Tag Archives: sculpture

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of August 27, 2023

August 26, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Ruth Asawa. She is known for her intricate wire sculptures. However, she also painted, did printmaking and was an activist for the arts and education. She was a co-founder of Alvardo School Arts Workshop and instrumental in building a public high school for the arts in San Francisco in 1982.

What I find interesting is her daily drawing practice. Drawing was her way to hone her perception and concentration. By doing so she heightened her awareness of her surroundings. In her words: “My curiosity was aroused by the idea of giving structural form to the images in my drawings. These forms come from observing plants, the spiral shell of a snail, seeing light through insect wings, watching spiders repair their webs in the early morning, and seeing the sun through the droplets of water suspended from the tips of pine needles while watering my garden.”

Your pondering for the week: Asawa said: a child can learn something about colour, about design, and about observing objects in nature. If you do that, you grow into a greater awareness of things around you. Art will make people better, more highly skilled in thinking and improving whatever business one goes into, or whatever occupation. It makes a person broader.” How has art made you broader in life, understanding of self, and/or more attuned to your surroundings?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Capricorn – so we can jump into the week energized. On Tuesday it moves into Aquarius – think outside the box. On Thursday, the moon moves into Pisces – go with the flow. Then on Friday it moves into Aries – a great time to do small projects around the home.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now halfway through its 10 weeklong stay in Virgo (analyzation). So, lessons continue with getting to the point when communicating. Being clear and concise is the goal. Mercury is in retrograde through Sept 13^th. Use this time as a pitstop to Reflect, Review and Redo. Mars (action) moved into Libra (balance) until Oct 12th. Have us purview that our actions justify our goals 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 until May 2024, an aspect that nurtures the expansion of pleasure in our lives. The challenge is dipping into overindulgence while investigating this aspect. Saturn (structures) is in Pisces (flow) until 2026. Wanting us to 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) is 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. 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. 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

*High Priestess – Your higher self is calling for a consultation. So, the Muse of Intuition has come to help you integrate this deeper understanding. One thing this energy tries to convey is confirming that you are here, as you are, for a reason. You may not see it but this week you just being you is needed in the world. As Carl Sagan said: “We are made of star stuff” and that is magic in and of itself.

Taurus

Knight of Earth – The Muse of Surefootedness is here to help you pace your week. This muse would like you to work on a step-by-step approach with all that you do. If you focus too far into the future, you may trip yourself up in the present.

Gemini

Ace of Earth – Last week the Muse of Stops told you to slow down. Now the Muse of Flourishing would like you to ponder what area of your life would you like to grow something. We are still in retrograde season, so seeds can be planted but know they will take time to flourish.

Cancerian

*Magician– The Muse of Manifestation would like you to ponder what you want to manifest in your life. Now this is not just a list of wants and needs. You will have to ponder the intentions behind them too. Remember intentions are the children of your desires and the grandparents of your destiny.

Leo

*Moon – The Muse of Subconsciousness would like you to turn your shine inward. This energy is perfectly in sync with retrograde season’s reflection period. During this week pay attention to your nightly dreams or subconscious murmurings. For example, maybe songs pop into your head for no reason. Go read the lyrics. This week is full of personal subtext.

Virgo

*Chariot – Another high energy Muse to work with this coming year. The Muse of Momentum would like you to plot out your road map for the coming year. The last two weeks you have worked with the muses reflecting backwards and figuring out what you would like to carry forward especially around the aspect of daily life. Now this Muse would like you to plan your exploration of the world around you in the coming year. Think of things like trips, goals, and destinations.

Libra

Two of Earth – The Muse of Juggling is here this week. You all usually balance two things pretty well. But this Muse would like you to focus on just one thing at a time this week. This is less about your skill at multi-tasking and more about practicing laser like focusing on one thing so you can enhance it to its fullest.

Scorpio

Four of Air – Perfect energy for this retrograde season the Muse of Rest has come to visit. She advises that this week you work on restoring your body and mind as much as possible. So, eat well, go to bed early and try to lower your technological input as much as possible.

Sagittarius

Queen of Earth – The Muse of Abundance would love you to engage in all your senses this week. She would like you to remind yourself how wonderful and full your life is if you just slow down and engage with the things you have worked so hard to establish and maintain.

