You Can Officially Get Hair Like Blake Lively Thanks To Her New Target Line Dropping This Weekend

Unveiling Cécred's Launch In Ulta

Grace Ray, the CEO of Cécred shared how excited the brand is to launch in a major beauty retailer like Ulta in a press release. She said, "Expanding into retail just one year after the launch of Cécred is a powerful testament to the efficacy of our products and the deep connection we've built with our community," (via PR Newswire). She also said, "Our partnership with Ulta Beauty and their salons enables us to bring the Cécred transformation to more consumers of all hair types and textures and experience the benefits directly with a stylist they trust. Ulta Beauty shared our vision for how the brand would come to life in retail in an unprecedented way, and we can't wait for everybody to experience this new chapter with us."

Want to know if Ulta is equally excited about the partnership? Look no further than the retailer's CEO Kecia Steelman. She told PR Newswire, "Launching Cécred exclusively at Ulta Beauty is an exciting milestone for both of us and a reflection of our commitment to partner with brands that work for everyone. From our inclusive brand assortment and best-in-class services to the passionate associates delivering unmatched experiences on our sales floor and in our salon chairs, we offer the perfect landscape to introduce this brand in a unique and engaging way."

Not only that, but Steelman says Ulta feels "honored to co-create a vision that will delight" customers and "drive success" for them as well as Cécred.

Additionally, Ulta Beauty and Cécred are offering an exclusive salon experience for customers. Stylists will be trained on how to effectively use products to offer the following services:

• Cécred Scalp Revival: "Creates a foundation for healthy hair with a gentle exfoliation that nourishes your scalp, removes flakes and buildup, and helps keep your hair hydrated. This service includes a signature Cécred circulation scalp massage. It can be paired with any Cécred treatment and any finished style."
• Cécred Protein Bounceback Treatment: "Features Cécred’s Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual to help strengthen hair and make it 3x more resistant to breakage. The Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner ensures a perfect protein-moisture balance, deeply nourishing hair while supporting everyday wear and tear."
• Cécred Hydration & Repair Treatment: "Repairs and restores hair weakened by color, heat, chemical services, and extensions. This service includes Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask, which reduces damage in just one use, and Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner to deeply nourish and maintain the ideal protein-moisture balance."

Beginning May 18, Cécred Sundays will take place at a "select 200 The Salon at Ulta Beauty locations!" It'll be a recurring event catered to customers who are looking for a relaxation during their hair appointments, plus they'll receive a complimentary mini Temple Oud candle with any of the above services.

I'm all for it because Cécred's on par with brands like Design Essentials, Olaplex, Aveda, Kérastase and Mizani. It might sound biased, but I've sat in the salon chair enough times to know this isn't your average line. But don't just take my word for it.

I spoke with my community to learn more about their experience using Cécred and they were gracious enough to share their hair journeys as well as thoughts about how the haircare brand fits into their overall routine!

1. Carolyn Gray, Content Creator 

My conversation with Caroyln felt like a huge breath of fresh air. There wasn't a need to code switch (something Black women often navigate when communicating in the workplace and otherwise) as we had an open and honest discussion about her hair journey.

"When it comes to hair, I had two amazing perspectives on two ends of the spectrum in my family. I had my grandmother on my mom's side of the family — which is Caribbean — and they were all about relaxing the hair, doing the hair, having the hair salon in the back of the house that everyone would come to. That was their perspective of having refined, relaxed, and always put together hair...Having this idea that's how hair should be," she says.

On the other hand, her grandmother in the Maryland had gorgeous locs who told Carolyn as a child, "Don't ever let them tell you that they're dreadlocks. Ain't nothing dreadful about them." Ultimately Carolyn got a chance to see one group of women who felt like afro hair or natural hair wasn't 'neat' while the other side of her family believed curly hair is beautiful in a spiritual sense.

