Opal Apples Never Brown — But Do They Taste Good?

Three Opal Apples on a brown table

Baby carrots can stand up to lunch boxes and hours in the car, but apples? Not so much. At least, not until now. There's a new variety of apple called the Opal Apple that claims it doesn't brown after it's sliced. So we decided to see if the hype was real — the promise of fresh-sliced opal apples any time of day seemed too good to be true.

What is the Opal Apple?

Opal Apples are a Non-GMO Project verified natural cross between a Golden Delicious and a Topaz apple. It has bright yellow skin, is grown both organically and conventionally, and is priced anywhere from $.99-$2.99/pound. In season from November through June, Opal Apples are a great option for school snacks.

Of course, what makes it really unique is that it supposedly doesn't brown when exposed to air like other cut apples do. This sounds like a lunchtime miracle, as packing apple slices or an apple-topped salad would be wonderful if it weren't for the fact that apples oxidize and turn an unappetizing brown shade by the time we're ready to eat them. So we put Opal Apples to the test. Do they actually resist browning and, more importantly, do they taste good enough that we'd actually want to eat them?

The Opal Apple Test

We purchased some Opal Apples and tested them in two different ways. First, we sliced one up, put it in a zip-top bag, and brought it on a hike. Second, we left some Opal apple slices on an uncovered plate in the fridge.

To our surprise, both tests proved that the Opal apple really doesn't brown. The hiking apples were in our backpack for a couple of hours in near 80-degree heat, and when we pulled them out for a top-of-the-mountain snack, they looked just as fresh as when we cut them. When we returned home, the opal apple slices in the fridge were similarly unblemished. Looks like the hype is real!

Will you be giving Opal Apples a taste test?

But who cares about whether or not the apple browns if it doesn't taste good? Well, luckily, the Opal Apples we picked up were delicious. They're very sweet, but have a back note of acidity to keep things balanced, and the texture is crisp and juicy, and not at all mushy. We'd be more than happy to eat these as an on-the-go snack anytime, and we suspect their firm texture and bold flavor would make them ideal for apple pies and other cooked applications too.

Opal Apples are now available in all 50 states, so if you or someone you prepare lunch for is a picky eater who just can't tolerate browned apple slices, they might just be worth a try.

For more innovative healthy eats and tips on opal apples, follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter!

(Photo via Opal Apple/Facebook)

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a sick day when you need it, but it’s totally normal to want to get back on your feet ASAP. You’re busy, after all! You’ve probably tried eating chicken noodle soupand drinking plenty of green juiceto make you feel better, but these 25 sick day recipes offer a little extra, with seasonal veggies, turmeric and other spices, plus cover everything from homemade cough drops to ice pops to hot toddies. They'll have you feeling like yourself in no time, so grab some tissues and a humidifier, curl up with your favoritecomfort show or fallbook, and focus on getting and feeling better.

Immune Boosting Winter Citrus Smoothie

Crush your cold with all the colorful in-season produce like blood oranges, beets, pomegranates, and rainbow chard spiced with ginger, turmeric, and cayenne. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Creamy Yogurt Popsicles with Berries

Nurse your sore throat with these healthy popsicles made with fresh berries and just five ingredients! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

15-Minute Asian Cold Remedy Soup

Maybe this soup’s claim has something to do with the hefty dose of fresh ginger in each bite.(via Fork in the Kitchen)

Cold-Soothing Chai Hot Toddy

Your grandma wasn’t lying when she said that a hot toddy is the best cold medicine. This chai-spiced version adds even more warmth to the drink and will lull you into a peaceful night of sleep. (via Baking Mischief)

Honey Chamomile Popsicles

Honey and chamomile are two soothing ingredients for a sore throat or upset tummy. Keep them stored in the freezer, and you and your kids will be more than happy to snack on them while sick. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Immune Boosting Garden Herb Stock

Once you get over your illness, you need to do everything you can to keep your immune system up. This nutritious stock is full of vitamins and minerals that you can drink straight or add to just about any dish you like. (viaOm Nom Ally)

Easy 30-Minute Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ve got to have a solid chicken noodle soup recipe, no matter who you’re trying to nurse back to health. This one has plenty of protein, veggies, and comforting egg noodles to get your stomach settled. (viaAverie Cooks)