Capricorn

Seven of Fire – The Muse of Fitness is visiting you all this week. This Muse would like you to tune into your body’s needs, so you can strengthen them making them more resilient. Things like eating well, exercise, and mental agility are on the list to work on.

Aquarius

Ace of Air– Hopefully you all got to do some daydreaming last week, because this week you need to start making plans and gathering more knowledge around how to bring some of those daydreams to fruition. It is also a great week to read a book, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, and write. Any of those activities also help you focus your mind.

Pisces

Three of Fire – The Muse of Planning comes when some background work needs to be done before you start on a new venture or plan. This week investigate and work behind the scenes so you can execute the next part of a project or mission with more ease.

Tarotcast

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

June 11, 2023 Nina

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 14^th. 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 10^th 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

*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

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

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

*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

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

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

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

*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

*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

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.

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Tarot and Art-Cast for week of May 14, 2023

May 14, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Camille Claudel. Claudel is a sculptor and is now recognized for her figurative works in bronze and marble. Claudel’s sensual sculptures are a testimony to her ability to convey an emotional narrative in metal and stone. Unlike her male contemporaries who stayed within the stoic realms of neoclassical and imperial styles. She addressed themes of love, passion, rejection, loneliness, the complexity of aging, and mental anguish with movement and emotionality.

By the end of the 1800’s her work was censored as overly sensual and inappropriate, especially from a female. Between that and the ending of her long-standing affair with a fellow sculptor, Claudel’s emotional state began unraveling. She experienced a psychological breakdown. As unsupported personally, as she had been professionally, her mother and brother placed her in an asylum. Where she stayed for 30 years until her death.

People with mental health issues in our society are sadly still seen as pariahs. So, what can we do to change the paradigm? First and foremost, “One of the best tools in your tool kit is empathy, advised Dawn Brown, national director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine Services. If you work on extending empathy to others in your daily life, you’ll be more equipped to do so to a stranger.”

Your pondering for the week: How can you bring more empathy into your life?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Aries – action is the key to begin the week with. On Thursday it moves into Taurus – ground your emotions. Then for the weekend it moves into Gemini – great time to reconnect or make new friends.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is now moving forward in Taurus (grounding), so we can now move onward with more confidence. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Cancer (self-care) until June 6^th. Mars (action) is also in Cancer so until May 21^st, it is best to let your heart run the show. At our best we can consciously act on what our heart needs. But be aware that at our worst we can get emotionally charged and overreact during this time.

Jupiter (growth) has moved into Taurus – so we go from manifestation to expanding 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. Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint with Pisces so we can make sure our structures are 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) is in Aquarius until June 11^th, giving us a taste of what the next 20 years will bring. Pluto is considered a generational planet and takes its time doling out its challenges and treasures. Pluto is bouncing back and forth from capitalistic Capricorn to socialistic Aquarius, so politics, technology and societal whims should be interesting to watch during until November 19^th, 2024.

***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 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.

Nina

Aries

Three of Fire – The Muse of Enterprise advises contemplation on what you need to set into place for your next venture. This is a week for planning and preparation as you wait for pieces to fall into place or for the timing to be better for success. Preparation and patience are key this week.

Taurus

*Moon – This is a beneficial week to dive into your subconscious and the Muse of Visions is here to help in your enlightenment. Pay attention to your dreams for they have treasures to uncover. Not every part of your dreams is prophetic, but the ones that incite an emotional response have nuggets of truth to decipher.

Gemini

*Lovers – This Muse of Relationships is a lifelong company of yours. As a karmic mission, Geminis have the gift of gab and are on assignment to explore the ins and outs of relationships in all their forms. This week you will be working with this muse and looking at the levels of intimacy you have with various relationships. You will find yourself deepening some and distancing yourself from others. This muse would like you to look at them through the lens of commitment versus obligation.

Cancerian

Queen of Earth – Last week you were recommended to slow down or even stop and rest. This week the lights are green, but the Muse of Senses would like you to still take your time. She advises establishing strong boundaries around when you work and when you relax. She also recommends that you indulge in your five senses to keep yourself grounded in the present.

Leo

Four of Earth – The Muse of Hoarding is having you investigate why you are holding so tightly to an aspect in your life. A clue to this behavior is that it feels as if it stabilizes you. This could be true, or it could be based in fear. This is the week to discern which is the case. For if it is the former, then you are working against what innately is stabilizing in that aspect. By holding it so tightly, you are hindering its ability to create more abundance. She reminds you that faith in yourself is the key to stabilization.

