As Libra, writer, and avowed lover of pageantry, Oscar Wilde once declared, “A mask tells us more than a face.”
Heady, and oh so timely as the nights are growing longer, the days colder and the sentiments spookier.
Indeed, Halloween is on the horizon, signaling the time of year when spirits run loose and the spirit of costuming runs nigh. In this season of masks and disguises, we ask why be what you aren’t when you could instead be what you already are—your zodiac sign.
From DIY tutorials to one-stop shopping, inflatable centaurs to lion tamers and pajama crabs to creepy twins, we have your astrologically inspired costumes ready for all manner of trick-and-treating, mischief-making and mayhem-seeking.
ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
As a cardinal fire sign represented by the golden fleeced ram, Aries can bring the horns to Halloween by crowning their stubborn skulls with a faux set as apex Aries Lady Gaga opted to do during her “Born This Way” tour.
The average Aries can’t sit still long enough to make use of a throne but they do look great in a robe and a crown, so channeling the Emperor tarot card with which Aries is associated would also be a subtle but powerful nod to their sun sign.
TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
I have great news for Taurus, who always wishes to look good, feel comfortable and exert minimally. Your ilk is only a pair of clogs, a set of horns, and one faux septum ring away from bringing the symbol of your sign to full, bull life.
If you favor a softer approach, consider that Venus, named for the goddess of love and beauty, is the ruling planet of Taurus. Bulls can go full pastoral deity in a white tunic, distributing the goddess-related goods of flowers, berries, and pine cones to your humble supplicants.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
Gemini is symbolized by the twins, so consider channeling the creepy Grady sisters from “The Shining” this Halloween.
In the Major Arcana of the tarot, Gemini is represented by the Lovers card which depicts a scantily clad, Adam and Eve-esque couple. For uninhibited Geminis, you need only a partner in crime and a few strategically placed loin leaves to bring the card to life.
CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer is ruled by the moon and natives can bow to their governing celestial body by dressing as la luna for Halloween. Or, in a nod to the nautical and the lunar, Sailor Moon herself.
Another option is to channel the crab vibes of your sign in a tribute to Sebastian, the tough loving and terminally underappreciated crustacean from “The Little Mermaid.” Bonus: this crab costume is essentially a onesie pajama outfit so Cancers can feel at home and cozy AF whether they decide to venture out or not.
LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Leo is ruled by the sun, loves a stage, and delights at the sound of applause. As such, natives tend to go all out and all in for costumes and the sacred occasion of Halloween. Opportunities for lions to stan for their sign abound, from a deified take on the sun itself, to a makeup ode to Scar from “The Lion King,” to a lion/lion tamer couples costume. Wear the top hat, wield the whip and welcome the kink!
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
Virgo is Latin for Virgin, and for this ilk, I suggest paying homage to Madonna (a Virgo moon) by dressing as the Material Girl in her “Like A Virgin” era complete with a lace corset and Boy Toy belt buckle.
Alternatively, conservatively and with an eye on gender neutrality, Virgos can channel their governing tarot card, The Hermit, by either abstaining from going out altogether, or decking themselves out in a hooded cloak and a lantern and moving misanthropically through the masses.
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
Associated with the Greek goddess of Justice, Libras can represent their sign by donning robes and holding a set of scales and a symbolic blade in each hand or incorporating these symbols into a banging headdress.
For further inspiration look no further than fellow Libra, ladies and gentlemen, Doja Cat who dressed as her sign in the video for her collaboration with The Weeknd, “You Right.”
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21)
Ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation and represented by the tarot card for death, Scorpios can be on brand and true to their sign with any manner of undead aesthetics; zombies, mummies, vampires, skeletons, voodoo priests/priestesses, or Billy Butcherson the sewn lip lover from “Hocus Pocus.”
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius is symbolized by the mythical centaur, a horse/human hybrid that represents the animal instincts and divine aspirations that live, and gallop, within each person.
The bow and arrow of the hooved archer is a reminder to all of us to aim high and shoot our respective shots with a healthy blend of optimism and swagger. In turn, this inflatable unisex number is the perfect choice for any Sag seeking to personify their sun sign.
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
In the major arcana of the tarot, Capricorn is represented by the Devil card, and TBH I don’t think these folks get enough credit for being rock n’ roll.
For every capitalistic John Hughes-type Capricorn, there is a Lemmy Kilmister shooting whiskey, wearing leather, and speed-dialing an orgy. In honor of the latter expression, I suggest a Beelzebub get up for costuming Cap folk.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
The constellation of Aquarius is associated with the mythical water bearer Ganymede, a beautiful youth who fetched libations for the gods.
Aquarians can channel this energy by rocking a toga, painting the three-line squiggle semen glyph of their sign on their foreheads, and filling their respective vessels with artisan water or well liquor, liquid LSD or lemonade, and doling out the goods of the gods accordingly.
For details on the above makeup by Ann-Sofie, click here.
PISCES (February 19 – March 20)
Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, opiates, and delusions named for the trident-wielding, beard-repping god of the sea. Symbolized as they are by the fish, mermaids, and mermen, of royal, celestial, or plebeian rank, make for an excellent costume choice for Pisces folk.
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. To book a reading, visit her website.