Golden Milk

Delicious both hot or cold, this anti-inflammatory drink made with coconut milk, dates, turmeric, and cinnamon is full of medicinal properties that will leave you feeling great in no time. Plus, it's gluten and dairy-free, vegan, and super easy to make! (via Clean Cuisine)

Rosehip Tea

Ripe in late fall, rosehips are high in vitamin C and can help strengthen your immune system. This tea, made with these fruits of rose plants, has an amazing effect on your body, before and after your sick day. (via Give Recipe)

feelgoodfoodie.net

Chicken Lemon Rice Soup

If you're not a fan of noodles or just not in the mood for them, opt for a chicken and rice soup instead. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Turmeric Ginger Chickpea Noodle Soup

Thisimmune-boosting chickpea noodle soup is full of veggies with a flavorful ginger turmeric broth, plus it's ready in about 30 minutes! (via Crowded Kitchen)

All-Natural DIY Pineapple Cough Syrup

No more cough syrup at home? Go for this all-natural alternative. The combination of pineapple, cayenne, lemon, ginger, and honey is more than effective at keeping your coughs at bay. (via The View from Great Island)

Gingery Poached Egg Soup

Sometimes it’s hard to even eat chicken noodle soup when you’re feeling under the weather. This light version will be ready for you to sip in 15 minutes, and it won’t weigh too heavily on your stomach. (via The Kitchn)

Healing Turmeric Cauliflower Soup

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are just one of the reasons this soup is perfect for healing your sick body. If you’re having any trouble swallowing, the smooth texture will be easy for you to get down and digest. (via Simply Quinoa)

Healing Bowls With Turmeric Sweet Potatoes, Poached Eggs, and

Lemon Dressing

When you’re able to eat a little bit more, a big bowl of nourishing ingredients is what you need. This sweet potato and brown rice bowl is full of greens, poached egg, and a lemony dressing to help you feel like a million bucks. (via Pinch of Yum)

Immunity Shots

You could go to a fancy juice bar to get an immune-boosting shot or you could make one at home for a fraction of the cost, and you won’t have to get out of your pajamas. Use your blender or juicer to combine carrot, ginger, lemon, and garlic together into a cold-blooded flu killer. (via With Food and Love)

Cold Buster Citrus Smoothie

If your immune system does give into the office cold, this vitamin C-packed drink will help you recover at lightning speed. (via Seasonal Cravings)

Moon Milk

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the hardest things to do while you’re sick. This antioxidant-rich warm moon milk recipe features nutmeg and ashwagandha, both of which are known for lulling you into a restful slumber. (via Bon Appetit)

Super Immunity Power Salad

Move over, spinach. This kale salad is here to take the spot as the most nutritious and delicious way to eat your greens. (via The Garden Grazer)

Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie

Who needs a multivitamin when you could just drink this smoothie every day? One kiwi has over 100 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C, so you know that you’ll stay healthy through flu season with this as your breakfast. (via The Pretty Bee)

veggiesociety.com

Vegan Vegetable Noodle Soup Recipe

Even without the chicken, noodle soup is good for the soul. (via Veggie Society)

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

pinkowlkitchen.com

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Sometimes all you need is a hot, seasonal drink to get you back on your feet. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

www.averiecooks.com

CREAMY SWEET POTATO CHICKEN SOUP

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A which! Is great for fighting off illnesses.(via Averie Cooks)

takestwoeggs.com

SPICY SOFT TOFU SOUP

Sometimes all you need is a little spice to clear up a stuffy nose! (Takes Two Eggs)

Follow us on Pinterest for more sick day recipes.

This post has been updated.

Easy Homemade Sore Throat Gummies

These lemon, ginger, and honey gummies are better than any lozenge than you can get at the store. The natural ingredients will coat your throat and ease any annoying tickles or cough that you may have. (via Hello Creative Family)

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This post has been updated.

Nothing pairs better with cold weather than cozying up with a new book — especially if it's a fantasy. Enjoy the weather from the window and escape into pages full of far-off realms and magic kingdoms. Whether you’re in the mood for dark magic, ancient curses, mythical adventures, or dragon slaying quests, these page turning fantasy reads will transport you far from the everyday. Light a candle, grab a blanket and settle into a cozy spot to lose yourself in a captivating fantasy book this winter.

Scroll to see the most exciting fantasy books to read this winter!

