Tag Archives: Tarot and Art

Tarot and Art-cast for April 21 – May 4, 2024

April 20, 2024 Nina

Happy birth month Taurus!

The artists this week are the winners of the World Nature Photography Awards. Every year around Earth Day I highlight nature photography awards winners. In the past the only way for people to see animals and plants from other places was museums and illustrations. Now with photography we can get a literal birds-eye view of our world. And the more we can see the world the more we can understand it and then protect it. As Chief Dan George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation said: “If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys.” So go out, get close to the flora and fauna and do some of your own nature photography.

Your pondering for this week: “We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees.”- Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation. What do you or can you pledge to do this year to help care for Mother Nature?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Libra – harmony and balance are the focus. On Wednesday the moon moves into Scorpio – follow your passion. Then on Friday it moves into Sagittarius – get out, explore, and let fun be the focus. On Sunday April 28^th the moon moves into Capricorn – great for prepping for the work week. On Wednesday May 1^st it moves into Aquarius helping us think outside the box. And we finish the two weeks with the moon in Pisces starting on Friday – wanting us to go with the flow.

Mercury is in Aries until May 15^th giving us a crash course in learning to say what we need in a non-reactive way and working on making sure our actions follow our words. And we finish with it in retrograde April 25^th. Venus stays with Mercury until April 29^th during this teachable moment, giving us more grace when we are attempting to better our communication skills. Then Venus moves into Taurus, it’s home sign prompting us to focus on grounding and how we love.

Mars is still in Pisces with Saturn until April 30th. And they are prompting us to act on being adaptable, especially in our day-to-day life. Then Mars will join Mercury pushing us into action around how we communicate. However, from April 30^th to May 15^th this push can be dangerous. We need to be careful that our actions follow our words. And that we can curb being judgmental and harshness in our communication. In our words watch your tongue.

EXTRA

*** 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. And I have a tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

**** I am experimenting. I have switched from using the older suits name (pentacles, cups, swords, and wands) to a more elemental way of reading them which is earth, water, air, and fire. Also, I would like to leave the binary and feudal system of the RWS’s court cards. So, the RWS old version is Page, Knight, Queen, and King is changing to Heart (pure embodiment of element), Body (moving the element), Spirit (living the element) and Mind (taking care of the element).

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

Nina

Aries

Nine of Air – To finish off your birth month the muses would like you to work with your worries for the coming year. They suggest you write all of them out. Then vehemently cross off the ones you have no control over. And with the rest, prioritize the list, and when Mercury goes direct on April 25^th you can start working through them one by one. With all these planets in your sign you need to focus slowing your mind down.

Taurus

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change would like you to spend the next two weeks doing some composting of ideas and/or projects that no longer work for you. The challenge is seeing that what “use to work” still contributes to what you are trying to change. In essence your past feeds your future. So, if you deny or toss it away you can not use it as fuel for your potential growth.

Gemini

Heart of Air – The Twin Muses of Inhaling and Exhaling are asking for the next two weeks to breath. Now the challenge from these two is about the silence between the breaths. By tunning into these breaks internally, you can tune into the subtle silences around you. Listen to “the feel” of the story instead of the plot. Read between the lines in a conversation. Be curious, ask questions and deep listen to the answers.

Cancer

Three of Earth – The last two week the Muse of Building had you looking at adaptability in what you are developing. These next two weeks the Muse of Collaboration would like you to focus on what you need or are lacking in skill and knowledge to further this project or idea. Then ask for help to fill in the gaps. As they say 2 heads are better than 1, but 3 heads and 6 hands are even better, so expand your resources for intel and support.

Leo

Six of Earth – The Muse of Giving would like you to take part in an exchange of knowledge, love, or resources for the next two weeks. By helping someone else, you begin to see that you are worthy of being helped yourself. Giving goes both ways or it becomes self-centered. And remember the exchange does not have to be tit for tat or linear. Be open to receiving from a stranger and that giving or getting does not have to be solely a physical exchange.

Virgo

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation is hanging with you for the next two weeks. She usually shows up to help you in the process of creating. Because either the universe doesn’t know what you want because you don’t, or there is an aspect(s) that needs to be tweaked. So, she suggests writing down what you are wanting to manifest or if you are in the process of creation what isn’t flowing. The latter can look like you have missed a vital step in creation or a step in the process isn’t viable and needs an alternative. This period is about experimentation.

Libra

Nine of Fire – The Muse of Resilience would like you to assess where you are at and what you need for the coming weeks. She usually shows up when things are about to become busy. So, she prompts to do things like fill up your freezer with readymade dinners and your pantry with on-the-go snacks. Or do you have all the components for the coming projects? Now is the time to chop wood and carry water to prep for the press of the coming months.

