
Your January 2025 Horoscope Is All About Taking Action & Leaning Into Transitions

January is all about closing one chapter and preparing for a new one. We begin the year with a little more patience and time needed than usual, with Mars, the planet of action, being retrograde as we enter 2025. With this important transit taking place, we are being reminded that this year is not a race, and the priority right now is about taking more concrete, well-thought-out action on our dreams, and remembering the power of believing in ourselves in the process.
January 2025 Astrology Overview: Key Transits to Watch
Venus, the planet of love, enters Pisces on Jan. 2 until Feb. 4, and Venus loves being in this water sign. Love is a little more magical under this energy, and the dreams you once intended for yourself in relationship matters have all the potential to be seen through right now. A few days later, however, Mars retrograde enters Cancer until Feb. 23, and there is a need to be more patient with your emotional world and that of others. Emotions are running high this month and things can be impulsive or erratic in this energy.
Time with your words and your actions is needed, and it’s time to trust your heart more than your fear or need to control.
January 2025 Astrology Overview
The first Full Moon of the year is happening in Cancer on Jan. 13, and this is the perfect time to say goodbye to what doesn’t serve your heart or your stability in life. If you have been feeling uneasy about a certain area of your life, this Full Moon will help you address that and create space for a new beginning and new foundations.
Aquarius season begins on Jan. 19, and this is the type of energy we need to feel more connected, inspired, and in tune with the universe. This season is bringing a lot of changes, but they are helping people get out of a place of feeling stuck or unsure.
On Jan. 29, we have a New Moon in Aquarius, and it's time to set your intentions not only for the next month but for the year ahead as well. Aquarius is hopeful and believes in the power of thought, so make sure you are focusing your energy on what you want to see come true for you right now. Before the month ends, Uranus goes direct in Taurus, after being retrograde since September, and this is bringing more stability and less disruption to the collective. Uranus now direct in Taurus, facilitates pleasant surprises in love, finances, and the little luxuries of life.
Overall, January is an opportunity to redirect your energy, ask yourself where you want to go from here, and believe in the impossible.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what January has in store for you.
ARIES
January is a time to choose your battles wisely, Aries. You are being reminded to own your integrity and not let anyone take you out of your character right now. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of this month, all eyes are on you right now, and it’s the time to put your best foot forward. Your ruling planet, Mars, has been retrograde for over a month and enters a new area of your life on Jan. 6. This is the time to ask yourself what people nourish or disrupt you and how to protect your energy more.
This is the month to be flexible and to look for solutions rather than challenges. The New Moon at the end of the month on Jan. 29 will be a beautiful awakening for you when you not only feel capable of fulfilling your dreams but supported in doing so after a time of feeling a little strained here. Overall, this month is about not losing the faith you have in yourself or the convictions you have developed.
TAURUS
This is a month of adventure and new beginnings for you, Taurus. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 11th house of magic, and you are manifesting your heart's desires. You are focused on your new beginnings and taking a leap of faith in yourself, and are seeing the success come from the plans you are making now. This is a beautiful month of feeling an opening coming into your life and expanding your mind.
The most significant transit happening in January is Uranus going direct in Taurus on Jan. 2, after being retrograde here since Sept.1, 2024.
Over the past four months, you have been through an inner awakening and have been experiencing some pleasant and unpleasant surprises. You have had to work especially hard on your personal goals and may have felt more upheaval or uneasiness here than you may have liked. With Uranus now direct until September, more uplifting and exciting opportunities are ahead of you now.
GEMINI
January is activating your mind and your heart, Gemini. Life is coming full circle for you, and you are entering 2025 with an abundant mindset. You are feeling a little more hopeful and capable right now and are seeing how the things you were once concerned about are playing out for you in positive ways. Mercury moves into your 8th house of abundance on Jan. 8, and as you accept and take on new personal developments, changes, and commitments, you experience a rebirth of prosperity.
