The significance of Astrology is that it helps you build relationships with others. You not only learn more about yourself through studying or understanding the stars, but you can also strengthen your connections in life as well. When it comes to building friendships, making new friends, or understanding more of who you are as a friend yourself, you want to look at the 11th house in your birth chart.
The 11th House in Astrology
The 11th house in Astrology rules your friendships, community, social networks, associates, aspirations, and where you find like-minded souls who resonate with you on a deep level. It represents the person you are within your community and the support you receive from others as well.
By breaking down the signs, planets, and aspects of your 11th house, you can further awaken to the beauty of friendship you were meant to experience in this lifetime. The strengths or weaknesses of your 11th house determine what type of experience you have when it comes to friendships and support in your life and how you can grow here.
What Do the Planets in the 11th House Mean?
Venus in the 11th house signifies someone who not only feels a lot of love for their friends but is constantly being reminded how much their friends or community support them as well. They build friendships through love and feel a lot of harmony. Jupiter in the 11th house signifies someone who has a bounty of friendships in life and feels blessed in this area of existence. They are the larger-than-life friend who always has something going on and wants you to be a part of it, and they build their friendships through their optimism and wisdom.
Chiron in the 11th house, however, can signify someone with deep wounds related to their friendships and may have a hard time making friends due to old betrayals or pain stemming from people whom they have associated with. Chiron in the 11th house are the healers in their friend groups and will build good friendships when they approach them with more confidence and understanding.
Saturn in the 11th house will show similar themes as Chiron, but friendships here feel more restrictive than painful. Having Saturn in the 11th house indicates someone who takes their friendships very seriously, but may not know how to loosen up and have fun at times.
What the Zodiac Sign in Your 11th House Means for Your Friendships
The sign you have in your 11th house is also a determining factor in how you show up best in friendships. Virgo in the 11th house are the friends who are always there to lend a helping hand and build strong friendships through consistency. Sagittarius in the 11th house are the friends you want to travel with, and they create friendships in life through their outgoing and charismatic nature.
Cancer in the 11th house is the “mom friend,” the friend that will take care of you when you’re sick and create friendships in life through their nurturing and supportive energy. Overall, by understanding your 11th house, you understand the role you play within your community, the friendships you make, and the bonds you can build with others.
Read below for your rising sign and sun sign to see what influence your 11th house has in your life:
ARIES RISING/ ARIES SUN
You are the friend that always shows up exactly as they are today and receive support in your life through your authenticity. You aren’t the type of person to beat around the bush, and you are very direct when it comes to what you do or don’t want to be friends with.
Aquarius is your 11th house sign, and you tend to make friends pretty easily in life. You go through moods of being social and needing more independence and time to yourself, but your friends are typically very fond of you nonetheless.
You are an open-minded friend, and support the things in people that others may deem weird or unusual, and tend to attract progressive and inspiring people into your life. You will build strong friendships when you are getting out of your head, allowing yourself to take up space, connecting through social media, and being in spaces that resonate with you on a soul level.
TAURUS RISING/ TAURUS SUN
You are the loving friend. You are the type of friend who doesn’t let go of people easily, and you will put in action and dedication to keep your friendships strong. This can make you a little stubborn at times, but when you are going with the flow more you attract people to you.
With Pisces as your 11th house sign, you bring a lot of love, emotional receptivity, spirituality, and creativity into your friendships. You tend to meet friends in more creative settings or spaces where you are allowing yourself to let go and have fun.
You will build strong friendships in your life when there is a mutual understanding and respect for each other's differences, and you tend to be more attracted to spiritually inclined individuals. You tend to have rose-colored glasses on when it comes to your friendships as you always try to see the best in people.
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GEMINI RISING/ GEMINI SUN
You are the active friend. You are the friend who calls and the friend you can have a conversation with for hours. There is always something to talk about and something to do when it comes to you, and you easily make friends through your communicative approach.
With Aries as your 11th house sign, you are the type of friend who can be a little impulsive and unpredictable at times as well. You keep things interesting nonetheless and are someone who inspires people through your free-spirited nature.
Friendships for you tend to be short-lived, and if you want to build a more lasting community of support around you, being in spaces where you feel passionate, energized, and free will help you meet those people. You will build strong friendships in life when you let go of more of your competitive nature and when you focus on more harmony in your friendships.
