The month of May continues to up the ante as the majority of the celestial bodies shift from Aries into Taurus and Gemini. On the 3rd, Mercury enters its home sign, Gemini, submerging us into the quickening. Over the next few weeks, your manifestation abilities are moving at the speed of light. Tap into this energy before Mercury goes Retrograde later this month. The New Moon in Taurus invites you to expand your net worth through new opportunities and financial gains. Luck is on your side when Jupiter enters Pisces on the 13th. Check out your horoscope to see what magic May has in store for you!
Aries
May kicks off with Mercury shifting your focus towards your busy daily affairs. To-do lists will help you stay on top of all the small tasks that have a tendency to get lost in the shuffle. On the 6th, you're feeling inspired by your journey and motivated to share your success story with others. When Venus joins the Gemini party with Mercury, your personal magnetism is heightened through your gift of gab and online presence. The New Moon on the 11th encourages you to explore new terrain to increase your income.
The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th, enhancing your popularity. Although you typically roll solo, it doesn't hurt to have a group of loyal supporters. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, inviting you to deepen your knowledge of your craft and implement new routines that will turn your dreams into reality. A magical Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th shines the spotlight on you and the gems of wisdom you've acquired throughout your journey. The month wraps up with Mercury Retrograde helping you review current projects, revamp your website, and get a little more organized.
Taurus
Your personal values and finances come into focus when Mercury enters Gemini on the 3rd. On the 8th, Venus shifts into this same part of your chart, inviting you to assess your beliefs about your body image. Writing love letters to yourself and reading them to yourself in front of a mirror can do wonders for your self-esteem. The New Moon in your sign encourages you to take healthy measures in improving your appearance. A new hairstyle or wardrobe may be just what you need to boost your confidence. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, emphasizing the importance of networking and friendship.
Team work makes the dream work.
Gemini season officially begins on the 20th to revitalize your bank account. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde which could create some friction between you and an authority figure. Stick to the rules during this transit to avoid unnecessary conflict—unless, of course, you are your own boss. If you're self-employed, leadership development could benefit you personally and professionally. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th illuminates emotional wounds that need your attention. Remember—you have to feel it to heal it. The month comes to a close with our second Mercury Retrograde of the year inviting you to revisit conversations about your earning potential. By the end of the time Mercury goes direct, you'll have a more holistic perspective of how much you truly bring to the table.
Gemini
This month is action-packed from start to finish with Mercury, kicking the party off when it enters your sign on the 3rd. Let's just say that life is going into overdrive for you. When Venus joins this part of your chart, your magnetism has you attracting financial blessings and possibly some romance, too. On the 11th, the New Moon invites you to disconnect for a moment to recalibrate your subconscious so you can experience more guilt-free abundance and pleasure because you deserve it! When Jupiter shifts into Pisces on the 13th, you'll be challenged to stay disciplined in your career endeavors. By this time next year, you'll be amazed at how much progress you made.
Your birthday season begins when the Sun enters your sign on the 20th! All eyes are on you as you celebrate your Solar Return. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde inviting you to redefine any aspects of your spiritual truth that were bestowed upon you by those in positions of power. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th helps you resolve any relationship conflicts. If a win-win situation can't be agreed upon, then it just may be time to sever ties. Our second Mercury Retrograde of the year closes the month out, granting you the opportunity to tie up loose ends in relationships and projects.
Cancer
May invites you to into your shell to reflect on the past year as you prepare for your Solar Return. With Mercury and Venus in Gemini, the outside world can be a bit overstimulating, making it imperative for you to prioritize some time to retreat into your quiet, safe space. The New Moon on the 11th dissuades you from convincing anyone of your worth and encourages you to nurture connections with people that already recognize your value. This is also a supportive time to start building the foundation for how you want to impact your community—both online and offline.
When Jupiter enters Pisces on the 13th, you've got the Midas touch.
If you work in communications, the cosmos is stretching you to actualize your potential while also offering opportunities to share your content on a bigger platform. Try not to overthink yourself out of the blessings coming your way! On the 20th, the Sun shifts into Gemini which has your energy levels lower than usual. Get plenty of rest and sleep during the next month. When Saturn goes Retrograde on the 23rd, it will encourage you to create a strategy to tackle any debts that you have. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th will help you resolve a long-standing negative habit. The month wraps up with Mercury going Retrograde, encouraging you to tie up any loose ends before your birthday season.
