Tag Archives: the fox and the tarot

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of May 8, 2022

Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, Mother’s Kiss, 1890-1891; Drypoint and aquatint on paper, 13 3/4 x 9 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of John and Linda Comstock in loving memory of Abigail Pearson Van Vleck; Photo by Lee Stalsworth

This week I highlight the art of Mary Cassatt, painter and print maker.  She studied and showed her work in Europe in the late 1800’s.  And in 1877 was invited by Degas to join a group of independent artists, that became known as the Impressionists.  Cassatt was the only America to officially join the group.  During this time, she revised her technique, composition, and use of color.  She began to experiment with printmaking especially influenced by Japanese artisans.

Her subjects were taken from her life as a woman: her family, the theater and opera.  These were not the standard sitting portraits which she was also known for but showed her interest in figure compositions and movement.  However, her study of the relationship and everyday experiences of mother and child brought in an emotional quality to her paintings. She entices the viewer to reminisce our own experiences as a child and/or a caregiver.  A gentle touch, arms embracing you, sharing intimate moments of care.

 

Mother’s Day is not only a moment to honor our mothers, but also a day to honor nurturing.   Nurture is defined “as the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something.”  Whether you have children, are a mother, have a mother or none of the above, nurturing is a verb that needs strengthening in this world right now.

Your Pondering: How do you nurture for yourself and in your world?

 

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Virgo – clean and organize your workspace to begin the week.  Then it moves into Libra on the 12th – relationships and balance are highlighted.  Then on Saturday it moves into Scorpio – great for imbibing in your passions.  Mercury is in Gemini it home sign, so conversations and knowledge are highlighted.  However, it turns retrograde on May 10th so from then on review, reflect and revise until June 3rd.  If you must start a project or have a deep conversation, remember patience is key during this time.  Venus (beauty and harmony) is in Aries (action and chaos).   So, Mars and Venus stop working with each other again until the end of month.  Mars (action) is still in Piscesian dream land while Venus wants to get going and see action steps.  Lesson in patience and compromise are still big this week.  Also, Jupiter moves into Aries on May 10th.  So, expansion and growth go from dreams to reality.   And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus for this year.

 

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

 

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

Nina

 

Aries
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Five of Coins – The Muse of Challenges is creating more chaos than ease this week.  Luckily you had the Muse of Core Strength last week reminding you that you are a powerhouse, a force to be reckon with.  And this week’s Muse to point out that you are not using your resources well or not asking for help.  So, call in the troops.

 

Taurus
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Magician – Your fourth and so far, most powerful Muse is the Muse of Conjuring.   While the other Muses are helping you finish and release, this Muse is making you a conduit to the divine.  You will be provided all the tools you need this year, but it is up to you to experiment with them and bring ideas to life.

 

Gemini
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Star – The Muse of Oneness had you connect with the world last week and now another powerful Muse steps in to illuminate you.  The Muse of Healing and Illumination comes to soothe and help you cure old wounds, and she does this with inspiration and hope.  Connection is still key for this week.  So, foster the good relationships with nurturing care and the bad, they are reminders how not to act.  Be grateful for both for the latter shows you your wounds and the former, heals them.

 

Cancerian
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Eight of Swords – Boundaries and bindings abound this week.  This Muse of Captivity points out that you however hold the keys to your freedom.  You do not have to be bound to the social constructs around you.  You know that some of them are causing harm.  Take this week to unbind these negative thoughts that never served you.

 

Leo
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

*Tower – The Muse of Disruption is here again to point out what needs changing in your life.  You have two choices with this energy.  You can let her run havoc and tear down what isn’t working.  Or you can work with this kali like energy as motivation to make the changes yourself. The former can be easier but the later creates less dust and general mayhem.  And remember the choice is always yours.

 

 

Virgo
Mary Cassatt

Six of Swords – The Muse of Transitions is here to move you to the next phase.  This can be adding one serving of a fruit or veggie to your diet or rearranging your space to be more feng shui.  Or, reordering your schedule so you can get in some exercise.  Little shifts need to happen this week so you can create more flow and ease.

 

Libra
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Ace of Wands – The Muse of Vitality is pushing you to play with your creativity and ignite your imagination.   So, start that project you been thinking about.  Connect with your artistic side and play with paints or play in your garden.  Her point is to experiment and activate your mind with color and creativity.

 

Scorpio
Mary Cassatt

Seven of Coins – Last week the Muse of Construction came to help you expand your empire and build it better.   This week the Muse of Labor picked up the torch and is giving you the energy to continue the work.  She reminds you that, if you put in the work this week, accolades will follow.

 

Sagittarius
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Three of Wands – The Muse this week would like to help you lay the foundation to a project or relationship.  This is a great week to do research, check out sites and plans for viability.  Mercury going into retrograde will help this process.  As they say measure twice and cut once.

 

Capricorn
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt

Seven of Wands – The Muse of Advantage is with you this week.  Though you may feel in the right or positioned to win, be careful how you play the scenario.  Winning is wonderful if it is done with humility and grace.