This helped prepare Carolyn for working in the corporate side of the fashion and fitness worlds. "I had a short perm there [in fitness] and was spoken to about what types of hair was acceptable on the sales floor or not. I started relaxing my hair in high school because it took my mom hours to manage my hair in its natural state and she fell into 'It's just easier for me this way without having to always go to the hair salon,' thing."

Her relaxer lasted from ages 14 until 27, but she's always played around with colors, short cuts, weaves, and even made her own wigs at one point. Though she knew there was a stigma around natural hair, she's always made it a point to have fun no matter what hairstyle she has.

So when Beyoncé announced the launch of Cécred, Carolyn didn't hesitate to send the news to her hairstylist to see how she felt. Her hairstylist's response? "I'm gonna buy the [super] fan bundle! Whatever bundle there is, I'm buying it!."

Carolyn says, "Initially I wanted to get her perspective to see if this would be something to try on my hair. Like, what did she think about the legacy of Beyoncé and her affair with hair as well as her mother's history as a hairstylist." She also reminded me that fans were able to catch a glimpse of Cécred's formulas on a table in her documentary for Renaissance. "I was like, 'what is this gold liquid thing on that table,'" she recalls excitedly.

"I didn't have any negative feeling about it because her mom has been a hairstylist. She [Beyoncé] has to wear weaves and color and I always wondered how she maintained her hair. I also thought how she cares for her hair with all the performing and the things she has to do," she says.

Concerning all of the negative thoughts about Cécred and Beyoncé's hair, Carolyn admits that she was thoroughly surprised at what some people were saying. She actually experienced said negativity in person when she was a part of a panel about Black beauty, but this didn't change her excitement about trying Cécred.

"I feel like my hair looks really healthy and I find that I've had less hair breakage since I've been using it. The reality is that I feel this hair care collection — the entire collection — is replacing the other products I used to maintain my blonde hair and the health of my hair."

She took care to mention that she believes Cécred is on par with Olaplex and K18. "I haven't had as much dandruff either because of that scrubbing shampoo [Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub]. Good Lord, what kind of scrub is that," she says with a laugh. Her only initial gripe is that she wasn't a fan of the shampoo's scent because she has a sensitive nose, but she barely notices it now.

You can watch her full review of Cécred on YouTube.

2. Brittany Waugh, Beauty Content Creator

Brittany's hair journey is one that's void of putting chemicals in her hair. She says, "I grew up with a mom who prioritized healthy haircare. I spent the majority of my early childhood in natural hairstyles, only getting press and curls for holidays." The reason for is this is that her mom didn't want her to have damage from coloring her hair or relying on relaxers like she did. Brittany admits, "Even to this day, I am scared to use chemicals."

However, she used to experience pressure to alter her hair growing up. "I wear wigs often, but also wear my hair in a natural pineapple updo to the gym for convenience. In my house growing up, a new hairstyle every week or every two weeks was mandatory, so I have adopted that. However, as I get older, I don't feel as pressured to do this, but more so changing my hair for my enjoyment and wearing it how I feel comfortable."

Now that Cécred is on the market, Brittany shares that she was a little wary about trying the brand's products for personal reasons. "While I was of course excited because it was coming from Beyoncé, I am a person who rarely changes my routine. When I find products that work for me, unless something spectacular comes along and changes my mind, I stick with the products I know work for me."

She's gone on to embrace the brand and says, "I can truly tell that the entire line was well-produced and developed. I am someone who mutually deals with psoriasis similar to Beyonce, so finding products that help with that flare-up is rare. Their Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub with the Deep Conditioner have helped my scalp and hair more than the products I have been accustomed to."

She shared a brief BTS clip of her admiring Cécred's packaging along with a glimpse of her natural curls on TikTok!

3. Chelsea Hightower, Compensation Professional 

As long as I've known Chelsea, she's always worn her natural hair, and it never occurred to me to ask how she ever felt about it until now. "Growing up, I struggled to fully embrace my natural hair. Being a lifelong natural, I've mostly worn my hair in its natural state. However, as kids, our initial hairstyle choices often reflect our parents' or caretakers' preferences rather than our own," she reflects.

