This new moon and the solar eclipse have one powerful message: speak your truth. Today’s solar eclipse and the new moon are in Saggitarius, known for being blunt, free-spirited, and adventurous.
This transformative lunar energy is an invitation to say goodbye to anything that limits you, prevents you from taking a leap, or that doesn’t resonate with your tr
Find answers to your heart’s burning questions by looking inward. You are in for a wild ride of self-exploration.
Ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now?
How does the world around me feel?
How can I make my life more meaningful starting now?
How can I love myself more today?
What am I feeling called to do the most?
What’s stopping me from taking that leap of faith?
What old habits need to be released?
Am I being nourished the way I deserve?
You’ll find that having heart-to-heart conversations with those closest to your heart to process your feelings and gain some much-needed perspective.
Fiercely Embrace whatever comes to the surface, as it’s all a part of who you are.
Feel this powerful wave of energy catapulting you into the best version of yourself. Sagittarius teaches us that the journey is always more incredible than the destination. It is on the path we learn, evolve, and learn lessons that shape us into our best selves. Every turn, every twist, is happening for you.
We’re approaching the end of a current life chapter and being pushed to open new doors to embrace an unknown adventure. Make room for new beginnings as you do some shadow work; reflect on your year, celebrate your wins and address your shortcomings.
Finally, open your heart to happiness. Trust the magic of endings. Let go of anything that doesn’t light up your soul. Invite more pleasure, love, and yumminess into your world. Believe that life will treat you to something sweet if you let it.
The big, bright, and beautiful Taurus Lunar Eclipse is greeting us today.
As the year winds down, we are increasingly distracted from our daily grind by all things shiny, warm, and festive. Full moons are the brightest point in the cycle, but it is all about shedding and releasing.
This Moon is one of the most intense of the year as it illuminates our unresolved emotions, moods, instincts, feelings, and sense of safety and comfort.
Stop and take a moment to remember the foundations of your desires. With social media and technology every present in our lives, it is easier than ever to distract ourselves from the world within. Take a break from scrolling.
Slow down. Pause and give yourself some time to relax and retreat within. Spend time over this Moon with yourself and your emotions when there is nothing to drown them out. Listen to what the silence has to say. Devote some time to reflect, introspect, and journal under the bright luna.
Reexamine your relationships and see what changes need to be made.
Journal Prompts
How does my heart feel?
How do my mind and body feel?
How do I like to release and express my emotions and feelings?
What outdated habits, patterns, and situations must crumble now?
Have I developed coping mechanisms that are not in alignment with your highest potential?
What changes do I have to make? Perhaps I am suppressing the inner voice that is telling me a change needs to be made.
Challenge yourself to face the discomfort. Hunt down your real feelings and emotions to bring them into conscious awareness; you will transform them. Yes, this process is intense, but that is what this Full Moon is all about.
Envision your ideal path forward and imagine what it would feel like if it were a reality. You can create the world you want by breathing life into that vision. You know you’re powerful beyond belief, right?
Sofia Batth is a Germany-based pastry chef who discovered her love for baking as a teenager. Today, she runs her cafe, House Adell, where she offers divine baked goods that will delight you. ” Happiness is knowing there is cake in the oven,” she says. She shares her beauty secrets here, including face oils that make her skin glow and a game-changing hair care tip.
When did you first start baking?
I started baking as a teenager with my aunt, at that time I didn’t even know that I enjoyed baking/cooking and I will work with food in future. I had fun blending ingredients together and making something delicious out of it.
What are your favourite things to bake?
Anything including cinnamon and coconut! I prefer coffee cakes with a nice compote or cream on the side, add some maple and tonka and it’s ready to serve.
One of my favourites now is a German cheesecake with cranberry-orange blossom compote.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in cakes?
Instagram, Pinterest and books, inspiration from family/friends and colleagues.
I am more of a traditional baker and cook/bake according to season, (fruits and veggies) autumn is starting soon, pumpkin pie and carrot cake are on top of my baking list.
I love to use all kinds of spices, nuts, and alternative sweeteners, like coconut sugar, maple syrup, dates, or honey. The global awareness for healthy lifestyle adaptation is rising quickly, which inspires me immensely; hence I want to grow with it.
