

Back when I was 19 and a sophomore in college, I had a professor who was noticeably older but pretty cool. He was a White man, divorced with kids older than most of the class and so forth. He held his classroom very "community" style, with the students and professor all conversing and debating quite often.
I recall once after the semester had ended, my professor emailed me inviting me for a dinner at an Italian restaurant. He said that because I'd expressed so much interest in a book he'd written, he wanted to give me the official raw-manuscript (that's the version of a book before editors, publishers and publicist's get involved). And me being a nerd, I had some interest in retrieving this copy and comparing it to the original. Not to mention at the time, I also didn't know how to say "no" to a seemingly affluential adult.
Long story short, we met for said dinner and off rip, my professor extended the option of ordering my 19-year-old self alcohol on our date. I politely declined. He called me "baby" during dinner. He told me about a bizarre, fetishized bedroom story with him and a young woman from a foreign country. And in the end, he asked if I wanted to go home with him. Of course I said no. By the end of dinner, I couldn't have been anymore happy to hop in my car, drive home and avoid signing up for any of his courses ever again.
[easy-tweet tweet="I didn't know how to say "no" to a seemingly affluential adult."]
When I shared this story a couple years later with my senior class during a conversation on harassment and boundaries, a girl came up to me and asked if the professor I was referring was Professor John Doe. I hesitated before telling her yes, and she told me the same thing happened to her. Except only, he invited her directly to his home, offering her just drinks--no dinner--and his intentions being a little more clearer. When another professor at the time overheard me and my peer recapping the events, he encouraged that we go to the University's Dean and report this man.
However, I reported nothing.
And neither did she. This young woman and myself both felt that since we never actually slept with our professor, we couldn't figure out if what he'd done was actually legally wrong or just plain creepy.
My story is similar to an episode of Scandal from last season that was ripped right from the headlines and was a not-so-subtle portrayal of Hollywood's biggest real-life scandal of 2015: the Bill Cosby rape allegations. No stranger to incorporating news-trending topics that impact our community into her episodes, Shonda and the writers of the primetime drama mimicked the case against Bill Cosby and the 40+ women who claim that Cosby drugged and raped them over the last few decades.
At that point in the show, Olivia Pope & Co are hired by a woman and student of esteemed academic author and professor Frank Holland, who accuses Holland of drugging and raping her.
(Note: The actor who played "Frank Holland," is actually William Russ, who for years portrayed TV-dad "Alan Matthews" on Boys Meets World, a throwback family-programming classic. Casting coincidence? I think not.)
Either way, upon further investigation, it's discovered by Liv that Holland, a recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has in fact actually raped dozens of women in his longstanding academic career; some of which who recall being drugged and raped by the professor as far back as two to three decades ago. The drug and method of choice for Holland is his use of prescription Oxycodone that he crushes up and places into an assortment of teas and wines that he offers up as refreshments to students. The medicine is specifically prescribed for his wife, who indirectly accomplices her husband in these rape crimes since Mrs. Holland is fully in the know of what her husband is doing. With what some may feel was a representation of Camille Cosby's firm stance in support of Bill, Mrs. Holland tells Olivia:
"I'm sorry Ms. Pope, but my husband is a legend and it is my job to protect his legacy."
With Olivia being aware that Holland's longstanding influence in society would make it easy for her one rape case to get swept under the rug, and due to the statute of limitations for the other women, she encourages the women to stage a quiet protest at Holland's next speaking engagement instead. The stand-in eerily resembled Cosby's accusers' New York Magazine Cover:
Upon watching the episode, I remember thinking that I hadn't seen that much of a headline-rip from Shonda since the chilling Ferguson episode.
As I share my own "Professor Holland" story I wonder how many other girls did my Professor John Doe invite to have drinks with him? And had he ever forced himself on anyone of them? I'll probably never know. But one thing is for sure, these things happen more often than many of us care to report. I knew better than to accept my professor's invitation to his house and so did my fellow peer. And although at the end of the day no victim is in the wrong for anything she did not consent to, until we live in a perfect world, us women must take precaution for the one we actually live in.
[easy-tweet tweet="As women we must take precaution for the world we live in."]
Have you ever been a victim of harassment in a academic setting or even a work space?