Amazon

The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall

Kai awakens in a desolate land of disease and beasts void of memories to explain who she is or how she arrived. In pursuit of the Sea of Devour before things worsen, she is offered help from an unbelievably skilled, but equally as annoying blacksmith. In the kingdom of Vinevridth, where there is more to people than what meets the eye, Kai’s questions multiply, particularly about the blacksmith whose secrets may be deadly.

Amazon

The Serpent and The Wolf by Rebecca Robinson

Shaped by a lifetime of training, Vaasa Kozár is a force to be reckoned with. Following the death of her mother, Vaasa inherits the same dark magic that claimed her and now feels death’s shadow looming. Her ruthless brother, seeing Vaasa as a threat to his crown, schemes to ensure her death will be the catalyst to war by marrying her off to a cruel foreign leader. Determined to survive, Vaasa finds herself presented with a nearly irresistible deal: her freedom and control over her dark magic for helping her husband's quest for power. But with everything at stake, she’s trapped between trust and an arrangement that starts to feel unexpectedly real.

Amazon

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

With nearly eighteen months of training at Basgiath War College behind her, Violet Sorrengail realizes that the time for preparation has ended. Battle has begun, trust is scarce, and enemies linger in every direction. Determined to protect her dragons, her home, and everyone she loves, Violet embarks on an arduous journey in search of allies to stand alongside Navarre, bearing a heavy secret. The kind of secret that threatens to ruin everything. The pressure mounts and a deadly storm takes shape, but only Violet can find the truth.

Amazon

Warrior of Legend by Kendare Blake

The price of becoming an Aristene is high, and now Reed bears the title of a Glorious Death, guiding heroes who exchanged their lives for glory. She buries herself in these duties, harvesting heroes tirelessly to try and distance herself from the memories of the prince she left behind. Summoned to guide a princess to a glorious marriage, Lyonene offers Reed a chance to take the place of the hero who isn’t fated to die. The mission turns out to be anything but simple. Familiar faces reappear, an old enemy threatening the Aristine, and the prince she loves, Hestion, a suitor of the princess. Loyalty is broken, death strikes, and Reed wonders how much more she can sacrifice to save her sisters and herself.

Amazon

The Last Dragon of East by Katrina Kwan

Leading a relatively quiet life, twenty-five-year-old Sai manages the family tea house while caring for his sick mother, though his side job is a bit less traditional. He is a matchmaker, a career foraged from his gift to see the red threads of fate that connect soulmates. He has only ever seen his thread as gray and frayed, but a pair of dragon scales claimed by the family doctor to be a miracle cure, change everything. Sai’s once average life of ignoring past-due notices, is replaced with magical and mortal adventures.

Amazon

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood

Desire is more than just a feeling on the island of Zakynthos; it’s love itself, bottled and sold at the highest price by the power seeking Leandros, descendant of the god Eros. Eirene and her twin sister Phoebe have avoided its lure, until Leandros interest turns to Phoebe as his next bride. Eirene strikes a deal to keep her sister safe: complete four detailed tasks and Leandros bride will have to marry someone else. It’s apparent to Eirene that something larger is at play and it has to do with Desire and Lamia, Leandros’s locked away daughter. Lamia, longing for the taste of freedom, builds a bond with Eirene but the cost of freedom is bloody when something deadly stalks the night.

Amazon

The Witch of Wol Sin Lake by Lena Jeong

With the Netherking sent into the Deep, Mirae’s queendom is saved, but not without consequence. Her older brother Minho is possessed and tormented by the Netherking in the Deep and in an effort to save him, Mirae will be faced with an impossible decision. Now the Netherking possesses the powerful pearl of Seolla and as Mirae races through time with her divine powers she uncovers truths that shake her trust in faith and the future. Mirae must decide how far she is willing to go because to defeat the Netherking will take a sacrifice she may be unwilling to bear.

Amazon

Mistress of Lies by K. M. Enright

Shan LeClaire, born of a powerful, but disgraced Blood Worker, has revenge on her mind. Her first step for vengeance is paved to save her brother and ends in the assassination of her father, now replacing him as head of the family. Samuel Hutchinson, gifted but reluctant, falls deeply into the world of magic after discovering the victim of a magical serial killer. Tasked by the Eternal King to catch the killer, Samuel’s path begins to converge with Shan and Isaac, a mysterious Royal Blood Worker. Entangled in Shan’s dangerous web of desire and deception, he must decide if his nation’s safety is worth the cost of his soul.