Scorpio

Six of Fire – The Muse of Celebration would like you to take these next two weeks and bask in all that you have accomplished since 2022. She especially shows up for some of you that feel as if you have not accomplished anything. Looking at the steps big or small that you have taken to get to the here and is pretty amazing. Take a moment to reconnect and enjoy what you have created, for you need the rest and jubilation to ready you for the coming challenges before your next birthday.

Sagittarius

*Strength – The Muse of Poise has arrived on your doorstep to have you show off your best side. Poise is defined as “a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession: to show poise in company. Synonyms: refinement, grace, polish, self-confidence, steadiness; stability: intellectual poise.” So Centaurians these next two weeks the muses advise to be less like the freewheeling half-horse and more like Chiron the great educator. Show your demurer side so people can see your true strength.

Capricorn

Ten of Water – The Muse of Happiness is visiting you these next two weeks, to remind you that all work and no play makes Jill/Jack a dull person. This is not an ease card for you goats. For most of you after “kid” hood forget how to frolic and kick up your hooves. You have replaced it with the perpetual mountain climbing that you innately do. So, your challenge for the next two weeks is to find some time to enjoy life too.

Aquarius

Four of Air – Holy Moly it has happened again, the Muse of Rest is back. This is now 8 weeks of the muses begging you to relax. Yes, you all took some time off because the big momma of rest the Muse of Healing backed-off. But you still need to pay attention to your output in comparison to your input. Health and rest are still your focus for another two weeks. Some examples can be as simple as getting massage, taking a three-day weekend, having a designated daily unplug time, or scheduling more activities that lighten you up without tiring you out. (And just the statistic it is a 3 out of a 10 million chance that I would pull the same card 4 times in a row. So, if you can’t listen to the Woo listen to the math.) Get some rest.

Pisces

Four of Fire – The Muse of Happy Home would like you to focus on making your environments cozy. You can concentrate on your home, neighborhood, workspace, and the ultimate goal of the world at large. She asks what support you need to feel safe, secure, and stable in your environment(s). So, examples are finding like-minded people to hang with, decorating a corner nook in your house that helps you relax or getting to know your way around a new part of the city.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for April 7-20, 2024

April 6, 2024 Nina

The artist this week is Sasha Gordon. Gordon is a portrait artist that directs the viewer to the study of self. That we all change our perceptions of self, depending on mood as well as our surroundings. In her words: “At first I said ‘Oh they’re not me. They’re just variations of myself.’ While I still think that’s true, they’re definitely all me. I don’t see myself as one person. I change depending on who I’m with or what the situation is or my mood and all these other aspects. Growing up, I guess I had a hard time seeing myself as a person. Painting myself so solidly is a way of making myself feel more permanent and present.”

Your pondering for this week: We are humans, multi-faceted. And if we acknowledge this, we can see that in others. Hopefully brings us to a state of less judgment, more acceptance and ultimately the beauty of our chameleon-like moods and the complexity of humaning. Where do you judge yourself and others? And what do you do to feel more permanent and present in yourself?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins in Aries – great time to start on a project or an idea you have left dormant. On Tuesday the moon moves into Taurus, you have the energy to make things grow. Then on Friday the moon is in Gemini – time for hanging out with friends for the weekend. Then Sunday, the 17^th, the moon moves into Cancer- self-care is your top priority. On Tuesday the 18^th it moves into Leo – time to shine. And on Friday April 19^th the moon moves into Virgo, a great time for spring cleaning or working outdoors.

There is a solar eclipse on April 8^th that can be seen across the US. For all you Aries and Libra with sun signs and natal nodes watch/listen for downloads of information for the next couple of days.

Mercury is in Aries until May 15^th giving us a crash course in learning to say what we need in a non-reactive way and working on making sure our actions follow our words. Venus joins Mercury during this teachable moment giving us more grace when we are attempting to better our communication skills.

Mars is still in Pisces with Saturn. And they are prompting us to act on being adaptable, especially in our day-to-day life. This theme of adaptable action, beauty, and harmony lasts until the end of April.

EXTRA

*** 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 tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.

****And I am experimenting again. I had switched from using the older suits name (pentacles, cups, swords, and wands) to a more elemental way of reading them which is earth, water, air, and fire. Now I would like to leave the binary and feudal system of the RWS’s court cards. So, the RWS old version is Page, Knight, Queen, and King is changing to Heart (pure embodiment of element), Body (moving the element), Spirit (living the element) and Mind (taking care of the element).

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

Nina

Aries

*Hermit – Where the last two weeks have been about Momentum this next two are about standing back and getting perspective. The muses had you set goals and maintain focus. Now it is time to step back from your projects and your life a bit and see what is or is not working. This energy aligns perfectly with Mercury being in retrograde. A time of reflect, reassess, and redo. Take these next two weeks to tweak what needs to be modified. This Muse of Perspective also suggests finding space in your schedule to just ponder and let ideas bubble up.

