December is a powerful month for the world and a month where love, power, and connection are all coming together as one. With the Astrological transits that are happening this month, true gifts are appearing to tap in to, and the possibilities are truly endless right now. Sagittarius Season is always a time when there is more hope and excitement in the air, and December is no different. There are a lot of opportunities this month if you open your heart to receiving them.
The month starts with Neptune in Pisces moving out of retrograde and going direct on December 3rd. What this means is clarity, hope, and dreams coming to fruition. Neptune retrograde made rose-colored glasses seem like the right idea, and with the blinders off now, you are better able to grasp love and turn your vision into reality. On December 6th, Mercury moves out of Sagittarius and into Capricorn, and this move is all about taking a grounded approach to your thoughts and ideas, and about creating concrete results in your world.
On December 7th, the Cold Moon of the year arrives, and this Full Moon will be occurring in Gemini. With Mars currently retrograde in Gemini, this Full Moon is aligning with passion but is also a reminder that without being in the right headspace, things don’t come together as smoothly. The Moon in Gemini can get a little chaotic, and this Full Moon is an opportunity to let go of what knocks you off your ground and to align with inspiration powerfully and purposefully. Venus enters earth sign Capricorn a few days later, helping us ground the lessons we have learned in love over the past year. Venus in Capricorn’s love language is gift giving and with the holidays prevailing during this time of the year, the mood is right to give love and receive it.
Jupiter makes a powerful move into Aries on December 20th, where it will be until May 16, 2023. Jupiter in Aries is an especially magical time for fire signs and cardinal signs. Jupiter in Aries rewards independence and empowerment and is a time to pave your own path in life. The Sun moves into Capricorn the next day on December 21st, and Capricorn Season is here to replenish, ground, and bring things full circle. Before the month comes to a close and 2022 to an end, there is a New Moon in Capricorn and Chiron goes direct on December 23rd, and Mercury goes retrograde on December 29th until January 18, 2023.
With the year ending with a Mercury retrograde, there is a need to do more reflection than pushing forward, and the closer you are to the heart, the closer you are to your true power in life.
Aries Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a month of empowerment for you, Aries. As the year comes to a close, you are taking a look at your resources, your wins, and your self-empowerment, and are moving forward with this type of vigor and confidence. December is a time of action for you, and a time of focusing on your personal goals in life and going after them. You hold the power in your hands, remember that.
Some important transits are happening for you for December, and that is Jupiter moving back into your sign on December 20th, where it will finish its lucky transit until May 16, 2023. Jupiter in your sign is a time of blessings, and you are moving into a once-every-decade type of luck right now. A few days later Chiron moves out of retrograde and goes direct in Aries on December 23rd, and you are seeing the positive outcomes of the personal healing you have been through this year.
Taurus Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember is all about trusting your intuition, and focusing on where you are headed right now, Taurus. This year you have been learning a lot about your inner guidance system, what manifestation means for you, and how to tap more into this powerful energy. This month you are envisioning your future with optimism, and seeing glimpses of a new day. December is an inspiring time for you, and a time when the vision is clear.
Venus, your ruling planet, moves into Capricorn on December 9th and into your house of adventure. With this transition, you are looking to have more fun as the year ends and your love life is getting a boost of excitement as well. With a New Moon in this area of your chart also on December 23rd, you are moving out of the year with faith, joy, and opportunity. This month overall is a time for you to get the full picture and decide what intentions you want to set forth in your life now.
Gemini Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember for you is all about love and balance, and balance and love, Gemini. You are ready to close one chapter in your life and tap into a new one. You are seeing some closures in your life this month, and are moving more into love. With the Sun in your 7th house of romance for most of the month, new developments are taking place in your life regarding relationships and you are getting the opportunity to experience a coming together and deeper connections in love.
The Full Moon of December is in your sign on December 7th. This Full Moon is the Cold Moon of the year, and you are letting go of anything that keeps you away from who you are and who you want to be. You are experiencing emotional renewal, growth, and divine clarity during this time. Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde before the year ends on December 29th, and you are leaving the year reflecting on what has been, your belief systems today, and what matters to you most.
Cancer Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a month of becoming for you, Cancer. You are experiencing an inner awakening in December, and are overcoming some previous challenges. Over the past few months, you have been taking a step back, focusing on your health and your peace of mind, and have been protecting your energy. Before the year ends, you are ready for your big debut, and you are putting yourself out there and letting your divine light shine.
