Week of December 25-December 31, 2017
After a fanciful holiday weekend, the heavens start to shift away from the fiery optimistic energy of Sagittarius as the Sun and Venus join Saturn in earthy practical Capricorn.
It's a good time to start seriously thinking about your goals in 2018. Venus, the planet of money, pleasure, and love is a pragmatic girl while she's in the sign of Capricorn until January 17th. That means that focused, methodical, and consistent work will have her in your corner to bless you with abundance.
Find a way to make your actions count in terms of achieving a dream. When dealing with Capricorn energy, it's one foot in front of the other as you steadily climb up towards your vision.
Read your horoscope for the week below.
Aries
You're going to be feeling fired up around all things related to your career and reputation over the next few weeks. Look at what you've accomplished thus far with a critical eye. It's time for some renovations before you race up the ladder. Think quality control and refinement. How can you be first, and better than before?
Taurus
There may be a craving to get away from it all for a while, Taurus, just to recharge your batteries. Try engaging in activities that make you feel connected to your sense of faith.. What do you believe in and how can you manifest those beliefs in your day-to-day? Booking a flight for inspiration would be ideal, but books and peaceful places to meditate can work too.
Gemini
Hey Twins, Mercury Retrograde had you reviewing all your relationships over the past few weeks but now it's time to take the next step. There's a demand to actually show up and commit to your partnerships and projects. If you play your cards right by opening up and being honest, you may find financial and emotional rewards coming your way.
Cancer
Venus arrives to sweeten your relationships as you commit to self-discipline and diligence, especially concerning whoever and whatever you choose to partner with. If there have been underlying fears around committing to others, you'll now be given opportunities to nurture yourself and those close to you. Your existing relationships may see a boost of harmony or if you're currently solo, a new love may show up to play.
Leo
It's the little things that will be bringing you pleasure while Venus activates your desire to enjoy to your routines and physical health. There's a new story beginning for you regarding your health as well as your skill sets. Be sure to practice your gifts and hobbies or else they can be forgotten like yesterday's chores.
Virgo
The time has come for the Virgins to play! The surge of energy prompting you to get flirty and creative is clear. A little bit of fun every day adds up, you may even start to enjoy it. Create a schedule of fun things to do throughout Venus' visit through your House of Romance, children, and creativity. Don't be afraid to get messier and childlike, Virgo. When you do, new doors open up in response.
Libra
You'll find yourself working harder than before to make your home and private life more comfortable. Could be an excellent time to clean out your closets to toss anything that's no longer to your taste. Beauty can be simple and practical Libra so try not to overthink what it is you need to feel peace on an instinctual level. Remember you don't have to break the bank, as Venus in Capricorn admires frugality.
Scorpio
You're pouring energy into learning new things. Anything that lights up your mind with curiosity is worth spending more time on. Invitations to attend social gatherings, lectures, and neighborhood events deserve your attention. The heavens are urging you to communicate and embrace new ways of perceiving your environment. Take notes, Scorpio, the big picture will reveal itself to you in time.
Sagittarius
Hoping you haven't blown your budget on gifts and holiday parties because much of your focus over the next few weeks will be about getting your coins in order. Venus will bring some measure of luck, but not without steady, realistic efforts on your part. Set a big goal, then scale it down a notch. The results rests on just how committed you are to seeing it through.
Capricorn
Happy Solar Return, Sea Goats! It's your season and what a season it is to be! Your home planet Saturn is visiting you for the next 3 years to restructure your world, challenging you to grow up and be an authority on you. Lovely Venus may urge you to refresh your look, beautify, and pamper yourself. Look in the mirror and kiss yourself each day. First step to taking over the world is taking care of and loving the self.
Aquarius
Solitude can be a good thing Water Bearer, even for a social creature like yourself. Consider this sudden love of peace and tranquility a call to get clear with your unconscious desires. Daydream, drift, volunteer to support those in need of your brilliance. Until then, turn up the music, doodle some more, and pay attention to the insights being delivered to you.
Pisces
Time to fall in love with a new hopeful wish, Pisces. Find a set of like-minded individuals or an organization you can throw your heart into. Anything that allows you to work toward a common interest that benefits everyone. Allow yourself permission to explore new ideas about who you are and what you're willing to create with others.
Was your horoscope on point? Sound off in the comments down below!
RELATED
Now, when you go to the hair store you are inundated with all kinds of hair textures, colors, and more. That’s why it was so upsetting to read the latest report about synthetic braiding hair.
Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images
A Feb 27 Consumer Reports article revealed that most popular synthetic hair brands that are used for braiding have dangerous chemicals such as carcinogens, lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The report stated that 10 of the brands were tested and all 10 had these chemicals. These brands included Shake-N-Go, Sassy Collection, and Sensationnel.
These chemicals include benzene, which is a carcinogen that has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia and unsafe levels of lead, which can cause kidney damage, brain damage, and cardiovascular problems in adults.
In children, it can cause brain and nervous system damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and even developmental delays.
James E. Rogers, PhD, director and head of product safety testing led the testing for synthetic braiding hair. “Our exposure and risk analysis found all nine products could expose a regular user of any of these products to a level of lead that could be concerning over time,” he said.
As shocking as this is, it also brought some clarity around why I’ve had issues with wearing braiding hair as of late.
Not only have I dealt with scalp irritation, I’ve even had breakouts on my back from the hair touching. Since then, I’ve started rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar, and haven’t had that many issues. However, the report stated that ACV isn’t a “cure-all” and can potentially release harmful chemicals when rinsing the hair.
@javonford16 Replying to @Julianna Rebundle vid: @Javon Ford Beauty #blackhairstyles #braidinghair #blackgirlhairstyles @Consumer Reports
While the report sparked some outrage, chemist Javon Ford has a different view. In a TikTok video, he shared that the report was tested for oral exposure and not dermal exposure.
He showed a screenshot of an email he allegedly sent Consumer Reports questioning their decision to test this way. The email said, “the best model to use, in our view, is the ingestion model for the reasons given in the article.”
“While I understand they went with that model, I don’t agree with it because you’re not intentionally ingesting braids,” Javon said. The chemist also said that the amount of chemicals found in the brands is “conservative” compared to other types of products.
So what does this mean for us braid-wearers? If you still want to wear braids, but have some concerns, you can limit how often you wear them. Another option is wearing non-toxic braiding hair or plant-based hair. The only downside is that it's pricier than synthetic hair.
The Consumer Report also suggested checking for recalls, reading labels carefully, and reporting adverse effects. Hair isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s best to do your research when making purchases.
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Feature image by AzmanL/ Getty Images