Virgo

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Craft is recommending indulging in what skills you are good at. However, Virgo, you are very good at a variety of things. This week the muse challenges you to use your many talents or at least one in the world. Not only will this enhance your craft, but it will also lead to a turn into profit.

Libra

Knight of Air – This week if you find yourself in a rush or being pushed to decide – slow down. The Muse of Rushing arrives when things around you are too chaotic, and you need to slow down to think before you act. She advises while making any decisions you take your time and assess before committing. Especially when the situation is not a real emergency but is portrayed as one.

Scorpio

*Strength – The Muse of Inner Strength would like you to practice poise this week. Poise is defined as “a graceful and elegant bearing in a person”. So, this can be as simple as working on your posture or as intricate as defining what grace and elegance looks like for you (not society’s concept of it). She asks you what makes you proud of you?

Sagittarius

Nine of Air – The Muse of Overthinking comes when you are doing exactly that about something. She advises that you put this problem to bed for this week and let it simmer in the netherworld. You may find that it resolves itself, the solution sprouts from your subconscious or it never was a problem in the first place.

Capricorn

*Fool – This is a great week to clear part of your schedule, for the Muse of Spontaneity would like you to come out and play. She reminds you that play is as equally important to you goats’ mental health as hard labor. So go on a drive without a destination or at least take a different route. Or do something creative just for the sake of creation. By letting go of goal orientation for just a sec, you will find not only a sense of freedom but maybe a new path/adventure to propel you into the future.

Aquarius

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Spirituality wants you to engage with your spirit. And for you this is best done with art or in nature. By surrounding yourself with either, your mind can wander and be inspired. So, take time this week to dabble in your own art, go to a museum, go to the ocean or hike in a park.

Pisces

*Magician – The Muses of Manifestation is here to help you manifest something this week. It can be big or small… simple or complex. However, she asks three questions of your manifestation: Is it divinely inspired as opposed to be based solely in the material, emotional or intellectual plane? Does it require you to gain more skills? Does your manifestation bring good into the world? If the answers are No, Yes and No respectively then it is not the right manifestation back to the drawing board.

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

April 23, 2023 Nina

Happy Birth-month Taurus.

The artist this week is Willard Wiggan, @willard_wiggan . He has a show at Wollaton Hall Nottingham, UK, which houses the Nottingham Natural History Museum from April to October 2023. Wiggan’s show “Disappearing World” is collection of sculptures that highlight endangered animals and the loss of biodiversity. All his sculptures are viewed through microscopes and many within the eye of a needle. For Wiggan is an artist of the small and minutia. He sculpts and paints the world’s smallest art pieces. He has been honored by the Guinness book of world records twice.

Wiggan’s show illuminates that not only every species matters but also if all of us do small acts of conservation we can make a difference. In his words, “My micro-sized sculptures convey a bigger message to humanity. An artful reminder that our world is disappearing, we need to act, and make changes. My tiny work engages a larger conversation, inviting visitors to consider a simple concept, small things matter.” E

Your pondering for the week: This month we celebrate Earth and highlight how we can create and maintain a healthier home for all living creatures. What is your contribution in maintaining a healthier coexistence on our Mother Earth?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Gemini, good for conversations and relationship work. Then on Tuesday it moves into Cancer – self-care becomes the focus. Then on Thursday through the weekend it is in Leo – time to shine.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus (grounding) and in retrograde – this period is useful to reflect, review and redo especially within the aspects of how to be calm and focused as you convey your thoughts and intentions. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Gemini. So, a deep dive into gratitude and working with the positive and nurturing aspects of all your relationships (this includes your relationships with all living things and your environment). Mars (action) is in Cancer. It is best to let your heart run the show until May 21^st. However, at its worst we can get emotionally charged and overreact, and at its best we can consciously act on what our heart wants.

Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 16^th – great for manifestation, expansion, and action. And Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint in Pisces to make sure our structures are 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, think like bamboo or jellyfish. And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) is in Aquarius until June 11^th, giving us a 3-month taste of what the next 20 years will bring. Pluto is considered a generational planet and takes its time doling out its challenges and treasures. Pluto is bouncing back and forth from capitalistic Capricorn to socialistic Aquarius, so politics, technology and societal whims should be interesting to watch during this time.