Amazon

A Tribute of Fireby Sariah Wilson

Every year, Ilion sacrifices two Locrian maidens to an earth goddess in a ritual that hasn't seen a survivor for a millennium. This year, Princess Lia is one of the hunted, along with her untrained sister Quynh. Navigating the labyrinthine streets, endless decisions, and dead ends Lia finds herself cautiously enamored with Jason, an Ilionian sailor. The pressure is on Lia to survive and break the curse, saving every young woman from having to walk the same path.

Amazon

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Ivy Benton lives in England where one bargain is given to every citizen by their immortal fae queen. Exchanging a memory or taste for beauty or talent to attract a suitor is the expectation for elite young women. Except this year's debut season features the ultimate prize, Prince Bram, the fae queen's son. Winning the competition for his heart could free her sister from a destructive bargain and save her family from ruin. But every fae deal has a sinister plot, and life as she knows it may never be the same.

Amazon

The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne

Varg has earned his spot as an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but his greatest challenge lies ahead: slaying a dragon. In Snakavik, Elvar battles for control and faces the impossible task of taming a wolf god. Biórr’s bloodthirsty warband moves north and Guðvarr works to achieve Lik-Rifa’s favor. All roads lead to Snakavik where the final battle will show the true fury of the gods.

Amazon

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

Viv has a handful of plans. She is going to follow the rules, get a summer internship studying dragon languages and protect her sister from the dangers of Third Class. But midnight strikes and Viv’s effort to free one dragon has ignited a civil war. Whether her family returns home or they all die rests on Viv after she is brought to Bletchley Park as a codebreaker. Viv begins to see that the peace treaty binding human and dragon societies is corrupt and she may be the key to exposing it all.

Amazon

S(Kin) by Ibi Zoboi

Every new moon, fifteen-year-old Marisol sheds her skin and transforms into a fireball witch, sustaining her own life by feeding on others. Brooklyn’s bright lights and bolted doors make this no easy task, and she longs to break free from this place, old traditions, and her mother. Meanwhile, seventeen-year-old Genevieve is facing her own struggles with a skin condition and the chaos of her newly born siblings. A new nanny reveals a family secret and a connection to Marisol, and Gen stumbles on answers to unasked questions. As the girls’ paths intertwine, they discover that the magic they share may have more consequences to the relationships around them than any ancient magic.

Looking for your next read? Be sure to check out our fave books on our storefront!

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

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

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As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

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“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

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When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

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But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Get ready to "eat your heart out" because Yellowjackets season 3 is on its way and Showtime picked the most surprising release date: Valentine's Day! Now, I have to admit I don't usually pair romance with feral survival in the woods but I'm more than happy to make an exception this time around. And I'm assuming if you're reading this, you've already seen season 2, but just in case...Yellowjackets season 2 spoilers ahead.

Keep reading for everything we know about Yellowjackets season 3, coming in 2025.

Is Yellowjackets going to have a season 3?

Yellowjacket Season 3 Plot

Yes Yellowjackets season 3 is on its way, and thanks to this release date announcement, we get a first look at some footage from new episodes. This installment follows our favorite mix of young adults as they fight for survival after a cuh-razy season 2 finale that killed Nat (and shocked fans). The finale was so wild that I really don't know where they'll go from here, but if there's one thing Yellowjackets knows how to do it's surprise us.

The new season will feature 10 episodes, and one thing creator Ashley Lyle teases is that the new season will merge the characters' teen selves with their adult selves. “Some of it is really character-based; some of it is more literal,” she tells Vanity Fair. "There are a couple of big things in this season that were in the very initial pitches before we even took it out to networks, that we’ve finally got the chance to execute and to play out."

"How do you change while you are in your core, in your essence, the same person you always were?" she adds. "How much are you hiding that, and how long are you able to do that, is a question that we’re playing with this season."

And for Nat, Ashley admits that looks a little different. "We all have a future self who has died, and we don’t know how that happened," she continues. "But that doesn’t make who we are now any less vital. In our minds, that is also Natalie’s story. She has a lot of life to live and a lot of story to tell. And the fact that there is a future self that met a tragic end is really the most universal thing that we could probably do on a television show."

Where can I watch season 3 of Yellowjackets?

Yellowjacket Season 3 Release Date

Yellowjackets season 3 will premiere on Sunday, February 16 on Showtime but good news for Paramount+ subscribers! Anyone who has the Paramount+ with Showtime plan can watch the first two episodes on February 14. How romantic.

