This week’s artist is Kerry James Marshall. @kerryjamesmarshs Marshall is an artist and professor best known for his mix media portraits of Black America especially around themes and depictions that have been historically omitted from the American and Western Art history. A mission he calls the “counter-archive” of the painting of black subjects. ‘Part of what I’m doing in my work is about attending to this absence of black representation in the historical narrative. But the question is always then, when you put black people in a picture, what should they be doing?’
Marshall answers this question in two ways ideologically and technically. Ideologically he shows black people going about their day, creating “a sense of simple presence.” ‘Part of my project is to escape this kind of imperative that everything you do as a black person is always about lack. That there’s never a moment in which you have simple pleasure – where you’re just there, where you’re just simply being. And your being is not fraught with all these other layers of historical meaning.’ Though in some of his paintings like The Garden Projects (see Aries and Pisces below) shows us the conundrum between the history of black people in America and his mission.
Technically, he plays with the color black chromatically. First in the choice of saturation and then his use of varying shades of black placed masterfully next to each other. ‘If you looked at the palette, I was using you’d think, “Well, that’s black, black and black next to each other.” And they don’t look so different. But when I use them in a painting next to each other, the differences become more apparent. Because the iron oxide black is inherently red. And if you stack that on top of carbon black, it obviously looks red. Or I’ll mix in cobalt blue, a chrome oxide green, an earth tone like raw umber or yellow umber. What I’m doing is changing the temperature, from cool to warm and warm to cool.” Not only is his art a master class in color theory and painting but it also makes the viewer think about the color black and how we visually see it in the world.
Your pondering for the week: What is color?What does each color mean to you?And then when you apply it to a person’s skin does that change its context or that person?
Solar System highlights
This week begins with a new moon in Pisces on Monday – perfect for daydreaming and wandering in the realms of the unconscious and spirit. On Wednesday it moves into Aries – a great time to start projects. Then on Friday through the weekend the moon is in Taurus – perfect for working or playing in the outdoors.
Mercury (communication and knowledge) has now moved into Aquarius (innovation and society) – a great time to talk about personal and social change. This should also help Mars in Gemini’s lessons. For 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.
Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Pisces until Wednesday, so we move from going with the flow to Aries firing up our passion and pushing us to action. Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 16, 2023 – great for manifestation, expansion, and action. And lastly, Saturn (structures) spends its last weeks in Aquarius until March 7th – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.
PS. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Pisces this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Virgo it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check in now is the time. and I have a new tip jar if you want to leave a gratuity for the weekly forecasts.
May light be on you, around you, and within you. Happy Solstice no tarotcast next week so I’ll “see” you all in 2023.
Nina
Aries
Kerry James Marshall The Garden Projects series
Five of Fire – The unruly currents are still around this week. Where last week was more anticipatory challenges, this week you are faced with known challenges. However, you have the Muse of Chaos to guide you through this turbulent time. Her advice is to take your ego out of the mix. Some chaos you cannot control but what you can manage is your headspace and your ability to ride them out. You have done these tasks before; they are more bothersome than detrimental. So, get out your soul surfboard, calm your mind and ride the waves.
Taurus
Kerry James Marshall, School of Beauty
Seven of Earth – This week is the perfect combination of work and rest. The Muse of Satisfaction reminds you that the rest after labor can be more satisfying than lazy days’ rest. She advises that after each focused exertion to equally attend to the blissful moments that that this work has gotten you to.
Gemini
Kerry James Marshall
Seven of Air – The Muse of Small Steps advises you to simplify your projects into bite size pieces. By seeing this week incrementally, you are more likely to gain success than by aiming for a broader goal. Put on your metaphorical “reader glasses” and focus on the minutia.
Cancerian
Ace of Earth – This is a great week to start a project, plant something, look for a new way to make money, or learn a new skill. The Muse of Material Beginnings is here to help organize and fertilize this new project or skillset.
Leo
Kerry James Marshall
King of Earth – Another productive energy week for you. The Muse of Construction comes to help you move a project to the next phase. However, this is not a fly by the seat of your pants kind of week. The key to this energy is knowing the inventory of the resources needed to do so. Take time at the beginning of the week to gather what is needed.
Virgo
Kerry James Marshall Slow Dance
Queen of Earth – The Muse of the Senses would like you to enjoy yours this week. Her assignment is to find ways to luxuriate in each sense. So, indulge in saturating smells, sensualizing sight, enchanting your ears, and titillating your tastebuds and touch.
Libra
Queen of Fire – The Muse of Practicality advises that it is time to stop theorizing and go do it. You may have been sitting on an idea or project and this energy is heralding that the time is ripe for action. Go make things happen.
Scorpio
Kerry James Marshall
*Magician – The Muse of Manifestation would like you to conjure something from your imagination into reality. You have all the tools necessary for this invocation. The only caveats are that you will need a connection to the divine and the Force of Will to make it happen. So, declutter your mind from the “what ifs” so you have a clear link to your imagination and begin creating.
