I Loved American Girl Dolls So Much As A Kid, I Literally Majored In American Culture

Sep 01, 2023

Welcome to Polterzeitgeist: The Pop Culture That Haunts Us, an essay series that explores widely-experienced pop culture moments and their effects — both the good and the bad — on our personal lives.

I turn every museum visit into a game: based on the hair and clothing within the artwork, I can guess its date down to the decade. While I could chalk this up to my cultural college degree and fashion history classes, my love for all things material culture stems from one thing: American Girl dolls.

While my family had plenty of Barbies and baby dolls as small children, my grandmother waited until our sixth birthday to gift us our first American Girl doll. This was the first gift that I was aware was special and needed to be taken care of — apparently, since I would grow up to be a doll collector, that’s one lesson I held tightly!

Image via Chloe Williams/B+C

When I finally turned six and opened up my doll (the 1800s pioneer Kirsten Larson), I immediately fell in love with the attention to detail. Everything from the amber necklace to the wooden spoon and calico dress were like pieces of a puzzle that clicked into place. From that moment onward, my childhood (and the childhoods around me), was marked by American Girl-related memories.

The dolls swept the nation when Pleasant T. Rowland founded the company in the 1980s (it earned $1 million its first year, which equates to $2.8 million today). Kids loved to mark up the never-ending stream of catalogues, and the colorful department stores were filled with buzzy excitement as the brand presented history in a new, accessible way. Samantha: An American Girl Holiday premiered on TV during November of 2004 (I distinctly remember watching it with my cousin in Jersey the same weekend I fell in love with New York City), and it paved the way for other movies based on the beloved characters.

After I received my first doll, I began completing both my own chores and extra tasks in a whirlwind of determination and spunk so I could buy more characters like Samantha and Kit with my own money, and for years to come, every one of my wish lists was nothing but American Girl-themed.

As a tactile learner, having the products in front of me was vital to understanding life before I was born. My collection continued to grow as I found the chapter books, then the cookbooks, then the cultural guides. I couldn't get my hands on them fast enough.

My love for creative writing and stories started with fantasy, but realizing that these time periods filled with beautiful clothing, food, and homes were real captured my attention in a different way. While there’s always room to grow, these stories didn’t shy away from history and some of its horrors. They centered girls who escaped slavery, empathized with completely different life experiences, and fought for women’s rights. These stories definitely served as an educational (albeit fictional) foundation for expanding my worldview.

My mother has also mentioned that in true Type-A, oldest daughter fashion, I refused to dress the dolls in clothing that wasn't from their time period. Go figure.

Image via Chloe Williams/B+C

As I got older, I enrolled in every history class I could take, and by the time I graduated high school, I finally figured out that I cared more about the culture — the ins and outs of everyday life, the chores, the clothing — than objective historical events.

I studied American Southern Studies and Creative Writing at UNC-Chapel Hill, and spent all four years getting swept away by my classes. We studied items like quilts and biscuits, and had to go to the State Fair as an assignment. My peers talked about the classism they experienced, and we had very candid conversations around race after the KKK and Proud Boys showed up on campus. I took film classes, literature classes, and fashion classes. I learned as much as I could about the people that came before me (and the ones I’m surrounded by), and that multidisciplinary approach completely changed my life.

As a writer, I have always had a constant stream of characters and story ideas in mind, and knowing that our emotions were also experienced hundreds of years ago makes life so much richer. These people fell in love and they had hopes and they dreamed about a better future. All the facets of my education allows me to empathize with strangers I talk to on the street, people I interview, and friends I live life with. But I probably never would have chosen that degree if my grandmother hadn’t gotten me that first American Girl doll.

That's why toys are so important. Not only do they introduce us to creativity, empathy, and relationships, but they reflect what we value as a society, what we’re willing to spend time and money on.

So every time I go to a museum, while I might use my fashion history knowledge, I can't help but remember certain cultural details because I saw them on an American Girl doll first.