Throughout this month, you are being awakened to the connections you seek and the ones you want to continue to nourish in your life. There are people coming together to support you and your efforts, and you are being acknowledged for all you have done. The Full Moon in Cancer mid-month brings financial matters full circle for you, and you are getting your due rewards right now. Overall, you are walking into the year feeling confident, supported, and abundant.
CANCER
This is the month to find encouragement, protect what you are building, and not give up on yourself and your aspirations. You are closer to a breakthrough than you know, and this month is the last leg of a race for you, Cancer. Mars goes retrograde in your sign from Jan. 6 until Feb. 23, and you are being forced to allow things to fall into place right now. Your efforts or actions may not stick as quickly as you would like them to during this transit, and this is because you need more time. Mars retrograde in your sign will be helping you readdress your goals, passions, and intentions.
Emotions are running high for you in January, but you have the tools to navigate this energy. The first Full Moon of the year happens in your sign on Jan. 13, signaling a year of closure and healing ahead of you.
Your heart is experiencing a culmination, as you let go of what doesn’t serve your overall well-being, and make more space for what does. It’s time to give yourself a little more love and to give your self-doubts and insecurities a little less of your time. The New Moon happening at the end of the month is the perfect opportunity for you to turn a new page and feel more supported in doing so.
LEO
January is about taking care of your health and gaining more stability in your life, Leo. You are focused on the foundations that nourish and support you and are spending time with your family, loved ones, body, and priorities. Mars goes direct in your sign on Jan. 6 after being retrograde here since Dec. 6, and after a month of reflection and redirection, you have a better idea of who you are and what you want out of life. The beginning of January is about taking a deep breath, and knowing that the past is now behind you.
The Full Moon mid-month on Jan. 13, is helping you find closure, healing, and inspiration, and is a good time to let a lot of the negativity go. You are getting an opportunity to reflect, forgive, and move on right now, and you are in supportive conditions to do so effectively. The New Moon of the month happens in your sister sign, Aquarius on Jan. 29, bringing love to the forefront and helping you see the big picture of your heart. This is one of the best times of 2025 to set your intentions for love, your relationships, and your emotional world.
VIRGO
You are living in a state of abundance this month, Virgo. January is a time of fulfilling your dreams and feeling a sense of joy and prosperity in your life. You are proving to yourself that your intentions and efforts have been worth it, and you are seeing life come full circle in fortunate ways. The month begins with Venus entering your 7th house from Jan. 2 until Feb. 4, and this is bringing the magic not only into your love life but into your financial world as well.
Major developments are taking place for you as you move through this month, and you have everything you need right now.
The Full Moon on Jan. 13 is a time of seeing previous intentions manifest, and support coming in for you, and when it comes to your friendships in life. You have built a community of love around you, and you get to enjoy more of this connection and abundance now. By the end of the month, Uranus goes direct in your house of expansion and travel after being retrograde here since September, and you are ready to embark on some new adventures as you leave the month.
LIBRA
Love is coming together for you in January, Libra. You are beginning the month by building new foundations and setting yourself up for the future successes you want to experience this year. Your ruling planet, Venus, moves into your 6th house of health, work, and daily routine as the month begins, and you feel like you have a good head on your shoulders right now. The ideas that are blooming and the initiatives that you are taking are going to fulfill you for some time to come.
With the Sun in your 4th house of foundations for most of the month, you are overall focused on your foundations and your sense of security now. You are thinking long-term and doing what is going to provide you with more safety and personal abundance. The New Moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29 is the perfect time for love, and you are leaving the month with romance surrounding you. As the month comes to an end, have some more fun and let go of some of the seriousness that may have surrounded you in January.
SCORPIO
January is all about moving on and moving forward, Scorpio. You are recognizing where you need to let go a little bit more and what spaces you want to move away from and go more toward. Venus is in your 5th house of self-expression and happiness for most of the month, guiding you towards where your heart feels the most enlightened and nourished and helping you make the necessary changes for a better life.
On Jan. 29, a New Moon occurs, helping you open a new door when it comes to your home life and foundations.
