The artist this week is Artemisia Gentileschi.  She lived in the 17^th century mostly in Italy.  Gentileschi was one of the few woman painters of that time and was well known enough that she made a living with selling her paintings to nobles and royals like Charles I of England.  She is also known for being the daughter of Baroque painter Orazio Gentileschi and being raped and winning her case against her rapist when she was 17.

When men write about her, they note the power of her brushstroke likening it to men of her time, or her boldness of portraying strong women characters, unlike the men of her time.  Feminists write about her through a lens of a survivor and a woman who made her way in the patriarchal system.  When female art historians write about her, they see her in a broader context with a variety of aspects that contributed to what she painted and why.

As a viewer we do look through our personal lens.  Asking questions like did this feminine perspective become her selling point?  Or was it the subjects she chooses?  her “fame” of the rape?  Or did she exemplify Baroque art with its drama, rich and deep color and intense light and dark shadows?

All of these are pertinent questions, but also, maybe we just like her work, amazed at how she can capture candlelight.  As we view and relate to art or our lives, one must remember that a point in time resonates throughout our lifetime, but it does not solely define us or our actions.  We are a sum of all the things that makes us.  And at the same time, we are beautiful, amazing, and valid for just being alive as any other thing in nature.

Solar System highlights:  The Moon starts in Capricorn – focus on getting things done on material plan. Then on Tuesday it moves into Aquarius – use your intellect and thinking outside the box is needed.  The Moon then finishes in Pisces for the weekend – follow your dreams and soul’s desires. Mercury is in Scorpio – the focus is passion and letting go of forms of communication that no longer work for you.  Venus is in Capricorn – where beauty and harmony are achieved with practicality.  Mars is in Scorpio – desire is in the air, as well as, it is a great time to finish up projects.  And lastly, Jupiter and Saturn are in Aquarius – so innovating and upping your game is their focus until end of December.

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

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

Nina

 

 

Aries

Three of Swords – The Muse of Heartbreak has come to help you heal from a hurt you have been holding on too.  This hurt usually shows up as self-criticism.  These are deep wounds that keep cyclically happen in your life.  So, fill in the thought “I’m not lovable because….”  And heal that wound so you can accept the love that is already in your life or coming around the corner.

 

Taurus

Eight of Swords – The Muse of Self-binding Thoughts has come to trigger beliefs that no longer serve you.  Your challenge is to release yourself from these mind ghosts.  The keys to these emotional handcuffs are the upsets/traumas happened in the past, were put there by others, and you have made them your own.  Release and free yourself.

 

Gemini

*High Priestess – Last week the Muse of Fortune calibrated your karma, good or bad, a debt has now been paid.  Now, the Muse of Higher Purpose has come to realign you with your path.  You are here for a variety of reasons: being a parent, sibling, work, your passion, etc.… If you listen to your inner voice or external synchronicities, this Muse will guide you to resources that help you gain traction on your path.

 

Cancerian

*Empress – Your third big energy week.  So, you may be feeling a bit tired, stressed, and/or overwhelmed.  Because you had the Muse of Destruction dismantling some aspect of your life that needed fixing. Then the Muse of Stabilization shored you back up.  Now it’s time to create with the Muse of Creation.  Ugh but your tired.  Breath.  This energy would like you to focus on a project that will take you through the New Year.  She asks, what will you birth into 2022?  Grow it slowly, and nurture yourself as you nurture it.

 

Leo

Five of Cups – The Muse of Spilled Milk is here to remind you that every mess you encounter this week is not your responsibility.  Yes, you have things that need cleaning, but this Muse reminds you that some problems are meant for others to deal with.  So, your challenge is to see why you are doing it.  Are you avoiding your own messes?  Do you like the attention even though it is co-dependent?  Or is it if not you then who?  Focus on your mess only this week.

 

Virgo

Two of Swords – The Muse of Decisions is here to help you make more aligned choices. We all are making choices every day, but are they aligned with how we want to feel as we make them?  This muse suggests this week pick a feeling or word that you want to live by and then make choices from that feeling or word.

 

Libra

Ace of Cups – The Muse of Love has come to fill your emotional cup.  She suggests noting all the loving things that happen in this week.  Your pet greeting you, your kid’s hug, someone opening a door for you, or a smile.  But here is how she challenges you.  When someone does a wrong, mentally thank them for the reminder of how you don’t want to be or show them some compassion.  They may be having a shitty day.  You see, kindness fills the cup coming and going.

 

Scorpio

Two of Cups – Next energy up for your new year is the Muse of Relationships.  This year highlights relationships.  The challenge with this energy is by 2023 all your relationships should all be built on equality.  They fill your cup as you fill theirs.  Start this week cleaning out the emotional vampires.

 

Sagittarius

Seven of Coins – The Muse of Work has come to help you further a project on the material plane.  This energy is like those people that give out water during marathons.  Look for moments to re-energize yourself, take small breaks like a walk if you are stuck, drink tea, or tiny 10-minute desk naps; and keep going.

 

Capricorn

Page of Coins – The Muse of Learning has come with books in tow.  This week is great for acquiring a new skill or useful bit of information.  You might have to hit the books, watch documentaries or informational podcasts.  Knowledge is power.

 

Aquarius

Eight of Coins – The Muse of Mastery comes when you need to focus on a project and move it to completion or tweak it to a more valuable form.  Art is taking the everyday and lifting to a place where we can see its beauty.  This week take something to the next level.

 

Pisces

Three of Wands – The Muse of the Productive Waiting has arrived reminding you to use this time and space to prepare for what is about to happen.  For example, if you were going on vacation in 2 weeks, pack now and you might find that you need a new bathing suit.  Something needs to be done while you are waiting for the next thing to happen.