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2020 is finally coming to an end, and we’re experiencing the very last full moon of the year in tender, loving Cancer on December 29. Warning: we’re in for an emotional ride. Astrologer Lisa Stardust says this full moon will be a “huge release for us all,” and it’s exactly what we need to bid adieu to the 365 day-long emotional roller coaster we’ve been on this year.

Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com, points out that there have been four total luminaries in the sign of Cancer this year. “This sign’s energy is something we have been working with all along,” she says. “In short, this moon is the opportunity to give it closure so we can put it behind us for once and for all, as we head into a brand new 2021.”

Full moons are a time for endings, for saying goodbye, for things coming to a close. While most of us are probably ready to usher 2020 out the door, even the most welcome goodbyes can be tough on us — so take care of yourself as we close out the year. Stay in close touch with loved ones, ramp up the self-care, and remember to breathe.

The moon is actually Cancer’s ruler, Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, points out. “Like the moon, our feelings can fluctuate during this time,” she says. For those born under the sign of Cancer, or who have a sun or moon in this sign, these emotions will be NBD; they’re used to feeling all of the feels. But the emotional roller coaster may be more difficult for those born under fire and air signs. “At times, Cancer can become too passionate, and the intensity can overwhelm us or we could become impatient with others,” Hale says. Mindfulness is key here. Try to take everything a little slower, notice when you’re getting overwhelmed, go easy on yourself if it happens, and work in plenty of time to relax.

One upside is that this Cancer full moon energy may not be as potent as the ones we’ve experienced in the past, according to Montúfar. She says that for the first time since 2017, every moon in Cancer has been, to some degree, affected by the intense presence of Saturn in Capricorn. (Not to get too bogged down in details but in case you were wondering: Capricorn is opposite to Cancer, so many of the lunations that happened in the sign of the Crab received a Saturn opposition.) “Now that Saturn has left this sign for Aquarius, we finally get to have a full moon in Cancer without the cold and limiting Saturnian presence,” she explains. This is good for us — we may get a chance to feel our emotions more fully and with more understanding.

There is, however, a tough aspect to this lunation, Montúfar cautions. “Both the sun and the moon will be forming a T-square with Chiron in Aries, the Wonder Healer,” she explains. “This configuration points to the need to act concerning a past wound that perhaps we are not fully able to heal, but that needs to be dealt with so we can ultimately move forward.” Stardust says that this T-square will “make us mend issues with others and let the past be in the past. We’re not taking the excess baggage with us into 2021,” she says. So expect to take one last look into the past between now and the new year.

We’ve all lost something in 2020: time, jobs, loved ones, friendships, not to mention our sense of normalcy. And if you haven’t taken the time to heal from those losses properly, then use the energy of this full moon to do so. If you’ve lost touch with the people you love due to the pandemic — if you’ve lost touch with yourself — the healing powers of this moon can be used to your advantage, and can help you make amends. While we can’t move forward if we’re looking back, we also can’t move forward if there’s unfinished business left behind.

We’re not finishing out the year too weepy and reflective, though. A promising transit between the moon and Uranus in Taurus brings on some incredibly upbeat vibes too. “This full moon connects with the rebellious planet Uranus, which is pushing us to move into the New Year with high hopes and individuality and the incentive to reach for our dreams,” explains Stardust.

“This will open us to the possibility of seeing things from a different perspective, one that perhaps was not available to us before,” Montúfar says. “During this time, our intuition will be working at full speed, allowing us to work through blockages that no longer seem to burden us as much.”

With this full moon helping us close out a tough year, there’s a promising future on the horizon — even the stars say so.

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Saturn Is In Aquarius For The First Time In Years

The Great Conjunction Is Almost Here, & It's Big

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Elizabeth Gulino, Khareem Sudlow

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This past month has felt a little… different, right? Things appear to be shifting, and I think I know why: On December 21, Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, and Saturn, the Planet of Authority, are gearing up to meet in Aquarius in a rare astrological event known as The Great Conjunction. This powerful placement, which happens to coincide with the Winter Solstice, marks the beginning of a new era — one that may finally usher in some much-needed optimism.