You are gaining a deeper appreciation for the things that make you feel safe and nourished and are creating more of this energy in your life through your commitments and the relationships you are building right now. Some Scorpios could be making a move or experiencing a change of energy in the home right now. Uranus goes direct in your sister sign on the 30th, after being retrograde here since this past summer, and love feels a little more stable and nourishing for you as the month ends.
SAGITTARIUS
ll eyes are on you this month, Sagittarius. You are being recognized, uplifted, and supported, and this is a month of success. With the Sun in your 2nd house of values, abundance, assets, income, and confidence for most of January, a lot of opportunities are coming into your life to succeed right now. The Full Moon on the 13th is a good time to look at the relationships and commitments in your life that support you and to find more gratitude for these spaces.
By the end of the month, we have a New Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and you are moving into a space of mental well-being, new beginnings, and inspiration. The conversations you are having now are setting you up for success, and you are feeling truly seen this month. Some great opportunities are appearing for you now; remember that you deserve all the good that is ready for you this month.
CAPRICORN
Your season is here, and you have a lot to look forward to right now, but also a lot to let go of Capricorn. You have been through a journey as of late, and are taking some time to heal, take care of yourself more, and nourish your heart. With Mars going retrograde in your 7th house of love on Jan. 6 through Feb. 23, you are being forced to address any imbalances you have been feeling in your love life or your close relationships.
Disagreements or conflicts with others are a little more likely now. Try to work through what is worth it for you, and let go of what is not.
Mercury enters your sign from Jan. 8 until Jan. 27, helping you see things a little more clearly in life. Your mental capacity and the developments that are taking place for you here are the highlight of the month for you, as you recognize where some things need to change in your life. On Jan. 13, a Full Moon is happening in your opposite sign, and the love you have in your heart is being reflected back to you now. This Full Moon is about letting go of past pain and emotional patterning and highlighting where in your life you are experiencing the love you are looking for.
AQUARIUS
Your intuition is guiding you through this month, Aquarius. There is a lot of activity happening in your sign in January, and you are entering the year with breakthroughs and self-empowerment. With the Sun in your 12th house of closure for most of the month, you have to take some time for reflection and allow things to come to fruition. Pay attention to what your intuition and gut instincts are telling you at this time, as this energy is going to be more prominent and powerful for you in January.
Aquarius Season officially begins on Jan. 19, and it is your time to shine! You are moving forward freely and confidently, and feeling a little less weight on your shoulders after doing the work at the beginning of the month. On Jan. 27, Mercury enters your sign until Feb. 14, and your inner clarity is beaming. You are getting your message across right now, and feeling empowered while doing so. Before the month ends there is a New Moon in your sign on Jan. 29, and this is one of the most magical times of the year for you to manifest. This month overall is about believing in miracles and seeing your dreams and intentions through.
PISCES
January is all about finding your balance, Pisces. Your life is taking shape in many ways right now as different levels of your life come into greater balance. With the Sun in your 11th house of hopes and aspirations for most of the month, it’s about thinking of the bigger picture right now and going after the things you dream of for yourself. Venus enters Pisces from Jan. 2 until Feb. 4, and love is blooming for you.
While Venus is in your sign, you are not only feeling the love from others but are giving yourself more of this energy as well. Remember: For you to experience a coming together with others, you must recognize the need for it and give yourself this grace first.
This is a month for receiving a helping hand and for experiencing a coming together that you have been hoping for. The universe is on your side, and you are recognizing that right now. On Jan. 29, there is a New Moon in your 12th house, and you are getting some more rest and reflection as the month ends. With all the activity of the month, by the end of it, you need time to recoup and gain your balance. This month is a good time to write lists of gratitude and lists of intentions and to find your power in the middle of what was and what is to be.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
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.
Luxury Hairstylist On Viral 'Hey Boo' Texts & Professionalism In The Hair Industry
As Black women, our hair is our crowning glory - whether we paid for it or not. We take pride in how we wear and take care of our hair. As with everything, hair care and hair styling have evolved over the years. Long gone are the days of Blue Magic (although I hear it’s making a comeback).