Taurus

Seven of Fire – The Muse of Will is with you these next two weeks to help you establish and protect your boundaries and ideas. The challenge with this energy is choosing when the fight is just, is it producing more harm than good, and/or understanding your alliances and antagonists so that you are expending energy efficiently. She asks is this a fight or just a boundary dispute? While reminding that you can have boundaries without engaging in a full war; for some fights are not worth the effort and wars are too big to take on alone.

Gemini

Heart of Earth – The Muse of Experiencing comes when you need to gain new knowledge or skills. The next two weeks work on filling the gaps in your knowledge or skill sets. However, she prompts you to look outside your normal sphere of stimuli and do some critical thinking in a new environment or experience. Whether that is finding a new space to do your work or reading a book outside your regular genera, she prods you to make new connections to old experiences.

Cancer

*Emperor – The Muse of Building would like your next two weeks to focus on building something that already is in play in your life. Use this retrograde period to reflect, reassess and redo especially in the considerations of the concept of durability as well as adaptability. She asks does this job, portfolio, or project have the components to last/work for the coming months or years? Is it flexible to evolve with you? Are you building for a brighter future or just building to keep busy?

Leo

*Fool – The Muse of Spontaneity has arrived to shake up some of your restrictions and self-afflicted boundaries. She is promoting you that for the next two weeks fill them with new tastes, thoughts, and experiences, which ultimately shake up your emotions. You all as sign dive deep into experience, but like any cat that will jump an expanse without a thought and then be frightened by the watery aspects of life. This Muse is asking you to just be in the new without judging it or comparing it to the old. Clean slates my friends.

Virgo

Seven of Water – The Muse of Dreams would like you to use this retrograde period to ponder, daydream and use your imagination. This is an exercise of letting go of limits and letting your imagination run wild. Yes, this is a hard assignment because this is an exploration of possibilities without the constructs of perfection, reality, boundaries, and structures you all like. She reminds you that fantasy is a way to explore the unknown without leaving the house. And maybe you can come home with a unicorn or dragon.

Libra

Sasha Gordon, In My Dreams I Dance For You

Heart of Air – The Muse of Lift would like you to focus on what lifts you and how you lift others? For the next two weeks use this retrograde period to tweak the aspects that give you air to breath and energy to fly on. These can be spending time with those that lift you spirits or going on solo flights of fancy. Your goal, support and strengthen the areas of that are your “air beneath your wings.”

Scorpio

*High Priestess – So these past weeks have had you step away and gain perspective on what system you need to refine and then come down from the proverbial mountain and put them in place. Now the Muse of Meaning would like you to spend the next two weeks using your intuition making sure those systems align with your principles and support what brings meaning to your life. If lost or unsure of where to start ask the muses for information, but remember they work in signs and synchronicities so eyes, ears, and mind open.

Sagittarius

Ten of Air – These next two weeks the muses would like you to work on finalizing areas of your life that are like a burr under your saddle. This can be a simple as oiling a squeaky door or as complex as letting a bad habit go. The key is picking the things you know that you can accomplish solo. For the coming weeks, people will try to force their agendas onto yours. Retrogrades with an eclipse is going to put some people in a spin and best you avoid the spin as much as possible.

Capricorn

*Empress – The Muse of Nurturing would like you to spend these next two weeks cultivating this practice into your daily life. She asks how do you nurture yourself? What project(s) would you like to develop in 10 months’ time? Who requires your nurturing? And then this muse reminds you not to rush answering these questions or the nurturing itself. The practice of nurturing is also a practice of patience and subtlety.

Aquarius

*Star – Okay I don’t know what you guys have been doing but for the last 4 weeks you all got the card of rest and restoration, and this card is the Big Momma of the 4 of Air. So maybe you didn’t really relax the last four weeks. Or maybe you just need more rest. So, a stronger message from the Muse of Healing is asking you to sit your butt down. This is a muse you work with your whole life. Her areas are healing and hope in all its forms and challenges. So hopefully these next two weeks you will do some things that rejuvenate your inner flame. These can be as simple as getting massage and a salt scrub, planning a much-needed vacation, having a designated daily unplug time, or putting in time with activities that light you up without tiring you out.

Pisces

Eight of Stone – The last two weeks the Muse of Building wanted you to focus on building something that already is in play in your life. Now the Muse of Labor is telling you to focus on the steps to make that happen. Remember this is a retrograde time so this is not a time for new projects but a time to get projects that are already in the works. And remember this is a time when adaptability is vital to all that you build. So, this retrograde period might be used for tweaking and incorporating the flexibility in said work.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Dec 10, 2023

December 10, 2023 Nina

The artists this week is Marcin Nagraba @marcin_nagraba and Agnieszka Osipa @agnieszkaosipa. Nagraba is a photographer and visual artist. He often uses his mother as a model, outfitting her in Osipa’s otherworldly costume designs that are steeped in the darkness of Eastern European forests, fairytales, myths, and legends. These mystical and exquisite photographs remind us of mythos like Baba Yaga (Slavic), and Cailleach (Scottish and Irish an aphorismic representation of Winter). Both these deities represent wisdom, nature, pathways to the past and wishes made towards the future.

