The artist this week is Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Her work is about occupying two worlds both her native Nigeria and America. Njideka does this though a weaving of her photographs, family photos and pages from popular Nigerian magazines creating a fabric like pattern throughout her work. Her process is a layering of collage, photo transfer, fabric, acrylic paint, charcoal, and colored pencil. This give her pieces a duality of “busy” with the patterns and serene with her choice of compositions of models and motifs.
This complexity and layering of culture are mimicked in her native land of Nigeria and the place she now lives, America. Both are multicultural nations trying to find a cohesion to create a country. Nigeria is a multinational state that is inhabited by 250 ethnic groups with over 500 distinct languages all identifying with a wide variety of cultures. The composition of American population is also is represented by almost every country in the world. So, in her work she takes the viewer into layered landscape exploring her personal journey in inhabiting and defining what is it to be a Nigerian who lives in America.
Are we a melting pot or a tossed salad? This has been a debate since the 1960’s. The melting pot metaphor used by Emerson was the concept of the fusing process of the European immigrant to melt down their heritage and reforming into a new American. The con to this outlook is the lose of the immigrant’s individuality. Then in the 1960’s the idea of multiculturism took hold. This is the concept that we are a tossed salad holding on to our individual cultures with the law and the market being the dressing that binds us. The con for this approach is that America as a whole loses its culture of what defines us as an American citizen and what we as a country represent. This debate rings even truer today. Maybe we need to re-examine our metaphor like Crosby does with her art. Maybe we are a collage of cultures layered to form a single motif. So as with Crosby’s work, when we step into look at America closely, we can see each detail and as we step back, we see us a cohesive and magnificent work of art.
P.S. Signs with an * it a big week for you. Leo this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Aquarius 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
Four of Wands – Home is where the flow is this week. Time to give your house some loving, and you will get it back four-fold. Things like deep clean that bathroom, lawn maintenance, adding plants, feng shui your house, decluttering your drawers or any activity to your home that creates more comfort and ease. This homey attention will make the rest of your life flow better.
Taurus
Ten of Swords – This week is about hurt from outside sources and learning how to deal with them. First lesson is you learning to stop listening to your ego over your intuition and internal integrity. A possible reason for outside sources sharp vibes is that you have played either martyr or savior instead of seeing yourself as one of them. Second lesson, these outside people are having problems of their own. And yes, their ugliness may squirt on you, but the challenge is not let muscle memory set in with this illusion of rejection or hurt. Take this time to close the laceration(s) and either prepare to start anew with these outside people or forces, or if need be walk away as long as you do not do it from the place of the wounded.
Gemini
Nine of Cups – Last week the forces where calling you to make choices. You get more time do so with this energy’s help. This muse reminds you that you do not need to be totally “there” to know that you are worthy of this change. So, it asks you are you dreaming big enough? Would the theme of these choices illuminate you if the journey got dark? Do these choices create a sense of ease in your life? And the first choice should be that you accept contentment over ecstasy because your gifts are on their way.
Cancer
*Emperor – The vibe this week is about building your material plane, protecting and feeding your goals. This is a great week to implement ideas into your workflow, to bring your business or work to the next level. The challenge is to not only promote and uplift yourself but also to uplift others in the process. Look to benefiting the whole not just the individual. Be a steward of good.
Leo
Four of Swords – The energy this week mid-birthday month is exploring your realms of relaxation. The duality of Leo is you have lots of energy, but also like a lion enjoy laying around soaking in the “act” of inertia. Your challenge is exploring all the ways you relax, either active or sloth like, and then how are you going to consistently incorporate this in your life. Your goal is to find time to unwind at the very least four times a month at the best four times a week in the coming year.
Virgo
*Strength – Ok, time for some beast training this week. What are your monsters? This energy advises to tame these demons you must work with them. There is a mediation that embodies this practice : Feeding your Demons. Another way is to personify your monster into someone or thing you would not normally listen to but can be entertaining at times. (I see my anxiety as Harlequin from Batman.) The challenge is not fighting with your monster or killing it but accepting it and seeing when it is trying to be an ally.
