There are two types of teenage girls in this world: Girls who like to experiment with Ouija boards (as seen on TV and only TV) and then there are the ones who just want to know if they're compatible with their latest crush. (And possibly a third type who can resist the pull of the supernatural world, but that I wasn't and I never wanted it to be.)
Some choose religion. I choose Astrology and it has been my means of exercising blind faith for as long as I can remember. A good horoscope was like a good scripture for me, and now because I'm grown and not so interested in following anything blindly, I more accurately subscribe to occasional readings. I wouldn't say it's because I don't believe in God and the power of religion, but more so that astrology seemed more rational and intuitive, thus resonating most with me in every element of my life – including my relationships.
Most recently, I spoke with astrologist and sacred sex educator Gigi Robinson who built on the purpose of my chart, which was a fairly recent revelation for me. Here I found out that because I had so much Capricorn in my chart that I could find compatibility with this sign. Of course, the overthinker in me could never and will never be satisfied so I reached back out to Gigi after the Universe introduced me to a Capricorn. Several years ago, I would've overbearingly searched Google to confirm that this was my soulmate, but growth has allowed me to reduce the amount of time I spent Googling zodiac signs by a handful of hours and instead contact a reliable source with answers of reason.
In a world that grasps onto anything that can potentially answer the big questions about love, here's what you really need to know about astrological compatibility, how to better interpret it, and why we attract the signs we attract.
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Laws of Attraction Are at Work.
The biggest point of recognition that came from my discussion with Gigi, was acknowledging that not only is astrology thoroughly accurate, but it's so thorough that sometimes you won't necessarily be drawn to, attract, or even end up with the sign you're attracted to. This is because the Universe recognizes a greater need or lack that you've put in the world, subconsciously or otherwise. Gigi says, "Depending on where you are in your evolution of your chart – meaning whatever you came here for is going to determine what partners you draw in."
With that said, you may be attracting hella Aries meanwhile your charts are basically yelling for you to find a Capricorn, and it may never happen because you have something to learn from those Aries signs that can carry you, regardless of your relationship status. If this were to happen while you're still lacking, this may weaken the connection you have with your most compatible sign because you weren't ready for them or evolved enough.
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Real Recognizes Real...and Ready.
Although you may be most compatible with a sign, you will not be drawn to or a match for everyone that comes your way. Gigi wasted no time debunking the bullshit aspirations that we put onto our zodiac signs. "Let's just talk about astrology as it relates to self," she immediately says. She then goes on to add, "I think sometimes we want to use the chart for the relationship parts of it but we have to understand that the relationship to self is what's going to draw the relationship that you're really supposed to be in. That's what it's going to take, it's going to take you knowing the chart and understanding the chart because it's literally like your magnetism. It's like what we're drawing in."
"The relationship to self is what's going to draw the relationship that you're really supposed to be in."
As previously mentioned, the Universe will give you what you need before it gives you what you want...even when you don't want to believe that's what you need. Not every person who falls under the sign you're most compatible with will be evolved enough for you, and vice versa, or perhaps the inner workings of their natal chart and the degree to which they are true to their sun sign are not compatible with you. In fact, astrology will work to heal inter-generational trauma before making the match with the one.
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Gigi says many of us are carrying trauma and sometimes we know nothing of it because it's so ingrained in us. But what this means is that "a lot of the relationships that we're reflecting [and attracting] are here to clear the trauma, first." She lends an example of someone whose mother may have always attracted relationships that left her feeling insecure and unprotected, so now perhaps you have taken on that baggage and those feelings of insecurity, and your natal chart reflects your desire to feel protected and secure. You will continue to attract partners who meet that need, whatever sign they may be, until you're able to feel secure on your own or in a way that feels stable for the evolved zodiac match your chart says you're most compatible with because perhaps that person wants someone who comes into the relationship already feeling secure.
When you're attracting a lot of something, whether it be a sign or a negative quality you continue to find in partners, be real with yourself, dig deep, and figure out what it is that you're manifesting. It's not until you can do the work to be real with yourself, that you can ready yourself for whatever is in store for you and a partner who is equally real and ready with and for you.
