The month of May continues to up the ante as the majority of the celestial bodies shift from Aries into Taurus and Gemini. On the 3rd, Mercury enters its home sign, Gemini, submerging us into the quickening. Over the next few weeks, your manifestation abilities are moving at the speed of light. Tap into this energy before Mercury goes Retrograde later this month. The New Moon in Taurus invites you to expand your net worth through new opportunities and financial gains. Luck is on your side when Jupiter enters Pisces on the 13th. Check out your horoscope to see what magic May has in store for you!
Aries
May kicks off with Mercury shifting your focus towards your busy daily affairs. To-do lists will help you stay on top of all the small tasks that have a tendency to get lost in the shuffle. On the 6th, you're feeling inspired by your journey and motivated to share your success story with others. When Venus joins the Gemini party with Mercury, your personal magnetism is heightened through your gift of gab and online presence. The New Moon on the 11th encourages you to explore new terrain to increase your income.
The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th, enhancing your popularity. Although you typically roll solo, it doesn't hurt to have a group of loyal supporters. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, inviting you to deepen your knowledge of your craft and implement new routines that will turn your dreams into reality. A magical Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th shines the spotlight on you and the gems of wisdom you've acquired throughout your journey. The month wraps up with Mercury Retrograde helping you review current projects, revamp your website, and get a little more organized.
Taurus
Your personal values and finances come into focus when Mercury enters Gemini on the 3rd. On the 8th, Venus shifts into this same part of your chart, inviting you to assess your beliefs about your body image. Writing love letters to yourself and reading them to yourself in front of a mirror can do wonders for your self-esteem. The New Moon in your sign encourages you to take healthy measures in improving your appearance. A new hairstyle or wardrobe may be just what you need to boost your confidence. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, emphasizing the importance of networking and friendship.
Team work makes the dream work.
Gemini season officially begins on the 20th to revitalize your bank account. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde which could create some friction between you and an authority figure. Stick to the rules during this transit to avoid unnecessary conflict—unless, of course, you are your own boss. If you're self-employed, leadership development could benefit you personally and professionally. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th illuminates emotional wounds that need your attention. Remember—you have to feel it to heal it. The month comes to a close with our second Mercury Retrograde of the year inviting you to revisit conversations about your earning potential. By the end of the time Mercury goes direct, you'll have a more holistic perspective of how much you truly bring to the table.
Gemini
This month is action-packed from start to finish with Mercury, kicking the party off when it enters your sign on the 3rd. Let's just say that life is going into overdrive for you. When Venus joins this part of your chart, your magnetism has you attracting financial blessings and possibly some romance, too. On the 11th, the New Moon invites you to disconnect for a moment to recalibrate your subconscious so you can experience more guilt-free abundance and pleasure because you deserve it! When Jupiter shifts into Pisces on the 13th, you'll be challenged to stay disciplined in your career endeavors. By this time next year, you'll be amazed at how much progress you made.
Your birthday season begins when the Sun enters your sign on the 20th! All eyes are on you as you celebrate your Solar Return. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde inviting you to redefine any aspects of your spiritual truth that were bestowed upon you by those in positions of power. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th helps you resolve any relationship conflicts. If a win-win situation can't be agreed upon, then it just may be time to sever ties. Our second Mercury Retrograde of the year closes the month out, granting you the opportunity to tie up loose ends in relationships and projects.
Cancer
May invites you to into your shell to reflect on the past year as you prepare for your Solar Return. With Mercury and Venus in Gemini, the outside world can be a bit overstimulating, making it imperative for you to prioritize some time to retreat into your quiet, safe space. The New Moon on the 11th dissuades you from convincing anyone of your worth and encourages you to nurture connections with people that already recognize your value. This is also a supportive time to start building the foundation for how you want to impact your community—both online and offline.
When Jupiter enters Pisces on the 13th, you've got the Midas touch.
If you work in communications, the cosmos is stretching you to actualize your potential while also offering opportunities to share your content on a bigger platform. Try not to overthink yourself out of the blessings coming your way! On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Gemini which has your energy levels lower than usual. Get plenty of rest and sleep during the next month. When Saturn goes Retrograde on the 23rd, it will encourage you to create a strategy to tackle any debts that you have. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th will help you resolve a long-standing negative habit. The month wraps up with Mercury going Retrograde, encouraging you to tie up any loose ends before your birthday season.
