As someone who was born in the late 80s, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple (1982) has been a staple in my life for as long as I’ve been alive. I even named my first dog Shug Avery. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was the first of its kind, tackling the complex realities Black women in America face within their own homes and communities. The themes in the novel range from church hurt, sexuality, domestic violence, “Black codes,” and most importantly, it showed that Black women have the right to autonomy.
Since being published, Walker’s novel has been turned into a major motion film directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985, a Broadway musical between 2005 to 2008, and has now been reimagined again with a film remake premiering on Christmas Day. The impact of this book has penetrated every aspect of Black culture, and Walker’s words from the pages of this novel are still being used in films, music, and academic articles today.
Fantasia Barrino as Celie in the 2023 adaptation of 'The Color Purple.'
Through the character arcs of Celie, Shug Avery, and Sofia, we see how trauma, rejection, and abuse break these women’s spirits.
Yet, despite being dealt unbelievably difficult circumstances, they all find their way back to themselves and who they want to be. Whether it be through living with an abusive spouse like Celie, reconciling with a parent as Shug, or finding peace with who you are as Sofia, there are few Black women who couldn’t relate to at least one of these main characters or another woman in the novel.
Though this was a fiction novel, the stories shared within it are experiences many Black women faced in their communities during the early Jim Crow era in America. Many of the stories told about harm done to Black people during this time period center on white supremacists harming Black people.
However, Walker shed light on the abuse and mistreatment Black women not only received from white people but from Black men as well.
Oprah Winfrey as Sofia in the 1982 adaptation of 'The Color Purple.'
The moment Sofia’s character confronts Celie about encouraging Harpo to beat her, the words Walker wrote resonated with many Black women then and now. “All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my brothers. I had to fight my cousins and my uncles. A girl child ain't safe in a family of men. But I never thought I'd have to fight in my own house.”
Though Black women and girls are taught to take ownership of how our actions impact the Black men in our lives that same accountability isn’t always expected in reverse.
This reality was put on full display when the original film premiered in 1985. Despite the vast success the original film received, grossing more than $142 million worldwide and earning 11 Academy Award nominations, many filmmakers, writers, journalists, and academics felt the film was anti-black and racist in its depiction of Black men. The Los Angeles premiere was even protested by The Coalition Against Black Exploitation because of the abusive nature of the men in the film.
Though Walker had mixed reviews on the film herself, the overall backlash of the film is a tangible example of misogynoir and how the erasure of Black women’s lived experiences and contributions to the Black community were and are prevalent in the Black community.
Margaret Avery as Shug Avery in 'The Color Purple (1982).'
We see this in the way Black women are questioned when they bring up partner abuse, we see this when Black women bring up accusations of sexual misconduct against Black men they work with or for, and we even see this when Black women’s cases are mishandled by police and demand for justice isn’t as loudly heard. Black women have been expected to remain silent about the harm being inflicted on them within their own communities for decades.
Walker’s The Color Purple and the corresponding film gave a brief glimpse into the reality many of our ancestors faced in the early 1900s.
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi and Halle Bailey as young Celie and young Nellie in 'The Color Purple (2023).'
The truths shared in this novel are why the story has lasted the test of time and has been re-envisioned in so many ways. Black women want to feel seen and heard but don’t often find they have a space where they’re allowed to do so safely. They also want their stories of heartache and overall triumph to be shared and celebrated with the world.
The excitement of the remake starring; Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and Halle Bailey just to name a few; is proof that Walker’s story still resonates with the Black women and community and will forever be a part of the cultural fabric of who we are in this country.
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October 2025 Astrology: An Overview
Mercury enters Scorpio on October 6, and Mercury in Scorpio only knows depth. The conversations being had this month are inspiring, transformative, and a little more blunt than usual. This energy is good for the power of persuasion and for asking for what you want, especially within business and financial matters. On the same day, we have a Supermoon in Aries, and this is a powerful Full Moon for reflection, owning your power, and letting go of the insecurities that don’t resonate with what you want for yourself and your future.
