MOTHER

Monster Mash at your place, Aries! An Aquarius moon on October 31 illuminates your playful and liberated eleventh house of community. You’re in an uncharacteristic crowd-friendly mood. Invite over all the neighborhood ghosts and goblins for a rollicking good time. You’re feeling generous, so this could be a big party! Or, be selective with the guest list and then go big with the fixings. We went to a party one year where everything was decorated with googly eyes: cups, bowls, glasses, even windows and pumpkins and regular old fruit. It’s an inexpensive and fun way to monster-ize your place without needing to consult Pinterest. And you can have those eyes be the main feature of some easy activities for the little ones, provided they aren't a choking hazard. Be aware that the eleventh house makes you want to throw a party, but it can also make you susceptible to peer pressure. A Halloween party is a poor excuse to fret over keeping up with Carly Crafts-a-Lot. Chances are excellent your simplistic approach will be trendsetting in its own way. Order a cheese pizza and arrange the toppings in a pumpkin-face shape, for example, instead of making hand-rolled pizza dough from scratch. If you’re preoccupied with how perfect things are, you’re not enjoying yourself. Let your Aries confidence shine through, and leave the competitiveness for something higher stakes (like outselling them at the next school fundraiser). Extend the festivities to the next day, when you’re still in your eleventh house party mood, and invite some friends over for a leftover candy Halloween trifle. This week the Sun also maintains its camp in Scorpio, giving your sexy side a nod (see your Momscope from last week for more on that). You’ll probably feel up for some flirting with your S.O. and maybe sexing up your costume for the party (or the after-party) for an R-rated version of the Monster Mash.

All work and no play, Taurus? Not a plan for a fun mum(my) on Halloween! The moon spins into Aquarius on October 31, your tenth house of career and goals. Your thoughts may be soaked in unfinished business rather than on trick-or-treating. C’mon, Bull! Everyone knows you’re a hard worker. How about being a hard player? If only for the sake of trading your stress for ghoulish fun and games. Your kids will appreciate you for it! The tenth house highlights holidays and family traditions (in addition to the serious work stuff). Press pause on your week to fully enjoy the festivities. If your all-business mode hasn’t played out an office or in front of your computer, maybe it’s been at the sewing machine to feverishly finish the Frozen dress. Still work! Remember what it’s all about: seeing your kids enjoy the Halloween spirit. We know, for parents, it’s not like it was pre-kid—the parties! So let’s keep it real. We’re laughing over this Tampa Bay Parenting post on what Halloween is like with kids. If you’re absolutely in the weeds with work demands, focus on knocking out what you need to do so you can free up time for the fun. Take the long view: it may suck now, but you’ll benefit later. Parenting is all about trade-offs, as this therapist neatly describes in a post on Choose Help. If having fun with your kids isn’t something you’ve considered a whole lot, check out these tips from Zen Family Habits—why should your kids have ALL the fun? Pregnant Taurus women will feel some additional pressure to organize their lives right now. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task, focus on eliminating clutter first and then adopting a minimalist approach to incoming baby stuff. A small but growing trend is to have a baby shower AFTER the baby is born. That way, you’ll really know what you want/need AND everyone gets to meet the baby, especially relatives who travel a far distance to attend your shower. The Sun is still blazing through Scorpio, your relationship house (see last week’s Momscope), so you’re primed for finding the right life-work balance to make this Halloween spooktacular—for you and your family or family-to-be.

That legendary neighborhood that has the best decorations and most sought-after candy for trick-or-treating? This might be the Halloween to go check it out! The moon visits Aquarius this October 31, your ninth house of wanderlust. You’ll be craving more than peanut butter cups—you’re hungry for an adventure. Hop into the car to go check out the ‘hood, the zip with the rumored full-size candy bars, the yards with the corn mazes, or the lights that rival anything you'll see come Christmas. Whatever it is everyone’s been buzzing about, you need to be there! Say “yes” to the invitations to costume parades and parties (especially the open houses, so that you can pop in and out, and get to all the ones on your list). Check out the haunted houses. If your kids are old enough, they will eat up the thrills and be inspired to create “terror” at home. (When wearing a blindfold, hands in cold spaghetti feels JUST like zombie brains!) If they're small and not ready for the boo-factor, some simple pumpkin decorating goes a long way. Try painting, decorating (like these ideas for kids or these ideas for crafty mums and dads), or dressing them up with no-carve kits like these—pumpkin Ninja Turtle, anyone? Cowabunga! But let's be real: the Halloween excursions may not completely satisfy your desire to get out of Dodge. How about planning a getaway with your partner? For pregnant women, this is an ideal time to research and book a babymoon. Education is also highlighted with the moon in your ninth house, so if getting away isn’t in the budget, maybe a class is, or a couple’s workshop. Date night cooking classes are popular. Bonus: you can share more responsibility at home if you’re both learning how to prepare new dishes! The Sun is still in Scorpio, your sixth house of wellbeing (see your Momscope from last week). So, you may want to watch how much you dip into the kids’ loot bags during your travels!