She also says, "My mom chose not to relax my hair when I was young, which greatly influenced my acceptance of my natural hair. However, for a long time, my choice was more influenced by circumstance than by preference. I found myself yearning for relaxed, straight hair, despite my mom’s efforts to encourage me to love my natural curls."

No matter how much her mom encouraged her, it was hard to not be influenced by what she was seeing. Chelsea says, "Most of the women and girls I knew had relaxers, including my mom and eventually my older sister. Despite receiving compliments and praise for my beautiful natural hair, I was still swayed by the prevailing trend of relaxed hair. It wasn't until 9th grade when my mom allowed me to relax my hair that I truly understood and appreciated my natural hair. That single experience of having my hair relaxed was enough to make me realize that I never wanted to do it again—I was mortified by how unnaturally straight and stiff it made my hair feel. I knew I’d be a natural girl for life after that!"

As much as she loves her hair, Chelsea admits that it hasn't always been easy to embrace it in a professional setting due to her own feelings about how she might be perceived. "While no one has explicitly told me to change or straighten my hair, I've felt an internal pressure. With a doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, where I've delved into research on fairness in the workplace and hiring practices, I've come across studies highlighting unconscious biases against people of color based on characteristics like hair," she shares.

Much of her studies and research revealed shocking documented evidence of the biases that POC face due to our hair, definitely playing a role in some of that pressure to conform. She's not afraid to admit that she even made the decision to wear her hair differently when interviewing for her first post-doctorate role. "This concern led me to wear a natural slick-back for some interviews, but for others, I opted for a straight-haired bob wig. Many Black women joke about the 'bait and switch' tactic of wearing a wig or weave for interviews and then revealing their natural hair once hired. That's essentially what I did. Now that I've secured my job, I feel more at ease wearing my natural hair. However, during the interview process, I felt the need to mitigate potential biases by altering my hairstyle."

When I asked her to share her unfiltered thoughts about using Cécred on her curls, Chelsea eagerly shared how her routine has changed since using the brand's products. "I was really impressed with the Cécred line when I first tried it out. I wanted to minimize bias as much as possible, so I made a conscious effort not to let my admiration for Beyoncé as an entertainer influence my perception of her hair products," she says.

This led her to compare Cécred with another hair care line she frequently uses. "I conducted a side-by-side comparison of Cécred and the other brand to judge Cécred’s performance fairly and without bias...the results spoke for themselves. The curls on the side of my hair treated with Cécred appeared shinier and had better definition on Day 2 compared to the side treated with the other brand. I shared my full wash day comparison on social media, and others agreed with my conclusion that Cécred outperformed the other brand." You can watch her comparison video on Instagram!

Ironically, Chelsea immediately loved the scent of Cécred's products, differing from Carolyn's experience. "Being a scent enthusiast, I appreciate the subtly perfumed fragrance of the products. My favorite product from day one has been the Reconstructing Treatment Mask. Everything about it, from its consistency and scent to the softness it imparts to my hair, is *chefs kiss*! This product recently won the 2024 Women's Health Beauty Award for Best Hair Mask, confirming its quality. It's definitely a product worth trying!"

The only issue she has right now is that she wishes the brand offered more styling products, but we'll see what happens as the year unfolds! Knowing Beyoncé and team Cécred, we could see even more surprises unfold this year. They're already scored huge by being in Ulta, so there's no telling what's next!

My Favorite Cécred Picks Found At Ulta

Hydrating Shampoo

If a shampoo claims to be hydrating, I'm all over it because my hair's texture craves moisture. While I wasn't sure what to expect from Cécred's Hydrating Shampoo, I cleared my mind of any preconceived fan bias I may have had prior to using it.

The first thing I noticed is how my coils immediately became bouncy after washing the first section of my hair. That's always my first clue that wash day will go well, so I was excited when that happened.

By the time I finished using the shampoo, my hair was bouncy and incredibly soft.

P.S. It has a slight fragrance, but I actually like it!

