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On January 22, we mark the 47th anniversary of Roe V. Wade. But almost half a century after the Supreme Court decision, the future of abortion access is at risk. As Planned Parenthood puts it, it’s under an “unprecedented attack.” In 2019, 25 new abortion restrictions were signed into law in 12 states, and these laws hit hardest among people of color. Abortion is not just a political talking point; it’s necessary healthcare.

Planned Parenthood teamed up with We Testify, an organization dedicated to the representation of people who’ve had abortions, to create a short film about four people who are living full, empowered lives because they had access to abortion. “Ours To Tell” was directed by Rayka Zehtabchi, who helmed the Oscar-winning short film Period: End of Sentence; produced by Ventureland in association with PRETTYBIRD; and features actress Natasha Rothwell.

“Ours To Tell” introduces us to Ylonda, Nick, Hannah, and Brittany. We see their children, partners, and pets. We hear about their spiritual and political beliefs, and we learn about the financial obstacles they’ve faced. Then, they all share why they chose abortion: 

“Something in me was always just like no, no girl. This ain’t it. You can move beyond it.” 

“I knew that I needed to be the best mother that I could be to the children I had.”

“I was just not in a place where I could physically or emotionally handle a pregnancy, let alone a child.” 

“I wasn’t ready to be a good parent.” 

“As access to abortion hangs by a thread across the country, this film tells the critical story of what’s possible when abortion is accessible,” Alexis McGill Johnson, Acting President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. “People’s humanity, their right to health, and their right to live life on their own terms cannot exist without access to safe, legal abortion.”

Director Rayka Zehtabchi said that it’s necessary to feature abortion storytellers who we rarely see in media. “Film has the power to challenge the conversation around critical social issues, combat stigma, and ultimately shift culture. ‘Ours To Tell’ disrupts common misconceptions about abortion — who has access, why, and how that access can help people lead rich and strong lives,” she said.

The four storytellers share their experiences, but they also have a message for viewers, too: “To people who are seeking abortion services, you are not alone. There isn’t anything wrong with you. You deserve compassionate care, you deserve loving relationships. Most importantly, that you’re loved. You’re so loved.”

Watch the short film below. 

“Ours to Tell” shows us the world we could have — one where all people are able to access the health care they want, need, and deserve — with compassion and support. That’s the future we are fighting for. To learn more and find out what you can do, go to ourstotell.org.

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Capricorn season is ending, and Aquarius season is almost here. Symbolized by the Water Bearer, Aquarius is known for eccentricity, intellectualism, and humanitarianism. Beginning on January 20, we’ll all be experiencing some of this energy, though people with Aquarius placements will feel it most strongly.

“Aquarius season is a time when we embrace our friendships, hopes, and dreams,” says astrologer Lisa Stardust. “When the Sun moves into Aquarius, we can expect to see the world through a humanitarian lens. It marks a time of change and spark of airy ingenuity in which we give more to others than we expect in return.” For Aquarians, she says, “Giving is everything” — and we can all follow suit this time of year.

Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com, adds, “This season represents the dead of winter as Aquarius is a fixed sign, which means energies (and the weather) change very slowly. Aquarius energy is pioneering, brilliant, eccentric, original, standoffish, aloof and detached, and these are the energies we will be working with over the next month. We may also be more inclined to spend more time with groups and be more social than when the Sun is in Capricorn.”

The positions of the moon and the other planets, particularly Mercury (also in Aquarius) and Uranus (currently in Taurus), set us up for major changes and surprises in the upcoming month, Hale says. “All change is not bad,” she adds. “You could go in a completely new and different direction, especially if you have been feeling you are in a rut. Taking a positive attitude toward change is the most productive thing you could do, as well as being aware of how this energy operates so you are not caught by surprise.”

It’s not all good news, though. Aquarians are known for being more in touch with their minds than their hearts, and we’ll experience this, too. “The only downfall is that we may have a more aloof and cool relationship to our emotions — which will be a momentary relief, considering the Sun moves into emotional Pisces 30 days later,” Stardust says. When Pisces season begins, we can expect feelings galore, so enjoy the stoicism while it lasts!

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Mercury isn’t in retrograde — yet — but the speediest planet is moving into Aquarius, the sign of the Water Bearer, on January 16. In astrology, Mercury rules communication and expression, while Aquarius is known for an eccentric, intellectual nature. And it turns out that these two are a perfect fit. 

