Happy National Masturbation Month, folks!
May was designated the season of self-gratification way back in 1995. The year prior, then-President Bill Clinton fired Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders for suggesting masturbation be taught as part of the sex-ed curriculum.
In self-stimulating solidarity, the infamous San Francisco sex shop Good Vibrations decreed that the merry month of May be the merry month of masturbation — and the rest is history.
To celebrate the sexiest form of self-care, we’re matching each zodiac sign to a masturbation technique.
Aiding us in this carnal exploration is power Pisces Erika Lust, an award-winning adult filmmaker whose work subverts and supersedes mainstream pornography through an emphasis on inclusivity and the vantage of the female gaze.
Blessedly and refreshingly, Lust’s films — including a series called “MasturDate,” about self-love — maintain a sex-positive, ethical production process that champions equal pleasure, diversity, transparency, fair pay, safe sex and humane conditions.
And nothing says Taurus season like equitable pay and pleasure, folks. Read on and get it on.
“Being the first sign of the zodiac, it makes sense for Aries to be known, and seen. And why not?!” Lust tells the Post. “Aries, this month is about you. Put on a show and leave people wanting more. Explore your body in front of a partner, or even a mirror! Make yourself and your stunning body known. Showing your partner (or yourself) how you gain pleasure will turn the heat right up!”
Erika’s top tip: Try putting music on or employing sexy lighting to ease yourself into this. Masturbating in front of someone else can be nerve-wracking, so make sure you feel comfortable and sexy!
“If anyone knows how to treat themselves, it’s a Taurus, ” explains Lust. “There is no other sign that will go to the ends of the earth for ultimate luxury, and you deserve it! No frills, no gimmicks, just you and a partner learning to love your bodies as much as you love theirs. Exploring your pleasure and desires can help with communication – in and outside of the bedroom – and improve your sexual self-awareness.”
Erika’s top tip: The beauty of mutual masturbation is that it doesn’t have to be in person! For
those dating, or in a long-distance relationship, why not try a steamy video call?
Lust tells the Post, “We know that if they could, a Gemini would clone themselves — there aren’t enough hours in the day, right?! But many bodies can become one in another way … “
While defying traditional romantic relationships doesn’t come without a few challenges, solo, partnered and three-way sex along with masturbation can be seductive, romantic and steamy hot.
Erika’s top tip: If you are going to partake in a threesome, have a conversation about what you do and don’t like first!
Ruled as they are by the moon, which represents the corporeal form, Lust explains that “Cancers are in tune with their bodies and themselves. They know how to manifest, and they know how to go and get what they want. Cancers, it’s time to let your good mood take over! Less manifestation, more impulsivity.”
Instead of setting time aside for self-pleasure, act impulsively!
Erika’s top tip: Don’t save your sexiest outfit for other people — wear that lingerie set you have been saving and celebrate YOU!
“Roll out the red carpet and the studio lights! We love the main character energy that Leo brings to any function.”
Lust has some prized advice for the lion pride: “Why don’t you take a step back, and let your partner lead the way? Ask them to show you what they enjoy, and feel the heat as they pleasure themselves until they are begging for you to join in.”
Erika’s top tip: Do what feels good — go with the flow!
Lust recommends this mutable earth sign do away with table manners explores food kinks in such a fun way.
“Known for being consistent and practical, Virgos enjoy routine. Why not shake things up a bit? Who knows, you may explore a new kink. A lovely way to play, when trying to explore, is to incorporate food. This can be as tame or extreme as you want.
“The beauty is being able to start with something simple like feeding each other strawberries, and it can escalate to much more.”
Erika’s Top Tip: Invest in a sex blanket —we have learned from experience that food play can get messy!
“As the symbol suggests, a Libra loves balance,” Lust tells the Post. “Hone in on your harmonious energy, and connect with your body on a deeper level.”
In other words, connect with yourself, sexually AND emotionally, “through rituals and simple things. Allow yourself to immerse in sexual self-pleasure.”
Erika’s Top Tip: Try recording yourself so you can see how hot you look through other people’s eyes!
On the beauty of voyeurism, Lust maintains, “Hard to read, Scorpios are mysterious and somewhat elusive. Maybe it’s time to be more direct, whether you ask a partner to masturbate in front of you, or you just try a new genre of porn! It is an exciting discovery and connects you to your body.”
Erika’s Top Tip: If you do want to join the show, say so! With consent of course.
“A fire sign for a reason, a Sagittarius loves to challenge their boundaries and explore. Luckily, masturbation May is the month for exploring!” Lust explains. “Try elevating your masturbation routine by popping in a butt plug.
“Try this on your own before introducing it to a partner, so you can get comfortable and acquainted with that incredible feeling!
Erika’s Top Tip: Use lube — and lots of it!
“Capricorns know that perseverance is everything. This month, try edging using a toy; pleasure yourself and when you feel you are ready to climax, take the toy away, and keep doing this. It’s a great way to turn up the heat and prolong that pleasure. Some toys even have an edging setting!
Erika’s Top Tip: Keep your toys charged! Edging by choice is fun, but edging by having a vibe die is not.
Apropos of Aquarius being the sign of community and common cause, Lust recommends group masturbation.
“While this sounds scary, it’s incredibly hot! You can observe the room and take note of what people enjoy. Give your Tinder dates a time and a place, and go for it. Or, if you are partnered, maybe bring another couple in.
“See how spicy a group masturbation sesh can be.”
Erika’s Top Tip: Communicate!!! Disclose personal boundaries; the more open and honest you are, the more fun you can have.
Lust recommends Pisces people dip a toe — or a fin, as it were — into a sex party.
“Imaginative and intuitive are two words that sum up a Pisces. Two traits that work hand in hand for an orgy! Right? This month, maybe attend a sex party. You don’t have to participate — you can just watch!
“Using these two skills, a Pisces can use their imagination, but keep an eye on the other person to ensure they are feeling the pleasure, too.”
Bottom line: each person should fit in and partake perfectly and respectfully.”
Erika’s Top Tip: If you are feeling nervous, take someone with you. It could be a partner, friend, or new love interest!
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience.
