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Tarotcast

Tarotcast for Week of December 16, 2018

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThis week is Solstice; where darkness is at its height in the northern hemisphere, and light reigns in the southern.  The Photographs above and below are from Roadside Lights by the artist Eiji Ohashi.  Japan has 5 million vending machines and leads the world in machine versus land density.  They sell a wide variety of items, from the more common soda and snacks and cigarettes to the unique fresh fruit, eggs, alcohol, books, pets’ clothes, diapers, to name a few.  And roadside vending machines populate many of the rural areas taking the place of the corner store.  Ohashi was drawn to these lone sources of light and sustenance on the rural roadsides of snow-covered Hokkaido and other places in Japan.

This season is about celebrating the light of growth, persistence and love.  It is the lesson we should remember during the Holiday season. Where an elf can bring presents to millions of children in a night, where a Grinch can grow a heart then save a Who holiday, and where oil can burn for days, wonder and the concept of miracles are vital to our perception of the world. That in our darkest hours and coldest places, hope and goodness persist.  Our challenge is honoring and hopefully being that person or thing that can bring light and sustenance to places where it is least expected – to become a wonder in the world.  It is not that hard- just turn on your light and shine.

P.S. Next week look for the popular Looking Back– solstice tarotcast. And you need last minute presents you can give an Astrological Reading or a great stocking stuffer is my Quick Draw for $5

P.S.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please shar

*Aries – Sun

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThe Sun represents growth and positivity, so this week should feel amazing. Though there are a few challenges:  you might feel some growing pains, it might be hard to feel positive in all the rush or while you are growing you could overshadow someone’s else growth.  This can look as simple as finding all your x-mas presents just make sure you don’t butt in line to grab the deal.  Or this can look as complex as growing your confidence but doing it in a way that others don’t feel left out.  The big lesson is Shine without Shadowing.

*Taurus – Empress and the Moon

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThis is an interesting combination.  The Empress is the card of creation and the Moon is the card of things hidden.  This week is like tending your night-blooming flowers.  There is more creation happening in the dark of your subconscious and/or solitude, than with the light and society.  This can look as simple/complex as doing some stream of consciousness writing, collage, black-out poetry, cleaning out your fridge/freezer and making some new culinary dish, or writing down your dreams.  The challenge letting out new creations that are waiting to spring up from your subconscious.

Gemini – Knight of Cups

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThe Knight of Cups swoops in to advise you to get in touch with your emotions. This is a great week to take a deep dive in to what is driving your emotions.  If you don’t like what you see, kick it out and if you do, feed it.  If you are having a hard time tapping into your emotions watch Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street or The Grinch.

Cancer – Ace of Pentacles

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThe Ace of Pentacles are new beginning on the material plane.  This is a great week to start a new project, change jobs, move, try new recipes, start a new exercise regime.  Look at what you want to grow or change on the material plane

Leo – Eight of Pentacles

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanHmm your second 8 in a row so let’s take a gander at 8s for a minute.  Eights in numerology mean manifestation through mastery.  Last week the Eight of swords want you to master your negative thoughts.  This week the Eight of Pentacles wants you to master something on the material plane. This look like a project, money, or deal coming together.  Focus more on doing then, how it gets done.  Trust yourself you are skilled.

*Virgo – Judgement

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThis week has all the potential for being fantastic, if you can just get out of your own way and shine.  Leave your ego and your mind on the curb and let life take you to some new places.  You will find more grace and enlightenment if you follow you spirit and your heart.  This can look as simple/complex as taking a walk/ride to see Holiday lights, going to a holiday party with someone you like, buying candy canes and giving them to every homeless person you pass, or staying at home getting cozy with nog and a book.  The challenge with doing any of these things is thinking yourself out of it like:  holiday lights are a stupid competition, yuck parties, the homeless need homes not candy, or I’m lazy.  This week is about using your judgment to enjoy joy.

Libra – Queen of Swords

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThe Queen of Swords is about strategy in all you do.  Need to get holiday gifts – make a list of what you need and then map out the best path.  Need to get a project done – hire a babysitter so you can pull a long day, so you don’t have to do work during the holidays.  If you are traveling pack early and preorder your taxi.  This week can get hectic but a good battle plan will get you through it.