Leo
Mercury shifts gears at the top of the month, drawing your attention to your friends and social network. Per usual, you're the life of the party and everyone wants to be in your circle. When Venus joins this part of your chart, you may be surprised that an acquaintance is interested in you romantically. The New Moon on the 11th challenges you to make some adjustments in your career which could result in you pivoting in a different direction. On the 13th, Jupiter transitions into sensitive Pisces. During this transit, you're encouraged to face some of those suppressed emotions and experiences from a different perspective (if you're into Tarot, think of "The Hanged Man").
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini which has your mind abuzz with all of the grand ideas that you want to bring into reality. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, inviting you to reassess your boundaries and contractual agreements. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse liberates you from watering yourself down in any way. You deserve to show up in the world in all of your brilliance. May wraps up with our second Mercury Retrograde of the year, encouraging you to breathe new life into an old dream.
Virgo
The first half of the month may be a little irritating with so much action taking place in Gemini. Between Mercury and Venus in this part of your chart, you could run into some power struggles particularly with someone in a position of authority. It's best to choose your battles wisely. The New Moon on the 11th invites you to expand your mindset by going back to school or attending a workshop that can help you refine your skills and ultimately align you with more financial abundance. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, giving you the opportunity to grow through your closest connections.
Choose wisely when partnering up in love and business matters.
When the Sun shifts into Gemini, your work performance is under review. Some important eyes may be on you so make sure you're on top of your shit. You'll be surprised by what opportunities come from your ability to hold down the fort. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, encouraging you to make some adjustments with your routine. You may feel like you don't have enough time but there's really just a need for you to prioritize what's most important. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse helps you resolve a longstanding issue with family, bringing you the peace and clarity that you need. The month ends with Mercury going Retrograde inviting you to a seat at a table with some pretty influential power players.
Libra
The month kicks off with Mercury entering Gemini on 3rd expanding your platform & influence. When Venus joins this part of your chart on the 8th, you're attracted to individuals capable of stimulating your mind. Exploring different cultures or traveling internationally can be just the experience you need to inspire you. The New Moon on the 11th could invite you into a financial partnership making this a good time to apply for a loan for your business start up or your new home. On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces giving you the opportunity to get a handle on any harmful habits—particularly those that result in overindulgent or escapist behaviors.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun enters Gemini on the 20th encouraging you to reconnect with your deeper sense of truth. Your beliefs are up for review. Grant yourself the freedom to change your mind. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde which has you thinking more seriously in matters of romance. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th provides you with the cathartic release that you need to show up in the world more authentically. It's time to get that throat chakra poppin! The month wraps up with Mercury going Retrograde giving you a chance to tie up loose ends with a project or school.
Scorpio
The first part of the month brings your attention to deepening your closest connections. With Mercury and Venus shifting into Gemini, you're more curious about others and someone around you could share the same sentiment, making this a good time to gain a better understanding of each other which will ultimately strengthen the relationship. The New Moon on the 11th invites you into a new partnership—whether romantic or professional. If you're signing any contracts around this time, try to do so before Mercury goes Retrograde later in the month.
On the 13th, Jupiter enters ethereal Pisces where good fortune finds you through your creative self-expression, hobbies, and romantic connections. When Saturn goes Retrograde on the 23rd, you'll have a chance to revisit your earlier foundations in life, giving you a chance to redefine how you manage your emotions. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th illuminates your financial weak spots which are more than likely attributed to a limiting mindset. Check your money beliefs to make sure they support your goals and aspirations. May comes to a close with Mercury going Retrograde, inviting you to revisit that plan to pay off your credit card debt or student loans.
Sagittarius
The first part of the month is building up to the beginning of eclipse season which kicks off later in the month. With both Mercury and Venus entering Gemini, your relationships are your primary focus. This is a time to reevaluate the dynamics within your close connections—both personal and professional. The New Moon on the 11th invites you to commit to some better habits that can transform your lifestyle in a positive way. On the 13th, Jupiter shifts into Pisces during a transit that will stretch you to grow beyond your family's expectations.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini, revitalizing any waning connections. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, encouraging you to revisit your earlier foundations that shaped your internal dialogue. Once you get more clear on these limiting beliefs, you'll have the power to change them. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in your sign initiates you into the next phase of your ascension. Allow the old narratives and identity to fall away as more of your true self is revealed. On the 29th, Mercury goes Retrograde, making this a good time to revise existing contracts and agreements.
