Cosmic beings, are you ready for a lighter and freer season of your life? This is it. On 25th May, Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Gemini, followed by the New Moon in Gemini on 26th May. After trekking through the emotionally charged waters of the Scorpio full moon and the slow, grounding earthiness of Taurus Season, this new moon week hits different. It’s giving: fresh air, clear skies, renewed curiosity, and permission to float a little. If the first half of May felt like being caught in a burning ocean of emotional depth, the final week is the breath you finally get to take after swimming through it. The cosmos are clearing, and the vibe? Laughter, love, lightness, and play.

But don’t get it twisted — this levity comes after major transformation. You’re not who you were at the start of the month. You’re not even who you were two weeks ago. This week is your moment to integrate all the hard-earned clarity from the past few weeks into something that feels more spacious. With Saturn’s transit in Aries now fully underway for its first full week (we haven’t felt this since 1999 — a different millennium!), it’s time to act like the new version of yourself. No more over-apologising for your fire. No more waiting for perfect timing. Saturn in Aries says: go!

Together with Mercury and the moon now in Gemini, this is the most aligned week of 2025 (so far) to set intentions, have the conversations you’ve been avoiding, and tell the universe exactly what you want — or better. Think movement, magic, and fresh starts… all with a cosmic wink.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, Saturn’s first full week in your sign is giving “new character unlocked.” It’s been nearly three decades since this transit last occurred, and you’re not who you were back then (or even six weeks ago). This week reminds you that structure can be a love language when used to build a life you actually enjoy. You might be feeling the urge to reinvent yourself from the inside out — your look, your boundaries, your morning routine. No need to do it all in one day, though. The Aries magic is in bold action, not rushed action. Think: what does the future version of me need today? Then give yourself that. Saturn wants discipline, but it also wants truth. So start showing up as the version of yourself who knows what they’re capable of.

The Gemini new moon on the 26th (and Mercury’s entrance into Gemini on the 25th) lights up your sector of communication, making this the best week of the month to manifest through words. Write the email. Pitch the idea. Start the book. Text the crush. This is your week to be your own hype person and get clear on how you want to be heard. You’re learning that being brave with your voice doesn’t always mean shouting; it means saying what you mean and letting the world adjust accordingly.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, with Saturn spending its first full week in Aries, your sector of closure, spirituality, and healing is activated — and you may feel a shift in your inner world before anything material even changes. It’s like a chapter is closing, but not in a dramatic way. More like: you quietly realise you’re no longer available for certain habits, friendships, or emotional burdens. You’re feeling the power in saying less, observing more, and not rushing the answers. Rest is productive now. Go inward. Spend time in water, journal without editing, and give yourself the privacy to be in process. Your subconscious is doing major renovations this week, even if it looks like you’re just staring at the ceiling.

Then the 25th and 26th bring Mercury and the new moon into Gemini, activating your money and self-worth sector. You’re invited to reimagine your relationship with security and abundance. Set new moon intentions as if it’s already yours. Imagine: I wake up and check my account, and the number makes me smile. I work with clients who respect and value me. This week is about planting new mental seeds around what you deserve to receive — financially, emotionally, and energetically. Manifest as if it’s inevitable.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Welcome to your solar return season, Gemini! Saturn spending its first full week in Aries activates your sector of community and legacy, and you’re starting to get serious about your role in the collective. Think: who are your people? And how are you showing up for the causes and collaborations that light you up? This isn’t about performance or perfection — it’s about participating. If you’ve felt a little on the sidelines, Saturn’s presence here is saying it’s time to reengage. Even if that means building new community from scratch or being the leader you’ve been looking for.

Then Mercury enters your sign on the 25th, followed by your annual new moon on the 26th, and you’re being reborn mentally, emotionally, and cosmically. New moon, new mind. Set intentions not just for this week or month, but for your entire next year of life. What do you want your future self to remember about the moment you chose yourself again? You’ve changed. Say it out loud. Celebrate it. And now get excited to attract people, resources, and opportunities that match who you are becoming — not who you used to be.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, Saturn’s first full week in Aries hits your career and reputation sector, and it’s giving boss energy, whether you feel ready or not. If the past year has had you questioning your path or pace, Saturn’s shift here brings clarity. It’s asking: what are you building long-term? This is your season to do legacy work —not necessarily the most glamorous or Instagrammable tasks, but the ones your future self will thank you for. Don’t shy away from authority; you’re stepping into your own. And if imposter syndrome creeps up? Take it as a sign you’re levelling up.

Mercury and the new moon in Gemini (the 25th and 26th) bring a breath of air into your sector of rest, dreams, and surrender. You’re being invited to pause and reassess, especially since Gemini season brings its own flurry of activity. This is your moment to recalibrate. Reflect. Catch your breath. Set new moon intentions around your spiritual well-being. What would peace look like in your daily life? What do you need to release to receive it? This week is a beautiful balance between rising to your calling and allowing softness as a strength.

Leo Sun & Rising:

This week, Leo, Saturn is in its first full week in Aries, activating your travel, truth, and expansion sector — and you’re craving more. Not just more experiences, but more meaning. You’re not interested in staying stuck in a loop; you’re ready to reimagine your future with fresh eyes and bold decisions. Think about the philosophies, courses, or adventures calling your name. The next two years are about constructing a life that stretches you (in a good way). Say yes to what aligns, even if it terrifies you a little.

Then, Mercury enters Gemini on the 25th and the new moon follows on the 26th, activating your sector of friendship, technology, and vision. This is your invitation to cast a new net, digitally or IRL. Network. Dream up collaborative projects. Reach out to someone you’ve been wanting to reconnect with. The vibe is: if you can visualise it, you can make it real. This new moon helps you plant seeds for the future. Not just who you want in your life — but how you want your life to feel with them in it.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Saturn’s first full week in Aries is all about intimacy and transformation for you, Virgo. You’re being asked to look at what you’ve merged with — energetically, romantically, financially — and evaluate whether those mergers are still aligned. You’ve matured in love, in your self-worth, and in your emotional boundaries since last year. Now, Saturn is helping you apply those lessons with clarity and conviction. Think of this era as your energetic audit. What have you been giving too much of, and what’s been flowing effortlessly? Adjust accordingly. Then, your ruler Mercury’s move into Gemini on the 25th and the Gemini new moon on the 26th illuminate your career and public image. It’s glow-up time… on your terms.

You may feel inspired to start something new professionally, pitch yourself more boldly, or reinvent your online presence. People are paying attention to you right now. Use your voice wisely. Set new moon intentions related to legacy, visibility, and confidence. This is the type of week where a DM, a call, or a comment could change your trajectory. Be ready. Be vocal. Be seen.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Saturn’s first full week in Aries hits your relationship sector, Libra — and this isn’t light stuff. Saturn here over the next two years is about committing to alignment. Not perfection, not performance, but presence. You’re learning what real partnership feels like, and what you’re no longer available for. This is the week where the pressure might start rising in certain dynamics. Instead of spiralling, pause and ask: is this love helping me grow or keeping me small? The best partnerships —romantic or not — will support your evolution, not resent it. You’re not being too much. You’re becoming more you.

