2023 is a good change of pace from what 2022 was for a lot of people. In 2023 we enter a 7 numerology year, which is a year where the vibe is more about peace, faith, reflection, and going within. Emotions are high, but through introspection and spiritual clarity, this can be an enlightening year for a lot of people. There are some very important, once-every-decade transits occurring this year, which is why 2023 is such a game-changer.
Next year, Saturn ends its transit in Aquarius where it has been since 2020, and we all remember what happened in 2020 and the tone of that year. Saturn leaving this air sign closes that chapter, and it's time for the collective to heal. Saturn enters Pisces in mid-2023, and a spiritual awakening will be occurring. Another significant transit occurring in 2023 is Pluto's move out of Capricorn and into Aquarius. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008 and has been showing us the power struggles of this world and where they are coming from. Pluto moving into Aquarius gives the power back to the collective, and anything that isn’t authentic or freeing will transform.
Overall, 2023 is a powerful year for clarity, manifesting, and showing yourself the power you hold as the creator of your life. Learn from others, help highlight something for someone else and give them clarity as well, and work with the community around you to create something beautiful.
The world is going through a rebirth in 2023, and your mantra for the year reflects how you personally can move through this year while living your best and healthiest life.
Aries 2023 Mantra
“I see clearly with an open mind and heart. Everything is working out for me, and I have nothing to fear.”
2023 is part two of the good energy you were feeling this past year, Aries. Jupiter entered Aries last year and finishes its transit here moving into the new year until mid-2023. With positivity flowing into the year for you, a mantra that helps you keep up the momentum and stay in a healthy and positive perspective for the year is everything. Your biggest reminder this year is not to get lost in the unknown, and to see change and different cycles of your life as blessings and opportunities to create magic. With the first Eclipse of the year happening in Aries on April 20th, Aries will be moving through some big changes this year and the universe is giving you your very own firework show.
Taurus 2023 Mantra
“I let go of what doesn’t serve me or my growth, and I honor where I am right now.”
Taurus, you are ready for a fresh start. 2023 is bringing that for you. A good mantra for you over the next year, Taurus, reminds you to let go, as this is a reminder you need a little more than most. This coming year, you are letting go of what you cannot change and accepting peace as your way forward. With the North Node finishing its transit in Taurus this year, where it has been since early 2022, this is your year of self-discovery through acceptance and letting go of the past. The last Eclipse of 2023 will be also occurring in Taurus on October 28th, even further signifying this cycle of closure and a new beginning that you will be moving through this year.
Gemini 2023 Mantra
“I am worthy of a new beginning. I am ready for a miracle.”
2023 is a year of opportunity and emotional rejuvenation for you, Gemini. This is a year where you will be feeling more vulnerable than usual, and are ready to explore this new sense of wonder in life. Happy outcomes and open skies are what you have in store for the new year, and with Mars in your sign until the end of March, you have an extra boost of energy as well. The mantra for Gemini for 2023 is all about knowing you are worthy of a fresh start and that anything is possible, but you have to be ready for what it is that you want as well.
Cancer 2023 Mantra
“I am a powerful creator of my reality, and I manifest joy, wealth, love, and good health in my life.”
Cancer, you are tapping into your inner magic this year. 2023 is a year where you are practicing your manifestation rituals and creating the life you have been dreaming of. Your power of attraction is strong this year, and you are manifesting your goals in 2023. Jupiters' move into Taurus this year is positively enhancing your friendship zone and sense of community, and it takes a village. Your mantra for the new year is all about reminding yourself of the power you hold as a creator of your life, and something that also helps you align with your spirituality. This is a year full of magic for you, and your mantra will guide you toward this energy.
Leo 2023 Mantra
“I trust the divine timing of my life, and give myself and others grace.”
The key for you in 2023 is patience, Leo. This year is going at a slower pace than you are used to, but this energy is needed for a major recharge after all that took place this past year. 2023 is all about enjoying the moment and trusting the divine timing of your life. You are not missing out on anything, and what is for you will always find you. With Venus going retrograde in Leo in July this year, you will be learning a lot through love and through healing the heart. Your mantra for the new year is all about aligning with divine timing, and trusting what is unfolding for you as it comes.
Virgo 2023 Mantra
“I am beautiful. I am healthy. I am peaceful. I am free.”
Virgo, you are in flow this year. 2023 is a year when Virgo is stepping up to their power in life, and doing so with grace. For you, Virgo, over the next year you have your health in mind, your peace intact, and love surrounding you. You are in a time of emergence, and a time where you are living free in your authenticity. You understand that abundance is your birthright and you are tapping into this stream of magic that is steadily available to you this year. Jupiter’s move into earth sign Taurus this year is a power play for Virgo, and new adventures abound for you over the next year. Your mantra for 2023 is all about freely being your beautiful and powerful self.