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

Nina

Aries

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship is asking you to connect with your friends this week. It can be as simple as inviting them over for a potluck, a game night or as deep as having a heart to heart. Connection is key this week to not only fill your cup but others too.

Taurus

*Devil – This week can have aspects that feel overwhelming, unsettling, or challenging, so the Muse of Impulse has come to guide you through. She reminds you that when you feel the above you try to gain more control, and thus you can react impulsively. So, she asks you this week to work on your skills in “bull riding.” Bull riders do not try and subdue or control the bull. They just try to stay on, enjoy the challenge and get off without getting hurt.

Gemini

Two of Water – The Muse of Reciprocity would like you to engage in some love. Whether that is self-love, partnered love or any relationship love, this week is about giving as much as it is receiving.

Cancerian

Seven of Air – The Muse of Stealth is asking you to walk lightly into situations this week. There is more going on behind the scenes than you know. So, this Muse advises to hope for the best, but expect the worst. Your song for the week by Mel Brooks.

Leo

Willard Wiggan skateboarder on an eyelash

*Fool – Adventure time continues with the Muse of Spontaneity. This Muse would like you to turn left when you usually go right, try to find the end of a rainbow, say yes to a meandering walk or car ride. The key is to go through this week without expectations and along the way you will find inspiration, hidden treasures, and possibly the feeling of freedom one finds when we leave our expectations on the side of the road.

Virgo

*Strength – This week the Muse of Instinct is your guide. For the group of you in touch with following your gut, this should be an easy week. But for those that question and don’t believe in their inner voice or moral compass, well this week can be a bit of a challenge. No matter which group you are in, this muse would like you to flex your core muscle of self-confidence. As Ru-Paul said, “Chin-up, shoulders back, tits out.”

Libra

Four of Fire– The Muse of Home is asking you to invest in yours. Spend time and energy to beautify the place you live in. That can be a simple tidying up or jazzing up your digs with more plants, or a new color way.

Scorpio

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum would like you to spend this retrograde period in contemplation of what needs changing that only you can do and then make a road map to get there. Self-reliance, a destination, and ambition are the key elements that you need to muster, so once this retrograde season is over (May 14) you are ready to roll.

Sagittarius

Seven of Fire – So hopefully last week you took note on the areas that your accolades were pointing you to. Because the Muse of Exertion is wanting you to use them to manifest or defend a stance. Your willpower is what will power the next steps to advancing your cause.

Capricorn

Five of Water – The Muse of Reflection is here to help you work with this retrograde period (now until May 14). Since your birthday you all have had a bit of a Mister Toad’s Wild Ride, ups, downs, and unexpected turns. She advises using these next couple of weeks to process what you have experienced. Letting go of what is lost or no longer useful and walking forward with what is rejuvenating and refreshing.

Aquarius

Four of Water – The Muse of Stillness is sitting and waiting for you to sit with her for part of this week. She advises you to split your time between introspection and interaction. Doing only one will lead you to imbalance or overindulgence. Where doing both, fairly evenly (remember there is no such thing as perfection), will bring contentment and stability.

Pisces

Willard Wiggan – Crown on a head of a pin

King of Air – The Muse of Far Perspective is here to remind you that this retrograde season instead of trying to manage with short term fixes, to turn your gaze and mind to long-terms solutions. So, think less like applying band-aids and more like enacting life-changing choices.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Augusta Savage. Savage was a sculptor, teacher, and community organizer. Whether it is the crinkle of a shirt, the lines created by a body or the steady gaze of her piece John Henry, Savage’s sculptures are the essence of the sublime. She brings natural beauty and emotions to her portrait sculptures, with a simple curve of the mouth or how we can feel the cold water the boy is about to jump into (see below). This is the goal of portraits in all their forms, to not only portray a person but to engage us in our collective humanity.

Savage was a seminal artist. Though an artist since her youth, it wasn’t until she was 29 when she was awarded a scholarship to Cooper Union in 1921, before 142 men on the waiting list. Where she earned her 4-year degree in 3. Then in 1929 and 1931 she was granted two fellowships in Paris. In 1934 she became the first African American member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors and opened her own studio becoming an influential teacher in Harlem.