These two planets seem to cozy up in the night sky every 20 years or so, but this year, they will be super-close — like, closer than they’ve been since 1623. They meet at zero degrees Aquarius, a placement that relates to starting brand-new cycles, according to Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. From our vantage point on Earth, these two bright planets will appear as a single, glowing star — because of this, and the timing of the celestial event, many are calling this the “Christmas Star.”

Their proximity means we’ll be “more psychically sensitive and feel the movement of these planets more,” astrologer Lisa Stardust says. She also says it’ll make us want to take action in changing our lives — just in time for 2021.

“When these two planets come together, outdated social forms and ways die in order to give birth to new ones,” Montúfar explains. The Great Conjunction has shaped historical trends and eras, and usually marks a time of immense change, she says. Consider this: The last time a Great Conjunction occurred was May 28, 2000, at the start of the new millennium.

Another reason this year is so notable is that each time the two planets meet for the next 150 to 200 years, it will happen in an Air sign (Aquarius, Gemini, or Libra) — and besides one Great Conjunction in Libra in 1981, it’s the first time that’s happened since the 1400s. During the last 200 years or so, Saturn and Jupiter had been coming together every 20 years in Earth signs, which could explain our society’s obsession with material things, conquering land, and money. Montúfar says that collectively, we’ll be moving away from the materialistic and industrialized towards a more humanistic, technological, and inclusive focus.

Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, says that some astrologers consider this cycle the “foundation upon which the world is built.” She tells Refinery29 that, “It’s been said this cycle is considered the ground base of human development which marks the interaction between the perception of ideas, potentialities, and the manifestation of ideas in the concrete material world.” In other words, we’re about to enter into an age of technological and ideological advances — so buckle up.

Montúfar says that since this conjunction is happening in the innovative sign of Aquarius, “everyone will be encouraged to embody the highest vibration of this humanistic sign in the form of social and progressive social activism. These changes are slow, but little by little, materialism and the search for mass control will become outdated to give birth to a more inclusive and modern way of relating to one another.” You may already feel these vibes starting to mount — after a tumultuous 2020, our society’s need and fight for a better, more equitable world is becoming stronger each day.

Stardust agrees. “We are entering a new astrological phase that will bring humanity, harmony, and peace to our lives and to Earth,” she explains. “We will use empathy to change the world. As we come out of the age and year of Capricorn, we are purifying ourselves of tyrannical rule and evolving into our best selves.” This can correlate directly to our government, Stardust explains. “We will be continuing to take back the power of a democratic state, using intellect and reason to govern our sensibilities, and learning to embrace different opinions in society,” she says.

So how can we use this historic day to our advantage? LA-based astrologer Chani Nicholas says now is the time to initiate something meaningful. “If you have something that you want to begin that you’re deeply committed to and you’re willing to work really intensely at and that you want to do for a long period of time, this is the time to initiate something in regard to that,” she tells Refinery29. In fact, Nicholas is channeling energy this herself by launching her own app, CHANI, as Jupiter enters into Aquarius this weekend to “catch the wave of the Great Conjunction,” she says.

Whatever venture you launch, though, is not something to start frivolously, she explains. “It’s something that you actually want to commit to and you’re willing to put your effort, your talents, your time, and your energy behind. It’s something that you take seriously,” she says. This is a moment that you can use to make your mark. “Whatever feels long-lasting for you, or has the ability to be long-lasting, this is the astrology to initiate something in the world regarding that thing.”

Maybe you want to write a book, start a new career, run for office, or launch an app like Nicholas. Whatever it is, now is the time to put those dreams into action and set the tone for this upcoming cycle. What’re you waiting for?

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There are many, many reasons 2020 went off the rails. But some would argue the planets played a pretty significant role. Starting with Jupiter: For the past year, the planet of abundance was in hard-working Capricorn, a supremely uncomfortable placement. That’s why we’re thrilled to learn that Jupiter will spend the next year in optimistic Aquarius — a placement that astrologers are saying bodes very well for 2021.

Jupiter resides in Aquarius from December 19 to May 13, dips into Pisces, then goes retrograde and moves back into the sign of the water bearer on July 28, where it will stay until December 28. Since Jupiter spends around a year in each sign, we haven’t felt this Aquarian energy from the healing planet in 12 years. And this year, we need it. “Leaving the industrious and oppressive energy of Capricorn to welcome the individualistic, freedom-seeking energy of Aquarius has never felt so liberating,” says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com.