“Mercury is exalted in Aquarius, which means the planet functions especially well in this sign,” Stephanie Powell, Head of Content at Astrology.com and Horoscope.com, explains. “Aquarius’s logical and inventive nature is a natural fit for the planet of communication.”

During this transit, we’ll all be a little more open-minded. “When Mercury, ruler of our thought processes, communication, and opinions, travels through cool and detached Aquarius, there is a noticeable shift in our collective mental space,” Powell says. “Aquarius is known for its innovation and freedom-seeking ways, and with Mercury’s entrance into this sign, we’re more eager to introduce and accept out-of-the-box ideas. The status quo becomes boring.”

She adds, “We may find that we’re a little more opinionated and stubborn with our views, so it’s important to practice active listening during this transit. Sometimes the greatest learning can come from shifting your mindset.”

Astrologer Lisa Stardust says that we may feel a little detached during this transit — though that can work to our advantage. “Whenever Mercury enters Aquarius, it’s a time when we can sit back and view facts from afar and make decisive choices based on an indifferent perspective,” she says. “This isn’t bad. It just means we are separating emotions from facts, which will allow us to have a discerning approach to finding truths.”

This transit is the perfect time to focus on a hobby or a goal. “The good thing about this placement is that it will give us a boost to put our passion project into reality and add courageousness into manifesting our dreams,” Stardust says. 

After leaving Aquarius on February 3, Mercury will enter Pisces. But then — you’ve got it — Mercury goes retrograde on February 16 in Pisces. During its retrograde period (when the planet appears to move backwards in its orbit, as seen from our perspective on Earth), Mercury will re-enter Aquarius on March 4. Then, the planet will end its retrograde transit and begin moving direct in Aquarius on March 9, before finally re-entering Pisces on March 16. As Mercury retrogrades through these two signs, “We may facilitate from hot and cold emotions as well as uncertainty about what to bring in our lives,” Stardust says. Be prepared!

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Imagine this: You fall in love with someone who lives in a different country. He’s handsome, funny, charitable, great with kids — a true prince, if you will. But there’s one big problem: his family. The first time you attended a family Christmas party, his cousin wore a racist brooch — and you’re a woman of color. Your partner’s grandfather has a history of making racist comments, too.

That’s not all. Your new partner’s uncle has been accused of sexual assault by a woman who says she was a 17-year-old sex trafficking victim at the time. Oh, and that same uncle allegedly uses racial slurs, too. You hear a rumor that an employee of the family business was pressured to quit because he’s gay. Then, after your wedding, you get more involved with the family business yourself — but the job requires you to constantly interact with representatives from media publications who write a lot of racist, sexist, and just plain infuriating things about you. (They even take issue with you closing your own car door.) Throughout all this, your partner stands by you, but his family does nothing — even after you have a baby. You feel miserable. It’s “really challenging,” as you once tearfully put it.

Finally, after trying for more than three years to make things work, you and your partner decide to put yourselves and your eight-month-old son first. You decide to step back from the family business and move far away from this toxic mess.

By now, you’ve probably guessed that we’re talking about Meghan Markle — or as she’s now known, the Duchess of Sussex. Last week, she and Prince Harry (now the Duke of Sussex) announced that they “intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” and to “balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America.” And while we don’t know that any of the above incidences informed their departure, the move definitely made us think a little harder about how the couple might have been feeling these past few years.

The decision was immediately dubbed “Megxit,” a play on “Brexit.” In a statement, the couple explained, “This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

Critics have characterized Harry and Meghan’s decision as needlessly dramatic, and TV personality Piers Morgan even called them “spoiled brats.”

Reportedly, the Queen isn’t happy with them either; on Monday, her office put out a statement saying, “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

But when examined from Harry’s and Meghan’s perspective, the move makes a lot of sense, says Moraya Seeger DeGeare, MA, licensed marriage and family therapist and the co-owner of BFF Therapy in Beacon, NY. “It’s really all about boundaries,” she says.

She points out that, while we don’t know the full story, it’s very likely Meghan and Harry tried to resolve the issues that led to their decision behind-the-scenes before going public with their announcement. 