Scorpio – Four of Cups

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanHolidays can be hard for all the water signs because there are a lot of emotions swimming around good or bad – yours or others. It can be draining. This week might push on your emotions, so you pull inward.  And you can do that if you don’t do it all week.  The challenge is to see that contemplation is fine if you look up and out to reorient to the positive.  If you find yourself going to far inward call a friend to take you out for a hot tottie or tea.  Love and laughter are the keys this week.

Sagittarius – Ten of Pentacles

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanYou are finishing out your birth month with the Ten of Pentacles or the prosperous kingdom card.  The coming year has the Magician calling for creation and the Hanged Man calling for new and unique perspectives.  All tens are summation cards so 2019 is a place where not only are you creating new and unique projects, traveling to new roads, but it is about enjoying your all that you have done to get to this place.  This week is your first step in seeing how prosperous your kingdom is.  Enjoy the bounty.

Capricorn – Two of Pentacles

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanIt’s a balancing act this week.  Balancing intake with outtake, rest and activities, food and water, society and solitude.  If you feel off kilter it is a sign to stop and ground yourself.  This is a good card to practice going into your birth month.

Aquarius – Two of Cups

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanTwo of Cups is the card of relationships.  Take time this week to have one on ones with people you love.  You need to reconnect with the people you hold dear.  The challenge is to truly be there with them.  This can be hard with the hectic holiday season, but it will fill your cup more than drain it. Think small intimate moments than grand gestures.

Pisces – Ten of Wands

Eiji Ohashi vending machines of JapanThe Ten of Wands is about putting too much on your plate because of a sense of obligation.  This week is more about doing a few things well, than doing a bunch of things half-ass.  The challenge is giving yourself a break. Lay down at least two of your to-dos on your list. You can pick them back up next week if they don’t fade away before that.

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

Nina

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Tarotcast for Week of December 2, 2019

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There are somewhere around 20,000 species of bees on Earth, and they are on every continent except the Antarctica. This fact made me wonder – What do bees do in the winter?  Honeybees which are social and live in hives have evolved a behavior called clustering. This behavior gets them and their queen through the winter.

Once the outside temperature drops to 55 degrees F, inside the hive the Honeybees huddle around the queen shivering and fluttering their wings to create heat.  At the core of the cluster temperatures range anywhere in the 80’s. The bees continually rotate their position so no bee gets to cold.  As the temperature falls the cluster becomes tighter and tighter.  The  bees live on the honey they have collected in the hive through out the summer. For Bumblebees, also social, the whole hive dies in the fall except for the Queen.  Her  fattened self digs a burrow, hides out for the winter and in the spring lays a whole new hive.

Solitary bees have evolved  two ways to make it through the winter. Either the female  lays her eggs in a nest full of pollen and nectar and seals it up for the winter.  Then she and the male die leaving  their eggs to hatch into larva and eat through the larder she has provided through the winter.   Or other both genders of solitary bee,  like the carpenter bee and other burrowing bees, find a nice dry place to cocoon away until spring.  These bees’ nests are underground, in your wood pile or they hollow out reeds and stems of dying plants.  So if you see a hole in your firewood about bee size don’t burn up that piece, or leave a few large stem plants to die off  in your garden for the winter, to give these bees a winter condo.

The photos in this article are photographed by Sam Droege a wildlife biologists.    See his series of photos he calls Eye Candy which shows the amazing diversity of  bee.   Below are just a few.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please share.

*Aries – Star

Bees photo by Sam Droege Last week the Death card asked you some hard questions like:  What cycles are you starting up again? What ideas or projects do you want to store and work on next year?  What do you want to let die or finish before spring?  The Star card continues the theme of introspection by adding the questions:  What do you need to heal, so you can move in to 2019 with a lighter load? And if you could hope for an outcome what would it be?