She explains that while Jupiter was in Capricorn, it wanted us to focus on achieving our goals and accumulating wealth — which for many meant just making ends meet during a global pandemic. But in the progressive sign of the water bearer, it’s a different story. “In Aquarius, the influence of Jupiter is more focused on the openness and expansion of the mind, the search for freedom, and the real value of individuality,” Montúfar says. “Social activism, cooperation, and technology receive more attention, as we are encouraged to think outside the box and see the world from an ‘us’ instead of a ‘me’ perspective.” In other words, Jupiter in Aquarius brings us some intense activist energy.

Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, agrees. She says Jupiter in Aquarius is futuristic, revolutionary, and concerned with fairness and justice. “Jupiter’s expansive and freewheeling nature will work well in the sign that is associated with humanitarian interests, independence, freedom and innovation,” she notes. “This will be a time of enlightenment on many levels, an increase of knowledge and understanding especially in technology, medicine, the internet, global communications, and human freedoms with a bent toward solving ethical issues that involve us all.”

Think of it this way: 2020 got us fired up about many causes, from social justice to the climate crisis; 2021 will inspire us to take the actions needed to better our world. We’ll want to donate, protest, and learn more about the world around us. The planet of luck in activist Aquarius is exactly the energy we need to make things happen and move forward with change.

The placement will affect us on a very intimate level as well. “We’ll change our personal beliefs, which may revise the way we feel about our families and personal relationships,” says astrologer Lisa Stardust. “Yes, we’ll be more compassionate and understanding — but we will also be less affectionate. Aquarius isn’t a touchy feely sign.” Stardust says that loving people from a distance will be easy (good news, given that social distancing will still be enforced during the slow COVID vaccine rollout), but showing our affections on an interpersonal level will be difficult.

There’s no need to force yourself to be cuddly, but knowing that this is a factor this year means it’s especially important to keep up communication with your loved ones in 2021, even if you stick to texts and Zooms.

Saturn is currently in Aquarius too, and together the two planets are gearing up to form something called the Great Conjunction. This is a rare, powerful occurrence. The two planets last aligned in 2000, and the conjunction last happened in an air sign in 1980, Montúfar explains. But during the placement, Saturn and Jupiter will both be closer to the Earth than they’ve been since 1623. “This conjunction will shift humanity from the materialistic and industrious energy of the Earth element (Capricorn) into the mental and humanistic approach of the air element (Aquarius),” she says.

So what do we need to do to take advantage of what astrologers are saying should be a very positive energetic shift at the end of 2020? Stay open, be flexible, listen to your intuition, and lean into your natural well of empathy, which may be feeling a little closer to the surface these days. Together, we have a chance to really turn things around next year.

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I’ve always been a pretty good sleeper. I can easily fall asleep anywhere: on the ground, on a plane, on a long car ride — you name it. But recently, my coronavirus insomnia has been turned up a notch. I’ve been finding myself wide awake at 2 a.m., exploring some random rabbit hole on TikTok (I’m currently deep in Bimbo-tok) when I should be enjoying a dream. Luckily, I came across something called yoga nidra, aka sleep yoga, and I think it could change my life.

Sleep yoga is a form of deep relaxation meditation, explains Hilary Jackendoff, a Los Angeles-based yoga nidra and meditation teacher. “In yoga nidra, we’re seeking to disengage entirely from the senses in the same way that we do during sleep,” she says. “That’s part of how it trains you to sleep more deeply, and reduces sleep-onset insomnia.” (That’s a fancy term for having serious trouble drifting off.) “And it enables you to feel rested even if you haven’t slept,” ” Jackendoff adds, “Over time, it repairs sleep cycles and also allows you to deepen your sleep quality.”

The word yoga may be making you think of downward dogs and pigeon poses, but yoga nidra is a little different. It’s performed lying down, for one. And all you do is listen to a set of guided instructions for relaxation, delivered by a yoga nidra teacher in person or online, and follow along. “Surrender and follow the guidance of the teacher to the best of your ability,” Jackendoff says. “Pay attention without trying too hard.”