 

Aquarius
Mary Cassatt

Five of Cups – The Muse of Silver Linings has come to help you navigate this week’s chaos.  She comes when events do not always work in your favor.  But she points out that in all cases they are only partial losses.  The cup is half full, rain must happen for the rainbow etc.…

 

Pisces
Mary Cassatt

*Temperance – The Muse of Harmony is here to help you sort through this week.  Harmony is defined “as pleasing arrangement of parts.” This can be as simple as playing with new spices in your food, working with different color combinations with your wardrobe, or as complicated as rearranging the priorities in your life.   So, this week as you view your surroundings how can you combine and arrange them to be more pleasing to your eye as well as your soul?

 

 

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of May 1, 2022

therapy and art
Agnus Richter

Art and therapy are vital for my mental health.  I first utilized them  in college for my test anxiety and then for the last 20 years helping me work through a bout of medically induced agoraphobia that evolved into general anxiety.  May is mental Health Awareness Month.  So, this tarotcast I am highlighting art and mental health.  Above is a jacket made by Agnus Richter.  She was a seamstress and at 49 was arrested for disturbing the peace and trespassing.  She was diagnosed for paranoia and admitted to Hubertusburg Asylum in 1895, where she remained for the last 26 years of her life. Throughout that time, she embroidered all her clothes with phrases.  The only piece that has survived is the above coat she made from pieces of women’s institutional clothing.  This and the pictures below are examples of Art Brut and housed in The Prinzhorn Collection Museum.

In the early 1900’s drawing, painting and clay-work had been used in psych-wards for years as an activity that calmed patients.  Hans Prinzhorn and Walter Morgenthaler both psychiatrists at that time were interested in the bridge between mental health and creativity.  Morgenthaler wrote a book on studying the art of schizophrenic, Adolf Wolfli, and a year later Prinzhorn published Artistry of the Mental Ill in 1922.  Where he collected thousands of artworks from various asylums in and around Heidelberg, Germany. These books caused ripples positively in the art world attracting artist like Klee and Kandinsky, but it also was used more ominously during the rise of Nazism as evidence of the “degenerate”.  However, Prinzhorn theorized through his work that image making is an innate desire to leave traces of our existence and gave a voice to the voiceless.

Your Pondering: to help all our general mental health, smile at a stranger.  So, they can know that today at the very least they have been seen.

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Gemini – the gift of gab shines on us.  Then it moves into Cancer on the 4th – self-care in the middle of the work week makes the week go by with more ease.  Then on Saturday it moves into Leo – get out in the sun and enjoy your people.  Mercury has moved into Gemini it home sign, so conversations and knowledge are highlighted.  However, get any projects started before Mercury turns retrograde on May 10th.

Venus (beauty and harmony) moves into Aries (action and chaos) on May 2nd.   So, Mars and Venus stop working with each other again until the end of month.  Mars (action) is still in Piscesian dream land while Venus wants to get going and see action steps.  Lesson in patience and compromise are big this week.  Also, Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th.  It supports expanding opportunity, luck and to dream bigger.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus for this year.

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

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

Nina

Aries
art and therapy
Josef Forster

*Strength – You are going to need your strength this week.  The Muse of Core strength is here to help.  She reminds you that are a powerhouse, a force to be reckon with.  First, on a physical level add core strengthening exercise to your regime to strength your back.  Then on an emotional level strengthening your boundaries and a spiritual level reconnect with your purpose and morals.  By doing these exercises your mental health will be able to handle any chaos or crisis, big or small.

Taurus
art and therapy
Emma Hauck

Ten of Swords – Your third Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Culmination.  This year will be full of cycles ending.  Do this by purging, project finishing, and releasing.  However, you will have to navigate it with more intuition then with logic.  So far, your Muses for the year are standing firmly in the present.  Experience each day to its fullest and let this Muse help you let go of or finish off what you do not want to carry into the future.

Gemini

therapy and art*World – The Muse of Oneness is visiting to help you connect.  This Muse reminds you it is easy to connect to the woes of the world but harder the places to rejoice.  This week call old friends, hang with your family, take a walk into nature, stare at ant hill, smell the roses, have tea watching the world go by.  Connect into this amazing world you live in.

Cancerian
Karl Gustav Slevers

Page of Swords – Not everything this week is clear cut, so the Muse of Investigation has come to help.   She reminds you to read between the lines, ask more questions and listen deeply.  Knowledge not only brings more ease but is instructive and illuminating too.

Leo
art and therapy
Anonymous

Three of Wands – The Muse of Enterprise has come with the energy help you do what is needs to be done.  But the plan needs to be plotted out first and only by you.  Make your to-do list, plot out your actions steps and then start checking them off. The only challenge is you may not see the profit from your labors for weeks to come.

Virgo
August Nater

*Lovers – People and relationships are highlighted this week.   The challenge is that it will take work for things to run smoothly.  So, the Muse of Intimacy reminds you to that being vulnerable, curious, and humble will help you solve communication and interaction challenges.   I.e.: you catch more flies with honey then vinegar.

 

Libra
Peter Moog

King of Cups – It seems like this week will be a roller-coaster of emotions around you and therefore can affect you.  Luckily the Muse of Emotions comes with the reminder that these outbursts are fleeting.  The challenge is that you will have to invite them in.  They will lose their steam and putter out if listen to but not acted on.