DeGeare specializes in culturally diverse counseling, and she says that while some people get a sense of what they’ll be getting into with their partner’s family, others don’t realize how bad it will be before they get married. “I’ve worked with couples where it really started after the wedding,” she says. “Maybe your partner really protected you from it. Sometimes you might even be like, ‘If I had known about this, I might have made a different choice, but now we’re here.” 

If it’s simply a matter of not getting along with your in-laws, or not understanding their culture, DeGeare suggests that you “lead with empathy.” “Learning some of the traditions, or if there’s a language barrier learning some of that language, can be huge,” she says.

On your partner’s end, they should sit down with their family — and often it’s more helpful if you’re not there. “Sit down with mom or dad and say, ‘This is what I’m seeing,’ and have a heart-to-heart conversation,” she says. “The parents are more likely to talk candidly with their kid, rather than with the new spouse sitting there.”

Honesty, however, is key. “To keep the connectedness of the partnership, that spouse really needs to be open around what their limitations are, rather than trying to placate everyone,” DeGeare says. “Something I see in couple’s therapy a lot is the person will say all the right things to their partner, and then go to their mom and say all the right things to their mom, and then six months later, it blows up, and the partner feels like they were being lied to.”

It appears that Meghan and Harry weren’t just dealing with a culture clash, though — there are serious ethical concerns with the royal family’s behavior, from Prince Andrew’s alleged involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking of minors to all the racism.

Setting a boundary and holding firm is a great choice, DeGeare says — and in fact, we can all take inspiration. “For couples to take a stance and say, ‘This racist comment or brooch, or that homophobic T-shirt you’re wearing, is not okay, and that’s why we’re not coming to the next family dinner,’ is the only thing that’s going to change our culture,” she says. That personal connection is vital: “Your uncle might be like, ‘All these millennials are so P.C.,’ but if his niece is saying, ‘I don’t want a relationship with you anymore because you’re really racist,’ he might actually listen.”

Similarly, stepping back from their royal duties is a logical decision — particularly taking a stance against the “Royal Rota,” the 40-year-old tradition requiring royals to give exclusive inside access to specific British media publications, including tabloids that have printed bigoted stories about Meghan. “It’s like if you had a homophobic person next to you in your cubicle and they kept making lewd comments. You might decide, Well, this paycheck’s not worth it. I care about my own existence. It’s the ultimate form of self-care.”

The newly-launched website (designed by the same company that worked with Meghan on her former blog The Tig, BTW) and statement Harry and Meghan released show that they’ve put thought into this decision, DeGeare says. “Clearly they’ve taken the time to be intentional with their actions. This isn’t, ‘We’re done!’ after getting mad over a meal. They’ve decided the consequences are worth it, otherwise, they wouldn’t do it.”  

As Harry and Meghan move forward, the most important thing they can do is to maintain their united front, DeGeare says. And the same goes for any new couple dealing with toxic in-laws. “Honor the fact that you have a couple identity now, and really daydream about what that couple identity is going to look like,” she says. “That’s going to bring you back to how you handle all these situations. Ask, ‘Does this fit in with this identity we want to form?’” And if their new website is any indication, Harry and Meghan seem to know exactly what their couple identity is — free from centuries-old traditions.

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We’ve still got a month until Valentine’s Day, but astrologically, the time for romance is already here. On January 13 Venus, the planet of love, will enter Pisces, where it will stay until February 7. This is a particularly special time: In astrological terms, we say Venus is “exalted” in Pisces, meaning that the planet is particularly well-placed in this sign. It makes sense, because Pisces’ gentle, artistic, emotional vibe is one that’s perfect for romance.

Venus’ transit through Pisces is “one of the most tender times of the year,” explains astrologer Lisa Stardust. “When Venus enters sensitive and dreamy Pisces, we’ll all be washed away by the rapturous undercurrents of love. Venus’s placement in the sign of Pisces is its favorite spot! Venus is exalted in Pisces because love has no depths here.”

During this time, embrace romance in all forms. Spend time with your partner if you have one, schedule some dates if you’re single, be generous to your friends, and make space in your life for art. “Giving all to others comes easily, as the heart has infinite depths,” Stardust says. “Music, art, creation, and emotions become very fluid in this placement, as well as the imagination.”