The Gemini new moon on the 26th (and Mercury’s entrance into Gemini the night before) lights up your sector of expansion, philosophy, and vision. If you’ve been playing it safe lately, this week nudges you to stretch. Dream up a trip, enrol in a course, start that blog or YouTube channel. This isn’t about being ready — it’s about being curious. What if you don’t need a plan right now? What if you just need to believe that something new is possible? Start there. Set intentions from your future self’s point of view. She’s proud of you already.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

You’re entering Saturn’s first full week in Aries, and for you, Scorpio, it’s activating your wellness, routine, and work sector. Time to get your systems in order, but don’t panic — this isn’t about becoming a productivity robot. It’s about making your days more liveable, sustainable, and satisfying. This is where the magic lies now. A simple tweak to your workflow, a new morning ritual, drinking more water, or finally going to bed on time… it all adds up. You’re refining the vessel that houses your power. Don’t underestimate the glow-up that starts with structure.

Then Mercury in Gemini enters your sector of depth and transformation on the 25th, followed by the new moon in the same sector on the 26th. Things are about to get real. This is a deeply fertile moment for intimacy, healing, forgiveness, and releasing what doesn’t serve your soul. Set intentions not just with your mind, but your body too. Where do you carry old betrayals or burdens? It’s time to breathe through them. To name what you want more of. To let love feel safe again — starting with the way you speak to and deeply love and nurture yourself.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Saturn’s first full week in Aries brings heat to your creativity, romance, and inner child sector, Sag. It’s here to remind you: your joy matters. You’ve spent the last year being introspective, doing shadow work, facing the subconscious muck. Now Saturn says, okay… but what brings you delight? And are you willing to be consistent about making room for that? This is a time to treat your joy like a priority, not a bonus. You’re becoming the version of yourself who leads with wonder again. Even if it means unlearning what you thought adulthood had to look like.

The Gemini new moon and Mercury in Gemini activate your partnership sector on the 25th and 26th, making this week a big deal for your one-on-one dynamics. If you’re already in a relationship, this is the week to talk openly, laugh more, and remember what you’re building together. If you’re single, there may be new prospects — unexpected DMs or flirty run-ins. But whether partnered or not, this energy is more about clarity than outcome. What kind of relationship do you want, Sag? Name it out loud. Then show up like it’s already yours.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, Saturn, your planetary ruler, is in its first full week in Aries, activating your home, family, and emotional security sector. And it’s here to say: safety isn’t always about the past. It’s about how you root in the now. This week might bring up old patterns from childhood or family relationships, but this time, you’re equipped to do something differently. Create your own rules. Define your own comfort. Build a home inside yourself that feels like sanctuary, no matter where you live. You’re learning to soften and secure at the same time.

Then Mercury enters Gemini on the 25th, followed by the new moon in Gemini on the 26th, illuminating your sector of health, habits, and workflow. Start small. This is a fantastic week to reimagine your daily routines and make space for what actually works for you. Not what looks good on paper or on Instagram — but what feels grounding and supportive to you. Set intentions around ease. Find systems that honour your energy. Let discipline become devotion. You deserve to feel held in the way you hold everyone else.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, your ruler Saturn’s transit in Aries is now in full swing, activating your communication and thought sector, and it’s time to clean up your mental diet. What are you consuming daily, and how does it make you feel? What you watch, scroll, think, and say all shape your experience. This week, you’re getting real about your inner narrative. Replace criticism with curiosity. Instead of trying to be right, ask how you can be clear. You’re developing more emotional intelligence, and with Saturn guiding the way, your words now have weight. Use them with care.

Mercury in Gemini (25th May) and the Gemini new moon (26th May) open a new portal in your creativity, love life, and inner child. This is your week to flirt — with someone, with an idea, with life itself. Be spontaneous. Let joy guide the decisions. If you’ve been in your head, this week pulls you back into your body. Write poetry. Make a playlist. Go on a mini date, even (or especially) with yourself. Your future joy starts now. Set intentions that light your soul up, and remember: love isn’t a distraction. It’s a life force.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, the first full week of Saturn in Aries activates your money and values sector. It’s time to have the money talk — with yourself, your work, your ancestors, and your future. You’re learning how to rewrite your worth story. Not based on hustle, not based on sacrifice, but on clarity and consistency. You may feel more grounded than you have in a while (Saturn’s transit in Pisces was a doozy and you’ll experience on final stretch starting 22nd October), and even if you don’t yet, trust that you’re laying new foundations. Start with one step: pay a bill, open a savings account, ask for what you’re worth. That’s how you call in the abundance that’s already yours.

Then Mercury and the new moon in Gemini light up your home and roots sector (25th and 26th May), bringing fresh air into your emotional foundations. You might suddenly want to change up your living space, plan a trip back home, or have a heart-to-heart with a family member. Even if it’s messy, lean in. Gemini energy brings levity to heavy topics. Set new moon intentions around creating emotional security — what it looks like, sounds like, feels like. You’re evolving past survival and into true self-nourishment. Make your life feel like home again.

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In our series Salary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.

Been in the workforce for at least five years and interested in contributing your salary story? Submit your information here. Published stories receive £100.

Age: 31
Location: Hertfordshire, England
Current industry and job title: Project Analyst, chemical engineering
Current salary: £0
Number of years employed since school or university: Eight
Starting salary: £18,000
Biggest salary drop: £48,000 to £0 in 2025.
Biggest salary jump: £32,000 to £48,000 in 2023.

Biggest negotiation regret: Apply for jobs, even when you are not actively looking for jobs. It is always good to know how much you are worth on the job market. Also, if you have a counter-offer, it is always easier to negotiate and ask for a promotion in your current role.

Best salary advice: Surround yourself with people who support you and give you confidence while job hunting.

First Job: Administrator

Year: 2017
Salary: £18,000

Upon completing my master’s degree and relocating to Scotland, I was looking for a job. As I became financially independent and also moved in with my boyfriend, I urgently had to find a job. As previously I interned at an airline company, it made sense that I was looking for a job in the aerospace industry. Within a week, I got two job offers, and chose the administrative role that did not require having a car. My boyfriend also just started his PhD, and his scholarship was £14,400. That was probably the only time when I earned more than him. My funds were limited during this period, but as it was my first full time job, I felt that it was a good salary at the time. I did not negotiate, I didn’t even know I could.

Promotion: Assistant Manager

Year: 2018
Salary: £24,000

One year into the role, my salary went up to £22,000 automatically. Later that same year, I also got a promotion and became Assistant Manager at the company. My salary went up again to £24,000. But I later I found out, the previous person got £26,000 for the same role, which made me really upset. My predecessor told me her salary when she left. I found that extremely helpful to know, and realised for the first time how important it is to be transparent with colleagues. I think that hiding salaries only benefit the management, never the employee.

I also got invited to a Management Program, and started travelling frequently to Germany and England. In that year I achieved a lot within the company, and my managers were really hoping that I would relocate to Germany, once I completed the Management Trainee Program. I enjoyed working at the airport, but after the summer business, I knew that it was the last summer I would spend at the company.

Job Change: Data Analyst

Year: 2019
Salary: £27,000

While in my last job, I started saving up £500 monthly, and my plan was to allow six months for myself to find a new job. In May, I quit my job and booked tickets to Japan with my boyfriend. I felt free for the first time in a while and really enjoyed travelling. In June, I got an offer for a Data Analyst role for £27,000 annual salary at a management consulting company. The application was fairly quick, and it was the first time I negotiated a little bit. But six weeks into the role, I travelled so much that I barely saw my boyfriend and was extremely exhausted from travelling. There was lots of driving and early morning hours from 6 a.m.

I started considering jobs further away. My boyfriend also got an internship in New York, so knowing that we would be away from each other helped make my decision to look outside of Edinburgh. At the end, I left and accepted an internship in Oxford and started my journey in the space sector for £18,000. I felt that the salary was really low at the time. I tried to negotiate for a higher salary and/or relocation package, without any success.