Scorpio
art and therapy
Anonymous

*Emperor – This week you have the energy to build upon anything you put your focus on.  The Muse of Construction has come with her T-square and power tools to help.  Your challenge is having a clear idea about what you want to build.  And for the extra points, does this formation improve upon what is already existing in your life?  Your motto:  Build better.

Sagittarius
Johann Knopf

*Star – Last week had an evolutionary vibe to it, where your choices need to be an upgrade but also liberate you.  This evolution whether seen or under wraps has drained you.  So whatever choices you made the Muse of Healing Illumination has come to restore your energy and download some information.  Find time this week to do some deep relaxing.  This is beverages by water sources, nesting in with a good fiction book, or just getting a good night’s sleep.  You deserve some down time.

Capricorn
Paul Goesch

Four of Swords – The Muse of Rest comes when your batteries are low.  She advises you to unplug, take a social break and relax.  You need to realign with the serene.  So, find time to turn off the chatter.  Your motto:  Peace and Quiet.

 

Aquarius
art and therapy
Anonymous

Six of Wands – This week take time to celebrate your accomplishments.  No joke these past couple of years have been hard, but you have made it through.  You have achieved so much.  The Muse of Celebration reminds you to take the time to celebrate the small success as well as the bigger triumphs, before moving to the next set of challenges.

Pisces
art and therapy
Jacob Mohr

Eight of Swords – The Muse of Bondage provides challenges this week for you to break from old thought patterns.  If something feels or sounds like a “broken record”, time to change the tune, i.e., your thought pattern.  Remember just like an “earworm” they are placed there by others, but you have made it one of your “top ten”.   So, now is the time to replace it with your own hit single.

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 24, 2022

Mabel Allington Royds
Water Lilies Mabel Allington Royds

The artist this week is Mabel Allington Royds.  Royds is painter and printmaker.  She began creating color woodcuts using the traditional Japanese ukiyo-e printmaking process.  However, instead of a three-person collaboration on a print (artist, artisan, printer), she learned from Frank M. Fletcher how to do all three stages independently.  Royds innovated the technique further by applying pigment to the woodcuts by paintbrush rather than using a roller. And instead of using more expensive cherrywood blocks she bought six-penny pastry boards from Woolworth’s.  And as her technique evolved, in this multi-block process, she began omitting the key board (often the first step in the printing process that establishes and prints the outlines of the piece).  This allowed for the colors to merge in a more painterly fashion.  She preferred to produce prints as people wanted them, adding even more variation and uniqueness to each print.

The pondering for the week:  If you outline every aspect of your life are you missing the possibilities of spontaneous or experimental creation? So practice coloring without lines.

 

Solar System Highlights

There is a solar eclipse on April 30th in Taurus. Things can slow down around this time lucky it’s on the weekend.  The Moon starts this week in Pisces – daydreaming is easy but maybe not so great if you have a lot of work to get done.  Then it moves into Aries on the 27th – great time to power through the work week and make up for lost time at the beginning.  Then on Friday it moves into Taurus – great for family, gardening and getting out into nature.  Mercury is in Taurus until the weekend, so it moves from getting to the root of conversation and grounding relationships through dialogue to a freer flowing conversation.   Mars is in Pisces with Venus.  So, these two are working with each other again.  Mars by having you work with your intuition to create movement, and Venus wanting us to create more beauty and harmony in our environment and relationships.  Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

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

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Mabel Allington Royds
Trees on a slope Mabel Allington Royds

King of Coins – The Muse of Domain is advising you this week to metaphorical walk your perimeters and survey your land.   This week to create more ease you need to have a better understanding of what you have built so far and what your needs are to build going forward.  Do you need more space, better equipment, help?  And start working on checking off those action steps.

 

Taurus
Mabel Allington Royds
White Lilies Mabel Allington Royds

Ace of Coins – Your second Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Material Plane Beginnings.  Whether that is a new house, space, or project.  This year you are supported in creating new things on the material plane.  Think money, space, resources, and time.  Take this week to write lists of what you want to physically grow this year.

 

Gemini
Grapes Mabel Allington Royds

Ten of Cups – Happiness is all around you this week.  It is up to you to tap into it and enjoy those moments.  These can be big causes for celebration like finishing a project or a gathering of friends and family.  Or it can be in those little moments of watching flowers grow from your porch, sitting and having a beverage with a friend or having the time to finally take a nap.  Enjoy these moments of bliss they don’t come often or as easily.

 

Cancerian
Mabel Allington Royds
Magnolia Mabel Allington Royds

Six of Coins – The Muse of Mini Karma sits on your porch this week. This muse reminds you that acts of kindness not only improve the world but also improve your mood.  But she also states to be aware that negativity spreads and rebounds just as easily.

 

Leo
Mabel Allington Royds
Dandelions Mabel Allington Royds

Four of Cups– The Muse of Saturation has come to warn that you are internalizing thoughts, actions, and emotions.   You have saturated yourself with too much news, tv, overthinking, comfort eating, etc…  Being overwhelmed has led you to state of vibrating numbness.  Time to get out of your bed, head, belly button, or emotions and go do something.  Preferably something that involves nature, kittens/puppies, or small children.

 

Virgo
Mabel Allington Royds
Honeysuckle Mabel Allington Royds

Eight of Swords – Circumstances this week trigger you to feel bound or stagnate.  The Muse of Bondage has come with the keys to free you.  The issue is you are holding onto the locks of thought or work patterns.  Time to let go of old patterns put there by others and take your power back.