Lately it seems there is some age positive rediscovery that is happening in parts of the world that were lost in the culture of youth. We are seeing more mature models in couture like @daphneselfe and sites like @advancedstyle rebuilding the respect of maturation. This kind of art and Instagram sites like these are helping us re-establish and hopefully recreate our connection to aging as a natural part of life, that also doesn’t have to be bound by social dogma of what age should be or look like. But proves that aging has its own beauty and wisdom to give.

Your pondering for this week: And as we head into this season, notice and honor your own maturation and evolution from this year’s experiences.

Solar System highlights

The moon begins the week in Sagittarius wanting us to explore possibilities. On Wednesday it moves into Capricorn to put that exploration into good use. On Friday it moves into Aquarius, great for being social and thinking about the world at large.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (discipline) until Dec 23^rd, so we move from experimentation of our communication to implementation on what we learned. Don’t worry, you get to re-tweak and experiment when Mercury rolls back into Sagittarius at the end of December. Mars (action) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until the end of the year wanting us to investigate and expand our horizons. While Venus (beauty and harmony) has moved into Scorpio (passion and release) until the end of the year so this is a perfect time to enjoy the height of the winter/summer season. And a time to release what causes disruption in your life.

The outer planets until the end of the year and into next are having us work on nurturing the pleasures in our lives, be aware of dipping into overindulgence, making our structures elastic and responsive to change, and lastly looking back to 2008 to see if any lose ends need to be tied up especially around the house and planets that sit in your natal Capricorn.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Sagittarius, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Gemini, 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

Seven of Earth – The Muse of Rewards would like you to give you some benefits, but she does require you to work for it. This week put your best effort in what you do, and you will see compensations in the coming weeks.

Taurus

Ten of Water – The Muse of Appreciation requests that you list at least ten things you appreciate in your life right now. She reminds you that the act of appreciation is recognizing the full worth of something. For example, I appreciate indoor plumbing because I don’t have to go outside to pee, but this also includes the system that supplies the water and takes away the refuse, the invention of the toilet and copper pipes etc….. This exercise helps you see and acknowledge the complexity of ease and happiness.

Gemini

Eight of Fire – The Muse of Messages comes when there is an abundance of information coming at you. The challenge is some of this information is yours and important, but others are to be passed on or even ignored. So, this muse advise to start this week off asking the questions you most want answers for and then collate the correct information just for those foci.

Cancerian

Knight of Earth – The Muse Pace advises that this week you should slow down and steadily walk forward with a narrow focus. She recommends you plan out your route/tasks for the week, properly prepare and then gradually go after them.

Leo

*Fool – The Muse of Possibilities would like you to start something. Really you pick it can be anything: a puzzle, a project, exploring your surroundings…. You pick. The challenges are that it needs to lead to or through something new and then for you to have faith that even though it is unknown it’s gong to be okay.

Virgo

Five of Earth – The Muse of Refuge comes when life is a bit rough. She reminds you that you are not alone, but you will need to ask for help to get you through this time of need. You are human so ask for that hug, comfort, helping hand this week.

Libra

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structures is asking you to look at yours this week, for something is not supporting your needs. Maybe your schedule is not giving you enough sleep or quiet time, your finances are stretched, or you aren’t eating well. Find what isn’t supporting you and make the changes needed so they do.

Scorpio

Ace of Earth – This week is a perfect time to start something new on the material plan. It could be a new work project, a business endeavor, investing, building something, a new savings account. This week plant the physical seeds that lead to prosperity and/or more ease on the material plan.

Sagittarius

Two of Earth – The Muse of Juggling advises not to muti-task this week. She recommends this tactic for a two reasons. You are having trouble focusing thus getting anything done, or something needs your full attention. Either way no more than two tasks at a time.

Capricorn

*Death – As you head into the final weeks of this birth year. The Muse of Weeding would like you to clear some space to make room for the new. This Muse would like you to discard and simplify activities or physical items to create open slots/plots in your time and space. So, she recommends prioritizing needs first and adding just a few wants. Pursue minimalism. By doing so you are freeing up energy in which, at the beginning of your coming birth year, you can utilize in the next growing phase.

Aquarius

Six of Water – The Muse of Memories comes when information needs to be gathered from the past. Spend some time in nostalgia. You will need this information in the coming weeks, to not make any prior mistakes.