Did you own American Girls dolls growing up? Let us know who your favorite was and check out our email newsletter for more pop culture moments!

Lead image via American Girl/Graphic by Michelle Hua/B+C

Why Is The Internet Freaking Out About The Old Age TikTok Filter?

The passage of time has always made me a little anxious. I used to cry every year on the night before my birthday — not because I was sad about getting older in and of itself, but because I knew life was always changing. That's pretty dramatic for a nine-year-old, but considering my most-anticipated summer movie of 2023 (Barbie) literally asks, "Do you guys ever think about dying?" it feels pretty on-brand.

Negative Reactions To TikTok's Aging Filter

www.tiktok.com

Since going through college and learning to live on my own, I've gotten more comfortable with the idea of growing old, but there is one recent trend that has really thrown me (and the rest of the internet) for a loop: TikTok's new aging filter.

If you haven't watched the endless videos (or seen the dermatologists explaining why it's accurate...yikes), this new filter on TikTok paints a very realistic portrait of what you could look like in the future. Wrinkles, sagging skin, discoloration — you name it, the filter picks up on it.

What began as a joke has turned into something that's actually somewhat alarming to me because of how vocal everyone is about hating what they look like.

In Kylie Jenner'sTikTokwith the filter, which has 125.4M views, she declares "I don't like it, I don't like it at all." Comments on Jenner's video range from "You'll never age, you'll always be stunning" to "I cried when I saw mine."

On a lighter note, some comments on videos like @jakemydlo10's are making me laugh out loud. Some people exclaim "I look like I'm feeding snow white a poisoned apple" or that "mine looked like i fought in the 2nd world war."

Looking Beyond The Old Age TikTok Filter

www.tiktok.com

#greenscreenvideo Am I pretty yet💔 #influencerface #nataliadyerplasticsurgery

And in July 2022, aesthetic injector @np.miranda went viral for making a video about how she would change Stranger Things star Natalia Dyer's face. (Because of the negative response, she deleted the video but you can see a reaction here.)

We're constantly inundated with how-to's and products to stop the aging process, or steps we can take to make us "more beautiful." The wildest product I've seen yet has beenthe straw that supposedly helps you avoid lip wrinkles. Like...come on y'all.

It feels like we're told growing older means we're getting less beautiful, less desirable, and less "useful" — especially as women. I'm constantly hearing that aging is something worth crying over, when it's really something we should celebrate! After all, how can you achieve Coastal Grandmother status if you don't age?

We've spent years curating beauty products and photoshop apps to make sure that we look exactly the way we want to. Because of this, I know firsthand that seeing something uncomfortable makes me want to take off in the other direction. But wrestling with the "why" behind it will teach us way more about ourselves than if we ignore it altogether.

Since trying the aging filter, I've had to ask myself what about it actually makes me uncomfortable. Am I afraid of getting older, or am I afraid of looking "bad"? Am I afraid of what the world could look like in 60 years?

Why We Should Celebrate Aging

www.tiktok.com

Our anniversary is tomorrow 🥹🫶🏼🤍🤭& I had a dream I was pregnant with baby 5. #motherhoodunfiltered #motherhoodunplugged #realmomlife #husbandandwife #husbandwifecomedy #trending #agefilter #pastorswife #sundayafternoon #sundayafterchurch

Even though the anti-aging market is worth 18.34 billion dollars in 2023, I think the reaction to this filter is directed at more than just physical appearance. There are so many emotions that seeing yourself as an older person could evoke. Maybe it reminds you that time is limited, or you look like a family member you're estranged from. Or it reminds you of the difficulty that aging can bring. The fear of the unknown is a very real thing, and the chaos of life can make us uneasy.

But just like every decade of our lives thus far has brought exciting and alarming things, that's not going to stop after we turn [insert your own dreaded age here]. Aging means you're overcoming milestones and learning how to grow into the best version of yourself.

That's not to say growing old won't come with its own problems, insecurities, or pain. But what stage of life hasn't come with those things?