How did you start House Adell?
I always wanted to have a small coffee shop, it happened at the right time. There was a beautiful location that had an open spot in a building in the middle of the city. It almost felt like it was meant to be, so I grabbed the opportunity. On top of that, the lockdown was somehow very helpful as I had plenty of time to design the café, gather information, work on my menu and prepare myself in the best possible way.
My sister and I were in Hamburg sipping coffee one day and the name Adell just popped up in our minds. Locals think it’s my second name, I joke about it and say yes 😉
What is your current skincare routine?
I love all kinds of oils, my skin has always been very easy, which made me use just one product throughout the day. Around 2 years back I added a few more products, which I am obsessed with now. My morning and evening routine look the same (except for sunblock), I clean my face with a drugstore face wash and then I make my skin glow with different oils.
I enjoy it thoroughly. It’s a hobby. I don’t wear makeup to cover or change my face, I wear it because I love to play with it, almost like a form of art. When I go to work I really enjoy taking these 15 mins in the morning and testing out new makeup products, coloured eyeliner and some glitter. Glitter makes everything better.
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What’s your beauty philosophy?
It comes from the inside. Beauty shows how you feel, you glow differently when you are happy.
What small things make you feel beautiful?
I learned to love myself for what I do and who I am. Even a slight touch on my face makes me feel like a wonder woman.
What self-love activities do you do to keep yourself grounded?
I pray, meditate and reflect throughout the day, I practice daily affirmations by always reminding myself what a great person I am, and how loved I feel. It keeps me motivated, loved and happy. I carry a more positive mindset. It’s fun and very fulfilling and only helps in manifesting to give love and cherish life.
How do you care for your hair?
I used to struggle a lot with my hair, it was thin, had no structure, was falling out. Since I started to follow the self-loving concept, I love my hair. It’s strong and beautiful and I can’t believe sometimes how my attitude has changed the condition of my hair so drastically. I wash my hair once or twice a week. My sister told me to rub some aloe vera gel on the ends of my hair before showering. I do this twice a month. I used to apply yogurt earlier to make it grow.
Onion water, rice water, million oils were also parts of various experiments that I did with my hair and nothing really worked. Now I know if you are not healthy on the inside, nothing really works. Your mindset is your superpower.
My work is my hobby and I feel it is such a blessing. Apart from cooking, baking and eating I love to travel and explore the world, adore photography, follow new fashion and jewellery trends, love to go on shopping sprees and explore all kinds of stores. After designing my café and my own flat I discovered my love for interior design.
Going to the gym, reading books and spreading love relax my mind.
Who is your fashion role model?
There is no one in particular whom I follow. I like cruising through Instagram and checking new fashion trends. One of my favourite bloggers is Danielle Bernstein, I like Hailey Bieber’s style and Freya Killin.
What is your favourite style to wear?
Casual, spontaneous, flirty and sometimes romantic!
How would you describe your style right now?
When it comes to my favourite style, my every look includes, baggy jeans or leggings, an oversized hoodie, an oversized t-shirt, a button-down and if the weather gets colder a blazer on top! I like to pair my outfit with golden accessories., comfy sneakers and a designer handbag. Very much street style. On occasions, I put myself into a dress or wear a nice, flared blouse of falling material. With a fancy hairstyle and a happy mood, I am good to go!
What do you want your style to say on your behalf?
Fashion expresses a lot about your personality and about the attitude you carry. I am more of a relaxed person, like to be in a comfortable environment, clean and no big fuss, easy-going, down to earth but the sparkle should not be missing 😉 It’s really a combination of cozy, casual, cute and fun.
The book pictures the real story of Jehan and Anwar Sadat, gives you an inside of the Islamic culture, its difficulties and duties as a woman during these times. Its shows the charismatic side of Jehan and how beautifully she carries her personality in a country that did not accept the voice of a woman. It is inspiring to read how women contributed and worked with each other to achieve and grow more.
What makes you love a book?