Libra 2023 Mantra
“Things get better for me every day, and I am grateful for my life and all that is in it.”
2023 is a year of claiming your blessings. Happy outcomes and opportunities are coming into your life over the next year, and the sky is clearing for you, Libra. For your 2023 mantra, gratitude is the attitude. With a Solar Eclipse in your sign this year, you are moving through a year of personal transformation, and are embarking on a new path over the next year. Your mantra is your reminder of the blessings that fall into your lap when you trust yourself and the divine timing of the transformations you are moving through over the next year. 2023 wants to give you something special, and this is a year of happiness.
Scorpio 2023 Mantra
“I am a passionate and creative being, and my energy is powerful.”
Scorpio, you are all about the passion of life, and this year is no different. The perfect mantra for Scorpio in 2023 activates positive emotion within. Your mantra for the year is all about using your power as a creator in this life, and blazing your way forward to create your dreams. The South Node finishes its transit through Scorpio this year, and by the second half of 2023, you have a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. You are the phoenix rising from the ashes this year and are a force to be reckoned with in 2023. This is a year of passion, and your spirit is free.
Sagittarius 2023 Mantra
“I am aligned in mind, body, spirit, and soul, and I go at the pace that I feel comfortable with right now.”
Sagittarius, you are going through a spiritual awakening in 2023. Over the next year, you are emotionally replenishing your energy, and growing as a soul. As a Sagittarian, you are spending more time in your safe space and getting away from the busyness of the world as much as possible this year. With the year closing with a Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, 2023 has a lot to teach Sagittarius overall, and it’s all about listening to your body and giving your mind and spirit time to process what’s occurring. Your mantra for the year is all about connecting within and finding your strength here.
Capricorn 2023 Mantra
“I am free to choose my thoughts, beliefs, and path. I choose for myself, and I choose wisely.”
The perfect mantra for Capricorn for 2023 reflects the soul journey you are moving through this year. For you, Capricorn, you are looking for freedom, reflection, and new scenery. Travel is big on your mind over the next year, and you are thinking about where you want to explore next. You are taking yourself on some important adventures this year, and are ready to learn more. 2023 is a big year for Capricorns overall, as Pluto finally leaves your sign and starts entering its transit in Aquarius at the end of March 2023. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, and now that Pluto is saying its final goodbyes, you can take the lessons you have learned over the past decade or so, and use your newfound power to enhance your life.
Aquarius 2023 Mantra
“I am worthy of everything I want in life. What I seek, is seeking me.”
2023 for Aquarius is all about moving out of spaces that don’t serve you and finding yourself and your people. You have been going through something over the past few years with Saturn, a challenging planet, in your sign since 2020; and you’ve had to be strong for yourself in times when it felt like you were doing it all alone. Saturn ends its transit in your sign this year, and you get to move into a new chapter in your life. 2023 is a year of movement, but you are also in the building process of creating a new life for yourself as well. You are finding the balance between what is falling away from your life and what you are moving into, and your mantra for the year is a reminder that you can have it all if you allow it.
Pisces 2023 Mantra
“I am always at the right place at the right time, and I am divinely protected.”
2023 is karmic for Pisces. This year is a time of clarity, and also about finding your strength. Saturn begins its transit in your sign on May 7, 2023, where it will remain over the next few years. Saturn will be bringing the past, present, and future up for review, and will be helping you make sense of it all. Saturn teaches us where in our life the foundations or systems aren’t working, and how to build something more sustainable for ourselves. With Saturn in your sign; your image, persona, how you see yourself, and how others see you, are going through this sense of change and rebirth, and your mantra for the year will help keep you grounded through what is occurring this year.
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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You know, sometimes, when I go back and look at some of the articles that I’ve penned for the platform before, I truly can’t believe how fast time flies. Take the piece, “What's The Difference Between Being 'Religious' And Being 'Spiritual', Anyway?” — now, how in the world did it turn five this year? I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around it. And although the piece does address some key points — like the fact that there is somewhat of a difference between being spiritual and being religious (although more people should read James 1:27 in order to understand how the Bible defines religion to be…it just might surprise them) — I want to explore a deeper angle of our spirituality, along with what we should require of it.
Today, let’s look at spirituality from the perspective of “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things,” “a quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, that strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose…” (Murray and Zentner) and, perhaps, more than anything else, “the relationship between ourselves and something larger."