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Unlearn Fairy Tales and Learn Your Chart.
According to Gigi, part of the problem is simply the way "we really believe in the fairy tale, we believe in this knight and shining armor." I shudder thinking of all the fairy tales I crossed my fingers waiting for my life to be like as Gigi points out how much we rely on fairy tales to dictate our scripts, hence our desire to simply seek out astrology when it concerns romance instead of asking about the whole picture. Gigi goes on to add, "We believe that we're going to ride off into the sunset, but the reality is that we're not all going to have that experience because we're not all here to have that experience."
The reality is that some may only be here to be mothers and others "may be here to help multiple [partners] elevate. So we may not be the person that's here to have a [monogamous relationship] for all of our lives because that's not a part of our natal chart experience."
However, Gigi insists that "the more you learn your natal chart, you start to learn 'what type of person am I in the first place? What am I really here to do?' versus looking at what society says every woman or man should have. That's not the truth and we see that in our everyday [life], because if [the fairy tale] is what we're all supposed to have, then why are we all struggling with having this thing that everybody is supposed to have? But that's not the truth. Your natal chart is there to show you what the truth is so that when those experiences start to happen to you, you can make better conscious emotional choices."
In knowing her chart, Gigi has gained a clear understanding of "how energy is presenting itself" to her and forcing her to do the work to "heal and deal with it." She says, "It makes me feel a way, so I have to deal with it. And that's why people show up! They show up to give us a really clear vision of what we're here to do and how to shift the things that we no longer want in our DNA because it's not just about us – it's about our mothers and our mother's mothers and our grandfathers and great grandfathers. We're working on things relationship-wise, that are not just in this existence. It's very multifaceted."
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On my own, I've learned so much about self-awareness and the overall self, but Gigi helped me better understand how to apply the deep reflection necessary to even have a sense of self-awareness to the findings in my chart and the observations I've made about my own history with different members of the zodiac. As I work towards personal growth and seek out a therapist, it was interesting how many times I've been hit with a "come to Jesus" type epiphany since speaking with her – and you know what? They were a lot cheaper than a therapist.
I've learned that the abundance of failed Aries relationships in my life is the Universe's way of teaching me how to create boundaries in my relationships.
And that Capricorn? Well, for the first time ever I didn't say what he wasn't enough of when the 24-7 texting got canceled. Instead, I realized that in all the growth I've seen in the past year, I still haven't reached a point where I was evolved enough for him. I've found peace in understanding that not everyone is here for a long time, but sometimes just to show you a good time and insight. Perhaps, the only thing he was sent into my life to do was to show me that my work is not done and maybe there's more but for now, I'm content as I tell you: He wasn't that one, but instead something more – he was a marker of my growth and continued development.
This Capricorn was not mine to keep and the Universe was clear on that. So, I'm listening.
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Motor City native, Atlanta living. Sagittarius. Writer. Sexpert. Into all things magical, mystical, and unknown. I'll try anything at least once but you knew that the moment I revealed that I was a Sag.
'Bel-Air' Actress Jazlyn Martin On Her Ongoing Identity Crisis And Its Influence On Her Creative Journey
Jazlyn Martin is a triple-threat performer known most for her role as Jackie on Peacock’sBel-Air. Her character’s fiery personality and questionable decisions have led to a few shocking moments in the series and quite a bit of convo on social media.
Now, I’ll be honest: as an avid TV-lover, I was well-prepared to hop on Zoom and jump into all the chatter around Bel-Air and her characters’ decisions. But after listening to her new EP Identity Crisis, I knew there was a lot more to talk about as well. During this exclusive conversation with xoNecole, Jazlyn Martin delved into the challenging journey she’s faced surrounding her identity, newfound fame, and family influence, and how it all plays a part in her art. Check it out!
xoNecole: So I know that your father is in the entertainment world, but when did you realize you shared the same passion?