Hydrating Conditioner

I don't alway use a conditioner after washing my hair, but I wanted to try Cécred's Hydrating Conditioner to see if it paired well with the Hydrating Shampoo. Once again, I applied the product to each section of my hair and let it saturate my strands for five minutes. Once I rinsed it out, I became convinced that I'd found new staples for my wash day.

Reconstructing Treatment Mask

I love applying hair masks because they give my coils extra TLC, but this Reconstructing Treatment option has put my regular go-to products to shame. It has Cécred's "patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment" in it which helps pump the brakes on damage and improve hair's overall shine.

I honestly didn't notice if my hair seemed shinier after using this, but I didn't notice as much shedding once I rinsed it out. That's a huge plus for me!

Restoring Hair & Edge Drops

Last but not least, Cécred's Restoring Hair & Edge Drops have earned the hype in my opinion. Unlike other serums or growth oils, its texture isn't super thick. In fact, it almost has a watery consistency so you don't need a lot. It doesn't burn and feels like you're applying something handmade by God.

In other words, it feels really good and makes you want to cradle the bottle after you're done making sure your scalp isn't neglected.

My Final Thoughts About Cécred

Whether I'm wearing my natural hair or protective styles, I value using great products to care for my hair no matter what style I'm wearing. As a Black woman, I've faced criticism for having relaxed hair, a pixie cut, braids, sew-ins and more, so I can only imagine how it feels to have Beyoncé's status and watch others decide you're not well-versed enough to have a haircare line.

However, I've searched through hundreds of comments on Cécred's Instagram and there's an overflow of examples of how well the brand works on a variety of hair textures. From people who suffer from alopecia or are looking for products that keep their hair moisturized, Cécred is keeping customers in mind.

P.S. I still can't believe how bouncy and soft it made my coils. The proof is literally in the pudding of the shampoo and restoration mask, so I highly recommend using it!

Cécred's 'A Deeper Understanding Of Hair' Campaign

Just when Cécred couldn't get any better, they decided to parter with the popular creative company Wieden+Kennedy to also launch a new campaign called A Deeper Understanding of Hair!" A dedicated video on Instagram dives into Cécred's manifesto and it sums up how inclusive the brand is. From specialized hair treatments to the immortal silk press, the brand knows that hair tells a story.

Hair isn't uniform and should never be treated as such. I love that Carolyn, Brittany, and Chelsea dove into their varying experiences and upbringings to share how it all helped shape the way they approach their hair today. I'm also a huge fan of the way they separately champion Black women, giving themselves and others permission to truly love their hair — natural texture and all — without succumbing to the idea that they have to fit into a certain beauty standard.

And while this could all come together without Cécred, isn't it wonderful the way Beyoncé's brought us all together? (And made our hair look and feel good while doing it?) I think so, too!

When does the Sephora Savings Event start?

Starting today, Insiders who are a part of Sephora's loyalty program will get a chance to score big on their favorite items. It's free, so you can join today!

Here's the full dates for the sale:

• Rouge: 04/04 — 04/14 (spend $1000/year)
• VIB: 04/08 — 04/14 (spend $350/year
• Insider: 04/08 — 04/14 (free tier)

How much can I save per tier?

Depending on your Insider tier, you can save up to 30!

• Rouge: 20% off
• VIB: 15% off
• Insiders: 10% off
• Sephora Collection: 30% off

What code should I use at checkout?

Don't forget to use the code SAVEMORE when you're ready to checkout!

The Best Skincare Buys From Sephora's Sale

Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum

If you've been dealing with hormonal acne that's left you with inflamed skin or dark spots, we know how frustrating that can be. But you don't have to suffer in silence with skincare like Dieux's Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum exists. Not only does it treat the aforementioned concerns, but it's also good for minimizing pores and treating uneven skin tone!

KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask

I like my skincare like I love my coffee alternatives — full of mushrooms! Even if you have oily or combination skin, hydration's still a good area to focus on. We love recommend KORA Organics' Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask because it targets dry areas while providing a healthy dose of Vitamin C!

