Being a Black woman in this world means being your biggest advocate, no matter who is standing beside you or not. There is something about a Black woman and her power of manifestation that can’t be taught, only felt. It’s something that’s been passed down from our ancestors, from generation to generation, and something that is always within us. Some call it Black Girl Magic, some haven’t been able to define the unique gifts we possess. Working with the energy in your life is imminent in creating the life you desire. Mantras, affirmations, and daily testaments have been proven to work in aiding manifestations for centuries, and are powerful ways of co-creating your reality.
Having a money mantra you can repeat to yourself daily that resonates with your unique perspective and financial goals can help you meet your desires with ease and confidence. Each sign of the zodiac has a unique relationship to its finances and some keywords can positively impact you on your financial journey. Remember that a key component to manifesting is putting in the work and backing your intentions with action. As you are repeating these mantras daily, natural intuitive guidance and insight will begin to come forth on what concrete action to take in addition to the intentions you are putting out there. Connecting to your inner alchemy can create wonders in your life, and will manifest the life of your dreams.
Along with your sun sign, your midheaven sign is your career zone, your success zone, and shows you how you can reach your financial goals in life. When reading your money mantras below, make sure to view your midheaven sign (MC, Medium Coeli) for further insight into aiding in your success story. This is your reminder that you are a powerful soul, there are divine tools and practices available to you at all times, and that anything in life is possible for you.
ARIES
“The work I do receives instant financial support.”
Aries is a driven soul and is constantly getting itself into new ventures, especially when it comes to business. With Mars being your planetary ruler, you have a gift when it comes to natural drive and energy, and you have what it takes to see your goals through. A good money mantra for you is one that can keep up with your high goals and one that provides a quick return. Remember that patience is key with all manifestations, but using this money mantra can help meet you where you are and provide the more fast returns you are looking for.
TAURUS
“I give and receive freely.
I always have enough.
I always am enough.”
Taurus is the money sign of the zodiac and you are born with more of a gift with money than most. A lot of Tauruses are born into wealth, or the complete opposite which makes them extremely hard-working individuals who strive for this type of financial stability in life. Taurus is one of the most frugal signs of the zodiac, and although you are very giving to your loved ones, you do prefer to have stability more than anything.
However, this energy can do you more harm than good and can keep you in stagnation, feeling like you have to keep everything in, giving you very little breathing room to enjoy what you have accumulated for yourself. For you, having a good flow here and less rigid energy can create space for even more wealth to enter your life.
GEMINI
“My ideas flow effortlessly.
I manifest money through my creative ideas and solutions.”
Gemini is all about the mind, as your planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of the mind, communication, and business. With your unique gifts in creative ideas, visions, and solutions, you make for a great manifester. All that is needed is putting your good ideas to use and taking concrete steps to back up your intentions. For you, a money mantra that acknowledges how your mind flows and what it can manifest into is key. You are the creative genius of the zodiac and using the power of your mind to manifest is your gift. Repeat this mantra daily, and also remember the intentional action needed to make your dreams come true.
CANCER
“I am grounded.
I am stable.
I have everything I need.”
Cancer is known to be one of the most emotional zodiac signs, and people often forget how business-savvy you truly are. You work hard towards your goals in life because security means everything to you both emotionally and financially. Your home life is your world, and you understand that money typically equates to your dream home. You work to rest peacefully, and a good money mantra for you helps you gain your ground and get back to the present moment when emotions run high. Being ruled by the Moon, finances can tend to fluctuate as the phases of the Moon do, and having a consistent routine or mantra can help balance and ground this energy.
LEO
“I am worthy of financial success and freedom.
I am abundant.”
Financial success for Leo is all about confidence. When you are feeling good, you manifest good, and having a money mantra that reminds you of how worthy you are, does wonders for the Leo soul. With your innate gift of optimism and joy, you shine wherever you go. Putting this energy into your finances can shed light on the prosperity and abundance that is there for you in life, and your money mantra is all about reminding yourself how great you are. No one takes a compliment better than a Leo, and you should be the first one to give yourself that. Use your money mantra daily, and to take this even further, say your money mantra out loud while looking in the mirror.