Sagittarius
Kerry James Marshall
Queen of Water – The Muse of Fun is here with you this week. This energy usually comes when life has become mundane, and you are finding yourself in an endless repeating cycle of wake-work-sleep. She recommends finding time to frolic throughout this week. She wants you to reconnect with the real meaning of life – finding your joy.
Capricorn
Kerry James Marshall
*Chariot – The Muse of Movement is here to help you focus. This week supplies tons of to-dos and luckily the universe is giving you the gas to make a run of it. However, it is solely up to you to have a direction, route, and do all the driving. So, before this week starts make sure you have mapped out what needs to be done and where you need to go, or you will be doing metaphorical donuts in the parking lot. And she reminds you rest stops are necessary for any trip so plan those in too.
Aquarius
Kerry James Marshall
Six of Earth – The Muse of the Ripple Effect has come to visit this week. She comes when you need to be mindful of how you are treating people. As a sign, you all are uber-conscious of being respectful in society; however, this week it is important to bring that mindful kindness to the folks closer to you. You might find it hard to connect because your mind is elsewhere. But it would be beneficial to create moments of intimacy and connection not only for your people, but it will ground you too.
Pisces
Kerry James Marshall The Garden Projects Series
Five of Earth – This week comes with some challenges, but the Muse of Refuge is here to help you. First, she reminds you that you are not alone, but you will have to put some effort into connecting with people. Secondly, she reminds you that all of humanity deals with challenges and hardships, so your difficulty is not unique. She is not trying to diminish your feelings. But she just doesn’t want you to isolate yourself while you are having them. The big lesson with the challenges you will face this week is seeing that people have your back if you let them.
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
*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
*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
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
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
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
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
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.
It’s that time again. Every Winter Solstice to New Years, I reflect on what has been and plan for what is to be. Also, I’m data geek. I keep excel sheets collecting data points from the tarotcast’s cards that each sign gets throughout the year. So, this tarotcast is dedicated to our rearview mirror of 2022.
I look at the data in two ways, how many times each card was pulled (for anomalies) and what the actual cards were for each sign (trends). For fun I want to see if the data shows some statistical difference and or trends, and so far, it has. This means that certain cards get pulled outside the average (which this year the average is 8 times). Now, to be truly scientific I would have to do this for many years. I am only on year seven, but let’s see how this works with the data I have so far. (You can see a year in review for 2016 , 2017 , 20182019, 2020, 2021). Also, some of you had asked why I include the tarot card’s name. I do this for my readers that want to learn more about tarot, so for you all that just want the trends, skip over the card names.
Gazing in the Rear-view Mirror
First, I look at overall anomalies or card pulls outside the norm: This is a look through a societal lens. This year the most pulled cards were the Fool and Moon in the Higher Arcane and Four of Swords and the Pages as a group in the Lower Arcane.
The Fool herald of new beginnings, leaps of faith and clean slates. Examples of this are the generational change in leadership with the Democratic party in the house. Or more generally we all were coming out of pandemic with new ideas about how we wanted to come back into society. Many of us have jumped into new lives or come back into society. This could be done foolishly or with wisdom this was part of the challenge with this energy. Either we learned from mistakes and successes of the past and brought them forward into our new life or we unconsciously and foolishly stepped into something that does not align with our aligned path – jumping in with ego or because of fear. An example of that more foolish behavior is Elon Musk buying Twitter and the way he is cleaning house. A more positive aspect is the Great Resignation in the US, where employees were leaving their jobs to find or demand better opportunities.
The Moon was another card we saw a lot. The most recent example is NASA launching its first rocket back to the moon. But the Moon is also about emotions and brings out hidden or repressed aspects of our subconscious. These reflections of our subconscious can be the thing of dreams or nightmares. This year has had a sense of feeling raw, exposed. The moon has revealed our various prejudices and fears reflected in our society, especially around femininity. Sadly, we see this with more hate crimes and laws against trans-people and women around the world. Like the overturning of Roe, the laws in Texas outlawing gender affirming medical treatment, the protest in Iran around women having choice to wear a hijab, to name a few. The lesson with this Muse is society needs to have our collective subconscious revealed, like a wave pulling back exposing the shore. So, we can work to see what lies underneath the waves of emotion and heal it if necessary. The beauty is in the knowing that the tide will shift once again; the life-giving waters of our emotions will return and hopefully to healthier cleaner shores.
The Four of Swords advises us that rest and restoration is needed. Often this is around technology, and we have seen this with examples like the lower subscriptions in Netflix, people want to pull back from working over 40 hours, wanting a reasonable pay rate. But it also says how we easily tire and feel exhausted more this year even though some of the stressors of the past two years have toned down.
Pages are the cards of learning. And all the signs participated in this learning, creativity, and innovating process. However, again like the Fool above, pages can bring with them a sense of naiveté and at times foolishness. If you worked with these Muses well, you had lessons around being humble and learning from others. If not, there were lessons in our mistakes.