Tower 28 Beauty S.O.S Daily Rescue Facial Spray

We love Tower 28 Beauty's S.O.S. Daily Rescue Facial Spray so much that we wrote about it in 2023! It feels like a toner and serum in a bottle because it immediately soothes any allergic reactions we may having. Itchy skin due to pesky breakouts? You'll want to use this. Red or splotchy skin that's triggered by an allergic reaction? This spray won't let you down.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Juicy lips are always in, but we know it's hard to narrow down what to invest in. We prefer Summer Friday's Lip Butter Balm because you're able to choose from various shades and your lips will be protected from painful cracks that may pop up throughout the day.

The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream

Eye creams are our life savers even if we haven't had a rough night! It's unfair, but everyone starts losing the collagen underneath their eyes at a point which makes dark circles rear their head. To combat that, use The INKEY List's Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle formula!

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

If you want extra pillow-soft & kissable lips, we suggest using LANEIGE's Lip Sleeping Mask. Formulated without parabens, your pout will remain hydrated and protected with every use of this. It's so good that it's been ranked as a "community favorite" on Sephora!

innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

We're sharing innisfree's Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask with our combination skin girlies in mind. Though all skin types can use it, we know having dry & oily areas on your face can be tough to conquer. But this mask contains ingredients like AHA that help stabilize your skin's oil production and it also acts as a natural exfoliant.

Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Did you really think we were rushing past your under eye care? We're serious about it and want you to feel your best, so we're sharing Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks. They may be cute to look at, but they also have plumping and hydrating properties that will make you look well-rested.

The Best Makeup Buys From Sephora's Sale

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

We love e.l.f.'s Power Grip Primer, but we know everyone isn't a fan of it's "sticky" feel. To get the same makeup base that it provides, try applying Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder before you put on your foundation or skin tint! It feels like a face balm, but dries down to a hydrating, matte finish that makes your makeup stay in place.

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer

Don't let the "lack" of shade options scare you away because Ami Colé's Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer is spot-on with its shade-matching. The colors are spot-on and they offer a natural finish that's skin-like.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Matte SPF 30

If you want to keep the matte party going, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer has an oil-free and matte version that oily skin will appreciate. It has SPF in it and won't clog your pores like some foundations do.

P.S. It's light coverage, so you may want to follow up with concealer or a loose powder that matches your complexion.

Benefit Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

Lip and cheek blush stains aren't new, but Benefit's version makes us feel like it is. It's long-wearing formula stays in place all day and won't dry your lips out. Did we mention it's also smudge and transfer-proof?

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Setting Powder

Our favorite loose setting powder has to be Huda Beauty's Easy Bake Blurring product. It's non-Comedogenic (goodbye pore-clogging ingredients) and light-weight, so you don't need a lot.

Pro Tip: After pressing your beauty sponge into it, blow off some of the excess product for a flawless look. You can also tap some of the product on the back of your hand to help avoid unnecessary creasing under your eyes.

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray

We haven't tested if ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr's On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is waterproof yet, but we do swear by how long-lasting it is. We're also fond of it being vegan and cruelty-free because that matters too!

MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Stain

Are we being biased about lip and cheek stains? You can say that, but we'll share why. In a world where it's easy to be heavy-handed with a powder, liquid or cream blush, we're all about using products that make our makeup routine easier.

The Best Haircare Buys From Sephora's Sale

T3 SinglePass Curl X 1.25" Ceramic Barrel Curl

In the market for a new curling iron that you don't have to fight tooth and nail with? You'll love T3's Single Pass design! Created with all hair types in mind, it's sleek and has an extra-long barrel that'll fit around your hair without burning it.

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Every time we see honey in a product, we know it's going to give us the hydration we need! In this case, Gisou's Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask contains properties that strengthen your hair while adding shine to it.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

Oils shouldn't weigh your hair down and Olaplex knows this. Their bonding formula gives you the healthiest shine while combatting frizz and heat damage which probably explains why it's so popular!