CANCER RISING/ CANCER SUN
You are the homebody friend. You are the type of friend who will cook, host, and throw a friend a surprise birthday party. You are the thoughtful one in your friend group, and people deeply feel the love you share.
With Taurus as your 11th house sign, it takes you some time to come out of your shell, but when you do, most of the friendships you form in life are here to stay. You are the type of friend to know the best restaurants, and the best places to go to, and your friends see you as someone with impeccable taste.
You tend to attract more luxurious or high-status friendships into your life, as your love for luxury puts you in these spaces to meet these types of people. You will form strong friendships in life when you are doing the things you love and that put you at ease, and when you find friends who you share mutual interests, aesthetics, and tastes with.
LEO RISING/ LEO SUN
You are a fun friend. You are the type of friend who is always up to do something, and you like to stay active and be on the go. With Gemini in your 11th house, you are the more outgoing, talkative, and social friend.
In group settings, you don’t have a hard time making your voice heard, and there is something different and intriguing about you that attracts many people to you. You may have to be careful with gossiping when it comes to your friendships, however, as with Mercury influencing your 11th house, communication is important to your friendships.
All in all, your friendships strengthen when you are in dynamic and inspiring spaces and when you are checking in with people and building friendships rather than just forming associations. Your friend group will most likely be all different types of people with different interests and this is energy that you thrive in. Community is key, and thinking about the group more will sustain your friendships.
VIRGO RISING/ VIRGO SUN
You are the type of friend who gives great advice. You are always there for your loved ones, and the people in your life are often going to you for help or support. With Cancer in your 11th house, you are the friend who approaches people with open arms.
You are a safe space for your friends and community, and you truly love the people that come into your life. You love to have people over and you are someone who forms strong bonds with others in the home or more intimate atmospheres.
You are the type of person to still have love for or emotional attachments to people you knew when you were younger or don’t even talk to anymore because your bonds are forever. Friends are like family to you, and you build strong friendships in life when you are being supportive when you are in a safe atmosphere, and when you allow people to support you the way you support them.
LIBRA RISING/ LIBRA SUN
You are the type of friend that people love to have fun. You are open-minded, loving, confident, and not to mention, have great taste. You are the friend who knows what’s happening and where and who loves to be social and meet new people.
With Leo in your 11th house, you are the type of friend who shines when they walk into the room. You are the leader of the group, tend to be the center of attention wherever you go, and are also a little more dramatic than most, which keeps people entertained.
You are the type of friend who is confident in yourself yet also lifts people up and makes them feel good about themselves, too. You attract people to you and build strong friendships when you allow others to take up space and support the people in your life without losing your own authenticity in the process.
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SCORPIO RISING/ SCORPIO SUN
Friendships for you are about building deep, emotional connections, and you need consistency in your friendships. You strive in a group setting where there is reciprocal love and understanding, and around people who understand your more intuitive and introspective nature.
With Virgo being the sign in your 11th house, your friends see you as the wise one. You are always there for your people, and you are often the person your friends go to for help.
You prefer friendships where you can do daily tasks together, run errands, or share a mutual duty or interest. In your community, you have the power to bring healing into the lives of others, and you are usually dedicated to an important cause. You will attract support and good friendships into your life when you are approaching things with logic, practicality, and sincerity.
SAGITTARIUS RISING/ SAGITTARIUS SUN
You are the type of friend who likes to have fun and is always up for something new. You are exciting, adventurous, and outspoken when it comes to how you show up in group settings.
You have Libra in the 11th house, making you someone who generally has an easier time making friendships and finding communities that feel right for you. You openly give love and support to others, and in turn, receive this love back to you.
You are someone who brings people together and makes new friends wherever you go. You are the friend who is always dressed well, always surprises everyone in the group with your latest tea, and keeps people on their toes. You can build strong friendships with others by being more of the peacemaker, communicating, and approaching things with a balanced perspective.
CAPRICORN RISING/ CAPRICORN SUN
You are the friend that people can depend on. You are very selective of the people you let into your life, and you tend to keep the same friends for years. The community you build around yourself is very important to you, and you are dedicated in this area of life.