 

Taurus – Three of Wands

Bees photo by Sam Droege Last week the Strength card had you assess the hows and whys of your internal struggle to get things done.  This week the Three of Wands wants you to continue pondering those questions, but also would like you planning your focuses for the winter season.  What three things would you like to get done that will carry you into the spring of 2019?
Continue reading Tarotcast for Week of December 2, 2019 →

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Tarotcast for Week Of November 25, 2018

Ron Mueck Hyperrealism

Hyperrealism is the genre of painting or sculptures that resemble or portray real life and offshoot of photorealism.  Photorealism is a painting, drawings or other graphic medium in which an artist tries to replica a photograph.  These movements were born with Pop Art in the 60’s and 70’s.    Ron Mueck creates hyperrealism sculptures, and what sets him apart is his use of scale.

He grew up around dolls and puppets in his parents business, and became a model maker and puppeteer for children’s television, films such as Labyrinth and worked in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop.  Then in 1996 he started creating fine art sculptures. Mueck uses resin, fiberglass, silicone, and many other materials, constructing hyperrealistic likenesses of mostly human beings, while playing with scale. When asked why Mueck plays with size he said:  Life-size figures … never seemed to be interesting. We meet life-size people every day. Altering the scale makes you take notice in a way that you wouldn’t do with something that’s just normal.

It is interesting that this concept of scale with the human form resonates in our human psyche.  Take for instance, the TV show Land of the Giants or the stories Thumbelina, The Little Peach Boy, Gulliver’s Travels, Alice in Wonderland or as far back The Odyssey.  All of these stories have the theme of large and small.  Is it our biological fear of being prey that has us pondering size especially in contrast to us? When we play with scale particularly with our human form we end up observing things that are commonplace in a new way.  This is the beauty, awe and sometimes horror and disgust of looking through a magnifying glass, microscope or telescope.  Playing with scale not only has us observing the ordinary and everyday closer, but it also has us questioning our place in the Universe. And that is a great exercise with this kind of art.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please share.

 

*Aries – Death

Ron Mueck Hyperrealism The Death card is an appropriate as you head into the winter months.  This week has that feel of slow natural change that happens each season.  This card asks you questions like: What cycles are you starting up again? What ideas or projects do you want to store and work on next year?  What do you want to let die or finish before spring?  This week start mulling these questions in your head, so by winter Solstice you will have a good strategy and platform for 2019.

 

*Taurus – Strength

Ron Mueck Hyperrealism You are going to need your strength this week.  Not because the outside world is trying your patience, but this week is more about your internal struggle to get things done. This card wants you to assess how you hold yourself back.  Do you think you are not strong enough? Or are your opinions and expectations too strong?  Does your will power not let you rest or does it drag you down into inertia?  The Strength card shows up right before one needs to gather their strength to create momentum with the material goals in life. While the rest of us are hibernating, winter will be the perfect time for you all to kick ass, so use this time to garner your strength.
Continue reading Tarotcast for Week Of November 25, 2018 →

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Tarotcast for Week of November 11, 2018

Above and below are photographs by Christy Lee Rogers. Her style is reminiscent of Baroque paintings.  She, like the siren, lures her friends and family into a pool at night and submerges them with an array of sinuous fabrics.  Rogers has created a technique of using the refraction of light, water and movement to craft images that are lively with color and deep in complexity.

Her subjects show a sense of beauty and strength at the same time vulnerability and fragility that exemplifies the human condition.  She explains: What I want more than ever is to express and inspire hope and freedom, a sense of wonder and tranquility, to create a safe place to dream wildly, and most importantly to inspire the idea that there are still mysterious, impossibly beautiful things on Earth—not solely in our imaginations.

That is our challenge in life and especially in the arts is to bring forth and to light the beauty and mystery of our humanity.  This week be open to investigating the mystery and embodying the beauty that is uniquely human.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please share.

Aries – Ace of Swords

 

The Ace of Swords foretells that your mind is your best asset.  You are going to need your logic and wits about you this week.  This card’s advice is to cut through the malarkey and make decisions.

