Editor's Letter

Hi babes!!!

I was leaving a voice note for my therapist on Tuesday, and I realised that I'm not "insecure," I'm an Aries who hasn't been given enough affirmation of my worth! She had thoughts, but I didn't really let her finish.

It felt very right - spiritually, editorially, cosmically - that my first ever themed issue would be this one. Aries is the first sign. My sign. The beginning of everything, much like this zine is, in many ways, the beginning of everything. And I know what you’re thinking, "Nicole, isn't Aries season technically over by May?" And to that I say, um, time is a construct? Like read Steve Hawking. And I think sometimes the seasons we enter are guided by our internal clock. The Aries fire energy is a lifestyle, not a calendar event. This month is about us. Mostly me. But also you, if you’re being supportive.

I chose this theme because I spent all of April being so perceptive and giving, and being that empathetic took a lot out of me. Like when is it my time? I'm ready to embrace my star. Aries is the baby of the zodiac, and babies are actually so inspirational because they just scream when they want something. I’m learning to scream!

So this issue is all about people who command your total attention, loyalty, energy, etc. They light up a room! Over the next month I'll be publishing pieces on Aries icons and looking at the cultural politics of impatience. I have a really gorgeous essay about Kristen Stewart's early career that my new contributor Becks pitched as being "sort of about Aries". There's also a playlist! And there's a horoscope that I worked closely on with my psychic, so you know it's good.

Alright, I'm off to sip a huge iced matcha and ponder next month's theme. Happy reading!

💛 N