The lowest card pulls for the year are places where we did not have enough support from the Universe. The lowest card was the 9 of Cups- only pulled once this year. This card’s energy is around the lessons of feeling satisfied or content – the universe didn’t give us any help in this area. So even though we want the rest of the Four of Swords above we needed to fight for it. Then we had some ties for the next tier, cards pulled twice, the Wheel, Judgement, 10 of Cups and the King of Swords. So not really supported were the Wheel, so we saw sort of the same old same old. Judgement the card of evolution again no big jumps in creating a new world. Ten of Cups which is that big joy and happiness card was hard to find. And lastly the King of Swords so it has been hard to make or even clearly see long-term plans.
That is the big societal trends. And below in the cast are the trends within each sign in comparison to the norm. Art is some of my favorites for the year.
Solar System highlights until the end of the Year
This week the moon starts in Scorpio- prioritize your passion and heart. On Wednesday it moves into Sagittarius, reveling in freedom and adventure. Friday we have a new Moon in Capricorn, make wishes for what you would like to materialize in 2023. On Sunday the 25th the moon moves into Aquarius, great for community spirit. On Tuesday it moves into Pisces – spend time relaxing and daydreaming. And on Thursday into the new year the moon is in Aries great for beginnings.
Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) for the rest of the year so we can get a lot done through conversations if you can compromise. Venus (beauty and harmony) is also Capricorn – where spending our resources wisely is highlighted.
Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023. This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2. Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk 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. Jupiter (growth) is in Aries until May 24, 2023 – great for manifesting, 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. Capricornthis is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Readingfor 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
Lucia Heffernan
This year compared to other signs was a very energetically charged for you all. You were one of the two signs that had the most karmic cards, and you had the most at 20 karma cards pulled. Each month you had at least 2 highly charged weeks where you dealt with karma and learned big lessons. Except for the months of April and August where you had none and could take a breather. Also, during this year, you had three major energies on rinse and repeat. The Devil, where learnt lessons were re-tested and you needed to stand up for your moral ground. The Chariot, if change was going to happen this year, it was up to you alone. You and Taurus had the most knights(momentum) cards than other signs. So, the Universe supplied gas for your tank but no help in direction. And this is where the third theme came in if you didn’t have a direction then the Universe put up blockades until you did. So, take these next two weeks to relax, you deserve it.
Taurus
My Miss America Ernie Barnes
Unlike last year where you had the highest karmic cards in comparison to other signs, this year you had the average amount. However, unlike the other signs you did not partake at all in getting rest/restoration into your regime, for you never got the 4 of swords (rest and restoration). And you and Aries had the most knights (movement) cards pulled compared to other signs. Then to add to it, throughout the year you were pushing for new beginnings, being one of the two signs with the most Aces (new beginnings) pulled. From the start of 2022 to the beginning of April you were busy deconstructing and finishing up projects. The rest of the year was a study in manifesting, healing, emotions, balance, and ending the year with multiple occasions fighting for justice and balnce. Even though feminine energy was not supported by the universe you took up the sword and fought for it in various ways: learning from women, lots of conversations, as well of action steps. Try to spend this last part of the year reflecting on what you have learned from all those that identify with feminine energy, how you can spread what you have learned into 2023, and above all else, REST.
Gemini
Boyton Close 2020 Gilbert & George
Where in 2021 you had the lowest big energy to deal with but the highest in new beginnings compared to other signs, this year you fell into the average ranges for both. And like most of us, this was a year you took a deep dive into emotions and played with taking a leap of faith by the end of the year. But first you began 2022 focusing on increasing your strength (inner and outer) and aligning with your purpose. By the end of spring and throughout the summer themes of closure, healing, letting go, collaboration, communication, and finding balance were the aspects you were investigating. However, at the end of the year you took on the big themes of deconstruction, fairness, and clean slates. Overall, you had the most 5s compared to other signs. Fives represent chaos, so even though you had the average pull for karmic endeavors, 2022 still had elements of hecticness. So, for the next two weeks continue that investigation of what isn’t working and creating a balance so you can start 2023 with that new but calmer journey you have been asking for.
Cancerian
Shirin Neshat
You had the average amount of karmic energy cards this year compared to other signs. Though you had more 8s than other signs throughout the year. Eights mean refine and release, so you were working with those energies too all year. Until May, you were dealing with the concept of mixology or blending. How to find the perfect mix of the four planes of existence: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Then in May, June, and July like Taurus you took a deep dive into the feminine structures and inner strength; however, unlike everyone else who did it through their emotions you did it through the Empress. So, the acts against LGBTQ+, and female rights that were a deep dive psychologically for most were a place to create community, growth, and action for you. However, by August and into November you were wobbling between distraction vs divine attunement, anarchy vs order, and structures vs deconstruction. Finally, you end the year with a bright note and realigning with your purpose. Take these last two weeks of the year creating reminders of what truly brings you joy and purpose, so you can use them as your north stars for 2023.
Leo
The Eclipse Alma Thomas
You all had the second highest amount of karmic energy cards this year compared to other signs. And you came in with the second most 7s than other signs. Sevens are the cards that focus on expansion and contraction. So, you often felt dueling aspects of introvertism and extrovertism throughout 2022. Though January started off slow, by February you started dealing with the duality of death/manifestation and structure/deconstruction. These are themes you revisited two more times during this year. And like most of the signs you also had to deep dive into your emotions and clean slates. You are now ready to move on from your inner work towards being back into society. Take the next couple of weeks to continue that theme of letting others back into your life, so that 2023’s topics become more about being social and creative collaboration than being pushed and pulled between introvert and extrovert.