A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
Your May 2025 Monthly Horoscopes Are All About Blooming Softly & Trusting Divine Timing
May is about being patient, nurturing your dreams, and creating beauty in your world. This is a more stable and generous month than the chaos that April brought, and we get an opportunity for closure, healing, and rejuvenation this month. We are still amid some important retrograde transits, but these are ones we can navigate better by grounding our energy in the present moment, and not allowing ourselves to stress over the what-ifs.
With the Sun in Taurus for most of the month, May reminds us that there is beauty in finding your peace and not allowing anyone to disrupt that.
Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth and seeing the beauty in your life.
This Full Moon is all about letting go of what doesn’t feel authentic or resonate with you emotionally, and about experiencing more closure and healing within relationship matters.
Your May 2025: A Monthly Overview
Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and we enter air sign energy, which is good for communication, business, and coming up with inspiring and new ideas. On May 24, Saturn enters Aries, beginning its new transit where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn in Aries is bold, direct, and straightforward, but so are its lessons. There is a gift in resilience and finding your strength during this time, and this transit will show you where your power is, but it may challenge you to confront self-limiting behavior in the process.
Mercury enters Gemini on May 25, and Mercury loves being here. Mercury in Gemini is the creative genius, and this is a month of aligning yourself with this energy. On May 26, we have a New Moon in Gemini, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want a communication breakthrough in your life, and what new ideas you want to start planting the seeds for. This is a good New Moon for networking, exchanging ideas, having more fun, and getting inspired.
Article continues after the jump.
May 2025 Horoscopes for Every Zodiac Sign
Keep reading for your sun, moon, and rising sign below to see what May has in store for you.
ARIES
The impact from April is finally behind you, and you get to move forward this month, Aries. After a month of retrogrades and Eclipses, you are starting to see the progress of what you have been working towards financially this year. The Sun is in your 2nd house of abundance, self-confidence, and values this month, and you are putting your dreams here first.
With Venus also in Aries for the entire month of May, you are feeling the support within and without this month, and this is a beautiful month unfolding.
On May 24, Saturn enters your sign, beginning its transit in Aries, which will last for the next few years. Saturn is the master of tough love, and you are going to be learning a lot about yourself during his time and going through a growth spurt. The New Moon of May is at the end of the month on May 26 and will be giving you the answers and clarity you have been looking for, highlighting open communication in your life. Overall, this is your month of fewer obstacles and more progress.
TAURUS
Taurus Season is officially underway, and you are the main character right now, Taurus. Remember that. This month is about trusting your intuition and the timing of things, and knowing that things are working in your favor. With Venus, your ruling planet, in your 12th house for the month, you are seeking a lot of closure and culmination right now and are healing what was. Mercury enters your sign from May 10 until May 25, and it’s all about the perspectives you are gaining right now.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions and get down to the bottom of things that have been worrying you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 7th house of partnership, and you are closing the door on what has not been working for you in love. You are seeing the clarity of what you need within your emotional world and how you want to navigate the changes you have been through here now.
GEMINI
May is a new beginning for you, Gemini. You have a lot of energy and vitality with you this month, and you are ready to accomplish some personal goals and intentions of yours. For most of the month, the Sun is in your house of closure and healing, and you are finding yourself rejuvenated from the transformations you have been through. Gemini Season officially begins on May 20, and with the Sun in your sign, nothing is holding you back from shining and living in your truth right now.
On May 25, Mercury enters Gemini until June 8, and Mercury loves being in your sign, as this is your planetary ruler.
Mercury in Gemini is forward-thinking, quick, and intelligent. You are coming up with solutions to previous challenges or obstacles, and overcoming something that has felt restrictive mentally. Before the month ends, there is a New Moon in Gemini on May 26, and this New Moon is one of the best times of the year for you to set your intentions and manifest your dreams. Remember you are worthy of what you are setting out to accomplish this month, Gemini.
CANCER
Cancer, this month requires you to slow down, take care of your health, and allow things to come to fruition the way they are meant to. There is a chance you could be overthinking more than usual this month, and you are being reminded that there is only so much that is in your control, and to give yourself some more grace. The Full Moon in Scorpio on May 12 will help you gain a little more clarity of the heart and is going to be a time of feeling the love and appreciation in your life.
Saturn enters your 10th house of career on May 24, remaining here over the next few years, and you are getting an opportunity to grow and discover where you may have been limiting yourself professionally, socially, or within your aspirations in life. This time is all about reminding yourself that you deserve recognition for the work you do, but that you must also be the one believing in yourself as well. On May 12, there is a New Moon in your house of emotional healing, and you are seeing the gifts of alone time, safe spaces, and tending to your creative inklings at the end of the month.