Promotion: PMO Analyst

Year: 2020
Salary: £25,000

I know, looking back, it may sound crazy that I accepted the role for such a low salary, but I really enjoyed working at the company. And that internship turned into a permanent role with better pay within a year. I was renting with someone else, a lovely girl, who was also my co-worker, and we became really good friends.

Unfortunately, I did not know that COVID was around the corner. I moved down south, only to spend my time inside four walls. I moved specifically for this job (which I loved), but I could only go to the office in the first four months of my internship, and spent the rest of the time working from home.

I also got married that year, and my partner and I finally moved in together again, this time in Oxford.

Job Change: Project Coordinator

Year: 2021
Salary: £30,000

One year into the role, I made the decision to change career paths within the organisation, as there were more opportunities in project management. I negotiated £30,000 for the role. As there were several people in the team in similar roles, it was easier to get an idea about the salary range which helped me know what to ask for. A colleague with less experience was given this salary, so I asked them to match it for my salary. Internally, employees were also starting to push HR to only advertise roles with salary ranges, to make the process fair and transparent.

Life was going well. My husband completed his PhD, started his first job and we made the decision to move closer to his workplace in Cambridge. I was commuting to the office once a week,  it was a long commute for me. I wish there could be a train between Oxford and Cambridge.

Pay Rise & Maternity Leave: Project Coordinator

Year: 2022
Salary: £32,000

My salary went up a bit to £32,000 automatically. I also applied for a promotion, which unfortunately I did not get. I was really sad at the time, to be honest, I was hoping that I would get it.

I was also expecting my baby, so life became very different after he was born. I was receiving 90% of my pay for only six weeks, then received SMP, which is not a lot. I stayed active in professional networks, and got an opportunity to organise a workshop and travel to a conference in Hawaii. The trip itself was worth over £2,000 and my husband and baby could also come with me. I probably would not have had the time if I had been working. It was a career highlight, although technically I was on maternity leave.

Job Change: Project Analyst

Year: 2023
Salary: £48,000

Whilst on maternity leave, I got a job offer for £53,000 at my dream company. After some hesitation, I declined the offer, as the benefits were horrible, and I would need to relocate with the move, it would not have made financial sense for the family. But it made me believe that I should be earning a lot more. It really changed my mindset, and I started looking for jobs. I received several offers, and accepted a role outside of my sector for £48,000 and excellent benefits (22% company pension contribution, and a free canteen). I negotiated and was very happy with the offer, and personally we were looking forward to the next step of buying a house.

Redundancy

Year: 2025
Salary: £0

We bought our house, but this year I was made redundant along with my whole department. I am currently looking for my next role in the sector I previously I worked at. I am also volunteering, and enjoying spending more time with my toddler, before I go back to work again.

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Finding the perfect skin tint takes a lot of trial and error. A good one should offer lightweight coverage and a natural finish that subtly enhances your skin, without sitting heavy or erasing your features. Add reliable SPF protection (which can complicate the texture of the formulation) to the list of requirements, and the search gets even more challenging. So when Merit Beauty unveiled The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, a tinted mineral sunscreen that offers both sheer and buildable coverage, not to mention broad spectrum UV protection, we were quick to take notice.

This new launch is a labour of love from the brand by all accounts. It took two years of development and more than 50 formulation attempts to get the consistency and finish just right. The sun protection comes from zinc oxide, a mineral filter that shields against UV rays by scattering and reflecting them away from the skin’s surface. Also featured in the ingredient lists are moisturising plant-derived emollients (in place of heavy silicones) and ultra-fine natural powders for a weightless and even application.

We got our hands on this highly anticipated launch and have been wearing it as our go-to SPF over the past month. Read ahead for our honest thoughts on why it deserves a top spot in your summer beauty routine.

Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, in shade 24

“I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best tinted sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It’s replaced my foundation — and even my concealer. The texture is like a lightweight lotion, and whether I use my fingers or a brush, it melts into my skin easily, offering medium coverage that blurs dark circles and the marks left behind by breakouts. The finish sits in a cosy space between dewy and matte, so I don’t need to powder over the top, and the staying power is excellent. I can go a full day at work — in office air, no less — and come home to more or less immaculate coverage.

“On my hand, shade 24 skews a little pink, so I was apprehensive it wouldn’t suit my green undertones. But once on my face, it blends seamlessly into my light olive complexion, giving it a more uniform appearance without erasing my features. If I wanted to wear this on its own without blush or bronzer, I absolutely could, and it wouldn’t look like I was wearing a mask. One thing to note: it’s important to use a dedicated sunscreen first. Yes, this contains SPF 50, but it’s well known that we rarely apply enough SPF makeup (a teaspoon or two finger-lengths for face and neck) to properly protect ourselves from UV damage. So I layer it over my trusty sunscreen — it’s like insurance for my skin.”

Venus Wong, senior writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, in shade 22

“To me, the hallmark of a truly great sunscreen will always be whether I’m willing to wear it on an unbearably hot day. Anything that feels too heavy and icky breaks me out and will promptly get the boot. I took The Uniform out for a whirl on my recent travels around Asia, where temperatures hovered around 32°C with super high humidity, and I’m happy to report that it passed with flying colours. Out of all the sunscreens I’ve tried, this one has one of the most imperceptible textures. The carefully calibrated formula has definitely made a difference here; it feels very light and powdery and spreads evenly across the skin. There were days I almost forgot I’d put this on, if not for the flattering glow it imparts. For me, shade 22 provides the ideal level of coverage: just enough to neutralise redness and blur blemishes while maintaining a genuine skin finish. When it gets really hot this summer, I feel comfortable ditching all my other makeup and just wearing a layer of this tint, with my trusty Dr. Jart+ SPF stick as the final touch.”

L’Oréal Blackett, Editor, Unbothered

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, in shades 10 and 12

“I’m not the easiest to please when it comes to skin tints with sunscreen. With a medium-deep skin tone and a golden to neutral undertone, some skin tints tend to leave me with a grey-ish, dull finish — a familiar story for anyone with brown skin. This is not the case with Merit’s tinted sunscreen. This formula blends with my skin beautifully, slightly evening out my skin tone and leaving a fresh glow. It’s barely perceptible and doesn’t look like I’m wearing any makeup, but that’s the point. It is very lightweight and perfect for everyday wear — I’ve even been wearing it to the gym. However, I still need to go in with a concealer as it doesn’t blur my dark undereyes and blemishes.

“This is not for the full coverage-loving girlies. I wear other skin tints that offer me more coverage, such as Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $38 (shade 18 for my shade twins!), and Beauty Pie’s Luminous Mineral Skin Tint with SPF 40. Still, I love that Merit’s tinted sunscreen offers some of the highest sun protection and is a great shade match. I also have a darker shade of the skin tint on deck for my upcoming travels; I get significantly darker within five minutes of being in the sun and love that the tint contains SPF 50 and can help me prevent pigmentation issues. I typically wear a full-coverage foundation or no foundation at all, so this gives me a nice, reliable in-between option.”

Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, in shade 8

“The Uniform has quickly become a staple in my routine. The formula is lightweight and blends effortlessly into the skin. As someone who prefers her skin tints and foundations to sit on the lighter side, this ticks all my boxes. While I typically dislike when brands describe their shade ranges as ‘flexible’, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could actually switch between shades 6, 8 and 10, depending on the look I wanted. I also appreciate that the deeper shades are numbered first (a thoughtful detail that didn’t go unnoticed, and one I wish more brands would adopt).