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment

Sometimes your hair needs extra attention and we know just the product you need: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment! It helps undo the effects of heat damage, chemical and color styles while helping to restore your hair to it's former glory.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Speaking of color-treated hair, you often need specialized shampoo to maintain your new style and the health of your hair. That's where K18's Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo steps into the picture. It may remove product buildup and an excess of oil production (sebum), but it doesn't strip your hair!

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Foam: Curl Defining Mousse

Those with curly hair can use mousse and that's something BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY is aware of. Their foaming lotion is incredibly soft and helps to repair your hair each time you apply it.

The Best Nail Care Buys From Sephora's Sale

Glamnetic Press-On Nail Kit

You know how we feel about press-on nails, but we have to say Glamnetic holds a special place in our hearts. You could be a minimalist or maximalist girl, but there's sure to be designs that fit your personal aesthetic.

Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

Glamnetic also has a bruch-on nail glue that makes applying press-on nails super easy. You won't have to worry about applying to much glue because the brush picks up the perfect amount that will coat your nails so you apply whatever designs you have on-hand.

Soft Services Theraplush "Hold" Overnight Retinol Hand Cream

Don't skip taking care of your hands the way you do your face or hair! Soft Services' warm gourmands Retinol Hand Cream helps keep your appendages nice and supple while also making sure your cuticles look taken care of.

L'Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

If smelling warm & spicy scents that aren't food makes you quiver in disgust, try applying L'Occitane's Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil to your hands. It has shea, apricot, and sweet almond oil in it to help replenish any lost moisture which is possible if you use your hands a lot!

General Guidance: Queen of Pentacles

This week's overarching message comes through the nurturing and abundant Queen of Pentacles. This card embodies the divine feminine, fertility, and a deep connection to the earth and the world around you. It speaks of abundance in all its forms – not just material wealth, but also fulfilling relationships, creative energy, and a sense of groundedness.

However, the Queen of Pentacles also highlights a potential for a busy mind this week. You might find yourself with a flurry of ideas, passionate impulses, and a long to-do list. This can feel exciting, but it could also lead to mental clutter, anxiety, and stress.

Here's how to work with this energy:

• Brain Dump & Organize: The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to get those swirling thoughts out of your head. Dedicate time to brain dumping – writing down every idea, task, or concern. Once it's on paper, you can start to see things more clearly and prioritize. Consider using your calendar to map out what needs your immediate attention.
• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support if your mental load feels overwhelming. This could be a conversation with your therapist, a trusted friend, partner, or even a colleague to work through any lingering issues. The Queen of Pentacles suggests taking the lead in these conversations with your natural warmth and intuition.
• Redefine Abundance: This card prompts you to consider what abundance truly means to you. Is it more time? Financial ease? Deeper connections? Once you identify your personal definition of abundance, you can become more aware of its presence in your life and actively create space to receive more of it.
• Practice Gratitude & Reception: Abundance often shows up in unexpected ways. Pay attention to the small things – an extra five minutes in your day, a found penny, a heartfelt hug. Acknowledge and appreciate these moments. The universe notices when you're open to receiving. Don't brush past these opportunities; soak them in and express gratitude.
• Balance Excitement & Energy: You might have a lot of exciting ideas brewing, but your energy levels might not always match that enthusiasm. The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to find a balance. It's okay to feel excited and passionate, but also listen to your body's needs.

Ultimately, the Queen of Pentacles this week is about harnessing that vibrant mental energy, grounding it through connection and clarity, and paving the way for new growth and abundance in all areas of your life. Whether you're ready to spring into action or need to take things slow, this card assures you that you have the inner resources to navigate the week with grace and intention.

Managing Your Energy: Eight of Swords & King of Wands

If you're feeling that dip in energy or a sense of being stuck, this pairing offers a powerful message: don't let it stop you.

The Eight of Swords often represents feeling trapped, paralyzed by fear, self-doubt, or overwhelming circumstances. You might feel unsure of which way to turn, worried about failure, or hesitant to even begin something new.