Love is a powerful force in your life this month, as the energy moves into your house of love and commitment. Venus will be highlighting your love zones for most of the month, and you are feeling the unconditional love that you so often give. Jupiter moves into Aries on December 20th and into your 10th house of career, and you are seeing some projects come to fruition and your hard work is being recognized. While Jupiter is in Aries until May 2023, you will be moving through a powerful and fortunate time regarding your reputation, professional life, and career.
Leo Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember is a coming together of love and harmony, Leo. This is a month where you get to take a deep breath and relax into the peace and beauty that your life has come to. This month is all about giving and receiving love, taking out moments for gratitude, and enjoying what is. Compassion is filling your world, and there are a lot of pleasant experiences in store for you as the year comes to a close.
Some important transits that are happening for you in December are that Jupiter moves into Aries on December 20th and into your 9th house of travel, spirituality, and adventure; and Chiron moves out of retrograde and goes direct in this same area of your chart on December 23rd. What’s happening now is that your eyes are opening to the possibilities, the gifts, and the love in your life and your future. You are moving into a special time in your life where you are exploring the world around you, meeting new and inspiring people, and seeing firsthand, your power as a divine creator of your life.
Virgo Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember is all about finding your balance, letting go of the baggage, and focusing on your personal truths in life, Virgo. This month is reminding you that sometimes when you can’t find the light, you have to become it and light your own way forward. Not everyone is going to understand you in life or get where you are going, but you must be the one to stand in your gifts, your empowerment, and your authenticity.
Your passion is being highlighted this month as you walk into your purpose and let go of the doubts or restrictions of others. With Neptune going direct in your 7th house of love on December 3rd, you are gaining clarity regarding your relationships in life and things are less cloudy here. Venus enters your 5th house of happiness and romance on December 9th, and the space you have created in your life up until now is ready to be filled with more love, light, and hope. By the end of the year, your heart is having its say and you are feeling empowered by what is coming to fruition for you in life.
Libra Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is all about healing, renewal, and gaining some clarity on your personal belief systems in life and if they have been hindering or empowering you, Libra. In December you are finding your balance between acknowledging and processing what has been, but also turning a new page in your life and not getting too caught up in the past. Your guidance for the month is to take what you know now and to focus on taking one step forward each day.
With Jupiter moving into your opposite sign Aries and into your 7th house of partnership, you are walking into a powerful and blessed time in your love life. While Jupiter is roaming through your love zone until May 2023, you are ready to experience the gifts of connection and commitment and are experiencing a level-up in love. Before the year ends Mercury goes retrograde in your 4th house and you are getting back to the basics, connecting with family, and redefining your safe spaces.
Scorpio Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember is a time of rejuvenation and opportunity, Scorpio. You are lifting yourself up from the past, and are walking into your new day. This month is all about getting creative with where your life is and where it’s headed, and about taking a more active approach to your life. Believe in your power as a creator and put some of your inspirations and skills to use this month, Scorpio. You will be surprised by what you can create and manifest for yourself with the right mindset and confidence.
On December 7th, there is a Full Moon in your 8th house of intimacy and rebirth, and you are going through an emotional transformation during this time. The end of the year is about ego death and about gaining your true power from within. Jupiter moves into your house of health and work before the year ends on December 20th, and you are overcoming the past health challenges you have faced this year and have more time and energy on your hands to live free, healthy, and grounded.
Sagittarius Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is all about aligning with your divine purpose in life, Sagittarius. With Sagittarius Season underway and your eternal flame beaming, you are experiencing true joy and accomplishment this month. December is a time of past, present, and future all coming together as one, and you are living in your divine alchemy. The universe is helping you tap into your personal truths and power this month and you are inspiring those around you.
With the Sun in your 1st house for most of December, this time is all about putting yourself first more, and about living your full potential. The Full Moon on December 7th is activating the power within your relationships and is a time to flow rather than force. The New Moon on December 23rd before the month ends is occurring in your income zone, and this is a good time to set your intentions for your finances for the rest of the year and the year ahead. December is here to remind you that you are worth everything you are currently asking for in life.