“My only critique is the packaging: The tube has a grey-ish tint, which makes it harder to see the true shade without swatching. The cap also falls off quite easily. It’s worth noting that the brand has created a shade range that corresponds with The Minimalist, its bestselling complexion stick, so finding your perfect match is a lot easier when you happen to own the latter. This product has shot straight to the top of my makeup bag thanks to its lovely finish and genuine lightweight feel. I wouldn’t rely on it alone to meet my recommended SPF protection, but it has become my go-to for layering over a trusted sunscreen.”

Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer

She tried: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £34, in shades 22 and 24

“Let’s start with the positives. This is a lovely formula. The tint gives just the right amount of coverage, and it dries down on skin while still appearing hydrated and fresh. I love how easy it is to apply with fingers. Where this product falls down for me, though, is in the very pink-leaning shade range. As a yellow-olive girlie, I found all of the shades I could make work too pink. Even the shade that corresponds to the Merit foundation stick I have (which I’ve used for years) is more pink. With this new product being a tint, the off-undertone shade isn’t a dealbreaker. Once it’s blended out with the rest of my makeup, it looks fine. But I wish I could apply this more confidently and without other makeup to offset the wrong undertone. Merit team, if you’re reading this: The yellow-olive girlies would love a shade expansion!”

This story was originally published on Refinery29 US.

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The last New Moon of spring is going to rock our worlds amazingly. For the first time in a while, we’ll be able to flourish with the Moon’s phases and begin anew. The possibilities to grow beyond our current range will be enormous and exciting. This lunation pushes us to think beyond ourselves and to give TLC to others who need our support. We are interconnected beings who require compassion and love. Isn’t that special?

May 26th’s New Moon in Gemini emphasises self-expression, curiosity, and learning. At this moment in time, we can reflect upon the past to see where we’re going while offering ourselves a fresh start. The positive side of this lunation is that it allows us to discover and reinvent ourselves as we progress into our most valid form of being. The duality of the New Moon in Gemini urges us to shed the facade we show to the public by letting them see our unique and unfiltered qualities. There is beauty in being raw and pure. Allowing people to get deep with us will be a fantastic experience and adventure.

Communication planet Mercury in Gemini, responsible Saturn in Aries, visionary Neptune in Aries, and transformative Pluto in Aquarius all meet up with the New Moon. This promises to be a lunation that can change our being — for the better. We need to find a way to stop overthinking in the present and be in the moment. The moment we start feeling as though we are in alignment with the flow and rhythm of the universe is when we connect to our true selves. There is no more hiding behind the version of ourselves that we want others to see. The mask we’ve been wearing is coming off. The energy and persona we embody will be acknowledged and loved.

Around the same time as the New Moon, Mercury in Gemini harmonises with Neptune in Aries. This magical transition will push us to dream big and assert our visions in the world. Mercury and Neptune are giving us the strength to do so. The caveat is that we may not be clear about our intentions, so it’s best to write them down ahead of time and think them through clearly. Then, we can easily assert our hopes and aspirations into the universe and allow them to take flight. Pretty soon, they’ll come true. We can attain our desires as long as we believe in our goals and give them the energy to come true in the physical world.

The fixed star Hyadum II gives the overall sentiment a zest of fierceness. Hyadum II is said to embody the characteristics of the action planet Mars, “Great Awakener” Uranus, and inspirational Neptune. These energies can elevate our spirit and make us want to take a humanitarian stand. Regarding our personal lives, it’ll be complicated to understand what we’re fighting for and looking to bring in before gaining clarity — which we will find once the fog clears. The only foreseeable consequence of Hyadum II is that we might get a little power-hungry and selfish if we don’t consider helping others along our journey.

We’ll feel a sense of confidence resulting from the celestial vibe. Looking forward allows us to walk on the “right” side of the street. As we’ll soon notice, there is no better avenue to hang out on since every path is coming up roses. Even if we choose to explore the trails, they’ll lead to the same road, guaranteeing a destined ending (we can thank Neptune and Pluto for this). Since we are guaranteed personal success, we should pay it forward by trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Once we comprehend these soulful passions, it’ll be hard to keep quiet when speaking on behalf of others. After all, what good is having a voice if we don’t intend to make some noise?

As we embrace the lunar vibes of the New Moon in Gemini, it’s important to savour the day. Bask in the joy and glory that you may feel. Enjoy the rush of optimism and good emotions that are brought to our consciousness and the world at large.

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“So shall we meet up again soon?” reads a text from a guy. Although I’ve had fun dates with him, he’s been flaky with arranging them, and is either all or nothing with his texting. I’m never sure if I’m about to be ghosted, or if a flurry of messages written with teenage intensity are about to land. When I write it down like that, none of it suits or reflects who I am or what I want, and it all makes me recoil at the thought of seeing him again. A decent date doesn’t mean much if everything else surrounding it, like communication, is lacklustre. And yet, why is it so hard to reply with a definitive “no” and shut that door forever?

I recently saw a woman talking on TikTok about how the hardest thing with being single is not saying “yes” to just anyone, especially the people you know aren’t right for you. The temptation exists because being single naturally comes with moments of loneliness, and with loneliness, comes the risk of lower standards, settling, and going along with a date just for momentary fun. But I have been single for a long while and I have given in to these moments before. I’ve learned the short term “fun” is rarely worth the disheartening feeling that sits with you long after that fun stops.

I’m trying to get better at not saying “yes” to just anyone, and to not let my own self-doubt call my instincts into question (which end up being proven right, pretty much always). Dating intentionally does limit your options. When everyone around me is in relationships, it isn’t as straightforward and simple as saying “no” to the wrong people. When “no” should be the answer, it’s still in tension with hope and desire. This self-doubt has something to do with a scarcity mindset, according to Liz Kelly, psychotherapist and author of This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy. “A scarcity mindset is based on the belief that resources are limited and difficult to obtain,” she says. “People with this mindset often make reactive decisions based on fear and anxiety. They tend to settle for unfulfilling situations because they doubt anything better will come and fear losing what they have. This can be detrimental in dating.” Kelly adds this type of thinking can cause a person to ignore red flags, feel like their options are limited, fear that they will never find a partner, and stay in unhealthy relationships. For those of us who are a part of the done-with-dating-apps collective, the familiarity of wondering if we’ll be single forever is enough to make us wince.

Before people tell me I’m being too picky, this isn’t the same as not giving someone a chance or making a snap decision before you’ve even had the time to properly talk. I’ve given out chances and haven’t asked for much back in exchange for my time and openness. So, this isn’t about a lack of chances, it’s about engaging with people you know aren’t right for you. You might be thinking, well, that’s easy, Tanyel. Again, I don’t think it is that simple. For ages now in modern dating, we’ve spoken about people in extremes. “He’s a narcissist,” is thrown around casually. When we speak of bad dating behavior, people love to put labels on it. While that helps us define confusing situations, the truth is that most people aren’t far on either side of the good and bad spectrum. A lot of us are somewhere in the middle and haven’t done awful things. Someone can be decent and not for you, but rarely do we speak about dating in such a neutral way. A date might have said something you weren’t keen on at all, or done something that doesn’t align with you. But because it wasn’t horrendous, doubt creeps in about your decision to not go out again and that person ends up eating more of your time than they should. And guess what? You’re still single at the end of it, grappling with the same disillusionment, only this time, there’s a fresh sting to it.

