opportunity to finish up projects and dangling participials.  This is not a week to start something new.  Whatever unfinished business you have focus on those only.  And then by the weekend celebrate their completion with friends and family.

 

Gemini
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Dali

Eight of Wands – Last week the Muse of Inner Strength wanted you to strengthen your resolve physically or morally.  If you did,  then this week you will be able to receive and deal with the massive download of information in the moment.  If not, then take good notes and prioritize the information on the weekend.

 

Cancerian
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Eartha Kit

Knight of Cups– The Muse of Vulnerability has come to help you open your heart and deal with the emotional puddles within.  You can share with others as long as you watch comparisons and what ifs.

 

Leo
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman
Robert Oppenheimer

* Death – Last week the Muse of Shadows and Mist reminded you that what you saw on the outside was merely reflections on your inner work.  Hopefully you did this internal investigation for this week change is here.  However, to initiate this momentum you must release old baggage that no longer serves you.  There are things you are not letting go of.  This Muse pushes for change but it is up to you to let go of the past and self-doubt.

 

Virgo
Philippe Halsman Muhammad Ali

Four of Pentacles – The Muse of Resources is giving you a piggy bank.  It is important this week to save your money, space, time, and energy.   Your resources are finite do not spend them on items, projects or people that do not serve or help you get things done.

 

Libra
Philippe Halsman Edward Steichen

Two of Wands – The Muse of Adventure has come to push you to broaden your horizons.  She suggests find new ways to get home, eat at new places, engage in conversations with strangers, get lost and meander through new avenues.  By expanding your outlook, you are activating new potentials.

 

Scorpio
Philippe Halsman Peter Ustinov

Nine of Wands – The Muse of Preparation comes when there is a lot of energy around you and to tackle it you need to be ready.  She advises to make sure you have sustenance each day, gas in your tank, the right shoes for the job, etc.. Spend the beginning of your week prioritizing your jobs and then stick to your game plan.

 

Sagittarius
Philippe Halsman Richard Nixon

*Justice – The Muse of Truth and Fairness is the prominent player this week.  Her advice is: though aspects of life vary in shades of grey, to create forward motion this week it is vital that you choose a side.   This is a week to trust your logic over feelings. And if you need to advocate for a side be clear, concise and stick to the facts.

 

Capricorn
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Grace Kelly

*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation and the Middle Path comes to help calm the waters both externally and internally.  She reminds you that we often do not have control of the external nor our inner emotions, but we can moderate or influence them.  Gentleness and grace are key this week.

 

Aquarius
Philippe Halsman Shirley MacLaine

Queen of Cups – This week the Muse of Fun has come to get you to reconnect with life’s beauty and abundance.  This is a week to walk on the beach, hang with friends, watch sunsets and spending time doing what you love to do.  You have a bevy of joy to encounter, now is the time to do so.   Stop and smell the roses, for they do not bloom all year long

 

Pisces
Philippe Halsman John Steinbeck

Four of Cups – Last week was all extroverted energy work with the Muse of Realization and building your empire.   This week the energy shifts to the internal.  During the week it is good to pull the shades and put your phone on silence so you can think things through and get things done.  However, by the weekend reenter into society, so you don’t get stuck in belly button gazing.