Venus, the planet of love, moves into Libra on October 13 after being in Virgo for the past month, and after some time of healing and clarity in love, Libra is here to bring in the romance. Venus loves being in Libra, and this energy creates new beginnings within relationships and provides a little extra magic in this area of life. With Pluto going direct in Aquarius on the same day after being retrograde since May, life and love move forward mid-October, helping provide more stable and nurturing foundations in your personal life and community as well.
The New Moon of the month occurs in Libra on October 21, making it a beautiful time for manifesting romance, balance, and harmony in your world.
This New Moon aligns with the Sun in Libra, and it’s all about letting a new beginning transform your world and the love in your life for the better. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and Neptune retrograde enters Pisces on the same day, bringing in some water sign energy into the mix. As we close out the month, it’s time to renew, honor the transformations occurring, and know that your dreams aren’t as far out of reach as they may seem at times.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what October 2025 has in store for you.
What October 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is all about perspective, Aries. This is the month to trust the divine timing of your life, and not let the what-ifs overwhelm you. With the Sun in Libra, your sister sign, for most of the month, October is about building connections, finding your balance in love, and knowing that you are worthy of what your heart is seeking right now. We have a Supermoon in your sign on October 6, and emotions are a little heavier this month, but also healing. Give yourself grace, and let go of what isn’t working for you.
Venus is in your house of love from October 13 until November 6, and there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to romance and the relationship dynamics in your life as you move through the month. It’s about being confident in your power of attraction and letting love come to you right now. Before October comes to an end, we have a New Moon in your 7th house of love as well, and with all this energy in your relationship zone, life changes for you in love for the better in October.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a spiritual month for you, Taurus. You are thinking a lot about your next steps ahead, and are getting organized, focused, and aligned. The Supermoon on October 6 is a time of reflection for you, and you are entering the month ready to let go of the past, heal, and create space for something new in your life. This month is all about trusting your intuition and letting your wisdom guide you in your personal growth and evolution.
You are more than where you have been, and this month is a reminder of that.
With Mars in Scorpio and in your 7th house of love all month, you are motivated by the partnerships in your life right now. Your love life and relationships are where the action is for you this month, and you are honoring your passion and direction here. Venus, your planetary ruler, moves into your house of health mid-month and into November, and you are leaving October seeking healthier habits, daily routines, and relationships. Overall, this month is helping you align with your vision.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is a fresh start for you, Gemini. Your heart is free, love is beaming, and you are feeling larger than life. This month is about taking a leap of faith in yourself, honoring your confidence in life, and being your biggest advocate. With the Sun in your 5th house of self-expression, romance, and happiness, and with Venus entering this same area of your chart mid-October, there is a lot to look forward to right now, and things are looking up for you.
On October 21, we have a New Moon in a fellow air sign, and this is a good time to set your intentions for creative projects, hobbies, romance, and your overall happiness in life. There are a lot of little moments of magic unfolding for you this month, and this New Moon is one of them. Before October comes to an end, Mercury, your ruling planet, enters Sagittarius, and this brings open communication into your relationships, and you are having lively conversations and insights.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a transformative month for you, Cancer. You are moving through closure, healing, and depth as you navigate the opportunities that are coming into your life, with the stability you are seeking. With the Sun in your 4th house of home and family in October, this is the month to spend more time in your safe spaces, connect with your loved ones, and get grounded. You are also more focused on your financial world right now, and this is a good time for building new foundations for yourself and looking at the bigger picture when it comes to your career and life goals.
Mars is in your house of romance and happiness for the entire month, and this is one of the highlights of your life right now. You are passionate about your joy and all the things that light you up inside, and you are protecting your peace and giving more of your energy to your pleasure. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Libra, highlighting your home life, and some Cancers may be moving at the end of the month or getting the opportunity to turn a page here. Overall, this is your month to reflect, go within, and make sense of what has been restricting you from feeling stable.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about taking things one day at a time and being patient with what is presenting itself to you, Leo. This month, you are getting your ducks in a row and gaining the clarity needed to create a new beginning in your life. The month begins with a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign on October 6, aligning in harmony with you and fueling your need for adventure. You are going over the wisdom you have gained as of late and how it has shifted the way you navigate your life and see the world around you.
