Your New Year's Eve Horoscope Is Full of Potential For Major Fireworks

New Year's Eve horoscope for 2023
Photo Illustration by Becky Jiras
Photo Illustration by Becky Jiras

It could be that you're looking forward to cuddling up on the couch with your favorite comfort food and queueing up a list of rom-coms to binge until the ball drops. Or perhaps you prefer to ring in the new year all dressed up and sipping prosecco at your favorite hot spot with your besties. No matter your ideal New Year's Eve scenario, the beauty of this much-anticipated celebratory moment is that you never really know how it's going to shake out. It's entirely out of your hands — just like the astrology of any given day on the calendar.

Though you can guarantee that New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will fall during Capricorn season, given that the sun is always in the cardinal earth sign on December 31 and January 1, the moon and other planets change position from year to year. On New Year's Eve, the moon will initially be in fiery, go-getter Aries, the cardinal fire sign and first sign of the zodiac that's innately comfortable with new beginnings and initiating bold undertakings (like a whole new year, for instance). But then, beginning at 12 pm ET, the moon will shift into slow-paced, steady fixed earth sign Taurus. This could mean that you'll be tempted to swap super-social, ambitious commitments for a cozier game plan.

As the clock strikes midnight on the East coast and parties across the country are in full swing, Venus, the planet of love, will be about to pair up with Pluto, the planet of transformation, in goal-oriented Capricorn. Surface-level conversations and casual flirting won't cut it now. You could want to feel like you're connecting in a deep, intimate way with friends or a significant other. There's also a risk that ulterior motives, power plays, possessiveness, and jealousy may pop up.

But the sun in pragmatic Capricorn will harmonize with the moon in grounded Taurus through the evening, creating a sweet trine in the early morning hours. This could lay the groundwork for smoother sailing in relationships as you fix up a yummy brunch, tackle your first workout of the year, or settle in for a snuggly, lazy day.

Here's what your New Year's Eve horoscope has in store for you, according to your zodiac sign. (Read the horoscope for your sun sign and your rising sign, if you know it.) For a peek at what the new year has in store, also read your 2023 yearly horoscope.

Aries (March 21-April 19) New Year's Eve Horoscope

With the moon moving through your sign in the early morning hours of Dec. 31 and squaring off against messenger Mercury, relationship-oriented Venus, and powerful Pluto, you could feel a bit fried from playing so much emotional defense going into the big celebration. Thankfully, the moon's shift into your second house of income by midday turns your focus to money matters and self-worth. You might be inspired to set big-picture financial goals for the year ahead. And with Venus joining forces with Pluto in your tenth house of career that evening, you're also fascinated with the idea of stepping into your power. Creating a vision board or talking through these ambitious daydreams with a dear friend or SO may lead you to take empowering action.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) New Year's Eve Horoscope

The moon's presence in your sign throughout the entire New Year's celebration will intensify your emotions and sensitivity. You generally want to experience the world around you through all of your senses — but that'll be even more so the case as you ring in 2023. And although you're a creature of habit, you could surprise your nearest and dearest by proposing an eyebrow-raising game plan. That's thanks to the fact that social Venus, your ruling planet, will be moving toward a meet-up with transformative Pluto in your ninth house of adventure, stoking your desire to get out of your comfort zone. You could feel like by embracing the unknown, and you'll have an opportunity to learn, grow, and possibly make an exciting new connection.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) New Year's Eve Horoscope

You're generally the life of the party and down for flitting from one party to the next, Gemini. But with the moon moving through your sleepy twelfth house of spirituality on New Year's Eve, you might stun yourself by opting to keep your plans relatively low-key. Sure, for you, that could just mean inviting a revolving door of friends over to your place versus heading out. But you'll want to respect any intuitive need to take restorative solo time now — even if that means calling it a night at 12:30 a.m. versus the early dawn. And because you'll be even more in tune with your inner voice, consider putting your Mercurial skills to good use by journaling your stream of consciousness, as it could help you nail down 2023 your aspirations. With Venus approaching Pluto in your eighth house of emotional bonds, intimate relationships are sure to be top of mind as well. Reflect on what makes you comfortable in your friendships and romantic ties — and what you can comfortably leave in 2022.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) New Year's Eve Horoscope

You're usually voted most likely to stay on your couch with your favorite sauv blanc and sushi, Cancer. But with the moon cruising through your eleventh house of networking and long-term wishes on New Year's Eve, you'll be fired up to nurture your platonic bonds as you ring in 2023. Whether you opt for formal party plans or make reservations at a favorite restaurant to have a festive dinner with a few friends, taking part in lively conversation and trading notes on where you've been and where you want to go from here will have you feeling connected and supported in a beautiful way. And as much as you love your friends, social Venus will be approaching transformative Pluto in your seventh house of partnership, which could ramp up your desire to spend concerted, intimate alone time with someone special. If you're single, you could find yourself feeling a little obsessive about a potential flame, and if you're attached, you might want to end the night early to go home and set off your own fireworks with your SO.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) New Year's Eve Horoscope

Though you'd love nothing more than to hit pause on work as soon as the clock strikes 5 pm on Friday, the moon's trip through your tenth house of career and public image on New Year's Eve could keep professional aspirations on your brain during the holiday. You might be wishing for recognition from higher-ups or preparing yourself mentally to step into the spotlight. Or maybe all eyes are on you to throw a particularly memorable bash. Whatever the case may be, gripping too tightly to a particular outcome could be super stressful, so do your best to go with the flow. Meanwhile, social Venus and transformative Pluto will move toward a conjunction in your sixth house of wellness, firing you up to set seriously ambitious goals related to your daily hustle. You might even be tempted to map it all out. Just know that with Mars still retrograde in your eleventh house of long-term wishes until January 12, a slow, steady ramp-up will be your best bet.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) New Year's Eve Horoscope