The practice often starts off with a body scan, bringing awareness to specific parts of your body one at a time while relaxing your muscles and deep breathing. This is meant to help ease you into a conscious, sleep-like state. Different teachers have their own techniques. In Jackendoff’s Yoga Nidra for Deepest Sleep, for instance, she also has you travel back through the day’s events, listen in to your own heartbeat, reflect on your goals and needs, and create a statement of intent. So you may want to listen to a few before deciding whether the practice is or isn’t for you. There are plenty of free recordings you can find by doing a quick Google or Youtube search, and Jackendoff has sessions available to listen to on Insight Timer. The good news is that yoga nidra can’t be done wrong, she says, so don’t sweat it if you feel like you’re not really able to “let go.”

Perhaps counterintuitively, the point is actually to stay awake during the meditation. In fact, Jackendoff recommends practicing yoga nidra in the middle of the day, at around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., when most people tend to experience a natural lull in their energy levels due to the body’s natural circadian rhythms. The dose of relaxation will carry over to the night, so you’ll fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply once you do hit the hay. And if you have insomnia, this afternoon session gives your exhausted body and mind a chance to rest, helping you function better for the rest of the day. That said, I popped on a recording in the middle of one particularly restless night, and I fell asleep almost immediately.

Jackendoff says that practitioners often claim that 20 to 30 minutes of a sleep yoga session can be as restful to the body and the mind as two to four hours of deep sleep, because it affects the brainwaves in a way that mimics what happens while you doze. Even so, she emphasizes that the practice is only meant to help people sleep better, not replace sleep.

There aren’t many large, peer-reviewed studies that prove what Jackendoff claims. But one recent study of 95 participants found that listening to an 11-minute meditation every day for a month lowered stress, increased well-being, and improved sleep quality, reports the journal Current Psychology. Other research available has shown that yoga nidra can help ease stress, which can certainly have a favorable effect on sleep. A very small study of 11 Vietnam War veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder showed that practicing weekly yoga nidra increased feelings of relaxation, peace, self-awareness, and self-efficacy.

Even if the practice doesn’t have a huge impact on your sleep, lying back and zoning out for a few minutes after lunch or before bed certainly won’t hurt you. In fact, you may find it kind of habit forming. I, for one, love being able to count what feels like lying down and zoning out as “yoga” — and if it continues to help me combat my COVID-induced insomnia, even better.

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Saturn, the planet of challenge, authority, and responsibility, is heading into the revolutionary sign of Aquarius this month. The ringed planet had a brief stint in Aquarius earlier this year from March 21 to July 1. Now, it’s heading back into the sign of the water bearer from December 17 until March 7, 2023, which means things are about to change.

Saturn is the taskmaster planet of the solar system, explains Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. It often pushes us in order to enact meaningful change. “It’s like the old sage whose teachings are sometimes dreaded, but that are so necessary for our growth and our life structure,” she says. “As he moves into Aquarius, however, his presence is expected to be a little lighter because he departs from the traditional and cold ways from Capricorn towards a much lighter and future-forward influence.”

The last time Saturn was in technological Aquarius was back in 1994, which was around the time the world wide web was invented and started to really take off, Montúfar says. “From that moment on, humanity has made a lot of technological advancements, so astrologers are expecting this next 27-year cycle that’s about to begin to be even more meaningful when it comes to technology, medicine, and innovation in general,” she explains. “The Aquarian energy is also humanistic and socialist, so this transit means that activism is here to stay.”

Saturn’s quick dip into Aquarius earlier this year — at the height of the social justice movement this summer when protesters marched for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and other victims of police brutality — might have given us a preview of what’s to come for the next two and a half years. Namely, meaningful action and activism that helps to enact the change we need in the world. But this can only happen if we actually take action, says astrologer Lisa Stardust.

“During this time, we can expect progressive changes to transform our worlds — but, only if we are ready to do the work and evolve with this astrological transit,” she says. “Saturn is a planet that rewards those who put in the effort, which means that we’ll receive the short end of the karmic stick if we don’t put in the work. If we do and implement growth in our lives, then we’ll receive gifts from the universe that will better our lives.”

If you’re passionate about social justice, Black Lives Matter, climate change, and other pressing human rights issues, then this is the transit you need to kick yourself into overdrive and get things done. Take advantage of this energy for the next two and a half years to fight for what really matters. Donate money. Protest. Make sure your voice is heard. If there’s anything we learned from Saturn’s previous dive into Aquarius, it’s that we’re stronger together, and we can make things happen if we work together for the greater good.

Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, points out that Aquarius rules the 11^th house, which represents the collective and groups. “During this Saturn period we will all be working to find our own place within the collective and with Saturn in this sign, the collective will make their voices heard,” she explains. “This Saturn cycle will bring more structure in the way we deal with the pandemic, among other things.” Along with this revolutionary push, we’ll also see some advancements in technology, Hale explains, which may be pointing to our distribution of Pfizer’s new COVID-19 vaccine.

“Aquarius is connected to cutting edge technologies and ideas, air and spacecraft, internet, electronic and medical technologies, science and academics, and allegiance to a religion or idea,” she explains. “These are some of the changes we will see as Saturn moves through Aquarius.”

If there’s one thing to take away from this transit, it’s all about radical change — in our world and in our personal lives. But no meaningful change can happen without actions to back it up. So prepare yourselves for Saturn’s journey into Aquarius, and hold yourself accountable — that’s the only way we’ll be able to continue fighting for a better world.

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New moons signal new beginnings. But December 14’s new moon, which occurs in the sign of Sagittarius, is especially powerful. It will be met with a total solar eclipse at around 11 a.m. EST, and it’s ushering in big, big changes for our future.

A total solar eclipse is what happens when the new moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun’s light completely. “The energies of this eclipse will be expansive and stimulating, and we will be pulled to try something different and adventurous,” says Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com. “In astrology, a solar eclipse can be something of a turning point — decisions made at this point can have long lasting implications in the future.”

This eclipse will trigger the South Node of Destiny, which is currently residing in Sagittarius, according to Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com. “It means something is coming to an end in order to make room for something new to emerge,” she says. “So without sugarcoating it, this aspect speaks to the possibility of a goodbye and even a loss for some of us.”

Of course collectively, we’re saying goodbye to 2020, a year during which so many of us have experienced some kind of loss — of a job, a loved one, a sense of security. This period may bring up some emotions around those specific losses, so take this week to practice some extra self-care and make sure you’re allowing yourself the space to process the past several months. While we may be ready for a new beginning, we can’t really move forward without reflecting on the past year, and that can be tough.

As you think about heading into 2021, take this new moon and total solar eclipse as a time to manifest what themes you want to bring into the New Year. But prepare yourself — this lunar energy is strong, and it may bring up some passionate emotions.

“The solar eclipse will align with Mercury and the South Node, square Neptune, and get a soft push from Mars,” explains astrologer Lisa Stardust. “It’s going to be an emotional roller coaster, as our fears come out to play.” Stardust suggests taking your time before making any decisions or major moves this week to prevent misunderstandings — our judgment may be clouded right now, and no one wants to end the year on a sour note.

Montúfar agrees, and emphasizes that it’s a great time to listen to what the universe is telling you, but not a great time to act on what we learn. “During this time, the sun, the moon, and Mercury will be forming a trine with Mars in Aries, amplifying the fiery element of this lunation,” she explains. “It’s very likely that surrounding the days of this eclipse, we will be receiving a message. But we must not be so quick to act or react, as this is not a good time for making any big changes.”

The square this solar eclipse forms with Neptune carries a mysterious, secretive air. Montúfar says this hints that things might not be the way they appear, or that we’re not getting the full story — another reason it’s smart to be cautious. “Regardless of the deep need we’ll feel take action, we must try to wait for the rest of the story to unfold,” she stresses. For example, if you’ve noticed your SO has been acting spacey or suspicious, sit back and observe or ask a few key questions rather than confronting them. Take things easy, and approach every situation from all angles to be on the safe side.

There’s some uplifting news, too. Montúfar says that Jupiter, the ruler of this lunation, is really well-positioned. “It receives a beautiful sextile from Venus in Scorpio just days before leaving Capricorn for good,” she explains. “So even if it doesn’t seem like it at first, this powerful finale can not only end up benefiting us — it also offers a glimpse at what 2021 has in store for us.”

Once we get through the clouded confusion, this new moon and total solar eclipse’s powerful energies are shepherding us right into the new year with style and grace. If all goes well, we could be gearing up for a positive start to 2021.