Libra
Ten of Cups – The energy this week is about finding activities that bring you bliss. Connection and love are the keys to finding ways to open your heart. So, this can be simple extended hugs, deep conversations with friends, or having a socially distance beverage with your close ones. However, these are hard times to connect with others. If you are solo, this energy can be tapped into by hugging yourself, holding your own hand or dancing with your favorite YouTube/TikTok video. It sounds strange but since we do not often do it, it tricks the mind that we are connecting with another and turns on our endorphins. So, let the loving commence.
Scorpio
Two of Swords – This is your second two so quick check in with the numerology. Two means balance. Last week was about finding balance from the reality of your present with the plans of where you want to be in the future. This week the challenge is making balanced choices with your head and your heart.
Sagittarius
Ace of Swords – The energy this week is all about learning something new to help you expand your understanding or perspective. The best way to use this energy is in deep conversation, your head in a book, or ears tuned into a new podcast. Your mind needs to be fed new ideas expanding its data and bringing enlightenment for the coming weeks.
Capricorn
*Tower – Every sign is having its turn with the Tower, change that occurs outside of your control. Now is your time to make sure you are contemplating how you are going to rebuild your structure after 2020. Take this week to look at the “cracks” that 2020 has brought on in your life. The important aspect with this inspection is that you do not rebuild with the same fault lines in your foundation. So even though the structures you imagine and are creating look different, make sure you are not building on the same defective footing. This can look as simple as you have become vegetarian but not getting enough protein or you are creating a slower lifestyle but then fill in your schedule.
Aquarius
Ace of Wands – Inspiration continues this week, but this energy has potential for new beginnings to sprout. This is a great week to start any project or go exploring. Your soul is craving passion and newness. Feed the fire.
Pisces
*Wheel – The energy this week is about taking chances to move forward. This year has had its ups and downs, but you must continue to spin the wheel to create fortitudinous change. For the kernels of synchronicity wait undeveloped until they are sought after. Now is the time to move ahead for each step this week leads you to a new era of luck and destiny.
Ten of Cups – Last week’s energy asked you is your life-path aligning with your integrity and your goals for the year 2021. That challenge is still on, but this week’s vibe wants you to add an extra ingredient: bliss. Somehow you have disconnected or become dysfunctional with pleasure. Pleasure is defined as a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment. Your challenge is to adjust your plans, so they integrally aligned with you. The test is you find yourself enjoying the process, satiated by the outcome, and finding your bliss in the mix.
Queen of Wands – This week the energy can invigorate anything you put your focus to. It also supplies you with the courage and fierceness to take charge of all that you survey. The challenge is doing it alone. It is not necessary, but you can if you must.
Eight of Swords – Self acceptance is key this week. You might be feeling entrapped, but this time is meant for healing. Sometimes the inertia of life has nothing to do with you as long as you don’t take it on as your story. Let go of the collective thought patterns. They are not part of your narrative.
Queen of Cups – Last week your brain was taxed. The energy takes a 180 degree turn to your heart this week. Compassion, calm and comfort are the keys to ease. Find time daily to invite in the 3 Cs. This is no time for martyrdom – take time off and have some fun.
en of Wands – Another week spending energy in completing old projects and cleaning your desk/mind/spirit. The challenge is being responsible for your obligations to those close to you but also to yourself. This week is setting you up for new beginnings once your plate is cleared from the old.
Four of Swords – This energy shows up when you need to recuperate and relax. You are being drained and are not aware of the source or how much it is taking out of you. The best way of finding the leaks is by walking away from all your responsibilities for a small amount of time. Then once you return the seepage will be more obvious and easier to fix.
*Temperance – The energy that surrounds you this week is excessive. This overload unbalances you, so emotional outburst may be necessary to vent and re-calibrate. However, be careful, impatience can trigger more negative and unworthy outpourings. The key is purposely vent before the pressure makes you burst.
*Sun – The sun will come out tomorrow and shine on you all week. So that is great if you are ready to play in the sunlight. However, there is a distinct possibility you may also want to hide in the shadows of pessimism. The challenge is that more you try to be happy the less you accomplish it. In other words, you are thinking to much. Sag your free spirit is needing airing, a drive in the car with windows down, a picnic in the woods, or anything outdoorsy without any goal setting is required. Try spotlighting your focus on things you want to do – not things you have to do.