With Scorpio as your 11th house sign, you are the more emotional friend who takes their friendships to heart. Since you are such a private person, it takes a lot to let people in, and when you do, you do so with the intention that it’s going to last forever.
You are fiercely protective over your people, and you are the type of friend who makes people feel cherished. You will attract friendships, support, and community into your life when you are trusting your intuitive hunches on people when it comes to whom you truly resonate.
AQUARIUS RISING/ AQUARIUS SUN
Friendships are a big part of your existence, and the way you see life is often colored by the friendships you build throughout life and what they have taught you. You are someone who is outgoing, interesting, and friendly.
Sagittarius is in your 11th house, and you will attract friendships to you while traveling, exploring the world and different cultures, and getting out of the norm. You are the friend who is always doing something and who brings that shock factor.
You may be a little hard to reach at times, however, and are also the friend who may take a few days or weeks to text back. All in all, your strength in friendships comes from your optimism and charisma. You will build strong friendships when you are being open-minded and having fun.
PISCES RISING/ PISCES SUN
You build friendships that last a lifetime. You form bonds with others on an emotional level, and your soft side usually comes out more when it comes to your friends.
With Capricorn your 11th house sign, you attract friendships and support to you by being there for others. You are someone others feel like they can rely on and you are the type of friend to always show up.
You have a strong loyalty to the people you love, which is why your friendships typically are for years. You also typically make friends with people who are older than you or exude a sense of maturity and accomplishment. You value history when it comes to the people in your life, however, you will be able to attract more support to you when you are open to meeting new people rather than just giving your energy to people you already know.
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- 9 Things To Normalize About Friendships ›
- The Kind Of Friend You Are, According To Astrology ›
- Zodiac Compatibility For Love, Sex & Friendships ›
Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
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
Mastering The Art Of Talking Your Partner Through Orgasm: A Guide To Confidence And Connection
I have never been particularly good at dirty talk, but I love, love, love hearing it. Whenever I am getting close to “finishing,” I cue my partner, breathlessly stating, “Talk to me” or “Tell me you want it.” What I didn't know until more recently is that I am asking them to “talk me through it.” But what exactly does that mean? How can you learn to do it, or better yet, how can you get your partner to do it for you? (Go ahead and send them a link to this article, sis!)
In today’s world, the conversation around sex and intimacy is evolving rapidly. Platforms like TikTok have brought once-taboo topics around sex and intimacy into the mainstream. Recently, some of the men on TikTok have been sharing tips on "talking your partner through orgasm"—using verbal cues to guide your partner to and through their climax. It’s not just about talking dirty, but about being in tune with your partner’s emotions and body, enhancing both the physical and emotional aspects of the experience.
For Black women, who often find themselves at the intersection of societal expectations and personal desires, the need for open communication in sexual relationships is especially important. Many of us aren’t sure how to ask for the verbal affirmations that excite us. So let's dive into how you can master this art form.
What Does It Mean to "Talk Your Partner Through It"?
Talking your partner through orgasm can look (or sound) like a few different things. It involves using words and verbal cues to guide them to climax. Unlike regular dirty talk, which may be more about fantasy or teasing, talking your partner through orgasm is about being present in the moment, offering guidance, affirmation, or even instructions as your partner reaches their peak.
Marcqwuan, a sex educator and relationship expert, explains it perfectly:
“For me, talking her through it is a moment within a sexual experience where your partner is climaxing, and you use that special moment to communicate with your partner. Every moment is different.”
But this form of dirty talk isn’t one size fits all. It should be tailored to your partner’s desires, kinks, and needs in the moment.
But why do people go wild for this type of dirty talk? Whitni Miller, Sex Educator and Pleasure Coach, emphasizes, “For starters, it creates a sense of emotional closeness. A little positive reinforcement can make her feel like a goddess. Plus, words have power, and when you turn up the volume on verbal cues, feelings of pleasure can get cranked to 11. And who doesn’t want a bit more oomph as they approach the finale?”
Our senses play an important role when it comes to sexual satisfaction, and hearing your partner whisper sweet nothings while you approach your “O” can help make a lasting impression that keeps you coming back again and again.