You know, it’s a woman by the name of Dr. Maya Spencer who once said, “Spirituality means knowing that our lives have significance in a context beyond a mundane everyday existence at the level of biological needs that drive selfishness and aggression. It means knowing that we are a significant part of a purposeful unfolding of Life in our universe.” Indeed.
And while keeping that in mind, if this is a time of your life when you would like to “clean or cleanse your spirituality” by doing things like removing negative energy, getting rid of old or counterproductive patterns and/or by stepping into an elevated space as far as your human spirit and soul are concerned, you might be pleasantly surprised by how easy and even fun that can be for you to do.
To effectively clean/cleanse your spirit, start by asking — and answering — the following five spirituality-focused questions:
What Inspires You?
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Remember how, in the intro, I shared that one definition of spirituality is “a quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, that strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose…”? That is actually where I am pulling a lot of these questions from because, the reality is that focusing on things that inspire you, intentionally pondering your purpose, and also by encouraging yourself to become an overall better human being — these things definitely tie into your spiritual side whether you are “traditionally religious” or not.
And so, when it comes to cleansing your spirituality in this season, a great question to start off with is what actually inspires you? And listen, believe it or not, inspire is a pretty layered word. I say that because, while one definition is “to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.),” another is “to communicate or suggest by a divine or supernatural influence,” while synonyms of the word include excite, affect, cause, motivate, provoke, and instill. This means that if you truly want to say or do things from a place of inspiration, you need to produce things from a divine or supernatural space (interesting, right?).
The reason why it’s so important to “spring clean” in this department is, oftentimes you can be motivated or provoked by things that aren’t really all that good, healthy and/or beneficial for you (social media fast, anyone?) — things that take your mind off of what’s divine — sacred, godly and extremely good. As a result, you find yourself producing out of a mind and heart space that is compromised when it comes to your core standards, values, and even goals.
So yes, in the effort to cleanse your spirituality, begin by really reflecting on what you claim inspires you — then revisit what the word actually means…just to be sure that you are being honest with yourself about whether something or one is truly inspiring you…or not.
What Amplifies Your Purpose?
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Purpose is always something that is going to be a pretty big deal to me. That’s why I’ve written articles for the platform like “What Does It Mean To Have 'Purposeful Relationships'?,” “Please Stop Picking People Who Don't 'Fit' Your Purpose,” “The Conversation You Need To Have With Yourself Before The New Year Begins,” “How To Handle 'Purpose Fatigue'” and “5 Signs You Are Living Your True Purpose.” It’s because really, if you’re not focused, most of all, on the reason why you exist in the first place, nothing else is going to be fully, truly, and authentically fulfilling for you.
So, when it comes to this part of your spirituality, first take some time to make sure that you know what your purpose is. If you have no clue and you’re ready to find out, as a wise person once said, wisdom comes in the questions, even more than the answers, and Rockwood Leadership Institute has a whopping 132 questions that you can ask yourself in order to get to the root of what your purpose is here. On the flip side, if you do know and you’re just not feeling completely satisfied in what you are currently doing as it relates to executing your purpose, it sounds to me like you are going through a bit of a “purpose growth spurt,” and yes, there is such a thing.
For instance, I am very clear on what my purpose in life is — I am here to teach what I study and research about when it comes to the topics of covenant marriage, sex, and the biblical Sabbath. All are covenant principles that have been unbelievably compromised in a thousand different ways. However, as I evolve, transform, and mature, my understanding of what I know does as well, and that “upgrades” how I approach and share my purpose with others. You see, purpose is never supposed to be stagnant…it is ever-shifting as far as how you accomplish things within it.
And that’s why, spiritually, it’s so important that you make sure that you are AMPLIFYING YOUR PURPOSE. To amplify is “to make larger, greater, or stronger; enlarge; extend.” If you are not putting forth the effort to do just this, there is some spiritual cleansing that must be done because, if there is one thing about a person’s purpose, it’s the fact that it’s HUGE which means that there will always be plenty to do within it until their time on this earth ends.
What Makes You Love Better…and More?