Now, we have a plethora of creams, oils, conditioners, shampoos, and stylists to choose from. Beyond wearing our natural curls, we have a range of options, from wigs and sew-ins to tape-ins, I-tips, and K-tips. So much choice! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
The Black hair industry has definitely blossomed in the last decade with a wave of new stylists and salons popping up all over the place. As much as I love that for us, many of these stylists have become the subjects of viral TikTok and Instagram tirades because of their alleged questionable behavior and bizarre rules.
Excessive policies, strange fees, long wait times, poor performance, and the infamous “Hey boo” texts. Beauty is pain, they say… xoNecole got to the root of these issues with luxury hair extensionist Dee Michelle, who’s been in the hair game for 20 years and runs a seven-figure business - all while being a mom of four.
Antonio Livingston
“I started my business with my career in the hair industry [at] very, very young age when I was maybe like eight...So, over the years, I've just built a very successful seven-figure business very quickly just by offering high-end services and creating great experiences for my clients, many of whom are high-profile professionals,” she said. “I'm also a mother of four, including a set of triplets, which inspires me daily to show what's possible with my hard work and focus.”
Dee’s business has gone viral on social media because of what many call outrageous prices for her invisible K-Tip installs.
“When I developed my invisible K-tip extensions technique, I made sure that it wasn't just about the hair or the style, but about providing a high-end experience from start to finish. So, my clients just aren't paying for the extensions or just the style itself, but they're investing into my meticulous, seamless craft and premium hair sourced from the best suppliers…I've spent so many hours mastering my craft, creating this seamless method that gives my clients long-lasting natural results, and my pricing just reflects that - the value of my expertise and the exclusivity of the service.”
The K-tip specialist stands on business when it comes to catering to her clients and giving them an experience worth the cost.
“And it's just important for me to also say that my clients are high-profile individuals who value quality, their privacy, and their time. They want a service that fits into their lifestyle and their time. They want things that deliver perfection. And I deliver that every single time.”
I’m sure we’ve all seen the various TikTok rants about people’s nightmare experiences with stylists and uttered a silent “FELT!” We asked Dee her opinion on a few nightmare scenarios that beg the response, “please be so forreal."
On stylists charging extra to wash clients’ hair:
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
On ‘deposits’ that don’t go towards the cost of the service:
“I think that's kind of weird, too, for deposits to not be like a part of the service. I've seen people have booking fees and I just don't understand it, to be honest. I disagree with that kind of policy…By all means, people should do what works for them, but to me, it doesn't make sense. Why does somebody have to pay a fee just to book an appointment with you? I don't get it. It feels like exploitation.”
On stylists charging extra to style (straighten/curl) wigs, sew-ins etc., after installing:
“I don't get it. Clients come to us to get their hair done, to get it styled. So why is it extra for you to style it? If you're going to charge extra, just increase your price. I feel like it could be just a lack of confidence in those stylists, feeling like people won't pay a certain price for certain things, or just their lack of professionalism as well, because people are coming to us to get styled.”
On the infamous “Hey boo” text stylists send to clients when they need to cancel/reschedule:
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
We know all too well what kinds of things will keep us from ever gracing certain hairstylists’ chairs with our butts again. So, what should hairstylists do to provide a good service to their clients? What is good hairstylist etiquette?
“For one, being on time is an important rule for stylist etiquette. It's just not okay to require your clients to be on time, and you're not on time. Also, communication. Being able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, whether that's in person, via text, or on social media. Style is etiquette. Appearance matters. So just maintaining a clean, polished, and professional look. Clients respect you more whenever your appearance reflects your work. There's just so many things, but another thing I would say is active listening. So, being able to pay close attention to what your client wants and also clarifying any questions that they might have. Just to ensure that they feel heard and to minimize any misunderstandings.”
Dee also shared some red flags to look out for when considering a new stylist.