However, the King of Wands arrives as a potent counterpoint, urging you to take charge of your life and just start. This is a card of initiative, passion, and confident action.

Here's how to navigate this potential energy slump:

• Acknowledge, Don't Empower: It's important to acknowledge those feelings of fatigue or being stuck. However, don't let them take over. Recognize them without giving them the power to completely immobilize you.
• Small Steps, Big Impact: The King of Wands reminds you that every journey begins with a single step. You don't need to tackle everything at once. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable actions. Even a tiny step forward can break the feeling of paralysis.
• Move with Intention: While the Queen of Pentacles highlights mental activity, the Eight of Swords and King of Wands encourage mindful movement. Go a little slower, be more intentional with your actions, and trust your own pace.
• Tune In to Your "Why": Remember the clarity you gained from the Queen of Pentacles. What are your goals? What kind of abundance are you seeking? Connecting with your "why" can provide the motivation to take that first step, even when you don't feel like it.
• Embrace Your Own Way: Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's timeline or approach. The King of Wands encourages you to do things your way. If everyone else is planting tomatoes, but you long for arugula, go for it!
• Rest is Also Action: For some, the "one thing" the King of Wands encourages might be rest. Recognize that slowing down and allowing yourself to recharge is not a sign of being stuck, but rather an act of self-care and a necessary step for future action. Trust your body's wisdom.

This week, be gentle with yourself if your energy feels low. You are not stuck; you are simply being guided to move forward with intention, at your own pace, and in a way that truly aligns with your desires.

Navigating Change: Two of Wands & Queen of Wands

This pairing speaks directly to the idea of change and how to effectively bring it into your life.

The Two of Wands signifies a point of decision and planning. You might be considering different paths or feeling a desire for something new. However, this card emphasizes the importance of knowing your destination. Simply wanting things to be different isn't enough; you need to have a vision of what you want the change to be. Without a clear direction, you can easily fall into the paralysis of the Eight of Swords – knowing you don't want to be where you are, but not knowing where to go.

Enter the powerful Queen of Wands. This is the mystic, magical queen, full of authority, wisdom, and a deep connection to her intuition. She encourages you to tap into your inner knowing and spiritual practices to gain clarity on the changes you desire.

Here's how to navigate the winds of change this week:

• Define Your Desired Outcome: If you're feeling a pull for change, take the time to truly define what you want that change to look and feel like. Don't just focus on what you want to move away from; focus on what you want to move towards.
• Listen to Your Soul's Whispers: The Queen of Wands suggests that the answers you seek lie within. If your head feels cluttered, your soul might be trying to communicate. Create space for that inner voice through practices like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
• Seek Intuitive Guidance: If you're struggling to hear your own intuition, consider seeking support from healers, card readers, astrologers, therapists, or anyone who helps you connect with your inner wisdom. They can help you translate your own energy and gain clarity.
• Connect with Nature: The cards strongly encourage spending time in nature. It's a powerful way to ground yourself, quiet the mental chatter, and connect with your intuition. Simply being present in nature, without distractions, can be incredibly insightful.
• Empowerment, Not Rush: The Queen of Wands empowers you to create the changes you desire, but not in a rushed or forced way. This goes back to the theme of slowing down and being intentional.
• Focus Inward: Stop constantly looking outward for validation or direction. While external perspectives can be helpful, true alignment comes from making decisions based on your own inner truth and desires.
• Apply This to Relationships: If you're experiencing challenges in relationships (especially with Venus retrograde having been in play), moving away from "I don't want this anymore" to "I want our relationship to look and feel like this" can be transformative.

Ultimately, this week's guidance emphasizes the importance of slowing down, connecting with your intuition, and gaining clarity on your desires before taking action. By balancing your mental energy with your inner wisdom and trusting your own pace, you can navigate any potential energy dips and create meaningful change in your life. Remember to nurture both the doing and the being aspects of yourself to find your unique state of alignment.

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