Virgo
Djakou Kassi Nathalie
You had the average amount of karmic energy cards this year compared to other signs. Though you did have more 4s pulled. Fours are the lessons around stability. So, you were working with that energy all year. And like most of us, you also took deep dives into emotions and started looking for new experiences. However, you interspersed those with the themes of creation, growth, goal setting, collaboration, and exploring opportunities. And you did it in your thorough Virgonian way by taking on only one big energy each month. Which is interesting how the year is ending for you with two big concepts around evolution, and self-propulsion. It is like you are on the cusp of evolving into the next better version of you. So, take the next two weeks storing up momentum and designing plans for version youdot2023.
Libra
Shantell Martin
You all were dealt the average amount of karmic energy this year compared to the other signs. Like most of us, this was a year of deep diving into emotions and starting something new. However, you all decided to take on the most diverse number of karmic themes, and unlike the other signs except for Taurus you did not partake in getting rest/restoration into your regime. Instead, you explored ideas around evolution, balance, perspective, inertia, collaboration, inner strength, opportunities, manifestation, deconstruction, building and growth. Whew! So, it may be best if you spend the next two weeks reflecting on what you want to bring into 2023 and recharging your batteries. You have been very busy, and it is time for you to let go of control and take a break.
Scorpio
Anna Fusco Good requires very little
This year you all were dealt the average amount of karmic energy compared to the other signs. And like most of us, this was a year of deep diving into your emotions and starting something new. Though you started and finished the year respectively with those themes. You also revisited the concept of self-propulsion versus inertia throughout the year. Having to provide most of the energy and direction or being stop completely in your tracks. That means you spent most of the year driving the bus or being stuck in proverbial traffic. Not to mention you tied with Gemini for the most 5s pulled for the signs. Fives help us find ways to deal with and around chaos. And then between all of that you also worked with the karmic energies of inner strength, structure, building, manifestation, and collaboration. Only slowly down somewhat in the past few weeks. So, I suggest continuing this focus on slowing down and simplifying. Take the next two weeks to rest and enjoy the ending of 2022 and work on what you need to bring more calm and joy into 2023.
Sagittarius
Berenice Abbott
You all were dealt the average amount of karmic energy compared to the other signs this year. And like most of us, 2022 was a deep dive into your emotions and starting something new. However, you spread your lessons out, one at the beginning, the middle and again at the end of 2022. Also, you delved into ideas around purpose and growth twice this year. Where you stood out from the other signs is you had the most Pages and 2s. Pages are the muses of learning, and you learn from all four realms: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, especially from the summer on. And 2-cards are lessons on balancing in all the 4 realms also. So going into next year you are more stable and sure-footed. Take these next two weeks to consider what you have learned this year, especially around balance and equity and take that information into 2023.
Capricorn
Debora Lombardi
Happy Birthday Month! You all had an average year in karmic energies compared with the other signs in 2022. And like most of us, this was a year of deep diving into emotions and starting new projects or journey with a leap of faith. Though you started and finished the year respectively with those themes. However, unlike last year which had a high learning curve, this year was just about gathering information to deepen your knowledge base. Your other karmic themes were moderation, manifestation, self-propulsion, building, deconstruction, and organic change. However, the trend that stood out for your sign was you all pulled the most 6s. Sixes represent exchange. So, there was a lot of back and forth this year of ideas, emotion, and physical resources. You ended the year with World card meaning doors are opening in 2023. Spend the next two weeks making sure your resources are in the green, so you can step fully equipped into whatever is opening up for you in 2023.
Aquarius
Beyte Saar Legends in Blue
You all had an average year in karmic energies compared with the other signs in 2022. And like most of us, this was a year of deep diving into your emotions and starting something new, but you all waited until mid-2022 to start in on these themes. It is not that you weren’t busy because you were. You took on a new karmic theme each month. Themes like structure, luck, collaboration, purpose, fairness, inertia, opportunities, and manifestation. And this year you all have specifically been dealing with the squaring of Saturn and Uranus a bit more than the rest of us. Which showed up by being one of two of the signs having a lot of 5s pulled. Five means chaos or disarray, and the lessons are around learning how to deal with or avoid them So, you haven’t been able to be as free flowing as you innately are. However, Saturn will be leaving your sign and this configuration fully by March of 2023. Freedom is on the horizon for all you water bearers. So, take these two weeks to ponder what you would like to do when the chains of Saturn release you.