Is that a Mean Girls costume she’s wearing? Cancer, you may be accosted by more than pint-sized witches at your door for tricks or treats, but adult-sized ones in your daily interactions. It may even dampen your mood if you let it, or find you reconsidering your plans. This Halloween the moon is in Aquarius, your intimate and privacy-seeking eighth house. Chances are, you’ll be much happier hanging one-on-one with your partner or child, rather than getting lost in a crowd. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to retreat into your shell, Crab, or for bowing out of festivities a bit. Split the duties with your partner to ensure you stay in your safe place. Maybe that means you hang back and hand out treats while your S.O. takes the kiddos door-to-door. Invite a close friend over to sip some vino while you instruct “take just one!” and gush (and laugh) over the parade of cute and curious costumes. If you’ve already committed to making an appearance at a party, maybe you take a cue from The Karate Kid and ensconce yourself in an identity-concealing costume, or go with the tried-and-true simple ghost costume: sheet with eye-holes cut out. But getting back to those Mean Girls—don’t let it go or hope it goes away. There are ways to deal with them, as covered in this Forbes interview with Katherine Crowley, co-author of Mean Girls at Work: How to Stay Professional When Things Get Personal. Here are ways to deal with the Mean Girl moms, as this Divine Caroline post describes. One caution: the eighth house can bring out paranoia, suspicion, and jealousy. Be sure you’re not imagining drama before you invest emotional time in sorting it out. For pregnant women especially, this is a good time to tune out other people’s opinions and be led by your inner compass. Trust yourself, even if you’re feeling uncertainty—you’ve got this. The Sun is still in Scorpio, your fifth house of passion (see your Momscope from last week), so your “It” factor remains high. Use it to lure your S.O. to some behind-closed-doors tricks and treats of the adult variety.

Go for the family costume ensemble, Leo. Today’s Aquarius moon hovers in your seventh house of relationships, inspiring you to dress up as a clan—or, as a couple, if your kids would rather pretend to not know you this Halloween (like, we’re guessing this kid). Here are 100 ideas for DIY couples costumes that are still family-friendly. Of course, if you want to dress like Game of Thrones’ Daenerys and Drogo, the level of family-friendliness is up to you! If you’re still getting mileage out of Halloween with the little ones, they may love to do an ensemble costume, like this family’s Pinocchio theme or one of these cute ideas collected by Today. If you’re expecting, we love these ideas curated by HuffPo for incorporating your growing belly. One caution: you may feel rushed, especially with Halloween quickly approaching, but unable to NOT procrastinate. If you need help, ask! Maybe your partner can pitch in, or a family member, a friend, or even your kids. Nothing says DIY like having the final product LOOK like it’s DIY. Crooked scissor cuts by the preschooler? Cute! If you're really pressed for time or the thought of hashing out a group costume feels like an ordeal, punt and hit the aisles at a retailer. Some of the costumes are absolutely adorable these days (no plastic masks with elastics like we had way back when). Or check local Facebook swap groups for anyone unloading last year’s costumes. Keep it fun; don’t make it hard (or “Quit Acting Like an Adult” as this writer suggests). You do best when you’re in your creative zone, Leo, so have a blast with it. Speaking of fun, the Sun is still in Scorpio this week, your fourth house of domesticity. So if you’re not inspired to whip up Halloween costumes, you could be inspired to beautify your nest and go all-out on the spooky decorations (see your Momscope from last week). While you're busy toiling in home improvement projects, watch how many Kit Kats you’re lifting from the bowl, as the seventh house can electrify your sweet teeth. You don’t need the sugar high—you’ve got adrenaline to spare!