You can also watch the first season of the show (which premiered in 2021) on Netflix now!

Who's in Yellowjackets season 3?

Yellowjacket Season 3 Cast

The cast of Yellowjackets season 3 features returning favorites like Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Lauren Ambrose, Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Samantha Hanratty, Courtney Eaton, Liv Hewson, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole, Kevin Alves, Sarah Desjardins, Simone Kessell, and Elijah Wood.

This year, they're also joined by Joel McHale and Hilary Swank.

Are you excited for Yellowjackets season 3? Check out the other New 2025 TV Shows you just can't miss next year.

It's officially the last week of Scorpio season — and it's been a tumultuous, disorienting and dramatic month to say the least. On a personal level, the challenge has been to remain grounded and balanced through the disruptions. We cannot ‘blame’ Scorpio, but must realize the planets reflect what is going on here on Earth. We can, however, choose the high road or the low road to learn our lessons — we have free will and can only control our actions and reactions to life’s events. As always, this horoscope column is written with the hopes that it inspires us to live our best lives, sharing kindness and compassion with ourselves and others.

Read on for your weekly horoscope for November 18 to 24 to understand what this week has to offer — including what Pluto in Aquarius really means:

What's happening astrologically during the week of November 17 to 24, 2024?

Photo by Irena Carpaccio on Unsplash

The most noteworthy event this week is Pluto moving into the fixed air sign of Aquarius on November 19. This heralds a new era as Pluto is a slow-moving planet, and it will stay in Aquarius until 2044. Aquarius at its best is a futuristic sign whose focus is of a humanitarian nature. Aquarius is highly intelligent, a bit unpredictable and unique in all ways. Aquarians do not like to be told what to do. They are open minded and tolerant for the most part but can be slow to change their minds once they determine they know all that needs to be known. Aquarians are known to love everyone; they are very community oriented. How Pluto will manifest its transformative energy in the sign of Aquarius will be nothing short of revolutionary. We may find unique solutions to the world’s problems that no one has thought of or even conceived of. We may realize we are all connected, and the new world order will reflect this realization.

On a personal level, Pluto in Aquarius can teach us to be open minded; to realize we can use our intellect to approach life in new ways and to be inclusive of others. Look at your own chart to see which house Aquarius rules to get a better understanding of the lessons you may learn during this 20-year period.

Another major shift this week occurs when the Sun moves into Sagittarius on November 21. This year, the Sun will remain in Sagittarius until December 22. Sagittarius is an optimistic archetype. This enthusiastic and energetic, mutable fire sign is socially oriented and seeks truth and understanding. While the Sun is in Sagittarius, we have the chance to broaden our comprehension of ourselves and our place in the world. Taking a wide viewpoint, we can be philosophical and hopeful. Higher education, learning and travel are also parts of Sagittarius’ world view. Natural teachers, Sagittarius loves to share knowledge. Other cultures and religions are fascinating and can be sources of learning. We also tend to over-do and over-consume while the Sun is in Sagittarius. While the jovial nature of Sagittarius is fun-loving, we can be overly confident, overly optimistic and blurt out what is on our minds without first thinking about how it is received.

Supporting our time with the Sun in Sagittarius, Jupiter, the planet that rules Sagittarius, is forming a sextile to Chiron, the healer and shaman of the Zodiac. Between November 18 – 28 we can feel uplifted and work toward freeing ourselves from negative or limiting beliefs or patterns. This time is best spent focused on personal growth, learning from a mentor or someone we admire and keeping an open mind. Releasing old wounds and insecurities will make room to experience more abundance and true healing. The effects can be long lasting; make the most of this 10-day transit.

I look to the sky and the planets to help navigate the world around us. If you’d like to know more about how these and other transits affect your life, please contact me for a personalized reading!