Kelly says that in order to stay connected to your values, it’s important to “come from a mindset of abundance while dating”. That looks like believing that you deserve love, that you are worthy of healthy relationships and respect, and that there are good people out there, she explains. “One strategy for practicing an abundance mindset is to reflect daily on what you appreciate and to identify small wins,” Kelly says. “You can simultaneously be frustrated and disappointed with dating while feeling thankful for friends and other parts of your life. Both of those things can be true at the same time.” This way, you’re less likely to fall into the trap of dating someone who isn’t necessarily good for you.

In the end, I did decide to put an end to seeing that guy again. As fun as he is in person, his unreliability was irritating to me as someone that likes to plan. It also felt increasingly disrespectful of my time. Realistically, that was never going to work out. When I am brave enough to say no and am confident that I am sticking to my values, I feel powerful. I’m not trucking along with someone who isn’t right for me, instead I get to give myself a little pat on the back and carry on until something better comes along. I’m glad I’m not forcing myself through the motions of a date for the sake of it. Plus, future Tanyel is going to be way happier for that decision. Her fulfilment matters the most, and I think there will be people who show up where the answer is always an enthusiastic “yes”.

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Year in and year out, the most popular summer nail colours have one thing in common — they’re bold. I get it. The arrival of sunshine season means that from our mood to our outfit choices, everything tends to get a whole lot brighter. And here in the UK especially, where the chances to get our toes out are few and far between, it makes sense to opt for a pedicure colour that’s pleasingly vibrant.

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But for summer 2025, it seems like the tides are turning. Sure, there are still some eye-catching brights and more unexpected tones that are set to prove popular for the season ahead, but the dominating feel is a whole lot more subtle.

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From milky finishes to barely-there blushes, all of the nail experts that I spoke to seemed to point to a preference for calm, clean and quiet shades that make for a pleasingly versatile base for both glamorous beach getaways and chilled summer afternoons in the city.

Scroll on for their favourite pedicure colours this summer.

Pastel French

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A fresh and playful twist on the classic French, pedicure master Milly Mason predicts that switching white tips for pastel hues will be huge this summer. “It’s so fun but chic at the same time,” says Mason. Opt for shades like mint, lilac and baby blue like Mason’s sorbet-inspired pedicure here.

Almond Milk

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Creamy whites and translucent neutrals — think almond milk — are dominating for summer. “Milky pedicures are my go-to and I’m seeing them everywhere on my feed for summer ‘25,” explains global manicurist and Bio Sculpture nail technician Julia Diogo. To recreate something like this polished pedi by Elim UK, Diogo suggests seeking out a “sheer, creamy white as opposed to a harsh one”, like Bio Sculpture’s Seafoam Polish, £15.50.

Soft Lavender

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Pastels are definitely reigning supreme ahead of summer, but this delicate and dreamy shade of purple is going to be especially popular. “Soft shades like lavender always complement sun-kissed skin and really capture the fresh, playful energy of the season while still looking contemporary,” says session manicurist Ami Streets. This glazed pedi by manicurist @nailsxbymilena is the perfect example.

Sheer Pink

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Much like the white T-shirt of pedicure colours, a soft pink is effortless and looks good on everyone. “Something like Essie Ballet Slippers, £8.99, is so soft and elegant and works perfectly for those who like a minimalist look,” says nail artist Iram Shelton.

Aqua Splash

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Consider this the wild card colour for summer. While matcha and pistachio greens have been huge for spring, things are getting punchier for the season ahead. Aquamarine, cyan blue and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier.

Black Gloss

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Black might sound like an unexpected choice for summer, but trust me, it’s the coolest pedicure of the season. “An ultra-glossy black pedicure pairs perfectly with a colourful sandal and is a year-round favourite of mine,” says Mason. Recreate her stylish colour block pedicure at home using OPI Infinite Shine Lady In Black Nail Polish, £18.

Fiery Red

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“You can’t escape summer without a vibrant red on your toes,” says Shelton, and tomato red is the shade of the season. “It’s bold, fiery and looks incredible against sun-kissed skin.” Recreate this crimson pedi by Bombnailz Bay Area at home using a high-shine shade like Essie Gel Couture in Rock The Runway, £10.99.

Iridescent Glow

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Soft shimmers, opalescent finishes and pearly chromes are having a moment for summer — and we can’t get enough. “They give a luminous, barely-there glow that catches the light beautifully and makes a great choice for those who prefer a more low-key pedicure,” explains Streets. Manucurist Active Plump, £16, adds a pearlescent sheen to nails while hydrating and plumping.

Butter Yellow

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Light, bright and instantly cheerful, butter yellow is like sunshine in a bottle. If you want to dip your toe into a colourful pedi, but aren’t a fan of summer neons, then this makes a great alternative. Try Gucci Nail Polish in 218 Cecilia Ivory, £27, to recreate the subtle golden warmth of this pedicure by Alisa.In_.

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Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last penny.

Our Money Diaries submission process has changed. If you would like to submit a diary, please use our new form here.

Content warning: This diary discusses an eating disorder which some readers may find distressing.

This week: “I wrote my first money diary in 2020 when I was living in Edinburgh and still had a couple of years of my undergrad to go. At the time I thought I’d go on to do a master’s degree in health psychology. As it turned out, I discovered that sexology existed as a thing and that I could study it if I left the UK and moved to Australia. I’ve been out here for 15 months now and during that time, I’ve moved from Perth to Melbourne. I knew I was likely to find shifting from a part-time mode of study to a full-time master’s challenging but I couldn’t have predicted how much harder things would be thanks to a hefty dose of mental health challenges. I went back to Scotland for Christmas so I could meet and spend time with my baby nephew and there was a good while where I considered not coming back out to Australia and finishing my course remotely. I gave myself a kick up the arse and decided to uproot my life again to move to Melbourne and I am so incredibly glad that I did. I love the city, I’ve got an amazing housemate (+ two dogs) and I’m feeling wayyyyy better (something I’m struggling to trust/am finding disconcerting honestly). I will be finishing my course in the next couple of months and then plan to move back to the UK sometime before August. I have no idea where I’m going to end up or what I’m going to end up doing but I’m so keen to never study ever again and build a more stable life for myself.”

Occupation: Student/bar worker
Industry: Education/hospitality
Age: 28
Location: Melbourne 
Salary: Variable but on average £360/week + tips 
Number of housemates: One + x2 dogs
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing costs: My share is £528
Loan payments: N/A 
Savings?: I’ve got maybe (?) £3k in a Help To Buy ISA, £1k in premium bonds and £1.25k in tips.
Pension?: Yes — absolutely no idea how much.
Utilities: £38 gas and electric every two months, £10 wifi monthly, £19 phone bill monthly.
All other monthly payments: £26 gym, £4.99 Spotify (student rate), £9 Netflix, £3.50 Substack, £2.99 iCloud, £5 charity (a pathetic amount I know).

Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
I studied my undergraduate degree with the Open University and studied my course part-time over the course of five years. My parents covered the costs of my degree in its entirety, for which I am very grateful. After I graduated, I applied for one master’s programme because a) there wasn’t a lot of choice in terms of places that offer sexology as a master’s b) the only other place that offered the master’s was a university in the U.S. and being in the U.S. wasn’t an idea I was keen on. I have paid for the course with money (£26k) my parents have gifted to me over the years (an equivalent amount to that they gave to my sister to help with a house deposit). International student fees here are heftyyyyyy.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money?
We were comfortably middle class and honestly didn’t really have any conversations about money at all. If anything, my parents discouraged talking about money and were always freaked out by my school friends having knowledge and awareness of how much their parents paid for things. My sister and I both went to private school from the age of 10 so I was always aware of there being people around me who’ve had a silly amount of money, which by comparison, made it feel like we were average-ly well off. I only began to appreciate how well off we’d been growing up when I left school and began actually interacting in/with the real world. Though this appreciation is now firmly in place, I continue to feel like I’m lacking in financial literacy.

