The Astrology Room

What we’re experiencing is of course the first day of spring (which occurs every year around March 20^th or 21^st). Often referred to as the Spring Equinox this highlights the point at which the Sun has completed its year-long journey around the Zodiac, bringing an end, astrologically speaking, to the old year, and marking the beginning of a new one stretching ahead of us.

From an astronomical point of view the Spring or Vernal Equinox marks the point at which the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator from South to North. In the case of the Autumn Equinox, usually around the 23^rd September, the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator from North to South.

The Equinoxes (which literally means ‘equal night’) mark the only two points in the year when day and night are exactly of equal length. Just see how quickly from this point on the days grow longer and the nights shorter.

Let’s not forget that Aries is recognised as the first sign of the Zodiac and in the words of my mentor and teacher the world-renowned astrologer Patric Walker, it’s a time of dazzling light and sudden shadows. Showers and flowers.

If ever there were an opportunity for us to shrug off all that is redundant or outdated and move on, it is now. So what does the Spring Equinox mean for you, depending on the zodiac sign under which you were born?

As the Sun enters your sign on 20^th March, you won’t have time to fret about those making a meal of the fact that you haven't always been there for them. You would have been if you could have been. There’s a lot going on in your life, opportunities are coming your way and you're certainly not going to waste them worrying about anyone making a fuss. All of a sudden you’ve a lot more going for you than anybody else does. How great!

TAURUS

The Sun’s move into Aries on 20^th March means you’re feeling as though something's got to change and you can no longer put off sorting out things capable of improving your lot in life considerably. Do you really care if other people suggest that you're going too far? You shouldn't. Whether they mean to or not, they’re picking up on your insecurities. You mustn’t buy into that. So long as you’re confident that you know what you’re doing, that’s all that matters.

GEMINI

With the Sun in Aries from the 20^th March for the next four weeks or so, you'll suddenly have a very clear picture of what you need to do to improve your own day-to-day existence. But to also work out whether or not it's practical to try to make somebody else's dreams come true. You are going be reminded of how powerful and influential you can be when you really put your mind to it. Certain individuals had better step aside.

CANCER

It's important to remember that the Sun reaches the highest point of your chart on 20^th March as we celebrate the Spring Equinox. And with the Sun in Aries it’s time for you to shrug off a lot of old habits or hindrances or the history and handicaps of recent months and years. Sometimes it's vital to tell yourself that that was then and this is now. So let go. After all, beginnings are so much more thrilling than endings, aren’t they?

LEO

The Sun in Aries heralds an important phase during which you will want to enjoy a greater sense of freedom and liberation. You'll decide that you need to be able to flex muscles that haven't been used for some while. And you'll have to find a tactful way of letting people know they can no longer assume you’ll drop everything to be with them. Once you accept that you want certain things for yourself, you'll feel less and less guilty about it. And so you should.

VIRGO

Look forward to a series of opportunities for you to have a close look at a new you, as the Sun makes its way into Aries. It’s time to stop putting to the back of your mind your ambitions to move into different circles and to see how it feels to wander into unknown territory rather than stick to familiar ground. The possibilities are endless. But you do have to promise yourself you’ll keep your nerve and you won’t panic at the first hint of a set-back

LIBRA

You should be aware of a sense of excitement around 20^th March because the Spring Equinox that occurs as the Sun makes its way into your opposite sign of Aries is going to wake you up to the fact that one of your closest relationships – if not the closest – can no longer be left to take care of itself. Will it be worth side-stepping other involvements to focus on whatever cupid has in mind for you? Without a doubt.

SCORPIO

You should be feeling sufficiently self-confident to tell yourself that, provided you're doing what feels right to you, there's no need to worry about anybody else's opinions. After all, the Sun’s moving into Aries which means it's going into the most responsible and conscientious section of your chart. So it might be a good time to re-assess areas in which you've achieved a tremendous amount and feel satisfied that you've done your fair share of hard work. There's no reason on earth why you shouldn't reward yourself.

SAGITTARIUS

Your fellow-fire-sign of Aries is highlighted as the Sun travels through the section of your chart that’s all about the good life and colourful, stimulating areas. Let someone special know there's only a certain amount of energy you can dedicate to analysing the relationship that exists between you. Nor should you feel obliged to follow up every suggestion made by loved ones who think your dedication to the family or domestic scene has to be non-stop. You want – and deserve – some fun.

CAPRICORN

Is there any reason why you shouldn't look on the bright side as the Sun moves into Aries on 20^th March. Even you have a right to drift towards a place, person or situation a million miles from the kind of set-up you normally become near-obsessed with – in other words work and responsibilities. No-one's suggesting you should shelve all of this entirely. But you mustn’t put off the day when you allow yourself to show off your romantic, out-going streak. One particular person is desperate to see it.

AQUARIUS

You're going to be leading the way. And because the Sun moves into Aries on 20^th March, you will find that you suddenly have a means of raising tricky issues and making the other person feel entirely comfortable about saying what needs to be said. Communications are more important than ever and it’s vital that you are prepared to listen, long and hard, to anyone with a valid point to make. Whatever you have to say is only half the story.

PISCES

As the Sun leaves your sign and moves into Aries on 20^th March, you'll feel a great whoosh of energy. It will remind you that if you have strengths that other people covet, you’ve a duty to yourself to put them to good use. Also remember that others have the right to air their views. And people can grow only as much as their horizons allow. A good relationship is one in which each is allowed their own space to express their character and individuality.