LEO
This month is an opportunity for a new beginning in love and progress within your emotional world, Leo. You are learning to trust your intuition more, and you are putting more of your energy into your heart’s desires. With the Sun in your 10th house for most of the month, you are shining in your truth and remaining confident in your goals in life.
Venus is in your house of adventure for the entire month, and this is a good time for experiencing romance while traveling or getting out of your comfort zone a little.
Saturn makes a significant move from Pisces into Aries at the end of the month and enters your 9th house. With Saturn here, you will be learning more about what mental growth and clarity mean to you, and this is a good time to dedicate yourself to higher education, traveling, gaining a new perspective, and honoring your integrity and values. The New Moon of the month is on May 26, creating magic within your friendships and community.
You are leaving this month with hope in your heart and new plans for the future.
VIRGO
May is a month of abundance and fruition for you, Virgo. Your dreams and intentions are coming to fruition, and you are owning that which you have created for yourself. With Venus in Aries, this is a good time for seeing support in your life financially, dedicating yourself to your commitments and responsibilities, and seeing the gifts in that. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and this is an intuitive time for you, giving you the strength needed to close the chapter on what you don’t resonate with anymore.
On May 24, Saturn enters your house of shared finances, rebirth, intimacy, and resources, and over the next few years, you will be learning the importance of connecting with people who truly have your best interest at heart, and not committing to what feels unstable. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your house of career, and this is a good time to manifest and set your intentions for where you want to see professional growth in your life.
Overall, May is about embracing your freedom while honoring the people and connections that help you grow and make you feel more secure in life.
LIBRA
This is a month of feeling empowered and ready to take on anything that comes your way, Libra. You are inspired by the progress you are making in your life right now, and with Venus in your 7th house of love, you are being well-received. This is a month of finding your balance between your path and the growth of your relationships, and there is a sense of support, harmony, and love in your life in May.
You are owning your authenticity and living in your truth fully, and this energy is magnetic.
However, Saturn also enters your 7th house of love this month, where it will remain for the next few years. Saturn empowers and helps you grow, but you can also feel a little more challenged within your relationships during this time. The more you can own your wants and needs, the more you can find vulnerability and support within your relationships. On May 26, a New Moon in a fellow air sign occurs and happens in your 9th house, creating a chance at a new adventure and an opportunity to discover some new inspiration.
SCORPIO
May is about believing in the impossible, Scorpio. It’s time to take a leap of faith in yourself and to remember your power. You are seeking a new beginning in your life, and with the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month, you are being supported and encouraged in the process. Pluto, one of your ruling planets, goes retrograde in your house of home and family from May 4 until October, and you are gaining clarity on the people and support systems you can rely on more.
The Full Moon of the month is in your sign on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year. You are in full bloom and ready for whatever is next for you, and this is beautiful. Previous intentions and goals come to fruition for you overall in mid-May, and there is a lot to look forward to right now as you are getting excited about it all. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini in your 8th house, creating a sense of empowerment through what you are looking to change and transform in your life right now.
This month is about not being afraid to take more risks and doing things your own way.
SAGITTARIUS
May is a beautiful month of magic, success, and good fortune, Sagittarius. You are feeling lucky this month and are attracting success to you in many different areas of your life. Venus, the planet of love, is in your 5th house of romance for most of the month, and you are enjoying your life, feeling the love within your heart, and expressing yourself freely in May. You are a magnet for your manifestations, and dreams are coming true for you this month, Sag.
On May 12, we have a Full Moon happening in your house of endings and closure, and you are closing out a big chapter in your life this month.
You are letting go of old pain or emotional experiences and choosing not to repeat a pattern that left you feeling hopeless before. On May 26, we have a New Moon in your sister sign, Gemini, enhancing your need for love, connection, and relationship development this month. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for what partnerships you want to see grow, heal, and come to fruition for you. Overall, May is your month of fruition, balance, and believing in the magic in your life.
CAPRICORN
May is about slowing down and allowing yourself to find the answers you have been looking for, Capricorn. This isn’t the time to rush your progress or doubt where you are in life. The Sun is in your 5th house, and this is good for finding more time for fun, pleasure, self-care, and asking your heart what it needs. With Pluto going retrograde in your 2nd house of values and income, you are being reminded to hold yourself with integrity and to know that you are worthy of the things you are asking for.
