Tag Archives: Tarot and Art

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Oct. 8, 2023

Sara Torgison, Hungry Ghost

It is my favorite month for spooky inspired artists.  The artist this week is Sara Torgison @saratorgison.  I couldn’t find much about her, but I love her art. Not only for her superb ceramic work but how she literally knits it together.  She creates pieces that show the paradox of connection, the need for it and how it can hold us in that connection for good or bad. She is self-declared “Teaching-Arting -Keeping it Weird” and looking through her post “weird” is a word she uses often.   

The definition of weird as an adjective is “suggesting something supernatural; uncanny.  The archaic use of it as a noun was “a person’s destiny.”  And the verb informal North American definition is “induce a sense of disbelief or alienation in someone”. The interesting thing about Torgison’s work is that it does all there.  So, we could say her weird art is an exploration of the supernatural weaving of destiny that also brings to light our own alienation.   

Your pondering for this week: What is your weird? (use any definition or all three to ponder) 

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Leo – create some shine.   On Tuesday it moves into Virgo – great for staying focused and organized.  On Friday, the moon moves into Libra – balance and relationships become the focus.  And on Saturday we have a new moon and the start of eclipse season which ends on Oct 28th.   

The planets are on the move.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra until Oct 22nd. Where the lessons are on finding the balance of listening as well as communicating clearly.   Mars (action) moves into Scorpio (passion) on Oct 12th.  Wanting us to make sure your actions are supporting the expression of your passion.  While Venus (beauty and harmony) just moved into Virgo (organization) and stays until November 8th. So now we move from contemplating that our outward expression harmonizes with what is within to now applying it into our life.   This week is prime time to start to make changes happen.  You will have all of October to catch this wave.    

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.  Libra, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aries, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. 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  
Made for Each Other, Sara Torgison

Two of Air– Last two weeks have prepared you for this week. First the Muse of Possibilities asked you to broaden your horizons.  Then Muse of Intention asked you with this expanded space what are your intentions? And now the Muse of Decisions is asking you to pick a path.  She reminds you to follow the path that is more attune with your heart than with logic.   

 

Taurus  
Spidery Senses – Eye, Sara Torgison

*Fool – The Muses of the Wanderer would like you to refresh your perspective by exploring new paths.  This can be as simple as taking a new route home, trying new kinds of food, or as complicated as trying on a new career.  The key is broadening and exploring your environment and therefore your experiences.   

 

Gemini  
A Well, Tended Void, Sara Torgison

Four of Earth – Resources are limited this week.  So, the Muse of Savings would like you to be thrifty in the areas of money, space, or time.  She would like you to bank some of these material commodities, so you can spend them with more leisure later this month.   

 

Cancerian 
Rosette, Sara Torgison

Two of Fire – The Muse of Horizons would like you to do some future gazing.  What would you like to explore in the coming months?  What challenges or goals would you like to set for yourself?  If stuck, the muse suggests things like spending time on the Discovery channel or surfing places to travel for inspiration.   

 

Leo  
Narcissist Knot, Sara Torgison

Four of Air – Last week you need to save your materiel resources, this week the Muse of Restoration would like you to bank some physical and mental rest.  She advises to spend time off technology, and just sit in silence.  Also, she suggests a series, if possible, of good night’s rest.     

 

Virgo  
Synergic Frey Sara Torgison

Ten of Fire – Virgo you have once again taken on more than you should.  The Muse of Burdens advises you to list your obligations and scratch off the last two.  By next week they will either be no longer a priority, someone else took it on or they weigh less in a week’s time.   

 

Libra  
 Pulled Together, Sara Torgison

*Wheel – The Muse of Fortune heralds the time for change.  Since this is also your birth month, a new moon and an eclipse in your sign, it seems now is the time to make your move.  The interesting thing with this energy is even if this change feels right or rough this change is needed to unlock a brighter future.    

 

Scorpio  
Savior Complex, Sara Torgison

Knight of Air – Muse of Rushing is advising you to slow down this week.  Watch getting pulled into situations or conversations that have potential of requiring a heroine/hero.  This week take the slow road and the metaphorical back seat.  And if you must act, watch and listen before you charge ahead. 

 

Sagittarius
Leavings of Lullabies, Sara Torgison

Three of Air – The Muse of Sorrows comes when aspects of this week can trigger old wounds.  She reminds you these twinges are not about reliving the hurt but to find ways to do a deeper healing.  

