
With Mercury retrograde nearly over, and a new moon in Aries at the beginning of this week, energies that carried over from last week are being forced to switch up for your highest good. There is so much going on energetically, and nobody is safe.
Learn what your sign has in store for you in the week to come in the areas of love and work. Click through the gallery below.
Aries

Last week, the collective Aries sign had some lagging emotional baggage clearing to handle. This week, if you are an Aries in a relationship, it is likely that the equilibrium shared between you and your partner has balanced, and a refocus on where the relationship is, and where it is going, has come into alignment. If you did the work from last week, you should indeed be smooth sailing for the rest of the month, when it comes to matters of the heart.
Keep this progression going by remaining emotionally, spiritually, and physically aligned with bae.
With the new moon in Aries this week, expect to have an explosion of fiery divine feminine energy! If you are single, it is likely that you are back on team #dreamingofyourfutureboo. Last week was full of Mercury retrograde emotional derailments, but this week, your attitude towards future love should be lighter. You will likely want to pump up your Va Va Voom this week, so pop those girls out, put on them pumps, and wear your best popping Fenty lipstick sis!
This week should start out with a bang for Aries, because you will be caught between work and play! New developments in your career or work could pop up out of nowhere that will take all of your attention. Try not to forget to put yourself first when it comes to your health, diet, and appearance. This week, you should be prepared and "camera ready" because you never know what opportunities might come. Time management will be one of your struggles this week, so make sure you have your alarm clock set.
Taurus

Taureans are learning lessons about letting things in their relationships build and grow without force.
There is an energy of being present in the now of the relationship and taking things day-by-day. The energy calls for you to see what you want to see as a future goal, instead of wanting that outcome now. If you were pushing for that ring, or for that move-in date, realize that experiencing the changes of the relationship in the now, will only enrich and better the outcome of each milestone.
If you are single, you might be in a place that you truly are running on your own time, and working on your own inner and outer development, separate from the desire for a potential life partner. At the same time, you will allow yourself to entertain someone who has something to offer, to help elevate your goals and achievements. The feeling of not wanting to align with someone that can't better your life in every way will likely be on the brain this week. Quite frankly, if a person of interest is not an addition to your package, then, you won't be doing the math.
When it comes to career and finances this week for Taurus, there is an energy of coming through a difficult financial or work-related period that possibly put a huge obstacle on our paths but made us stronger in the outcome by learning from the setback, or mistakes made. Due to the fiery new moon in Aries, many of us are now at a new beginning where we are eager and open to move forward. You may find that you become very inspired and come up with new ways to expand and succeed. Go for it sis!
Gemini

Last week, many Gemini signs were emotional roller coasters, or hot and cold when it came to love. This week, it seems that your attention might be totally distracted by something entirely else. It's possible to have feelings of being foggy, or detached from your partnership this week. It's possible that you could have a "Me First" attitude without even realizing it, especially if you're running on autopilot. This might not be a bad thing, as it will give you a chance to work on solo ambitions.
Putting your own 1+1 together might be your first priority in sorting out emotional and energetic changes.
If you are single and casually dating, you might find yourself wanting to be catered to this week. You will be put off by any small talk, low vibes, or simply have a short tolerance for anything that disrupts your flow. Under this fiery Aries new moon, there is a collective feeling of not extending any extra energy to anyone who you don't see as compatible. Don't be surprised if your flirting this week includes a lot of sass! There is an attitude of "either come with it all the way, or don't come at all." You won't be impressed by anything less than extraordinary when it comes to dating and sex.
For Geminis, this week could be hard on you in regards to having to play nice with others, who you don't feel have the same ambition, or drive. At work you may feel that you surpass certain people around you, who might be lazy, or underachieving at the job - but it might go unnoticed to everyone else. Don't allow your frustration about what other people are doing, or not doing, to affect your workflow and your efficiency. If your work ethic speaks for itself, any prosperity and abundance coming to you will be yours.
Cancer