The Full Moon on May 12 is a beautiful time to connect with loved ones or those who inspire you. The universe wants to show you that you are not alone this month and that you deserve to live a life where you can enjoy yourself more and manifest your dreams, rather than believing everything needs to be a challenge to be worthy. Saturn, your ruling planet, then enters your 4th house of home and family, and over the next few years, you are going to be rediscovering what home means to you.
AQUARIUS
Your guidance for May is to trust that what is falling from your life or changing for you is doing so for your benefit, Aquarius. Trust that what is happening is happening for you and not to you, and don’t doubt that you will rebuild from this. With Pluto going retrograde in your sign from May 4 until October 13, you need a break from some of the confusion you have been feeling in your personal life, and you are getting a chance to gain a new perspective this month.
Use this time to get inspired by change rather than let it bring you down, and ground yourself in the present moment more.
Saturn enters Aries in May, where it will remain for the next few years, helping you grow in the areas of your life that have to do with communication, networking, transportation, siblings, and education. You will be learning a lot during this time and will be finding new outlets for self-expression and communication. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Gemini occurring in your 5th house of romance, pleasure, hobbies, and entertainment, and after a month of navigating endings, changes, and closures, you are ready for a fresh start and are receiving one in love now.
PISCES
Allow what is to be, be, Pisces. May is a month of allowing yourself to trust the timing of the universe and not giving up hope that things are going to turn out beautifully for you. On May 12, there is a Full Moon in fellow water sign, Scorpio, and this is a time to get inspired and see the benefits of closure. This Full Moon is about gaining a new perspective and not doubting what is clearer to you now, that you are worthy of a new beginning.
On May 24, Saturn moves into your 2nd house of income, and you are going to be moving through a journey of developing financially, and working on maintaining stability while building new foundations in your life. The New Moon in Gemini at the end of the month is about setting your intentions for your home and family life and creating some new energy here. Overall, May is your month of breaking ground on the things you want to create for yourself and trusting the timing of how things are unfolding.
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I’ll be honest — I wish that I had a better (and by “better,” what I mean is more consistent) relationship with water. As I’ve shared a few times before, the main reason why I don’t consume as much of it as I should is because it’s just so…boring. More specifically, to me, it tastes like wet air.
That doesn’t mean I’m not fully aware that I need it in my system, though. And that is why I’ve found a fairly good workaround: either sparkling water or mineral water; to me, they just seem more “exciting”…although, as I will explain different article on bloating, I have had to accept that any kind of carbonation can create a bit more of a tummy bulge than I would like for time to time. Man, you live long enough and you really do come to fully accept that very few things come without at least a couple of “cons.”
Anyway, as I’ve been doing some stair climbing in order to get my body where I want it to be in time for the summer season, believe it or not, something that I’m considering doing is going on a water fast. Not so much for weight reasons but for detox purposes. Because the more research that I’ve done on water fasting, as of late, it really does seem like a quick and effective way to benefit your body, on a few different levels.
Here's what I mean.
What Water Does for Your Body Overall
I’m pretty sure that you grew up hearing somewhere that your body is made up of somewhere around 60 percent water. However, what you may not have known (or didn’t remember) is that your brain and heart reportedly consist of 73 percent water, while your lungs are made up of 83 percent water. Since water keeps you hydrated and it has oxygen in it (which is something that your organs need in order to function properly), that’s enough of a reason to prioritize water consumption on a daily basis (and yes, I am definitely preaching to the choir here).
Okay, but what are some other things that water does for you?
- Water lubricates your joints
- Water helps your body to produce saliva and mucus
- Water improves the quality of your skin and hair
- Water regulates your body temperature
- Water helps you to digest your food better
- Water helps to prevent migraines
- Water helps to make diabetes more manageable
- Water increases your energy levels
- Water helps to maintain your blood pressure
- Water makes your period cramps more bearable
- Water helps you to lose and/or manage your weight
- Water helps to prevent urinary tract infections
- Water can help you get over a hangover quicker
- Water keeps natural lubrication going
- Water increases longevity
And gee, this is just 15 reasons why it’s important to drink no less than 11 cups (cups are smaller than a glass, if you’re thinking about the whole “eight glasses a day” thing) of water daily if you are a woman and 15 cups if you are a man.
That said, if you’re someone like me and you know that you’re not hitting the “cups mark” each and every day, it might be a given that a water fast is something that you should give a shot. Yeah, but what if you’re someone who does enjoy water and you actually do make sure that you keep a bottle of it around with you at all times?