 

Taurus – Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles brings another week of focusing on building your net worth.  What you have going right now is a pretty good gig.  Keep at it and adding to it.
Continue reading Tarotcast for Week of November 11, 2018 →

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Tarotcast for the Week of November 4, 2018

Happy Birthday Scorpio.  The above is what I consider the cutest snake in the world; however it is venomous.  It is the tree dwelling bush viper found only in ancient rain forest of sub-Saharan Africa.

Scorpio is represented by a scorpion, eagle and/or phoenix, the only sign given multiple forms.  I sort of get the Scorpion part because of the constellation, but the personality of Scorpio and scorpions never really jived.  Scorpions are desert dwellers; Scorpio is a water sign.  Scorpions’ sting can cause death but don’t really portray Scorpios’ sexy and fun side. The sign of Scorpio also rules the underworld and transformation; though this is somewhat cover by the phoenix but it just doesn’t say scorpion. Scorpio is more than just the scorpion hence people attaching more animals real and imagined.

An animal that does jive better with Scorpio’s domains and personalities are snakes. Snakes can live in a variety of environments but they definitely can do water. ie: sea snakes, water moccasins, pythons etc… This portrays how Scorpios can fit in almost everywhere.  Snakes can be harbingers of death. However unlike scorpions, snakes are super sexy especially when they move. They also do the transformation and growth every time a snake sheds their skin.  Even if you look at the constellation you could easily see a snake instead of a scorpion. So what do you say Scorpios let’s change your animal to the snake. An animal that is as diverse as your own personality.

To help convince everyone I’m highlighting the adorable trend of Snakes in Hats which also proves my point how bad ass, funny and cute snakes like Scorpios can be all at the same time.

P.S. First a shout out if in US please use your right and privilege to vote.

PS.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please share.

Aries – Knights of Pentacles

Snakes in hatsLast week, the High Priestess challenged you to go within, find your center and then watch cycles.  This week the Knight of Pentacles has you take what you learned last week and turn outward applying it to what you are doing in the world.  This is a week were being practical is paramount.

 

Taurus – King of Pentacles

Snakes in hatsThe King of Pentacles is the doer and builder of the lower arcane.  Take that energy he brings to you expanding on work, projects and anything that has to do with the material plane.  Your only challenge is not to “bulldoze” anything into existence.  So be careful how and what you are treading on to get to get things done.
Continue reading Tarotcast for the Week of November 4, 2018 →

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Tarotcast for Week of October 28, 2018

Happy Halloween or Good tides for Samhain

My love for classic and cult horror films came from a TV show called Creature Features which aired every Saturday morning after cartoons. Creature Features was a title used by a variety of TV format shows that broadcasted on local stations all over the US throughout the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.  They usually had a host dressed in a costume or portraying a persona that introduced the movies, shared trivia or did some bits. The movies shown were generally classic and cult 1930’s to 50’s horror movies, horror/sci-fi films of the 50’s and 60’s, British horror films mostly by Hammer Productions, and Japanese “giant monster movies.”

Of course before these movies landed on TV they played in movie theaters and had film posters to match.  Classic Horror film posters are the most sought after posters and sell for big bucks. Though the artists behind them are not as famous as the movies, it is illustrators’, like Lang, Kulz, Grosz, and Froelich, whose images lured us into the dark.  Their time has come, for now the most expensive film posters sold at auction are horror posters from the late 20’s through 30’s. The top five are Metropolis, The Mummy, The Black Cat, Bride of Frankenstein and Dracula.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  Halloween is a great time for a reading.  Please share.

*Aries – High Priestess

The High Priestess comes into your life when you need to take your own counsel.  She challenges you to go within, find your center and then watch.  The answer lies within the cycles you see with your intuitive gaze. This can look as simple as pulling  back from a conversation when it feels a bit wonky and listen to what is really being said, or as complex as taking a retreat to find the keys to why your life isn’t really working the way you want it to.

 

Taurus – Four of Cups

This week you move from the material plane to the emotional one.  The Four of Cups challenges you to tune into how emotional wealthy you are right.  This is not a week to turn inward.  You have a lot of support and love in your life.  This week take notice, drink from your cups of plenty and say thanks.