 

Libra
Mabel Allington Royds
Columbines Mabel Allington Royds

Queen of Swords – You are going to need your mind sharp this week, for the Muse of Details has arrived.  This energy comes when you need to magnify the small stuff.  It is important to deal with the specifics, for if that is sorted the larger picture falls into place more easily.  If by chance this week you are dealing with contracts, the law, or signing deals make sure you read the fine print.  It is not that it is essential bad, but it can be a place to negotiate aspects in your favor.

 

Scorpio
Tiger lilies Mabel Allington Royds

Queen of Cups – The Muse of Fun is here to liven up the party.  She is nudging you go out have fun, laugh, and partake in the world.  Sometimes you water signs soak in too much emotionality of others, so this week is about letting go of some steam.  So, find a batting cage, break-room, dance floor, swimming hole or sweat lodge and transmute those hotheaded negative emotions of others into something more enjoyable.

 

Sagittarius
Foxglove Mabel Allington Royds

*Judgment – This week has an evolutionary vibe to it.  You may be asked life changing questions, make decision that change your trajectory, or be challenged to evolve to the next level.  Remember you have a choice to stay where you are at or move on.  But no matter which choice you make this Muse advises the answer should liberate you in some way.

 

Capricorn
Artichoke Mabel Allington Royds

Two of Wands – The Muse of Future Casting calls for you to gaze out the window and imagine new plans and outcomes.  This week carve out some time to plan your garden, next project, or go big your life’s hope and dreams.  This Muse asks: What’s next?

 

Aquarius
Cyclamen Mabel Allington Royds

Three of Coins – Last week you needed personal insight.  This week is all about asking for advice and help from others.  The Muse of Collaboration comes when getting other people’s help or opinions is vital in creating more ease in your work and life.  You don’t need to know everything or do everything.  At the very least, use those second set of eyes and ears to check your work.

 

Pisces
Cineraria Mabel Allington Royds

Two of Coins – The Muse of Equilibrium comes for two reasons.  One you need to focus on one thing at a time this week.  And something is off kilter that needs to be re-balanced.  This could be work and play, work and sleep, nutrition, or literally your balance sucks.  So, maintain a tight focus and practice standing on one foot.

 

 

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 17, 2022

twilight zone coral reefs

Happy Birthday month Taurus!

So, I think we all need a bit of good news.  Since the beginning of 2022 there has been a lot of discoveries in ocean region called the twilight zone.  This is area is between the shallow reefs and the deep sea, 100-500 feet beneath the ocean surface.  Researchers have found off the coast of the Philippines, Maldives, Tahiti and Hawaii large coral reef systems that are thriving.

The picture above is from Tahiti a reef just found that they believe to be the 7th largest reef.  So far climate change has not affected this habitat thought they have found human garbage in Maldives and Hawaii. However, scientists believe that these might be a viable nursery for species from shallower reefs and are discovering new species of fish like Rose veiled Fairy Wrasse (see Aquarius) and the Super Mind-Blowing Rainbow Fish . (see Gemini. Yeah, that’s what scientist named it until they can figure out how to classify it lol).

Many of the fish in this zone are highly colored which seems counter intuitive.  But as one goes deeper in the ocean red, pink and orange colors become invisible and thus camouflages these fish. And the coral, unlike their shallower relatives that make food from sunlight, these coral grab plankton to eat.  They also use florescent pigment to reflect light acting like little mirrors scattering the light in the otherwise dark reef.

Your pondering for the week:  How can you add color into your life to lighten your darker days.

Support California Academy of Science’s Hope for Reefs project.  Pictures by L. Rocha and K. Whitney

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Sag – exploration and adventure.  Then it moves into Capricorn on the 20th – great time to power through the work week.  Then on Saturday it moves into Aquarius get into society or a philosophical conversation.  Mercury is in Taurus a good time to get to the root of conversation and ground relationships through dialogue.   Mars (action) is in Pisces with Venus.  So, these two will be working with each other again.  Mars by having you work with your intuition to create movement, and Venus wanting us to create more beauty and harmony in our environment and relationships.  Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

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

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

Nina

Aries

twilight zone coral reefsTwo of Coins – To finish out your themes for this birthday year, the Muse of Equilibrium joins the ranks.  Your energies so far are around simplifying, letting go of thought patterns that no longer work for you, syncing with your natural flow/pace, and you seeing a profit in all that you do.  So now this Muse comes in reminding you that though this is a work positive year, you still need to balance it out with playtime.  All work and no play make Jack or Jill bored.

Taurus

twilight zone coral reefsEight of Coins – Your first Muse to work with for the coming year is the Muse of Skill.   This year is about honing the skillset you already have.  She reminds you that scheduled time to practice is key to up your game.  So, take this month to examine your skills and then plan a way to take them from a 9 to a 10 or 11.

Gemini

twilight zone coral reefsPage of Wands – The Muse of Inspiration is downloading ideas to you this week.  However, this is not a time to start on these projects.   Take notes as they come and then let them marinate in your creative juices.  On a side note this muse does suggest you play with your wardrobe so that it shows more of your quirkier side.