When it comes to going on a water fast, is it something that even you should consider doing as well? My short answer is “yes;” however, check out the next section of this to see why I say so.
What a Water Fast Can Ultimately Do for Your System
I’m pretty sure you know what a fast is, but just to be on the safe side, it’s when a person intentionally decides to go without food and/or drink for a certain period of time. Some people fast for religious or spiritual reasons. Some people do it as a form of detox. Some people do it to address some health issues that they may have. There is also what is known as intermittent fasting (which you can read about here) — but that’s kind of another topic for another time.
Anyway, when it comes to water fasting, specifically, it’s when you make the decision to consume nothing but water for a period of time, usually somewhere between 24-72 hours. And how can doing that help you out as far as your health is concerned? Good question.
Studies have proven that a water fast can help to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve heart health
- Treat hypertension
- Fight obesity
- Help to balance your hormones
- Fight against free radicals
- Lower your cancer risk
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Revive your body’s cells
- Decrease stress levels
Goodness, so with all of these great things that can happen to you if you do decide to go on a water fast, are there any challenges to keep in mind? That’s a good question, too. First, if you do happen to have any health issues, you should run your desire to go on a water fast by your doctor first, just to make sure that it doesn’t end up doing you more harm than good.
Something else? Make sure that your fasts last no longer than 72 hours. Your body needs food for fuel, so going beyond three days could prove to be problematic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are currently dealing with an eating disorder (or have in the past), or you’re under 18 or over 65, a water fast is actually not something that you should be doing.
Another thing? If you’re considering a water fast in order to lose weight, while you probably will shed some pounds, a lot of it will probably be water weight, so make sure not to overdo the fast just because you’re seeing what appears to be overnight results. Also, as wild as it may (initially) sound, a water fast can actually dehydrate you. That’s because you don’t just need water but also electrolytes in order for your system to remain hydrated, and ones like potassium, sodium, and magnesium come from food.
However, if after taking in all of what I just said, you believe that you are “in the clear” to do a water fast, I’ve got a few tips for making the process easier and most beneficial for you.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Doing a Water Fast
So, what if you think that you are more than ready to attempt your first water fast? Here are a few things that you should definitely keep in mind:
1. Eat less 2-3 days before going on the fast. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when it comes to fasting (no matter what kind of fast it is) is not “pre-gaming” for it. By eating lighter and smaller meals (ones that preferably don’t consist of processed foods, dairy, caffeine, or alcohol) 2-3 days before your fast, your body will already have been somewhat prepared for going without food totally.
2. Consider drinking some mineral water. Remember that when you are on a water fast, you’re not taking in any nutrients from food, and that is why you might want to consider consuming mineral water. It gets its name because it has minerals in it like magnesium, potassium, and calcium that can do things like improve your bone health, reduce heart disease, treat constipation, and even help to lower your blood pressure. Mineral water is one way to get some nutrients into your system without “cheating” when it comes to your water fast.
3. Don’t overdo it with the exercising; meditate instead. Again, food provides fuel that gives you energy. This means that if you’re not eating, your system may be moving at a slower pace, and if that is indeed the case, you shouldn’t overextend it. Bottom line: If you are someone who has a consistent workout routine, chill out on that a bit while you are fasting. Instead, opt for something like yoga or meditation, so that you can keep your system calm while you are going without sustenance.
4. Pay attention to potential side effects. Since water fasting tends to send your body through certain metabolic changes, you could experience headaches (even migraines), nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and even feelings of disorientation during your fast. These are not indications to further push yourself. That said, if it’s already been 24 hours, you should pat yourself on the back and consider breaking the fast. If it’s been less time, at the very least, snack on some fruit or try ginger or peppermint tea to see if the side effects subside.
Remember, a fast is supposed to improve your health; if that isn’t happening, don’t try to be a superwoman out here. Do what makes you feel better.
5. Ease back into eating. Just like you had to ease into water fasting, it’s wise to ease out of it as well. Bone broth, fruits, and veggies that contain lots of water (like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, zucchini, and peaches) can help your body adjust to being on food again once your fast is done.
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At the end of the day, anything that cleanses you out — mind, body, and spirit — is something worth considering at the very least. And since that is the aim of most fasts, and also since water is healing in so many ways, a water fast might just be what the doctor ordered.
I mean, pun intended (you still should consider trying it, though).
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