VIRGO
“I relax, I let go, my finances are in perfect flow.
I am open to receiving money.”
Virgo knows how to create and manifest, being a Mercury-ruled earth sign. Virgo’s make some of the best manifesters, as your energy is one of harvest and what comes about through positive intentions, hard work, and dedication. However, you can be way too hard on yourself at times and be your own biggest critic. A good money mantra for you reminds you to let go, and open up to receive. Your money mantra is here to remind you that you don’t always have to work so hard to receive and that sometimes it’s just about opening up and allowing something to just be given to you freely. Remember that you don’t have to do anything to be worthy of abundance, abundance is your birthright.
LIBRA
“I love what I do.
I am successful in all areas of life.”
Libras when it comes to money are all about what you can do and have with money itself. You want to accumulate wealth so you can live the lavish life of your dreams, but you also wouldn’t mind if someone else was doing the money-making for you. For you to get in the zone of financial wealth, all areas of your life need to be going smoothly for you; especially love, as when your relationships are going well, you feel well on all levels. Your money mantra is about covering all the bases so that you can manifest your goals feeling like you are not leaving out the other important matters of your life as well. Balance is everything for a Libra, and your money mantra puts you into this perspective.
SCORPIO
“I am a money magnet.
I attract abundance with ease.”
Scorpio is the ruler of the 8th house which is the house of shared finances, inheritances, taxes, and debts. You have an eye for what is going to benefit you financially or not, and your analytical mind is constantly running the numbers. This is why you will find a lot of Scorpios working in banks, accounting, or dealing with data. A good money mantra for your passionate soul acknowledges your need for abundance and empowerment but also highlights the magnetic power you exude. You have a way of luring people or energy to you, and you can use this gift in attracting money and financial wealth into your life as well.
SAGITTARIUS
“I manage my finances well,
I am a lucky soul.”
Sagittarius tends to find themselves in the right place, at the right time. Through your optimism and adventurous energy, you attract opportunities for yourself effortlessly in life. For you, your money mantra is all about recognizing your unique gifts of manifestation, but also about grounding this energy so that you always feel like you have enough. You will book a vacation without much thought to it, which can be fun for the soul but may dampen your financial returns in the long run. Balance is everything for you financially, and your money mantra should especially be repeated before making any big purchases or spending on impulse.
CAPRICORN
“I am a success, and I have the Midas Touch.
Everything I do turns to gold.”
A Capricorn looks at their bank balance the first thing when they wake up. You are not one to beat around the bush when it comes to money, and you also aren’t afraid to ask for what you deserve. Being ruled by the 10th house, the house of success, career goals, and prosperity--you have high ideals in life and this is especially true for you financially. You want to be the best at everything you do, and everything you touch turns to gold. Your money mantra puts you into that energy of knowing how valuable you are, and the fact that everyone wishes they had a Capricorn on their team to get things done and elevate financially.
AQUARIUS
“The opportunities for me in life are endless.
Wealth constantly flows into my life.”
Aquariuses are aspirational and inspiring souls. You were born with expansive goals and visions for the world, and you have a gift for connecting with the right people who help you get there. A money mantra for you that opens up channels of wealth and prosperity serves you well, and you have a unique way of making things happen for yourself. Aquariuses often surprise people with what their financial world looks like, as they aren’t one to boast. Your money mantra is all about attracting endless opportunities into your life, and being the successful soul you are. Repeat your money mantra while going about your day to help you focus on what you are attracting and focusing on.
PISCES
“I am grounded in the present moment.
The universe has my back, and always provides for me.”
