Venus Is In Retrograde & The Slowdown Is Asking You To Stop To Reflect
Venus is turning retrograde on December 19 - expect a slowdown in your love and finances this month, ladies! In astrology, the energy of Venus influences money, beauty, likability, attractiveness and most interestingly, love and romance! When planets begin moving backwards, or in other words retrograde motion, this signals a slowdown or in more extreme instances a reversal in all of the forward momentum and energy of that planet.
You are likely to have noticed progress in a lot of Venus-ruled themes when Venus first entered Capricorn in early November. Any progress made between then and now is likely to stall for a bit, until Venus returns to forward mention late next month on January 29. Impulse purchasing and lockdowns interfering with our ability to share love with others is also highlighted under this transit.
Use this time to reflect and take a restock on all things dealing with your beauty regimens, your finances and your love life. This is a review period and not a time to act on or make any major moves as they relate to these themes.
On a global scale, we can expect slowdowns and setbacks as they relate to major financial institutions, the stock market and big business - all of which are ruled by Capricorn and Venus.
Here’s how 2021’s Venus retrograde will affect your sign:
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1. Aries
You are likely to find that any talks of promotions or raises at your job that started in early November will begin to stall or stop altogether now. Be patient, Aries. Things will get back on track for you between late January and early February.
2. Taurus
You were considering making bold moves or expanding your knowledge, experiences, and horizons in some shape or form over the past several weeks, Taurus. You are going to begin to notice things standing in the way of you acquiring higher knowledge or bigger, better experiences for the remainder of this and next month. Progress will resume again beginning in late January.
3. Gemini
Gemini, if you had money on the way or were scouting out a potential lover, expect a slowdown as it relates to actually getting that bag or being able to consummate your relationship with a new beau.
4. Cancer
You may have had plans to take things to the next level with your partner or to break up altogether in early November. Whatever you’ve set in motion as it relates to a serious or a potentially serious relationship is likely to stall or slow down over the next several weeks. But everything will fall into place as they are meant to in due time. Pace yourself and exercise patience between now and late January, Cancer!
5. Leo
In early November, you probably started to notice a little pep in your step as it relates to establishing new daily routines. You have figured out a way to organize your life so that you can handle your health and responsibilities in a more streamlined way. Unfortunately, starting now and into late January, you’ll notice that monkey wrenches get thrown into your plans.
Take it in stride, Leo. These are just temporary setbacks. Use this time to refine the way you want to handle mundane tasks. That way, when Venus heads direct on January 29, you’ll be able to hit the ground running.
6. Virgo
This is a time to reflect on who you truly are inside, outside of the labels and expectations society has placed on you. Dive deeply into yourself and your self-expression, especially as it relates to art, recreation, or even procreation. If you’re a parent, things may become a little tense with your children right now. Ride the wave until late January, Virgo.
7. Libra
In early November, you had the drive and motivation to go full blast on your relocation, redecorating, home purchasing, or apartment leasing plans. You are likely to notice a slowdown in those matters now, Libra. Are you trying to expand your family? You may experience a bit more difficulty than usual now until late January.
Use this time to plan out and envision how you want to structure your home and family life. You’ll be ready to move forward on those plans starting in late January.
8. Scorpio
You are going to experience this transit as if Mercury were going retrograde, Scorpio. Interactions with others that were previously smooth may now be subject to misunderstandings. Take your time when communicating and repeat your message tactfully, as necessary. Don’t shoot off any angry emails during this time. Remain patient!
9. Sagittarius
This transit may impact your self-esteem, or the things that you value in others or that make you feel valued. Take time with your expenditures now. Impulse purchases are highlighted for you during this time, Sagittarius.
10. Capricorn
Reschedule those major beauty procedures now, Capricorn! They may not turn out the way you anticipated. You experienced increased attraction and attention in early November, but you will experience the next month or so as a recovery period where you’re more reflective, introspective, and in the shadows.
Use this time to plan, refine and perfect the public image that you will want to have when Venus heads direct again on January 29.
11. Aquarius
Your hunches, vivid dreams, and gut instincts are taking a little nap for the next few weeks, Aquarius. Spend this time alone and journaling. Don’t make any major moves based on any epiphanies that you experience during this time.
12. Pisces
Pisces, you will feel like life is separating you from your friends or a semblance of any social life. An increase in COVID diagnoses is likely to result in lockdowns affecting your ability to spend time with your circle. Things will return to normal on January 29. Be patient and FaceTime for now!
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
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My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
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Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
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The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
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The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
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The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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