I think of all the older people in my life and how much I look to their wisdom, their consistency, and their encouragement. As I age, I want to spend time and energy building up the same qualities, not spending all of my resources trying to stave off the inevitable.

Amidst all of the crazy reactions to the filter, it's also created some pretty cool moments on the social app. Creators like @cecilybauchmann are using the filter with their significant others to get a glimpse into their futures (I'm not crying, you are). @cararosedipietro, who's been open about her mother's passing was able to feel close to her mother in a whole new way when she used it.

When I tried the filter, among the gray hair and dark spots, the most prominent feature were wrinkles around my mouth, like I had spent the last 60 years smiling more than anything else — which at the end of the day, will be more important to me than whether or not I look "old."

What do you think about the old age TikTok filter? Check out our email newsletter for more thought-starters and lifestyle pieces.

Lead image via Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

9 "Surprising" Foods That Taste Better (And Last Longer) Outside The Fridge

Lately, I’ve been paying closer attention to my grocery receipts. It’s not just the price of eggs — everything feels more expensive, and it's made me think more intentionally about how to make my food last longer. I’ve always hated wasting food. Not only is it tough on the planet, it’s tough on my budget, too. Americans toss out about 38 percent of our food — that’s the equivalent of 145 billion meals ending up in landfills (yikes!). Sure, a big chunk of that comes from restaurants, but even at home, being mindful of waste feels like a win for both the environment and my wallet.

So, instead of putting my groceries away haphazardly, I want to make sure I'm storing everything exactly how — and where — it should go. Luckily, I've learned there are some foods that actually last longer outside of the fridge. And they might surprise you!

Scroll to see the foods you don't need to refrigerate after all...

Alena Darmel

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

Rens D

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

Elle Hughes

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

Shutterstock

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

Pixabay

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

Gil Ndjouwou

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

Natalia Olivera

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

Eric Prouzet

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

Kaboompics.com

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!

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Kari Matchett On Persistence, Playing Complex Women, And The Power Of A Good Salad

Kari Matchett has lived a hundred lives. From heartfelt rom-coms to superhero shows, she's portrayed a variety of different characters, and in Netflix's unexpected hit showThe Night Agent, she takes on a new role: President of the United States.

"I have to express how incredible it was to be able to pretend to be the president," she says. "I imagined what it would be like to do good with that power. And that was so exciting to even fantasize about."

In The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk, the book that inspired the series, President Travers is actually a man. Matchett instead turned the character into something brand new, allowing her to dream about what a world we haven't lived in yet. "It was very exciting to imagine that that kind of change or positive change would be possible in that position," she says. "I do feel like whether you're the President of the United States or you just do whatever you [do] in your life, you do have the choice and the power to do good."

To bring that dream into her real-life, she had to expand her approach to character work. While she usually listens to music or watches projects with a similar tempo, she focused on the President's thoughts and motivations for The Night Agent.

"There was, for me, the necessity of having a very strong internal life," she says. Since the President isn't in every scene, Matchett needed to know every detail of the character, including what she was doing before walking into the room. "I had this whole other hall of her life happening internally, and that helped me prepare for [filming], to know what had come before, what was coming after, and what was going on within me personally and politically."

That internal work does more than bolster any individual scene — it shines through the whole series, especially in the scenes shared with the other women.

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The Night Agent | Official Trailer | Netflix

Instead of taking a one-dimensional or male-dominated approach, the series is full of complex female characters, like Luciane Buchanan's Rose, Hong Chau's Diane, and Eve Harlow's Ellen. The women differ in everything from personality traits and motivations to fashion choices.

"When I read the script [I] was thrilled that these women were in these incredible power positions in the story," she says. Creator Shawn Ryan and his team of writers took it upon themselves to highlight the power of these women, and how they're making their own way in the world.

As someone who's spent over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Matchett understands the ins and outs of making her own way in the world. "The only thing that I come back to over and over and over again is how can I continue? What do I want next? What do I want that I'm not getting and how do I get it?" she says. "And I think the answer that comes up over and over and over again is if I want to continue doing it. And I do, and you just don't give up."