Cancerian

twilight zone coral reefsEight of Cups – The Muse of Simplification advises to slow down and streamline your life.  It is a great time to clean out your closet, drawers, and heart with things and aspirations that no longer fit you or the lifestyle that you want.  These actions create space to move into the next stage of your life.

Leo

twilight zone coral reefsKing of Wands – The Muse of Superpowers is reminding you that you are a creative, intuitive, superhero.  So, her exercise for you is to list your top four superpowers and then do something with them this week.  Time to save and/or brighten the world, one metaphorical (or literally if you so desire) kitten at a time.

Virgo

Nine of Coins – The Muse of Self Reliance has come to remind you that you are kicking booty, and by the weekend a little celebration is needed.  She advises working solo this week or only asking people that are reliable to come into your sphere.  Everyone else is just a distraction.

 

Libra

Queen of Coins – The Muse of Luxury is coaxing you to spend some of your hard-earned cash on you.  She asks why you are working so hard if you are not enjoying some of the benefits?  This week’s motto:  quality over quantity in all that you do and all that you spend your time and money on.

 

Scorpio

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Illusions and Dreams is visiting you this week.   Her purpose is twofold.  One she asks you to daydream this week for the Universe is needing a clear picture of what you want to come into your life.  But this energy also forewarns you will have a variety of choices being presented, and some of them are not realistic.  Stay grounded and choose wisely.

Sagittarius

Page of Coins – The Muse of Study comes when you will need to be in a learner mind-frame.  She asks what skill do you need to add to your repertoire to up your game?   How can you expand your knowledge and use your brain in a new way?  Find a mentor, take a class, read a book outside of your regular genre, or play a game that works your brain.

Capricorn

*Magician – The Muse of Experimentation is here with her whole chemistry kit.  This energy shows up to create, to play, to research, but also to tap into the celestial and pull something into reality.  Whether that is an idea, a painting, a piece of writing or a project, the key is to materialize it and then experiment with it until you touch the divine.

 

Aquarius

High Priestess – Insight is key to navigating this week.  Luckily the Muse of Intuition is here to set out Easter eggs, white rabbits, and synchronicities for you to follow. This energy often comes when the future seems hidden or obscured.  Keep your mind and eyes open this week for the breadcrumbs and you will find your answers.

Pisces

 *Devil – This week brings you trials and tribulations, like gnats buzzing around you.  This energy often comes to test your moral resolve, or do you walk your talk.  Hence, the Muse of Shadows is here to help you navigate the dark side.  She reminds you that you have gone through way worse and now is the time to show the world your best and more learned side.  Your reminder in Yoda’s voice:  “Anger, fear, aggression, the Dark Side of The Force are they.  Easily they flow.  Quick to join you in a fight.  If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of April 3, 2022

Hegel’s Holiday Rene Magritte

As the saying goes April showers bring May flowers so this week, I wanted to focus on the umbrella.  Historically the first umbrella was actually a parasol. By definition, parasols are used for sun protection and umbrellas for rain. The earliest known parasols were in Egypt (2450 BCE).  They were shaped like a fan on a long handle often attached to chariots or carried over a person of the Egyptian elite while walking.  Usually, they were made with feathers or palm leaves.  The first apparent collapsible parasol appears in archaeological record in Persia around 100 years later.  The parasol spread to ancient Greece then Rome as status symbol mostly used by woman but for the first time referenced in shielding one from sun and rain.  These semi-umbrellas were made of leather.

The prototype of the modern-day umbrella was invented in China in the 11th century BCE.  Where the first silk and waterproof umbrellas were used by the nobility. After the fall of Rome, the umbrella disappeared from European fashion, until the mid-17th century and was reintroduced into Europe from China where now it was used by a wide variety of the social classes.  But the umbrella didn’t gain popularity until 1710.  Where a Persian merchant, Jean Marius, created the first light-weight umbrella, and 40 years later a French scientist, Navarre, invented the automatic push button designed umbrella we still use today.

This week is a variety of artist that use the umbrella.  Your pondering for the week:  what is your metaphorical umbrella that protects you from the harsher aspects of life?

Solar System Highlights

The Moon starts this week in Gemini – conversations can run deep and healing if you spend the time.  Also, it is a great time for brainstorming.  Then it moves into Cancer on the 7th – in the workplace watch mood swings but by the time you are into the weekend things calm down.  Nestling at home, self-care and curling up with loved ones (movie night and a nice meal?) are recommended.  Mercury is in Aries until April 11th – great for hashing out ideas but watch bossy tones. Mars (action) is in Aquarius (innovation, perspective, and long-term thinking). This is a period to experiment with innovations, but if you are trying to get something done quickly, be aware that for the next couple of weeks there might be more talking then doing.

Venus moves into Pisces on Tuesday and for most of April.  So, we move from experimenting and long-term planning to dreaming and creating more beauty and harmony in our environment and relationships. Jupiter is in Pisces until May 10th; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And from the 8th to the 18th (exactly on the 12th) Jupiter and Neptune are conjoined for the first time in 166 years. This a time for creativity, art, spirituality and hopefully will boost our collective spirit.  (Personally look at where Pisces is in your natal chart).  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

 

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

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Umbrella
Relief of Xerxes Persepolis, Iran

Seven of Coins – This is your third boots on the ground energy for your coming year.  The Muse of Satisfaction has come to join the ranks.  This energy is about putting in the work, but its real benefit is the harvest you achieve in doing so.  So, this year will be busy, but you will see positive profit in all that you do.