Leo
Mercury shifts gears at the top of the month, drawing your attention to your friends and social network. Per usual, you're the life of the party and everyone wants to be in your circle. When Venus joins this part of your chart, you may be surprised that an acquaintance is interested in you romantically. The New Moon on the 11th challenges you to make some adjustments in your career which could result in you pivoting in a different direction. On the 13th, Jupiter transitions into sensitive Pisces. During this transit, you're encouraged to face some of those suppressed emotions and experiences from a different perspective (if you're into Tarot, think of "The Hanged Man").
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini which has your mind abuzz with all of the grand ideas that you want to bring into reality. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, inviting you to reassess your boundaries and contractual agreements. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse liberates you from watering yourself down in any way. You deserve to show up in the world in all of your brilliance. May wraps up with our second Mercury Retrograde of the year, encouraging you to breathe new life into an old dream.
Virgo
The first half of the month may be a little irritating with so much action taking place in Gemini. Between Mercury and Venus in this part of your chart, you could run into some power struggles particularly with someone in a position of authority. It's best to choose your battles wisely. The New Moon on the 11th invites you to expand your mindset by going back to school or attending a workshop that can help you refine your skills and ultimately align you with more financial abundance. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, giving you the opportunity to grow through your closest connections.
Choose wisely when partnering up in love and business matters.
When the Sun shifts into Gemini, your work performance is under review. Some important eyes may be on you so make sure you're on top of your shit. You'll be surprised by what opportunities come from your ability to hold down the fort. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, encouraging you to make some adjustments with your routine. You may feel like you don't have enough time but there's really just a need for you to prioritize what's most important. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse helps you resolve a longstanding issue with family, bringing you the peace and clarity that you need. The month ends with Mercury going Retrograde inviting you to a seat at a table with some pretty influential power players.
Libra
The month kicks off with Mercury entering Gemini on 3rd expanding your platform & influence. When Venus joins this part of your chart on the 8th, you're attracted to individuals capable of stimulating your mind. Exploring different cultures or traveling internationally can be just the experience you need to inspire you. The New Moon on the 11th could invite you into a financial partnership making this a good time to apply for a loan for your business start up or your new home. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces giving you the opportunity to get a handle on any harmful habits—particularly those that result in overindulgent or escapist behaviors.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun enters Gemini on the 20th encouraging you to reconnect with your deeper sense of truth. Your beliefs are up for review. Grant yourself the freedom to change your mind. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde which has you thinking more seriously in matters of romance. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th provides you with the cathartic release that you need to show up in the world more authentically. It's time to get that throat chakra poppin! The month wraps up with Mercury going Retrograde giving you a chance to tie up loose ends with a project or school.
Scorpio
The first part of the month brings your attention to deepening your closest connections. With Mercury and Venus shifting into Gemini, you're more curious about others and someone around you could share the same sentiment, making this a good time to gain a better understanding of each other which will ultimately strengthen the relationship. The New Moon on the 11th invites you into a new partnership—whether romantic or professional. If you're signing any contracts around this time, try to do so before Mercury goes Retrograde later in the month.
On the 13th, Jupiter enters ethereal Pisces where good fortune finds you through your creative self-expression, hobbies, and romantic connections. When Saturn goes Retrograde on the 23rd, you'll have a chance to revisit your earlier foundations in life, giving you a chance to redefine how you manage your emotions. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th illuminates your financial weak spots which are more than likely attributed to a limiting mindset. Check your money beliefs to make sure they support your goals and aspirations. May comes to a close with Mercury going Retrograde, inviting you to revisit that plan to pay off your credit card debt or student loans.