On October 13, Pluto goes direct in your 7th house of love, after being retrograde here since May. This is bringing in more balance, empowerment, and passion into your love life, and this is a positive change of energy for you after a time of some power struggles within your relationships. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and this New Moon is the best time to set intentions for clarity, communication, and connection. October is about taking your time with things and knowing that everything is working out in your favor at the end of the day.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis October is about finding your balance, Virgo. There is a lot of energy when it comes to your finances this month, but you may be overworking or overcommitting yourself in the process. Honor the opportunities and responsibilities in your life, but make sure you are equally taking care of your health and prioritizing your time and energy so that you don’t burn out. Venus, the planet of love, is in your sign until October 13; use this energy to your benefit and let things come to you.
You are a magnet for abundance, romance, and support if you allow yourself to receive it.
On October 13, Venus moves into your 2nd house of income, and your relationships are a supportive place for you to lean on right now. Your love life and partnerships are where your financial world is evolving this month, and this is a good time to ask for what you want; you never know what may happen. At the end of the month, Neptune goes retrograde in your sister sign, Pisces, and you are taking a step back and reassessing what love means for you right now. Overall, October is about remembering that you don’t have to do it all alone, Virgo.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleLibra Season is here, and it’s your time to shine and thrive! This Libra Season changes everything for you, and October is when you really begin to feel this shift in your life. The Sun is in your sign until October 22, and it’s time to put yourself first. With a Supermoon in Aries as we begin the month as well, you are letting go of any unhealthy attachments or relationship dynamics that take you away from yourself, and are moving into deeper clarity.
On October 13, Venus, your planetary ruler, enters your sign, where it loves to be the most. With Venus in your sign for the rest of the month, love takes on a new tone, and you are feeling more love for yourself and where life is taking you right now. To end the month, we have a New Moon in Libra, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want life to grow for you over the next year. This is a month of embarking on a new journey of self, and allowing what is inspiring you right now to build your confidence in yourself and your relationships.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about honoring your freedom and your power to decide, Scorpio. A lot is going on for you this month, and you have the passion and energy to see things through. Mercury, the planet of communication, moves into your sign at the beginning of the month on October 6, and this is going to help you get your ideas across, making it a good month for business matters, networking, and getting inspired. With Mars also in your sign for the entire month, life moves forward for you in transformative ways in October, and you are a force to be reckoned with.
On October 13, Venus moves into your house of closure, healing, and endings, and you are ready to close one chapter of love and create space for a new one. You are in a contemplative space when it comes to matters of the heart, and you are ready to let go of any heaviness you have been feeling here. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and you are ready to begin again. This Scorpio Season is about owning your confidence in life while letting go of insecurities or self-doubts that have been getting in the way of that.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleEverything unfolds for you in a beautiful way this month, Sagittarius. You are flowing well with the energy of October, and life opens up to you. With the Sun in your 11th house of aspirations, dreams, manifestations, and community, you are feeling in balance with your desires and your reality, and are bridging the gap here. This is a month of friendship, believing in your dreams, and creating space for love. With Juno also entering your sign at the beginning of the month until the end of the year, you are attracting soulmates into your life.
On October 6, we have a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign, allowing you some closure in love and a chance at healing. Your heart is feeling renewed, and you are owning your power in creating happiness in your life. Before the month ends, Mercury moves into Sagittarius, where it will be until mid-November, and inspiration is heightened. Pay attention to the guidance you are receiving this month, the conversations you are having, and the light bulb moments that are going off for you right now.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about going within and connecting with the guidance of your soul, Capricorn. You are taking more time for yourself this month, and rightly so, as you need time to fully process what has happened so far this year. Pluto goes direct in your 2nd house of income, and this moves things forward when it comes to your earning potential, abundance, and values.