 

Gemini – King of Swords

The King of Swords is the diplomat of the deck.  He also plays the long game.  This week it is important to be very aware of how you communicate and negotiate.  What you say this week reverberates through the end of this year and into the next.

 

Cancer – Two of Swords

The last two weeks the Fool challenged you to acknowledge and let go of the excess so you can pack lighter for the road ahead, and the Lovers challenged you to pick good companions for this journey.  This week the Two of Swords continues the theme with decision making. This card advises that which you pick isn’t the point but making the decision which is the key, or in other words, indecision is your foe this week.

 

*Leo – Chariot

The Chariot advises you to get out of the house.  Your soul is craving change and the open roads.  In the simplest form this can look like taking a long drive to cure your itchy feet.  In a more complex way make movement part of your life whether that is a joining an exercise class, changing jobs or moving to another state.  You need a change of scenery.

 

*Virgo – Justice

The energy level is running high for another week with the Justice card.  The last two weeks the theme was building and growing with Magician and Sun calling in new ideas and processes. This week Justice shows up and wanting you to balance the energy with the process of simplification.  Take each thing that you been creating and streamline it.

 

Libra – Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups is the card of dreams and imagination.  You will need to think outside the box this week, and to do so, your subconscious and imagination needs to run free.  I know this sounds counter intuitive, but the more you time you spend day dreaming the more you get done.

 

Scorpio – Seven of Swords

The Seven of Swords asks you to be careful by making sure you know the whys behind what you are doing this week.  Your thoughts and communication skills will be challenged.  This can come in a variety of forms.  This card advises you to stay true to your morals and if you are feeling challenged see if you can postpone the conversation or project until you can gain your composure and thoughts.

 

*Sagittarius – Death and the Eight of Swords

You all have the most Halloween like reading with Death and Eight of Swords, but no need to be spooked.  This week is just asking you to let go of limiting thoughts, so you can move with the organic change and growth that is happening in your life.  This is as simple as when confronted with a limitation or boundary or what seemly is a road block, take what looks like the darker and unfamiliar path.  It is the places that are dark and unknown that hold the secrets of fertilization and growth.

*Capricorn – World

The World card heralds moments of beginnings and ends.  Use this week’s big energy to finish off projects and start the investigation of new opportunities.  Don’t worry you don’t have to commit to any doors you walk into.  This week is more like walking in and trying out as many doors/environments/projects that you can.  This can look as simple as finishing off 3 to-do items and then celebrating by going to a new restaurant for a new food experience, or as complex as sending out your resume to a bunch of jobs and see if anyone bites.

 

Aquarius – Eight of Pentacles

Last week, the Wheel said your fortune was changing. What came last week was a gift no matter its packaging, and your challenge was to see what you would do with this gift.  Now the Eight of Pentacles takes that gift and challenges you to work on it by refining your skills, and finding your flow.  They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, so practice, practice, practice.

 

Pisces – Page of Swords

The last two weeks the High Priestess challenged to sync yourself with your life-path, and the World challenge you to close old doors and open new ones. The Page of Swords says you need more information to continue moving forward. So it is time to get out your Sherlock hat and keep your ear to the ground.  Information abounds this week you just need to find it.

 

 

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

Nina

Tarotcast

Tarotcast for Week of October 21, 2018

Kito Fujio

With my ode to macabre this month, I highlight another photographer, Kito Fujio, who brings the spooky into childhood places of play.  This series is about the cement-molded play equipment in many playgrounds of Japan.  He shoots these at night with his unique lighting which gives these places of fun a more ominous or alien tone.

The design idea that drives many of these cement pieces are based on Isamu Noguchi playground designs. Noguchi was an artist of varied talents, though many of his playground designs never made it through the red-tape of government.  His idea about playground design was to make a place where children were introduced to the basic shapes and the concept of in, out, up, down and around.  As he said “I think of playgrounds as a primer of shapes and functions; simple, mysterious, and evocative; thus educational.”  Isamu Noguchi last design before his death was  Morenuma Park, which is a conversion of an old landfill into a beautiful and awe-inspiring nod to nature and shape.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  Halloween is a great time for a reading.  Please share.