In 1937, she was asked to be the first director of the Harlem Community Art Center. Also in 1937, Savage was one of four women and only two African Americans to receive a professional commission for her work to be included in the 1939 NY World’s Fair. She spent two years creating Lift Every Voice and Sing (see Aries below), an homage to the influence of Black music in American culture. But why do most of us not know her? And if we do only know her through these smaller pieces. What would not only Savage’s legacy, but our society be like if works like hers were not only in historical representation but also in the present public eye?

The above work is called Realization. Though stunning, Savage was never able to bring it into the world, due to the absence of consistent funding and support for women artists, which still rings true today. Realization is defined as an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact. Only 11% of all acquisitions at 26 prominent US museums over the past decade were of work by women artists. When will we truly realize as a society that there is not equal representation of women? Not until we see fifty percent of what we support and see in any museums and public spaces are created by women, and not just in highlighted shows for Women’s month.

Your pondering for the week: How can you better experience and implement a truer representation of equal representation in your life?

Solar System highlights

This week the moon begins in Gemini – communication is key. On Tuesday night it moves into Cancer – watch that your emotions don’t block your drive. Then on Friday through the weekend the moon is in Leo, your time to play in the sun.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Taurus(grounding) – this is a 7-week course on being calm and focused as you convey your thoughts and intentions. Mars (action), after its 7-month stay in Gemini, shifts our focus from creating action not reaction through communication, moves into Cancer. Now instead of our mouth running the show are hearts are. So, at its worst we can get very emotionally charged and overreact, and at its best we can consciously act on what our heart wants. Venus (beauty and harmony) is also in Taurus until April 3^rd. This is where it loves to be. It wants us to indulge our senses especially with the natural world.

Jupiter (growth) is also in Aries until May 16, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action. And Saturn (structures) is in its two-year stint in Pisces. So now all that work you did with structures, building and innovating them the past 5 years, it is time to make sure they are elastic and responsive to change. The challenge is our boundaries can get too flexy or have gaps, so we need to work on being flexible but resilient, think like bamboo or jellyfish. And lastly Pluto (the hidden, death, wealth, and shadow) moves into Aquarius giving us a 3-month taste of what the next 20 years will bring. Pluto is considered a generational planet and takes its time doling out its challenges and treasures. Pluto is bouncing back and forth from capitalistic Capricorn to socialistic Aquarius, so politics, technology and societal whims should be interesting to watch during this time.

***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. 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.

Nina

Aries

King of Water – The Muse of Emotions is challenging you to be the mature person in the room. You are being asked to circumnavigate and direct others’ emotions out of the more shadowy lands that are laid out for you and yours this week. That means you need to step up your compassion and speak from heartfelt empathy to gain any ground or consensus.

Taurus

Ten of Water – The Muse of Bliss is asking you to highlight what brings you joy this week. First, she reminds you that you are successful in more than a few aspects of your life, and you need to honor those accomplishments. Secondly, she asks you before you move to the new “next…”, take this week to have a bit of fun.

Gemini

Two of Fire – The Muse of Future is asking you to take a moment this week and do some pondering on what your plans and intentions are for 2025? She knows we are just ending month-three of 2023, but she asks – are you doing what needs to be done to get to where you want to be by the end of next year? This week is the perfect time to readjust if your actions and goals are not lined up, or you might find you need a whole new game plan.

Cancerian

King of Fire – The Muse of Leading is calling you to take the lead this week. She reminds you that being a leader does not mean having to do everything. Delegation, teamwork, and cheerleading are vital.

Leo

Nine of Air – Your second nine, so a little on that number. Nines are about preparation. Last week was about preparing your soul/fire to create a new spark. This week you are asked to prepare your mind. The Muse of Worry is here to help with your over-thinking. Science has proven that worry and hope ignite the same part of the brain, so they are linked. Why we worry is because we have an investment/hope for the future. However, where that goes haywire is when we continue to worry about possibilities that are beyond our control. So, this week, focus only on the things you have actual control over and leave the rest to hope.

Virgo

Five of Earth – Lat week had the potential for some storms and hopefully you were prepared for them. This week you are dealing with the aftermath. The Muse of Low Resources comes when your assets are at a low point. This can be your energy, time, space and/or money. She reminds you that you do not have to do this by yourself. It is okay to be not okay this week. You have friends and loved-ones that can give you a variety of resources, but it is up to you to ask for it. And then not to feel less than for the asking.

