April is a spark of new energy that we all need right now. This is the month when new beginnings are happening, whether you’ve prepared for them or not, and there is something truly impactful about this month. The energy is there to experience some real breakthroughs in April, and the more you are willing to be inspired by life and its natural changes and cycles, the more you can experience the joy of this month. Although Mercury will be going retrograde in April at the end of the month, there are still a lot of opportunities for success this month.
On April 6th, there is a Full Moon in Libra, and this Full Moon is the Pink Moon of the year and is facilitating love, clarity, and healing. This Full Moon is about letting go of relationship challenges and moving closer to personal growth and love. Culminations are appearing, and love is having its say. On April 11th Venus enters Gemini, and Venus in Gemini is exciting, adventurous, curious, and a little chaotic. Venus in Gemini is hard to keep grounded, and relationship dramas are more likely this month. Venus in Gemini overall is here to bring some more fun into life but also to address what needs to be addressed within relationships and create an open atmosphere for communication.
The day Taurus Season begins, April 20th, is also the day when a New Moon Solar Eclipse will be happening in Aries, and this is when things start getting moving. Clarity is hard to miss during this time, and new doors are opening. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to make any important decisions the week before, during, or after an Eclipse. However, overall moving toward the end of April is about taking note of what is truly inspiring you and lighting up your life right now. On April 3rd, Mercury moves into Taurus, and on April 21st, Mercury goes retrograde here until May 14th.
This Mercury retrograde transit will highlight where you have been investing your time and energy and what the payoff looks like right now. Re-strategizing, replanning, and learning from past mistakes is what Mercury retrogrades are all about.
With Taurus being an earth sign, a lot of these matters will have to do with finance, the reality you are seeing right now, and your sense of stability. Things can feel shaky with this Mercury retrograde. However, growth is often necessary. Overall, April is the month to focus on your intentions, move forward toward the healthiest path for yourself, and take your passions and happiness more seriously.
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleYour season is here, and it’s time to shine, Aries! April 2023, for you, is all about personal growth, self-love, and community. You are coming to some important revelations this month and feeling in tune with all that is. This is your month to move forward, gain the clarity you have needed, and believe in yourself. With the Sun in your sign until the 20th, the power is truly in your hands right now, and you have doors opening for you to not only meet success but enjoy your time in it as well.
The most significant transit happening for you this month is the New Moon Solar Eclipse in your sign on April 20th. This is a time when major transitions are happening for you and when you are experiencing a personal breakthrough. An Eclipse in your own sign is impactful, and this time is all about getting excited about where life is headed for you right now.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleApril is an emotional month for you and a month where your heart gets to breathe, Taurus. You are feeling renewed emotionally, physically, and spiritually this month, and life is moving you into clearer waters. A lot of the energy begins to move into your sign in April, and you are claiming your blessings this month. On April 3rd, Mercury enters Taurus, and communication is especially important to you this month. You are experiencing a bridging of a gap this month and connecting with others more deeply.
Taurus Season officially begins on April 20th, and this is when things get really interesting for you. This Taurus Season is influenced by Mercury's retrograde, however, as Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus from April 21st until May 14th. While Mercury is in retrograde through your sign, you will be learning more about yourself and how you communicate that to others. This is a time of self-discovery, and something about April wants you to open your heart to the magic of life.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleApril brings in new beginnings in love for you, Gemini. This is an important month of growth in your life and the start of something new in many ways. You are feeling inspired and are directing your emotions to create the life you dream of. Venus is in your sign for most of the month, and love is flowing your way effortlessly. Who you are today is worthy of love, and that’s what this month is reminding you of.
Moving further into April, your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde on April 12th and will be retrograde in an area of your chart having to do with endings, culminations, healing, and the unknown. Some new information will be coming to the surface for you during this time, but remember to take your time to process everything and not jump to conclusions. This month is overall about listening to your intuition and trusting your heart to make the right decisions for yourself.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleThe Wheel of Fortune is turning, and it is moving in your favor this month, Cancer. This is a month of personal freedom, excitement, and a little bit of luck. You are moving into new territory in April and are feeling on top of it all. You have a good flow right now, and your day-to-day is moving with more ease than it has been. This month for you is all about knowing that you deserve all the good things in life and letting them come to you.
You are ruled by the Moon, and whatever the Moon is doing is influential for you, especially when it comes to your emotional world. With a Solar Eclipse happening at the end of the month, April is game-changing for you and a time when you are breaking through and showing up. This Eclipse will be happening in your 10th house, which rules your career, and you can expect some shake-ups happening here this month. Take things day by day, and expect the best for yourself.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleApril is coming together for you, Leo. You are experiencing the joy of life coming full circle and the fruition of your intentions blooming this month. The month begins with a Full Moon on April 6th, and this Full Moon for you is when a lot of important developments will be taking place. You have your support system around you and are feeling the support and nourishment in your life.