Capricorn
Life gets a little more busy for you when Mercury and Venus team up in Gemini. You may be a little scatter-brained during this transit. Try making to-do lists and marking special events on your calendar to help keep you on track. The New Moon on the 11th has you assessing whether any of your romantic contenders have the potential to be a long-term partner. If love is the last thing on your mind, a new creative project can be just what you need to immerse yourself into as you pave your legacy (and make your inner child proud along the way). On the 13th, Jupiter enters Pisces, inviting you to nurture your connection to the Divine.
Magical opportunities await but you have to be in the right frame of mind to recognize them.
The Sun enters Gemini on the 20th which could be stimulating your anxiety. Avoid caffeine and get into a fitness regimen to keep you grounded. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, giving you a chance to restructure your money beliefs, which in turn, can expand your earning potential exponentially. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse serves to liberate you from the shackles of inauthenticity. Past-life regression and hypnotherapy can help you resolve deeply ingrained fears that keep you from expressing your true self. The month ends with Mercury Retrograde challenging your will power. You've made some healthy changes. Don't fall back into old habits!
Aquarius
The month kicks off with Mercury entering your sister sign, Gemini, on the 3rd. When Venus joins this part of your chart on the 8th, the world takes on a rose-colored tint because love is in the air. You could be attracting the witty type of character that will entertain you with some interesting, and random, ideas that may challenge you to expand your own way of thinking. The New Moon on the 11th could bring up some challenging energies within your family dynamic or home which may lead to you considering a relocation. If you're looking to make an investment, flipping a house could be a good place to start.
On the 13th, Jupiter leaves your sign (for the time being) and transitions into Pisces. Tap into your spiritual power to leverage more abundance in all areas of your life including your finances. On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini, revitalizing your inner child, making this a good time to get into a hobby or express yourself creatively. When Saturn goes Retrograde, you'll be retracing the lessons you've been (un)learning as it pertains to your identity. Your needs in friendship are changing around this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, resulting in you outgrowing a connection. The month wraps up with Mercury Retrograde, giving you a chance to put the final touches on a project you've been pouring yourself into.
Pisces
Tension may be brewing with Mercury and Venus, entering Gemini during the first part of the month. Be mindful of getting pulled into gossip or playing both sides if you find yourself in the middle of a family conflict. The New Moon on the 11th supports your financial endeavors, particularly if you work in communications or are in the public eye in some way. Using social media to your advantage can actually create new streams of income for you if you actually start putting your brilliant ideas into motion. On the 13th, Jupiter enters your sign, granting you the Midas Touch.
Fortune favors the bold so don't shy away from some big opportunities coming your way over the next year.
Towards the end of the month, the Sun shifts into Gemini, making this a good time to host a small gathering at your home. Not all of your visitors will be welcomed with open arms but do your best to remain courteous, especially if you share a home with a roommate or significant other. On the 23rd, Saturn goes Retrograde, giving you a chance to reassess your boundaries and make any necessary changes. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 26th motivates you to align with a career path that reflects the expanded version of yourself. May comes to a close with Mercury going Retrograde, encouraging you to revisit a conversation with a family member to clear up any misunderstandings. Home renovations and family planning may also be up for discussion as well.
Read all about astrology and horoscopes on xoNecole here.
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RELATED
Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
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1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
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19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
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While the movies and shows on this list vary in genre and style, they all have toe-curling elements that make them truly mind-blowing.
1. Love & Basketball
Now, Love & Basketballis a universally memorable movie in the Black community in its own right, but that sex scene was almost revolutionary. The raw, realistic portrayal of Monica’s first time as she loses her virginity to her childhood soulmate Quincy was an important moment for young Black women everywhere. For a scene that had no on-screen nudity, the chemistry between the characters was enough to have us all feeling a little hot under the collar!
2. Set It Off
This 1996 sex scene between Blair Underwood and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s characters Keith and Stony had all the elements that take a sex scene from good to great. And let’s not let the fact that Jada used a body double take away from how iconic this scene is. Attractive actors, focused foreplay, close-ups, tension-building music (shout out En Vogue!), and chemistry for days. When I rewatched this movie recently and noticed the way Keith moved his chain out of the way (IYKYK), I yelled! Those little details set this sex scene apart.
3. Out of Time
Denzel Washington has been fine his whole life. He’s intergenerational fine. And when this movie came out he was in his PRIME, okay?! The chemistry between Denzel and Sanaa Lathan in Out of Time is undeniable. So much so that when the movie came out, rumors began to circulate that the actors were romantically involved. And if you’ve seen the movie, I’m sure you’re not surprised.
The icing on the cake for me was that roleplay scene (peep the video above). You know, the one where Matthias pretends to be investigating a crime and Ann talks him through what the “intruder” did to her and he reenacts it? Turns out WE were the ones intruding on a crime - assault with a deadly weapon, if you will.
