Barbara Kruger uses contemporary mass media and its strategies to create sexual, social, and political messages. She challenges the viewer to examine stereotypes, classism, gender roles, social relationships, political issues, constructs of power, identity, consumerism, and sexuality. Most of her work consists of black and white photographs overlaid with bold captions. Kruger did the above piece 19 years ago in 1991. Her pieces are even more relevant now, even in the context of race, because she pulls her images from mass media where the lack of POC voice still challenges us as a society.
I normally let the pieces speak for themselves, but I would like to share why I particularly picked the above piece as my hero shot. Yesterday there was a lot of hate rhetoric around the celebration of July 4th. Though I agree with the anger behind it, I fear we might be losing the hope and sentiment that those 13 colonies fought for, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I have lived in a place where at the time woman where not allowed to drive or vote. So, when I came back, I had a new respect for America’s quest as a nation.
So, are we still asking these questions Kruger poses? Yes! But we are also in a system where we can and should always ask them. For this questioning helps us in aligning our government and our citizenship with equality and humanity. Just look at what is happening now to freedom of speech in Hong Kong or Russia. Do not let our pride in our concept of America create contempt for our fellow compatriots, the nations within this nation, or the nations that we co-habituate with on Earth. Keep asking these questions of identity, society, who is holding the power, and strive for the truths that are said below. For in a true Democracy the power is with its people.
Below is the preamble to the Declaration of the Independence (with a few words tweaked- which is my unalienable right). Re-read it, for it is still a very powerful statement for a creed on how to live and govern.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men Humanity, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind humans are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
P.S. Signs with an * it a big week for you. Cancer this is a perfect time to get an Astrological Tarot Reading for your coming year. And Capricorn 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
*Death – Another high energy week for you. The past couple of weeks’ focuses had you pondering your purpose and aligning your plans of action to that that purpose. However, before you take your steps into this new landscape, the energy this week is wanting you to slough off the old. Do a thorough cleansing of body, mind, and spirit of all that feels dusty and of no use. This can look as easy as cleaning your house and/or doing a full body scrub. Or this can be as challenging as letting go of old habits or mind sets that are no longer relevant or useful.
Taurus
Nine of Wands – The energy this week is perseverance. Make your boundaries strong and follow through on what work needs to get done. This is a great week to complete projects and/or conversations. The challenges with this energy are feeling overwhelmed, hyper-vigilant and/or defensive. You can make a boundary without making it life or death. You can be prepared but you can not control the outcome.
Gemini
Three of Wands – This is your second week of threes, so a quick check in with that numerology. Threes are stability through expansion. Last week you were advised to reach out to friends to fill your cups. This week the focus is expanding your dreams and faith will be its stabilizing force. Things will get better; the universe is working behind the scenes. However, it is up to visualize what you want in the future. This imagining helps the universe include you in the plans.
Cancer
Queen of Wands – This week the energy is giving you a bit of a birth month reminder. You are here for the soul purpose of being you. The energy summons your creativity, self-expression, self-acceptance, and compassion. The challenge is asking: What edges do you want to explore? This is a great week to set those intentions and inspirations for your coming birth year.
Leo
Four of Wands – This week’s energy is designed to connect with home and family. Take this time to give a nod to those family groups that surround you. Also is a great time to find moments where you can nestle into your den and curl up with your favorite form of entertainment and cup of fluid. This is a nesting type of energy use it to acknowledge and hang with your pride.
Virgo
Four of Cups – Use the energy that surrounds you well this week by pondering, meditating, and seeing the bigger picture/purpose/cycles. The challenge is that this energy can also feel like quicksand if you do not tether yourself with hope. If you can see your place in the bigger picture, that the arc of evolution is long and heads towards the positive, then you can use this pause to hone your talent of visualization and creativity while being in the moment of stillness.
Libra
*Emperor – The energy that surrounds you this week is manifestation. This is a great time to build and expand your empire. One challenge is that you need to lead, and therefore you making decisions solo. Thus, making your go-tos of compromise and negotiation nearly impossible. And the other challenge, though for you all might be joy, is your creation must be for the greater good of those around you. Go get things done.