    

Capricorn  
Ruminant Rising, Sara Torgison

*Sun – The Muse of Shine would like you to shine the spotlight on others.  Yes, this week the muses would like you to take a back seat and be the cheerleader instead of the leader.  It’s not that you need to be more humble or less efficient, it is just that you will be in a better light and less stressed if you help others do their thing.   

 

Aquarius  
Vessel, Sara Torgison

Knight of Wands – You are in the right place at the right time all this week.  The muses have some info for you, so they are placing you in the right places at the right time to hear and see these informational tidbits.  Now they do not guarantee that it will be all roses, but the thorns have data to download too.  Just remember you don’t have to act on any of it now.   

 

Pisces  
Partial Surrender, Sara Torgison

Four of Water – The Muse of Introspection is here but you need to watch falling into the waves of languor and self-doubt while doing this deep dive into emotions.  She reminds you, if you find yourself too far in your emotional bellybutton, to go hang with someone else or at the very least watch/read a good story to take you out of yours.    

 

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art-Cast for week of Oct 1, 2023

Caitlin McCormack , Aequalis

It is my favorite month for spooky inspired artists.  The artist this week is Cait McCormack, @mister_caitlin. 

 In their words:  “My self-taught practice primarily involves meticulously crocheted cotton thread that is dredged in a mixture of non-toxic glues, natural dyes, and foraged pigments, and fashioned into sculptural forms. The string central to this process is typically sourced from estate and garage sales, as well as collections inherited from my deceased family members, who used it during the Great Depression to create delicate adornments for their homes and bodies. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a kindergartener, and the practice is deeply entwined with my lifelong compulsion to produce hand-wrought objects in response to the world around me.”  

I love that during this month the veil between life and death gets thinner. McCormack’s work reaches through this veil. She sources their material, skills, and subject matter from the past.  And then their subject matter brings up these transgenerational questions of death, gender, sex, isolation, and ruination.   And within this process they memorialize the trauma or triumph of living.  

 Your pondering for this week: How do you memorialize your traumas and triumphs?  

 

Solar System highlights 

The moon begins in Taurus – start this week by grounding yourself.   On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – hone your communication skills.  On Thursday, the moon moves into Cancer – self-care is needed.  Then for the weekend the moon is in Leo – find a bit of sun and relax in it.   

The planets are starting to move.  First Mercury (communication and knowledge) is going into Libra on October 4th.  We moved from lessons to being clear and concise when communicating to finding the balance of listening as well as communicating clearly.   Mars (action) is also in Libra until Oct 12th. Having us purview that our actions justify our goals    While Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo until October 8th.  It is in its last week having us explore the question: Does your outward expression of yourself harmonize with who you are within?  

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.  Libra, this is a perfect time to get a Astrological Tarot Reading  for your coming year.  And Aries, it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading  for a check in now is the time. 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  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Sweet-Dreams

*Temperance– Last week the Muse of Possibilities asked you to expand your horizons.  This muse reminds you that experiencing “the new” not only expands your environmental space but also allows expansion in your mind and your soul.  Now that you have created space, the Muse of Intention would like you to do a deep dive into the why behind what you intend do.  Do your actions align with your intentions?  And now with the background in exploration of what is possible, you have opened yourself to new intentions and/or the space to redesign the old ones. 

 

Taurus  
Caitlin McCormack
McCormack Swim-Team

Queen of Water – Last week you had tea with your more sobering emotions getting to know them more intimately.  This week the Muse of Fun would like you to reacquaint yourself with the sunnier side of your emotional spectrum.  Time for playing in puddles, ridiculous dad jokes, and spreading random joy to others.  

 

Gemini  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Anything That Moves

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Spirit has come to inquire about yours. How is your passion level?  Your spirit? How are you creating in your life?  What is getting you up in the morning?  If you cannot answer one or all these, this is the week to contemplate on finding those answers.  And if you can, take this week to create space for your spirit to grow.   

 

Cancerian 
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack, Backyard

*Sun – The Muse of Radiance would like you to apply some shine to your life and grow.  She reminds you, however, not to step into the full sun without some sort of metaphorical sunscreen. You need protection so that you do not spend your solar energy solely on others’ well-being or growth.   