For the Cancer signs in love, it seems that the energy from last week has carried over and there is still a quiet, introverted, and resting phase surrounding your love life. You'll be undergoing a "Love Hangover." For Cancers in a relationship, you might be in a place where things are not the greatest, but not the worst either. Emotionally, your vibrations might tip a bit to the left or tip to the right, but overall there seems to be a very still energy surrounding Cancer signs. It might feel like something is brewing, that is neither great or bad, but a reaction is in the process of happening.
Last week for the single Cancers, the realization of your ideal future with someone starting coming into focus, and this week, some Cancers might be feeling that what they want doesn't exist! Do not beat yourself up for feeling like you can't get what you deserve when it comes to finding a partner. Many Cancers might find that their prospects are either vibrationally underwhelming, or possibly less experienced than them.
You deserve the equivalent of yourself.
And though it might take a few more spins on the dating wheel, you have to trust and believe that ultimately you will find your way to the one that you want.
When it comes to money or career this week, many of you might find that you have lost a spark for something you are doing at work or creatively. If you feel that you have been giving a lot of your time and energy to something that feels routine, underwhelming, or non-reciprocating, it could be time to redirect your focus, or think of ways to pump some life into your coins. Success is not always on the fast lane, so you might have to get through the down time without flatlining.
Leo

For Leos in a relationship, the week might start off a bit tense in the love department, but as the week goes by, don't be surprised if you are unexpectedly delighted by a new development in your relationship. There is a lot of positive vibes surrounding Leos at this time. Something in your relationship might turn around, and that thing that was a problem for a long time might finally fall right into place. Ride this wave of Aries energy, and do your best to enjoy the small things, that make your relationship worth everything.
If you are single, luck is on your side this week! You might find yourself in the right place at the right time around the right people, if you allow yourself to think outside of the box, and try new things when it comes to dating. If you are currently casually dating, you could find yourself on date number #2 or so, with somebody that is engaging, lively, and popular. This time however, you might want to start digging a little deeper, and peeling the next layer of this individual's persona.
This week, when it comes to work and career, you might find yourself feeling behind, or stuck in a rut. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The importance of relationships when it comes to business is all about building cohesive bonds with others in your network. In whatever industry you work in, you want to be known as someone who is easy to get along with, and can take and give constructive criticism. Maintaining a stellar reputation is key to progressing financially.
Be open and willing to join forces, or at least study someone who has been where you are.
Virgo

Many Virgos have been having a time dealing with the contrast of inner and outer feelings. It seems like half the Virgos are really working with positive thinking and communicating how they are feeling from their hearts, and the other half of some Virgos are still having trouble with any stubborn desires or demands from their partners, and are going through the silent struggle of holding back deep resentments of past issues.
Single or taken, you might find that you're somewhere in between both spectrums, or you fluctuate between the two. With this aggressive and fiery Aries energy, this week could bring everything to a head. Stay grounded. If you are single, fight the urge to rush a budding relationship. You don't want to end up with time and energy dedicated to a dead end.
When it comes to money and finances this week, some Virgos might realize that certain blockages to their coins could be some of their own limiting beliefs, habits, or fears.
The energy is asking you to let go and shed any personal energy blockers, in order to reverse any delays that the retrograde has likely contributed to. There is an energy of showing your own self tough love, and calling yourself out on your own BS. We are not perfect, and we always don't get it right, however, actively making sure that you keep yourself in check and disciplined when it comes to prosperity and personal accountability is something that we should take full responsibility for.
Libra

Last week there was a fast-moving, divine feminine energy that surrounded Libras. That energy moves right on into this week with many Libras wanting to play by their rules in love. If you are in a relationship, you could find yourself giving your partner a short rope about the things you find annoying or your expectations of them. This energy warns you that being controlling in any way could could be a result of something inward that is unsettled. With this fiery Aries energy, be sure to process any swift emotional feelings that come up this week before bringing it to your partner.
If you're single, you might be currently outgrowing old attractions and expectations. You might even surprise yourself by what and who you find yourself into these days when it comes to new prospects. This might start off feeling disorienting, or even hopeless if you realize that you don't know what you want anymore, but if you open up your evolving tastebuds, you might find a whole new sea with lots of new and different types of fish.
When it comes to money and career this week, many signs are going through a transition into new interests and opportunities. For Libras, a shift in focus will be on the brain. Where you have been steady dedicating your time, there is a growing desire to move into uncharted territory. At first, you might feel that you are abandoning ship, but you will likely realize that you are merely evolving into something greater.
Allow the journeys of others before you to clear up some confusion as you find your balance again.
Scorpio