If you have, when did you move out of your parents/guardians house?
I was admitted to an eating disorder unit as an inpatient aged 18 and kind of lived between the hospital, university halls and my mum’s house the first year after I left school (at age 19). I think I was 21 before I no longer had (inpatient) contact with the hospital and was ‘allowed’ to move out of home to rent somewhere with flatmates instead.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself? Does anyone else cover any aspects of your financial life?
I asked my parents to stop sending me a monthly allowance when I was 23. Up until then I’d been working part-time and/or been unable to work because of my eating disorder and had relied upon having their support to cover my living expenses. Tuition fees aside, no other aspect of my financial life is currently covered by anyone but lil ol’ me.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
When I was 15, I worked in a local café in the village we went on holiday to every year. I worked this job in each of the school holidays over the course of a couple of years.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes — because I’m in Australia on a student visa there are restrictions on how many hours I can work. Though I am currently earning more than I need to cover my expenses and even have a wee bit to spare, this is the first time since being out here that I’ve been able to even begin to build a financial cushion. I spent all the money I had to relocate to Australia and then to move from Perth to Melbourne and feel stressed knowing how much I’m going to have to spend again to resettle in the UK. It makes me feel really vulnerable knowing that the money I earn week to week is all the money I have/knowing that I haven’t got savings to fall back on in the event of emergencies.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income?
Yes, my parents gifted me £26k to cover the cost of my master’s. They gave me this money at the same time as they gifted the same amount to my sister which was actually a good bit of time ahead of when I applied for my course. I’d be lying if I said I felt like tuition fees was the best or most sensible use of this money and I do wonder about a parallel life where I’d used it for something else instead.

Day One

3:30 a.m. — Get home from work and drop almost immediately into slumber.

8:25 a.m. — Rude awakening. Go through the motions of getting myself up and ready for the day and feel yet again the weight of the realisation that my wardrobe is completely and utterly unprepared for the impending cooler/wetter weather.

8:55 a.m. — Bundle out the door looking and feeling like shit and walk four minutes up the road to wait for the tram. I constantly strive to be early when catching Melbourne public transport because, though just as likely to be late, things often arrive earlier than scheduled.

9:07 a.m. — Settle myself down on the tram and watch some YouTube (Anna Newton) on my commute across town, trying to resist the seductive pull of having a lil’ nap.

9:50 a.m. — Disembark from the tram and head to my placement supervisor’s (M’s) house via a café. I’m not familiar with this part of town and today is only the second time I’m here for placement so I reckon I’m going to take it upon myself to try out various cafés for a wee while until I have a favourite. Pick up a cappuccino with almond milk for M and a flat white with oat milk for me. Today isn’t a particularly good example but the coffee prices here are insanely good compared to the UK. I’d almost pay this much for a singular coffee back home I reckon, £6.24.

10 a.m. — Arrive at M’s for placement. This module of the course requires me to do 100 hours (unpaid) with an organisation or business of my choosing. Last week the various forms were finally complete and I started working with M who has a sexual wellness and events brand. I’m coming on board to do anything and everything she wants me to do and am v v v excited about it! Lots of my coursemates are doing more traditional and/or ‘worthy’ type placements but I love that I’m doing something a bit different.

1:30 p.m. — Finish up with M and head home (bus). I spent the morning putting together an email debriefing an event the brand put on last week. The email will be all good to go later in the week once the images are back from the photographer and I genuinely think I’ll feel proud of myself to see it come into my inbox.

12:30 p.m. — Get home, reheat some leftovers (chana masala and cumin-y greens) and get back to the task I started at M’s just before I left, putting together a bunch of companies that might be potential stockists for her brand. This ends up taking me a long time but I want to get it done so it doesn’t seep over into the next day. I’m really keen to only have to work on placement on dedicated placement days (Monday and Friday) so I leave the rest of the week for my other units.

6:15 p.m. — Head out the door again and catch the train to get to my friend H’s house. Catch up with her and her partner whilst they put together dinner (absolutely banging Ottolenghi tacos). I made cookies for the occasion yesterday and today present my offering of the raw balls for us to bake later. H and I are members of the Society of Australian Sexologists which is hosting a talk on the healing power of sexual fantasies tonight. We hook up H’s laptop to the TV and watch the talk with her partner, her house mate and housemate’s partner. Dinner is insanely delicious and I have a moment of feeling really content and lowkey emotional at what a lovely evening it’s been. I had a really tricky first year out in Australia and made the decision to move from Perth to Melbourne to finish my course remotely, hoping that this would help (and my god it has). Tonight is the first time in I don’t even know how long that I’ve had an evening like this which makes me equal parts happy and sad to think about.

10:15 p.m. — Get back home, shower and decide to finish up my placement task so I can schedule it to be sent over first thing in the morning.

Total: £6.25

Day Two

7:50 a.m. — Wake up naturally just before my alarm. I haven’t honestly managed to find my groove with a regular wake up time yet this semester but this is generally around the time I’d get up when I’ve not had work the night before. Have a slow start to the day giving myself the time to watch some YouTube and generally fanny about a bit on the internet.

10 a.m. — Actually get started with my day and spend the morning planning on/getting going with one of the assessments I’ve got looming. It is a weird one that requires us to look at the course learning outcomes for the master’s and address how we’ve achieved each of them throughout the course of our study. It should be a relatively quick and easy assignment to bash out compared to the research-based papers we normally have but I still reckon it will take me the best part of a week to get done.

12:30 p.m. — I was about to go and make some food but got sidetracked making a Google form for another of my modules. Inevitably takes me the best part of half an hour because I’m technologically inept. Manage to then spend the next hour sat on the kitchen floor gabbing away to my housemate, C, and her girlfriend, J. Make scrambled tofu, baked beans and avo toast and munch away on some corn cakes and hummus whilst am cooking.

3:30 p.m. — Book a flight to Sydney for next Friday, £85. My housemate and her girlfriend are driving up on Thursday but I’ve got work and placement so I am going to fly up and then drive back with them on Monday. Really excited to have a little break on the horizon and will be so nice to spend some quality time with C and J and see some of Sydney.

5 p.m. — Managed to squeeze a wee bit more work out then shower and spend far too long trying to find something to wear to look nice but not too nice and casual but not too casual for meeting up with one of my mates (B) (who I used to date and am more than a bit interested in shagging again). Whilst on the bus to meet him I have a call with my uni group to check in on how we’re going with our project and what we’re wanting/needing to do this week on it.

6:30 p.m. — Meet B at a bar and have time for a mini catch up before the comedy gig we’re there to see (he bought the tickets). It’s a preview and the first half was a complete riot but it went a tad downhill towards the end. A good show none the less. B and I walk 15 minutes down the road to an Ethiopian place for dinner, I pay £20.62. He moved from the UK to Australia a few months before I did but we haven’t been based in the same place. He is now preparing to move to Melbourne so we will have a few months crossover before I go back home. Every time we’ve hung out since we dated I’m reminded I don’t want to date him again but that I would like to shag him which I feel like is the perfect place to be, right?! We have a really nice evening together but didn’t feel the time was right to make a move.

10:30 p.m. — Get home (via bus) and fold the pile of discarded clothes I left on my bed. Catch up on an episode of Made in Chelsea, skincare and hit the hay accompanied by the dulcet tones of Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Total: £105.62

Day Three

7:30 a.m. — Wake up before my alarm again, do my skincare and have a slow start to the day catching up on messages/notifications from friends and family in the UK from overnight.