Pisces
Mu Pan
You all were dealt the average amount of karmic energies compared with the other signs in 2022. However, you are the only sign that didn’t deal with the big themes of diving into your emotions or taking a leap of faith or new adventure. The themes you explored are inner strength, manifestation, collaboration, building onto what you have, focus, moderation, hermiting, inertia, purpose, and healing. You also had the most 7s than other signs. Sevens are the cards that focus on expansion and contraction. And you took that hermiting/contraction a bit to the extreme by being the sign with the lowest number of court cards. Court cards represent people, and you had your doors locked to newcomers. But you have ended the year pondering what is next and how to get back into the swing of things. In the final two weeks of 2022, it is vital that you continue working with this theme. Because you will need a road map and destination plotted out for the coming year, and more importantly travel companions.
To finish out this year of artists, I highlight another “unknown” woman that came out of the Bauhaus movement, Germaine Krull. Krull was a pioneer in the fields of avant-garde photomontage, photographic books, and photojournalism. She is best known for documenting the industrial revolution of the 1920s and 30’s and bringing her aesthetic approach to it. She created 64 photos and called the series Metal. Instead of documenting industrialization by focusing on the entire structure, skylines, or machinery, she captured pivotal perspectives and detailed views that has us focusing on the aesthetic of these modernizations. Her images concentrate on the curve of a road or the curve of a building. Disconnecting our perspective from the entire object by connecting us to its design, marvel, and beauty.
Her photojournalism of prostitution and homelessness also was a marriage of documentation, social commentary, and art. She has the viewer looking down at the unhoused or straight at the illicit underground. Even her portraits are focused on parts of the person and shot at angles that increase the intimacy of her images. We can see through her photographs that Krull wants us to expand our perspective. To search for new viewpoints, glimpse intimately at our world and find the flow and beauty of its varying configurations.
Your pondering for the week: Take time to look at your world through an engaged lens. See the exquisiteness in the detail of it.
Solar Systems Highlights
This week the moon starts in Leo, your time to shine. On Wednesday it moves into Virgo, prioritize and organize through the end of the work week. And for the weekend the moon is in Libra, great for holiday gatherings and focusing on relationships. Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Capricorn (work and discipline) for the rest of the year so we can get a lot done through conversations if you can compromise. Venus (beauty and harmony) is also Capricorn – where spending our resources wisely is highlighted.
Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023. This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2. Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk 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. Jupiter (growth) is in Pisces wanting us to dream big and explore what makes us zing for one more week. And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your everyday life is its intention.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Sagittarius this is a perfect time to get an 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.
May light be on you, around you, and within you,
Nina
Aries
Germaine Krull
Four of Wands – The Muse of Happy Home advises getting your home cozy, ready for the holidays and the end of the year. She asks when you walk into your house do you feel a sense of relief. If not, what do you need to add tweak, or eliminate to create more comfort into your home? It could be on the physical plane like more holiday lights, or it could be on the creative or vibe plane changing the color or using design accents to create a more soothing palate.
Taurus
Germaine Krull
Six of Wands – The Muse of Jubilation is here to remind you that you have a lot to be proud and grateful for. She advises you to acknowledge and celebrate your victories this week. And she warns to be careful of not moving on to the next thing or worrying about the future -stay in the now. This week is very much about enjoying what you have reaped this year.
Gemini
Germaine Krull
*Fool – This week marks you are halfway through your birth year and the Muse of Beginnings is wanting you to clean the slate and start afresh. She asks how you can be more spontaneous and open to new possibilities in the next 6 months? She would like you to follow your spirit more than your intellect and this is the week is the beginning of this practice. It can be as simple as taking a new way home or as complex as finding a way to travel to distant shores.
Cancerian
Germaine Krull
Nine of Wands – The Muse of Preparedness would like you to spend this week checking to see if your resources are topped off and if not time to restock. This can be your pantry or your spirit that needs replenishing. Look around and see what projects you might have dangling that are sapping your energy. This is the week to get something off your plate and/or restocking for future energy uses.
Leo
Germaine Krull
Eight of Coins – The Muse of Productivity comes with shots of expresso to help you get things done. She advises to do one action step at a time. This is not time to focus on the big picture but just on the task in front of you. If your neurodivergent tendency takes you off track, this muse advises to make a list and do the easiest or most important part first. Once you get momentum going you will be hard to stop. And remember if you’re tired, take a controlled timed break.
Virgo
*Chariot – Last week the Muses asked if you could transform or liberate one thing in your life, what would it be? I hope you pondered this question for the Muse of Momentum is here to get things moving on it. This Muse gives you energy, but you need to supply the direction. So, if you did not do last week’s pondering, start there before moving forward. Being directionless this week will leave you doing figure eights in the parking lot. They are fun but fruitless. So find your “north star” and head out.
Libra
Germaine Krull
Eight of Swords – This week your thoughts can bind you into feelings of apathy. The Muse of Bondage reminds you that some of these thought constructs are not even your own or ones that no longer work for you. Now is the time to let go of non-relevant survival skills and thoughts. By letting go of the chains of the past you can walk unburdened and energized into the future.
Scorpio
Germaine Krull
Queen of Cups – The Muse of Sparkle is here to put some vim in your vigor. She advises you to add a bit of spice into your outer appearance and actions to show your inner love of life. This could be adding a sensual component to your wardrobe, wearing a new scent, adding glitter to all your holiday cards, or just wishing everyone you meet a great day. You are magical this week and this Muse would like you to share your delight and possibly a little playful mischievousness with others.