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After months of speculation, we’ve come to a point where a COVID-19 vaccine is actually within our reach. Just one week ago, the U.K. announced emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine — and the U.S. is right on their heels with a decision expected as early as this weekend.

It’s incredibly promising, but people are still wary. Despite the FDA’s 53-page briefing showing the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, nearly 40% of Americans said they definitely or probably would not get a vaccine. But roughly half of that group said they might change their minds if others get it first and more information became available, according to a Pew Research survey conducted on 12,648 adults in November.

The good news is that we do have more information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine than people think. If it wins approval from the FDA, it would be the first authorized vaccine to use modified messenger RNA (mRNA) which is genetic material our cells use to read proteins. Specifically, the vaccine contains the mRNA of what’s known as spike protein, which is located on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is what it uses to invade host cells, says Carlos Malvestutto, MD, MPH, who specializes in infectious disease at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The novel coronavirus uses spike protein like a key to gain entry to our cells; once inside, the virus is free to replicate, making us sick.

The vaccine works by breaking that key. When the vaccine enters the body, the immune system recognizes the mRNA in it as foreign and begins producing antibodies that target the COVID-19 spike protein. Later, if you’re exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the body will already have antibodies that fight that spike protein on hand, and the virus won’t be able to get inside your cells or infect you.

Most existing vaccines use a different approach — for example, the measles vaccine actually contains a weakened live measles virus that stimulates our immune system into fighting the illness. If you’re worried about getting infected with COVID-19 from the vaccine, though, Dr. Malvestutto says it is “absolutely not” possible for that to happen because the vaccine is not made of the virus itself — just the spike protein. “It doesn’t have the adjuvants [an ingredient that creates a stronger immune response] or other materials that are usually needed in other vaccines,” he explains. “Technically you could [create a vaccine using the mRNA of] any other protein that you have the genetic code for,” Dr. Malvestutto adds. “But we know that because the spike protein is on the surface of the virus, it makes sense to target that specific structure.”

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be administered in two doses, 21 days apart from one another. “The first dose primes your immune system, and the second dose will give you the maximum antibody level,” Dr. Malvestutto explains. The trials showed 95% efficacy after the second dose, which Dr. Malvestutto says is excellent compared to the minimum that was expected at 50%. “We should be able to see an impact earlier as we start to vaccinate people because a much larger proportion of those vaccinated will be protected by this,” he explains.

As for the other ingredients of the Pfizer COVID vaccine, they’re pretty straightforward. It’s made up of the mRNA wrapped in what Dr. Malvestutto says you can think of as a “fat bubble” — lipid nanoparticles that protect the mRNA so it can do its job. The FDA lists these additional ingredients as: lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2- hexyldecanoate), 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-distearoyl-snglycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

Dr. Malvestutto emphasizes that according to the trials — which were conducted with more than 43,000 participants — this vaccine is safe. “There were no shortcuts here,” he says. Yes, it was created quickly, but no corners were cut in the process.

Of course, there are expected side effects, as there are with any vaccine. According to Pfizer’s data, over half of those between ages 16 and 55 experienced mild symptoms, like fatigue and headaches, after receiving the injections. What’s more, after the U.K. granted its EUA, two staff members from the National Health Service reportedly experienced serious reactions to the vaccine. Both people had reported histories of allergic reactions. Because of this, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has advised that anyone who has a history of “significant” allergic reactions to medicines, food, or vaccines to hold off getting it as a precaution.

Dr. Malvestutto points out that as we start to vaccinate millions of people, it’s likely that some side effects will occur. “It’s important to keep that in context,” he explains. “We have thousands of people every year experience kidney damage and heart damage from taking anti-inflammatories. We have patients who have serious gastrointestinal bleeding from taking aspirin.” He says that no medication is 100% safe, but it’s important to keep in mind the frequency of side effects. “There may be rare ones, but it’s unlikely that they will be frequent or serious,” he says.

With results as transparent and promising as these, it’s hard to ignore how effective this vaccine is. Now all we have left to do is wait for FDA approval, and do our part to continue stopping the spread by wearing masks, staying home, and practicing safe social distancing.

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This weekend marks the twelfth day of the twelfth month of the year, and in numerology and spirituality, that’s kind of a big deal. Sure, there are other dates that mimic this pattern (10/10, 2/2, 11/11, etc.) but 12/12 is a particularly powerful, meaningful date. The energy here is unmatched.

Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com, says that there are many reasons why numerology practitioners place additional significance on the number 12. “Since antiquity, the number 12 has had major importance in different cultures for many reasons that range from numerological, mathematical, archetypal, and spiritual,” she explains. She points out that our yearly calendar year is divided into 12 months, the hours of the clock are divided into 12 hours, and there are 12 archetypal zodiac signs in both the Western and Chinese zodiac. The number is everywhere.

Breaking down the number reveals why it’s considered significant. Twelve is made up of a one and a two. In numerology, the number one correlates to independence, individuality, initiation, and new beginnings. The number two is all about sensitivity and patience. The numerology of 12 is three (1+2=3), a number that emphasizes one’s self, feelings, and connections. Meanwhile, the numerology of the full date — 12/12 — is six (1+2+1+2=6), which astrologer Lisa Stardust says is related to idealism and an idea that through our hard efforts, we can bring change.

“There’s something about the energy of the number 12 that screams completion — heralding the end of a cycle only to begin a new one,” Montúfar translates. “Every time we see this number appear, it means something is coming to a close and that we’re approaching a new beginning.”

That’s true with the date, but also with the time. If you always seem to glance at your phone when it’s flashing 12:12, it may be a sign that something in your life is coming to an end, or you’ve started a new beginning. “Its meaning can correlate to finishing up something in your life, so you may prepare to move on to another stage of growth and development,” explains Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com. Astrologer Lisa Stardust says that 12:12 is called the Ascension Gateway, and marks a time of global healing. “According to many mystics, 12:12 is a sacred code that accessed a gateway of enlightenment which propels change,” she explains. Montúfar agrees, saying some believe that this code “helps us raise our frequency as a way to reach higher realms of consciousness.” On the date 12/12, that energy is only magnified.

2020’s 12/12 is especially potent. “Approximately one week after December 12, the sign of Sagittarius will be aligned with the Galactic Center, the rotational center of our Milky Way. That occurs on 12/21 which is the flip of 12/12 — 12/21,” Stardust explains. “This is a time when we gain knowledge and insights from the universe.” This year, you can count on having double the intuitive powers starting around 12/12 and continuing into the next week. “With Sagittarius being aligned on the South Node there’s a fated vibe buzzing in the air,” Stardust continues. “We may gain more insights on matters we never have before.”

So how can you harness the power of 12/12? It’s the perfect time to meditate, journal, practice self-care, and manifest your dreams. “Leaning into gut feelings will be pivotal, and so will embracing one’s truest dreams,” Stardust says.

12/12 is a reminder that we’re in the final stretch of a difficult year, which Montúfar says is “a repetitive but also unique moment in time that creates a huge feeling of anticipation into the future.” As the year comes to a close, this energy is exceptionally positive — after 2020, it’s safe to say that we’re all ready for new beginnings.

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Searching for holiday gifts can be hard — but once you have a clue into what the person you're shopping for likes doing (hiking, reading, lounging) it can be much easier to find something up their alley. And chances are, someone on your gift list is into yoga: They're chill, they're calm, and they low-key love to work up a sweat.

Whether it's a brand new yoga mat, a cute workout set, or a gift that'll make them want to chill out and meditate, shopping for the yoga lover in your life can be much easier than you'd think — especially with our help.

Here are the gifts amateur and professional yogis alike are sure to love. Some are meant to help their practice, and some are simply meant to enhance their calm. Namaste.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Tayshia Adams’ season of The Bachelorette had a rocky start — remember Clare and Dale? But now, it’s shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet, filled with deep, meaningful conversations involving George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, addiction, and now, eating disorders. In last night’s episode, contestant Ben Smith opened up about his past struggles with disordered eating and bulimia during his one-on-one time with the Bachelorette herself.

“The life I’ve lived is different than what you might assume,” he said. “I don’t want to lay all this on you, but the reason I’m in fitness and nutrition [is because] I had an eating disorder for 15 years.”

He said his disordered eating began around age 15, when he became interested in girls and “realized they don’t like the fat kid. So, I stopped eating, I started working out all the time, lost like, 70 pounds, and had bulimia for like, 10 years when I was in my 20s.” He described the strain the condition put on him. “It’s hard to hide something for so long. I kept it from everybody,” Smith said.