To reach into the Halloween candy basket or not? What will you do, Virgo? An Aquarius moon on October 31 lights up your sixth house of wellbeing. If in the past, you’ve gone weak at the sight of all the “fun size” Snickers, this year you may be able to eschew them for something healthier, or enjoy them in moderation. The moon in your practical sixth house (the zodiac sector ruled by Virgo) all but ensures you won’t overdo it. At least, it encourages you to balance out any sugar intake with nourishing foods. You may even find yourself inspired to detox this week, try a juice cleanse, or add more leafy greens into your cooking so that your family benefits from your boycott of trick-or-treat loot. They may not feel the same way, of course, but that doesn't mean you can't set limits. For a lot of moms, Halloween is fun, but also stressful when figuring out how to manage the candy situation. Some kids become obsessed with thinking about their candy. Others will care the first night and forget about it the next. How you handle it says a lot as a parent and will make a lasting impression. We know one mom who grew up with a Three Musketeer “tax”—her mom ate all of them from her bag (she didn’t like that). Another mom we know had to trade her leftover candy for a toy after a week. A seemingly fair trade, but this mom said she’d binge on the candy so she wouldn’t feel cheated when the week ended. This Washington Post parenting blog post offers some expert advice on how to handle it, if you don’t already have a game plan. We hear a lot about kids who seem to forget about their candy as the weeks wear on. The parents end up tossing it, sometimes as far down the road as Christmas! If you find yourself overanalyzing, try to relax. The sixth house moon can bring out a tendency to get too far into your head. Look at the bigger picture. And remember, like most things, if you make a big deal out of it, your kids will, too. So, what if you don’t? Here’s a take on controlling your kids candy stash from the “Candy Professor,” Samira Kawash. She even has a book, if you want to get THAT cerebral about candy. But we did just say to not get too into your head, so maybe add it to your Kindle wish list for a future read. Meanwhile, the Sun is still hanging out in Scorpio, your third house of community (see your Momscope from last week for more). Consider asking other moms—ones whose parenting style jibes with yours—how they handle Halloween treats if you’re looking for ideas. Just try to not make it a debate! You might even organize a block-wide or building-wide party—if you're feeling THAT inspired—and include lots of fun activities, taking the emphasis off of candy and making it more about social activity. Pregnant Virgos might want to try some fun pumpkin-inspired recipes (soups, pies) or revamp your diet for warming fall foods that are healthy for you and your babe-to-be.

Is there such thing as “too much” this Halloween, Libra? Too much candy? Too much fun? How about: is that costume too much? You can thank the moon shining its beams in your flamboyant fifth house for this over-the-top energy. Tap into your childlike spirit and really do this Halloween up. With the Sun making its monthlong tour of your practical, work-driven second house, chances are good you’ve been deep into your routine without a minute to spare. You could use an opportunity to let your hair down. If you can manage it, hit an adults-only Halloween party with your partner, as the fifth house also highlights romance. Opt for a cute couples costume set. The fifth house brings out your sexy side, but you don’t have to compromise your dignity, as these adorable costumes prove. What’s up with Halloween sliding so far into the sleazy zone, anyway? Mean Girls summarized it neatly several years ago. So, we adore this mom blogger’s idea of sexy Halloween costumes for moms—did you spit coffee, too? Hilarious. But seriously, sexing up Halloween makes it hard for some parents to navigate kid’s costumes these days. Of course, your wallet gives you a voice (just don’t buy them!). With the Sun in your house of self-worth, you can use the opportunity to teach your children (especially girls) about positive self-image. And you can make your own costumes! One mom we know said her teen daughter makes her own costumes, but she and dad get final veto power. This year they’ve eliminated a bustier they deemed too risqué for a seventh-grader. Even 17-year-old Dancing with the Stars castmate Sadie Robertson has to have all her outfits approved by her Duck Dynasty dad! This year, with the moon in your creative and theatrical fifth house, the DIY route may really appeal to you. Get your kids on board by being involved in their choices, if they're old enough. Focus on the positive and your kids will be empowered. Pregnant? Take inspiration from costume history or even some ancient goddesses to glam up and feel beautiful. No need to stay in and miss out on the fun—not with the stars aligned for a festive, memorable night.