Books make me fall into my own fantasy world. I get to explore my imagination; they are knowledgeable and you become part of the creation of different writers. It’s a relaxing escape to another world.
What are you most passionate about in life?
New experiences. New food, travel, new people.
Do you have a favourite city?
As I love travelling it’s hard to pick one favourite city.
Nevertheless, London is on the top-notch of my favourite travel destinations. The city has my heart! Not only did I study and work in London, but I also had one of the best times over there. It’s a melting pot of many cultures! Multicultural food, the history, the accent, the royals, tea culture, fashion, diversity of music…its the whole package which caught my eye many years ago. As it’s close to Germany, I do enjoy a weekend trip! There is always something happening in the city and you come across the craziest people.
The enigmatic Scorpio sign is all about exploring our deepest emotions and uncovering what’s hidden. This moon is one of the most intense of the year as it brings up emotions deeply buried in our minds. You’ll feel deeply emotional, even more connected to your intuition and willing to dive deep into powerful, complex feelings.
Tonight’s new Moon is rich with magic if you’re willing to roll with its waves. When the Luna is in this phase, you can barely see it, and the sky can appear black. Similarly, we harness the new Luna energy to explore our deepest emotions and uncover what’s hidden.
In love, it means taking a deeper dive into the heart of our relationships as we allow waves of feelings to wash over us.
Is there a toxic situation you’re finally ready to cut out of your life to make room for the person of your dreams? Are you flowing with love, or is there underlying guilt, shame, or resentment? It’s a great time to trust in the magic of new beginnings, especially in love. And, beginnings require: letting go of the past.
Scorpio has earned its reputation for being the sex sign of the zodiac. With the new Moon in Scorpio, restart with a fresh slate as we dial into our most intimate passions. Bravely step out of your comfort zone and open pleasure portals in your life. Try out new things in bed with a partner or solo. This could mean experimenting with a new sex toy or finally exploring a new role-play scenario.
Break out of restrictive habits and replace them with life-enhancing rituals! Brings serenity to your life so that you can relax and enjoy pleasure.
This new moon lean towards your inner introvert. Spend some time in solitude. Take time to sit with your emotions to look for their deeper meanings. The scorpions are the alchemists of the zodiac. Once you shine a light on the darker parts of yourself, you have a chance to heal and transform those things, turning them into strength. Yes, the process is intense, but that’s what Scorpio is all about. Enjoy the journey.
Stand tall in your spiritual strength while still surrendering to the universal flow. Always remember that the most powerful ingredient in any magic is you.
It’s the middle of the day, friends surround me, and the sun is out.
But something isn’t right.
There is this feeling, a very uncomfortable feeling in my mind, in the pit of my stomach. I want to leave and go somewhere that is quiet and dark. My thoughts are consuming me. So dark and so monstrous, I was afraid. It’s wrecking me from the inside out.
What would you do if you had to relive your worst life experience over and over until you die?
To always be stuck in the time leading to your most traumatic experience and reliving it repeatedly?
It’s the very definition of hell.
A few months ago, I came across a stranger whose story needs to be shared with the world.
Let’s call him Eleven.
Eleven is a 40-year-old single father of a teenage daughter. Struggling to find a steady income all his life, he has been a part of the criminal justice system, in and out of custody for criminal offences such as petty theft to survive. “I steal food to feed my daughter,” he told me as he struggled to hold back his tears. “I wish I wasn’t the way I was. Sometimes, I wish it never happened. For just one moment of life, I want to forget it happened.”
Starting at the age of six up until his early teens, he was sexually assaulted by several women who were his mother’s friends.
“She invited these women friends of hers to our house and would let them do things to me.” his voice trembling as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Eleven found it impossible to keep a steady job for longer than a few months due to mental health issues that followed after years of sexual trauma by his mother.
As an adult, he experienced divorce, poverty, homelessness and mental trauma that scarred him for life enough to drive anyone to a dark and dangerous place.
“I ran away when I was 13. Homeless. I had nobody. Who would listen to me?”
Now, 40. Eleven tried to kill himself on his 30th birthday. It wasn’t the first time he contemplated suicide. “I was seven when these thoughts first started to occur to me. I didn’t know what it meant. I just felt a rage within me. I can’t even describe how angry I was to be still alive.”
