What’s happening in astrology today

October 20 in the stars: Find out what’s in store for you today in our daily horoscopes for Friday October 20. Read the daily horoscopes for your Sun sign or rising sign (ascendant) to plan your day.

Visit our Cosmic Calculator section if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.

Your daily horoscopes for Friday October 20, 2023

Aries (March 21-April 19) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

It’s a well-known fact that you don’t like to be controlled, Aries, but today’s tough Mercury-Pluto square could take your headstrong ways to a whole new level. Are your issues with authority creeping into a personal relationship? If you don’t release your grip a little and let the proverbial chips fall where they may, you could do some serious damage to a close bond. There’s a good chance you’re projecting your issues onto others, so pause before you point any fingers.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Lighten up, Taurus. Are you always the one who has everything together while the people around you are out of control? Today’s tough square between Mercury in your organized sixth house and depth-plumbing Pluto could create a cosmic tug of war between your practical nature and your desire to let loose. Your perfectionism might be a front for a deeper fear of taking risks. Release some rigidity so you can relax. And if it’s you who’s gotten a bit out of control, today could serve as a wake-up call to get back on the wagon.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

You’re no stranger to being pulled in two directions, Gemini, but today’s tough Mercury-Pluto square could have your head spinning. Expressive Mercury (your ruler) in your passionate fifth house makes you want to dive headfirst into a new romance or creative project, but controlling Pluto is slamming on the brakes. Some quiet self-reflection could help you discover what’s holding you back. Is it fear of being exposed—or is there a deeper concern you haven’t yet identified? If it’s the latter, resolve this before moving ahead.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Family drama alert: A casual conversation could get heated today, especially if you feel like you’re being pushed into something. But don’t send your mom’s call to voicemail or ignore an invitation to meet colleagues on Zoom. A tricky square between talkative Mercury and plumb-the-depths Pluto can help you dig below the surface and uncover the real issue. You may be projecting your control issues onto your family, or old wounds from your childhood might be clouding your judgment. Take a step back and get your emotions in balance. Dealing with the real source of conflict instead of avoiding it will help you move forward maturely.

Leo (July 23-August 22) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Let loose or hold back? Today’s tough square between expressive Mercury and paranoid Pluto creates a mental tug of war. You may be fired up to take a courageous leap of faith, but you also feel freaked out about change. You can’t imagine how you’ll handle deadlines, responsibilities and such—yet you don’t want these mundane matters to block your dreams. Look deeper, Leo: Do you have the right support team? If you’ve been delegating to inexperienced or unreliable people, you may need to train them in your methodology or upgrade to more seasoned pros. Get everything right behind the scenes, then you’ll be ready to soar!

Virgo (August 23-September 22) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Once you set your mind to something, nothing can stop you from achieving it, and you don’t mind putting in the effort to get there. But today’s Mercury-Pluto square could cause some impatience if you don’t see results fast enough. You may be tempted to cut corners, especially if people around you are taking the easy way out. But that’s not who you are, Virgo, and rushing the process might signal an underlying issue, like fear of failure. Stay focused and take things one step at a time. Be strategic, not desperate.

Libra (September 23-October 22) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Are your opinions genuinely your own, or are they too informed by the past? Today’s Mercury-Pluto square reveals the need to think for yourself, even if it means uncomfortably standing apart from your loved ones. You may even need to confront a family member about unresolved conflict. Rehashing old hurts might sting at first, but once you’ve cleared the air, you’ll create true acceptance for each other. This cosmic clash can also prompt you to move things around in your home or workspace or part with a sentimental object that keeps you stuck in the past. Get that stagnant energy flowing—out with the old!

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Today’s obsessive Mercury-Pluto square could find you fixating on heavy emotions or a painful old grudge. Dwelling on the past or dredging up wounds will only benefit you if there are still unresolved issues around this. Otherwise, you’re torturing yourself needlessly. Speak up if there’s truly something that can be constructively aired. Otherwise, remind yourself that forgiveness is an inside job. Talk it out with a therapist or confidante if need be, and focus on creating a new chapter. It’s time to move on already, Scorpio.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

There’s no “I” in “team,” Sagittarius, so why are you making this all about you? With communicator Mercury in your group-activity house, you’re ready to lead the pack today. But your strong opinions could make you come off domineering, especially as a harsh beam from Pluto intensifies your need for control. Put your inner dictator on ice, Archer. Take other people’s opinions into consideration and don’t be afraid to admit when another idea is better than yours. An ego boost feels great for a minute, but a sweet shared victory will reverberate for months.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

It’s lonely at the top sometimes—and today, you’ll finally notice that. A cutthroat Mercury-Pluto square finds you focused on your goals at all costs. Pause for a beat if you notice that you’re obsessively talking or thinking about your career or only one topic. Don’t allow yourself to get tunnel vision, Capricorn. If you’re stuck in perfectionist mode, take a breather and figure out the underlying reason for that (e.g., fear of failure). Reach out to your free-spirited friends if you need help lightening up (hint: you do).

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

A wicked case of wanderlust is brewing today, thanks to a restless Mercury-Pluto square. Dreams that had seemed remote, like selling your possessions and moving abroad, may feel extra tempting right now. But huge changes take time and proper planning, Aquarius—and usually when someone wants to make a sudden move, there’s an underlying reason. What in your present life are you trying to avoid? Deal with that before you pursue anything else.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) daily horoscope for Friday October 20

Have your people-pleasing ways caught up to you? Today’s intense Mercury-Pluto square leaves you questioning a few choices, especially those pertaining to your closest relationships. Going along with others’ ideas to placate them only works for so long. You’ll eventually have to confront your own unhappiness if your needs aren’t being met. Start by admitting to yourself that you’re ready for things to change. But first, figure out what you’d like to have happen. A clear vision will help you work toward a compromise.