

In Numerology, 2019 is considered a universal 3 year, bringing the collective focus to creative expression, collaboration, and expansion. The joyful energy associated with the number 3 invites us to experience more pleasure in our career, relationships, and life as a whole.
As women, we can be apprehensive when it comes to embracing our passions, whether they be in the professional world, dating realm, or even in the bedroom. Over the past several centuries, male-dominated power structures have interwoven a distorted perception of pleasure within the collective consciousness, twisting the concepts of passion and desire into something that is often viewed as impure and even immoral within certain social settings.
As we know, words and language itself can be extremely nuanced—carrying the remnants of meanings that have been lost in translation over a period of time. The word "desire" has its origins in the Latin word "desiderare," meaning "to long for, wish for; to await what the stars will bring."
Unfortunately, this interpretation of the word has been manipulated into a concept describing an insatiable sexual appetite; and although sexuality and desire can go hand-in-hand, they aren't necessarily synonymous. With that being said, 2019 encourages us to understand how we've subconsciously blocked ourselves from experiencing more fulfillment in our lives.
Say Hello To The Empress
This is the year in which you can switch up the narrative you've been bound to—the one that says you'll never be in a loving relationship or successfully run your own business, or even meet that perfect level of work/life balance. In many ways, this pursuit of gratification is sensual in its own right, enticing you to completely surrender to the ecstasy of living a wish-fulfilled life that places you in the position of authority—not your concerned parents, know-it-all friends, or micromanaging ass boss.
This is where The Empress comes in. Consider her the H.B.I.C. of the Tarot.
She rules alongside her counterpart, The Emperor, over the various kingdoms of their empire. The number 3 graces this feminine powerhouse's Tarot card, emphasizing the brilliant, almost supernatural, creative abilities that she possesses. This number reminds us that we are a combination of our humanity and our spiritual self. The Empress is the epitome of the popular saying, "As above, so below." It is through her alignment with her soul's essence that she manifests some of her greatest works, whether that be a lucrative business, a beautiful masterpiece, or a growing family. In our modern times, she is seen as the Supermom who successfully navigates the professional world while still holding down her household.
In the well-known Rider-Waite Tarot deck, The Empress sits upon her luxe throne surrounded by a bountiful forest with a waterfall flowing in the background, both elements of nature representing fertility and abundance. I always refer to this Tarot card as the "sitting pretty" energy because The Empress has everything she wants and then some. Leaning against her throne rests a heart-shaped stone scribed with the symbol that represents Venus, the planet of love and money.
TaurusLaci Jordan for xoNecole
Big Taurean Energy
One of the most important lessons that The Empress teaches us is the power of self-love and the role it plays in our relationship with abundance, sensuality, and creativity. This year, we are being initiated into the next level of this self-love journey that requires us to embrace our hidden gifts and talents that have lied dormant for far too long. Uranus, the planet of innovation, recently moved into Taurus (the zodiac sign associated with The Empress) where it will stay for the next seven years.
We are in the beginning stages of a radical transformation that will impact the way we create financial stability for ourselves.
The energy of Taurus always brings into question what we value, and over the next several years you may find yourself changing course, possibly multiple times, due to things falling out of alignment with what your heart really wants to experience. With that being said, don't be afraid to explore your options, especially if you've got big dreams of becoming a millionaire. It doesn't hurt to have a few different streams of income flowing your way and this Uranus in Taurus transit can definitely help you rake in some cash in new ways. The Saturn in Capricorn transit takes this objective a step further by challenging us to be diligent in the pursuit of our long-term goals. For many of us, the work that we're exploring now will play a significant role in our legacy years down the line.
If there's a hobby that you've been wanting to experiment with, this is the year to test the waters. Mercury is still retrograde in Pisces, drawing our focus back to the past, and not just to our old relationships, but to the the old passions we've let fall to the wayside in the midst of adulting. Although it's not advised to start new endeavors during the retrograde, this energy is perfect for rebranding your business, launching that new product you've had on the backburner, or dusting off your guitar that's been stowed away in storage. As annoying as Mercury Retrograde can be, there are some good things to take away from this time that's giving us the opportunity to recalibrate our mindset and strategy to move forward in the year ahead. Creativity remains at a high while the planet of communication continues backtracking through Pisces. Take advantage of this introspective phase to excavate the hidden gems within your inner world. Once Mercury is out of its post-shadow phase in April, you'll be ready to resurface to share your beautiful treasure with the world.
The Empress reminds us that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Until we recognize the magic that we carry within us, life will remain lackluster and full of regrets.
One of the many lessons that she teaches is to know our value; and like the ideal mother, The Empress affirms it within her children—especially women, who are often conditioned by society to be more submissive, ultimately leading her towards a more passive approach to life that hinders the fullest expression of her potential before it's even given life to breathe. Even though the Empress carries herself with dignity, this phenomenal woman is rebellious in her own way, defying the expectations imposed upon her choosing to nurture the deepest desires that rest within her heart until they're ready to be birthed through her womb—the portal of her creative power.
As we know, healing starts from within, so adding more citrus fruits, melons, and water to your diet is essential. If you're into aromatherapy, make your own massage oil with Sandalwood or Ylang-Ylang. Balancing the Sacral chakra may also require some deeper self-reflection, particularly related to issues of shame, guilt, sexual abuse, and codependency. Take a proactive approach in honoring your spiritual and emotional wellness. This is the foundational work that is necessary for making the most out of your creative, sensual energy, which will give you the ability to manifest abundance in all areas of your life.
The magic of the Empress lies within you, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured so that you can carry forth your plans with flawless execution in the year ahead.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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