Elevens said he felt separate from society with sadness and desire not to be a part of this world. “I would wake up every single day and (think), ‘I can get up. I can brush my teeth, or I can kill myself. I can go to work today, or I can kill myself.’
He said he felt trapped, horrible, disgusted about what happened to him. He said all he wanted to do was cry. “I was constantly feeling trapped in my mind, and I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything to stop it.”
He told me that most people with mental illnesses feel that way constantly. “It devours us completely. It eats our insides away until we are nothing but bones. Fear controls us.”
We may know what it’s like to be in life someone else’s life. We may not even understand it. Can we all agree that we are all humans going through different human experiences?
I noticed Eleven was smiling a lot as we talked. He was such radiant and positive energy to be around. When I asked him how he coped with the heaviness of life, he smiled at me and said, “laughter is my coping mechanism.”
Let’s make people feel less alone in their struggle — to help them understand you’ve been there, too, and it’s going to be all right. Let’s be empathetic because we struggle mentally as we struggle to understand what’s next for us.
That day I learnt from my conversation with Eleven that “a day without laughter is a day wasted.”
The Full Blue Moon in Aquarius will bring about feelings of completion – think back to what you have been working. As we complete this cycle, you may find yourself feeling a sense of completion or knowing that you’re on the right track to get to that place of fulfillment.
If you feel like you want to speak your mind to someone – now is an excellent time to let things off your chest!
The Blue Moon’s powerful energy full moon inspire you to act, shed the old skin, amplify the need to be your most authentic self, change the collective, and make a difference in the world.
Are you ready for serious introspection?
You are being influenced to connect to the treasures of your mind, as you feel the need to be your most authentic self. Take some time to get acquainted with your genuine self. Break out your journal, and simply take the time to pause and reflect.
Ask yourself:
How can I add more pleasure to my daily routine? ⠀
How can I nurture my inner artist?
How can I release all that no longer serves me?
How can I align myself with the version that is here to inspire, empower, and uplift?
How do I move with more intention?
Can I stay open and loving in an angry world and inspire others to do the same?
Set aside time for new realizations leading to breakthroughs in that area of your life.
Celebrate how far you’ve come. Experience a deep connection to your spirit as you pour your heart into your journal. It is here that you are connected to your journey as an individual and the world around you. Light up your mind with new ideas and dreams of enchanting places you are sure to visit one day.
Harness the full moon’s energy to tap into what it means to be you how it feels to be aligned with the version of you that is here to make this world better. You’ll find yourself in a constant state of love, confidence, and euphoric bliss.
Brianna Tosswill, a Linocut artist, and a blogger is a force! She is the creator and founder of Penrose Press– a book arts practice whose “mandate is to present storytelling in beautiful, physical detail, and to amplify marginalized voices and perspectives.” Here, Brianna shares self-care rituals that keep her grounded, and her ultimate advice for those aspiring to be their own boss.
First, what is a Linocut?
I’ve had lots of practice with this question this summer as I introduce people to my practice at the 124 Grand Market. It’s harder without a visual, tangible aid, but here goes. A linocut is a print created by carving linoleum (like the flooring material) and transferring ink off of the surface. Whatever I carve away is the area that doesn’t catch or transfer ink. It’s important to remember that every colour requires a separate impression and that the whole image will print backwards, so text (for example) needs to be flipped before I start. There is a ton more explanation of the nuances of the medium on Nerd Time with Brianna!
I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I think the blog came from a place of insecurity. The first post (it doesn’t exist in its original state but has been cannibalized for Linocut 101) was in response to the many questions that I received from people along the lines of “why are these books so expensive?” HA! Especially funny because my first book project was gorgeous, sold out in 2 days, and if I were selling it today, would have been priced at more than 3 times what it went for then. So, the first blog post was like: This is a children’s paperback that costs $30. It costs that much because there are 16 original, multi-layer linocut reduction illustrations in it; the cover is printed in linocut and lead type with gold embossing powder, and every copy is hand bound.