On April 20th, there is a New Moon Eclipse in fellow fire sign Aries, and this New Moon is lighting a spark in you when it comes to your sense of adventure in life. You are seeing the possibilities and the full scope of things right now, and during the Eclipse, the light bulbs are going off for you. Before the month ends, Mercury goes retrograde, and this time for you is all about replanning and restructuring your career and professional goals.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleApril is all about patience, love, and contentment, Virgo. This is a month where you are feeling the love in your life and when you are happy with where things are and aren’t needing to rush anything. This month is about new life blooming for you and about recognizing your strength as the creator of your life. This is a beautiful month of emotional nourishment, and you are feeling in tune with all that is.
Some important astrological transits that are happening for you this month are the New Moon Eclipse on April 20th, happening in your 8th house of intimacy, and Mercury going retrograde the following day and moving into your 9th house of travel and adventure. With the New Moon, you can see the possibilities for deeper connection and intimacy with others, and it’s about remaining open to that. Mercury retrograde’s transit may cause some travel delays for the time being and is ultimately a time for you to refocus your energy and plan your next steps intentionally.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleApril, for you, is all about taking care of your health and your mental well-being and making decisions for yourself that are based on love. Your well-being should be the priority, and inner peace is more important to you now than ever. The developments that are taking place this month are helping you address what’s within, what needs healing, and where it’s necessary to let go.
A Full Moon is happening in your sign at the beginning of the month on April 6th, and this is when you are experiencing a letting go in your life. This has to do with letting go of what doesn’t resonate with you or people who see you in a light you don’t want to be in. This month is giving you the strength to overcome the downfalls you have been moving through and to ultimately choose self-love at the end of the day, Libra.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleIn April, you are claiming your peace, Scorpio. This month is about slowing down, going within, and understanding some new perspectives. You have been on a journey of the soul, developing from within and understanding yourself and your purpose better, and this month is about giving yourself time to process and plan your next steps ahead. You are more in a retreat mode this month and will be focused on your personal growth and development.
With Mercury going retrograde in your opposite sign Taurus in April, your relationships are going to be a strong focus for you over the next month and will be an area of your life with the most lessons to learn. Mercury retrograde is showing you what is causing any emotional friction or misunderstanding and how to strengthen your relationships through strengthening your understanding of self and how you go about them. This month is about getting on the right track and figuring out what that means and looks like for you.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is an inspiring and passionate month for you, Sagittarius. With the Sun in a fire sign for most of the month, you are flowing well with the energies of April, and new doors are opening up for you that you have been looking out for for a while. This is a time when inspiration is peaked, and nothing is stopping you from reaching your successes. Remember to think as much as you are acting this month, however, but ultimately enjoy the fact that things are happening for you right now.
On April 20th, there is a New Moon Solar Eclipse in your 5th house of romance, and this New Moon is an exciting time for you, and new revelations in love are appearing. Although Eclipses’ aren’t the time to manifest or pursue new beginnings, they are a time that shows you what’s possible for you, and it’s all about feeling things through this month. April is a month of enlightenment for you and a time when you are standing in your self-empowerment.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleLove is in the air for you this month, Capricorn. Relationships, connection, and emotional harmony are the vibe of April for you, and you are feeling the love from within to without. This month is all about focusing more on all the things that are going right rather than focusing more on the things that need to be changed. Some things you can’t force, and the more you allow things to unfold in their own timing, the better this month.
With Mercury going retrograde in Taurus this month, this is influential for your love life, creativity, and sense of happiness. At the end of the month, you are moving through a new journey of understanding what brings you happiness and how it may look different now than it did before. April is reminding you that you deserve to be happy, and you deserve to pursue what you love. Make health decisions from the heart, and flow with the new currents of life.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleHappy outcomes are in store for you this month, Aquarius. This is a month of joy, living in your truth, and experiencing bliss. You are feeling the pure joy that comes from receiving everything you’ve wanted and feeling the empowerment of knowing anything is possible for you in this life. With a Full Moon in Libra at the beginning of the month happening in your 9th house, what’s culminating and leaving your life is what you have been looking to release. You are feeling a weight off your shoulders moving into April, and there is a sense of freedom in that.
The New Moon Solar Eclipse happening later in the month is all about communicating effectively and showing up. Don’t be afraid to take up space and use your voice this month, and there will be plenty to say around this Eclipse. Before the month ends, Mercury goes retrograde in your 4th house of home and family, and this is the time to spend some more time at home and take care of what needs tending to right now. Remember that independence is healthy, but that loved ones and support systems are what fuel you in life as well.
PISCES
April is a fresh start for you, Pisces. You are starting from square one this month and are ready to move forward into your new beginning. Although the path ahead may still feel a little blurry, know that you will see more of what you need to and gain the clarity necessary the more you take those first steps. Baby steps are okay; just make sure you are making that effort and not getting stuck in what could have been.
With Venus moving through your house of home, family, inner foundations, and sense of stability most of this month- home is where the heart is for you in April. You find more emotional harmony in your safe spaces right now and are finding the balance between what’s new and what you are already used to. There is a New Moon Eclipse happening before the month ends, and this New Moon is about finding new ways to invest in yourself and lift yourself up no matter what is going on around you.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
RELATED
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