 

Leo  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

Four of Earth – The Muse of Savings would like you to not overspend in the areas of money, space, or time this week.  She would like you to bank some of these material commodities, so you can spend them with more leisure later this month.   

 

Virgo  
Caitlin McCormack, Cat

Ace of Earth – Material new beginnings are blessed this week.  The muses say that this energy is great for starting new projects on the material plane.  Time to plant those bulbs in the fall so they can bloom in the spring 

 

Libra  
Caitlin McCormack, Can’t Go Back There

Eight of Fire – Messages and information surround you this week.  So, the Muse of Messages advises you on how to sort through this pile of “paperwork” in two ways.  One, you have a single focus and only access the messages through that lens.  Or two, you can collect everything you hear and see without discernment.  And then next week categorize and prioritize it.  The key is that all this information is useful and if you miss some along the way it will come back around.   

 

Scorpio  
Caitlin McCormack, Best Behavior

Three of Water – The Muse of Friendship comes when you need to hang with your BFF’s, for your emotional cups need filling.  The interesting thing is that their cups need filling too.  So don’t be shy or worried about interrupting, the hang is beneficial to all of you. 

 

Sagittarius  
Caitlin McCormack
Libidinous Drifter

Seven of Air – The Muse of Simplicity would like you to work smarter not harder this week.  She advises working on only the things that are easy to deal with.  You will have more success and gain more ground than you think you will if you do so. 

    

Capricorn  
Caitlin McCormack, Cold Soil Kettle

Knight of Air – This week has the potential to be full throttle.  So, the Muse of Rushing is advising you to slow down.  Watch getting pulled into situations or conversations that have potential of requiring a heroine or hero.  This week take the slow road and the metaphorical back seat.  And if you have to take action, watch and listen before you leap. 

 

Aquarius  
Caitlin McCormack, Different On The Phone

*Hierophant – The Muse of Structure ask what are your foundational needs? She asks you to be specific like you need healthy snacks in the house, to wind down before bed by reading, more alone time or more time with friends. And then she advises to take one foundational need and implement it solidly into your schedule.   

 

Pisces  
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack

King of Pentacles – Last week the Muse of Intention wanted you to dive into your intentions and make sure they align with your goals and vice versa.  Now the Muse of Action would like you to start doing the action steps that are now more in line with your desires and therefore your destiny.  Take the step. 

 

Tarotcast

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

Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa Desert Planet

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 13th.   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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

*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
Ruth Asawa
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa

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
Ruth Asawa

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 Jan. 15, 2023

juli_artworld

The artist this week is Juli, @juli_artwork.  She is just starting out, so there isn’t much about her that I could find.  She is a student studying illustration and her “art captures canids and otherworldly animals with a creative twist.”   I especially love her riffs off classic paintings see:  Taurus, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces .  Also check her on Patreon.   I love Patreon.  It is another way I choose to support artists, 5% of my profit goes to artists there.  A way to give back, what art gives to me.

And if you haven’t caught the theme yet, the month of January is in honor of this year being the Chinese year of the Water Rabbit.  Rabbits are represented in a variety of cultures.  Last week we looked at cultures where they are seen as tricksters.  However, in Chinese folklore, rabbits accompany Chang’e, the goddess of the moon, and is represented as one of the zodiacal animals.  In Japanese and Korean mythology, they also live on the moon, but they make mochi, a snack of sticky rice.  In Vietnam rabbits are seen as symbols of innocence and youthfulness, however, they have replaced the zodiacal rabbit for a zodiacal cat.

Your pondering for the week:  What is your favorite food that reminds you of your youth?  Why was that food experience special.  For fun, try to recreate that feeling.

 

Solar System highlights

This week the moon starts in Scorpio – follow your passions.  On Wednesday it moves into Sagittarius – you might want the weekend to start sooner, but if you have a defined goal this will help you stay on track.  And on Friday the moon is in Capricorn – try not to take your work home with you.  Hang your problems up with your coat.

No change from last week for the rest of the planets.  Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) compromising is key to grease your work wheels.  It is also still in retrograde until the 18th.  This is a perfect time to reflect, review and redo. After Wednesday we can finally start 2023.  Mars (action) is now direct but still in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk and follow up with actions.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it is having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.

Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Aquarius (innovation) until January 26th – where we can focus on updating our environment and how we experience sensuality in our lives.  Jupiter (growth) is in Aries (action) until May 24, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

 

PS. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Capricorn this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Cancer it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. And if you need a quick stocking stuffer.  I can supply gift certificates for all my readings.