Stephanie Powell, head of content at Astrology.com and Horoscope.com, adds, “When Venus enters Pisces, the collective energy will shift in matters of love — we’re eager to focus on deeper, meaningful bonds. In matters of love and beauty, Venus will operate at its highest octave.”

Enjoy everything this time brings, but keep in mind that it’s akin to wearing rose-colored glasses: We’re seeing things as a little bit better as they are. “The energy is receptive, healing and compassionate, which can also have us ignoring red flags,” Powell says. “It will be a period of time that can blur our boundaries, so it will be important to be firm in maintaining and clarifying your wants and needs.”

As long as you don’t forget caution, though, go ahead and get romantic. “Venus in Pisces ultimately offers us a chance to re-connect and embrace intimacy — a few weeks where there’s no such thing as too much cuddling,” Powell says.

According to Stardust, we’ll see an even greater boost in our love lives on January 26 and 27. On January 26, Venus squares Mars, meaning that they make a particular angle that puts the planets’ energies into conflict. But with Venus ruling love and Mars ruling desire, “this will be the steamiest day of Venus in Pisces transit,” Stardust says. “Expect to feel sensual and magnetic on the 26th.” 

Then, the 27th “is the best love day of the whole year,” she says. “Neptune adds some fluff and flirtations to Venus’s beautiful imagination. We will be swept away by the dream and magic brought our way.”

Some more good news: Dating apps are particularly popular in January. Time to get swiping. 

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Has this past week seemed particularly chaotic to anyone else? From international news (rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran) to celebrity gossip (Megxit), the headlines are so OTT that all I can think of is that infamous @Horse_ebooks tweet: “Everything happens so much.”

There’s a reason for this, says astrologer Lisa Stardust. Mercury, Saturn, and Pluto are all in Capricorn, and on Sunday, January 12th, they’ll align in what’s called a conjunction — meaning they’re all lined up in the same sign. During this day, we can expect big things to happen all over the world.

“On January 12th, we have a series of events that will shake up our lives due to the stellium (a cluster of planets in the same sign) of planets linking up in Capricorn,” Stardust explains. “First, we start off the day with Mercury aligning with Saturn and then Pluto.”

The fact that it’s these three particular planets lined up matters. “Whenever Mercury and Saturn come together, there’s a big story with authority and power. This sentiment is exemplified by Pluto’s connection to Mercury,” Stardust says. “These planets, especially in the cardinal sign of Capricorn, will force us to take action against those who aim to control us or hold us back. Finally, later in the day, Saturn and Pluto come together.”

This Saturn-Pluto conjunction is particularly important. “This is the fight. The rage against the machine. This is where we will unchain ourselves from the constraints or status quo of society and speak our minds,” Stardust says. “With the political climate being super heated, we can expect protests against the government and the patriarchy. This energy will set off the birth chart of the U.S.A., and force voices throughout the country to be heard.”

Pay attention to the headlines this weekend. “All of these planets want to expose the abuses of power in order to transform the world,” Stardust says.

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Less than two weeks into 2020, we’ll have the first eclipse of the decade. On Friday, January 10, the moon will be partially covered by the Earth’s shadow in what’s called a penumbral lunar eclipse. Dubbed the Full Wolf Moon Eclipse, it will be visible in Alaska, Greenland, and parts of Maine and Canada. For the rest of us, the full moon will appear slightly darker than usual.

About that name. Each month’s full moon has a different name in the Farmer’s Almanac, derived from Native American and colonial American naming traditions. January’s is the Wolf Moon, because wolves can be heard howling at this time of year. It’s also sometimes called the Cold Moon or the Old Moon (as in, “that old fellow, winter”).

This full moon and lunar eclipse occur in Cancer, a sign known for strong emotions, a love of home, and being protective. In astrology, “Lunar eclipses are like intense full moons,” explains astrologer Lisa Stardust. “They help us see the whole picture — which may not be what we want, because the truth can be overwhelming.”

This lunar eclipse “marks the end of the journey from the story that began in July 2018,” when we had a new super moon in Cancer, Stardust says. “During that moment in our personal history, we started a new chapter in healing or nurturing ourselves. We made sure to protect ourselves and loved ones at all costs.”

Beginning with this eclipse, things will begin to change. “Now, we are still giving our all to others, but we are taking some of our energy back to focus on ourselves,” Stardust says. 