Sagittarius
The first part of the month is building up to the beginning of eclipse season which kicks off later in the month. With both Mercury and Venus entering Gemini, your relationships are your primary focus. This is a time to reevaluate the dynamics within your close connections—both personal and professional. The New Moon on the 11th invites you to commit to some better habits that can transform your lifestyle in a positive way. On the 13th, Jupiter shifts into Pisces during a transit that will stretch you to grow beyond your family's expectations.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini, revitalizing any waning connections. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, encouraging you to revisit your earlier foundations that shaped your internal dialogue. Once you get more clear on these limiting beliefs, you'll have the power to change them. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in your sign initiates you into the next phase of your ascension. Allow the old narratives and identity to fall away as more of your true self is revealed. On the 29th, Mercury goes Retrograde, making this a good time to revise existing contracts and agreements.
Capricorn
Life gets a little more busy for you when Mercury and Venus team up in Gemini. You may be a little scatter-brained during this transit. Try making to-do lists and marking special events on your calendar to help keep you on track. The New Moon on the 11th has you assessing whether any of your romantic contenders have the potential to be a long-term partner. If love is the last thing on your mind, a new creative project can be just what you need to immerse yourself into as you pave your legacy (and make your inner child proud along the way). On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, inviting you to nurture your connection to the Divine.
Magical opportunities await but you have to be in the right frame of mind to recognize them.
The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th which could be stimulating your anxiety. Avoid caffeine and get into a fitness regimen to keep you grounded. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, giving you a chance to restructure your money beliefs, which in turn, can expand your earning potential exponentially. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse serves to liberate you from the shackles of inauthenticity. Past-life regression and hypnotherapy can help you resolve deeply ingrained fears that keep you from expressing your true self. The month ends with Mercury Retrograde challenging your will power. You've made some healthy changes. Don't fall back into old habits!
Aquarius
The month kicks off with Mercury entering your sister sign, Gemini, on the 3rd. When Venus joins this part of your chart on the 8th, the world takes on a rose-colored tint because love is in the air. You could be attracting the witty type of character that will entertain you with some interesting, and random, ideas that may challenge you to expand your own way of thinking. The New Moon on the 11th could bring up some challenging energies within your family dynamic or home which may lead to you considering a relocation. If you're looking to make an investment, flipping a house could be a good place to start.
On the 13th, Jupiter leaves your sign (for the time being) and transitions into Pisces. Tap into your spiritual power to leverage more abundance in all areas of your life including your finances. On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini, revitalizing your inner child, making this a good time to get into a hobby or express yourself creatively. When Saturn goes Retrograde, you'll be retracing the lessons you've been (un)learning as it pertains to your identity. Your needs in friendship are changing around this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, resulting in you outgrowing a connection. The month wraps up with Mercury Retrograde, giving you a chance to put the final touches on a project you've been pouring yourself into.
Pisces
Tension may be brewing with Mercury and Venus, entering Gemini during the first part of the month. Be mindful of getting pulled into gossip or playing both sides if you find yourself in the middle of a family conflict. The New Moon on the 11th supports your financial endeavors, particularly if you work in communications or are in the public eye in some way. Using social media to your advantage can actually create new streams of income for you if you actually start putting your brilliant ideas into motion. On the 13th, Jupiter enters your sign, granting you the Midas Touch.
Fortune favors the bold so don't shy away from some big opportunities coming your way over the next year.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini, making this a good time to host a small gathering at your home. Not all of your visitors will be welcomed with open arms but do your best to remain courteous, especially if you share a home with a roommate or significant other. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, giving you a chance to reassess your boundaries and make any necessary changes. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th motivates you to align with a career path that reflects the expanded version of yourself. May comes to a close with Mercury going Retrograde, encouraging you to revisit a conversation with a family member to clear up any misunderstandings. Home renovations and family planning may also be up for discussion as well.
Read all about astrology and horoscopes on xoNecole here.
Featured image by Laci Jordan for xoNecole
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Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
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We all know Black doesn't crack but when reading up on beauty trends, many online experts suggest that every woman over 30 needs specific products to fight against fine lines and wrinkles. To maintain perfectly smooth glowing skin after a certain age, if it's not eye cream, then it's a specific product or procedure that could cost more than what I'm willing to pay for anti-aging effects. I decided to get the real tea on the skincare needs of Black women over 30.