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

Nina

*****I have changed using the RWS version of the tarot names and now call the suits:  pentacles/coins is now Earth, cups is now Water, swords is now Air and wands is now Fire.  I did this because I want to work more closely with the elements that these suits represent.

 

Aries
juli_artworld

*Chariot – Finally your planet Mars is moving forward and so the Muse of Movement would like you to take that energy and run with it.  This is a great week to start a project, set goals, move your body, and/or take a project to the next phase.  And if you don’t know where to start take the advice of Agnes Martin: “Your path is at your feet whether you realize it or not.”  The key to this week is just start moving.

 

Taurus
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

Eight of Fire – This week has a plethora of messages from a variety of sources.  The problem is which one to focus on.  The Muse of Messages advises to either write them all down and sort them out next week.  Or prioritize the first 8 you receive and focus on working with them.   No matter which way you choose, eyes and ears open.

 

Gemini
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

Nine of Earth – The Muse of Self Reliance is your cheerleader this week.  The path to ease is being confident that you can handle whatever is thrown at you.  That you will not only survive but thrive.  She reminds you if you are reading this you have endured way worse.  Use what you already know to tackle any challenges this week.  You got this.

 

Cancerian
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

*Magician – Where the past couple of weeks the muses have had you hold back, this week you are given a wand to conjure whatever you need.  The Muse of Manifestation is passing you the tools required to experiment and create.   This week use your imagination and curiosity to play with ideas and projects that you would like to manifest in the coming months.   She reminds you this is not about perfection or expectations.  This is about the actions that lead to discovery and materialization.

 

Leo
juli_artworld
juli_artworld

*High Priestess – The Muse of Wisdom is here to realign you to you.  This week is a deep dive into self-awareness and the rituals of sacredness.   Take this time to acknowledge your super-powers.   This Muse also questions are you using them wisely?   If so set up or create more support for your daily sacred rituals that bring you closer to the source.   If not, spend this week re-connecting with the celestial.

 

Virgo

juli_artworld
juli_artworld

 

Queen of Fire – The Muse of Vibrancy is asking you to turn up your volume.  Whether that is to add vibrant colors to your wardrobe, show your art or raising your voice to be heard.  This Muse would like you to stand out.  To express your uniqueness for all the world to see.

 

Libra

juli_artworld

Knight of Air – This week you need to slow down.  The Muses warns you to be careful of your extremities.  Like not running with scissors, be careful when chopping vegetables and watch where you step.  These missteps may happen on the material plane, but you also need to be careful of your words.  You can step into a situation with all good intentions but end up stepping on toes.  This week walk with more mindfulness.

 

Scorpio
juli_artworld

Ten of Fire– The Muse of Burdens suggests relinquishing some of your tasks this week.  Be aware of not overextending your commitments and be realistic of what you can handle.  The lesson with working with this muse is to take responsibility for some things but not all things.  Others need to learn how to carry their load or learn to help you carry yours.

 

Sagittarius
juli_artworld

Three of Earth – The Muse of Collaboration advises you to work with others this week to create more efficiency and innovation.  As they say two heads are better than one, but three heads and six hands are better still.

 

Capricorn

Page of Earth – The Muse of Critical Thinking is your helper this week.  The basic elements of critical thinking are keeping an open mind, asking questions, gathering relevant information, having cognitive flexibility, thinking through to solutions and conclusions.  This week is about being reasonable.

 

Aquarius
juli_artworld

Five of Air – This week holds the energy of tension.  You can be pulled taunt by the interactions of others.  The Muse of Tension advises how to navigate this stormy weather by doing these five things:  take a breath before entering a situation or conversation, let go of your ego, be still, let any chaos flow pass you not through you and use silence constructively.

 

Pisces
juli_artworld

Knight of Water – The Muse of Compassion is here to help you navigate the emotional waters within you and others.  Choice wisely who you open up to this week.  You need to practice your vulnerability but also to discern who is worthy of your heart.  This is not a lesson on guardedness but one on ask

Tarotcast

Tarot and Art Forecast for week of Jan. 1, 2023

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Celebrate 40,000 Years of American Art, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Welcome 2023!