4. Scandal
Thursdays haven’t been the same since ABC’s TGIT. Shonda Rhimes was in her bag when she gave us back-to-back episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, AND How To Get Away With Murder. Lives were changed. Aside from nail-biting drama and salacious storylines, Shonda also consistently gave us an array of dangerously attractive characters and sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a knife.
I’ll forever be team #Olitz. Their steamy sex sessions were made even hotter because their relationship was taboo, scandalous, even.
Adultery aside, Olivia and Fitz’s sexy time scenes never left anything to be desired. Interestingly, my favorite Olitz sex scene is their very first time. After six episodes of build-up, they finally did the deed and alleviated all the sexual tension we’d all been feeling. I think we all developed a new level of respect for Fitz when he ordered Olivia to take her clothes off, and she did not disappoint because she served bawdy in that white lingerie (I see what you did there, Shonda). Olivia served at the pleasure of the President, and so did we. For all 6 seasons.
5. Bridgerton
Dearest Gentle Reader, this couple certainly set the Ton abuzz in Bridgerton season one. For a Duke who was once lost for words, the cat’s certainly no longer in possession of his tongue. And luckily, it seems the Duchess is more physical touch than words of affirmation.
The Hastings basked in newlywed bliss all over their new abode and that library ladder scene - you know the one - took the couple’s sex life to new heights. What made this scene with Simon going down on Daphne while she’s suspended on a ladder so incredibly hot is how it centered *female* pleasure. He a good man, Savannah!
6. Insecure
One thing we could always expect from Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore’s hit series - a jaw-dropping sex scene. What I loved about Insecure’s sex scenes is that they’re not only seriously hot, but alsoVERY relatable. From that incident with Daniel, to Issa and Lawrence’s freshly-broken-up-unfinished-business ex-sex.
The one that tops my list has got to be when Issa and Nathan joined their own version of the Mile High Club on the Ferris wheel at Coachella. Cinematically, the scene was gorgeous but it also felt truly organic, like it was the perfect first time for them. I feel like we all collectively exhaled because she finally chose a man we could actually root for. You know what that is? Growth.
Honorable mention: the we’ve-finally-reunited couch sex Lawrence and Issa have when they finally get back together.
7. Power
From gunplay to foreplay, Power held nothing back. Every sex scene was spicy in its own way from Tate and his staffer, to the pilot episode Ghost and Tasha, to Tommy and Keisha. So many to choose from! The one that stands out in my mind is when Ghost and Angela get it on against the window of his hotel room overlooking the New York cityscape. Their chemistry was undeniable and the yearning was palpable in every single one of their sex scenes. Now, that’s acting!
8. Love Jones
WhenLove Jones premiered in 1997, a Black romance about a couple of creatives living and loving in the city was unprecedented. Between the novelty of the story and the charming dynamic between Darius and Nina, Love Jones quickly became a cultural classic. And even with the plethora of Black stories that have since graced our screens, Love Jones is a movie the conversation always comes back to. I mean, with bars like “I’m the blues in your left thigh trying to become the funk in your right”? Yeah, I would’ve folded.
Nina and Darius having sex on the first date felt bold and spontaneous, but that’s only part of why that scene was so steamy. Music can make or break a moment on-screen - sex or otherwise - and Maxwell’s "Sumthin’ Sumthin’" playing in the background made it feel like they were truly making love. Romance is sexy too, right?
9. Queen & Slim
Finally, on-screen car sex that actually looks enjoyable! It’s a beautifully shot scene with long, slow closeups of the characters making intense eye contact (IYKYK!). And the passion between the two actors is so realistic that some people even questioned if the scene was real! The buildup that led to this spontaneous daylight, on-the-run hookup made it even sexier. 10/10, no notes.
For so long, we’ve been starved of seeing positive Black female sexuality on screen and the She’s Gotta Have It remake helped to change that. DeWanda Wise absolutely killed it in the Spike Lee remake as Nola Darling, a polyamorous pansexual woman living her best sexually liberated life, boldly approaching relationships in a way we usually see as taboo. Men, women…one, two, three on rotation, Nola’s pleasure was Nola’s priority (IKDR!).
While her sexual appetite meant her loving bed saw many visitors, I think her best sex scene came when she finally decided to give monogamy a try with her girlfriend Opal. While the scene was pretty graphic, just like the others, this one was different because it was special. It felt like Nola and Opal were two women passionately in love. And what’s sexier than sex with someone you love?
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Featured image via Netflix