According to Smith, this was the first time he’s been open about his struggles from someone other than his sister, who he says saved his life. “I’m finally at a place now where I feel safe and comfortable,” he told Adams. “I care a great deal about this, it’s just hard for me to let it out.”

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders will affect 10 million cis-men in the United States at some point in their lives. And this group is much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder, largely due to cultural bias. “Males represent 25% of individuals with anorexia nervosa, and they are at a higher risk of dying, in part because they are often diagnosed later since many people assume males don’t have eating disorders,” the website states.

Opening up the conversation can help de-stigmatize cis-male eating disorders, explains Chelsea Kronengold, the manager of communications at the National Eating Disorders Association. “The media perpetuates that eating disorders really only impact young, white, thin, often affluent women, and we know that’s not the case,” she tells Refinery29. “Anyone can be affected by an eating disorder. So whenever you hear of somebody, especially a public figure that doesn’t meet that stereotype, it’s a really great way to break down that stigma and barriers and help other people potentially see themselves in that story.”

Tom Wooldridge, assistant professor of psychology at Golden Gate University who specializes in eating disorders, agrees. “I do indeed think that his willingness to speak openly will help others, both because it signals that yes, eating disorders are a problem that males struggle with, and because it conveys that recovery from these painful, even deadly, difficulties is possible,” he tells Refinery29.

Kronengold points out that there may be other cis-men watching the episode who have also experienced this, but never had the language to realize they had an eating disorder. “Through media, through pop culture, having these great examples really does make a difference,” she says.

Smith offered this message in his Dec. 2 appearance on Good Morning America: “I would challenge people that are struggling to understand that it might be challenging and difficult, but reach out to somebody.” It is possible to recover from disordered eating — and the first step is to acknowledge what’s happening and ask for help.

If you are struggling with an eating disorder and are in need of support, please call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. For a 24-hour crisis line, text “NEDA” to 741741. 

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As someone who just started getting into tarot (I'm still experimenting with daily card pulls) I know how overwhelming it is to find a deck. There are thousands of options on Amazon and Etsy, and they all seem super-different. So how do you find the tarot deck for you?

"A tarot deck is a personal choice for each of us — we each have our likes and dislikes," points out Mysticalcraft Arriana, Keen.com advisor and tarot card reader. "We find that individual decks can call to our inner spirit, and we fall in love with that 'one' mostly — though that doesn't mean we only have one deck, [but we may have] one favorite for sure."

To narrow down the playing field, we asked professionals to tell us which ones they love the most and why. If you find yourself drawn to one particular deck, give it a try. If it's not The One, it may be a good deck to have on rotation at least.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Elliot Page, Oscar-nominated star of Umbrella Academy and Juno, has come out as transgender on Instagram today, writing: “I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot.”

According to a release from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Page describes himself as transgender and non-binary, meaning that their gender identity is neither man nor woman. “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer,” Page wrote. “And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive.”

While Page is sharing the joy of living authentically as himself, he also chose this moment to highlight the discrimination trans adults face in today’s society, including a statistic from the National Center for Transgender Equality’s 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey that revealed that 40% of trans adults have attempted suicide. Page also shared that at least 40 transgender people were murdered in 2020, the majority of which were Black and Latinx trans women.

These numbers are both shocking and heartbreaking. But increasing awareness around these issues and advocating for trans rights and visibility can save lives. Keygan Miller, a senior advocacy associate for The Trevor Project, previously told Refinery29 that one survey showed that young people who said their correct pronouns were respected attempted suicide at about half the rate of those whose pronouns weren’t respected.

Page shared how supported and inspired he felt, and he promised to fight toward a more loving and equal society. “I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,” he wrote on Instagram. “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place.”

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Nick Adams, the director of transgender media for GLAAD, said Page’s advocacy will continue to have a massive impact on the lives of trans and non-binary people. “Elliot Page has given us fantastic characters on-screen, and has been an outspoken advocate for all LGBTQ people,” Adams said in a statement provided to Refinery29. “He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people. All transgender people deserve the chance to be ourselves and to be accepted for who we are. We celebrate the remarkable Elliot Page today.”

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