Trick or treat? Why not both, Scorpio? The October 31 Aquarius moon hovers in your domestic sector (your fourth house), inclining you to cover candy dispensing to the trick-or-treaters this year. However, with the Sun in Scorpio (your first house of self) until November 22, you won’t be satisfied just guarding the door. You’ll be happiest if the festivities include a chance to get yourself glammed up to go out—or at least, to show off your amazing costume to the wee candy-gatherers and their chaperones. You may even be inspired to host a Monster Mash at your place. (See your Momscope from last week to learn more about the kick-off of your astrological new year and the Sun's move into Scorpio.) For pregnant Scorps, the fourth house moon brings out your nesting instincts. Decorating the nursery is a natural choice. Slip in a few pumpkins in the spirit of the season, or let yourself fantasize about the adorable costume you'll put your babe-to-be in this time next year. You might even try some non-traditional decor, like this mom’s 70s-inspired nursery. Pop into antique stores or thrift shops where you might find a vintage cross stitch, or a unique treasure to make your nursery less “showroom” or “catalog.” If your parents kept some of your toys, it could be fun to decorate with them. Perhaps the now “unsafe” toys go up on a shelf, for display only. You may opt for heirloom-style toys, especially handmade or wooden ones that can last generations. Whether or not you're expecting, all Scorpios will feel nurturing impulses this week. Don’t be surprised if, while volunteering in your kids’ classrooms, you want to hug or take home any classmates who give you puppy-dog eyes. You might even be thinking about whether you want to add to your family. One caution: this powerful nesting/nurturing energy could cause you to coddle, baby your kids or even your partner (yikes!). This Babble article is a good reminder to not treat your mate like a kid, which can tempt and trap a Scorpio who likes control. Use Halloween to test for yourself on allowing others to control their own actions, kids especially. Sure they need your protection, but where’s the line before you cross into overprotection? Step back a little and let them ring the doorbell to say “trick-or-treat.” Remind them to say “thank you” before you get to the next house, not while they’re collecting their candy. As you loosen your grip, you may see your influence is there without beating the proverbial horse. You can try trusting them more and teaching them less, as this parenting specialist asserts. Dimming your intensity will allow you to relax and bust out your Thriller dance moves!

Beware of energy vampires, Sagittarius! An Aquarius moon on October 31 in your social third house puts you in the mood to frolic with family and friends. But with the Scorpio Sun in your shadowy twelfth house, you could attract soul-suckers along the way. Be protective, and maybe keep your Halloween plans under wraps (like, not on Facebook for starters) so the toxic or draining people remain at a distance. You know the ones—the moms from school, or the friends who unload their problems on you on any given day but rarely return the gesture. With the Sun in your sleepy twelfth house until November 22, you ain't got time for that! (See your Momscope from last week for more on this.) Though we know for most life-of-the-party Archers, staying mum could be a challenge, especially with the moon in your community-seeking third house. But you risk guilt-inviting someone along on your fun. Why haul the extra tow when you’re looking forward to spending the time with your favorite lighthearted peeps? You’re not being mean, you’re protecting yourself from undue pressure to entertain when you’re not really in the mood—a policy you could stand to enforce all over your life, most likely. You’re being selfish, and we mean that in a good way, reinforced in this Elite Daily post. Avoid over-planning for Halloween, too—you don't have to trick or treat on every block or go to every party you're invited to tonight. The scattered energy of the moon in your third house can make you feel like too much is happening all at once. With the influence of the Sun in your take-it-easy twelfth house, you can easily become overwhelmed. Keep things low-key and you’ll enjoy them more. If your kids want to hit all the parties, know when to excuse yourself. Or send them along with your partner, another family member, or friend. For women who are expecting, this is a good time to nurture yourself and indulge in some self-care. If the pounding music at a party irritates you, bust a move…out the door. Listen to yourself, to your body, and it will be an important lesson for how to treat yourself (and baby) after delivery, too. Tone down the coffee intake if you’re feeling a little jittery. Even if you’re drinking decaf, caffeine is in some surprising things we put into our mouths—even Halloween candy! Maybe try one of these healthier options to “trick” your taste buds. It could work!

Is a high-end Halloween possible, Capricorn? You’d certainly like to find out! The moon shines in Aquarius this October 31, your second house of luxury. Pass off doorbell-duty to someone else, or forgo the guilt and leave the porch lights out. You’ll be happier scouting out an upper-crust costumed soiree. Masked ball, anyone? The Sun is still in Scorpio, your eleventh house of groups and friends (see your Momscope from last week for more on that), further fueling your desire to be social this Halloween. If you can’t find a frou-frou fiesta to attend, elevate things with your ensemble. We know that in Land of Mom it can be hard to find a crew that wants to bother getting glammed up. If you can’t beat 'em, don’t join 'em. Find a babysitter and hit the town with your S.O. or your glitziest friend. If you're married (or once were), break out the wedding dress for a Bride of Frankenstein costume and an excuse to wear that gorgeous frock again. We know a woman who wore her wedding dress to a company holiday party every year (not Halloween). But if you think the thing is hideous (hello, long sleeves and cascading sequins!) then list it on eBay (or one of these places) and make a buck! The second house also highlights money. You’ll not likely to recoup your original investment, but you could put that small windfall toward a date night, a future family vacation, or a college fund. You could even use the money as a teaching tool for your children to get them more fiscally minded with some of the ideas like these. For pregnant women, this is a good time for pampering: a spa day for a prenatal massage, or committing to a prenatal yoga program, maybe? Add some sensuality to your environment, too: scented candles like these soy ones, or an aromatic diffuser for essential oils like this one and whip up your own blend of pumpkin spice latte—no visit to Starbucks needed.