For Scorpios in relationships this week, there is a good energy surrounding the balance and openness of your bond. If there were issues of not being on the same page last week, this week you should find a common ground or completion of a couple goal. You might find that you both are getting better with communicating where you lacked, and understanding where one another are coming from.
The energy here is asking you to strive to maintain a fun and light dynamic in your relationship, no matter how long you have been with your partner.
If you are single, "Why So Serious?" Scorpios are deeply emotionally and spiritually sensual, and sometimes this could cloud your idea of who your perfect match is or should be. Last week, there was a frustrating energy of wanting to find someone who matches you, but this week the universe is asking you to shed any romanticized ideas of who this person will end up being.
When it comes to money and career, many Scorpios are ready to level up! This fiery Aries new moon energy is pushing Scorpios to expand and enterprise. There is an entrepreneurial energy that is coming through this week that will have you ready to get those business plans together, or pursue that new position in your company. Whatever the case, get ready to feel a surge of focused energy that will make you spearhead your glow up.
Sagittarius

Last week was a tough week where conflict popped up for Sagittarius signs in relationships. This week, the energy is balancing and you might not be feeling as anxious or suspicious. Allow yourself to release what patterns don't serve you or your relationship. If you fight the calming inner peace that is overcoming you, you will miss an opportunity to find clarity in letting go of old situations.
Learning how to walk away from your own blockages is the beginning of starting anew.
If you are single, you might get a lot of attention from suitors who you have a wonderful, exciting time with, but the connection might be more about "no strings attached," than it is "happily ever after." If you have the feeling that your recent catch will be no more than a "wyd" type situation-ship, by all means do what you do, but don't get too comfortable with doing "couple-like things" like extended sleep overs, cooking breakfast in the morning, or excessive pillow talking. Guard your feelings by always keeping the dynamic in context.
When it comes to work and career, Sag signs might be undergoing heavy shifts in realizing a deeper purpose, or sense of what they want to contribute to the world. This could be frustrating because on one hand, you stay focused and directed when it comes to your goals, but this new sense of self is throwing a wrench in your operation. The fiery energy of this new moon in Aries is really forcing you to listen to your intuition when it comes to your next steps, even though you are still figuring them out. Give any new developments time to materialize.
Capricorn

This week for Capricorns in relationships, you might find that your relationship will benefit from you taking the time to explore who you are becoming as an individual, and how this is changing the things that you need from your partner. If you are with your soulmate, it is likely that they are mirroring the same energy. What you are struggling with is a reflection of what your partner is going through. Remembering this will help you understand the changes that are happening within yourself.
If you are single, it is likely this week that you are having an imaginary argument with the person yet to come into your life. This internal conflict is more about you and your subconscious frustration with not finding your match. If you find yourself drawn to memes like, "... meanwhile, I can't even get a text back!," or lowkey salty #teamsingle type posts, you might have to step back and realize that feeding into this energy, will only block you from manifesting your soulmate.
What you energetically digest is ultimately what you attract.
When it comes to Capricorns in the money and career department, try to remember that being too serious and forgetting to enjoy life as you work hard to secure the bag can add a lot of anxiety and unnecessary pressure on your spirit. Sometimes the best opportunities come out of fated meetings and taking risks. Capricorns likely push themselves to their limits, but doing so can essentially have the opposite effect.
Aquarius