The key this month is in valuing yourself, your perspective, and what you are building in your life right now.
On October 21, we have a New Moon happening in your career zone, and this is a good time to manifest your goals within your professional world. Put yourself out there, show up, and know that you are worthy of success and that your dreams aren’t too big for you. As we close out the month, Mercury moves into your house of closure, even further facilitating your desire for contemplation and alone time this month. Overall, October is about taking care of your mental health, owning your successes, and finding your peace.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a new beginning for you in love and in life, Aquarius. Your heart is feeling inspired, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. The Supermoon at the beginning of the month will be occurring in your 3rd house of communication, giving you the answers you have been looking for and helping you close the door on a chapter in your life that left you feeling misunderstood or misdirected. You are ready for a change of pace this month, and you are receiving that as we begin October.
Mid-October, Pluto goes direct in your sign after being retrograde since May, and this is a huge breath of fresh air for you and your path ahead. You may have been a little harder on yourself while Pluto was retrograde this year, and now you feel ready to forgive, move on, and own your power. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and you are embarking on a new adventure. The end of the month is a good time for traveling, exploring, and gaining a new perspective.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is giving you the guidance, perspective, and passion to see yourself with clear, loving eyes, Pisces. There is a sense of feeling more overwhelmed with life lately, and October is allowing you to gain the insight needed to move on from this energy, or at least see more of the gifts of what has occurred. On October 6, we have a Supermoon in an area of your chart having to do with self-worth, values, and income, and it’s time to see the gifts of what you have been investing in and valuing in your life, including yourself.
Let go of the need to play it small or count yourself out of important conversations, and know that you deserve a seat at the table.
With Pluto going direct in your 12th house of healing as we end the month, you are finally getting the answers you have been looking for emotionally, and it’s changing your perspective on your commitments in life and making you feel empowered. Before the month ends, Neptune goes retrograde in Pisces, and you are going to be moving through a personal revolution as we close out the year. You are inspired by change right now, and this month is what kicks starts this metamorphosis within you.
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As life would have it, fall is the time of year when Vata kicks up into high gear. And so, in the spirit and goodness of Ayurveda, I thought it would be — pardon the weather pun — cool to share with you 10 things surrounding the practice that can help you to feel especially awesome this entire fall (and winter) season.
1. Dress for the Season. NOT the Weather.
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I don’t know about y’all, but something that one of my great-grandmothers used to say all of the time is “Dress for the season, not the weather;” this meant that, even if it’s a 70-degree day in October, I don’t need to act like it’s spring…because it’s not. She was Black; however, this is a pearl of wisdom that Ayurveda believes in too.
In Ayurveda, dressing in layers is a big deal — so is being intentional about covering up your head, neck and ears because, when cold weather or infections irritate these areas, that can directly impact your Vata in a negative way. So, if you need an excuse to get more hats and scarves this year — now you’ve got a really good one.
2. Focus on Your Ears
Speaking of your ears, because they are considered to be the gateway to your mind, Ayurveda encourages people to be hypervigilant about protecting them. Wearing ear plugs (to decrease loud noises); NOT using Q-tips (they can push wax further into your ear and/or potentially damage your eardrum); keeping your ears clean and dry; reducing stress levels, and exercising (so that blood can circulate to your ears in order to keep them healthy) are some of the ways to protect your ears.
Know what else you should consider doing? Massaging your ears. It’s another way to bring blood to them and decrease any anxiety that you might be feeling. You can read more about Ayurvedic ear massages here.
3. Consider Doing a Fall Cleanse
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Although doing a detox is a good idea no matter what time of year it may be, Ayurveda is all about cleansing one’s system in the spring and then again in the fall. The belief is that both times of the year are ideal for strengthening your immunity in order to deal with allergies (spring) and peak cold and flu season (fall). If you’re curious about what many fall-themed Ayurvedic cleanses consist of, you can check them out here.