Capricorn Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleAs the year comes to a close, you are assessing your wins and your losses of the year. This is a month of finding your inner balance, and about giving yourself more grace and compassion through what you have experienced. Your guidance for the month is to not be afraid to be vulnerable with others or ask for help and advice when needed. There is true power in vulnerability, and life is cracking some things open for you this month, Capricorn.
A lot of the energy is in your sign this month with Mercury moving into Capricorn on December 6th, Venus on December 9th, the Sun on the 21st, a New Moon on December 23rd, and Mercury going retrograde in your sign on December 23rd. The year is ending on a Capricorn tone and who better than you to move through this time? What’s happening as the month ends is positive self-recognition and realizing that the vision you have of yourself is a direct correlation to the vision you think others have of you. Align with your truths, and put your happiness first.
Aquarius Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleDecember is a time of summoning your inner power, Aquarius. You are feeling confident in the tools you have and the people that are by your side right now, and are leaving the year with more gained in your life than you began the year. This year has shown you how strong your determination in life is, and it is commendable how you have had your back through every step of the way this year.
As chapters come to a close and you walk into a new day, you have love surrounding you and greater opportunities to speak up and share your voice. Jupiter moving into Aries on December 20th is a powerful move for communication in your life, and you are moving into a time of self-expression, connection, and movement. The New Moon on December 23rd is moving through your 12th house of closure, and you are ending the year ready to say goodbye to the past, heal, and accept. This year has been a big year for gaining new foundations in life.
Pisces Monthly Horoscope for December 2022
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is all about opening up to receive, Pisces. December is a time of allowing, taking a receptive approach, and letting go of the need to push rather than flow. This month is allowing you to attract some good fortune and love into your life, and you are a powerful force of attraction in December. You have been finding your balance this year, and as the year comes to an end you are ready to receive your blessings that are coming through from the grace you have upheld.
Jupiter moves out of your sign on December 20th, and although Jupiter always feels a little brighter in your sign, you are still going to be in a space to receive good fortune with Jupiter now moving into your house of finances and self-value for the next five months. Income streams are developing and you are being valued for who you are and what you bring to the table. The New Moon on the 23rd before the month ends is a time of friendship and hope, and a time where your manifestation potential is enhanced.
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We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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Yeah, vaginal laxity isn’t really something that a lot of women are running to the water cooler to discuss. Oh, but believe you me, it is something that affects quite a few women (around 40 percent self-report it; others prefer to “suffer” in silence).
So, just so you won’t find yourself freakin’ out or feeling some form of shame or embarrassment should it even come knocking on your own door (uh, so to speak), let’s take out a few moments to discuss what vaginal laxity is and how you can (relatively) easily treat it — even from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
What Exactly Is Vaginal Laxity All About?
GiphyEven though we all pretty much use the word “vagina” to address our entire genitalia, that’s not actually what it is. Technically, your vagina is a tube that connects your vulva (the outer part of your vaginal region) to your cervix (the neck of your uterus). Your vagina is how penises can penetrate you, and vaginal births are able to transpire.
As far as the walls of your vagina go, they consist of muscular tissue, mucus membranes, fibrous material, and collagen. Your vagina also has pleats of tissue called vaginal rugae; this is what makes it easier for your vagina to expand, whether it’s during sex or when you’re delivering a baby.
As we age, the potency of our vaginal rugae weakens. That’s because we start to lose estrogen and collagen. And whether it’s due to aging or giving birth, sometimes our vaginal walls can become weaker as well; when that happens, it’s oftentimes referred to as vaginal laxity.
So, what are some of the telltale signs of vaginal laxity (beyond what I just said)? Good question:
- Urinary continence
- Less vaginal lubrication
- Pain/discomfort during intercourse
- Less sensation during intercourse
- More vaginal “air sounds” during sex and/or exercise (because your walls are a bit looser)
- A lower libido altogether
And what if you’re slowly yet surely seeing some of this popping up in your own life? My two cents are to not ignore it because, if it is indeed vaginal laxity, it’s not really something that will just…go away. You will need to book an appointment with your doctor to discuss with them what is going on so that they can test your hormone levels, do a vaginal exam, and (if you do have it) explore some treatable options with you.
Options like what? That is also a good question.
Why Do Some People Treat It with Vaginal Rejuvenation Surgical Procedures?