Scorpio
*Justice – This week’s energy has you utilizing the concepts of cause and effect and/or big karmic. Take this week to ponder and plan is your life-path aligning with your integrity and your goals. However, this week is not time for big action. But it is perfect for imagining your choices, what path they will lead you to in 2021, and taking small steps in the now to get closer to your soul path. Side note: For any of you about to do legal stuff or contracts get it ready this week make sure all is in order and works to your goals, so you can jump once Mercury is out of retro on July 12th.
Sagittarius
*Temperance – Another big energy week for you. Last week your muse asked you to explore the physical, mental, or spiritual plane. This week the energy turns to harmony, balance, and patience. If you can accomplish this Zen like composure you will attract/see meaningful events and people. Enhance attributes and circumstance that bring you that sense of Ah.
Capricorn
Five of Cups – The energy this week can come at you a bit hard and you might just be a bit sensitive to it. The key to this week is to let your emotions out like the rain but look for the silver lining in every cloud. This is not being Polly-anna but a nod to the emotions you are feeling without them sweeping you away.
Aquarius
*Hermit – Deep thoughts are useful this week. Now is the time to process and learn from your experiences since your last birthday. You might have to pull away from the masses to do this kind of work. The keys to enlightenment are in the simple things you do daily. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Listen not only to your inner muses but also wise words can come from people passing by. Ears and heart open; mind sharp.
Pisces
Ten of Wands – This week take advantage of the energy of ending cycles. For those items that are no longer of use, let them go. For those items that are too burdensome, delegate them. Simplify so you can focus on what is a priority and move that to completion.
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.
King of Swords – See the broader picture of situations and champion those that are being bullied. Watch for people taking advantage of or manipulating those that are more misfortunate around you. You can solve these predicaments as simply as sharing your toilet paper or getting the elder down the street groceries, so they don’t have to go out.
*Death – Another energy packed week. The past couple of weeks have triggered your self-doubt and insecurities. Then the energy shifted trying to guide you towards self and universal compassion, so you could believe in you and the world at large. This week the energy embodies change and transitions. Things need to end so there is room for new projects/ideas/people. Take this time to, figuratively and/or literally, weed and plant anew.
Queen of Pentacles – Last week, the energy surrounding you was materializing the divine. Advising that conjuring for the greater good brings more ease to finding solutions. This energy continues through this week; however, you will have to let go of trying of controlling the entire materialization process. Watch the line between nurturing and smothering people and projects this week. Whatever you create needs to work without your constant guidance and support to succeed and not suck all the energy out of you.
Ace of Pentacles – Opportunities, abundance and prosperity are the energies to work with. This week has the potential of creation in it. Think of this energy like a seed – this is a beginning. What seed will you pick to plant and water as you go into this spring season. What one thing can you hone your focus and energy into?
Ten of Swords – Normally this energy is harsh, but you seem to rise above the morass by getting out of your head and being there for others. This week’s energy of regeneration and recovery lifts you above the banal and the suffering to a place that feels lighter and more hopeful.
Knight of Swords – To be truly courageous and unstoppable it is best to slow down. You can easily be triggered into impulsiveness. So, take a breath and survey your surroundings before you step into any situation this week.
Nine of Pentacles – Last week’s energy was about walking into your destiny. And, the lessons were about when your luck is favorable grab it and when it is unfavorable let it go. While realizing neither outcomes had anything to do with you. This destiny energy continues this week and adds that while things may look advantageous or not, that you need to watch overextending and/or overcompensating. So, take only what you need and let go of what doesn’t work.
Two of Swords – The mist that surrounds you is making decisions hard and/or is adding undue confusion to situations. So come to terms you are at a stalemate this week and it is best just to sit and wait out the bad weather. The fog will lift, and the road will be clear soon. Just not this week.