Growing up, her father (who she credits as a "very, very wise man") always reminded her that any professional, award-winner, or Olympian only got to that point because they never gave up. "Everybody's on a different trajectory. Some people have massive success right out of the gate. Some people don't start working regularly for ten years. It doesn't make one person better than the other, it's just how their life unfolds."

In those periods of waiting, or the moments when you're struggling, it's important to hold on to your why. "Sometimes there are things you can do better [or] differently, sometimes there's not. But the key thing is you just keep doing it. And somehow I think that decision breaks down of all that inevitably. [It] presents itself at various points in your life."

Rapid Fire With Kari Matchett

Image via Angelo Kritikos

B+C: Your Instagram bio says that you're a water baby, and I would love to know if you love the beach or the lake?

KM: I grew up around lakes in Saskatchewan and in Canada, [and in the winter] it gets so cold and it's like deep, deep freeze. And then the summer hits and everybody goes to the lake...So I love I just love being by the water and in the water and then being in the ocean. I surf a little. I love being surrounded by the waves andI feel at home when I'm by the water. It's just my place in the world.

B+C: What's your favorite recipe to make?

KM: If I ever go over to anybody's house for dinner, I am always the designated salad person. So if I were to ever open a restaurant, it would be a salad restaurant. I believe in the power of salads. I'm particularly in love with arugula [and I love] different variations. So a little bit of olive oil, the best sea salt, [and] a squeeze of lemon juice. You can do no wrong.

B+C: What's your best productivity hack?

KM: Exercise first. Oxygenate your brain. Before I do anything — before I go to set, before I begin any day, almost every day. And I say almost because there are days that it just doesn't quite happen. But almost every day I wake up, I do yoga, I breathe [and] it sets my body straight. It sets my mind straight. It clears me.

B+C: What is your comfort movie?

KM: My favorite comfort movie is Ratatouille. It makes me so happy...I have to drink a glass of red wine when I watch Ratatouille.

B+C: What is your favorite candle scent?

KM: I like lemongrass. Like a soy candle. I like it. I only like natural sense of something from an essential oil...I love like a kind of a woody, sandalwood patchouli that kind of woody sense as well.

Check out our other interviews for more inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Lead image via Angelo Kritikos

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11 Easy Anti-Inflammatory Snacks You Can Make At Home

Snacking on an anti-inflammatory diet means avoiding processed foods at all costs, even though grab-and-go options may look really good. Your best bet for curing your hunger is to whip up some anti-inflammatory snacks at home, so you know exactly what’s going into it – ingredients that won’t trigger any tummy problems.

Luckily, there’s a ton of options that don’t require a lot of time or effort. These 11 anti-inflammatory snacks are downright delicious, nourishing, and so simple.

From sweet treats to savory bites, see our top anti-inflammatory snacks below!

Kurt Andre

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is an especially refreshing snack come summertime. Make sure yours is packed with berries for all those good antioxidants! (via Francesca Bean for Brit + Co)

Melanie Burke

Easy Green Smoothie

Leafy greens should be a go-to if you're eating to fight inflammation. This easy smoothie recipe makes eating more spinach super simple. Plus, it's boosted with protein powder to keep you feelin' full! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba

Homemade Hummus

Both olive oil and turmeric are anti-inflammatory, and this hummus contains plenty of each. This quick recipe shapes up to be the tastiest dip for chips and veggie sticks, which come in handy if you're craving a savory snack. (via Brit + Co)

Justina Huddleston

Simple Trail Mix

High in high in healthy fats and antioxidants, nuts like walnuts and almonds are great for eating on an anti-inflammatory diet – but sometimes eating a plain handful of 'em gets pretty boring. Mix up your very own trail mix for a reliable option! (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Shameel Mukkath