“Even me as a client, if I'm booking somebody and they have a long list of rules, I don't even book with them. That's, for one, just such a huge turn-off. Also, stylists who have inconsistent or unclear pricing, that's a red flag. People who change their rates too much without an explanation. Poor communication. So, if a stylist is responding very slow or responding unprofessionally, or giving vague answers to questions, that can make clients question whether or not they are respecting their time and their needs.
Another red flag - an inconsistent or low quality portfolio. And I feel like, I see this a lot with stylists stealing other people's work, and their portfolio on social media is just very inconsistent.”
We couldn’t let Dee go without getting the tea on what styles she predicts will trend in 2025.
“I feel like people are going back to natural-looking styles. So, a lot of people are ditching the wigs, the lace fronts, things like that. People are still wearing them, of course, but it is becoming more of a trend to embrace your natural hair and something that's not looking too fake. That’s one thing that we're going to be seeing a lot. I would say a lot of layers are coming back, heavy layers. Those are becoming really, really trendy. And people are leaning more towards platinum-colored hair. I've been seeing lots of like blondes coming out. Also, jet black is always going to be a trend. But I would say more like natural colors, but natural colors that are still making a statement.”
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Antonio Livingston.
As a marriage life coach, something that my clients know will cause me to roll my eyes all the way back into my head is when they tell me that it’s been a while since they’ve had sex — and it’s all because they don’t have time. Umm, studies say that most people prefer for the literal act of sex (you know, intercourse) to last somewhere between 7-13 minutes, and if you can’t find the time to make that happen a couple of times a week? Yeah, I’ve got questions. Lots and lots of ‘em too.
A favorite quote of mine is by an author by the name of Nick Chellsen. He once said, “Boundaries are what you say 'no' to. Priorities are what you say 'yes' to,” and because sexual intimacy is such an essential part of a long-term committed relationship, I definitely think that couples should be super intentional about prioritizing it. And if it is indeed true that it’s challenging to find — no make — time, then plans should definitely be put in place to have a sexcation…a vacation that is solely devoted to enjoying sex with your partner. And since this year’s Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, why not make it a sexcation weekend? Just you and your bae enjoying all that copulation has to offer.
Does that sound like a great idea? If so, here are 12 things that can take things up a few more notches on the pleasure and pure ecstasy experience tip.
1. Lighting and Mirrors Are an Absolute Must
Unsplash
Sex under (or around) candlelight? Does it get any sexier (and sensual and romantic) than that? Hmph, probably not — especially if the candles have an aphrodisiac scent like jasmine, vanilla, or sandalwood. Yeah, very few things are able to immediately set the mood quite like soft lighting. And while I will personally always be a big fan of (soy) candles, I also want to shout-out something that I purchased for my own bedroom: an RGB Smart Lamp. Mine is small, comes with a remote control, and has a variety of shades of different colors to choose from including blue, purple, and red. Definitely, another way to set the tone for a very sexy sexcation.
And while we’re here, don’t underestimate what mirrors can do for you too. By positioning yourself in front of one, not only can it bring out the exhibitionist in you, it can also help you to see, in real-time, the level of desire that your partner has for you because you’re able to visually experience them from other angles. Plus, if there are certain positions that you (both) prefer that make it impossible to have eye contact — that is no longer the issue if you’re having sex in front of a mirror, now is it?
Even if you purchase a full-length one from a local store, you can use it during your sexcation and then keep it in your closet…until the next time that the urge strikes.
2. Hang a Sex-Themed Piñata
I’m a big fan of incorporating a piñata into a sexual experience; so much, in fact, that I mentioned one a few years ago in the article, “I've Got REALLY HOT 15 Spring/Summer-Themed Sex Hacks To Try.” To me, it’s a cute way to bring fun into sex by filling one up with things like flavored condoms and lube, edible panties, and whatever else, sex-themed, you can think of (that will comfortably fit). In the spirit of a sexcation, hang a piñata that is in the shape of — eh hem — “him” (here) and/or “you” (here). With it, the blindfold on y’all’s faces, a bat, and all of the goodies inside, how could a sex-themed piñata not put a few smiles and even laughs on both of your faces? C’mon…
3. Create a Signature Libido-Boosting Mocktail
Unsplash
Have you ever been to a wedding where the couple featured signature cocktails — or mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) — at their reception? Usually, not only are the drinks customized but they are named after something sweet or endearing about the twosome as well. Well, you don’t need a wedding to enjoy your own signature beverage, and the reason why I’m shouting out mocktails is you can get the hydration and health benefits of the ingredients that are in them without the downside of alcohol like hangovers. In fact, some mocktails can even give your libido a boost.