9 a.m. — Start looking at the next assignment for my sexological education module which requires us to plan out a two-hour workshop for a target group of our choice on a topic of our choice and produce a flyer to advertise said workshop and a rationale to justify our choice of topic. I go between a couple of ideas but settle on sexual difficulties in young women with ADHD because this is also what my group project is on and will allow me to use a lot of the resources I already have.

12:30 a.m. — Take the scenic route and walk along the river to get to the gym where I do a 45 minutes reformer Pilates class and then take the more direct route back home. Walking listening is this week’s episode of Big Small Talk. Shower, hair wash and then reheat leftover tofu scramble and beans and whack on some avo toast.

2:30 p.m. — Check in with B who says he is keen to go to another couple of comedy shows tonight. I pick up tickets for myself, £39.81. Continue doing some reading for the assignment from this morning then do some work on my group project.

6 p.m. — Not feeling particularly hungry but know that if I don’t eat now then I won’t until I get back from seeing B later so I do my classic of opening the fridge and cupboards and grazing on a few bits (corn cakes, yogurt, apple, chocolate). Get changed and head out the door to get the tram and meet B.

7:45 p.m. — Meet B and wander to the first venue. The show is good but the resounding feeling I have coming away from it is that I want to have a smol cry and give the comedian a hug. We head round the corner to the second venue and I pick us up a couple of drinks before the show, £4.80.

10:30 p.m. — Back homeeee. Second show was a very different kettle of fish. Came away from this one quite keen to go down the pub with the comedian and become his pal. Didn’t have much actual chatting time with B tonight because the shows were so back-to-back but we’re going to see each other again on Friday and Saturday. I am determined to make a move of some form at some point. When I get home I do my skincare, clamber into bed and watch some YouTube then put on my Harry Potter audiobook and pass out almost immediately.

Total: £44.61

Day Four

8:25 a.m. — Wake up before my alarm againnnn! Set it a wee bit later today because I’ve got work tonight and I’m not currently in a napping phase of life so won’t catch any extra zzzzz before my shift. Again, I spend too long catching up on messages and notifications from the UK, fannying about on the internet and writing up my money diary from yesterday. Various internet antics accompanied by listening to The News Agents.

9:38 a.m. — Actually get out of bed, do skincare and start my day. Catch up watching the recording of a drop-in session for the group project that I couldn’t attend earlier in the week. End up in a low-level spiral after watching the session and start looking at the information for the next assessment. Create a page for my group and to brainstorm for the next phase of our project and send them over a link.

11:30 a.m. — Make myself a bucket of coffee (I packed my fave mug when I moved here because I’m a lunatic) and scoff a couple of medjool dates with a lot of peanut butter. Do some solo brainstorming work then head out the door and take the scenic route to the gym (listening to Everything is Content) for reformer. I’d ideally like to do more of a balance of reformer classes, strength training and cardio but I’m increasingly leaning way more into reformer purely because it means I just need to rock up and do what I’m told rather than having to actually engage my brain to think out a workout.

2:30 p.m. — Get back from the gym and meal prep food to take to work and make scrambled tofu, beans and avo toast for whatever meal this currently is. If it isn’t already apparent, I’m the kind of person who hyperfixates on a meal, makes it on a loop until I get bored of it and then don’t eat it again until the cycle repeats itself in three months’ time. Cooking and eating is accompanied by catching up on an episode of Married at First Sight Australia.

3:30 p.m. — Cram a wee bit of uni work in then jump on the weekly check-in call I have with my uni group and project supervisor. We have a productive session going through a few ideating exercises to think up potential solutions we could produce to help young women with ADHD who experience sexual difficulties.

5 p.m. — Shower and get ready for work then head out the door to the train station. The journey to work takes me around 50 minutes door to door depending on transport. Forgot my book today so instead do a combo of podcast listening (Fucks Given by Come Curious) and YouTube watching (Lizzy Hadfield).

2:30 a.m. — Pretty average level of busy-ness for a Thursday night. I genuinely really enjoy the job and the place I work. I’m someone who never thought I could work a bar job because I thought the hours or the environment would be too much (I’ve been sober for two years) but I’ve been having a great time. Other than a Friday and Saturday night there is only one member of staff on a time so I’m left to my own devices/to my own thoughts a lot of the time and have ample opportunity for chatting to the regulars, the girls and/or observing the general goings on. I’d never been to a strip club before I started this job but I’m now so keen to go to more, both here and back home, just to see for myself what the differences are (the British girls have told me that they’re stark). Have one customer interaction that wasn’t particularly enjoyable tonight (read: racist, sleezy and misogynistic) but it was totally manageable. Finish the night not feeling too knackered and with £65 in tips. My mate who normally gives me a lift home is away so I get an Uber home instead, £9.29.

Total: £9.29

Day Five

8:30 a.m. — My only window for working out today is early-ish this morning or I’d maybe have stayed in bed a wee bit longer. Out the door I go to reformer.

10 a.m. — Back from reformer via the shop where I picked up a few bits (tomatoes, mushrooms, avo, bread, tofu, corn cakes, hummus, peanut butter), £16.79. I’d normally go to Aldi for fruit and veg and then Woolies for other stuff but I was running short on time today so Woolies it was.

10:15 a.m. — Eat leftover tofu scramble and beans and avo and hummus on toast then do some uni work. Manage to do some half productive stuff and then get totally sucked into faffing about on Canva.

12:15 a.m. — Just got changed and got my stuff together to head out the door for placement when M messages and suggests we work remotely today instead. Get changed back out of clothes and into trackies because duh. SOMEHOW MANAGE TO GET SUCKED INTO CANVA AGAIN. Unbelievable. Genuinely what have I actually achieved today?!

1:45 p.m. — Manage to fall down a new rabbit hole and get sidetracked by engaging in dialogue with ChatGPT on ideas on how to enact my plan to come onto B later. I am truly going to block myself from using ChatGPT after I’ve finished uni but for some reason one of my modules is actively encouraging us to use it. Catch up on writing yesterday’s money diary to make self feel like have done something productive.

2:30 p.m. — Have a call with M to go over tasks for me to work on this afternoon and have a more general chat on upcoming bits and bobs.

4 p.m. — Spend precisely too long going over imagery from the event last week and going back and forth on choosing which ones to include. Have just finished drafting the email when I receive a message from B saying he’s invited along another of his mates tonight. AAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHH. FML universe. What has a gal to do?!

6 p.m. — Check in with M and confirm I can call it a day. Have a quick shower, change and get out the door to meet B and his mate at a bar. B failed to be explicit in saying that said mate, S, is the same S I know from a camping trip we went on a few months back. A nice surprise! Any feelings I had of annoyance immediately disappear. Excited to have more time hanging out with her because we really got on.

9 p.m. — Comedy show was okkkkk but probably the one I’ve enjoyed least from this week. Head to an Italian place for dinner and order a delish courgette-y, tomato-y, almond-y pasta and focaccia (to share). Is spenny-ish but portion is massive and it feels like a real treat to not be working on a Friday night for a change, £25.52.

1 a.m. — Get back home (via tram). We went to a rooftop bar after dinner and S got the round in. I went up to the bar with her and asked if she knew if B was seeing anyone to which she replied that she thought he was… but she hadn’t got into talking to him about it. Feel disappointed and a tad led on and resolve to address it directly with him tomorrow so I know where I stand. There are mixed signals are flying alllll over the place and I’m BORED.

