The Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox, will occur on March 20 at 12:15pm EST. The Sun enters the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, and marks a change of seasons as well as the start of the Astrological New Year. Ancient Celtic and Mediterranean cultures celebrated the Spring Equinox as a union between God and Goddess, yin and yang, day and night. All over the world at this time, light and darkness are approximately equal. 

On the Spring Equinox, the sun moves into Aries and enters the 10th house of career. Also in the 10th house are two personal planets, Mercury and Venus. They join the Sun in fiery Aires to intensify and support this bold, warrior energy. We should sense this equinox on a personal level with the rays of our relationship planet, Venus, so close to the Sun. And with Mercury, our planet of communication, in the Sun’s realm, we should be inspired to share our ideas with others.

The Moon is exalted in Taurus, alone in the 11th house of groups. This could be a time for us to stand up and volunteer for a leadership position in our community. The cause would need to be something we are passionate about—something tangible where we could make a difference.

Mercury is in a trine with the North Node, symbolizing a favorable aspect to our karmic path. This energy may stimulate a need to share our long-term goals. The Moon, however, is squaring the North node, which could let emotions get in the way of our plans. Try to make decisions on a logical, rather than emotional, level.

We’ve got Cancer rising for the Equinox, which should cool down the flames of Aries embodying the Sun, Mercury and Venus. This Cancer energy should help tone down the desire to do anything impulsive. The calming, introspective energy of the Crab should help balance out all the fire in the sky.

The best thing to do for the Spring Equinox is to go outside and appreciate the subtle signs of spring. When the light wanes, light red candles to honor Aries, and then speak aloud our personal intentions for the Astrological New Year.

Michele Leigh is an astrologer, author and yoga teacher. A practitioner of ancient methods, she is an active member of OPA, the Organization for Professional Astrology. Connect at [email protected].