You can check out several delicious recipes via “Sexy Sips: 8 Fall-Themed Mocktails That Are Aphrodisiacs Too” or, if you want to stick to the Valentine’s Day theme, get inspired by recipes like — Love Potion #9: Sparkling Cherry Spritzer - Valentine's Day Mocktail or Cocktail (here); Creamy Strawberry Cinnamon Mocktail (here); Valentine’s Day Aphrodisiac Mocktail (here); Sparkling Cranberry Kiss (here), or a Fig & Thyme Spritz (here). Add your own ingredients to specialize the drink and don’t forget to give masterpiece a sexy pet name to toast each other with.
4. DIY an Aphrodisiac Gift Basket
Customizing gift baskets can be a lot of fun — especially when the theme and focus is S-E-X. A local arts and crafts store is where you can find a basket and some cellophane wrap. As far as what to put in it: massage candles, edible massage gels, body paint, some (new) handcuffs, scented bath bombs, rose petals, body dust, edibles (check out “7 Proven Ways Weed Makes Sex So Much Better” and “Want More Frequent And Intensified Orgasms? Puff, Puff, Pass.” ), sex toys, Reddi-Wip…I think you get the picture. If you fill it up to the brim, you’ll have plenty of items that will keep you (sexually) motivated all weekend long.
5. Buy Each Other…Things to Wear
Getty Images
Recently, I found myself in a state between finding something comical and damn near being triggered by it when a friend of mine told me that her husband told her that 1) he felt that he basically had no flaws and 2) he certainly doesn’t have them when it comes to how he expresses his love for her. Have mercy. It’s sheer nonsense like this that makes me say, more than I should ever have to, that WE alone cannot tell someone if we are a good lover or friend to them; THEY have to tell us (and vice versa). And what does that have to do with this point?
Although some of us are, certainly more than others, pretty much everyone is visually stimulated on some level and, although we may have some idea of what our partner likes — there’s no telling what we’d have on if it was left up to them to dress us. That said, why not use a Valentine’s Day sexcation as an opportunity to be each other’s…sensual stylist? Agree, beforehand, to only share each other’s sizes and then leave it up to one another to take it from there. You both might learn a thing or two about what (else) turns the two of you on if you do.
6. Increase Your Pheromones
Two things that many folks find themselves wondering about (as far as their legitimacy goes) are aphrodisiacs and pheromones. While aphrodisiacs are somewhat of a complex topic, when it comes to pheromones, specifically, it has been scientifically proven that they are substances/chemicals that one human secretes that grasp the attention of another. And how do sex pheromones increase?
Through exercise, sleep, and foods that contain the natural pheromones androstenone and androstenol including (believe it or not) celery, truffles, parsnips, and a blend of lavender and pumpkin pie. Out of all of this, did you peep that sleep raises (sex) pheromones? All I’m gonna say about that is check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand.” Sex and sleep? Rinse and repeat? Does a sexcation become any more blissful than that? I highly doubt it.
7. Take an Online Sex Course
Getty Images
Right around this time, about three years ago, BuzzFeed published an article entitled, “These 22 Black Sex Educators Are Changing The Way We Think And Talk About Sex.” When it comes to this article, what it got me to thinking about is how beneficial it could be to take an online sex course while you and your man are relaxing (and sexing) at home. A married couple whose site is simply called Vanessa and Xander Marin has several courses here. There are also other options that you can find by going to your favorite search engine and putting “online sex courses” in the search field.