Your lines deserve a laugh track, Aquarius. The Aquarius moon on October 31 lights up your first house of self-expression, and brings out your comedic chops. Draw on your sense of humor when creating this year’s Halloween costume, and even those of your family’s, if you’re going for the ensemble (like these family costumes)! There’s no such thing as “too much” right now—unless, of course, you were even considering one of THESE costumes. So, bypass traditional options (a witch again? snore) and hone in something original and (appropriately) outrageous. One caution: your loyal side could derail the fun. You’re not the only one who can take on candy-dispensing duty, so let someone else do it this year—or leave a bowl and an "honor system" note attached. You’re meant to be a reveler this Halloween, not the responsible one stuck answering the doorbell. After trick-or-treating hours expire, and the sugar highs wear off, why not leave the kids in the hands of a capable sitter and hit the town with your ghosts and goblins? You’re in need of some attention—the moon in your first house ensures that. Besides, your costume was MEANT to be seen! And of course, all your clever bon mots were meant to be heard. You may even feel a little mischievous and want to try your hand at the now-classic Jimmy Kimmel “I took your candy” prank. We REALLY hope there’s a 2014 edition! Fire up the video settings and maybe yours will go viral. Be sure to also carve out some “me” time this week, as all the festivities may wear you out. You don’t want to lose your cool around the kiddos because you just need a little downtime. The same goes for pregnant women. Being with your own thoughts as you explore what mommyhood for the first (or umpteenth time) may mean to you, can be all-consuming. Or maybe you’ve decided you’re done and you’re processing it, like this Scary Mommy post describes. Nothing is ever as cut-and-dry as it sounds, is it? Thinking about your long-term goals is not a surprise, as the Sun is still in Scorpio, your tenth house of big plans (see your Momscope from last week for more on this). Which is all the more reason it’s important to have some fun with Halloween this week, and take some "me time." That way, you won’t feel like a zombie unless you're actually dressed up as one!

And the best costume award goes to…Pisces! The moon on October 31 shines its beams in your fantasy-loving twelfth house. Your creativity knows no bounds. Go ahead: wow the crowds and the costume judges. Just beware a tendency this Halloween to go into "martyr mommy" mode. On the homefront, be sure not to disguise your emotions, especially with a certain someone. All the fun you’re having can’t mask what you’re really feeling. A passive-aggressive tact does nothing but exhaust YOU. Be direct. It may be that you and your partner share the same pain, and even silly holidays like Halloween can strike a nerve. If you weathered a shared loss or a deep disappointment (infidelity, infertility, miscarriage), this week could bring an opportunity to work through it together. The stars pave a path now for an intimate and honest dialogue. Don’t squander the chance by burying your head in the candy corn. What goes unsaid can live a long time and take on a life of its own. An unresolved issue can build into resentment. What do you have to lose by taking the time to get something off your chest? Why shortchange yourself of the ability to heal? The book Project: Happily Ever After is a great read on expectations in marriage (there really are no fairy tales, except maybe in rom-coms) and learning about communication and forgiveness. A good way to strengthen your bond right now is also through some shared activities. Maybe you take a class together, or start a new hobby—something for just you two, different from what you do with the kids. Maybe something you did before kids? Bringing it back may inspire a flood of good memories and a renewed bond. A moon in the twelfth house also reminds you to rest so we don’t experience burnout. Ask for some solo time if you need it instead of hosting the Halloween fiesta. And be sure to get plenty of actual sleep at night—early to bed instead of a second or third episode of American Horror Story. Try one of these essential oils if you need a little assistance. If you’re managing young children who don’t allow you to sleep, arrange with your partner for night-time help so you can get some uninterrupted slumber. You’ll feel better for it. And you’ll have exercised your voice, expressing what you need (small but important victory). Also, the Sun remains in Scorpio now, your ninth house of get-up-and-go (see your Momscope from last week for more). So, your body may need rest, but your mind is active. Let your imagination soar. Put your thoughts and ideas on paper if it helps, or express yourself artistically—remember that Halloween costume contest?!