3-Ingredient Tzatziki Sauce

Who knew some non-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and lemon juice could turn into the tastiest anti-inflammatory snack?! Plus, it's high in protein, thanks to the yogurt. Dip it or spread it, you'll want a batch of this sauce in your fridge 24/7. (via Chloe Williams for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Almond Butter Fruit Stacks

Simple ingredients can truly make the best snacks. For this one, use minimally-processed almond butter and some low-sugar chocolate chips to take it easy on your tum. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Toast

This hearty helping of sweet potato and chickpeas makes a great pick-me-up with zero processed ingredients. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Greek Yogurt Dip

This Greek yogurt dip recipe comes with three fun ways to customize your bite, so you have options. (via Brit + Co)

Gabi Conti

Raspberry Cacao Chia Seed Pudding

Berries, cacao, and chia – oh my! This semi-sweet chia pudding bowl is made up of nothing but whole foods to keep any extra inflammation at bay. (via Gabi Conti for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Feta Avocado Toast with Balsamic

Avocados are abundant in healthy fats that can be beneficial for an anti-inflammatory diet, so avo toast is the perfect snack! We highly recommend smothering this recipe on sourdough bread and topping your toast with feta and tomatoes. (via Brit + Co)

Munching with Mariyah

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups

Using refined sugar-free chocolate and all-natural peanut butter (or any other kind of nut butter you love) lets you snack on these Reese's-inspired treats without worrying about a flare-up. Score! (via Munching with Mariyah)

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Your Weekly Horoscope Is In — & It's "Magical" For These 5 Signs

Get ready for this week's weeklyhoroscope, because Aries season just got a whole lot more interesting. Not only is the Sun still blazing in this fiery sign, but we're welcoming Neptune into the Aries party – and trust me, this is a game-changer. Think less daydreaming, more doing. This week's astro-weather is all about turning those big, beautiful visions into tangible realities, not just for us, but for the whole planet. Get ready to channel your inner warrior for good, because the universe is giving us the green light to make some serious magic happen. Let's dive into your weekly horoscope!

Scroll to see your zodiac sign's weekly horoscope for March 30-April 5, 2025.

Taryn Archambault

This weekly horoscope is all about Aries— not only because the Sun is in Aries, but because Neptune has just entered the sign. Neptune, the ruler of Pisces, embodies peace and ethereal wisdom, while Aries is bold, courageous, and a warrior. This shift presents a powerful opportunity: instead of just dreaming of a more just and equal world, we can take real steps toward making it a reality—not only for humanity but for all species and ecosystems. It’s a big task, but history offers inspiration. The last time Neptune entered Aries, in 1864, the International Red Cross was founded to provide aid to war-wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they fought for. That altruistic mission has endured for 161 years.

Neptune spends roughly 14 years in each sign, shaping the collective outlook of an entire generation. Moving from Pisces, the zodiac’s final and most intuitive sign, into Aries, the first and most action-oriented sign, marks the start of a new cycle. While Neptune may take time to adjust to Aries’ fiery energy, we have an opportunity to manifest the highest potential of this pairing—using Aries’ drive to actively pursue Neptune’s vision of peace.

This week also brings other planetary movements that support positive action. On April 4, Saturn sextiles Uranus, blending Saturn’s discipline with Uranus’ inventive, out-of-the-box thinking. This energy encourages us to take calculated risks and work hard toward meaningful goals, transforming chaos into order.

Mallory Vandervelde

Adding to the momentum, Mars sextiles Uranus on the same day. This alignment delivers an extra push to innovate, experiment, and pursue what makes us feel free and authentic. Trust your instincts—if there’s a move you’ve been considering to bring more fulfillment into your life, this is a great time to make it happen.

On April 6, Venus trines Mars, blending love and beauty with action and drive. These two planets will continue this harmonious dance for months, sparking creativity and passion. It’s a great time to expand social activities and embrace the fresh, inviting energy of spring. Assertiveness and affection will be well-balanced, making it easier to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships. Advocate for yourself and take charge of your life.

