Happy Spring Equinox! Our Official New Year is Here!

Happy International Astrology Day! In western astrology, the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere (fall equinox below the equator) is the start of the new astrological year, when the sun moves into cardinal fire sign Aries. During the spring or vernal equinox, we have equal day and equal night, and the sun is exactly above the equator. So what does this mean for you? It’s time for a fresh new start and the universal energy is aligned with you taking action towards your goals.

The Aries Season Vibe

Aries is the first sign of the western zodiac and a cardinal sign. The four cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are connected to the four seasons; The sun’s entrance into these signs is the official start of a new season, so cardinal energy is associated with fresh starts. The fire element of Aries is connected to a new spark, creativity and initiation. Additionally, the symbol of the ram lends an assertive nature to this zodiac archetype. When you combine all of these factors, it’s no wonder Aries season is typically a great time to step into your goals and begin something new and exciting. This energy is more aligned to new beginnings as compared to our celebration of the new year on January 1st, during the dead of winter in the northern hemisphere. The sun is in Capricorn during this time and Saturn, which rules Capricorn, is about restriction and discipline. So even though you may have the best intentions to stick to your new year’s resolutions, the inspiration and will to actually do so, may be lacking.

I spoke to Professional Witch and Psychic Medium Olde Ways who said “I’m noticing that there is a hopeful feeling surrounding the spring equinox this year. Hopeful for a complete reset and refresh. This particular equinox brings rebirth to balance the death of winter, and people who are ready for a significant shift are already empathetically feeling it.”

If you haven’t been able to stick to a new routine or follow through with some of the goals you set at the beginning of the year, now is a good time to spring back into it and get the ball rolling.

Take Advantage of the Energy

Aries is ruled by action planet Mars, which shows how and where we exert energy in our birth chart. When Aries season begins, the energy of Mars is dominant and the zodiac sign Mars is in at the time, can influence how and where we exert our energy. During the spring equinox, Mars will be in the last degrees of Aquarius – an air sign connected to innovation and forward thinking. Since air energy is generally connected to thoughts, communication and connecting with others, this placement lends itself to the spark of new innovative ideas that you can bring to life over the coming months. Additionally, the modern ruler of Aquarius, Uranus will be in close proximity to planet of expansion, Jupiter. It’s a time to dream and think big! But first you need a plan. The spring equinox coincides with the Mercury retrograde shadow period that lasts until Mercury actually goes retrograde on April 1. Mercury will be in Aries, so while the ideas may flow, it may not be the best time to execute. Get your ducks in a row first during the Mercury retrograde period, and after it goes direct on April 25, the energy will flow easier for you to start putting your plans into action. But since Mars is connected to physical stamina and exertion, starting back on a workout routine, doing some spring cleaning, a new journaling practice or a creative hobby, are all great ways to honor the spring equinox energy.

Rituals for a Fresh Start

Physical rituals, prayers and intention setting are great ways to lean into the powerful new energy of this spring equinox. Olde Ways has some recommendations, “Buy yourself flowers, take a luxurious coconut milk and honey bath, and make yourself a prosperity seed jar. To make the jar add assorted seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, wildflower etc…) along with a piece of your hair, and a list of intentions for the spring season. Charge it up by making love.”

The sun is considered to be what astrologers refer to as “exalted” in Aries, or in other words “of high-esteem.” It likes to be there and generally can thrive. When the sun is in Aries, the house that Aries rules in your birth chart is where you can feel energized and make things all about you. A good way to keep your energy levels up around this time is to embrace things that Aries is connected to – orange and yellow colored crystals, spicy foods and invigorating essential oils. The Gift of the Nile Amun-Ra / Fire Aura Mist is a great way to awaken the senses and get your creative inspiration flowing.

Spring Equinox for Each Sign

We all have every zodiac sign in our natal charts so major astrological events will affect us all, but in a different way. The spring equinox is generally a good time for a refresh, but if you want to take it a little further, here are the areas of your life where you can set some goals and and have a fresh new start:

• Aries sun/rising – Yourself, personality, physical body
• Taurus sun/rising – Your subconscious, karma, unseen forces
• Gemini sun/rising – Friends, network, hopes and wishes
• Cancer sun/rising – Career, reputation
• Leo sun/rising – Travel, higher education, spirituality
• Virgo sun/rising – Resources with others, occult subjects, sex
• Libra sun/rising – Romantic and platonic relationships and partnerships
• Scorpio sun/rising – Daily routine, work, health
• Sagittarius sun/rising – Creativity, children, self-expression
• Capricorn sun/rising – Home, family, ancestry
• Aquarius sun/rising – Communication, short-distance travel, siblings, & distant relatives
• Pisces sun/rising – Finances, material wealth, self-worth

Olde Ways says, “Since we’re shifting into Aries season, the cardinal signs will be most affected (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) but honestly everyone will be affected by the equinox. Tap into it!”

No matter your zodiac sign, we hope you use this time to get realigned with your hopes and wishes, and forge ahead like a fiery ram would do! Happy International Astrology Day!