Pisces

Seven of Air – The Muse of Small Success advises to break down everything you do in the coming week into small bite size pieces. By doing so you not only create an air of efficiency but also complete more than you would tackling the big stuff.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Dec 3, 2023

December 1, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Almut Hilf @almut_hilf. Hilf is a collage artist, but in an innovative way. Her palette is the shades that vary between black and white. In her words about the series KENNLINIE: “The photographs were copied in different sizes and brightness levels, have since been cut up in a continuous process and collated again and again as paper collages, then reproduced and printed 1:1 with high resolution. The starting point of KENNLINIE are the rooms of Galerie Barbara Thumm. They are based on an idea of the architecture as a barge on a journey, as a motor for development. Images in process. Architecture as a building of possibilities and beginnings. Beginning, causing, preceding, trying.” She is now working on a series: pictures in books- libraries as living organisms.

What resonates with me about her work is it reminds me of how we move through life. Not as a circle were we repeat the same things but a spiral where we pass by an experience, season, emotion that is similar, but it is not an exact repeat of the same thing. And where most of our decisions are not an easy yes/no but often a decision made because of the grey and are based on past experiences that are similar. We want the certainty of a cyclic season, but in actuality as we layer our memories and perspectives, we become something new each moment as do the spaces we walk through.

Your pondering for this week: Work with spending each day perceiving with fresh eyes. Seeing the present as something new that you can layer on top of the past and ponder the comparisons and contrasts.

Solar System highlights

The moon begins the week in Virgo helping you stay organized. On Wednesday it moves to Libra highlighting relationships and harmony. On Saturday it moves into Scorpio so have fun and follow your passion.

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

Nina

Aries

*Devil – The Muse of Wilding is wanting you to let lose just a bit. The challenge is not to go full out into the land of extremes. But just step out of the chains of society, gender, race, etc.… and step into what naturally is you. This could look like changing your hair style to match your hair type not what your boss, partner or society demands. Or wearing more color or just black. How can you challenge yourself to be a bit freer to express the wilder side of you.

Taurus

King of Water – The Muse of Channeling would like you to engage in stepping into other people’s metaphorical shoes this week. The challenge is not bringing your own emotions into the costuming. This week is a deep dive into the concept of empathy. This practice brings understanding of others, but more potently how hard it is to let go of your own bias.

Gemini

Three of Fire – The Muse of Negotiations is here to help you through this week. When you find yourself in situations that are non-productive, negotiation is your best tool to get things moving in the right direction. This can even be negotiations with yourself. For example, if you have a project that needs doing but has stalled, time to negotiate with yourself what benefit you can gain by doing that. It can even take the form of self-bribery.

Cancerian

*Judgement – The Muse of Evolution would like you to ponder on what in your life needs to evolve or transform. Maybe it is traveling more to know more about the world, or maybe staying at home more to become more intimate with your family and self, less social media for more reading, etc… What habit needs shifting? What exploration needs scheduling? What do you need to do to up your game and evolve your soul.

Leo

Two of Earth – This week the muses would like you to play with balancing. The Muse of Flexibility suggests focusing on only two things this week. And then work all this week between the two. This is a lesson in simplicity, discipline and to help control “squirreling.”

Virgo

King of Fire – The Muse of Rituals would like you to ponder on actions you do and then make them divine. Some examples: Taking out recycling becomes an act of protecting Mother Earth, brushing your teeth becomes an act of self-care, or smiling and telling a stranger to have a good day is an invocation for peace.

Libra

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Guardianship is asking you to ponder all living things you protect and how you do it. She then asks you to prioritize them. And then, she asks, “are you on the list? And if you did list yourself, where in the priorities are you. If you are not in the top three then you need to work your way up to a higher position.

Scorpio

*Sun – The Muse of Radiance would like you to turn up your shine. She would like you to focus your energy on things you do best and do more of that this week. Also, if you can get some actual sun this too will give you more energy and clarity on what to focus on.

Sagittarius

Three of Air – The Muse of Breakthrough advises you to do a deep dive into a wound you are feeling resurge this week. Even though this feeling of hurt is now, the injury is from the past. And the muses would like you to begin healing it from the bottom up. As Alice Walker said, Healing begins where the wound was made.

Capricorn

Knight of Fire – The Muse of Timing comes to herald that you are in the right place at the right time to receive divine knowledge. The challenge, this knowledge can come in disguise as a negative as easily as it can be a positive. So, this muse suggests to receive the wisdom but to let go of the tone.

Aquarius

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation asks you to be aware of what you are manifesting in the world. This week is potent with energy to start projects and bring ideas into reality. But the muse would like you to make sure the reason behind what you want to manifest is beneficial to you or to the world. She warns this is not a time to push something that may not be fully though out. As they say, measure twice before the cut.

