Thursday is Bonfire Night, and you can already smell the woodsmoke drifting across the gardens before the afternoon even begins to fade.
Scorpio season keeps everyone’s feet on the ground during the day, which helps keep the usual work and household routines ticking over smoothly while people look forward to the evening. Whether you’re heading out to stand by a massive community blaze with a jacket potato in foil or keeping things low-key at home with the curtains drawn to soothe the pets, it’s a day built around simple, nostalgic autumn traditions. Dig out the thick scarves and woolly gloves, and let yourself enjoy a bit of warmth and colour against the November dark. Here’s what your sign might be up against today.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Tonight is likely to be busy, and you may find yourself in charge of getting everyone there on time. You have the energy for it, and a bit of organisation will make the whole evening smoother. Leave earlier than you think you need to, since parking and queues near a firework display are almost always slower than expected. Agree a meeting point with your group in case someone wanders off, and make sure your phone is charged. It’s easy to get irritated if the crowds are thick or someone is running late, but a cross word will only spoil your own night.
Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, as most fields are soggy by now. A small bag with tissues, a torch and a spare pair of gloves will earn you plenty of thanks. Bring cash for the food stalls in case the card machine isn’t working. If you’re heading home after the finale, expect traffic and allow a little extra time. A hot drink at the end makes the wait feel shorter.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Good food is the part of Bonfire Night you look forward to most, and tonight you’re likely to enjoy every bite. Hot dogs, jacket potatoes, toffee apples and a warm drink are all easy to find, and there’s no harm in treating yourself. It does help to eat something filling before you go because queuing for food on an empty stomach can lead to a rushed, greasy choice. Keep an eye on how many sweet things you’ve had, since a sugar rush in the cold can leave you tired and cranky by the time you get home.
If you’re staying in, a pot of soup or a simple supper with a few friends can be every bit as satisfying as going out. A hot water bottle and a thick jumper will make a cold evening more comfortable. Take a flask if you’re heading to a display, so you aren’t paying for several drinks. Spare gloves are useful too, as fingers get cold quickly when you’re holding food. Be gentle with yourself if you overdo the treats, as one evening won’t undo anything. Tomorrow you’ll feel better for having enjoyed it.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
You’ll probably want to capture the fireworks on your phone, and with a few small tricks you can get some good shots. Turn off the flash—it only lights up the people in front of you. Hold your phone steady by resting your elbows on a wall or a friend’s shoulder, and try the video setting if photos come out blurry. It’s tempting to film the whole display, but you’ll miss the best bits if you watch through a screen the entire time. Choose a few moments to record, and then put the phone away and simply enjoy. Afterwards, pick the best two or three and send them to friends who couldn’t make it.
A quick message about the highlights is a nice way to stay in touch. You may also find yourself chatting to strangers in the queue for hot chocolate, which could lead to a pleasant conversation. Keep your phone battery topped up, as the cold drains it faster than usual. A power bank in your pocket will save you from a dead screen at the finale.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Family comes first for you tonight, and the children in your life will be hoping you’ll be around. A sparkler or a first firework display can be a big moment for a young child, and your patience will make it a happy memory. Hold sparklers by the very end and wear gloves, and put the used ones into a bucket of water straight away. Children can find the noise frightening, so a pair of ear defenders is a sensible purchase for under a tenner. Stay close and let them hold your hand during the loud bangs.
If a child wants to leave early, don’t make them feel bad about it, since going home is no failure. Pets can be frightened by fireworks too, so keep them indoors with the curtains drawn and some soft music on. Look after yourself as well as everyone else, and take a few minutes to enjoy a warm drink. An early night after a busy evening will help you recover. Tomorrow, you’ll hear all about the colours they liked best.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
You have a talent for making an evening feel like an occasion, and tonight your friends are likely to lean on that. If you’re hosting or helping, the little touches make the difference, such as a few torches, a blanket or two, and a flask of something warm for the cold. It’s lovely to take the lead, but let others suggest things too, since a night organised by one person can feel one-sided. Ask someone who tends to be quiet to bring a dish or choose a song, and they’ll feel part of it. If the group is mixed in age, a few simple games, such as guessing the colour of the next firework, keep everyone entertained during the waits.
Tell the story of Guy Fawkes if the children ask, and keep it short and exciting. Be mindful of volume if neighbours are close by, and aim to finish at a reasonable hour. A thank-you from a guest will mean more than a dozen compliments. You’ll go to bed pleased that people had a good time. That’s what you do best.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Your careful planning will pay off tonight, and a little preparation makes the evening a lot more comfortable. Smoke and cold air can irritate the chest, so stand upwind of the bonfire and keep an inhaler or any medicine within reach if you need it. A scarf pulled up over your nose and mouth will help on a smoky evening. Dress in layers, since the temperature drops quickly after dark, and you’ll want to add or remove a jumper as you go. A small bag with tissues, wet wipes, a torch, and a plaster covers most small problems.
