Whether you’re celebrating, reinventing or boycotting, Thanksgiving is not an easy day to ignore if you live in the United States. Spending time with family is de riguer, and that can bring its own banquet-table full of drama—especially over the past three, politically charged years! And then there’s the flurry of Black Friday deals that have no doubt already started flooding your inbox and Instagram feed and giving you retail therapy FOMO and pre-buyer’s remorse all at once.
So what do the stars have to say about all this? An unusual number of planets will be clustered in Capricorn, hovering in this traditional earth sign on both Thursday and Friday. Four to be exact: luxuriating Venus, the emotional moon, sensible Saturn and magnetic Pluto. And while this brings a somewhat formal vibe to the celebrations, civility may also return to the holiday table. We’re not suggesting you censor yourself. Just take any politically charged talks outside…or, if you’d rather not, lean into the level-headed Capricorn discernment and suggest a “let’s just agree to disagree” referendum.
With the nostalgic moon and Pluto chiming in, any nods to the past will be a hit. Pull together a playlist of favorite songs from every guest’s era—or maybe project a rotating slide show of photos on the wall. Venus and the moon are deeply empathetic, and in weighty Capricorn, you may feel a deeper sense of responsibility for the world. Don’t overthink it, just go volunteer. You could drop off meals to families in need, prep cook at a shelter or even pass around hot cocoa to protestors at a rally for indigenous rights.
Shoppers—please chill! Your Black Friday bundles should be a well-edited curation, so don’t start double-tapping every 60% off deal that flashes on your screen. This selective celestial energy calls for quality over quantity. Think: timeless, elegant, heritage brands. Capricorn is the eldest of the three earth signs, so whenever possible, source sustainably and buy locally. When in doubt, ask yourself: Would Greta Thunberg, who is born in the sign of the Sea Goat, approve?
Here’s how every zodiac can celebrate…or not…on these bonus days off from the grind:
Aries
When people say “traditional,” you’re not exactly the first zodiac sign that comes to mind—but this Thanksgiving could bring a rare appearance from your conventional side. Of course, it’s up to you how to define the word. If it means cranberry sauce and giant drumstick or a movie date and Chinese buffet is totally your call. The point of the exercise is to commune with your favorite people. Chosen family or biological, you could find yourself getting all sentimental as you tick off all the things you’re thankful for since this time in 2018. The gratitude buzz will be strong—and while you’re feeling the love, go easy with the offers of reciprocity. You could make a promise that becomes too burdensome to keep. Saying, “Thank you from the bottom of my bottomless heart!” is enough to keep everyone’s cup filled! Black Friday’s bargains could steer you towards an investment piece that is also useful for work. A belted cashmere trench or hand-tooled leather bag has the smell of success that’s right around the corner for you starting December 2!
Taurus
Whose tradition is this anyway? With planets singing a chorus of “one love” in your all-inclusive ninth house, you want to put the real issues on the table. Talking turkey about unconscious bias, white supremacy, or what actually happened on Plymouth Rock when pilgrims broke bread with the indigenous tribes. Even the more moderate Bulls may find that you have a taste for discussing these charged topics. But is it really the moment for this, Taurus? If the people in your midst are aligned with the conversation, by all means, turn up the heat. But if there are too many dissenting voices in the room, de-escalate the tension and save it for another time. Travel deals will top the list of your Black Friday splurges. Wake up early to get the limited seats your go-to airline or to enroll in your Pilates’ instructor’s Bali retreat. Or spring for a backpack, luggage set or other chic-but-practical jetsetting accessory.
Gemini
You may feel like flying under the radar this Thanksgiving, so if it’s not too late, try to keep your plans lowkey. Even if you ARE gathering with family—or hosting—regulate your energy. You don’t have to be the raconteur, entertaining people with your tales while you’re peeling potatoes and basting the bird. If the silence feels uncomfortable, turn on some music or a podcast to fill the void. If the social energy gets too intense, slip off for a walk or go meditate (in your car if that’s the only privacy zone you can find). The cluster of Capricorn planets IS stoking the embers in your erotic eighth house. Some Twins may prefer a sultry one-on-one celebration…or afterparty. In a relationship? Check your jealousy at the door or you could wind up making a scene. When it comes to your Black Friday selects, think soulful and sexy. Experiential indulgences are always your jam. How about seeing your favorite band play live (in London!) or booking a yoga retreat weekend or baecation for you and your sweetie?