Two of Pentacles – Take this week’s energy to slow down the spinning plates. This is a time to look at what overwhelms you and where you are over committed. You have the time to contemplate what are your true priorities and where can you be flexible in your commitments. Life is a balancing act, and this is a good week to regain some of your balance and dexterity.
Four of Cups – Meditation and retreat are key elements to your week. And the atomic structure of this energy lies within the concepts of apathy and acceptance. How do you allow acceptance into your life without feeling apathetic? Contemplating on that goatfish will lead to avenues of ease.
*High Priestess – Listening to your intuition is vital this week. However, figure out what your subconscious is trying to convey is hard to hear through all the static of everyday life. So, find moments of silence, synchronicities and moon beams to guide you to opportunities and solutions that are hidden in the light of day. For example: There is a new Moon in Aries March 24; it’s a great day to start things.
Three of Cups – The energy this week is about independence. Your close ones and friends are important, but it must be balanced with some alone time. And this energy whether with friends or alone is best utilized doing the activities you love to do. This week is about filling your emotional cup.
Six of Cups – Where last week had its sorrows, this week’s energy is much lighter. The force that moves you forward is joy and playfulness. The challenge is not being naïve about what is going on in your life, but to weather through this storm by touching base with your inner bliss finding the calmer path.
*Strength – The past couple of weeks have triggered your self-doubt and insecurities. But this week you have the energy to see your inner strength if you give yourself compassion. None of us are perfect and learning from your mistakes only makes you stronger. However, the true key is seeing your imperfections as strengths. These warps are what make your perception, intuition and strength unique and valuable to the larger community. Believe in you and the world.
*Magician – The energy surrounding you this week is materializing the divine. Your resourcefulness and concentration are needed to move things into action. The challenge with this card is making your actions have altruistic components. If you can conjure for the greater good, the work and solutions will come with ease.
Four of Swords – The energy is all about relaxation. Take this week to rest and recuperate from the past retrograde. Allow your mind to wander without a goal and see what pops up but don’t act on it. The best use of this energy is in meditation and contemplation not engagement.
Nine of Swords – Last week’s energy was about shaking things up and paying attention to the cracks in your foundation. This week there are still some after-shocks that need attending to. They are triggering your worries and possible anxieties. You must remember that your worries have some aspect of facts; however, this energy can blow things out of proportion. This week is more about figure out what worries you can fix and what are out of your control. Let go of those that have no solution at this time, and fix the cracks you can with more innovative and adaptable ways.
Ten of Pentacles – This week’s energy is about endings on the material plane. The challenge is that these endings give off a feeling of insecurity and instability. You will need to learn to let go of the old, so the new can come in with more ease and room. Remember endings are also beginnings.
*Wheel – This week’s energy is about walking into your destiny. Fate and luck are the aspects in play. The definition of fate is the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power and luck is success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions. This is an important lesson for you this week. When your luck is favorable grab it and when it is unfavorable let it go. While realizing neither outcomes had anything to do with you.
Five of Wands – Compromise is key to the chaos produced this week. The more that you find solutions that lead to agreement and harmony the easier the path. This is not a week to stand on your principals alone. Stand in the shoes of your “opponent” and see their side of the problem. Doing so will not only produce solutions to your predicament but tap into your empathy for others.
Ten of Cups – This week’s energy is all about familial bliss. This family does not have to be blood based but can be life acquired. This is about you enjoying to your fullest. Remember that connection is not only to those people that make you happy but also to those activities/surroundings that do. Enjoy the harmony of living.
Nine of Pentacles – The energy this week is about abundance. Where can you receive and give? How can you create luxury in your life, but do so with the essence of resourcefulness? By answering these questions, you can find more sustainable rewards then just through material gains.
Three of Pentacles – Last week’s energy was around the crossroads in relationships. It had you making choices that involve, self-love, commitment and/or separation. Now that you have either ended, adjusted and/or reignited those relationships, the energy this week is turned towards collaboration. With the relationships you are continuing, now is the time to find common goals to work towards. Also, it is a great time to find new kindred spirits that you can learn and collaborate with. Either way the energy this week builds towards more harmonious prospects.
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