The artist this week is Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.  Smith, also a curator, teacher and activist describes herself as “a cultural arts worker”.  Smith’s art is a commentary on personal, social, environmental, and political issues of navigating the world as a Native American.  By working with layers of paint, images, collage elements, sign-like petroglyphs, text she texturizes meaning into her work.  Smith’s complex art compels the viewer to see their own complexity in history, representation, gender, and race.  In her words. “Art should reveal the unknown to those who lack the experience of seeing it.”   Her message from her art is a process of viewing, agitation often through humor, hopeful understanding and then a call to action.

For example, the above work, Celebrate 40,000 years of American Art though seemingly simple is deep in meaning.  First, she has us see the rabbit’s smoke/shadow-dance from background to forefront hinting the movement of past to future. This leads us to the words reminding us that American Art started when Native Americas first walked in the Americas and the importance of bringing Indigenous art into the context of and dialogue of Art. Third, the rabbit imagery has been used in indigenous art for millennia and most notably as the trickster spirit of some Native tribes.  The rabbit in their stories can be a hero but is often prone to inappropriate behavior like gluttony, carelessness, and an overinflated ego.  So simultaneously Smith is using the rabbit image as a critique of modern artists and the art world.  Like the work done by Joseph’s Beuys’s How to explain Pictures to a Dead Hare playing with the concept of what art is or the controversial aspects of Jeff Koon’s Rabbit which sold for $91million dollars. Her work nods not only to history but also to stepping more mindfully into the future.

Your pondering for the week:  Let us use this retrograde period to walk or dance slowly 2023 and with more mindfulness.  Not leaving the harder lessons of the past five years but honoring our history as we create our future.

Solar System highlights

This week the moon starts in Taurus – start the week slow but steady.  On Tuesday it moves into Gemini – conversations and relationships are highlighted.  On Friday we have a Full Moon in Cancer, a lovely time for self-care, family and enjoying your home.

Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) compromising is key to grease your work wheels.  It is also in retrograde.  This is a perfect time to reflect, review and redo. Mars (action) is still in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023.  This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2.  Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk and follow up with actions.  The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off.  So, it is having us double down on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction.  And it’s in retrograde until January 12th, so again this is highlighting to walking into 2023 very slowly, mindfully, and calmly.

Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Aquarius (innovation) on January 2nd – where we can focus on updating our environment and how we experience sensuality in our lives.  Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 24, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action.  And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.

*****I have changed using the RWS version of the tarot names and now call the suits:  pentacles/coins is now Earth,  cups is now Water, swords is now Air and wands is now Fire.  Because I want to work more closely to the elements that these suits represent.

PS. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Capricorn this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Cancer it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. And if you need a quick stocking stuffer.  I can supply gift certificates for all my readings.

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

Nina

Aries
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Hierophant – You all start this year with the Muse of Structures.  The place to look is not on the physical plane but on a spiritual and heart center one.  This Muse asks you to focus on looking at your support/foundations with your spiritual self and with your close friend group.  She wants you to strengthen the weave in your daily life with the people that are important to you and a spiritual practice.  Their access may require what seems like a sacrifice of your resources, but it is actual sustenance.

Taurus
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Lovers – Connection is the theme for you to start with this year.  The Muse of Intimacy invites you into the year with a visualization of what this could mean.  The Muse asks you to open your inner eye to a landscape blooming with flowers, a pair of birds singing harmonies of contentment.  A journal lying open on a chair welcoming you to be curious and trusting.  A cottage in the background where you see a simple but hearty meal waiting for you.  This is the magic, learning and exchange of deep connection: growth, harmony, openness, acceptance, and nourishment.  Welcome it into 2023.

Gemini
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Four Directions, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Four of Air– You need to slowly roll into 2023, for the Muse of Restoration is calling you to stay in the stillness.  The quiet of ritual seclusion brings inner silence and the profound rest you still require.  Revitalization and healing are possible this year when sufficient time is dedicated to quietude.  However, it is up to you to place and ensure quiet time into your schedule.

Cancerian
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

*Death – The Muse of Organic Change walks with you into 2023.  Spend time this week evaluating what you are bringing into the new year.  This Muse asks you to spend time releasing more of what you no longer need so the “new” has a place to grow.  The challenge with this time of pre-creation is it is still nebulous.  Work on staying with the planets’ retrograde period of review, revise and release (until January 18th), and keep the need to know at bay.  Organic change is inevitable, terrifying, but also beautiful when allowed to naturally blossom.