The other planets also influence the power of this full moon. In particular, pay attention to the position of Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. “Our eyes will be opened due to Saturn and Pluto opposing the eclipse point, which will expose matters we aren’t prepared to deal with and force us to give our all to the #1 person in our lives — ourselves,” Stardust says. “Emotions will be intense. Keep the Kleenex close by and be kind to others. Even if they start in with arguments, don’t engage.”

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Selena Gomez has a song called “I Want A Boyfriend” on her forthcoming album, but she’s loving being single, too. A contradiction? Maybe. Relatable? Yes.

In a recent cover story published in WSJ. Magazine, Gomez and her collaborators opened up about the creation of her new album, Rare, out on January 10. Gomez shared that it’s her most personal album yet — far different from her previous albums, where, she says, “There was a lot of putting my music together for me, and I didn’t have much control.”

For the new album, Gomez collaborated with singer-songwriters Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter. Michaels explained the collaborative songwriting process: “Justin and I will go to the studio before [Gomez arrives] and gather ideas,” she said. “I’ll text her to say, ‘What kind of mood are you in?’ One time she responded, ‘I’m feeling strong and happy,’ and then she said at the end of the text: ‘I really just want a boyfriend.’ I thought we should do a song about it. She got to the studio, and it all started flowing together.”

That song is called, appropriately, “I Want A Boyfriend,” but Tranter said that it’s not as simple as it sounds. “One of the lyrics is about a fine line between a want and a need,” he said. “Yes, she wants a boyfriend, but it’s not a need. She’s OK on her own, and we all should be too.”

For her part, Gomez said — with a “mischievous smile,” the interviewer Derek Blasberg notes — that she’s happy being single, which she’s been for over two years now. “I need time by myself,” she said. “I love going to my room at the end of the day. Just me and my dog. I got the full granny panties situation, stretched out in my bed.” A space of her own, a pet, and comfy undies: We’ve got to admit, that sounds pretty ideal. 

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It is the age of the crystal. They're being worn as jewelry. They're being dropped into water bottles. They're amazing Instagram-bait. And for a growing number of people, the beautiful rocks are an essential part of a meditation and wellness practice.

Practitioners believe that crystals have the power to bring certain energies into your life. But even if you don't buy into the energy side of things, you can still benefit from them. For example, gaze at one to help you stay focused during meditation. Or carry them around as reminders of what you want to manifest — such as openness in a new relationship.

“Crystals and gemstones serve as a tool to help us connect our thoughts to our body and manifest our intentions,” says Krystal Smith, founder of the spirituality platform Spirit Astro. (Yes, her name is really Krystal.) “Crystals are used to empower you along your journey, and there's a crystal to assist you in every area of life,” she adds. “Crystal healing is a personal practice. There’s no one way or ‘right’ way to do it. The only rule you need to follow is to trust your intuition.”

Smith shared the meanings of five popular crystals with Refinery29 readers.

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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Right now, the closest planet to the sun is moving direct in Capricorn. But Mercury retrograde is never too far away. In 2020, the phenomenon will happen three separate times. And if you want to save yourself a headache, you’ll start preparing yourself now.

When a planet is in retrograde, that means that it’s appearing to move backwards in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. All the planets are in retrograde at some point, but Mercury goes in and out of retrograde more frequently than the others — and in astrology, the planets that are closer to the sun have a stronger influence on our day-to-day lives than the outer planets.

Mercury rules communication (including technology), self-expression, travel, and timing. During a retrograde, these areas of our lives can experience some conflict. When the Red Planet is tracking backwards, contracts fall through, exes come out of the woodwork, and flights are suddenly delayed — or you might just start missing them. In a peak example of Mercury retrograde chaos, last November, a server glitch meant that many people received texts that were originally sent on Valentine’s Day. Yikes.

Mercury retrogrades in different zodiac signs — sometimes two in the same retrograde — depending on where the planet is in the sky at that time of year. Each retrograde will be subtly influenced by the characteristics of the sign Mercury appears in. When Mercury was in retrograde in water sign Scorpio this past fall, for instance, intense emotions were at the forefront of our experiences. And while everyone will notice retrogrades, some people could experience stronger effects than others, depending on their birth charts.