This week, Aquarians will go hard for their partners. The fiery Aries new moon energy will have you being a complete ride or die for yours. When you are deeply connected to another person, whatever hurts them, hurts you too. Be there to support your baby with whatever they may need to get through a rough patch. Synergy with your boo will be deeply in tune this week, as well as feeling your partner's emotions from afar. Be careful to not be too overprotective over you love, and inadvertently make something worse!
If you are single and have had bad luck in the dating department, it might be time to do something to switch up your routines. Switch up your hairstyle, or treat yourself to a couple of new outfits. Investing in your own upgrade will help raise your morale surrounding your relationship status. If anything, sprucing up your look or doing some spring wardrobe shopping should be for you first.
Splurge a little bit on treating yourself to things that make you feel confident.
The new moon in Aries is really pushing people to transition into new careers or money-making ventures. For Aquarians, you might find yourself interested in acquiring new skills or education in a field of interest. Whether you want to enroll in some community sewing classes or consider going back to school to get your masters, this week will be filled with the desire to step up your game by adding credentials and mastery to your resume. This is not only about institutionalized education. Get on YouTube and research how to get into what has been peaking your interests.
Pisces

This week, there might be an energy of wanting to escape from any existing problems (big or small) in the relationship for some taken Pisces. I don't say this to mean that you don't want to fix any issues in your relationship, but this week you might really be feeling like you just need to set it on pause.
Taking a little time to focus on the brighter side of things will help you recharge and get back to any problems at hand with clearer insights.
If you are single, you will feel as if the universe is actively blocking energies and people that will not serve your greatest good. You will almost have this preemptive knowledge that going down the wrong route with the wrong person will only cause drama that you don't need to associate with. You may also have no time for dealing with "mansplaining," or know-it-alls. Your spirit will repel them like bug spray! Be sure to heed your intuition to avoid having to get somebody all the way together.
This week when it comes to money and career, some Pisces will be eager to get a passion project up and running. This energy is all about gearing up and setting a plan in motion. You may be more determined and motivated at work to grind and push yourself to reach financial goals of not having to feel like you have to "chase the check." No matter what you do to support yourself, the endgame is finding lasting security and upward mobility. Be open to expanding your network by offering your hand or expertise in what you do, or volunteering on a project that can put you in a position of more opportunity. Fostering symbiotic relationships with people in your sphere will eventually lead to you being able to make Boss moves on the daily.
All the astrological Tarotscopes above were channeled via Tarot Cards! For your own Intuitive Channeled Healing Session with me, follow @Melanade_Stand on IG and send an inquiry via DM!
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Laterras R. Whitfield On What He Wants In A 'Future Wifey' & Redefining Masculinity
In this week's episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker chopped it up with Laterras R. Whitfield, host of the Dear Future Wifey podcast, for a raw and revealing conversation about personal growth, faith, and the search for love in a way that resonates.
Laterras Whitfield Believes Men Should Pursue, Not Persuade
“Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest”
Whitfield is a big advocate of a man’s role in going confidently for the woman he wants. “Men should pursue, not persuade, and women should present, not pursue,” he said. He’s open to meeting women on social media but isn’t a fan of bold approaches. “Don’t shoot your shot at me. … Let me know you exist, and I’ll do the rest.”
His ideal woman?
“She has to be a woman of God… I judge a woman by how her friends see her… and most importantly, how she treats my kids.”
Infidelity, Redemption, and the Power of Self-Control
“Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer”
Once unfaithful in his previous marriage, Whitfield has since transformed his perspective on masculinity. “Being disciplined is the most beautiful thing you can offer. That’s what true masculinity is to me now.” He has also committed to abstinence, choosing self-control as a defining trait of manhood.
Whitfield’s journey is one of redemption, purpose, and faith—something that speaks to women who value emotional intelligence, accountability, and the power of transformation.
Rewriting the Narrative Around Black Masculinity
What masculinity, legacy, and healing mean to Whitfield today
“My dad taught me what not to be [as a man] and my mom taught me what she needed [in a man],” Whitfield said. While his father wasn’t abusive, he wasn’t emotionally or affectionately present. “Since I didn’t see it, I never got it either… I would look at my dad and say, ‘I want to be a better father.’ ”
Adoption had always been on his spirit, influenced by TV shows like Different Strokes and Punky Brewster. This mindset led him to take in his nephew as his son after a powerful dream confirmed what he already felt in his heart.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Secret Lovers: 10 Women Tell Me Why They Just Can't Seem To Let Their Sneaky Link Go
A few days ago, I was talking to someone who is younger than I am yet has a very old mind when it comes to music (and true music appreciation) about which 90s year had the best R&B (don’t attempt this conversation at home unless you really know what you are talking about, by the way).