Read Your Sun and Rising Signs For Your Weekly Horoscope

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Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Are you sabotaging your progress in life with negative self-talk? Do you feel blocked by insecurities but don’t quite know where they originate? You can identify what prevents you from being successful and happy and actually break free from what hinders you. Be honest. Delve into your psychology. Write in your journal. Julia Cameron wrote a book called The Artist’s Waywhere she describes a technique called Morning Pages to help unlock your inner knowing. This approach would be very helpful for you.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Identifying the impediment to your personal growth requires you to slow down, rejuvenate, and repair any frazzled nerve endings and to retreat into a safe and comforting space. This can be done in the sacred spaces of your home or in nature, where you commonly find reverence and inspiration. Take time to retreat to the places in your life where you feel secure and protected. You might also find yourself inspiring others or offering refuge to those who feel extra vulnerable. Offer assistance to those who need it.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

Your community is a source of solace and provides a sense of belonging this week. This is a reciprocal arrangement; offer shelter to others and you will, in turn, feel support and protection. Use your strength and stability to encourage those around you. If you feel insecure that you don’t have what it takes to provide for others, dig deep. You are stronger than you think and whether you know it or not, others find you inspiring and admirable. While the obstacles appear daunting, your ingenuity and energy is indomitable. Pace yourself. You have what it takes to endure.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Your soft, sensitive side can find inspiration though music, poetry or art. Lean on your spiritual practices to boost your confidence. There might be opportunities in your profession that require you to step out of your comfort zone and tap into your natural leadership abilities. If you are required to lead a workshop, or give a presentation, use your mentors to give you courage and strength. It is likely that you will overcome any tendency to be shy if you take time to acknowledge what you know and muster up your bravery to shine.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You might be doubting yourself and your worthiness. If you find yourself insecure about your capabilities, this is a good week to reflect on how far you have come. Boost your ego by recounting and reviewing your accomplishments. If you are unable to see clearly as you look back, confide in your community or loved ones. Take a trip down memory lane with those closest to you. Share pictures from your past or recount stories about occurrences that demonstrate your growth and evolution.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

There might be a tendency to dwell in the shadow this week. Do not let fear stand in the way of your growth or understanding of the predicament you might find yourself in. There are lessons to be learned, and this darkness can serve to transform yourself. You will not always feel so pessimistic and what you experience has the potential to give you a perspective that will help you withstand future hardships. It is a good idea to frequently remind yourself that you are strong and capable.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Relationships might be a sore spot but only if you have allowed them to become unbalanced. To achieve the equanimity you so desire, it is important to maintain your autonomy while allowing your partners to experience their own self-determination. It is possible for you both to be strong individuals and strong together. Lean into your spiritual practice to find solace as you strive for fairness and balance. If your relationships are healthy, use this time to enhance the connection. Date night, meet for lunch or take a break from work to walk in the park can be wonderfully enchanting and satisfying.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

You can achieve healing through holistic practices. The synergy between the mind and body promotes health; the body has a natural affinity for health. It is important to balance work, personal care, adequate sleep and deep connections with others. Strive to achieve stability through spiritual and physical activities, being of service to others and tending to personal relationships. Scorpios are natural healers. Setting aside the ego to help others is a great way to demonstrate this power.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

It is your time of year to shine. How can you use your creativity to heal any insecurities? Practice your art to gain confidence and then share what you know with others. Your tendency to be spontaneous can be infectious but can lead to chaos. If you are planning a party or celebration, start early and include others in the preparation. Delegate and share the responsibilities. A group effort can be even more fun. Include the kids and encourage self-expression. Spread joy and laughter as you connect with your inner child.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Connecting with your roots and focusing on your family is a path to healing and greater personal freedom. Focus on inner nurturing and connecting with the divine. Reflect on what home truly means to you. Is home a place or a feeling within your soul? How can you help others achieve peace of mind and nurture those who have had a turbulent upbringing or who have experienced wounds around home? You have an ability to see others’ emotional scars. Practice compassion and empathy as you devise ways to help others dissolve those scars.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Knowing yourself is the first step toward healing any childhood wounds of not being heard or acknowledged. Your thoughts are valuable. Your ability to find unique solutions are essential for the evolution of the planet. It is critical for you to express yourself clearly so that misunderstandings are minimized. Practice Non-Violent Communication, a profound method of communication developed by the humanistic psychologist, Marshall Rosenberg. Experiment with different forms of communication, keeping in mind that clarity is the goal.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

What do you truly value? Do you view your body as sacred? Are you focused on material possessions to define security? Your spiritual life is a pathway to understanding your core values. A connection to the divine is part of your wealth. Learning to create boundaries so that you can focus on what you value will lead you to contentment. Learn to say no, or not now. Stand up for yourself and develop your talents and unique perspective. Establish an inner sense of belonging to create your security. Material goods are fleeting. Your spiritual truth is everlasting.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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