Pisces

Eight of Air – This is your second eight so a quite dive into the number. Eights are the numbers of refine and release. Last week the Muse of Mastery wanted you to refine your strengths. This week the Muse of Letting Go would like you to release your weakness. She advises working with the ones that were put there by others, but you have held on to. They may have once served you but now they do not.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Nov. 26, 2023

November 25, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Bill Traylor. Traylor started painting at 86 years old and continued to the end of his life, 1939-1949. His canvases were the discarded pieces of paperboard he found around his neighborhood. Through flat images he tells the story of the complex time between slavery and civil rights in Jim Crow South. For African Americans in the south literacy, personal agency, and personal expression were dangerous. Traylor’s body of work “is artistically unique, but its historical position is singular as well. When he started drawing it was a radical act.”

Traylor would be classified under outsider art. Outsider art is considered art made by someone not formally trained. But here is crux – though some artists are all about the technical aspects of a form of art. Most artists I know use art to express their creative voice. I do believe that we all can be in some form creative. But not so sure we can call everyone an artist. I also ponder around, as many art associated people do, what makes art so selective, categorically art? Is it like what Traylor did, expressing a viewpoint through satirical whimsy of what was happening around him without the technical prowess of say DaVinci? Or the intellectualism of Dadaism of making art that is anti- art? Or Abstract art expressing a feeling instead of the technicality of Realism? Is art just a form of expressing self, perspective, a radical act or possible all three? Then maybe we can all be artists in some way?

Your pondering for this week: What is your definition of art?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins the week in Gemini where exchange of knowledge is key On Wednesday it moves to Cancer highlighting self-care. On Friday it moves into Leo – get outside into the sun if you can, if not bask in your own light.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until Dec 1^st, where we can experiment with our communication style. Don’t worry if you don’t get it Mercury rolls back for a replay at the end of December. Mars (action) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until the end of the year wanting us to investigate and expand our horizons. While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in her home sign Libra (relationships and harmony) until December 4^th, so finding and creating harmony plays a big role in the next couple of weeks.

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

Nina

Aries

Seven of Water – The Muse of Dreams is challenging you to dream bigger. She is not asking you to unrealistically dream but just to expand the boundaries of your imagination. So, explore questions like – what would I do if I didn’t have to worry about money? Or what would I do if there were 3 more hours in a day?

Taurus

*Judgement – The Muse of Transformations challenges you to start evolving a part of your life this week. She is asking you to get a head start on what might be your intentions for the coming year. This exercise is meant to liberate you from only making resolutions on big occasions. She is asking you to start your evolution in small doable steps.

Gemini

Eight of Water – The Muse of Closet Cleaning comes when you need to make some physical space to allow new things to come in or to give your eyes a space to rest on. She reminds you that you may need to walk away from old thought patterns to free up some space in your environment. An example: is holding on to clothes that no longer physically or mentally fit who you are today.

Cancerian

Three of Earth – The Muse of Collaboration comes when you need to ask for help from those around you. This help can take any form. Physically needing more hands, mentally needing different perspectives, or emotionally some cheerleading and hugs. You are not in this alone.

Leo

*Tower – The Muse of Disruption is challenging you to shake things up. She reminds you that as a fire sign sometimes you need upheaval to gain revelation. But she would like you to control the commotion and not have it come from an outside source. If you don’t know where to start, look for an irritation. Like a chair you bump into all the time this muse advises rearrange your space, so nothing interferes with your dancing.

Virgo

*Sun – The Muse of Radiance would like you to turn up your shine. She would like you this week to focus your energy on things you do best and do more of that. Also if you can get some actual sun this too may give you more energy and ideas on what to focus on.

Libra

*Chariot – The Muse of Momentum would like you to move a project or idea to the next phase. The issue is that the energy to ignite this entropy needs to come from you. Do not rely on others this week to get things done. It doesn’t mean you have to do everything, for it is also up to you to prioritize needs over wants.

Scorpio

Five of Air – The Muse of Ego comes when egos get in the way of creating balance. So, this week watch getting into discussions of who’s right. It is best when dealing with another’s ego-distortion to not confront it at all. If you do engage then you chance your ego getting bruised and fighting back.

Sagittarius

*Death – The Muse of Purification would like you to incorporate a monthly ritual of purification for your coming birth year. By literally or metaphorically sloughing off your old skin, you allow space and air for your new dermis to not only glow, but it will also be able to better protect you.

Capricorn

Ace of Fire – The Muse of Genesis would like you to list the things you would like to grow in your coming birth year. And then categorize them into needs and wants. The needs list this muse suggest start growing now, so you can propagate the wants in fertile soil.

Aquarius

King of Water – The Muse of Emotions is challenging you to get in touch with yours. You may think that because you have been distancing yourself from them or handling them alone that you have not been emotional. This muse reminds you that emotions are hard to damn up forever. The dam will break, so a little venting goes a long way this week.

Pisces

Eight of Earth – The Muse of Mastery comes when you need to hone your strengths instead of focusing on your weakness. She reminds you that you have learned some handy and unique skills, so use them.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Nov. 19, 2023

November 19, 2023 Nina

Happy Birth-month Sagittarians!