Okay, mark your calendars. The dates for Mercury retrograde in 2020 are:

February 16-March 9, in Pisces (until March 4) and Aquarius

June 18-July 12, in Cancer

October 13-November 3, in Scorpio (until October 27) and Libra

On the dates that Mercury is in retrograde, astrologers will suggest you try to avoid making any major commitments, such as signing a lease or beginning long-distance travel. But let’s face it: Asking a friend if you can crash on their couch to delay signing a new lease until Mercury goes direct again isn’t always an option. If you do end up making big changes during Mercury retrograde, just be mindful — read that rental contract extra-carefully, or spring for traveler’s insurance if you usually don’t. 

Finally, some good news. Astrologers tend to say that all the panic over Mercury retrograde is a tad overblown. It has become something of an astrological boogeyman, overshadowing the effects of other planetary retrogrades. (You hardly ever hear anyone talk about Venus retrograde, do you?) And retrogrades aren’t all bad. In fact, this infamous period can even be a time of growth.

“Retrogrades are a time for the three Rs: Review, Reflect, and Reassess, while Mercury governs your attitudes, communication and friendships,” astrologer Jessica Lanyadoo, author of Astrology For Real Relationships, previously told Refinery29. “We are meant to internally clarify our thoughts at this time, and even if it’s annoying, it’s a useful event.” 

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We love a good journaling resolution. It's so easy to start up, and it delivers surprisingly powerful benefits. And we have a trick that can help you get even more out of the practice: Add in some gratitude.

Research indicates that regularly expressing thanks for big and small things in your life has many perks. "A number of studies show that gratitude goes along with feeling good about how your life is going, and with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and envy than others sometimes have," Stephen Yoshimura, PhD, a professor of communication studies at the University of Montana who has studied gratitude, previously told Refinery29. "Above all, however, gratitude can improve the quality of our relationships with other people.”

The best part is, it couldn't be easier to incorporate more thanks into your day. You can write out a list in bullet points, or you can write in prose, or even poetry. You can focus your gratitude on one person or theme — for example, your romantic relationship — or take a wide-ranging approach, giving thanks for everything from your best friend to the return of your favorite Netflix show. 

Some people write in their gratitude journal every week, some every day, and some when the urge strikes them. Black Girl In Om founder Lauren Ash suggests that regular gratitude journaling could be a helpful part of developing a mindfulness routine. “For example, if you realize, I need to grieve the loss of someone important to me, you might decide to take up gratitude journaling, where you offer thanks for what you received from this person,” she previously told Refinery29.

A blank notebook will work just fine for gratitude journaling, but you might prefer a specially designed gratitude journal that offers specific prompts. Here are some of our favorite options.

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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Erika W. Smith, Khareem Sudlow

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Feeling tempted to fly off the handle? Look to the cosmos. Today, January 3, Mars moves into Sagittarius. In astrology, Mars is associated with sex, attraction, energy, and courage. When it’s in Sagittarius, a fire sign known for a love of adventure and a carefree attitude, you can expect sparks to fly.

“Mars in Sagittarius is a freedom-loving, globe-trotting explorer who never holds back from expressing emotions and passions,” astrologer Lisa Stardust explains. “This fiery placement of Mars frequently leads to impulsive actions.”

During this particular transit, though, the effects of Mars in Sagittarius are a little different because of the position of the other planets in the sky — specifically Neptune, which is associated with imagination, optimism, and spirituality. Currently, Neptune is moving through elusive Pisces. “This time around, Mars in Sagittarius may be a little prudent on the take and when moving towards its passions,” Stardust says.

On January 28, Neptune will square Mars, meaning the planets will be three signs apart — an angle at which the planets work against each other, as if they have opposing agendas. “Neptune will come to square Mars, leading the lustful planet unmotivated to take action — even making it feel a bit stuck and unable to move forward (which is Sagittarius’s nightmare),” Stardust explains. 

This means that Mars’ passionate energy may manifest as you yelling at your roommate over the dirty dishes in the sink, rather than a night of passionate sex. “We may act out by making snide comments to others with our arsenals of arrows,” Stardust says. “Before slinging our arrows straight for the heart of others, take a moment to cool off. Words can hurt and be unforgivable if not thought out carefully. Act with caution.” Good advice for any time of year.

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Erika W. Smith, Khareem Sudlow