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I believe I’ve mentioned before that a show that I loathe with every fiber of my being (and there really is so much to choose from these days — SMDH) is TV One’s For My Man. Not only is it a program that discourages full-level accountability, but it irks me to no end every time that it says that a woman did some heinous crime in the name of love. According to Scripture, GOD IS LOVE (I John 4:8&16). Not only that, but the Love Chapter in Scripture has a very healthy, sane, and mature take on how we should love and require love in return (I’m going to share two translations of I Corinthians 13:4-8 for expanded context):
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.” (I Corinthians 13 — Message)
“Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].” (I Corinthians 13 — AMPC)
Now, think about what you see displayed on television when it comes to relationships. Based on these verses, is it love? Is it really? Ponder all of the relationship content that’s on social media. Does it sound like this kind of love? Does it really? The times when you’ve done things that you know were purely rooted in selfishness, impatience, and/or refusing to do for others what you would want them to do for you — how can any of that be loving? If you do believe in God and you also believe that you were made in his image (Genesis 1:26-28), this means that a part of your own spiritual DNA is love. This also means that if you know that your love has been tainted by material or physical things (which, by definition, is the opposite of spirituality), it’s time to make some real adjustments.
That said, take some time, think about the people and things that you profess to love, and ask yourself if it’s really love or is it lust or entitlement or immaturity. Then ask yourself what you can do to love those individuals and items better.
Remember, since you are made from Love, it’s important that you love like you are.
How Effective Are You When It Comes to Compassion?
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Personally, I think that whenever someone does something reckless and then follows up with the Bible says not to judge, I find it to be a supreme level of gaslighting. The context of that verse is saying that in the way that you judge, you will be judged and that you should make sure that you are right in the area that you are judging before you judge someone else (Matthew 7:1-5); however, be clear that judgment is a form of accountability which is why there are also verses like “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24 — NKJV) that exist — not to mention the fact that discernment literally means “keen judgment” and the Good Book supremely promotes that: “Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and hewill discern knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:25 — NKJV)
And that’s why, any time the topic of “don’t judge” comes up, I am known for saying something along the lines of, “PUH-LEEZE. If I say ‘You’re cute,’ I just judged you. Humans don’t have a problem with judgment; they don’t like criticism or accountability.” And gee, is that unfortunate because it’s hard to grow without both of those things. However, the key that comes with being on the giving end of criticism or holding someone accountable is applying a quote by author Anne McCaffrey: “Make no judgments where you have no compassion.”
This world has a lot of…stuff going on, stuff that needs to be addressed and stuff that needs compassion applied while it is. By definition, compassion is about having concern for others, especially if what you see them going through, they have either told you or you can discern is tied to some level of internal suffering. And that’s why, in the spirit of spiritual cleansing, something else to ask is if you are holding others and even yourself accountable while operating from a place of genuine care and concern or is your ego just wanting to elevate itself or prove that it’s right?
You know, we’re living in a time when, more and more, people are frowning on humility which is unfortunate because a definite quality that comes with being a compassionate person is absolutely that — “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4 — NKJV)
It really is almost impossible to be profoundly spiritual without being a compassionate person. Is this an area that needs some “cleaning up”? If so, there is no time like the present.
What Encourages You to Be Wiser and Full of More Truth?
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Musician Jimi Hendrix once said, “Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens.” Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Confucius once said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest." Thomas Jefferson once said, “The wisest men know their weakness.” Author Gift Gugu Mona once said, “A woman of peace is a wise woman who understands that peace is more powerful than trying to prove a point.”
And what does it mean to be wise?
People who can regulate their emotions are wise. People who actually learn from their experiences (and the experiences of others, so that they don’t have to experience everything) are wise. People who know how to tame their ego are wise. People who are flexible/adaptable, non-materialistic, are self-aware, can be relied upon for great perspectives and insights, and are teachable are wise. The self-disciplined are wise. The patient are wise. The non-entitled are wise. Those who prioritize well are wise.
Those who do not live above their means (across the board), they are also wise. And there is no way that you can be wise without being willing to be completely honest, yes truthful with yourself about where you could stand to gain more wisdom and what must be done — and sometimes sacrificed — in order to get it.
And so, as I close this piece out, when it comes to spring cleaning your spirituality, ask yourself who and what encourages and enables you to become a wiser individual — AND who and what hinders that from transpiring. Then be honest with yourself about what is challenging you for the better and what, frankly, is only dumbing you down. Indeed, in order to live out the full potential of your spirituality, wisdom must come into play. However, it’s important to keep in mind that, for wisdom to truly flourish, it is a conscious choice — a daily decision.
And it will never come so long as you are making up excuses, justifying poor behavior (check out “Accountability Time: Let's Stop Calling It A 'Mistake' When It Was A 'Choice'”) or lying to yourself about what needs to be done. Taking those approaches to life is literally the opposite of being wise.
A French priest by the name of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once said, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” I can only imagine how much the quality of our lives would improve if we took that in on a very serious level.
The good news is you can choose to do it — right here and right now.
See yourself as a spiritual being.
Clean/cleanse whatever hinders that reality.
And watch how you begin to soar, supernaturally, by design, because of it, sis.
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