The 10 Luckiest Days For Communication This Summer, According To An Astrologist

Luckiest Days For Communication

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to having big conversations. Whether you're trying to define the relationship, manage your finances, plan a vacation together, or any of the myriad things in between that two people could decide on together, it's important to make sure you're clear-headed and ready for a dialogue. Thankfully, you don't have to go in blindly, only banking on the internal work you've done to communicate better with those around you — astrology can add a little luck, too!

In this edition of Ask Lumi, our ask an astrologist column, we have someone wants to know when the best time to have a pretty serious conversation with their partner would be. Here's everything to know, based on the stars!

​Is there an astrological time period this summer that would be ideal for a serious conversation with my partner about the future of our relationship and whether or not we'll explore having kids?

Laura Hope/Dupe

Dear Starlight,

First, I would love to point out how brave you are in taking this first step in taking charge of your process of communicating more effectively with your partner. Whenever we are in a relationship or marriage, we're constantly integrating and learning each other's language. From a human level, we tend to feel like we are running out of time. Timing is an illusion set that could get our heads spinning and lead to dead ends, including in our relationships and family planning.

Astrologically, you can open up the pathway for you and your partner to thrive – communication-wise and everything else in between. Although you didn't include your sun sign or the big three, this is something that you can do on your own. There is a technique that we use in the astrology world when it comes to navigating relationships. It is known as "synastry," which involves studying your birth chart and your partner's planetary placements. Learning your planetary placements, such as the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, etc., will give you a better idea of how you and your partner work together.

Besides knowing your birth chart, you can work with the stars to get answers. With continued practice of observation and reflection, you will have a better sense of the ideal times to gain momentum in your journey. The good news is that you have a few windows of opportunities this summer that can lead you to clarity. Before we read about the best days to have your conversation, let's look at how you can work with the moon to help you attract success.

Work With the Moon

Caylie Clark/DupeCaylie Clark/Dupe

Whether you're working on becoming an astrology buff, or you're still a novice, I recommend working with a moon journal to chart your feelings daily and recognize the patterns you experience regarding your surroundings each month. The moon is the celestial body that colors our day mood-wise because it changes signs every 2.5 days. Setting a routine by tracking the moon phase and signs will help you understand your unique process in navigating each day – good or bad. The best part is you can revisit a similar scenario the following month. That is why working with a moon journal can help you live each day mindfully and attract better experiences guided by your conscious awareness.

Generally, when the moon increases (AKA waxing), it extends cosmic support and traction that aligns with our goals.

A waxing moon occurs just after a new moon passes. If you haven't already, check out my monthly horoscopes to know when the new moon happens each month. The great news is that when the moon increases, this extends a chance for you to feel things more tangibly and even receive more information about your ponderings. Get that handy moon journal to record your reflections and experiences and keep track of your progress. This method can go beyond the summer and become a continuing practice to attract results. Regarding your marriage, scheduling a sit down with your partner on days when the moon is in relationship-oriented signs such as Taurus and Libra can create a solid space for you to start a conversation regarding your marriage and its direction.

Ideal Dates To Build And Refine Your Love Story

Jana Alexandra/Dupe

The dates below for June, July, and August support the recommended moon phase and signs for you to discuss matters in measured steps. The Moon in Taurus days can be ideal for examining the structures behind your relationship, while the Moon in Libra days is for negotiating your next steps.

Note that in August 2024, Mercury retrograde will be happening in the sign of Leo, and it can be a challenging time to discuss plans. It is a review period of everything you have built as a couple. Book a vacation or schedule date nights – yep, that was in the plural tense. It will reveal whatever support you need regarding communication while adding spice to your union. Have fun and allow the cosmos to extend its support by you celebrating your love. Pause, don't stress the results, and only focus on rekindling the fires for the latter half of the summer.