Although I have a deep affinity for 1995 (thanks to songs like Groove Theory’s “Tell Me”, Faith Evans’s “Soon As I Get Home”, D’Angelo’s “Lady”, Jon B’s “Someone to Love” and LL Cool J’s “Hey Lover” whether the LP or single dropped that year — don’t play with me — LOL), my friend brought up a valid point about 1997: “Nice & Slow” (Usher), “Butta Love” (Next), "All the Things (Your Man Won't Do)" (Joe), “I Gotta Be” (Jagged Edge) and a song that gets a special shout-out in this piece all came out that year.
What Is a Sneaky Link?
Xscape’s “My Little Secret” gets a true honorable mention here because, when it comes to the topic of sneaky links, it damn near could be the theme song. And I say that because, as pretty much all of us know, a sneaky link is a hook-up and/or romantic relationship that is kept on the extreme low.
Why? There are a billion reasons — today, though, I’m going to share 10. And because I agree with what a wise man once said when he stated that once more than one person knows a particular secret, it ceases to be one, this time, I’m not even using middle names. Nah, I’m going to define these ladies and their “sneaky link stories” another way since they were nice enough to share with the world what their hook-up hush-hush is…and why it happens to be that way for them.
Push play to the Xscape song and dive in.
10 Women Share Their Sneaky Link Stories
1. “Married to One Man. Sprung on Another.” 42.
“I’m going to sound like a hypocrite here but sometimes we go through things to help other people — and if you are going through something with your husband, never forget that you aren’t ‘single’ until you are divorced. Back when my husband and I were having some serious issues, we separated for almost a year and barely even spoke beyond bills. I met a man then who was the best sex that I ever had in my entire life. I didn’t expect my husband and myself to consider reconciling but we’re in counseling now — and I am still sleeping with the other guy. I wish I could tell you that I have intentions of stopping but I can’t.
"One reason is because the sex really is just that good and I didn’t realize how much I had been missing out on. Another reason is because I’m not sure if my husband and I are getting back together; we seem to have the same issues over and over. I do regret being in a commitment with one man and totally strung out on another. I don’t recommend it. It will keep you up at night — one way or another, girl.”
“Broke Up with My Ex. Except Sexually.” 37.
Giphy“My semi-toxic confession is my ex and I don’t get along anywhere else BUT the bedroom. In there? You would think that we were soulmates for life! It’s passionate and nasty and lasts for hours — I’m not exaggerating! The wildest thing about it is, we’ve been having sex, off and on now, since college.
"Even when I’m seeing someone or he’s seeing someone, we find a way to have sex. It would be a lot worse if we lived in the same city but we don’t. All these years later, we still try to see each other 4-7 times a year — pretty much once a season and then for a real long weekend or even a week in the summer if we can pull it off…and I don’t see it ending any time soon.”
3. “I Lost My Virginity Two Years Ago. Only ‘He’ Knows It, Though.” 25.
“My virginity is kind of my ‘brand’. I didn’t mean for that to happen but virgins kind of stick out like a sore thumb these days and since I never kept it a secret — my family, my church and even my friends see me as a Black Mother Teresa. That’s why I haven’t told anyone that I lost my virginity a little over two years ago and I’m still sleeping with that person. It’s not just a ‘sex thing’ but I choose to keep our relationship private because if people knew that I’ve been seeing someone for a long time, either they are going to pressure me into marriage or start asking if I’m a virgin still. Keeping it all a secret just makes my life easier.”
4. “I Shouldn’t Be Sleeping with My Boss…BUT…” 38.
Giphy“I’m sleeping with my boss, so it goes without saying why it’s a secret. Let me explain how it happened: When we first started having sex, we both had the same position. We used to joke at our desks and then meet up for drinks after work. One night, we had dinner and probably too much to drink and that led to us getting a hotel room. Girl, that man. About six months later, he got a promotion and since neither of us wanted to stop having sex with each other…we haven’t. A part of the thrill is the sex. Another part is sneaking around. I think that’s what lures most people into having a sneaky link, if you ask me.”
5. “My Friends Have Been Trying to Set Me Up for Years…” 46.
“I am a very private person; I always have been. There is no one in my life who knows how many people I’ve been with and the partners who they assume about, I’ve never shared any sexual details. My last serious relationship ended when I was about 41 and my friends have been trying to set me up ever since because they don’t want me to be ‘lonely’ or ‘dry.’ Little do they know, I am neither! I’ve been having sex with a friend of mine since the break-up and I don’t see it ending any time soon — mostly because he thinks the same way that I do. Ladies, if you don’t want a relationship, find a monogamous sex partner. It’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me!”
6. “Folks Think I’m Abstinent…but I’m Not.” 26.
Giphy“I made the announcement three years ago that I was going to take a break from sex — and I did…for about 14 months. I’ve been having sex ever since but I haven’t let anyone know that. It hasn’t been just one guy either. I have a ‘steady two’ because they both are good at different things. It’s not like I’m lying about it or anything. Whenever the subject of me and having sex come up, folks say something like, ‘She’s abstinent, she doesn’t count’ — and I just don’t correct them. Private sex is the best sex. I should’ve learned that lesson a long time ago.”
7. “If It’s Mostly Head, Does That Count?” 44.
“My sneaky link situation is a little odd…I guess. It’s a guy who I had sex with a few years ago. The sex was okay but, GIRL, his head game?!
"It’s kind of funny that he feels the same way about me and so, we do have sex sometimes but we mostly meet up for oral purposes. It’s like an addiction at this point because we try to link up no less than a few times a month. It doesn’t matter what else we have going on, we’re going to get that head in. And no, no one knows about it. I don’t see why they ever should.”
8. “My Friend’s Ex Has Been My Next…” 27.

