 | On the Bright Side of the Retrograde Many astrologers are naming Venus retrograde the most impactful transit of the summer—and it's on the horizon. Beginning July 22, the planet of love, beauty, and values will officially head into its apparent backspin until September 3. (Venus has been in its pre-retrograde shadow since June 19, so you've already seen a preview of what the cosmic event may bring.) While retrogrades tend to get a bad rap, the insights I’ve gleaned from reporting on this transit point to a silver lining. A retrograde often involves a reversal of progress or a return to the past in some fashion for the areas over which the planet rules. In the case of Venus (ruler of love), that might spell relationship troubles. But, the hidden power of this Venus retrograde comes from the fact that it occurs in the confident, passionate sign of Leo: “Venus in Leo is a fun energy,” astrologer Ryan Marquardt concedes. “Even if the retrograde brings up a messy situation, I think people will come out of it feeling more positive and full of self-love than ever.” Leo energy is unflappable: There’s no stormy situation that Leo, the sign ruled by the sun, can’t outshine. “There’s a self-discovery energy and a reawakening of the heart’s desires with this retrograde,” says astrologer Valerie Mesa. The question she says you’ll be asking yourself: Does this person, thing, or relationship in my life evoke the fire within me and allow me to be my true self? Ultimately, the retrograde is destined to lead us all toward that authentic expression of identity—which is the bright side to recall should things feel rocky along the way. “Leo is a sign that always shines in the end,” says Marquardt, “so there’s this energy of remembering that you are lovable, and you are worthy, and you are special as an independent person.” Wishing you all of the energetic shine,  | Erica Sloan
Senior Lifestyle Editor | |
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have you heard👂 Summer love is in the air and Danielle Bezalel, MPH, is here to help us learn how to capture some for ourselves. In this week’s episode of The Well+Good Podcast, Bezalel is answering your burning questions about bringing more love into your life and explaining how to bring play into the bedroom all while feeling connected to your body. Listen Now |
dear derm A dermatologist answers a reader-submitted skin-care question Dear Derm: I'm fairly diligent about applying (and reapplying!) sunscreen, but I'm still experiencing UV damage. What gives? "The reality is that most of us aren't applying enough sunscreen, and then most of us are not reapplying as often as we should. If you aren't using the right amount of product, you aren't getting as much protection as you might think." — Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California Check out derms' exhaustive list of common sunscreen mistakes here to ensure you're properly protected all summer long. |
cosmic health 🌑💗💪 In the days leading up to the new moon in Cancer on Monday, July 17, expect for energy to feel topsy-turvy. Happening at 25 degrees of lunar-ruled Cancer while Venus ebbs closer and closer to her retrograde station, the upcoming new moon unveils the unbridled power of the divine feminine and love. Hours after the new moon perfects on the 17th, the nodes of fate also change signs, with the south node moving from Scorpio to Libra and the north node moving from Taurus to Aries. Psychologically speaking, the nodes of fate distill what's emerging versus what's dissolving. As they move into the Aries–Libra axis, we commence an 18-month journey away from co-dependency and into healthy interdependency.
Life right now may feel defined by paradoxical juxtapositions, but the cosmos asks us to embody grace and the alchemical intersection of acceptance and action. We can confront what's hard, while bringing a soothing touch to it.—Jennifer Racioppi, astrologer |
flavor of the week: Black tea blueberry ice pops = the perfect summer refresher Metaphorically hitting two birds with one stone is one of life's greatest pleasures. That's why is why we're here to remind you that popsicles can pack health benefits—particularly if they're made with fresh fruit and other inflammation-fighting ingredients, like herbs or a sprinkle of tajín. One of our favorite ways to dial up the nutritional perks of your next ice pop? Using iced tea rather than water as the base in your recipe. “One cup of brewed unsweetened black tea contains about 170 milligrams of flavonoids, which are naturally-occurring plant bioactives. Scientific evidence has found flavonoids from unsweetened green or black tea can help support healthy blood circulation,” says Joy Dubost, PhD, RDN. This is good news for your cardiovascular system. As temps continue to climb across the country this weekend, look to Dr. Dubost's own delicious recipe for black tea blueberry popsicles as a health- and hydration-promoting "tool in your toolkit." It's packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein (thanks to the berries, black tea, and Greek-style yogurt). Call it grown up's dream ice cream truck order—purple tongue not included. Ingredients - 2 bags black tea
- 1 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 3 1/2 ounces of nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions - Infuse the black tea bags for four minutes in hot water. Let it cool.
- Blend the raspberries with the Greek yogurt, honey, and tea.
- Serve in popsicle molds and decorate with blueberries. Place in the freezer for three to four hours.
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that's what she said "If we think of body movement as a language, we are capable of Shakespeare, but most of us are using language like Dr. Seuss.” —Kelly Starrett, DPT, mobility expert Although we're born with large ranges of motion, most of us don't use it so our bodies adapt, leaving us less mobile, says Dr. Starrett, who recently co-authored (with his wife Juliet) Built To Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully. Check out the full story to learn how he suggests maintaining your range of motion as you age. Read The Story | |