Sagittarius
Germaine Krull
Knight of Wands – Your third energy for this birth-year is the Muse of Adventure. This year the Muses guide you to be in the right place at the right time. Your timing is perfect if you follow your instinct and open the doors to adventure. Even if you are stalled, there is a reason for the layover. This is not a year to push things through. Just find your intuitive seat and ride the wave.
Capricorn
Germaine Krull
*World – The Muse of Endings and Beginnings advises using this month to finish some projects, so new projects have a place to land. This can be as simple as cleaning off your desk or inbox. Or as complicated as clearing your calendar for two weeks around your birthday so you can think. The more space you make available, the bigger the blank canvas is to create on. She also reminds you to leave a portion of this blank space for the seeding of future opportunities.
Aquarius
Germaine Krull
*High Priestess – The Muse of Intuition comes to hone your skill in acknowledging and following your instinct more than rationalization. As an air sign you often get lost in thoughts. This week is no exception, but this Muse would like you to rely on your hunches more than logic. Your gut is way more helpful than your brain in navigating the now.
Pisces
Germaine Krull
Ace of Coins – This week’s energy encourages new beginnings on the material plane. It is a great week to invest, start new projects, and figure out your financials before the new year. The Muses advise to write out a list of all that you would like to materialize on the physical plane- think job, money, physical environment, and resources in the coming year. And watch for opportunities because it may be possible to start planting the seeds for one of the things on your list this week.
Peter’s dwarf epauleted fruit bat (Micropteropus pusillus)
Continuing the theme of October and eeriness we turn from Art to the animal world, specifically, bats. There are over 1,400 bat species worldwide. You can find them everywhere but within the Artic and Antarctic circles. Bats’ order, Chiroptera, composes about 20% of all mammal species. They are classified into two groups, basically megabats and microbats. Megabats eat fruit, nectar or pollen and do not use echolocation. Where microbats do use echolocation and eat mostly insects but also fruit, nectar, pollen, fish, frogs, small mammals and 3 species eat blood. Making bats essential to ecology as pollinators and a natural from of insect management. Even though bats are vital in suppressing mosquito-borne diseases, they can carry rabies and other pathogens, so it is important not handle them in the wild. Bats can have a long life spanning up to 40 years. Most are nocturnal though they predominately hunt around dawn and dusk.
Depending on the culture bats are seen as protectors or associated with evil. For example, the Creek, Cherokee and Apache see them as a trickster. In the European culture they are associated with witchcraft, vampires, and death. Shakespeare has the Weird Sisters in Macbeth using fur of a bat in their brew. And of course, there is Bram Stroker’s Dracula. The bat is sacred in Tonga seen as a detached soul. In ancient Mesoamerica a bat god presided over fertility and corn. And in China five bats symbolize the five blessing: longevity, prosperity, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death. I personally find many bats cute, so above and below you will see my favorite flying fur balls.
Your pondering for the week: If you could be any animal what would you choose? Why?
Solar Systems Highlights
The Moon continues in Libra, so the focus is still on relationships. By Tuesday it moves into Scorpio, a new moon and a solar eclipse, so it is a perfect time to reignite your passions. On Thursday the moon moves into Sagittarius time to expand your boundaries, and then for the weekend it moves into Capricorn so try not to take your work home with you.
Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra (relationships), to help you smooth some of the snafus that Mars is churning up. Venus (beauty and harmony) has moved into Scorpio highlighting your sex life and all things that make you “shiver with anticipation.” Mars (action) is in Gemini (communication and knowledge), until March 25th, 2023. This is a 7-month stopover instead of it’s usually 1-2. Mars is pushing us to truthfully, talk our walk. The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off. So, it also has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction. Jupiter is in Aries; it supports activity and expansion until October 28th. Then it moves into Pisces wanting us to dream big and explore. And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its intention.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Scorpio this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Taurus it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.
May light be on you, around you, and within you,
Nina
Aries
Eastern red bat (Lasiurus boralis)
Page of Wands – Last week you got the Muse of Manifestation gifting you divine inspiration, but the work was up to you to bring it to life. This week the Muse of Creativity would like to help continue your conjuring. However, she advices to push your creativity and experimentation farther. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take the sage advice of Thomas Edison: I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.
Taurus
Pied Bat (Niumbaha superba)
Eight of Cups – Last week the Muse of Structure was advising that now is the time to tidy up your space, schedule and how you do things to make them more efficient. The Muse of Simplification continues this energy by asking you to streamline your daily activities and minimalize the stuff around you. This can look as simple as clean your desk or go through you junk drawer/closet and get rid of stuff. Clutter in any form is not your friend this week.
Gemini
Canyon Bat Parastrellus hesperus
King of Coins – The Muse of Finance is here pushing you to get your monies in order. Take this week to balance your checkbook, add to your savings account, pay off more on your credit cards. You need to gain a realistic perspective of your assets and your debts. So, you can responsibly finance your wants in the coming months.