 

 

 

Taurus
Umbrella
Utagawa-Hiroshige

*Tower and Eight of Swords – The Muses of Deconstruction and Bondage has come in during your last month of your birth cycle.  Together these muses focus on fixing places where you give others power over your life.  This is about how you are not aligned to your truths like: your negative though patterns reinforced by others for their benefit or not seeing your self-worth as important as others.  Take time these next weeks, get your power back and equalize your goals with others’ aspirations before your birthday.

 

Gemini
Umbrella
Angie’s Umbrella Pridgeon and Shaw

Five of Swords – This is your second five so a quick dive into this number.  Five represent disorder.  Last week it was the disorder of your emotions and this week it is chaos of the mind.  There is a situation in your environment this week that sends your mind and possible your voice spinning.  And this muse reminds you to remove your ego before you speak or act, for if you don’t you will add to the chaos.

 

Cancerian
Umbrella
Gustave Caillebotte Paris Street Rainy Day

Eight of Coins – The Muse of Craft comes when you need a reminder that you got this.  You have mastered an aspect of your life and this week is only about tweaking your skill set.  Her motto:  work smarter not harder.

 

Leo
Umbrella
Umbrella Project Cristo and Jeanne Claude

King of Swords – The Muse of Long-Term Planning comes with telescopes and star maps to help you plot your course.  Use this week’s energy by setting long-term goals (like next time this year and in 2025).  Engage with that Jupiter-Neptune energy and start planning for the next big thing.

 

Virgo
Utagawa_ToyokuniIi The poetess Ono-no Komachi in the rain

Four of Coins – This week can drain your resources.   The Muse of Saving advises to spend your time and/or money only on the important things this week.  Save your resources if you can and if you must spend, do so wisely.

 

 

 

 

Libra
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, The Umbrellas

Six of Cups – The past is important this week to help you create ease.  The Muse of Memories comes when the answers you seek lie in past experiences and lessons. As she loves to quote W. Wordsworth – Life is divided into three terms – that which was, which is, and which will be.  Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future.

 

 

 

Scorpio
Emile Bernard Breton Woman with Umbrellas

Four of Swords – Take this week to relax and catch your breath.  As the world whirls around you find a spot to sit back and just watch.  The Muse of Restoration comes when your tanks are nearing empty, so find time to nap, turn off electronics, stick to an early bedtime and/or stare out the window.    Don’t forget to hydrate and eat well too.

 

Sagittarius
Georges Seurat woman with umbrella

King of Coins – All hands-on deck for the Muse of Building comes with her toolbox.  Use this energy to get things done on the material plane.  Whether that is actually building something or a project on your to-do list, this Muse helps you push it to the finish line.

 

 

 

 

Capricorn
Salvador Dali sewing machine with Umbrellas

Nine of Swords – The Muse of Worry visits when there is something niggling in the background of your mind.  She would like you to work it out in your conscious thoughts rather than it bubble in your sub-conscious. So, she suggests talking it through or writing copious stream of conscious notes until you no longer feel the itch.  In most cases you will find that the fuss was about paying a debt you never owed.

 

Aquarius
Bansky Grey Rain

Ten of Swords – This week will have its rough moments, but you will find that mostly it come from outside sources. So, your challenge is not to dive into the drama but skirt around it.  The bright side is that this cycle is coming to an end, healing and a new understanding is right around the corner.

 

Pisces
Jack Vettraino The Singing Butler

Ten of Cups – The Muse of Happiness has come with sunshine and rainbows.  Something in your life is ending and it is setting you up for a new beginning.  This Muse advises enjoying the moments here at the end of this chapter before you jump to the next book.

 

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 20, 2022

Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Audrey Hepburn

Happy Birthday Aries!  And Happy Spring and Nowruz!

Nowruz (new day) is a Spring festival that dates to ancient Persia 3,000 years ago.  Nowruz is celebrated in a variety of countries that marks not only spring but also the beginning of the Iranian solar calendar.  Celebrations begin two to three weeks leading up and including the Vernal Equinox.  People preform ritual dances, fill vessels in the home with water to banish bad luck and set up tables covered with the seven symbolic items: seed sprouts – rebirth, senjed (Persian olive)- love, garlic – protection, apple – fertility, sumac – love, vinegar – patience, and samanu a pudding made from sprouted wheat = wealth.   And celebrators on the Wednesday night before the Equinox jump over fire to scare away a bad luck.

Therefore, to continue the use of light and in honor of Nowruz tradition of jumping over fire we focus on photographer Philippe Halsman and his Jumps series.  A Halsman portrait is easy to identify.  It has strong lightening, often a sense of the absurd and his unique stamp in the darkroom. As in his words: For me, lighting is what a brush is to a painter.  I want my light to give an awareness of the 3rd dimension, that it shows volume and depth.  Above all I consider light as a means of characterization.” In the 1930’s he also designed his own camera with a quicker click speed and that had the photographer look through the lens, instead of standing beside the camera.  By doing this it made his sitter look into the camera and gave Halsman more control over what he could capture in the moment.

