

We're really starting to cook with our Saturn in Capricorn story, but we're not quite finished laying down the foundation. I know, I know. How much more planning and hard work is it going to take until we start seeing results?!
Patience is a virtue, and before you rush off with your half-finished blueprint, it's important to hear what Mercury the Winged Messenger has to say about all of this.
Mercury governs communication, thoughts, and transportation, and on January 11th, he moves from upbeat, optimistic fiery Sagittarius into practical, grounded Capricorn.
Since December 3rd, when he went Retrograde, Mercury has been going over the big picture with a highlighter and an editing tool to make sure you're clear on what your inspired vision is. So, this is it, last call to fine tune your blueprints before we plant the seeds on the Capricorn New Moon next week.
Aries
Alright Rams, Mercury has been crisscrossing your House of Higher Education, Distant Travel, and Philosophy for a few months now, gathering all the receipts to back up your ascent to the top of your game. Now the time has arrived to take those philosophies and apply them to your work. Chat that real ish, Aries, but make sure you can back up everything you say with tangible action. Whatever you do, don't say what you're unwilling to commit to!
Taurus
You've just about seen and heard it all while Mercury was in your House of Transformation, Secrets, and Other People's Money, but that's actually a good thing, Taurus. Whatever you learned behind closed doors is asking to be broadcasted to the world. Remember you're creating a brand-new world view and philosophy, share what fits for now, then let go of the rest. Try not to get too comfortable with what you believe just yet, come springtime all that you thought you knew will be radicalized.
Gemini
Enough chit-chat, Gemini...well at least enough chit-chat without backing it up with some tangible actions. You've already waxed poetic about your partnerships and how grand they're going to be, so now it's time to put up or shut up. When you speak of deeply connecting with others, do it not only in your mind, but also with your physical presence and your rapt attention. Focus, give some intensity, say how you're going to commit, and then actually do it.
Cancer
Take your mind off the day to day details, Little Crab. You've been neck deep in spreadsheets, to-do lists, and tending to either your own health or the well-being of those around you. You've been fabulous, Cancer, but there are some very important people in your life who are demanding some much-needed one-on-one facetime from you. Pick up the phone, make a date to go out, and talk to the people who are interested in building solid relationships with you. Now that your head is in the game, it should be easier to connect from the heart.
Leo
Everyone knows what a natural talent you are Leo, and with Mercury having just finished with your House of Creativity, it's time to get more grounded with what you can really do. Health and Daily Routines doesn't sound especially fun nor glamorous I know, but if you put the same amount of thought and effort into this area of your life, you'll surely shine in no time. Treat your mind, body, and spirit like a stage upon which you can perform. Do for yourself and do it for the people, inspire us with the new story of what it means to take care of oneself with style.
Virgo
Mercury has been nestled deep in your House of Home and Family since November, encouraging you to explore the past. Childhood memories, nostalgia, trips down memory lane, or even just more time spent at home has been good for your mind, Virgo. But Mercury is leaving the nest now to go out and play with the rest of the planets hanging out in your creative sandbox. Your creative confidence quickly grows to a point where you don't mind being the center of attention, outlining your cleverly crafted plans that can literally change your life.
Libra
Being a bit of a homebody doesn't have to mean being lonely. You're a naturally social creature, so with Mercury entering your House of Home and Family, you may want to invite some chattering friends into your home. Try the friends who have similar curiosities to you or who might also be interested in nesting, redecorating, and being unafraid of discussing family baggage. Who knows, you may even convince them to help you paint your place!
Scorpio
Mercury has been focusing his attention on your resources and values: balancing the budget, tossing out old concepts about self-worth and wealth, reimagining how abundant and satisfied you can be in life. Now that the Winged Messenger is moving into your domain of communications, siblings, and the local neighborhood, you may want to start talking about what you learned. You're so perceptive, Scorpio, why don't you teach us what you know? It's time for the student to consider becoming the teacher!
Sagittarius
If it feels like your wheels have been spinning in the mud, Centaur. That should begin to change once Mercury leaves after a long stay in your sign. Over the last three years, Saturn helped to crystalize who you are and what you believe in. With Mercury arriving in your House of Self Esteem, Values, and Money, you can finally start speaking with optimistic, yet practical authority. You earned it, now don't be shy about speaking your truth to power. For every word you say, back it up with that action.
Capricorn
One last hurrah in the Land of Introspection, Sea Goats. Mercury has been helping you perceive beyond the veil into some really strange and mystical parts of your own soul. The good, the bad, and the ugly all exists in the subconscious and Mercury is crossing over the threshold to deliver the news about the cosmic upgrade you just received. The new topic of conversation is YOU! All about you and how you're about to conquer the world with Saturn at your side. Show out, Capricorn!
Aquarius
Mercury has been in your home domain of Hopes, Dreams and Wishes, Aquarius. So maybe you've been more social than usual with your normal group of rebels and revolutionaries but now the hour has arrived for you to take your mind into the unknown. Solitude can be a bit alarming but don't panic, instead tap into the deeper Universe, and let your imagination provide you with unexpected wisdom. Just be sure to come back up for air, Water Bearer, sometimes mental travel through space and time can make anyone go crazy.