Jazlyn Martin: I think it was very early on. I was a child who was full of attitude and fearlessness that would go after anything I wanted. I believe seeing my dad pursue music made me realize it was possible. I just had this hunger and fire, and my parents consciously fed and nurtured that - they are always all super supportive of whatever I do. So very, very early on, I was like, I'm meant to do this. And I just was like, I'm a star, and I know I'm a star.
xoN: Actually, let's talk about your family. What are some of your most important values, and how have your family and heritage played a part in shaping those values?
Jazlyn: I mean, my mom is like an angel; she's so graceful and kind, and I've had to work hard to get there. When I was young, I was very abrasive, headstrong, and stubborn. Whereas my mom gives an immense amount of grace in the way she carries herself. I had to learn that.
I think being strong is something I’ve always had. My parents always joke that they don't know where my personality came from. Because my dad is shy and timid and my mom is kind, and I'm a fireball. But my Dad always asked the important industry questions like, “Why do you want to do this?” And that instilled some purpose into me. It really carried me to keep going because it's so easy to be discouraged in this field, but that drive has helped me push through all of the challenges.
xoN: I bet. I have such a respect for actors and the way you all navigate the industry. Speaking of, let’s dig into “Bel-Air.” Were you a fan of the show? Did you have to go back and watch the episodes?
Jazlyn: So I actually did watch the show which is crazy because sometimes I don’t. I saw it was a reboot and was like, ‘Oh no, not another one.’ But I watched the first three episodes, realized how good it was, and ended up watching the whole season. I became a fan, and then a few months later, I booked the role!
I think the imagination is such a beautiful and powerful tool, and I feel like if you create something in your mind, it happens. It's a crazy thing, but I really just created Jackie's world - the house she grew up in, her parents leaving her, and everything. I created why she fell in love with dance. I really came at it from a human approach. If I see it, then the audience can see it.
xoN: Yeah, background plays into so much of how we deal with things, how we interact with people, and everything. And I feel like Jackie gets a lot of backlash. Like, we’ve all had a “Jackie Moment” to be real.
Jazlyn: She gets so much backlash! I just encourage people to give her grace and see the God in her because I do think she tells a lot of Black and brown girls' stories. People project on her, saying she’s too ratchet or hood, and I’m like does that mean she’s not loveable?
We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her. Because she’s helped me extend empathy to people I don't necessarily want to or don't think deserve to have it. But she's 17, she's figuring it out, and she doesn't have parents. Like, that's such a huge factor.
"We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her."
xoN: You mentioned how your character is viewed, which digs a bit into identity. So I want to talk a little bit about some of the emotional songs on your EP “Identity Crisis.” What inspired the track “Perfect?”
Jazlyn: When I was creating “Perfect,” I already had the EP title. So I kind of mapped out, like, the different conflicts I had in my head and categorized them into seven songs, and so one of my identity crises was being perfect. Because I feel like a lot of men tend to put women on pedestals. They're expected to be perfect - especially when you’re in the limelight. You know, you can't slip up. You can't say the wrong thing. Cancel culture is such a huge thing. And I just wanted to encourage people to give people grace to be themselves because that's not an easy thing to do.
I just wanted to take down this facade that I’m perfect because I never pretended to be. I never wanted to be. I think that's something people have placed on me, that I have it all figured out, I think I just carry it well, but that doesn't mean it's not heavy. I just wanted to be very vulnerable and honest. I think people think “perfect” is a compliment, but I think it's a cage because it doesn't allow room for error. It doesn't allow for you to be human and mess up and fail and take risks. So I just wanted to encourage grace.
xoN: Do you ever feel like you went through an identity crisis?
Jazlyn: I go through one constantly. Growing up, I didn't really have one. But I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just “other.” That was an identity crisis in itself.
Also, being introduced to a level of fame has been interesting, too. I think we all go through identity crises all the time because we’re evolving and changing. It’s beautiful, but it’s also scary; you see yourself this one way, and then something happens, and there’s a shift. So yeah, I think it’s something we all go through but no one talks about.
