7 Celestially Sanctioned Gifts for a Scorpio, the Deep-Thinker of the Zodiac

With Scorpio season upon us (October 21 through November 23), it’s time to start brainstorming birthday gifts for the intense and intuitive people in your life who were born under this star sign. But, what should you get? First, be sure not to limit your gifts for a Scorpio to the sign’s common stereotype of being overtly lusty and power-hungry. Scorpios also tend to draw others to them like a magnet and connect deeply (and, yes, darkly). The sign can also be incredibly loyal and attuned to what their loved ones need and desire.

So, when shopping for gifts for a Scorpio friend, Alex Caiola, astrologer, tarot reader, and co-host of the Priestesses Prescribe podcast, says to mirror their deeply observant quality and lend an ear to what they actually want. These folks tend to be really excellent listeners, and as a result, wonderful gift-givers. You can repay that thoughtfulness by listening for signs about what they want. “When in doubt, just go into their bathroom and look at what they have and what they already love,” Caiola says.

Or, check out a few suggestions below for gifts for a Scorpio.

7 gifts for a Scorpio that your deepest, most intense friends will love.

1. The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guide Book, $27

Tarot cards are a brilliant tool for peering into someone’s life and path, or for getting insight on your gut feelings with a one-card pull. It’s a perfect gift for a Scorpio, because it explores the mind with a divine twist. For total Scorpio vibes, Caiola recommends the Wild Unknown deck, with dark-line drawings mixed with rich splatters of color.

Shop Now: The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guide Book, $27

2. Goldmining the Shadows, $22

Scorpios appreciate anything that helps them on the path to self-discovery and transformation because nobody is better at evolving, Caiola says. Something rooted in psychology and the inner-workings of the mind would be a perfect present. “They do really appreciate figuring out people and things ,” she says. “Maybe they’re not going to share that information. But they’re okay with you giving them that gift, and they do that work on their own.”

Tarot reader and activist Serita Fontanesi recommends Pixie Lighthorse’s Goldmining the Shadows for anyone interested in shadow work, which is the practice of confronting your dark side or negative traits head on.

Shop Now: Goldmining the Shadows, $22

3. Alo Foxy Sherpa Jacket, $188

If this athleisure piece feels like a weird flex for a Scorpio, bear with me. When it comes to style, this introverted zodiac sign loves a minimalist look they can bury themselves into.

The cozy sherpa jacket with regal shoulders and covert zipper pockets (Scorpio is into all things that are hidden). The more physical-focused Scorpios—maybe those who have an Aries rising sign?—will be super into it.

Shop Now: Alo Foxy Sherpa Jacket, $188

4. Bond Touch Bracelets, $98

Bond Touch Bracelets emit vibrations as a way to keep you connected to someone long distance. While the preferred conversation method for Scorpios are deep, long, heart-bearing calls, in our socially distant times, it’s hard to stay connected to people. And since the loyal Scorpio feels bound to the ones they love, Bond Touch Bracelets can facilitate that, down to signaling a need to hop on the phone and have one of those long dialogues.

Shop Now: Bond Touch Bracelets, $98

5. LELO Flickering Touch Massage Candle, $35

This sensual candle gives off the scent of black pepper and pomegranate, which provides for a spicy Underworld vibe. Scorpio’s planetary ruler is Pluto, which is also the Roman name for the Greek god Hades. And according to mythology, the pomegranate was kind of Hades’ way of seducing his bride Persephone; he gave her six seeds, which bound her to the underworld six months out of the year.

Shop Now: LELO Flickering Massage Candle, $35

6. Chance Touch Screen G-Spot Wand, $150

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This touch-screen sex toy has a rich color and regal design. It’s also long and curved for for G-spot stimulation, and [clears throat] exploring depths.

For a different sexual-leaning gift for a Scorpio, consider a tantric workshop ($90). Tantra is all about exploring sex in a mind-body-soul way. For this sign, sex isn’t about casual hookups, but rather is a channel for intimacy.