Pisces
What have you learned about the ups and downs of ambition and ladder climbing, Pisces? Your life is becoming a little less about your own reputation and more about how your experiences can be shared with the collective. Let us know what wisdom your intuition and experience has given to you over the last three years. Allow Mercury to give concrete yet inspiring words to those in need of your insight.
What does your horoscope say about your sign this week? Let us know in the comments down below.
Janelle Belgrave L.Ac is a New York City based acupuncturist, astrologer, and clairvoyant intuitive. You can catch her on Twitter chatting about a mixture of Astrology, healing, politics, and her unhealthy love of Game of Thrones.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
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.
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6 Tabletop Sex Positions That'll Unlock You & Bae's Most Primal Desires
Something I will never tire of is finding new ways to bring new layers to intimacy. A wall you use as momentum, a bathroom sink to help you keep your balance as he worships you on his knees, a shower that is usually for cleansing but evolves into a sacred ritual of shared intimacy.
My favorite kind of sex is the kind of sex that prioritizes pleasure and connection. So, technically and thankfully, I can say most of my sex life has been quite pleasurable throughout the years. But the memorable encounters for sure take the cake. One such encounter actually took place on a kitchen counter, and with it unleashed inhibitions in ways I never anticipated while unlocking levels to top-tier sex. And that, that involved a kitchen counter.
Why Kitchen Counter Sex Just Hits Different
What is it about having your hips pressed into the edge of a kitchen counter that lets out something so primal in you? The cool-to-the-touch feel of the countertop against exposed skin as you rise to meet him again and again. The urgency in every movement. The playfulness of repurposing an everyday space for something far more erotic. If you’re looking to bring that energy into your own sex life, keep reading for positions and tips to explore.
1. The Bounce House
They don’t call it Bounce House for nothing. In this position, the penetrating partner lies flat on their back on a sturdy table or counter while the receiving partner straddles them, knees bent and facing away. With their hands gripping the edge of the surface for support, the receiving partner slides or bounces at their own pace, owning the rhythm, the motion, and the view.
According to sex therapist Michael Aaron, Ph.D., who spoke with Women’s Health, the receiving partner placing their legs between their partner’s creates a tighter sensation, while staying fully astride allows for more bounce and range of motion. Either way, this one puts the receiver in full control, and you know we love a good woman on top position. Pleasure and power? Say less.
2. The Bicycle
Well, you know what they say about riding a bike. In the case of this table top position, it's the receiving partner who is the rider...but not in the way you think. While lying back on a sturdy surface or a table, the receiver will bring their knees toward their chest, bending them as if in a cycling motion. The penetrating partner stands at the edge of the surface, grabbing the receiver's ankles, and guides themselves inside, slowly so as to savor the moment. This angle puts everything on display for the penetrating partner while allowing for deep, connected thrusting for the receiver.
To take things up a notch , the receiving partner can touch themselves or flex their thighs to control the depth or the rhythm. Because, who says only one person gets to have control?
3. Counter Offer
How could we be at the table and not use it to eat? Enter: Counter Offer. In this oral-focused sex position, the receiving partner perches on the edge of a counter or table, lying back or sitting upright with legs parted or bent for comfort. The penetrating partner kneels or stands between their thighs, depending on the setup and the kind of attention they’re ready to give. No doubt, this one’s all about access and intention.
With the vulva front and center, the height makes it easier to maintain eye contact, use hands freely for things like breast play or incorporating toys, and take their time with every moan-inducing taste. And that’s on five, six, seven, ATE.
4. Standing Doggy
Standing Doggy is what happens when a classic like doggy style gets an upgrade. Instead of being on all fours on a bed, the receiving partner bends over a hard surface like a table or counter, keeping their hips aligned at its edge. The penetrating partner stands behind and enters from the back, using the angle to go deeper and create a strong, steady rhythm. This one offers maximum control and visual appeal, especially if the penetrating partner reaches around for a little extra clitoral stimulation throughout thrusting.
This angle can get intense quickly, so bonus points if the receiving partner engages their pelvic floor muscles or shifts their weight to adjust how the pressure hits, especially if your goal is to hit that G-spot sweet spot.
5. Top Shelf
Men's Healthcalls this one "Yourself on the Shelf," but we like to call it "Top Shelf" because it's giving full view, full grip, and climax potential that's hard to top. The receiving partner sits on the edge of a sturdy table or counter while the penetrating partner stands in front of them and slowly slides in, thrusting while keeping them in position. From there, legs can wrap around their waist, arms can encircle their back, and the closeness at peak ecstasy? Chef's kiss.
If you have the core strength, add lifting to the menu for the final strokes leading to orgasm. Otherwise, allow the surface to the heavy lifting and enjoy the pleasure.
6. The Thumper
What better way to remind yourself that you're both the snack and the entrée than with a little tableside service courtesy of The Thumper? This position has the receiving partner kneeling on a sturdy table or counter (keyword: sturdy), hands gripping the edge or braced in front for support. The penetrating partner can then either kneel behind them (if there's room for two), or stay anchored on the ground with both feet planted on the floor (similar to the previously mentioned Standing Doggy). It all depends on the mood.
Kneeling on the table offers just the right amount of leverage for deep, steady strokes. The receiving partner can play with tightness by either keeping their knees closer together for a snug grip, or open their knees wider to invite more access, depth, and stretch. The Thumper is versatile that way, and the most important thing? The receiver gets to be the main course. Yum.
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