"I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just 'other.'"
xoN: I love that. And I know Hispanic Heritage Month is coming up, and you'll be speaking at the New York Latino Film Festival. Talk to me about what that moment means to you and what you hope to bring to the event. *Editor’s note: The interview was conducted before Hispanic Heritage Month began.
Jazlyn: I’m bringing some Afro-Latino-ness! I always grew up seeing Latinos being represented in a very specific way—very Spanish, not very Indigenous looking. So I'm really excited to bring the Black experience, with the Latino experience, to the stage because that's something a lot of people don't know exists.
People are always like, “Are you Black or Latina?” Well, I'm both! We were just dropped off in different parts. I’m excited to speak on that and highlight how prevalent anti-Blackness is within Latino communities. A lot of Afro-Latinos have faced an identity crisis because of it, including myself. It sometimes feels like you’re supposed to hate the other half of who you are.
For me, I held onto that little Black girl inside. I refused to let her go. And that’s what I want to represent when I speak—resilience and acceptance of our full selves. I’m also looking forward to meeting fellow Latino people, especially Afro-Latinos, and sharing our stories. It’s not a narrative that gets much attention, and I’m excited to represent.
xoN: I’m excited for you! Finally, with all the praise and recognition you’re receiving now, what has it been like to transition from working in music, dance, and acting to now being in the spotlight? How have you embraced this new level of fame?
Jazlyn: Um, it's overwhelming. I think that's the best word. Sometimes, I'm joyful, because I'm giving back to the community. People resonate with Jackie's stories and see themselves in her, which I think is the biggest compliment to me. But then sometimes, you know, I feel sad because I'm like, ‘Damn, I'm not doing enough,’ like I should be doing more. It's crazy, the industry is so fast-paced that you don't really try to celebrate wins. It's just a transition, an identity crisis of the like.
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'It's A Sexy Show': Aldis Hodge Talks Iconic Role In 'Cross' At CultureCon Ahead of Prime Video Premiere
The culture’s latest heartthrob owns his main character energy as he prepares to lead in Prime Video’s Cross.
During the 2024 CultureCon event held in New York City at the top of October, Aldis Hodge hit the stage to discuss everything connected to his main character era as eager fans listened in, counting down the days to the premiere of his new series.
Hodge, known for his iconic roles in One Night in Miami, Underground, Straight Outta Compton, and a host of other hit projects, will become Alex Cross, the “brilliant detective and forensic psychologist renowned for his uncanny ability to probe the darkest recesses of killers and their victims,” according to a press release shared with xoNecole.
Moderated by Chris Witherspoon, the panel during this year’s CultureCon featured Hodge and his co-star for Cross (and fellow hearth throb) Isaiah Mustafa.
After a special screening for the community builders, creatives, tastemakers, and everyone in between, the trio discussed the theme for the forthcoming show, how it pays homage to the original book series by James Patterson but is its entirely own story, and much more.
Following the conversations, guests could party with Hodge at an exclusive after-party.
“Cross is set to push the boundaries of suspense and storytelling, crafted by the visionary Ben Watkins, who serves as both showrunner and executive producer,” read an official statement for this show.
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
“His creation promises a complex and twisted narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Joining Hodge in this high-octane thriller is a talented ensemble cast including Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, and Samantha Walkes, each adding depth to this multifaceted drama.”
During an interview with Blavity’sShadow & Act this summer, Hodge opened up about playing the iconic character previously serving as the protagonist in the James Patterson novel series dedicated to Alex Cross.
“I’m excited because this is a completely different Cross than anyone has seen before,” said Hodge. “You get to explore every element of what makes cinema entertaining. It’s a sexy show. It’s a dangerous show. I feel like I’m stuck in the coolest psychological thriller ever. We get to explore all the facets of his life, his world, his manhood, family man, brotherhood, trying to explore new relationships, and what that means to him.”
He added, “This show goes there. It dives deep and I just love the fact that people are going to get something they do not expect.”
All eight episodes of Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross will premiere on Nov. 15 only on Prime Video.
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