Leo
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Coyote Made Me Do It, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ten of Earth – You are walking into 2023 still having to do some clean up from 2022.  The Muse of Fortitude helps us with the banality of day-to-day existence or the struggle of the last mile.  She reminds you that this last bit of cleaning up is a pause to adjust and reinvent what will soon be the past.  That you still can make magic happen with this ending.  This seems to coincide with taking advantage of the planets in retrograde.  So, the real beginning of the year starts mid-January for you.

 

Virgo
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Six of Water – Do not rush into 2023 just yet.  The Muse of Remembrance is advising you to do some journaling to close out 2022.  Pick six memories of the past year where you have successfully dealt with a challenge and/or experiences that has shaped the person you are now.  By doing this exercise you will raise your vibration level to match the positives vibes awaiting you in 2023.

Libra
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Wisdom Knowledge

Nine of Earth – The Muse of Independence walks with you into 2023 to boast your confidence.  Last year was challenging in many aspects. And you have come through it, maybe a little battle sore but with more resources and resilience than you realized you had.  So now walking into 2023 you are wiser and better resourced, making the journey going forward easier and giving you the confidence to see and utilize your hard-won sovereignty.

 

Scorpio
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ace of Air – This is the card of new beginnings on the thought plane.   The Muses would like you to make an outline of your goals and aspirations for 2023.  The challenge is twofold.  First being penetratingly truthful with what you want.  Don’t be unassuming or question the substance of the goal.  Secondly, leave enough room for something magical to happen too.  So, make a few goals that are more about feeling of something you need than reality of a thing.

Sagittarius
A Nickel For Your Thoughts, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Queen of Air – The Muse of Details walks you into 2023.  Perceptiveness is the skill she wants you to use this week. For example, while entering a room, see how people are gathered, who is pay attention, on their phone, laughing, talking quietly, or sitting alone.  By distinguishing the details of situations before engaging, you can align yourself to where you want to be or the next action.  Instead of your typical go with the flow attitude, this week is more about preemptive cleverness in deciphering decisions and actions.

Capricorn
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
In the Footsteps of My Ancestors, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ace of Earth – Apropos that you would get a new beginning card for your birth month and for the year.  The Muses would like to bestow some fertilizer on your year.  These energy gifts are the stability of a the Pando root system, strength of Australian Buloke wood, wisdom found in the earth crust, fertility of an Ocean Sunfish, and the potential for abundance if you put in the ground work.

Aquarius
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Ten of Fire – You are walking into 2023 still having to do some clean up from 2022.  Luckily this slow walk into 2023 is supported by the planet’s retrograde period that ends on January 19th.  The Muse of Responsibility advises that you spend time finishing tasks leftover from 2022.  First evaluate if the things on your list are still relevant to the coming year.  Then prioritize, what on your list only you can do.  Lastly spend the next two and half weeks getting as much of the rest checked off as you can.   Clearing your to-do list is essential before you begin your new birth year.

Pisces
Coyote Made Me Do It, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith

Eight of Water – The Muse of Simplification is suggesting the best use of this retrograde period is to reassess if you need to exit a situation and move on to something new. She would like you to lighten your load so you can set a new course into 2023.  May times this un-baggaging has to do with emotions that no longer work for you. Or aspects that you are holding on to for comfort or sentimental reasons instead of living in the present.  Time to release.

Tarotcast

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

Mu Pan

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

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

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

Solar Systems Highlights

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

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

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Scorpio this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Taurus it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

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

 

Taurus
Mu Pan

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

 

Gemini
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

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

 

Cancerian
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

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

 

Leo
Mu Pan

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

 

Virgo
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

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

 

Libra
Mu Pan

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

 

Scorpio
Mu Pan

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

 

Sagittarius
Mu Pan

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

 

Capricorn
Mu Pan
Mu Pan

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

 

Aquarius
Mu Pan

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

 

Pisces
Mu Pan

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

Tarotcast

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

Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

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

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

Solar Systems Highlights

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

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

P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you.  Libra this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year.  And Aries it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.

 

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

Nina

 

 

Aries

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

 

Taurus
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Gemini
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Cancerian
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Leo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Virgo
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Libra
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Scorpio
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Sagittarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Capricorn
Yasuo Kuniyoshi
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Aquarius
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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

 

Pisces
Yasuo Kuniyoshi

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