“Shellie, you’d better not say my name. I’m not playing! Yes, I have been having sex with a friend’s ex — but it’s not an ex-husband or fiancé; it’s someone from many years ago and that’s all I’m going to say about that because I don’t want anyone to piece it together. And before anyone reading about this starts, she actually knows — she’s the only one who does, though. She’s married now and couldn’t care less. She said that the sex was her deal-breaker with him and I think the sex is amazing. You know what they say about one man’s junk…”
9. “No Matter What, It Always Comes Back to Him…in the Bedroom.” 33.
“I would think we all get that when a woman says that a man has some good d-ck, she’s not just talking about his penis. The insane thing about my sneaky link is he’s the smallest I’ve been with and still the best sex that I’ve had in my entire life! He takes his time, his dirty talk game is on-point, his stamina is crazy and he’s a master at getting that thing right back up. We started having sex five years ago, been dating for three and have been still gettin’ that thing in since because no man knows me like he does. Keeping it private isn’t behind a scandal or anything. I just think that adds to the allure of it all.”
10. “Why Is My Sex Life ANY of Your Business?” 40.
Giphy“’Sneaky link’. That’s cute. These kids. I never saw it as ‘sneaking’ so much as ‘Why is my sex life anyone’s damn business?’ I guess when you’re in a relationship, people assume that you’re sexually active. For me, a lot of the men I’ve dated, I’ve never had sex with them and some of the people you’d least expect, we have sexual history. So, based on that, I technically have a sneaky link. You never see us out but we spend plenty of quality time together. It’s a sexy secret. I like it that way.”
___
Oh, sneaky links. As someone who has had my fair share of ‘em back in the day, they definitely aren’t a monolith — as you can very well see.
My advice? Secrets are seductive — there is no doubt about that. You’re grown, so just make sure that your why overrides the risks involved. Because a secret exposed can be a secret that costs.
Be safe. Be realistic. Be careful. Rinse and repeat.
If you’re gonna be sneaky, be smart. Amen? Exactly.
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