These days I’m less defensive towards prospective collectors who push back on cost. I know that my work is affordable, and not for everyone. I’m able to speak about the aspects of the work that excite me instead of feeling like I need to justify my labour!
How did you come up with the name for it?
The blog is called Nerd Time with Brianna because – a) I am a huge nerd about art and printmaking and, b) I’m very informal and conversational.
I push back on the “professionalism” that expects artists to be known primarily by their family name.
The blog allows my collectors to dive a little deeper into the process behind the works, or the ideas (in my interviews with various collaborators). It also allows me to contribute to the open-source-network of strategies and techniques that printmakers share with one another so readily. We’re very much “a rising tide lifts all boats” type of community.
“I was always proud of the design, a bit sheepish about the writing.”
This isn’t so much a question of “overcoming” as it is being strategic. I knew that my strengths, especially in the early part of my creative career, were in visuals. Rather than spend time trying to become a writer on top of trying to become an artist and small business owner, I leaned into the things that I felt only I could do, and I worked with others in a way that enhanced both of our contributions.
Instead of trying to improve my creative writing in poetry or fiction, I’ve improved my creative non-fiction writing for the purposes of social media captions, blog posts, product descriptions, etc. In recent years I’ve learned to trust myself more in terms of knowing what I like and what I’m less enthusiastic about outside of the world of visual arts. I think it’s important as a creative business owner to be able to switch between the creative brain and the critical brain.
From quitting your full-time job to moving to a new province, all while reinventing your career. You’ve had more than just a few bad days. What has kept you going during those days? Do you have any self-care rituals to keep you grounded and balanced?
I read somewhere that our coping mechanisms are developed in young adulthood, and I think that’s accurate because my response to teenage angst was to devour many novels every week. Reading has always been my safe space. I strongly believe in escapism, not only for making you feel better in the moment but to better prepare you to tackle whatever reality is waiting for you.
I often feel like my brain is just fifteen simultaneous and overlapping narratives at all times unless I am reading. A book narrows my focus and allows me to relax. Tea and cookies also help!
Having checked off your goal for self-employment this year, what’s one piece of advice you would give to the people who want to achieve the same.
Surround yourself with people who have similar goals. My social sphere has been mostly artists for years, and artists have a thing we do where we’re afraid of “selling out” so we tell ourselves and each other “the money doesn’t matter”. It’s made a big difference for me to have a few close friends who consider the business end of the arts as carefully and enthusiastically as they consider the artwork production end. My friend/collaborator Kim McCollum is a painter and textile artist, and whenever we sit down to talk about a new project “it might look like this” is always closely followed by “and we might market it like this” which feels magical to me.
In financial terms: decide your monthly budget and work towards earning that in your side-hustle/ partial self-employment. When you’re close to earning it every month AND you’ve saved a 6-month buffer, then consider transitioning to full time.
Let’s talk Books!!What’s that one book that had a deep impact on you, and why?
I have read Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery probably once a year since I was 12 or 13. It’s a book that strikes me differently every time I reread it. I love Anne’s reconciliation of imagination and reality.
Have you read anything good recently?
Define recently, haha. I read at least a bit of a novel every day, but I do abandon them if they don’t resonate by ¼ through. A couple of weeks ago I read and loved Circe by Madeline Miller. It was a book that was painful at times, the heroine seems to vacillate between enduring her circumstances and reclaiming her agency, and the enduring was heavy. But the ending was super satisfying/soothing.
Honestly, I read a lot of sci-fi/fantasy and romance. One of my top favourite series is Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews.
What does your morning routine look like?
I am not what you’d call a morning person. I snooze my alarm multiple times and have spent a lot of my life getting ready in the least possible amount of time. These days, in the new flush of self-employment, I have my tea, bagel and iron supplements, and breakfast tends to blend into the beginning of the creative workday. My favourite thing is when I’m so excited about a project that I can’t wait to get started.
Let’s talk fashion!! How did you get into designing your own clothes?