In the early 1950’s Halsman started asking famous people to jump and capture it using his distinctive lightening, sense of humor and his talent for bring out unique and often hidden aspects of his subjects.  “I was motivated by a genuine curiosity.  After all, life has taught us to control and disguise our facial expressions, but it has not taught us to control our jumps.  I wanted to see famous people reveal in a jump, their ambition or their lack of it, their self-importance or their insecurity, and many other traits.”  Your pondering for this week:  What characteristics come to play when you are asked to jump?

Solar System highlights:  The Moon starts in Scorpio – spring has sprung.  Then on Tuesday it moves into Sagittarius – get outside to take breaks from the grind. On Thursday it goes into Capricorn to help us finish up projects and our work week.  Then for the weekend the Moon is in Aquarius a perfect time to investigate the arts, read a book expand your mind. Mercury is in Pisces until March 27th – talk through dreams with friends but not so great if you are trying to pin down action plans or solutions.

Mars (action) is in Aquarius (innovation, perspective, and long-term thinking). Time to experiment with innovations.  But if you are trying to get something done quickly, be aware that for the next couple of weeks there might be more talking then doing.  Venus (beauty, relationships) is also in Aquarius this can be a great time to do long term planning with your significant others or dabble in creative endeavors with them.  But still remember not to push for solutions or set goals in stone – brainstorming is key.   Jupiter is in Pisces until May; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

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

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

Nina

 

Aries
Philippe Halsman Duke and Duchess of Windsor

Eight of Cups – Time to clean up and organize this week.  The Muse of Simplifying and Letting Go is knocking at your door. This Muse comes when your emotional or physical space is cluttered.  She asks what your priorities are and do you have the space and time for them?  If not time to clean house and make space for the new.

 

Taurus
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Marilyn Monroe

Ten of Coins – This week is a great opportunity to finish up projects and dangling participials.  This is not a week to start something new.  Whatever unfinished business you have focus on those only.  And then by the weekend celebrate their completion with friends and family.

 

Gemini
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Dali

Eight of Wands – Last week the Muse of Inner Strength wanted you to strengthen your resolve physically or morally.  If you did,  then this week you will be able to receive and deal with the massive download of information in the moment.  If not, then take good notes and prioritize the information on the weekend.

 

Cancerian
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Eartha Kit

Knight of Cups– The Muse of Vulnerability has come to help you open your heart and deal with the emotional puddles within.  You can share with others as long as you watch comparisons and what ifs.

 

Leo
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman
Robert Oppenheimer

* Death – Last week the Muse of Shadows and Mist reminded you that what you saw on the outside was merely reflections on your inner work.  Hopefully you did this internal investigation for this week change is here.  However, to initiate this momentum you must release old baggage that no longer serves you.  There are things you are not letting go of.  This Muse pushes for change but it is up to you to let go of the past and self-doubt.

 

Virgo
Philippe Halsman Muhammad Ali

Four of Pentacles – The Muse of Resources is giving you a piggy bank.  It is important this week to save your money, space, time, and energy.   Your resources are finite do not spend them on items, projects or people that do not serve or help you get things done.

 

Libra
Philippe Halsman Edward Steichen

Two of Wands – The Muse of Adventure has come to push you to broaden your horizons.  She suggests find new ways to get home, eat at new places, engage in conversations with strangers, get lost and meander through new avenues.  By expanding your outlook, you are activating new potentials.

 

Scorpio
Philippe Halsman Peter Ustinov

Nine of Wands – The Muse of Preparation comes when there is a lot of energy around you and to tackle it you need to be ready.  She advises to make sure you have sustenance each day, gas in your tank, the right shoes for the job, etc.. Spend the beginning of your week prioritizing your jobs and then stick to your game plan.

 

Sagittarius
Philippe Halsman Richard Nixon

*Justice – The Muse of Truth and Fairness is the prominent player this week.  Her advice is: though aspects of life vary in shades of grey, to create forward motion this week it is vital that you choose a side.   This is a week to trust your logic over feelings. And if you need to advocate for a side be clear, concise and stick to the facts.

 

Capricorn
Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman Grace Kelly

*Temperance – The Muse of Moderation and the Middle Path comes to help calm the waters both externally and internally.  She reminds you that we often do not have control of the external nor our inner emotions, but we can moderate or influence them.  Gentleness and grace are key this week.

 

Aquarius
Philippe Halsman Shirley MacLaine

Queen of Cups – This week the Muse of Fun has come to get you to reconnect with life’s beauty and abundance.  This is a week to walk on the beach, hang with friends, watch sunsets and spending time doing what you love to do.  You have a bevy of joy to encounter, now is the time to do so.   Stop and smell the roses, for they do not bloom all year long

 

Pisces
Philippe Halsman John Steinbeck

Four of Cups – Last week was all extroverted energy work with the Muse of Realization and building your empire.   This week the energy shifts to the internal.  During the week it is good to pull the shades and put your phone on silence so you can think things through and get things done.  However, by the weekend reenter into society, so you don’t get stuck in belly button gazing.