Aries – Page of Swords

Kito FujioThe Page of Swords comes to advise that you need to uncover information that is hard to find without inquiry and a bit of sleight of hand.  The Page of Swords is the card of the spy.  So some sleuth work is needed before you make any decision or move forward this week.

 

Taurus – Two of Pentacles

Kito FujioThe past two weeks the World wanted you to finish up the old to create room for new, and then the Lovers card wanted you to start creating with others.  Now the energy shifts to the Two of Pentacles, the card of balance and juggling.  This card advises you to juggle just two things this week and get very secure with your balance between these two items before you add another item or project into your hands.

 

Gemini – Page of Cups

Kito FujioThe Page of Cups comes when you need to be reminded about the joy in life. This card wants you to see, hear, and touch with the senses of a child.  This is week get out your coloring books, Playdough, Legos, or your favorite toy and play.

 

*Cancer – Lovers

Kito FujioLast week, the Fool challenged you to acknowledge and let go of the excess so you can pack lighter for the road ahead.  The Lovers continues this theme. Its challenge is for you to pick companions on this journey.  Take this week to make sure the ones around you support you.  This can be as simple as making sure you have the right people to work on a project or as complex as evaluate the broader community around you. Your motto:  Love is my guide.

 

Leo – Queen of Swords

Kito FujioLast week, the Empress wanted you to find something that you truly love doing and do it bigger and better.  The Queen of Swords continues this theme but has you hone in on the strategic part of your plan. This week stay in your mind and plan than worry about actions of the future.

 

*Virgo – Sun

Kito FujioThe theme continues with more building and growing with the Sun, last week the Magician called in new ideas and processes to continue building on what you started. This week the Sun not only continues this theme but ignites it with energy.  Your challenge is how to harness this energy and use it like a laser. Your motto: Keep growing and expanding.

 

Libra – Ace of Pentacles

Kito FujioThe Ace of Pentacles is the last card of your birth month and declares this year as a year of planting seeds for projects to grow until 2020.  So take this week to figure out what seeds you want to plant and tend in your garden for the coming year.

 

Scorpio – King of Wands

Kito FujiioThe King of Wands challenges you this week to be more creative and passionate about what you are doing.  The conundrum comes when what you do brings no passion into your life. If this is so then this week might be the time to make some changes in what rules your daily life.

 

Sagittarius – Four of Cups

Kito FujioThe Four of Cups is the card of disenchantment or not seeing what is offered is pretty darn spectacular and ultimately what you feel is missing.  The challenge with this card is getting into and enjoying the rhythm of the everyday emotional tides or currents.  By seeing the paradox of stability in motion or ” emotional flow” and then devoting yourself to it  gives you the last piece of your puzzle. Motto: In the ordinary I see the extraordinary.

 

Capricorn – Knight of Pentacles

Kito FujioThe Knight of Pentacle is the card of methodical and thoughtful movement. The challenges with this card are pace and the movement forward.  This week all your activities should move you forward at a slow and steady pace.  If they are not this is the week to get rid of or adjust them so they do.

 

*Aquarius – Wheel

Kito FujioThe Wheel is the card of change of karma and fate.  When this card shows up it means this is a turning point in your life that no matter what it feels like your fortune is changing. The challenge with this card is to see the only control you have is to spin the wheel.  You cannot control the spin or pick the price.  What comes this week is your gift how you use it is up to you.  Your motto:  Doesn’t hurt to try.

 

*Pisces – World

Last week, the High Priestess challenged you to pull into your inner-scape and plug into your intuition; you will be able to sync yourself with your life path. Now we know why, the World has shown up to challenge you to close old doors and open new ones. You got the World almost to the date last month, so you get another crack at it. This week take this energy and finalize some old projects or people and at the same time go out and look for new projects or people.  The World wants to help your challenge is you will need to go to new haunts to greet it. Your motto:  I am open to the new.

 

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

Nina