The artist this week is Emmi Whitehorse, a painter and printmaker. As a student in the late 1970s, E. Whitehorse joined the groundbreaking “Grey Canyon Group”, which was comprised of other contemporary Native American artists. Together, the group challenged beliefs placed on Indigenous-made art by utilizing modernist abstraction to express Indigenous themes and worldviews.

Throughout her forty-year career, E. Whitehorse has created abstract and meditative mixed-media paintings. Her main sources of inspiration come from the landscapes of the American southwest and her Navajo culture. She cites her grandmother, who was a traditional Navajo weaver, as one of her earliest art mentors. Her grandmother’s influence not only shaped how the artist viewed composition but also ingrained in her the Navajo philosophy of Hózhó, or balance. This philosophy has inspired the artist to make artworks that honor the aspirations of a harmonious balance between nature and humanity.

Cite: awarewomenartist.com

Your pondering for this week: For me ancestors and family are a big theme for the period from Halloween to the New Year. I go from Halloween honoring ancestors and people who have passed on to Turkey day spending it with family and friends in the present. Then onto Solstice where I celebrate letting go of the old and inviting in the new with friends and at times strangers that become new friends. In all these celebrations I try to honor the people in my life. How do you honor your ancestors, family, and friends; past, present and future?

Solar System highlights

The moon begins the week in Pisces – important to go with the flow On Wednesday it moves to Aries giving you the energy to finish the week. On Friday it moves into Taurus – great for doing things around the house and with family.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until Dec 1^st, where we can experiment with our communication style. Mars (action) is in Scorpio (passion and letting go) until November 24^th. Wanting us to check that our actions are supporting the expression of our passion. Then moves into Sagittarius until the end of the year wanting us to explore and expand our horizons. While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in her home sign Libra (relationships and harmony) until December 4^th, so finding and creating harmony plays a big role in the next couple of weeks.

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

Nina

Aries

*World – The Muse of Opportunities is knocking on your door. This is a week to say yes to all offers. The challenge is you think that you must take each opportunity to its conclusion. However, this week is about seeing all your options before you make a choice. Go discover what is out there.

Taurus

Two of Air – Decisions abound and there are some vital ones to make this week. The Muse of Choices reminds you that not all decisions are ones of logic. Sometimes the heart is better to follow then the head. So go with what feels right.

Gemini

Five of Earth – The Muse of Poverty reminds you this week that though your resources may be at an all time low, you still can ask for help. Do not assume that people will notice you need assistance, for you are usually seen as not needing help at all. Go on, ask.

Cancerian

Knight of Earth – The Muse of Steadiness is here to help you slog through all you have to do. This muse reminds you to take things slow for the terrain is ever changing, but if you play it right you can keep a steady pace throughout it all.

Leo

*Strength – The Muse of Inner Strength is an energy you wrestle with your whole life. She works with you to discover and utilize your superpowers. She reminds you that as you negotiate with your inner world your outer world falls into place. You are strong, amazing, creative but you need to believe it to make it present in the world.

Virgo

Ace of Water – Aces herald new beginnings. The Ace of Water declares you can have a new start on the emotional plane. Whether that is looking for a new love or igniting a relationship you are in. You are ready to dive deeper into intimacy and matters of the heart.

Libra

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Protection is asking you to set up some boundaries in your life. You naturally tend to protect others but this week you need to shield yourself first. She reminds you just like an airplane stewardess – put the oxygen mask on yourself first.

Scorpio

Eight of Water – This is your second eight so a deeper dive into the number. Eights are the “refine and release” muses of the tarot. Last week the muses asked you to release old thought patterns that are holding you back. This week the Muse of Simplification would like you now to refine what is left. She asks you questions like what are the top 8 ideals you live by? Or what eight things would you take with you if you had a fire in the house? Or pare down and refine your wardrobe? Work with streamlining and simplifying this week.

Sagittarius

Four of Earth – The Muse of Resources comes around when your resources are depleting faster than you can save. She advises spending your physical resources of time, money, and/or space frugally this week. She is not heralding poverty, but you might need some extra assets in the coming weeks.

Capricorn

Queen of Air – The Muse of Details advises to pay attention to the minutia this week. She comes when you may be spending too much of your vision looking at the big picture and future instead of what is needed practically and in the present. This is especially true if you are doing any legal work – read and negotiate around the fine print.

Aquarius

Four of Fire – The Muse of Happy Home would like you to spend time in yours and spruce it up. Whether that is putting flowers in your home, fixing squeaky doors, or just putting your feet up. Home is where your heart is, so make sure your heart is happy at home.

Pisces

*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation asks you to be vigilant about what you are manifesting in the world. Is it for your higher good or for the higher good of others? If the answer is no to either of those options, go back to the drawing board, re-do the plans, goals, or outcomes to be more favorable for you and the world.