8. Play “Sex Truth or Dare”
Listen, if you want to have a potentially stress-filled Valentine’s Day, play “Never Have I Ever” with your partner (chile…that reminds me of the skit “Tiny P? Loose V” by Jade the Fade is startlingly hilarious). On the other hand, if you want to learn more about each other while also having a lot of fun, play a sexual version of the old favorite “Truth or Dare.” If your man chooses “truth,” you can ask things like “What’s your favorite sexual position?,” “Do you prefer oral or intercourse more?” or “What would you like to do that we’ve never attempted before?” — you know, things that will get him to open up to you in some different ways.
As far as dares go? Well, I’ll let you come up with some of those, although my next point can help to inspire you a bit (or you can purchase a Kinky Truth or Dare canister that already has some ideas prepared for you here ).
9. Alternate Sex Fantasies
Getty Images
Probably the easiest way to explain a fantasy: it’s an idea or concept that is birthed out of your imagination. And here’s the thing — when it comes to executing some of your sexual fantasies, so long as you and your bae are mutually willing to try them out, it can make your sex life more spontaneous, more creative and so much more exciting. That said, in honor of the Valentine’s Day theme of your sexcation, why not start the time together off by agreeing that you each will share a fantasy and that you both will give what’s been said a shot?
Again, it’s got to be something that both feel safe and comfortable with; however, because a lot of couples fall into the rut of just “doing what works,” oftentimes they fail to bring deep desires to the forefront. A sexcation is the perfect time to change that. (By the way, some of the current most popular fantasies include BDSM, having sex in an unusual location, and taking oral sex to another level, so check out “9 Oral Sex Hacks To Make 2025 Your Most Satisfying Year Yet” when it comes to that last one).
10. Be Offline. THE ENTIRE TIME.
Unless you have young children (or sick parents), I don’t know why you need to be reachable during your sexcation. I also don’t know why it’s important to read news, scroll Instagram, or text folks for hours at a time. Hell, you can do all of that stuff when you get back to the real world. For now, enjoy the idea of focusing on no one and nothing else but you and your man. Besides, there is research to support the fact that intentional unplugging helps to reduce stress and stay in the moment which, interestingly enough, can increase your chances of having orgasms too. And speaking of orgasms…
11. Fill Up an “Orgasm Jar”
Getty Images
Oh, the sex jar. If there is one thing that I wish that I had actually invented for my clients, it’s that. If you’ve never heard of one before, I once wrote about it: “5 Reasons Why Every Married Couple Needs A Sex Jar”. Long story short, whenever a couple has sex, they should put money in a jar and agree to not take any out until 6-12 months later — then they spend it on something to do together. Whether it’s a movie or an international vacation, it’s totally up to them.
Well, something that I did just make up is an orgasm jar. While you’re on your sexcation, whether it’s from oral sex, intercourse, mutual masturbation, or whatever else, put money into a jar, each and every time one of you climaxes. At the end of the sexcation, go on a date. Again, the kind of date depends on how intentional both of you were (if you know what I mean). #wink
12. Stay Naked (As Much As Possible)
Clothes on…FOR WHAT? With the exception of the sexy fashion show that I referenced earlier, make the mutual decision to rock your birthday suits for the entire Valentine’s Day weekend. Being naked helps to boost your (sexual) self-confidence, keeps your vagina happy, increases male fertility (if baby-making is on the menu), decreases stress and it definitely promotes intimacy. And all of those are ingredients for having an exceptional sexcation.
BONUS: Rent a Vacation House
Unsplash
The reason why I addressed having a sexcation from the comfort and convenience of your own home is because, if money is tight, that doesn’t mean that you have to skimp out on some mind-blowing sex — not at all. However, I did recently pen a piece about the fact that something as simple as changing the scenery of where you “engage” can also take your sexual experiences up a few notches (check out “How To Level Up Intimacy And Make 2025 Your Hottest Sex Year Yet”). So, if you’ve got a few extra bucks, splurge on a vacation house rental — then “Cupid” each and every room!
Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Giphy