Cancerian
Bumblebee bat – Craseonycteris thonglongyai – smallest bat
Page of Cups – The Muse of Playfulness comes when you need to be less goal oriented and bring more delight into your life. Now this muse emphasis that joy often comes with more socializing, curiosity, and openness to change perspective. It can be as simple as, if you find yourself on the couch, move to the floor, asking more why questions, or playing games with your loved ones. Let your inner child free-range this week.
Leo
Desert long eared bat Otonycteris_hemprichii
*Death – The Muse of Organic Change comes with her spade and sickle in hand. You are ready for change to happen but before it does you have to pull some weeds and ready the soil. Take time this week to get rid of emotions, thoughts or things that are no longer needed. And then clean the physical space, calm your mind, and/or do a simple detox for your body (Epsom salt bath or sauna).
Virgo
Golden Crown Flying Fox Acerodon_jubatus_ Biggest bat
Queen of Coins – This week you need to pleasantly pamper yourself. The Muse of Pleasure asks you how you compensate yourself, when you work as hard as you do? When you indulge, do you feel good about it? Or if you don’t, why do you work so hard if you are not reaping some benefit? If you cannot give yourself some compensation for your hard work, then something is amiss with the work or your concept of deserving. You might have to start fixing that first if that is the case. Either way you still need to find a healthy way to treat yourself this week.
Libra
Greater False Vampire Bat (Megaderma_lyra)
Four of Wands- The Muse of Happy Home is wanting you to make your home a bit more comfortable. Do you need to do a deep clean in your bedroom? Do you need to rearrange your furniture? Put up some photos of your family? Does your living room need a splash of color. Take this week before we hit holiday season and work on your living space.
Scorpio
Sulawesi fruit bat (Acerodon celebensis)
*Chariot and Hanged One – Ok you have two Muses or paths for the start of your birth year. The first is one of Change. This Muse is about self-propulsion. If you want things to change it will be up to you to set the GPS. She will help with the energy, but you must set the destination and plot the journey. Or you can go with the second the Muse of Inertia and stay where you are. However, this path is a meditation, an internal transformation. You will dive deep into self-reflection and modify emotions and thoughts. So, it’s up to you, change the outside or change the inside. You’ll have most of this year to pick who you would like to work with.
Sagittarius
Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)
Page of Swords – You will need to gather intel this week. The Muse of Inquiry is here to help. She advises to not take the first answer to a question as absolute fact. There is more just under the surface. It is not that people are hiding things on purpose but more they have not realized the answer either. The challenge is not making the inquires feel like an inquisition.
Capricorn
Hammer Nosed Bat Hypsignathus_monstrosus
Six of Cups –The Muse of Recollection comes when the past holds information for the present. If something reminds you of childhood, dive deep into it this week. With this week’s Scorpio new moon and solar eclipse, you can do some pertinent shadow work and healing around the past.
Aquarius
Honduran White Bat Ectophylla alba
Ten of Cups – The Muse of Happiness is shining on you this week. She reminds you that happiness is fleeting so really revel in the moments of joy when they come. She suggests by the end of the week writing down ten small moments of bliss. By doing so you will find that there are more than ten, or if you are having trouble then you need to see you are trying to idealize an innately hard situation.
Pisces
Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus
Ten of Coins – The Muse of Shortcuts is here to tell you this week there are none. Everything will work out if you take a longer view. You are on the right path, doing the right thing, now it will just take dedication and time to “bake the cake”.
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
*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
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
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
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
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
The artist this week is Berenice Abbott. Abbott started her work in portrait photography in the 1920’s in Paris and Berlin, a contemporary of Man Ray. A visit to New York City in 1929 made her and her focus move onto the streets of New York City. Abbott was fascinated how environment effected city dwellers’ collective behavior and vice versa. She believed through her photographs that people could be empowered to take control of the urban sprawl and make it more humane. Abbott was part of the straight photography movement, but you can see her point of view through her choice of angles. Skyscrapers became menacing, and inhabitants are like ants. During this time, she invented a distortion enlarging easel, which created unusual effects on images, and the telescopic lighting pole, still used today. In 50’s and 60’s her photography focus changed again, to Physics.
Science was always part of her art. In April 1939, Berenice Abbott wrote a “manifesto” entitled Photography and Science. “We live in a world made by science,” she stated. “There needs to be a friendly interpreter between science and the layman. I believe photography can be this spokesman, as no other form of expression can be.” And this Physics series is what I highlighted for this week. Not only does it articulate the psychical aspect of physics, but it also highlights the beauty of it.
Your pondering for the week: Find the beauty in the everyday.
Solar System Highlights
The Moon starts in Libra – balance and relationships are highlighted. Then it is on Wednesday onto Scorpio – a time to reignite your passions. For the weekend the Moon moves into Sagittarius – travel and discovery are the focus. Mercury (communication and knowledge) is in Libra where communication in your relationships is highlighted. Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Leo – update your style, bio and resume so you can accent your shine.