Let's be honest: You tend to research your New Year's Eve plan for-freaking-ever, and often twist yourself into mental knots hoping that it'll go off as well as you imagined it. And that can be exhausting. But with the moon moving through your ninth house of adventure, you might be more willing than usual to see where the moment takes you, even if it's to a different scenario than you'd originally mapped out. You could be thrilled if a plot twist does happen because it could lead to meeting someone intriguing or stepping outside of your comfort zone in a way that boosts your confidence. At the same time, relationship-oriented Venus will be moving toward a pair-up with powerful Pluto in your fifth house of romance and self-expression, which can't help but ramp up your thirst for attention and connection — ideally with a love interest. Being clear about what you want in a relationship right now is a must. Not only will you be proud of yourself for owning and using your voice, but it could lead to romantic gratification.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22) New Year's Eve Horoscope

Being the social butterfly that you are, New Year's Eve is an event you look forward to for months. But this year, it could take on a quieter vibe than you anticipate, thanks to the moon moving through your eighth house of emotional bonds. You might be inclined to focus on time with your nearest and dearest — possibly just one of your closest friends, loved ones, or significant others. Though it is certainly uncharacteristic for you, building intimacy will feel better than hosting a crowd. And with your ruling planet, social Venus, nearing a meet-up with transformative Pluto in your fourth house of home life, the most intense dynamics you share with loved ones might be amplified. You could be attached to a desire to see them behave in a particular way or caught up in a power play standoff. You may even be thrown off guard by how fired up you're feeling. When in doubt, tap the brakes and consider that you'll have a clearer view of the situation once the transit passes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) New Year's Eve Horoscope

You're generally content to spend New Year's Eve with only VIPs, and with the moon moving through your seventh house of partnership, highlighting one-on-one relationships, you could be inclined to spend it with just one very special person. Even if you're in a social group setting, you'll be most interested in pairing up with a dear friend, colleague, loved one, or SO and chatting on your own away from the crowd. Your discussion may take a turn toward figuring out how you can hit a shared goal together down the road. At the same time, relationship-oriented Venus will be nearing a meeting with powerful Pluto, your co-ruler, in your third house of communication, which can make conversations feel extra dramatic. Lighthearted flirting probably won't cut it for you right now. You'll want to pour your heart out — and expect the same from others in return.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) New Year's Eve Horoscope

Though you're generally one of the most jovial party animals around, you might be feeling a little bogged down by everyday to-dos and a desire to infuse your schedule with more balance this New Year's Eve, given that the moon will be in your sixth house of daily routine and wellness. While it doesn't necessarily sound like the most fun way to spend the 31st, it may be easier to let go and enjoy yourself in the evening if you've squared away at least a few chores that have been haunting you. And with social Venus and powerful Pluto linking up in your second house of income, you could be highly focused on wanting to transform your current moneymaking strategy. You can channel this energy best into dreaming big and mapping out where you want to go from here, and then, taking a deep breath knowing that a measured, pragmatic approach will get you across the finish line.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) New Year's Eve Horoscope

You work really hard, Cap, so New Year's Eve is a time for you to be in the moment and enjoy being off the clock. And this year, that's shaping up to be especially true, given that the moon will be in your fifth house of romance and self-expression. A surge of playful energy makes it possible to be more spontaneous and lighthearted than usual. You might start out with one idea about how you're going to spend the evening, only to decide at the last minute that you're going to try something completely different because it just feels right — and you suspect it'll be more fun. Meanwhile, romantic Venus and transformative Pluto are heading toward a meet-up in your sign, which could elevate your infatuation with a passion project or a potential or current partner. If you find yourself laser-focused on a particular outcome, do your best to be in the moment, which can lead to a more satisfying result.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) New Year's Eve Horoscope

Spending time with your community is your idea of the best possible time on New Year's Eve, and with the moon moving through your fourth house of home life, you may be factoring friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family into your plans. Or you'll want to keep it super low-key and just hang with your closest relatives. Either way, a game night on the couch with home-cooked goodies probably appeals more than jetting somewhere far away or even ringing in the new year with strangers at a local hotspot. Another reason you'll be more interested in an intimate, restful time: values-focused Venus and powerful Pluto will be moving toward a meeting in your twelfth house of spirituality, which can make this NYE one in which you'll actually be feeling a little less social than usual — and rather passionate about setting and holding boundaries with anyone who's overstepping. You'll want to protect your peace at all costs and be fine with conflict, if necessary. It won't necessarily arise, though, as long as you tune into and trust your gut.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) New Year's Eve Horoscope

You're usually perfectly cool with a quiet New Year's Eve in, but this year, the moon will be in your third house of communication, which can spark more opportunities and your desire to connect with friends, neighbors, and siblings. And your curiosity will soar, potentially making you more apt to enjoy gossiping or playing catchup with people you haven't seen in far too long. In the meantime, Venus, the planet of relationships, will be heading toward a meet-up with powerful Pluto in your eleventh house of networking, which really emphasizes your need to feel like part of a group, team, or community. Ensuring that your friends are all on the same page when it comes to how you're spending the evening will be extra important to you. And if plans don't shake out the way you envisioned, you may be prone to guilting others or beating yourself up. Practice self-compassion and remember that Mercury and Mars are both retrograde, so it's more than OK to let go of any self-induced pressure and remind yourself: "Que sera sera."