Cancer
This turkey day is all about twosomes for Cancers, as planets convene in your partnership house. Maybe you’ll be playing footsies under the table with a new crush or skipping the #NotMyHoliday to see a movie on the big screen and have drinks at the only dive bar open in town. With your justice sector lit, you could spend part of the day at a protest or raise money for indigenous land rights. Single Cancers could have an enjoyable evening batting your magnetic lashes at a surprise guest. Already attached? Don’t let family obligations dominate your entire day. Slip off for some sacred alone time with your boo. Feel like bonding with just one or two favorite relatives? Slip off where you can, even if you’re just running to pick out a couple extra bottles of vino or going for a walk through the neighborhood while the food is cooking away in the oven. Harness this “two for the price of one” momentum and double down on a Black Friday deal with a BFF who shares your taste in clothes, travel or home goods.
Leo
Temptations abound, but you’ve got willpower to spare as planets pool in your disciplined sixth house. But then again, Leo, do you really need to be THAT rigid? (No.) Think of yourself as a “healthy hedonist” this Thanksgiving and find ways to enjoy a little decadence without diverting from your self-care goals. Get involved in the menu planning: There’s lots you can do with seasonal ingredients like cranberries, squash, Brussels and yams. Whip up gluten-free spins on the Thanksgiving classics or desserts that use maple syrup instead of sugar. Or, have a “cheat day” and get over it already! You can counter the effects with exercise. Get a morning workout in, take walks with relatives. And since you’re the zodiac’s entertainment director, how about setting up the living room for a multigenerational dance-off? Let your wellness warrior lead the way with Black Friday selections. Your favorite yoga studio might be offering an early bird special for a retreat or 60% off a 10-class punch card. Splurging on a fancy blender for smoothies and soups might finally be justifiable with a doorbuster discount.
Virgo
Set up the selfie station, pump the danceable playlists. The planets appoint you Master of Ceremonies this Thanksgiving, and that means leveling up the glamour factor. Tablescaping? A seating chart and place cards? Passed amuse bouche? It’s never too late to add those formal touches that level up the celebration. Even if everyone just feels like showing up in their coziest sweaters, make a point of capturing it all for your Stories. Or document your Un-Thanksgiving with classic Virgoan wit if you’re sitting this one out. What you probably won’t be sitting out is Black Friday, thanks to the quarter of Capricorn planets singing, “Yeah baby I’m worth it” in your decadent fifth house. Feel free to spoil yourself, as you define it. Whether you’re up pre-dawn to get in line for a limited-edition sneaker or taking a drive to a maker’s market, turn the day into a treasure hunt. One thing to watch out for? Power struggles with another queen. While you’re just having a good time taking charge and entertaining the troops, make sure you aren’t stepping on someone else’s stilettos or throwing a wrench in their obsessively crafted plans.
Libra
Planets nestle into the most domestic part of your solar chart, making “home for the holidays” your Thanksgiving M.O. Even if you’re not technically celebrating, you’ll want to be surrounded by your closest companions—friends, relatives, chosen family. Libras are highly principled people: You’re symbolized by the scales of justice, after all. So maybe you’ll be the one showing up with Tofurkey and vegan sides or insisting that the unvarnished story about Thanksgiving is told around the table. You’ll pull it off diplomatically, making it hard for any naysayers or deniers to object. Good luck getting up for any pre-dawn doorbuster moments. A shoppable Instagram link that you can click from bed? Now that might be hard to resist. Because of this impulse, make a list (and check it twice). With planets in cautious Capricorn—including sneaky Pluto—you don’t want to get stuck with a non-refundable object that looks totally different than the photo you saw online.