Total: £42.31

Day Six

7:45 a.m. — Wake up pre-alarm. One of my best mates back home is still awake and we have a call for an hour to catch up and chat shit. Make a hot water, bucket of coffee and armed with a spoon and a few dates, I do some damage on my new jar of PB. Finish up the episode of MAFS from the other day whilst writing up my placement log for uni.

10:30 a.m. — Skincare, get suncream-d up, dressed and pop to the café round the corner to nab a table for B and I for brunch. I have a hojicha late and acai bowl and B pays for us both.

12 p.m. — Head to Salvos to try and find B a few bits for a wedding he has coming up. Secure the goods and manage to restrain self from buying anything (win). Take the scenic route along the river to get to the park where we devastatingly arrive five minutes after the farmers’ market got packed up. Lounge about in the sun for the afternoon photosynthesising.

4 p.m. — Duck back home quickly en route to the pub, quick turn around then out the door again for the evening. I get the drinks in and a portion of chips with gravy and spring onion, £23.98. Whilst consuming said items, the conversation comes round to dating in a tangential way and I finally take the opportunity to ask B what his current situ is. Turns out he has been dating someone since the start of the year. At the time I feel nothing about this which I feel affirms that there were no romantic feelings attached to my desire to shag him.

7 p.m. — S joins at the pub and we get some scran in. S and I share mushroom tacos and vegan chicken wings, £7.67 inc. tip. Head across the road to a bar and again each buy our own drinks, £2.40. Then head across road again to another pub for a birthday shindig situ and each buy our own drinks, £2.40. Go back to the previous bar which has now (supposedly) turned more into a dance-y type venue. Struggle to have a boogie accompanied by pure beats and so call it a night at 11 p.m.

11:30 p.m. — Get home and debrief on the B situ with C and J and catch up on their days. With their encouragement, I text a gal whose number I got at an event last week to see if she wants to meet up to go to a comedy show together next week. This week has solidified/validated certain quibbles I’d historically had with B’s style of communication (or lack thereof) with me and I honestly feel annoyed at myself for having given him as much of my mental energy this week as I have.

1 a.m. — Shower, into bed, episode of Friends and Harry Potter audiobook.

Total: £36.45

Day Seven

11 a.m. — Phworrrrr that’s more like it. I did wake up a good few times from 7 a.m. onwards but I had the perseverance and dedication to get the feck back to sleep again. Catch up on messages from back home, skincare and get to some uni work.

12.30pm — Break to make some… that’s right! Scrambled tofu! Crack on with another couple of hours of work then turn attention to doing a wee bit more on the placement task I started on Friday. Have a phatttt choc chip cookie from the freezer (leftover from the start of the week). Do honestly feel really bleugh in my body after how I’ve eaten this week but trying my best not to let it get to me.

4.30pm — FaceTime with my mum, sister and baby nephew. We generally manage to catch up once a week and it’s something I always make time for regardless of what else I’ve got going on. Get ready for work whilst catching up with them.

6 pm — Head out the door for work. I’d normally make and take food with me but just didn’t have the time or ingredients to pull anything together today. One of the guys at work orders in a few dhals and rice and insists I eat half.

3:30 am — Pretty good night for a Sunday. A few of the regulars are in who I’ve not seen for a while AND I come away with £115 in tips which beats my previous highest record by £7. My mate gives me a lift home from work and I waste noooo time getting tucked up in bed with Harry Potter.

Total: £0  

The Breakdown

“I was talking to my flatmate about this and we agreed we’ve both spent the last week living like we have no responsibilities and an endless amount of money to play with. I cannot state enough how much this is not a typical week at all for me in terms of a) how little I achieved with uni work b) how many social plans I had c) how much money I spent on food/eating out. Even though I feel more than a bit of panic at how the past week panned out because of this, I also feel so grateful that I’ve started to build enough of a financial cushion that I can have weeks like this. A week like this would also have been impossible during either of the previous semesters because the deadline schedule was so insane that — even if I had the money to have a week like this — I simply didn’t have the time. Having spent all of last year feeling like I might as well have been anywhere, I’m really grateful for the place I’m in now with uni, finances and my social life.”

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Time stands still for no one, or so the planet Saturn teaches us. Saturn is leading us into Aries on May 24th for the first time in nearly three decades. As we move onward in life, the austere and reverent cosmic force urges us to be responsible and ambitious as we grow. Along the way, Saturn will present obstacles and it’s up to us to find the best path forward.

Saturn is a dominant planet that likes to take charge and Aries is the zodiac sign that is self-reliant. When the two collide, we may focus on how we can solely advance ourselves rather than on helping others. Saturn is exalted in Libra, which is the opposite sign of Aries, and commits to being a team player. This means that when Saturn is in Aries, the planet is in detriment and urges us to be selfish. As a result, struggles can occur along the way. Saturn in Aries can be a complex combination because the fire sign is impulsive, and the planet itself is known to be strategic. When these two come together, it can make us question how to take action.

Saturn in Aries can be a tad immature. Rather than learning and moving on with the knowledge and insight the universe gives us, we may still chase the same challenges and opportunities (until we decide to move on). Even though we know instinctively that the “white whale” is unobtainable, it’ll still be lingering in our minds until we reach that goal. This could hinder us from growing and evolving into the next stage of life. Aries is a zodiac sign that won’t and can’t stop until it wins; Saturn gives it the extra determination to do so. We can still achieve greatness, it’ll just require extra effort. As long as we’re up for the task, then we should be able to thrive.

Saturn’s stint in Aries is unique because Neptune is transiting the same sign and moving closely with Saturn. The two planets will form a conjunction on February 20th, 2026. This magical time encourages us to reach for the stars and manifest our dreams. Saturn cements Neptune’s aspirations, making it a decisive moment in time. These two planets haven’t aligned in Aries in centuries.

Although the centaur Chiron will be far away by a degree, we’ll still feel the lingering energy in the same sign as Saturn. Chiron helps us heal, and Saturn helps us acknowledge the lesson. We can transcend internally by mending our trauma at this time. The growing pains might be challenging; however, we’ll face our shadow selves and embrace our fears, squashing them as we move toward enlightenment.

Those born on the dates below will be experiencing their Saturn returns, making it a transformative time. For those not in the know, the Saturn return is when the planet returns to the sign and degree it was when you were born, every 27 to 30 years. The first one teaches us how to adult, the second journey urges us to embrace our success, and the third Saturn return is a moment of reflection. Reference the dates below to see if you qualify:

Apr 25, 1937, to Oct 17, 1937

Jan 14, 1938, to Jul  6, 1939

Sep 22, 1939, to Mar 20, 1940

Mar  3, 1967, to Apr 29, 1969

Apr  7, 1996, to Jun  9, 1998

Oct 25, 1998, to Feb 28, 1999

Important Astrological Dates:

May 24th: Saturn enters Aries, pushing us to focus on advancing ourselves.

July 13th: Saturn retrograde commences, urging us to centre our energy and reflect upon our desires.

September 1st: Saturn retrograde re-enters Pisces, taking us back to the last days of April and first weeks of May. Defining boundaries is vital at this time.

November 27th: Saturn turns direct in Pisces, restructuring our lives, while making us accountable for our actions and decisions.

February 13, 2026: Saturn moves forward into Aries, giving us the determination to take control of matters.

February 20, 2026: Saturn and Neptune unite in Aries, allowing us to manifest the impossible dream into reality.

April 12, 2028: Saturn moves into Taurus after completing its cycle in Aries.

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