Pisces manifest from the heart. Being ruled by Neptune, the planet of fantasy, and Jupiter, the planet of success, means that your dreams in life do often come true for you. Why? Because you don’t stop thinking of them. You tend to live in your own world of fantasy, which can be a very good thing when it comes to manifesting. You know there is a force greater than anything out there, and you often rely on this benevolent energy to support you when needed. Your money mantra will help you ground your desires in the present moment, where the universe can meet you halfway.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
You Like Having Sex With Him. Your Vagina Doesn't. What Should You Do?
I already know. Some of y’all read the title of this and was like, “How does that even make sense?” Oh, believe you me, there can be someone who you are definitely attracted to, who you connect with on a billion levels, where the sexual chemistry is totally off the charts — and yet, when it comes to intercourse, your vagina is on some "Do we really have to?"
It can be for a few different reasons. His penis size might take some adjusting to. His sperm/semen may throw your pH balance off. You might end up with a yeast infection or UTI (urinary tract infection) on a semi-consistent basis. Uh-huh, now do you see how you can enjoy coitus and still experience — let’s call them “technical difficulties” as far as your vagina goes at the same time?
If this has been your plight and you’ve been scouring the internet in order to get some much-needed (literal) relief, here are 12 things that may be able to get you, your partner, and your vagina on the same page, as far as experiencing consistently pleasurable copulation is concerned.
1. Bring in Some Lubrication
GiphyLet’s begin with something that can kill two birds with one stone — umm, so to speak. Whether your issue is that your man’s size is a lot to handle or either the friction of the sex or the inability to get as wet as you would like is resulting in you ending up with a UTI, invest in some lubrication. The wetter you are, the better sex will feel, and the less irritated your vagina will be.
The real hack is to get the kind that is as close to the pH level of your vagina (which should be somewhere around 4.5) as possible. Word on the street is that silicone-based ones can help you out in this department. By the way, saliva can also throw your pH balance off, which is why some people use things like dental damns. Just something to keep in mind as far as oral activity goes.
2. Use Condoms
GiphyIf it’s been a minute since you’ve had sex (check out “What Actually Happens To Your Vagina During Seasons Of Abstinence?”) or you’re about to change (or add) sex partners, there are many reasons why you should use a condom — one of them being that bacteria or sperm/semen definitely has the potential to throw your vagina’s pH level off as well which can lead to a yeast infection.
Not to mention the fact that men can get yeast infections and sometimes they are asymptomatic. This means that if you don’t want to be passing one of those bad boys back and forth to each other, a rubber can serve as a barrier for that.
3. Consume More Probiotics. Eat Less Sugar.
GiphySpeaking of bacteria, another thing that you can do to decrease the chances of bad bacteria overtaking the good kind that’s in your va-jay-jay, be intentional about taking a probiotic and consuming foods that are filled with probiotics. Also, try to eat less sugar. Probiotic-enriched foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, fish sauce, and fermented veggies will give you more good bacteria. The reason why sugar is an enemy of your vagina is because that is what feeds bad bacteria and yeast.
4. Have Your Partner Give You a Perineal Massage (with a Twist)
GiphyAs a doula, I know quite a bit about perineal massages. Basically, it’s all about having your partner put some oil or lubricant on one or two of their fingers before using them to gently massage your perineum (the skin that is in between your vaginal opening and your anus) in order to decrease your chances of tearing while giving birth. Well, if you want to prepare yourself for sex after going without for a long period of time or before engaging with a larger partner, this type of massage could help you out, too.
The reason why I didn’t just call this good old-fashioned fingering is because if a part of what you want to partake in is anal sex, it can be wise to not just stretch your vagina but that piece of skin as well. Just make sure that if you plan on using a condom, you go with a water or silicone-based lubricant only. Oils will dissolve the potency of latex.
5. Invest in a Vaginal Dilator
GiphyI’m actually kind of surprised that vaginal dilators don’t come up more in sex-related articles. If you’ve never heard of them before, they are tube-like devices that are made out of plastic or medical-grade silicone that can help to stretch out your vagina, make it more flexible, and reduce discomfort during intercourse (especially if yours is related to having some sort of issues with your pelvic floor).
