Does Your 2023 Love Horoscope Promise Spice Or Will You Pay The Price?
It's finally a new year, which means new opportunities to find love. Everyone is looking for a partner in life, but that doesn't mean finding love is easy. If the last year left your love life feeling like it's on life-support -– you'll be happy to hear that the astrology of 2023 is set to breathe new life into your relationships. In fact, astrology is kind of having a moment in the dating scene, so much so that apps like Bumble and Hinge are now allowing users to add their zodiac signs to their profiles, allowing singles to seek out a love connection that aligns with the stars. Everyone is looking for a partner in life, and whether you're an alluring Aries or a vivacious Virgo, every zodiac sign will have its own unique love story to look forward to this year.
This year there are several key transits and retrogrades that will have you putting your relationships under a microscope. And according to astrologer Kyle Thomas, there's a chance these fated cosmic events could bring some unexpected twists your way, including ex-flames appearing out of nowhere or for a lucky few, a chance to rekindle things with the one that got away. And whether you're looking to meet someone new, play the field, or even tie the knot -– there are a few astrologically-significant dates to keep on your radar if you're looking to get lucky in love in 2023.
Saturn in Pisces sets the vibe for a year of healing
Saturn in Pisces is the perfect time to look inward and connect with your deepest desires. And next year, Saturn will end its long stay in rebellious Aquarius and settle into the sign of Pisces from March 7, 2023, to May 24, 2025, then again from August 31, 2025, until February 13, 2026 (via Astrology). When Saturn spends a long stretch of time in a compassionate and tolerant Pisces, you'll find it easier to forgive others and focus on your healing journey. Saturn's stay in Pisces is a good time to look for the silver lining in the places where things haven't gone as you'd hoped or planned. So while it might be difficult to face these lessons, you need to face Saturn head-on in order to cultivate more rewarding romantic relationships.
In addition to learning more about personal boundaries, Saturn in Pisces can also help you make wiser decisions in love. "In relationships, Saturn relates to our ability to stay committed, even during the tough times," astrologer Rachel Lang tells Well+Good. Saturn does not take the responsibility of falling in love lightly, meaning Saturn transits can highlight a period of time when you may be looking to take the next step in love. And although Saturn is not normally the most comfortable place for Pisces' romantic optimism to spread its wings -– this transit will have you feeling more trusting of your own judgment and decision-making.
Jupiter in Aries adds luck to your dating life
If your love life has felt lackluster for the last few months, get ready for all of that to change when Jupiter is in Aries. From December 2022 to May 2023, Jupiter -– the planet of luck, knowledge, and exploration -– will cruise through the sign of Aries, per Cafe Astrology. The general energy of Jupiter in Aries is forward–moving, and risks are likely to be rewarded during this time. In astrology, Jupiter is the planet that helps you embrace your romantic side, meet interesting people, and have new experiences in love. As Jupiter spends time in passionate, spontaneous Aries during the first quarter of the year, it's best to let go of control and fight the urge to overthink things too much.
You'll feel inspired to create your own luck and embrace the power you have to take control of your destiny. And there are a few key transits during the year that will bring a sense of joy and optimism to your world: including the Venus–Jupiter conjunction on March 1, 2023, and the Jupiter cazimi in Aries on April 11, 2023, per astrologer Kira Ryberg. This will be a time you'll feel emboldened to put yourself out there and try new things. And if you've been looking to get back out in the dating scene this year -– Jupiter in Aries could be just what you need to light your fire.
Venus retrograde in Leo brings back old drama
In astrology, Venus represents the basic nature of what you desire in love and how you seek that out in your relationships with other people. Venus is spending a brief stretch of time in Leo from June 5 to October 8, 2023, with a retrograde detour stirring up some drama from July 22, 2023, until September 3, 2023. As astrologer and author John Townley writes in his book "Planets in Love," the position and aspects to Venus have a direct effect on your physical and emotional desires in a given moment, as well as how those desires might change over time. When Venus is in Leo, it's common for the collective to feel more warm–hearted, confident, and amorous with romantic and sexual partners.
However, when Venus turns retrograde, it brings with it a period of time where it's best to reassess what and who you spend your time, energy, and attention on. During Venus retrograde cycles, you can expect themes surrounding intimacy, sex, drama, jealousy, and control. "There is a greater potential for misunderstandings in partnerships," astrologer Amy Tripp tells Refinery29. In turn, ex-lovers and old relationship dramas have the potential to rear their ugly heads if all the issues weren't previously resolved. And if the early months of the year had you caught up in a fun (but frustrating) situationship, Venus retrograde in Leo is a great time to let go of what isn't serving you.
October's solar eclipse ushers in your Lover era
Eclipse season is an annual cosmic event that takes place every six months, and with it comes quick and unexpected changes. In 2023, there will be four eclipses shaking things up in the signs of Aries, Taurus, Libra, and Scorpio. And the solar eclipse in Libra on October 14, 2023, promises to make you the main character of your own personal rom-com, per Cafe Astrology. Solar eclipses act as a supercharged version of new moons. And because new moons signify fresh starts, spiritual alignment, and new beginnings, a solar eclipse will only strengthen the energy and clear away any obstacles that are keeping you from reaching your full potential.
Solar eclipses can be an excellent time for taking a chance on something new and exciting. As astrologer Nic Gaudette writes, it's easier to focus more on love with an eclipse in Libra, a sign that symbolizes love and romance. And with this new moon solar eclipse forming a conjunction to Mercury, the planet of communication–you'll find your thoughts and words flow more smoothly and effortlessly during this time (Astro-Seek). If you're in a relationship during a solar eclipse, you'll want to focus on strengthening the aspects of your relationship that help you find balance and contentment with your partner. And if you find yourself single during a solar eclipse in Libra -– don't be surprised if the fates align in your favor to help you meet someone new.