Plan how you’ll get home before you leave, including where you’ve parked and which route will be quietest. If someone else has organised the evening, let them get on with it and resist the urge to take over. When you get in, hang your coat outside or in the hall to stop the smoky smell spreading through the house. A warm shower and a glass of water will help you wind down. You’ll sleep well after a sensible, well-prepared night.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Bonfire Night is a favourite for many people, and a real worry for others, and you’re good at keeping both in mind. You’ll enjoy a display with friends, and you don’t need to feel guilty about it. It’s still kind to think about neighbours who may find the noise hard, such as elderly people, veterans, young babies and anyone with a nervous pet. If you’re setting off fireworks at home, a quick word to the people next door in advance lets them prepare. Keep it to a sensible hour and finish before it gets too late.
Choose quieter fireworks if you can, since some give plenty of colour for much less bang. If you know someone who dislikes the night, a call earlier in the day can ease their mind. Organised displays are often a better option than backyard ones, as they are safer and shorter. Enjoying yourself and respecting others can go hand in hand. You’ll sleep better knowing nobody had a miserable night because of you.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
You may prefer a quieter kind of evening tonight, and that’s perfectly fine. Plenty of people enjoy the display from the edge of the crowd, where it’s less packed and you can see everything. Your season is in full swing, so a friend or family member may want to spend time with you, and saying yes to someone who means a lot would be a lovely choice. If you’d rather keep the evening small, a bonfire supper with two or three close friends can be just as special. Watching people enjoy themselves in the firelight is one of the best parts of the night, and you notice more than most.
Keep anything you learn about people to yourself, since trust is something you value. A hot drink in both hands will keep you warm and give you something to do if you feel awkward. Don’t feel you have to stay until the very end if you’re tired. Go home when you’ve had enough, and enjoy the quiet that follows. A calm night will leave you with energy for the rest of your season.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
A trip to a bigger display could be just what your adventurous side needs, and the drive there is part of the fun. Look up the details in advance, including start time, ticket prices, parking and what’s on offer to eat. Many popular displays sell out, so booking early, if you haven’t already, is wise. Pack a flask, a rug, and a torch, and save the route to your phone in case the signal drops. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be home. Wellies or sturdy boots are better than trainers, as fields get wet and muddy.
Your good mood will carry the group through any delays, though keeping an eye on the clock will spare you a late, tired drive home. If the weather turns, have a back-up plan, such as a pub with a log fire or a friend’s kitchen. Your own season is a few weeks away, and a good night out now will put you in the right mood. Enjoy being outdoors with a crowd of cheerful people, which doesn’t happen every day.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Work may try to creep into your evening, and today you’re better off keeping it out. If you can finish a little early, do it, so that you arrive relaxed rather than rushed. Decide now what can wait until tomorrow, and let those things go without guilt. If someone asks for a last-minute favour, a polite “I can’t tonight” is perfectly acceptable. When you’re hosting, share the jobs, with one person on food, one on drinks and one on clearing up.
Guests who offer to help usually mean it, so say yes. If you’re a guest, bring something small, such as marshmallows, a packet of biscuits or a flask of soup. Turn your email notifications off once you leave the house, so you aren’t tempted to check. A bit of fun is not a waste of time, and it makes you better at everything else. You’ll sleep well knowing you gave the evening your full attention.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
You’re likely to find yourself explaining how fireworks work to anyone who’ll listen, and tonight that curiosity could be a hit. The colours come from different metals, with strontium giving red, copper giving blue, sodium giving yellow and barium giving green. Share that with children, who will love looking for each colour in the sky. Blue is the hardest to make, so a clear blue burst is a treat to spot. It’s easy to get carried away with facts, so give others a chance to talk and enjoy the show.
Ask someone who rarely joins in what their favourite firework is, and you may be surprised by the answer. If you have time, a quick search before you go will give you a couple of fun facts to share. Keep your voice low during the quieter moments, since not everyone wants a running commentary. Afterwards, ask your friends what they enjoyed most. It will make the memory last longer.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You may feel the evening more than most people, and that sensitivity can make it special. The glow of the fire, the colours in the sky and the cheers of the crowd may stir feelings you didn’t expect. It’s fine to let them come without needing to explain. Loud bangs can tire sensitive people, so soft earplugs are a good idea, and a spot near the edge of the crowd can feel calmer. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away for a few minutes and take a few slow breaths.
A warm drink and a blanket or a large scarf will help you feel cosy. If a friend asks why you’re quiet, a simple smile and “I’m just enjoying it” says enough. At home afterwards, dim the lights and put on some gentle music to help you come down. You may find it takes a while to fall asleep, and that’s all right. Tomorrow morning, the memory will still be there, softer than the evening itself.