 

 

Tarot and Art Forecast for Week of March 13, 2022

Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

Continuing with artists who focus on light, this week’s artist is Elioth Gruner. Gruner is one of the most recognized Australian landscape painters.  His painting style is en plein air, the technique of painting the entire piece outside at the site usually in one session. Gruner liked to get up in the early morning to catch the long shadows of the rising sun and the atmospheric quality of morning light. The exception is when he painted at the beach.  There the light quality drifts from early morning to mid-day heat to the cooler late-afternoon.  With his paintings we can sense aspects of the landscape by his use of light as if we were there, and how that light influences our mood and taps into our collective memories.

Spring and Fall, Dawn and Dusk these times of transitions are when the value of light becomes the most noticeable.  Where we see and feel the cycle of life most clearly.  This week’s pondering: find a spot in your house or surrounding environment and watch how the light and shadows move through it.  Think about how light and darkness have moved though your life.  How these times of change hold significance.

Solar System highlights 

The Moon starts in Leo – time to shine.  Then on Wednesday it moves into Virgo – good for cleaning and organizing. Then for the weekend the Moon is in Libra a perfect time to be with the beings you love. Mercury is in Pisces until March 27th – great for talking through dreams with friends but not so great if you are trying to pin down action plans or solutions.  Mars (action) is in Aquarius (innovation, perspective, and long-term thinking). This is a period to experiment with innovations, but if you are trying to get something done fast, be aware that for the next couple of weeks there might be more talking then doing.

Venus (beauty, relationships) is also in Aquarius this can be a great time to do long term planning with your significant others or dabble in creative endeavors with them.  But still remember not to push for solutions or set goals in stone – brainstorming is key.   Jupiter is in Pisces until May; this aspect is dreamy and holds opportunity and luck.  And lastly, Saturn remains in Aquarius for all of 2022 – so innovating and upping your game is the focus again for another year.

P.S. 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.

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

Nina

 

 

Aries
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

Six of Swords – Finally the energy is calming down around you, but it is not finished pushing you forward.  The past three weeks you have been working with change, growth, and the patience and perspective to do it right.  And now the Muse of Transitions is here with her boat to help you move to the next phase.  This is a perfect week for you to move something or yourself to the next level.  The key is this transition should create more ease.  If not, simplify your plans/steps more before moving forward.

 

Taurus
Elioth Gruner

Seven of Cups – The Muse of Wishes is here to have you dream bigger.  The hard part for your sign is at times you all can be too practical.  This energy needs you to dream outside of your boundaries.  This Muse reminds you that if the Universe can’t provide the exact thing it goes for the essence of your wish. So, what Seven things would you like to come into your life?   Write them down then burn it or say them out loud so the universe can get the message.

 

Gemini
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

*Strength – The Muse of Inner Strength comes this week for you to strengthen your resolve physically or morally.  This week is not a week to wavier or be indecisive.  Now is the time to exercise your body and your will.

 

Cancerian
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

Two of Cups– This week find time to bond with those that are the nearest and dearest to your heart.  The challenge with this Muse is that she reminds you that the equitable relationships are the ones that you learn the most from.  That each person in the relationships finds not only joy and comfort, but that energy is mutual given and received.

 

Leo
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

*Moon – The Muse of Shadows and Mist is visiting you this week.  This can make you feel lost or uncertainty, roaming the shadowy halls of the unconscious and reading between the lines of conscious thought and conversations.  This Muse reminds you not to look outward for answers but to look inward.  What you see on the outside are mere reflections on what you should be looking at inside.  The world is your mirror.

 

Virgo
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

Ten of Swords – The Muse of Drama has come, and you do not have to answer the door.  This week can bring up old triggers and trauma that you thought you have dealt with.  Well, you have, so you do not need to respond to their call.

 

Libra
Elioth Gruner

Seven of Coins – The last three weeks have been full of energy.  You have had the Muse of Destiny bring in opportunities and challenges, the Muse of Perspective to help you see the big picture and the Muse of Stagnation stopping you to do some inner reflection.  And this week the Muse of Reward has come at the very least for you to take a breather if not reap the rewards of your labors.

 

Scorpio
Elioth Gruner

Ten of Coins – You have gone through a lot in the past three weeks – dealing with strengthening your emotional honesty, setting up structures that support you and moving forward with more gusto.  This week you get to sit back a bit and reconnect with family and loved ones.  By visiting your roots, you feed your growth.

 

Sagittarius
Elioth Gruner
Elioth Gruner

Four of Swords – The Muse of Tranquility reminds you that inertia can be as good for the body and soul as momentum.  Find time this week to unplug from technology and society to charge your batteries.  It is time to recline.

 

Capricorn
Elioth Gruner

Page of Swords – The Muse of Inquiry comes with mind sharpening challenges.  This week you need to use your Spidey senses when to ask questions and when to listen.  Some bits of information are hidden, not on purpose, but you will still need your surgical sleuth skills honed to get to solutions and answers.

 

Aquarius
Elioth Gruner

Three of Wands – The Muse of Enterprise comes with maps, a compass, telescope, and astrolabe to help you expand your horizons.  This is a great week to think about your short- and long-term plans of your enterprises and how you want to live in the bigger schema of life.  Vison board required.

 

Pisces
Elioth Gruner

*Emperor – The Muse of Realization has come to help you build your empire.   Think of various ways you can expand your realm of business:  networking, project creation, building your portfolio or resume, etc…   And then do them.  Now is the time.