  • June 29-July 2 – Moon in Taurus
  • July 2 – Venus trine Saturn, Mercury ingresses into Leo
  • July 10-July 12 – Moon in Libra
  • August 8-10 – Moon in Libra, Mercury retrograde in Leo

Alesa Woods/Dupe

The Best Day to Refine Your Love Story

Now, for an additional boost of star power to crank up your serious conversation, we can utilize planet Saturn as your guide to getting answers. Saturn is the planet that has to do with the foundation of our lives, and with it being in the sign of Pisces, the sign of the past, and karma, taking a deep dive into your memory archives will be an excellent place to begin your conversation. Include your past and everything you have built together as a couple. Review how your values, structures, and intimacy have evolved. Take note of what needs nurturing since your relationship began.

On July 2, alongside the Moon in Taurus, as listed above, will be your power day to begin the conversation regarding your relationship direction. There are no major planetary retrogrades involving the love planets on this day except Saturn, but rest assured, this planet thrives on slowing things down. It will help you review your relationship's infrastructure and inform you how to proceed. On this day, there is a favorable aspect, such as Venus, the planet of love and values, in a harmonious flow with Saturn. As they are both in the water signs, Cancer and Pisces, it will support the feelings exchanged, open new pathways of exploring how to deepen your love and learn the truth about your intentions regarding family planning. The conversation may be a little fiery as Mercury enters the sign of Leo, so be mindful of prideful exchanges. Lean into the heart behind your intentions.

In conclusion, in relationship matters, embodying your conscious will while working with the stars may involve facing uncomfortable conversations – understandably. Learning each other's love language can be a continuous art, and as you evolve as a couple, you can ease into a new phase of expression. Utilizing the listed star dates while expressing truthfully and embodying an open heart can help the communication channels flow better. However, hold an empathetic space and patience for the results.

My final advice is to analyze your life's present and future workings by working with your moon journal. Review your inner self and the root of your ponderings to shape your future decisions. Reflect on all you have built with your partner in your journey and express gratitude daily. The Universe will reveal the steps for you to reach your dreams.

With Love and Stars,

Lumi

Looking for your own astrology advice? Submit your questions for Ask Lumi here!

Header image via Ben Mack/Pexels

It might be cuffing season, but for some celeb couples, it's breakup season. In the midst of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck settling their divorce, TMZ reports that Kaia Gerber & Austin Butler have called it quits after dating for 3 years. The Palm Royale and Dune 2 stars were first linked at the end of 2021 when they were spotted headed to a yoga class together. Well, it appears that in 2025, they'll be doing their sun salutations on their own.

Here's everything we know about Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber's break up.

Despite the breakup (which a source says came at the end of 2024), TMZ reports that Kaia Gerber & Austin Butler are on good terms, and that the relationship came to a natural end. The split also explains why Austin didn't join Kaia on her family New Year trip to Cabo San Lucas, despite the fact mom Cindy Crawford, dad Rande Gerber, brother Presley Gerber, and his girlfriend Isabella Jones were all there.

At the start of their relationship, a Peoplesource said that “she seems really happy" and "all of her friends think he's really cute." And as their relationship progressed, Kaia and Austin kept the details of their romance pretty private (similar to Austin's Dune costar Zendaya & recent fiancé Tom Holland), and told WSJ Magazine that “honestly, I feel like so few things in my life are private, and that is one of the things that I try to keep as sacred as possible."

The couple was very close for a long time, and spent “as much time together as they can,” a source told US Weekly. “Although Austin and Kaia are both in the public eye, they’re really down to earth and have a very secure relationship, so they never let jealousy or anything like that get in the way."

They also supported one another's work, with Austin showing up to Paris Fashion Week and Kaia attending The Bikeriders premiere. Hopefully they can still support one another as friends!

Does Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler's breakup surprise you? I'm shocked, TBH. Let us know your thoughts on Instagram!

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing Starbucks orders!

Valentine's Day is next month, so it's time for a little tough love. Are you ready? Deep breath... You're not going to get far in your relationship by wondering, "What are we doing?" anymore. For such a simple question, it carries the weight of being vague and loaded. It's not that you shouldn't want to know where your relationship is headed, but there are better questions to ask your boyfriend.

From my first relationship to being engaged with an energetic toddler, I know a thing or two about how to broach certain topics. But, I'm no one's expert so I turned to Sean O'Neill, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Director at Maple Moon Recovery, to help you figure out how to get to the heart of your relationship.

Scroll to see which deep questions to ask your boyfriend for a better, healthier relationship!