Why Dirty Talk Feels Awkward (And How to Get Over It)
For some of us, the idea of dirty talk, especially in a moment as intimate as orgasm, can feel awkward or unnatural. We may not be able to think of the right thing to say or even hesitate for fear of sounding corny. The concern of saying the wrong thing or ruining the mood often holds people back. But most of these barriers are all in our heads.
Dakota Ramppen, certified sex educator, acknowledges these challenges, stating, “Some people get stuck in their heads wondering if what they’re saying is sexy enough or if they sound ridiculous. That hesitation kills the vibe.” But, be aware, your partner may not always want to hear your voice when getting close to their big “O.” Dakota continues, “If she’s in a zone and you’re too forceful or not saying the right things, you could break her rhythm.”
Part of talking your partner through it requires conversation outside of the bedroom, so you can be clear and confident about what they want. The other piece is intuitive and takes watchful practice.
Overcoming that awkward feeling involves communication and repetition. Before diving into talking your partner through orgasm, have an open conversation about what kinds of phrases or cues your partner likes. Witni says, “Adjust your approach based on her responses…find out together what makes her tick!” Start with words or phrases that feel comfortable to you and build from there. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few key phrases memorized (more on this in a few.)
After all, your partner won’t know if your sweet words are preplanned or improvised.
For Him: Tips on Talking Her Through Orgasm
Fellas, this part is for you! When it comes to talking your woman through orgasm, the key is to be present and attentive to her needs and body language. It’s not just about saying something sexy—it’s about creating a connection and supporting her as she reaches her peak. Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Be Affirming: Use phrases that affirm her pleasure, such as “You’re so close” or “You feel amazing.” These words can reassure her that she’s in control and that you’re fully engaged in her experience.
- Stay in Tune: Pay attention to her body language and sounds. If she’s speeding up, match her energy with your words, encouraging her to follow through. As Marcqwuan suggests, “If she can’t hear you, get closer to her ear and speak louder.”
- Use Sensory Language: Highlight the physical sensations she’s experiencing. Try saying something like, “I love how your body feels right now.” Describing what you’re feeling can heighten her own sensory awareness.
- Be Encouraging: Reassure her that her pleasure is your priority. Phrases like “Let go for me” or “I want to feel it” help her feel supported and free to enjoy the moment.
For Her: Talking Him Through Orgasm
Women can also take the lead in talking to their male partners through orgasm. The key is confidence and being in tune with your partner’s preferences. Whitni walks us through some tips:
- Confidence is Key: Own the moment and don’t shy away from guiding him through his orgasm. Your partner will likely appreciate your assertiveness, which can enhance his experience.
- Tailor to His Preferences: Use what you know he enjoys most. If he likes teasing or encouragement, lean into that. Dakota suggests: “It’s about creating a verbal map that gets him exactly where he wants to go.”
- Compliment & Tease: Build anticipation with compliments like “You feel so good” or “I love the way you move.” This will increase his arousal and bring him closer to orgasm.
- Encourage Surrender: Use encouraging phrases like “Come for me” or “Give me everything.” This can help your partner let go and fully enjoy the moment.
Universal Best Practices
No matter your gender or role in the relationship, there are universal tips that can help you master the art of talking your partner through orgasm:
- Positive Reinforcement: Affirm your partner’s pleasure with words like “You’re doing so good” or “Don’t stop.” Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and trust.
- Read the Room: Adjust your approach based on your partner’s reactions. If they’re responding well to your words, keep going. If not, switch things up. As Dakota says, “It’s about feeling where they are and matching that energy.”
- Be Genuine: Your words don’t need to be performative. Speak from a place of genuine connection, and your partner will feel that authenticity.
- Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to try new phrases or approaches. Every experience is different, and what works today might evolve tomorrow.
Talking your partner through orgasm is a powerful way to deepen intimacy and create a lasting emotional connection. But it's not all about just talking! As Whitni shared, “And don’t forget your listening ears; tuning in to your partner’s needs will keep the experience flowin' and growin'.” It’s about more than just dirty talk—it’s about being present, engaged, and in tune with your partner’s needs.
So the next time you’re in the heat of the moment, don’t be afraid to use your words. You might just find that they’re the key to unlocking a deeper, more satisfying connection.
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