Libra

*Devil – This week can have a few deja’vu events for you. The Muse of Tests comes to see if you have learned your lessons. If you find yourself irritated, confused, lost, or tempted, she advises you to step back and think about the lesson behind the troubles. You have already learned the lesson. You are just being asked to respond correctly to what has challenge you in the past.

Scorpio

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage comes to release you from old thought patterns that no longer work for you. This can be as easy as an ah-moment or as complicated as feeling trapped. However, you should pay attention to both those feelings, for this energy is highlighting negative inputs from others that you are holding onto. And it will help you finally find your sovereignty from these thoughts and situations.

Sagittarius

Six of Earth – The Muse of Pay Back is asking you to pay forward this week. Whether that is paying for someone’s coffee or calling a friend or smiling at a stranger. This week she asks you to emote as many positive vibes as possible out into the world. For this muse will give you back positive energy three-fold. The challenge with this muse is that the path of return is never direct or straight so keep your eyes open for money at your feet and smiles in the streets.

Capricorn

*Tower and Seven of Water – The Muse of Destruction and the Muses of Dreams are working together this week. As a team they are asking you to lower your expectations of what you are dreaming. Outside forces are not willing or able to work for your usual perfectly controlled outcomes or goals this week. So, it is best to be as prepared as possible for twists and turns and then go with the flow.

Aquarius

Two of Water – So last week the Muse of Relations wanted you to focus on all your relationships. Well, the energy has not switched that much this week. The Muse of Love is now here and wanted you to invest some positive emotions into your closest relationships. By filling your loved one’s cup, they can also fill yours. And if it feels not equitable, now is the time to have a heart to heart around each other’s definitions of sharing and how you like affection to be given to you.

Pisces

Queen of Water – The Muse of Fun is asking you to have some. You are taking life too seriously and this muse is advising to find friends and loved ones to do something fun or silly with.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 24, 2022

July 24, 2022 Nina

This week’s artist is Bridget McCrum. Since childhood she was fascinated with ancient remains and natural stone landscapes, so she began painting her surroundings. Then by her forties she turned to sculpting it in stone. Her studies are often but not always abstract interpretations of the glacial movement of geography in contrast to the rapid flight of birds. In her words: “The landscape around my two homes has inevitably worked itself into my mind. The gentle curves of the hills of South Devon and the stark limestone cliffs carved by wind and sea on Gozo, have all subconsciously influenced my carving. Looking down on birds circling and gliding above their prey from my home high above the Dart estuary. They make marvelously abstracted subjects and I have carved them ever since I have been here.”

Her work is a study of stillness and movement. She creates this by juxtaposing squares and rectangles that seem to effortless hold up smoothly curved abstract avian forms. By working in stone and simplifying the line of birds in flight, McCrum enhances the elegant evolution of birds and their prowess in the air. This contrast also exemplifies the intersection of how birds use topography to enhance their flight ie: their use of thermals or dynamic soaring. This is where a bird catches a thermal to ride upward. Once they reach these higher altitudes where the wind moves faster, they shift to same direction as the wind to gain speed. Then they can glide relatively fast or slow while descending by shifting their wings or the angle of their body. McCrum’s work is an exquisite example of observational study and interpretation of the beauty of nature through art.

Your pondering for the week: Explore and utilize ways that you can use your environment to soar.

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Cancer this week. This energy may feel like you do not want to leave your house, but if you must then make sure you balance it with quality self-care time. By Thursday it has moved into Leo – time to shine. Then for the weekend the moon moves into Virgo – great for cleaning and reducing clutter in your life. Mercury is in Leo – great for PR but watch that you are listening as much as you are sharing. 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 28^th. 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

*Emperor – Hopefully last week you aligned you actions with your inner compass, because this week is all action. The Muse of Building is here to get any project you focus on moving if you have a well-thought-out plan. So, think like a city-planner this week. Have you thought about who you serve and are you building a self-propelling structure to maintain it? The challenge with this energy is not to build just to build, or act just to act but to thoughtfully create.

Taurus

Six of Coins – The Muse of Mini-Karma arrives when karma is about to re-balance. So, as you go about your daily life this muse reminds you that being nice begats positive benefits. However, this is also true for being unkind which will producing negatives. The other challenge with this energy is that it usually doesn’t reciprocate in a direct line. So, watch your p’s and q’s and be mindful of possible side swipes or unexpected gifts.