I learned to sew properly from my mom, who learned from her mom, which I love. For most of my childhood, I made clothes for my barbies. This has a huge advantage of taking very little fabric and laying the groundwork for an ingrained idea of how clothes function sculpturally. I feel like I developed my personal style kind of late in my teens which I blame on my high school uniform.
I think my closet is 20% handmade and 80% thrifted. The center of this Venn diagram is clothing construction and fabrics that hold up long enough to be grown out of. I would describe my aesthetic as “art school academia”. Think Dark Academia but more colours and a little weirder.
Oh, also I did a year of fashion design university, but I determined it wasn’t for me. I knew how to sew going in, but I learned a lot about fibres in my history of textiles class. My favourite fun fact is that there is a fibre that was simultaneously synthesized in two different labs, and when they both applied for a patent, they couldn’t determine who did it first and split the credit between both labs. That fibre is nylon, aka New York and London.
We briefly talked about your love and passion for colours. How does colour inspire your art? Do you have a favourite colour? And, why?
I definitely have a favourite colour palette: think fall colours. I love rusty reds, light browns, and pale greens. I rarely if ever use the colour black in my work (or even on my website, it’s all dark gray). I am often physically cold, and I joke that I try to warm myself up with my art. My colour choices in art and fashion have significant overlap and I often accidentally or purposefully match my ink to my outfit. The most elaborate case of this was at a studio fundraiser where I was live printing a pale pink layer on the Vandercook letterpress, and I wore a matching all pink suit.
Do you have a skincare routine?
My skincare routine is very minimal. I cleanse with a gentle, drug store, a liquid cleanser that says “moisturizing” or “for dry skin” on it. (I’m not very loyal, haha, it’s a different one every time I run out). and I moisturize with a daytime moisturizer with SPF. Nighttime moisturizer sans SPF.
What about makeup?
Concealer and lipstick when I’m feeling fancy. I have been genetically blessed with long eyelashes. Wearing a mask for so long has tempted me to do something in the way of eye makeup but I never really got around to it.
Q: Do you have a beauty product that you cannot go without?
Okay, this is a little strange maybe, but a large Velcr roller for my bangs as they dry, otherwise they lie directly on my forehead.
Q: Do you have a beauty philosophy?
I believe that feeling put together or pretty can be just huge for my confidence. I believe in talking myself up, in complimenting myself in the mirror. One thing I like to do is describe myself as if I were the protagonist in a novel (in like, a novel written by a woman).
But sometimes, you’ve just got to *ahem* take care of yourself. Is this normal? Or maybe you’ve walked in on your lover doing the same thing. That can feel awkward at best and like a betrayal at worst.
But is it cause for concern?
That notion that you’re cheating on your lover by using your vibrator? A total myth.
We often interpret our lover’s solo self-pleasure routine to mean that we don’t satisfy them. And that means they must not be attracted to us anymore. Not true!!
In fact, the opposite is true.
The more you reinforce the benefits of self-pleasure as a couple and as individuals while continuing to communicate about your sex life, the better sex you’ll have. Working together to achieve billions of orgasms for everyone is part of the fun of sex in general, right?
If your or your partner feels insecure because of the other’s self-openly and honestly, this happens to the best of us; it’s best to talk it through. Reassure your lover that it has nothing to do with your feelings for your partner, or your sexual satisfaction. Remember, the journey to endless pleasure starts with open and honest communication.
Your partner does not like you indulging in self-pleasure without you. Have a conversation about it. Listen to them. It’s the unravelling of all these complex layers where we find hidden gems of intimacy and pleasure. The more you encourage the talk about your individual self-love practices in an open and honest way without judgment or shame, the better it will be for your relationship.
Self-pleasure isn’t cheating and being partnered up doesn’t constitute ownership anyhow. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, your body is your own. Why do you need someone’s permission to touch yourself? Claim your sexual agency. Take ownership of your body and its needs.
It simply comes down to a person doing what they want, and it’s an amazing way to love yourself and get in touch with your own energy. Self-pleasure with intention, and really feel yourself. Like with any self-care practice, if you focus on your creativity and positivity, you can use the powerful energy to help you through the day.
