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What The Summer Solstice & The Multiple Retrogrades Coming Up Mean For Your Life
There is a lot happening in the zodiac for everyone in the coming weeks. The floodgates of the summer solstice has welcomed itself, and the energies hit heaviest on June 26. The Strawberry Moon came through dripping lunar manifestation power, there will be a solar eclipse happening on July 12, and the longest lunar eclipse that has ever taken place in over a century happening on July 27.
Related: Your Monthly Horoscopes: July 2018
From June 26 to August 27, there will be six planets that will be in retrograde. These planets will bring about reflection of career, stability, security, emotional baggage, introspection, secrets, synchronicities, communication, thought, and action.
This read will reveal how each astrological sign group will be affected by some of the most powerful retrogrades, and how each individual astrological sign will be affected by the Summer Solstice Gateway. It will also suggest a divine July 12th and July 27th affirmation to recite during the solar and lunar eclipse, so bookmark this page!
Planetary Retrograde Energy
Jupiter Retrograde
Jupiter will be ending its retrograde on July 10, and has everything to do with ambitions, long-term plans, and travel.
Earth signs will be pushed to let go of any fear or doubt around the aforementioned categories. For whatever reason, you have been holding back on any of these things, you will release blockages, stop making excuses, and make an ultimate move! Put your earthy energy into play, and hit the ground running! Many will struggle with going back into negative patterns in any area of life.
Water signswill learn to take matters into their own hands when it comes to Jupiter energy, if you have been wanting to go on a vacation or make a long-term plan contingent upon other people. If people rock with you, or contribute financially, that is great...but ultimately, if you want it, you have to go get it yourself. This is "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" energy.
Fire signs might make plans with groups of people only to see the true colors of some people in their crew under this energy. With this retrograde, make sure you aren't grouping up with fair-weather friends, or those who just want a piece of your glow up. Not everyone in your circle may actually be for you, and this energy will bring it to light.
Air signs will find themselves moving further away from people who are not like-minded, or as free-spirited as they are. Under this Jupiter retrograde energy, you'll find more than ever, that birds of a feather flock together. The retrograde energy will pull air signs out of their comfort zones, and move closer to authenticity of self and surroundings.
Pluto Retrograde
Pluto has been in retrograde since April, and will go direct on September 30. This energy involves revelations and releasing baggage.
Earth signs will feel the heat when it comes to any kind of codependent relationships, behaviors, or addictions. This Pluto retrograde energy will be putting what it is you need to let go of in your face. If anyone or thing is siphoning your energy, Earth signs will have to build enough strength to acknowledge it, and let it go.
Water signs will be pushed into following the rules and playing by the book! This wave of Pluto retrograde energy will make it near impossible for you not to engage in the status quo. This could mean paying off all of your bills, abiding by legal or technical procedures, or doing "the right thing," by your friends, family, and spouses.
Fire signs will be faced with deciding not to engage in petty conflict, dirty games, or unhealthy competition. The Pluto retrograde will push many fire signs away from toxicity, and this even includes where you have been too difficult for your own good. Ultimately the choice is yours not to stoop down into low vibration.
For air signs, the Pluto retrograde energy might have you revert back to old drama and pain, for the sake of seeing if there was something that you missed. Many of you might be wondering if salvaging a tainted relationship is worth it. One part of you might be missing old friendships, while the other part wants nothing to do with it. It's up to you to see if any of it is worth the backtracking.
Mars Retrograde
Mars entered retrograde on June 26 and will go direct on August 27. It has everything to do with how your energy is vibrating, and what actions you need to take for your life.
Earth signs will really be feeling the Mars retrograde pressure when it comes to finances and love. Earth signs love the lap of luxury and all the nice things, but this retrograde might cause you to overspend and dip into savings. It is summertime, and we all want to splurge, but be careful! When it comes to romance, be wary of making decisions and advances under the influence. Spur-of-the-moment energy might be cause for regret later on.
Water signs will be hit with a wave of retrograde energy that will amplify their introverted nature. Mars is a volatile planet energetically, so when paired with self-love, self-care, and self-introspection, water signs might go through it internally. Instead of fighting this energy, openly communicate with your inner self to uncover what is truly important for you and your life in the moment and what makes you whole.
Fire signs are in for a bumpy energetic ride under this Mars retrograde. This energy will cause a lot of fire signs to want to spend time on their own and get grounded. With your spitfire energy, you could attract a frenzy of people around you who could either make things better or worse in your experience. This energy will cause you to do more pre-screening and observation of those around you before allowing them into your space.
Some air signs might be feeling a bit aloof in this Mars retrograde energy. You might have a hard time with memory, making decisions, calling shots, or being inactive. There could be a lot of waiting until the last minute to get things done, and wasting a lot of time. The summer time is the best season to pick up new hobbies, try new things, and gain new experiences. Get active, get out there, and enjoy life in the present moments.
Now that you have an idea of how each retrograde will affect your life, check out what the summer solstice gateway has in mind for your individual zodiac sign by clicking through the gallery below:
1.Aries
The summer solstice energy has influenced many Aries signs to purge out any leftover grievances of the first half of 2018, and make way for moving forward with your life. It's all about letting go of what no longer serves you, and what holds you back from manifesting the life that you want to live. The summer solstice gateway is sparking energy and enthusiasm back into your to-do lists and goals. There is no more sitting on what you have lost, and more focus on what there is to gain.
Eclipse Affirmation: "It's out with the old, and in with the new, what's in the past is in the past, and I feel brand new. I'm ready to manifest all of my heart desires and transform my experience, and vibrate higher."
All astrological Tarotscopes channeled via Tarot Cards! For your own Intuitive Channeled Healing Session, follow @Melanade_Stand on IG and send an inquiry via DM!
Featured GIF by Coveteur
Fontaine Felisha Foxworth is a writer and creative entrepreneur from Brooklyn New York. She is currently on the West Coast working on creating a TV Pilot called "Finding Fontaine", that details the nomadic journey of her life so far. Keep up with her shenanigans @famoustaine on IG.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images