For now, some of the tips include avoiding juice cleanses (the coldness of them in cold weather can affect your circulation), ramping up your herbal tea consumption and cooking with oils that will lubricate your system, add more antioxidants to your body and help to remove toxins like sesame oil.
4. Breathe. A Bit Differently.
Remember how I stated that both Ayurveda and Vata are about energy? Well, in Ayurvedic medicine, there is a breathing practice called nadi shodhana which is also known as alternative nostril breathing. The thought process here is by breathing through one nostril at a time, you can easily remove blockages both literally and symbolically. You can learn more about how to properly do it here.
5. Do (More) Yoga
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You might be surprised to hear this but another interesting thing about the Vata season is it’s actually recommended that you scale down (the potential stress and strain of) your exercise routine. Now, this doesn’t mean that you stop altogether — it’s just that since your strength and energy levels tend to be lower during this time of the year, it’s advised to participate in workouts that are sensitive like this — like yoga.
Yoga is something that you can do indoors. Yoga is low impact. Yoga directly addresses stress and depression-related symptoms. Yoga strengthens immunity. Yoga also helps you to feel less burned out — just in time for the holiday season.
6. Consume Herbal Teas That Focus on Proper Digestion
Something that is of peak importance in the practice of Ayurveda is making sure that your digestive system is working properly. And since fall and winter are when the consumption of hot herbal teas is at an all-time high, make sure to get the kind that are specifically made to benefit you as far as your digestion is concerned.
Teas that top the list include dandelion (it helps your body to better process carbs and fats); ginger (it helps with indigestion and bloating); fennel (it helps with constipation); marshmallow root (it helps to reduce gut inflammation), and peppermint (it helps to treat gas).
7. Get (More) Ashwagandha into Your System
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Ashwagandha is an herb that Ayurveda is extremely fond of. It’s with good reason too because this one does everything from decrease stress (and inflammation) and reduce depression-related symptoms to improve your brain function and sleep and improve the quality of sperm in men.
In fact, if you’re looking to spend a bit more time cuddled up this fall and wintertime, ashwagandha has been known to give libidos in both men and women a boost as well. You can take it in tea or supplement form.
8. Massage Your Body (with “Warming” Scents)
Whether it’s your scalp, your hands, your feet — or any other part of your body that tickles your fancy, make a point to massage yourself during the fall and winter seasons. It’s a surefire way to reduce stress; muscle strain; headache tension; make your feet feel more comfortable, and help you to get a sound night’s rest.
Make sure that when you do it that you incorporate a “warm” essential oil like cinnamon, juniper, clove, myrrh and vanilla. All are rich and inviting. All provide a comforting feeling to your mind, body and spirit too. For tips on how to give yourself a proper massage to various parts of your body, click here.
9. Bathe in Sandalwood (or Magnesium Flakes)
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In the Ayurvedic world, a bath is known as a snana and it’s all about treating bathing as a ritual so that you can — detoxify your system; reduce fatigue; increase blood circulation; beautify your skin; intensify your sex drive; improve your digestion, and give yourself more energy (which again, is what Vata focuses a lot on). To get the most out of this type of bath, do it in the morning time (yep) and with warm water.
Oh, and try either adding some sandalwood essential oil or magnesium flakes to the water. Sandalwood helps to reduce inflammation and anxiety. Magnesium flakes decrease fatigue while restoring energy levels.
10. Eat More Protein and (Healthy) Fats
And finally, as I was doing research for this article, I found it interesting that many articles say that, during Vata, you should “avoid cold, frozen or raw foods.” What should you consume instead? Warm, comforting dishes — ones that are loaded with protein and healthy fats including meats, eggs, almond and ghee oil, spices and root vegetables (like carrots, potatoes and garlic). Homemade stew, anyone?
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Remember, at the end of the day, Ayurveda is about finding the healthiest way to live your best life — and here are 10 easy and fulfilling ways to do just that. Happy Fall, y’all!
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