*Justice – Last week organic change was asking you to not resist or fear transformation. Letting things end so others can begin. You are hopefully now moving with a more natural pace and to a more comfortable place. Luckily, you get another week to work on this shift by focusing on cause and effect. For each decision you are making imagine the possible or impossible outcomes. Why focus on the impossible? Because your mind wants to think of the what ifs and this is the week to let it. Those out-there worst-case scenarios need airing. Not to bring them in to being but to see the truth of their outlandishness.
*Chariot – Wow four weeks in a row with big energy. It started with summoning you to take a bit of control over your destiny by showing up. Then Temperance energy suggested creating your life like a refined meal that has many notes to balance in the creation of a delectable dining experience. Then Justice had you looking for the grey areas to find a true sense of fairness and harmony. Now self-determining change has arrived. This energy is giving you control. The good side is that you have more sway then you think. The bad side is it is all in your hands. This week if you want movement to happen you will need to take the reins. If you look at all of May/June’s forecast now is the time to be flexible and delicate when applying energy but continue moving forward.
Two of Wands – Discovery is the name of the game this week. The challenge is that you are still in a place that is neither the past nor the future; however, you are not inert. You are just taking a moment finding needed items and planning for the move forward. The only challenge is while you are doing this be mindful of the precious moments this pause has given you.
Eight of Coins– This week is all about work. You got skills and you need to use them. So, now is the time to get things done. The challenge is being humble enough to know you always have something more to learn
Two of Cups – It is all about partnerships this week. This time holds possibilities of unity and connection, but if emotions are not attended to, it can also hold tension and disharmony. Be aware it takes two to tango or waltz. One can lead but the other must agree to follow.
Ten of Cups – This week’s energy is around family bliss. Spend these coming days cultivating harmony and happiness. Find ways to enjoy the company of others, whether that is with a web wine meet up or a virtual game of cards. Companionship is key this week.
*Star – Last week’s energy is about bring the divine down into practical applications. Using your resourcefulness and skills to create action. Now the card of healing joins the mix. For last week’s energy was a mix bag of actions. This week you can step back and see why your creative fires did not light or burn as brightly as you intended. Do not be discouraged. This is part of the process of action you need to learn before your new birth year starts. Understanding and mending is needed as much as action to create a healthier future.
Eight of Swords – Ok week two of moody thoughts and feelings surrounding you. The key to this week’s feeling of being trapped is again around self-acceptance. You are allowed to have feelings, but overthinking those feelings is where the trap gets triggered. Take this time to discern and disengage from the entwinement of your heart and your mind.
*Empress – Creativity is calling to you. But something is holding you back. This week find out how to mother and not smother that creativity. It is natural for you to nurture others but when it comes to yourself you stop. Why? Let loose of the structure and cultivate organic expression.
Ace of Wands – Last week’s energy was about creating new beginnings if you are not reckless or naïve in its undertaking. The energy continues this week. However, so does the energy of distraction. Why are you hesitating on moving to the next level, beginning a new project, or just being creative without any goals? Again, the key and conundrum is around planning. You do have to plan the whole project. This energy is about taking one step at a time and enjoying the process hopefully as much as or more than the result.
Knight of Swords – You are unstoppable this week, and that has two potential outcomes. Either you can impulsively rush in without thinking and either bruise yourself or another. Or you can swoop in with heroic and selfless actions and save the day. The key is thinking before you act.
Four of Coins – Conservation is the energy you will need to work with this week. Your resources are limited, so use them wisely. This isn’t about being miserly but being frugal. Frugal in the sense of simplifying and focusing your energy, within the context of what you feed grows.
Ace of Swords – The energy this week is about breakthroughs. There is clarity in the air which brings new ideas and thoughts into your mix. The challenge is deciding either surfing the chaos like a Zen wave rider or diving into the depths letting the waves roll above the contemplative stillness you have found. The choice is yours.
*Temperance – Last week, it was time to take a bit of control over your destiny by just showing up. The high energy continues this week but with less of a roller coaster feel. This energy asks you what is your purpose? The keys to finding these answers is patience and balance. Your life is complex, so balancing out different aspects and aspirations is important to moving forward in the year to come. Think of your life like a refined meal that has many notes to balance its tastes into a delectable dining experience.
Two of Swords – Decision making time. There is a stalemate that is about to happen but just being decisive about what you want and how you want to feel will avoid later confusion. Do not avoid what you know needs to be done.
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