I spoke with beauty expert Eden Gilliam, an esthetician with 11 years of experience in the beauty industry and founder of EVE MILAN, a Black woman-owned skincare company based in New York City.
Courtesy of Eve Milan
"I like to stay away from adding a bunch of extra products into a person's skincare routine that they're not going to commit to. Too many steps ultimately lead to becoming so frustrated that you're not going to do much of anything." Eden states.
"For example, the area around your eyes is more delicate of course, it's the thinnest skin you have so it may need more attention as you age. However, if you have a nice hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid that's already in your daily routine, then you can definitely get away with using that on your under-eye skin. For people that like to keep it natural, using shea butter also keeps that area hydrated." Her point? "Keep your routine simple."
After working hands-on with clients, Eden identified common skincare struggles which led her to create a line of products designed to restore confidence and a healthy glow no matter one's age. She explains, "There isn't anything that a three-step system can't solve." With age comes responsibility and a quick morning and nighttime routine are extremely effective when balancing healthy skin and busy life. "It should only take 10 minutes of your time, knowing exactly what you're doing and feeling confident in your routine."
The Simplicity Set: 3-Step System
"When it comes to the products we offer, like our best-selling 'Simplicity Set,' it's a hydrating cleanser, gentle exfoliant in the form of pads and a serum."
1. Gentle Cleansing Gel No. 103
Courtesy of Eve Milan
Every routine starts off with a cleanser. Eden suggests tackling your skincare basics with a nourishing cleanser that balances oil production while delivering a deep clean.
2. Superfruit Enzyme Exfoliating Pads
Courtesy of Eve Milan
Recently introduced to the process of exfoliation, when speaking with Eden I learned how instrumental this process is for aging skin. "Exfoliating as you get older is going to be the foundation of any skincare routine. You have to exfoliate. As we age, our skin turnover rate starts to slow down and it's not renewing itself as fast as it used to. That's how you get clogged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, even dry skin. When exfoliating, that allows the remaining products you apply to be more effective."
When asked what's the difference between an exfoliant and a toner, Eden explains, "A toner completes the cleaning process which is why it's used after a cleanser but exfoliants dissolve the glue that holds your skin cells intact. You want these skin cells to regenerate like they used to."
"A chemical exfoliant, which I believe every Black woman should be using, not a scrub (physical exfoliant), penetrates into the skin and keeps working throughout the day. It also increases your skin turnover and helps with appearing how it was in your teens and 20s."
Another tip when using the enzyme exfoliating pads, you can use [them] on your face, neck, chest, anywhere on your body, even your bikini area when suffering from ingrown hairs. Take care of all areas and achieve a head-to-toe glow by getting the most out of your products. Don't neglect the rest of your body by focusing solely on your face while other areas suffer from dry, cracked skin.
3. Reset Serum No. 422
Courtesy of Eve Milan
To complete the 3-step system, Eve Milan's Reset Serum is the perfect universal hydrating formula created for skin types. Doubling as a moisturizer, this is the final step to securing fresh and rejuvenated skin. Eden shares, "If you are going to invest money in anything skincare-wise, you'll want a serum." For a hydrating, vitamin-rich product, the Reset Serum soaks into the skin with healing ingredients like Gotu kola, niacinamide, and ceramides which provide you with anti-aging benefits. Whether oily or dry skin, this hydrating serum is for everyone.
"Asking whether a hydrating serum is for dry skin only is like asking if a person needs water. Your skin needs water, not oil. One of the main things that African-American women deal with is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is brown spots resulting in the lack of hydration. No matter your skin type, you need products that add water to the skin and keep it in there."
Aside from the 3-step process, Eden also shares the importance of good health and probiotics when it comes to healthy skin. She adds, "One thing I tell my clients, we need to take vitamins. Skincare is what you are eating and the vitamins you are taking. Ask yourself what you are eating and drinking. Like caffeine, is it helping you or causing more problems?"
Without the use of harsh chemicals, Eve Milan's mission is to get customers to feel comfortable in their own skin. All the products are made free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, artificial color, and fragrance to limit your exposure to toxins.
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Originally published on October 30, 2021