Scorpio
The stormy Scorpio is nowhere to be found this Thanksgiving. With your social third house lit, you’re basically the life of the party. Embrace this role, because when you feel like turning on your goddess-given charm, you can light up the entire room (and way beyond those walls). The trick? Staying powerfully present. With your hawk-like observational powers, you can tune in to whoever is in the room. Does someone look awkward and alone? Get ‘em chatting. Keep cups filled and food on everyone’s plates. You might even lighten up the vibes with some fun and games. A karaoke sing-off, Cards Against Humanity, even an old-school board game like Monopoly. If you’re hosting, be prepared to place a couple extra chairs around the table. Your invite list could grow—and the last-minute guests could be the best thing that happened to your soiree. No plans? Be bold and see if you can tag along with a friend to their celebration. Even if the social vibes are lacking on Thursday, you can make up for lost time on Friday. Rally friends for a road trip to an artisan craft fair or indoor flea market where you can curate the most original holiday gifts—a Scorpio specialty.
Sagittarius
Feel the gratitude! You may realize just how much you have to be thankful for as a quartet of planets hunker down in your second house of values. And pssst! This is not ONLY about fixating on the epic, earth-shattering moments of 2019. Stop to feel the flood of appreciation for the quiet supporters who have basically been your rocks during this exciting (but tumultuous) year of growth. Yes, Sagittarius, you’ll have a staggering number of thank you messages to send off. Take time to personalize as many as you can instead of group-texting. (We know you get wordy, but a couple sentences will do!) If people made bigger sacrifices to help you ascend, put them on your Black Friday shopping list. Speaking of which, you’ll need a clear-cut budget for shopping this year, as the Capricorn planets call for responsible indulgence. Don’t sacrifice luxury though. It’s quality over quantity in 2019, even if you have to whittle down to one or two investment pieces.
Capricorn
With so much planetary action going on in your sign—the moon, Venus, Saturn and Pluto—they should host a parade in your honor! Make the most of these maximalist vibes and add some over-the-top flourishes to your celebration. (Even if you’re celebrating a Thanksgiving boycott!) Take photos, shoot videos, capture the hilarious bloopers and style-blogger moments alike. Just don’t let anyone fence you in! You’ll be a restless social butterfly and that means giving yourself space to flit from one conversation to another without getting too heavy or deep. You deserve to let your hair down, relax and celebrate after this intense year! Steer clear of the energy vampires or cut ‘em off quickly when they start complaining. You don’t have to be rude. Just help them pivot to an attitude of gratitude. With so much active energy afoot, you might feel like skipping the Black Friday madness so you can hit the slopes or take a spontaneous long weekend to visit a friend in warmer climes.
Aquarius
No need to drape yourself in formal attire this Thanksgiving—in fact, you’re more inclined to embrace pajama dressing under the sleepy influence of four planets in your rejuvenating twelfth house. Start the morning off with some journaling and meditation, even (and especially!) if you have a busy day of hosting and cooking ahead. Create a mantra for yourself like, “I don’t have to fix people’s problems” or “I am only responsible for my own happiness.” You’ll need to lean in to that when the invariable family drama arises. Remember: It’s just a holiday thing! If you don’t have big plans, rejoice and enjoy the space to flow through your day. Spontaneous invites are likely to flow in—and you could make a cameo or just spend the day catching up on your reading, puttering or whatever your heart desires. This compassionate energy could inform your Black Friday choices. Treat yourself to something sustainably sourced, or if you have enough stuff, saving the cash for a Giving Tuesday donation next week.
Pisces
You could find yourself at the center of a buzzing hive of action this Thanksgiving, as planets populate your communal, convivial eleventh house. The more is absolutely the merrier—provided the people you’re celebrating with share your world view. If not, you’ll be uncharacteristically assertive, not backing down from your principles. It’s fine to speak your truth, Pisces, but try not to turn a family dinner into a battleground. It might be best to walk away in some cases, and use your sense of humor to get through this.
Volunteering has always been huge for you, so start your day the charitable way, perhaps passing out food to families in need or rounding up coats to be donated next week. You’ll also be in lighthearted spirits so feel free to play entertainment director, perhaps rallying everyone to a dive bar after dinner—or rallyinr the whole family to wake up early to be first in line for a massive Friday sale. Hot coffee and bagels, your treat!