Andres Ayrton

1. Questions To Ask If You're In The 'Honeymoon' Stage

Whenever we finally move from flirting with our crushes to being in a relationship with them, it's typically followed by a period of euphoria. You and your boyfriend likely can't get enough of each other right now which is probably making your friends playfully roll their eyes. Since everything is brand new, you can still keep it light though.

O'Neill suggests asking "open-ending questions that prompt curiosity and connection:"

  • What's one dream you've never let me in on?
  • What's one little gesture that can make you feel valued?

"These couple of queries facilitate bonding while generating enthusiasm for the goals and interests of each other," he says.

Budgeron Bach

2. Questions To Ask After Your First Big Fight

Even if you and your boyfriend are super tuned in to each other, a disagreement or argument is bound to happen. In case you're worried, your relationship isn't on thin ice because you're not seeing eye-to-eye on something. O'Neill says you can ask:

  • How do you think we handled the argument?
  • What could we do differently next time to make our future fights more productive?

His reasoning is that these questions "promote growth and empathy" so "disagreements are transformed into stronger communication opportunities."

Note: Disagreements should never turn physical. It's not okay for you and your boyfriend to become physically aggressive with each other. If you're concerned about domestic violence, dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1(800) 799-7233.

Keira Burton

3. Questions To Ask Before Introducing Your Boyfriend To Your Parents

Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a huge step that can be scary and exciting. I was terrified when my parents first met my fiancé because they couldn't stand my ex. But, the conversation between them flowed and everyone always looks for him to be at family events.

If you're ready for introductions to be made, O'Neill wants you to "encourage the normality of preplanned talks" by asking:

  • What is something about me that you think my parents would really love to hear about?

By doing this, he says it'll "help alleviate anxiety and ensure both spouses feel comfortable and attuned before meeting the parents."

Mikhail Nilov

4. Questions To Ask If You Or Your Boyfriend Have An Illness

It's never easy to experience illnesses or health scares, but it can be terrifying if you don't know how to help your partner manage if something unexpected happens. O'Neill says to "nurture insights with queries such as:"

  • What is one thing I could to assist you better when ill?
  • Are there any aspects concerning your healthy that haven't been discussed which make you anxious?

"The conversations provide a safe space for airing concerns while building up mutual support through health difficulties," he adds.

Mikhail Nilov

5. Questions To Ask If You're Worried About Boyfriend's Spending Habits

Financial red flags are always a cause for concern when dating someone — especially when it seems like your boyfriend doesn't care about his spending habits may affect your household if you live together. O'Neill suggests asking:

  • What are your financial goals?
  • How do you see us working towards them together?
  • How do you feel about budgeting as a team?

This will "make goal alignment stronger" because "effective communication about finances can prevent misunderstandings," he says. Also, this helps "lay the foundation for a shared vision of the future."

Bethany Ferr

6. Questions To Ask To Deepen Vulnerability With Each Other

Being vulnerable isn't easy for everyone, let alone two people in a relationship. It took me years to feel comfortable expressing my sadness or fears to my fiancé because I was afraid he'd think I was 'weak.' However, this can cause more harm than good because it becomes difficult for our partners to know what's going on with us if we don't open up.

O'Neill says you can ask:

  • What's one fear or concern you've hesitated to share with anyone before?
  • How can I help you feel safe sharing with me?
These questions "create room for openness and trust between partners" which aids in "helping them connect emotionally," according to him.

Katerina Holmes

7. Questions To Help Move The Relationship Forward

If you're still wondering "what are we doing" after asking some of the above questions, you focus on asking the following "future-oriented questions," according to O'Neill:

  • Where do you see us in 5 years?
  • What's something you envision us doing together as a couple in the future?
"Thinking about what is ahead strengthens commitment to the relationship and brings both partners' goals into line," he says.
Even though my fiancé and I have been together for a while, we still have conversations about our goals, health, raising our son, and more. It helps us to either stay aligned or see what needs to be addressed as opposed to letting physical attraction guide the way we feel 95% of the time.

But that's not all! We have more advice about relationships if you're looking to build a deeper connection yourself, friends, or family in 2025!

What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

@readwithjenna/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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