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Nov. 12 2023

November 12, 2023 Nina

The artist this week is Carrie Mae Weems. Weems uses her art to bear witness to the presence or absence of black woman in history. She used photography, video, performance, installations, and social practices to explore this subject. Trained in dancing and photography in the mid-1980s she became interested in the observation methods used in the social sciences.

By the early 1990s, she began placing herself in her photographic compositions in an “attempt to create in the work the simultaneous feeling of being in it and of it.”² She has since called this recurring figure an “alter-ego,” “muse,” and “witness to history” who can stand in for both the artist and audience. She helps us explore the concept of who is doing the looking and for what reason or end? Watch the video explaining her work From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried (1995). Weems work could be summed up in this quote from an interview with Dawoud Bey, “My work endlessly explodes the limits of tradition… I’m determined to find new models to live by. Aren’t you?

Your pondering for this week: What models do you live by?

Solar System highlights

The moon is still in Scorpio at the beginning of this week – keep your passions lit. On Tuesday it moves to Sagittarius – find time to explore something new. On Thursday the moon moves to Capricorn – giving you the drive to finish up the work week. And on Saturday, the moon moves into Aquarius – spend time in society.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Sagittarius (exploration) until Dec 1^st, where we can experiment with our communication style. Mars (action) is in Scorpio (passion and letting go) until November 24^th. Wanting us to check that our actions are supporting the expression of our passion. While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in her home sign Libra (relationships and harmony) until December 4th. So, November is a big month in exploring how to harmonize our communication to help us harmonize our relationships while we make time in our life for things that make us zing.

***Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Scorpio, this is a perfect time to get a 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. 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

Three of Air – This week has the potential to trigger old wounds. This energy is not a warning of things to come but a place where healing should begin. The Muse of Healing recommends that you dive deep into the why behind your frustration, anger, or sadness, find its source, and give yourself the love that was denied or never given.

Taurus

Seven of Earth – This week’s energy gives you the stamina and resilience to get stuff done. The Muse of Work reminds you there is a harvest at the end of this push. A time to enjoy what you have sown and rest from the work, but this week is not the time. Carry on and get sh*t done.

Gemini

Six of Air – The Muse of Transition comes when it is time to move on. Whether it is a project, relationship, way of thought or action. Something is not working for a reason. Now is not the time to push through. Let it go for this week and see if by week’s end it resolves or it is no longer a problem. If it does not, then you can reassess and simplify.

Cancerian

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship would like you to enjoy yours. Spend time with the ones that you love that love you back. This is a time to share emotions and deepen bonds.

Leo

Page of Earth – The Muse of Study would like you to pick up a book, listen to a podcast or watch a documentary. This muse comes when you are doing to much internal gazing and/or skimming social media. This muse challenges you to deep dive into something interesting. There is a spark for you there, but it’s up to you to do the homework.

Virgo

Seven of Air – The Muse of Scheme is pushing you to plan. This muse is not using scheme as a verb but as a noun ie: a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting a particular idea into effect. Pull a hope or wish off the shelf and start to make plans for how to bring it into existence.

Libra

Four of Earth – The Muse of Resources comes when your resources of time, money, and/or space are limited. She advises that you budget them better this week or you will run out of one or all of them before you can finish what you started.

Scorpio

Carrie Mae Weems, From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried

Eight of Air – The Muse of Bondage asks you what old thought paradigms are holding you back? If you need help, she reminds you they are not yours but were placed there by others and you have now adopted them. Maybe at some time they worked, but now they are more like burdens. She advises that all you have to do is let go.

Sagittarius

Tower – The Muse of Deconstruction comes when some part of your life is on a shaky foundation. Is your sleep schedule off? Are you eating right? Have you had enough physical contact? Have you had time to just relax? All these components are necessary supports for you to do you out in the world. Shore up what is missing this week.

Capricorn

High Priestess – The Muse of Sacredness comes when you need to tap into your spirit. She advises finding a mundane task you do every day and making it sacred. Things like brushing your teeth become an act of loving kindness to your body. Or taking out recycling becomes a ritual of honoring the earth. She challenges you to make the mundane – sacred.

Aquarius

Carrie Mae Weems – In De Sica’s Light, Roaming Series

*Devil – Last week’s energy was around starting a new project or idea. However, this week life is throwing some distractions to take you off course. So, watch surfing the internet for hours, your social media intake, dealing with other people’s problem and not your own or any other rabbit holing that you may do. This week is about staying focused.

Pisces

Carrie Mae Weems – A Single Waltz in Time

King of Wands – The Muse of Charisma challenges you this week to turn up yours. There is a vibrance in you that can move mountains and break down walls. She does advise to watch that your compliments reside in truth and your goals are not solely self-center. This exercise is for the good of the whole as well as you.

Solar System highlights

EXTRA

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

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Solar System highlights

EXTRA

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

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

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

Gemini