This post first appeared on The Pleasure Plus. Written by yours truly 🙂
Cancers, in general, are thought to be sentimental, emotional caregivers who have a rep for being moody and snuggling up into their shells, refusing to come out until they’ve thoroughly processed their emotions. Are you feeling it too?
The new moon that occurs in Cancer today gives us a chance to understand our emotions on a deeper level. Today, take some time to check in with your emotional journey. It isn’t about sitting in a pool of feelings. It’s far more action-oriented.
You might be compelled to look at reasons why you’ve hidden your genuine self or put your individual needs on the backburner. Are you feeling it too?
Shine a light on the more sensitive subjects in your mind. You’ll want to stand even more in your truth and embrace whatever it is that makes you unique.
We can’t pour from an empty cup. The most important ritual to adhere to on this New Moon is taking a generous pause. Are you caring for yourself the way you care for your friends? If you find yourself craving the moments of calm, honour those feelings. It’s essential to carve out time and space away from a partner, to really connect with ourselves, body, mind, and soul – our own learnings, outlook, and personal philosophy.
Ask yourself: Where am I closed off and disconnected from my emotional self and inner truth? Where have I shut myself off from new opportunities because of heartbreak, failures, and disappointments?
So, the message of this moment is to identify how you’re feeling and then allow it to fuel big changes and breakthroughs that this new moon intends to bring. Switch off from distractions, allowing space to listen quietly to your own needs and intuition, voice, and inner knowing to gain more clarity. And trust that this new moon brings you the magic, even if you can’t see it yet.
One of the biggest reasons we fail to get there is we get into our head- the clitoral system takes 20-40 min to engorge. That’s right we get hard too! That amount of time can feel like a burden- stress- and lots of other thoughts can drift in. Get comfortable with knowing it takes time. Remember your lover would not be there if that’s not something they enjoyed.
Take off the pressure- you can always go from down there to kissing or fingering or eye gazing to play with multi- sensations.
Releasing Shame of “it is taking too long” because this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
2) Trusting your partner is essential
The vulva is an incredibly intimate part of your body, so you must feel safe with your lover, even in casual situations. Let go of your inhibitions and focusing on what feels good to you can bring you unforgettable pleasure. The best oral sex is the one for which you are completely present. To be in someone’s mouth, to let them pleasure you, and to be completely present at that moment is simultaneously empowering and vulnerable, and it simply cannot be done without communication and mutual trust.
3) Try different positions
Experiment with face-sitting. Get on top and ride the face of your partner. Doing so will allow you to take control and guide the direction of your partner’s lips and tongue at the angle you need for maximum stimulation.
4) Listen to your partner’s unique body
We vulva owners are all different so having a partner that pays attention to your body’s energy is essential. Figuring out what works for your lover is so essential. If you think oral sex is a one-tongue-fits-all situation, then you’ll be disappointed (so will your lover).
5) Stimulate other erogenous zones simultaneously
Going straight to licking or touching the clitoris can be overwhelming for many. Instead, try kissing and nibbling the thighs. Rub/play with the nipples as you go down on them. Try massaging the mons with your palm before oral sex. Run your tongue lightly along the labia. Right before you move in for the clitoris—it will light up nerve endings like fireworks!
6) Treat your legs to something sensual
If you have a favourite oil, lotion, or spray, you might be able to use its aromatic appeal to slip into a more erotic state of mind and body. Bonus points if your partner loves it, too. Use your lover’s favourite scented lotion that you wear, and slather some on your inner thighs.
7) Give your lover directions
Tell your lover what you really, really want. Or, if words fail you now, you can gently touch your partner’s head and gently pull them in when it feels good.
8) The Clitoris
After building your lover to all that amazing oral sex action, the clitoris is a great place to focus attention. Some love gentle licks and slow sucking on the clit. The aftermath? A surprisingly powerful orgasm.
9) After care
Cupping the vulva can feel safe- grounding and deeply connecting- simply hold your hands over your lovers over your entire vulva, feel the embrace and stay there.
Alternatively – this could be the starting place for even more playtime- at this point you have juices flowing – this can be the perfect primer for penetration.
This post was written in collaboration with ThePleasurePlus.