Mars (action) is now in Gemini, where it will stay until March 25th, 2023. Yes, that is a 7 month stay instead of it’s usually 1-2. Mars is pushing us to truthfully talk our walk. The challenge with this time is your politeness filter has been switched off. So, it has us working on how to be constructive with our voice – to promote action not reaction. Jupiter is in Aries; it influences action and expansion until October 28th. And lastly, Saturn (structures) remains in Aquarius until the beginning of March 2023 – so innovating and modernizing your game is its focus.
P.S. Signs with an * it is a big week for you. Virgo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Pisces it is your halfway mark for your birth year, so if you need a Planetary Reading for a check-in, now is the time.
May light be on you, around you, and within you,
Nina
Aries
Berenice Abbott
Ten of Pentacles – Something on the material plane is coming full circle this week. The Muse of Ancestry is here to help you close old cycles and release ancestral debts. What fiscal dogma no longer serves you? Take the lessons learned and close this chapter. So, you may start anew.
Taurus
Berenice Abbott
*High Priestess –The concept of pondering continues this week with the Muse of Knowledge. Where last week you had to glean information from perspective, this week’s muse gives you hints and clues like easter eggs. She wants you to follow your intuition and synchronicities to gather bits of wisdom and then decipher the messages. So be on the lookout for multiple numbers and reoccurring themes. By following the spiritual breadcrumbs, you will find answers, help, or materials for how to move forward in the coming weeks. And remember you can ask questions but like the sphinx this muse talks in riddles.
Gemini
Berenice Abbott
Five of Wands – The energy this week is very chaotic. However, it is your choice on whether to engage. If this is a challenge you want to work with then do so, you will learn a lot. But if you are too tired or bored then feel justified to walk away. But remember this “game” has rules to play by.
Cancerian
Berenice Abbott
Eight of Wands – This week is full of information, some for you, some for others, and some just useless commercials. The challenge is trying to discern which is which. The Muse of Messages helps by advising you to focus on questions you want answers for and/or themes for your creative process. Then sort the incoming convos through them.
Leo
Berenice Abbott
Queen of Wands – The Muse of Creatures comes when nature is calling to you. Flora and Fauna are inspiration, solace, protection, and messengers for you this week. Did anyone say Cat Café?
Virgo
Berenice Abbott
Ace of Wands – Your second Muse for your birth year is the Muse of Genesis. Creation and new beginnings are potent this year. This is the year to start new projects, move, expand your social circle and your passions. What seeds do you want to plant that will sustain you for months and years to come?
Libra
Berenice Abbott
*World – The Muse of Opportunities is knocking at the door. The challenge is opening it. Whether it’s fear or just feeling overloaded, you would like not to put more on your plate. And this Muse agrees. Something will need to end to bring the new in. So, time to finish up something or let go of something that just isn’t working. Because new prospects need a seat at your table.
Scorpio
Berenice Abbott
Page of Swords – The Muse of Reporters comes when you need to do some investigation into situations. For example, you ask a loved one “how are you” and they reply “fine.” Well, it’s not that that is a lie; it just isn’t the whole truth. Ask more questions this week to get to the real answers. The challenge is this is about being inquisitive not interrogating.
Sagittarius
Berenice Abbott
Page of Cups – When was the last time you played for just the joy of playing? Take time this week to take your inner child out to have some fun, the sillier and joyful, the better. Trampoline? Water balloons? Finger paint? Sidewalk chalk? Crayons?
Capricorn
Berenice Abbott
*Tower – You may not have much control over this week’s events, but you can prepare for the worst and hope for the best. The Muse of Deconstruction comes when your foundations need to be surveyed for cracks and instabilities. This systems check is perfect to do before the coming retrograde period 9/9-10/2. Think of it like hurricane preparedness – you’re not sure if it will hit your area but you are prepared for the season.
Aquarius
Berenice Abbott
*Fool – The Muse of Spontaneity is asking you to come out and play. Find time this week to meander without a purpose, take walks in parks, drive with no destination in mind, let your mind wander without a goal. These goalless meanderings will bring something fresh, new, and needed to your psyche.
Pisces
Berenice Abbott
*Star – Life has been full-on, and you need break in the storm. Well, this week the Muse of Hope and Healing comes with shooting stars and illuminations. She reminds you that there is hope and you have many things to be grateful for. Take time this week to talk to the stars and ask for things that you need. The universe is list
intentions are the children of desire and the grandparents of destiny
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Ace of Earth – This is a great week to start a project, plant something, look for a new way to make money, or learn a new skill. The Muse of Material Beginnings is here to help organize and fertilize this new project or skillset.
Queen of Fire – The Muse of Practicality advises that it is time to stop theorizing and go do it. You may have been sitting on an idea or project and this energy is heralding that the time is ripe for action. Go make things happen.
*Chariot – Last week the Muses asked if you could transform or liberate one thing in your life, what would it be? I hope you pondered this question for the Muse of Momentum is here to get things moving on it. This Muse gives you energy, but you need to supply the direction. So, if you did not do last week’s pondering, start there before moving forward. Being directionless this week will leave you doing figure eights in the parking lot. They are fun but fruitless. So find your “north star” and head out.
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