In fact, if you’re in the latter stages of perimenopause or you’re post-menopausal and sex has not been as pleasurable for you because of symptoms that are directly associated with that, a vaginal dilator might be able to offer up some relief.
For the record, you can typically purchase them at local drugstores (and online); however, you might want to run this decision by your doctor first, just so they can discuss any potential challenges/issues that you should know about (since they have your medical history).
6. Take Some Ibuprofen Before Sex
GiphyThis tip right here is a bit of a double-edged sword because whiletaking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen an hour or so before having sex can help to reduce pain and inflammation to your vagina (if that has been an issue in the past),some studies say that men who take these same meds can potentially increase their chances of experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction.
That said, since the article today is focusing on our body parts, yes, this is somewhat of an effective hack, especially if you also soak in a warm bath prior to getting some.
7. Urinate Right After Sex
GiphyIf you’ve always wondered if you really should make it a point and practice to pee after having sex, the short answer is yes. Although nothing is going to blow up if you don’t, the reason why it’s a good idea is it can help to flush bacteria out of your urethra which can, in turn, lower your chances of experiencing a UTI.
8. Extend the Foreplay
GiphyI don’t think one woman on this planet is shocked thatmost ladies would prefer more foreplay before sex. As far as how long that should be, some studies state thatsomewhere around 20 minutes is good. That said, all of us are different, and, keeping in line with being wetter making sex better theme, if you need more time with “the appetizer” before the “main course” —tell your partner that. When it comes to less friction, more comfort, and ultimately more satisfying sex, longer foreplay might just be all that you need.
9. Stay on Top
GiphyYou probably already know this; still, I’m adding it in for safe measure. If you want to be able to better control the speed, motion, and depth of your partner when it comes to intercourse, opt for being on top. It will feel more comfortable to you, and I don’t know any man who doesn’t like to get a full view of what his partner has to offer when she’s on top of him. It’s a win for everyone involved.
10. Sign Up for Some Pelvic Floor Therapy
GiphyIf no matter what you do, you seem to experience some level of discomfort during sex, you might want to look into getting some pelvic floor therapy. It is a literal form of physical therapy that can help to strengthen the muscles in your pelvic region. If you’re interested in learning more about this, you can search for pelvic floor therapists who are in your area here.
11. Have Some Diflucan on Tap (Just in Case)
GiphyAlthough a lot of these tips are all about taking preventative measures, what should you do if you already have a yeast infection that’s tied to sex (and you know that for sure)? If you don’t want to go through the (sometimes) drama of scheduling a doctor’s appointment, there are sites now that will prescribe antifungal meds like Diflucan online.
Wisp is one that I definitely know does, along with medication for bacterial vaginosis (BV), UTIs, and genital herpes, too. Just fill out a form, and a doctor will follow up online. If they feel that you are a good candidate, they will send a prescription to a pharmacy in your area (of your choosing), and you can go pick up and pay there — sometimes all within the same day.
12. Get Tested for a Potential Sperm/Semen Allergy
GiphyAlthough actually being allergic to sperm/semen is not hella common (reportedly around 40,000 women in this country are), it is a real thing. So, if after having unprotected sex, you experience incessant burning and/or itching, hives, lip and/or tongue swelling, nausea, or diarrhea, it’s important that you see your physician. Although this kind of allergy is not particularly “dangerous,” it can be super uncomfortable.
Plus, it can make it harder for you to conceive a child (if that is something that you and your partner are trying to do). As far as treatment goes, to a certain extent, it varies. However, a prescription-strength antihistamine may be what your healthcare provider recommends for you.
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Gee, I certainly hope that these tips help. Because while having sex with someone who you dig is wonderful, it is so much better when your vagina “gets along” with him too. Feel me? Exactly.
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