
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

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

*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

*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

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

*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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*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?



*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.






















Two 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.
Eight 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.
Page 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.
Eight 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.
King 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*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.
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.
*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.” 






































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