Gemini

Eight of Coins – Last week was about paying attention to downloads from your subconscious. This week is about refining your conscious and physical skillsets. The Muse of Mastery comes when your superpowers and expert skills are needed, so share your amazingness this week.

Cancerian

Five of Wands – This Muse of Drama comes when you need to sharpen your confidence on when to fight and when to walk away. You can engage in rivalry but if you do you cannot play victim. You have chosen to play the game. However, this muse reminds you that you can also just not participate and walk away. The choice is really yours.

Leo

Nine of Swords – Your first Muse to work with this birth year is the Muse of Overthinking. This year you are going to be challenged by getting out of your mind and acting on what you can. Now this Muse does give you some rules to live by for this year. 1) Worry only about what you actually can control in the present. 2) Do not use the phrase or concept of: would have, should have, and could have. And 3) You need to prioritize good sleeping habits.

Virgo

Two of Coins – The Muse of Balance comes when you are trying to do too much. She advises to do only one to two things at a time. This is not a week for multi-tasking.

Libra

*Fool – The Muse of Clean Slates and New Adventure has come to have you play around with a new avenue, study, or project. This, like last week, is a great period to start a project, plant a garden or continue a new venture. The challenge with this energy is she asks you to come at anything you do with fresh eyes or playfulness. If you are having trouble doing this, she suggests doing this exercise: When you go somewhere familiar take a new route or venture out without a purpose and see where you land. These activities will exercise your adventurous side.

Scorpio

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Dreams is here wanting you to play with your imagination. Find time to daydream. Play scenarios in your head where everything works out perfectly. The challenge is identifying these dream signs in your reality. If you don’t see the beginnings of this path, then it is time to dream a new scheme.

Sagittarius

Page of Coins – The Muse of Critical Thinking has come to guide your thoughts this week. Critical thinking is the analysis of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgement. However, the challenge is when the subject is complex and therefore several different definitions or arguments can exist. So, this week keep to the facts and put the speculation aside, and if you can not come to a verdict with what you know, wait for more evidence.

Capricorn

*Wheel– The Muse of Maybe comes when the energy for the week is unpredictable. Her advice is to be careful not to over-plan or tightly schedule this week. The more flexible you can be the more apt you will be to navigate the hits and misses of the week, and possibly find treasures on paths not planned.

Aquarius

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation comes to help you conjure up whatever you like. Even though you have all the tools you need to do as you wish, the challenge is really thinking through the consequences of what you are bringing forth. Does it actually coincide with your purpose or plan?

Pisces

Ace of Cups – The Muse of Emotional Beginnings is here to make sure that your heart plane is nourished before you embark on this new phase of emotional growth. She reminds you that it is more beneficial and sustainable if you can fill your emotional cup then to rely on ours doing it for you. Self-Love first, fishy frien

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of July 10, 2022

July 10, 2022 Nina

The artist this week is Sophie Woodrow @sophiewoodrow. Woodrow is a ceramic artist that works in porcelain. Her figures are an amalgamation of the natural world. Sophie’s artisanship comes through the elegant equilibrium of minimalism in color, delicate intricacy in form and a context of otherworldliness. If spirit guides had guises, then many of them would look like her figurines.

You may have fallen in love with her work, like I did. But much like connecting to spirit guides, to obtain Woodrow’s work is a combination of mystery, devotion, and a possible pilgrimage. In my research to find out about her there are few avenues: a couple of well-placed articles, a website error and even finding what gallery she is showing in right now is an enigma (a hint in her Insta comments, Narbeth Pembrokeshire, Wales).

However, this research reminded me of the spiritual journey that resonates for both Art and Spirituality. The purpose of this quest is rarely to find answers, it is the process of pondering life and our place within in it. As a viewer/audience of art or even the artist themselves, we need to be careful of our ego demanding that the artist make their art easily accessible or that spirituality is obtain with some sage. In this age of Instant-cart and Amazon, we need to be reminded that experiencing Art, Nature and Spirit is a quest and should be more like a golden egg hunt for awe then a click of fleeting satisfaction.