For a deeper and more personalized look at how these and other transits affect you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Zodiac Sign's Weekly Horoscope Here!

Brit + Co

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Ensure your projects are grounded in reality. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Conserve your energy for attainable goals and refine your ideas before taking action. This dreamy phase is excellent for creativity, so carve out a space where you can freely create. Prioritize your artistic or personal passions and allow fluidity in the process.

Brit + Co

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You stand at the edge of profound personal growth. Take time for quiet reflection, deepen your spiritual practice, and open your heart to intuitive insights. Use any tools that help you expand your understanding of the universe and your place in it. Patience is key; setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for cleansing and realignment. Release anything that no longer serves your highest evolution.

Brit + Co

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

It may feel like you’re the only competent one, and doing everything yourself seems easier than waiting for others to catch up. However, be cautious—this can lead to resentment. Instead, evaluate your role within your group or community. You are a natural leader, so set boundaries and teach others rather than shouldering all the work. Empowering others lightens your load and strengthens your influence.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

This may be a confusing period. Ask yourself: does your outward persona truly reflect who you are? Reflect on the different aspects of your personality and whether you’ve been limiting yourself. Explore new interests beyond your daily routine. You might find that career ambitions shift once you connect with other facets of yourself. Avoid impulsive decisions; instead, organize your life to accommodate both stability and growth.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Trust the universe and your intuition. Let go of ego-driven desires, power struggles, and the need to control. Mystical insights will emerge when you surrender to the flow. Explore art, culture, or travel to broaden your horizons. Seek out experiences that challenge and expand your understanding of the world. Engaging with diverse perspectives will lead to exciting and meaningful interactions.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

You are entering a deeply introspective and spiritual phase. Peel back the layers of ego, dive into your subconscious, and strengthen your connection to the cosmos. This period offers a chance for self-transformation, leading to a more peaceful, authentic version of yourself. Establish rituals that nurture your higher self. However, don’t neglect daily responsibilities—especially financial matters, which require extra attention now.

Brit + Co

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Clear, direct communication is crucial, particularly in your relationships. Honesty and transparency will serve you best. If conflicts arise, practice Nonviolent Communication (as taught by Marshall Rosenberg). Keep your eyes open and scrutinize agreements carefully—have contracts reviewed by a professional before signing. Take a cautious, discerning approach in your interactions until intentions become clear.

Brit + Co

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Listen to your body’s signals. Seasonal transitions can make you more susceptible to illness, so prioritize self-care. Strengthen your immune system with healthy habits. You may also be more sensitive to substances like alcohol or processed foods—moderation is key. Your heightened intuition will guide you when assessing new opportunities; trust your instincts and be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

You are entering an exceptionally creative phase. Push beyond your current perceptions of what creativity means to you. Experiment with new methods and techniques while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable. Inspiration can strike from unexpected places, so stay open. However, avoid speculative risks for now. Instead, channel this ethereal energy into artistic and imaginative pursuits.

Brit + Co

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

The comfort of home may be especially appealing, but ask yourself whether you’re using it as an escape. If so, redirect that energy into creative activities that soothe your soul, such as gardening, tending to your houseplants or growing kitchen herbs. Establish meaningful rituals to connect with your inner self. If emotions feel overwhelming, seek guidance from a counselor or trusted advisor to gain perspective.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Communication requires extra care. Before expressing heartfelt emotions or presenting ideas, take time to clarify your thoughts. Negotiations are especially delicate—pay close attention to details, and seek legal counsel before signing agreements. This is also an excellent period for writing or refining creative projects. Diligence will pay off, allowing you to produce some of your most compelling work.

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Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Be mindful with finances and possessions. If something promises quick riches, be skeptical. You may feel slightly disoriented, so detach from rigid expectations. Approach material matters with a spiritual mindset—do your belongings bring joy and elevate your energy? Take time to assess what truly adds value to your life and let go of anything that no longer serves you.

For more insights on how these and other planetary transit impact you, visit SevenSistersAstrology.com for a personalized reading.

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