Shop Now: Chance Touch-Screen G-Spot Wand, $150 

7. Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, $33

This pick, straight off Caiola’s bookshelf, focuses on Pluto and evolutionary astrology, which is “so Scorpio,” she says. The approach of evolutionary astrology allows someone to take their natal chart and embark on a transformational and highly personal journey. And since any Scorpio would sneer at a cutesy, Zodiac Sign 101 booklet, this is probably a wiser gift choice. It allows for sinking into a journey and being amazed by the person who might emerge on the other side—changed, but definitely still a Scorpio.

Shop Now: Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul, $33

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5 Chest Stretches That Will Make Your Posture-Induced Aches and Pains a Thing of the Past

 

 

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times: Stretching plays a critical role in any fitness routine. And while most of us know how important it is to give our legs a lot of post-workout love (because, ya know, that second-day soreness can making walking really uncomfortable), there’s often one under-stretched body part that could use some TLC, too: your chest. Chest stretches are important for not only keeping your muscles loose, but also for undoing the damage that not-so-perfect posture can bring about, so consider this your reminder to make them a regular part of your routine.

Stretching, in general, helps you maintain flexibility and strength throughout your body. “Our bodies need to meet a certain threshold of flexibility to support an adequate range of motion in the joints, and without regular stretching, muscles have a tendency to shorten and become tight,” says Sean Alexander, co-founder, and CEO of CEO Model Trainers.

Whether you’re targeting your upper body in a given workout or not, chest stretches are a must-do because they help to loosen up postural issues that come from sitting at a desk all day. “When the chest and shoulder muscles become tight from sitting or standing for long periods of time with poor posture or from an intense workout session, these muscles will relax in a ‘shortened’ position, meaning the shoulders will round forward into a slouching or slumped position,” says Topel.

To help keep your chest limber, Topel and New York-based physical therapist Shawn Kato, share their favorite chest stretches, below. And one more pro tip: When you’re just starting out with a chest stretching routine, Topel suggests skipping out on any weighted move, since your risk of injury dramatically increases when you attempt to stretch a muscle that is utilizing weighted tension. The good news? These five weight-free moves offer A-plus relief to chest stretchers of any level.

5 chest stretches that will combat the effects of poor posture

1. Doorway pectoral stretch

Open the door to your new, chest-stretcher way of life with this easy move. Stand tall inside a door frame with your back straight and core engaged, then bring your arms up and out to the side to create a 90-degree angle with your elbows. Plant your forearms flat against the sides of the door frame, and lean your torso forward until you feel a deep stretch across your chest and shoulders. “Don’t forget to breathe and relax into the stretch,” says Topel. Hold the position for 30 seconds, a few times every day.

2. Myofascial release with a tennis ball

To add a little pressure into your chest stretches—which helps with myofascial release—all you need is a tennis ball. Place the ball between your chest and the wall, and lean into it gently. Roll your muscles over it slowly, “searching for the spot that needs to relax the most,” says Topel. “You’ll know when you find it.” Once you’ve hit that trigger point, relax into it, and cycle through 10 to 15 breaths in through your nose with deep exhales out through the mouth, relaxing more with each breath. If you have more than one sore spot, move the ball around to find other trigger points, and repeat the process all over.

3. Floor or wall angels

Consider this the grown-up version of the snow angels you used to do as a kid. Lie on your back with your arms out to your sides, your elbows at a 90-degree angle, and your palms facing up. Be sure to keep your elbows and back glued to the floor (especially your lower back, which will want to lift), and slowly pivot your forearms over your elbows until your palms face the floor. Extend as far as your body allows, hold each rep for five seconds, then slowly return to the starting point. Repeat for three sets of 10 reps.

4. Hands behind the back

This move is a great choice when your chest needs a little pick-me-up after you’ve been hunched over your laptop for the better part of the day. Standing tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, interlock your fingers behind your back and straighten your arms as you pull your shoulder blades together and puff out your chest. Keeping your shoulder blades pinched and your chest up, lift your arms behind your back as high up as you can. Hold each rep for between 10 and 15 seconds, and repeat five times.

5. Camel pose

Borrow this yoga stretch for the sake of opening up your chest on a regular basis. Kneel on the floor with knees hip-width apart and your hands on your waist, and tuck your toes or place them flat against the floor. Slowly reach back and place one hand on each heel. Keep your chest lifted and shoulders back as you engage your core, and slowly push your hips forward. Hold the pose for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat three times.

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