GiphyOkay, so here’s the deal — if you are indeed “diagnosed” (I put that in quotes because many medical professionals say that vaginal laxity isn’t the easiest thing in the world to actually diagnose), you will need to go through some form of vaginal rejuvenation whether it’s surgical, laser or opting for some DIY approaches. Let’s touch on some of the professional options first.
Vaginoplasty: Although this term is being associated more and more with transwomen, it originally was created to help women to reconstruct their vagina (again, the actual tube) if there was significant damage done following vaginal childbirth.
Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation: This is when lasers are used to strengthen the walls of your vagina. A popular one is FemTouch, although I recently read an article about how the FDA should really take a deeper look into this procedure due to the potential risks that come along with it (like burning your vagina due to the intensity of the laser frequencies).
RF (Radio Frequency) Treatment: This is a skin-tightening procedure that consists of heating up your vaginal walls in order for it to create more collagen, elastin, and skin cells.
Potential risks aside, from what I’ve researched, it was hard to nail down an exact price for any of these. What I can tell you is that you’re easily gonna need a couple of thousand dollars to get the kind of results that you are looking for — and that’s on the low end of things.
What Are Some At-Home Remedies for Vaginal Laxity?
GiphyListen, I don’t know about y’all, but nothing in me likes the thought of clipping, potentially burning, or draining my bank account if I can at all avoid it. Thankfully, there are some things that you can try at home (at least first) that are safer, cheaper, and that many physicians say are just as effective.
Kegels. If there’s one word that you’ve probably heard a billion times at this point, it’s kegels. They are exercises that help to strengthen your pelvic floor walls, which can definitely help to reduce incontinence and, as a bonus, intensify your orgasms too.
Squats. Usually, when squats are brought up, it’s in the context of creating a rounder butt. However, your vaginal walls can benefit from them as well. That’s because by focusing on strengthening your legs and working out your hips, it tightens your pelvic floor at the same time. So clearly, squats are a win all the way around.
Yoga. Last month, we published the article “5 Postpartum Yoga Poses To Reengage Your Pelvic Floor That Are Better Than Kegels.” I’m thinking that is pretty self-explanatory, although I do believe that it should also go on record that yoga also helps to reduce stress — and since stress can jack up your hormone levels and that can result in vaginal dryness, well…yeah, yoga is definitely something that you should consider getting into if you want your vagina to be “tight and right.” A site by the name of Wellness Travel Diaries even did you a solid by publishing “15 Powerful Yoga On Youtube Classes With Black Teachers.” #givethanks
Phytoestrogens. If your doctor confirmed that your estrogen levels are steadily decreasing, while you can do some form of estrogen therapy (definitely speak with your physician first), there are also foods that are rich in estrogen; they’re called “phytoestrogens” because they are a plant-based form of estrogen. Some phytoestrogens include cashews, garlic, peaches, broccoli, dried fruit, berries, and red wine.
Vitamin C-Enriched Foods. Remember how I said that vaginal laxity can lead to less collagen too? Well, since vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production, also consume foods that are filled with this particular nutrient. Some that top the list include bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, white potatoes, citrus fruits, parsley, and strawberries.
Less Sugar. It really is wild how delicious processed sugar is when intel just keeps on revealing how bad it is for our health (especially when not consumed in extreme moderation). As far as your vagina goes, not only does the bad bacteria in it like to feast on sugar (which can lead to a chronic yeast infection), but it also has the ability to weaken collagen fibers. Yep, that’s why a lot of people see premature fine lines and wrinkles; they’ve been eating too much sugar!
Weight Management. Weight puts added pressure on the body, and your pelvic area is certainly not exempt. One way to avoid doing this to yourself is exercising and staying at a healthy weight. Your vaginal walls will be so much stronger for it.
Plenty of water. Every part of your body needs plenty of fluids; that’s because your body is mostly made up of water (reportedly, somewhere around 60 percent). When it comes to your vagina, specifically, consuming water helps to flush out toxins, reduce dry and itchy vulvar skin and, it can help to keep the natural juices down their flowing so that a lack of lubrication isn’t as much of an issue.
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Again, vaginal laxity isn’t something that gets us excited as far as getting older goes — yet now that you know more about it and how to handle it, hopefully, you’ll approach it with grace and ease. Hmph. I know I plan to.
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