I have a deep love for illustration and the artists that do them. This collection of Japanese book covers (1920’s to 1940’s) I found on the exceptional site called 50 Watts.  Hmm I don’t even know how to describe this site other than fascinating images of illustration collected by an amazing online curator/blogger.  You can sign up for “journey round my skull” to get it sent straight to your inbox.  I point this out because illustration, design and craft have been kept out of the definition of “fine arts”. This is an injustice.

Many “fine art” critics, curators and historians wave away illustration, craft and design as an art form and it can even be used an insult.  As an example, an artist  told me that an art teacher critique  her paintings as too illustrative and that made her really question herself as an artist .  I also had a run into this bias at an Artisan’s fair where the judge stated that she just couldn’t wrap her head around judging the fine art with the craft entries, so she decided next year to have a new category just for craft and this year she would only judge  the paintings and photographs as entries.  I don’t think either person meant it as a criticism to illustration or craft but interestingly both these people taught in a college setting, where they teach people what art is and also what defines their students as artists.

Illustration, design and craft can take as much imagination and technical skill as any “fine art” form.  And as I have said before they are everyday gateways into art appreciation.  Art critics and curators now have somewhat expanded the definition of fine art  with street artists like Banksy, Jean Michael, and the trend for outsider art (and I have to add even at this time period these are predominately men that are recognized but that is another blog) but I am not so sure that the art educational system has caught up. What would happen if we just took out primarily or solely in this definition of “fine art” as creative art, especially visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content?Imagine what kind of art we would see if we opened up to that definition.

P.S. Remember signs with an * it’s a big week for you.  And please share.

 

Aries – Eight of Swords

This week can feel a bit binding with the Eight of Swords.  This card foretells that between your thoughts and your obligations you might feel a bit trapped.  The challenge is realizing this binding feeling is all in your hands.  The obligations and thoughts can easily be let go of if you are truthful with the reasons behind them.

 

Taurus – King of Swords

This King request that you take control this week.  You are the best one to figure out your strategies to get through this week.  Rely on others but only if they have direction, and who better to do that then you.  You have your intellect and wit about you this week, use them.

Gemini – Five of Wands

The Five of Wands is the card of chaos.  No matter how you try, chaos will play a role this week..  You can head straight into this pandemonium if you honestly realize and are ready for the drama that will ensue.  But you also have the choice to side step.  If you choose this path then the challenge is seeing it coming, get your head out of the wouldas’, shouldas,’ couldas’, and be in the present with your feelers out.

 

*Cancer – Temperance

Temperance is the card of harmony. This card asks you what would harmony look like in your life?  This card wants you to tap into your flow and ride the currents and tides of accord.  Harmony is not all good or bad, but it is the combination of the two that gives an overall pleasing effect.  It is also the skill of going with the flow instead of against it.  Your challenge this week is to find how the flats and sharps contribute to the symphony of your harmonious tune.

 

*Leo – High Priestess

The High Priestess comes up when you have a big week of pulling back and looking at the cycles in life.  She comes to challenge you to get in touch with your instincts and combined it with your intellect. She bears information for you but you will need to do the contemplation to get to the answers. This can look as simple as mediating on a problem while listening to music or as complex as asking the world to show you signs to questions you have been pondering, then being very present in your life to see the clues when they arrive.

 

Virgo – Four of Swords

The Four of Swords comes up when you need rest.  This card is always a warning that your batteries are draining, and as they say, rest is the best medicine.  I advise taking a technology break too. It will help lower your vibration level.

 

 

Libra – Queen of Swords

You still need intellect this week with the Queen of Swords.  Where last week the King was about using your knowledge and straight forward communication the Queen is all about strategy. The challenge with this card is that logic and communication may not run in straight lines so you will need an approach going into this week.

 

Scorpio – Page of Rods

The Page of Rods continues the theme of the King last week in challenging you to stand firmly at the beginning of your new birth year and ask for what you want. This page also reminds you that your passions have been set aside for too long.  The difference with last week versus this week is you need to have more fun incorporated into your bucket list for your coming birth year.

 

Sagittarius – Seven of Cups

The Seven of Cups is a great start to your birth month.  This card wants you to dream and imagine what you want to happen in your year to come.  The only challenge with this card is around the expectations of how these items come about.  For instance, you want more happiness in your life or love and you are depending on others to do that – then you are putting your cup in the control of another.  Or if you want a more money you will have to put the effort into creating opportunities to let the universe help you get it. The universe will gladly fill your cup but equally needs your effort to pick the cup and lift it up.

 

Capricorn – Queen of Cups

You’re all work no play initiative of the past couple of weeks should be put aside with the Queen of Cups joining your ranks. She is the party card. Not only can she be a great hostess but she also knows how to enjoy herself. I think for your sign this is your challenge.  You are great in host or hostess mode, but put aside the practical Capricorn aspect for a bit and enjoy what you have laid out for guests and the guests themselves.  Also, one hint to get through this week: Drink water.

 

Aquarius – Six Wands

The Six of Wands heralds good news in the air.  This card tells that a battle has been won.  The challenge with this card is to enjoy that moment without the preparation for the next battle taking that joy away.  This is a card of recognition and gratitude for what you have accomplished before moving on to the next phase.

 

Pisces – Queen of Swords

Last week the Moon challenged you to dive into your subconscious and your emotions to pull some items into the moonlight.  The Queen of Swords continues this theme of dissecting your thoughts.  However, this week she wants you to convert what you learned last week into a strategy for moving forward. You cannot cut away your emotions but you can funnel them into usable energy.

 

 

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

Nina