Your pondering for the week: How can you bring more mystery, moments and meaning in your journey?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts in Sagittarius so it may be hard to settle into your work week, but by Tuesday you get into the groove with the Moon in Capricorn’s help. On Thursday it moves into Aquarius great for innovation and ideas. Then it’s in Pisces giving us a dreamy weekend. Mercury is in Cancerian waters great for reconnecting with whomever is your mother figure and verbally supporting the woman in your life. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge). Ladies tell your stories. Mars (action) is in Taurus, so action steps are at a saner, slower, and steadier pace. Jupiter is in Aries until October 28^th. 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. Cancer this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Capricorn 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 – The Muse of Purpose came last week to solidify your reason for being. You have another week to ruminate this theme with the Muse of Inertia. This Muse puts blockades in your way to make you stop and think about where, what, and how of the possible forward planning action steps. She does this for two reasons. One if you need to tweak your plan or two if the timing isn’t right. So if you feel resistance, stop and look both ways before you proceed.

Taurus

*Fool – Last week the Muse of Hermitage asked you to step back from your daily life and look at your placement within your timeline and the World’s. Now the Muse of Clean Slates is adding its energy to your ponderings. She asks, what if you had a clean slate? What if you said from this point on, I am going to _____ and nothing can hold me back. What would you fill into that blank? Because now is the time to step into this new journey.

Gemini

Ten of Wands – The Muse of Obligation has come to help you prioritizes your responsibilities. This week has the potential to feel overwhelming, but this muse helps by reminding you to watch your definition of obligation. You are only responsible for your stuff and no one else’s. Time to put their responsibility back on their shoulders because you have enough to do.

Cancerian

*Hierophant – Your next Muse for your birth year is the Muse of Constructs. All this year is about refining or creating new structures that support your well-being. It is like you are molting and building your new shell. Devote this time to adopting or creating mottos to live by, environments where you thrive, and schedules that run with your natural bio-rhythms.

Leo

Eight of Coins – This is your second eight so a tiny dive into the number. Eights represent refining and releasing. Last week the Muse of Bondage asked you to let go of what is holding you back. And now the Muse of Superpowers is asking you to focus and hone the skill set you are good at. Her homework is to name three of your super-powers and refine them instead of hanging on to your kryptonite.

Virgo

Five of Cups – This week will have its ups and downs. So, the Muse of Spilled Milk is here to help you clean up and move on. The not-so-great things happening this week are not the worst things you have gone through. She reminds you that these are minor spills easily cleaned up and “You have more milk in the fridge.” So, your motto: My cup many not runneth over but it is refillable.

Libra

Three of Swords – Last week the Muse of the Subconscious provided you with insight to create more ease. Though they may take some time to decipher. Hence, the Muse of Wound-healing has stepped-up to highlight the insights that are meant to heal deep wounds. So, pay attention to emotional and thought induced landmines this week, for this muse is prompting you to work on the reactions instead of the action itself.

Scorpio

Five of Swords – This week has the potential to frustrate you. The Muse of Ego has stepped in to help you navigate these irritations. She first asks you how important is it for you to interject yourself into the situation? Then she advises unless you or the people around you will be hurt, walk away. So, pick your battles this week.

Sagittarius

Page of Wands – The Muse of Originality is asking you to indulge in the arts and/or nature. Usually, this muse shows up when you need to re-ignite your imagination. She asks you to plan something awe-inspiring to do this week: a concert, play music, watch the stars, nature walk, dance, go to a museum, or paint your own masterpiece.

Capricorn

Ace of Coins – This week is perfect for beginnings on the physical plane. Whether that is planting in your garden or creating something in a workshop, starting a new endeavor, etc.… This week has all the grow-power you need to fertilize your new seedling.

Aquarius

Nine of Swords – This week can have more downs then ups, which can send you into your head or bed. So, the Muse of Worries comes with this advice. She asks you to categorize your worries into things you can do something about, things you are not sure you can do something about and things you can’t. Then drop the last two and focus on working on the solutions for the worries that are relevant now.

Pisces

Nine of Coins – Last week the Muse of Inertia advised you to slow down, meditate and reflect more than do. This energy continues somewhat with the Muse of Contentment. This muse like you to begin moving but do it at a relaxed pace. This is not a week to commit to everything but more to metaphorically turn your life volume knob down from a 10 to a 9.

Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Like this:

Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Share this:

Like this:

Solar System highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Share this:

Like this:

Solar System Highlights

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancerian