What the Spring Equinox Means for Your Zodiac Sign
Updated: Feb. 27, 2023The spring equinox marks the astronomical new year, and it's the perfect time to start something new
A change of pace during the spring equinox
The first day of spring is right around the corner, and while you can certainly get in the spirit with spring jokes and spring quotes, we have something a little more revelatory in mind: your horoscope. March 20, 2023, marks the spring equinox, the astronomical first day of spring, and a time of renewal, rebirth and sweeping changes for all.
The midpoint between the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) and the summer solstice (the longest day) begins when, for the first time in a year, the sun moves into Aries, a sign that’s “basically been closed for business for a while,” says Liz Velez of Velvet Hammer Astrology (whose pronouns are they/them). They see astrology as an ancient system of divinatory timekeeping and note that when a planet leaves one sign for another, as the sun does when it travels through the 12 zodiac signs each year, it signals a shift that will feel omnipresent and pressure-filled.
“The real new year is always in the spring, primarily because that’s when things start to grow again,” says Velez. “We’re coming out of a period of darkness. It’s a time for growth and harvest, in the West particularly.” The equinox will manifest for everybody in different ways, depending on your natal chart, which shows the planets’ location in the sky at the time of your birth. It will affect your sun sign (the thing people are referring to when they ask “what’s your sign?”) and your zodiac element can also come into play. The effects are the strongest on March 20th, but look for an impulse for change in the days before and after as well. Read on for the ways this monumental shift will affect your sun sign and your rising sign.
Aries (March 21–April 19): Slow your roll
Aries isn’t known for wasting time—people born under this sign have a fast and fiery energy (hence the red zodiac power color). But the spring equinox marks a moment to slow down. If you’re an Aries or Aries rising, take your time—even when your impulse may be to spring forward—as new opportunities abound. “The moon is highlighting business and personal relationships for Aries, as well as larger social connections and personal resources, so there’s an opportunity to make a connection with someone that could, later on, be beneficial,” says Velez.
Pay attention to:
- Relationships
- Social networks
- Personal resources
Pro tip: Be mindful when investing, especially if it’s time you’re investing in other people.
Taurus (April 20–May 20): Rest up
Like the sun, the planets pass through the zodiac signs. Uranus’s transit is a bit longer—since 2018 it’s been in Taurus, where it forms what astrologers call a “square aspect” with Saturn. (For a deeper dive on this and other terms, check out these top astrology books.) This planetary aspect is considered harsh and tense, so Taurus and Taurus risings have been feeling the pressure. But the spring equinox can be restorative.
“For Taurus, this is a resting period,” says Velez, who notes that Taureans are usually in such a state, but it’s particularly strong at this time of year. People born under this sign appreciate comfort and joy, so use the spring equinox as an interlude for self-care, relaxing and focusing on what you want to do. Life’s been intense, so it’s OK to take a breather. In fact, truly indulge in downtime.
Pay attention to:
- Health
- Work
- Identity
Pro tip: It’s time to rest and switch things up!
Gemini (May 21–June 20): Seek joy
For Geminis and Gemini risings, Velez says this time “is going to feel like frenetic energy.” Mercury rules Gemini, and it’s been connecting with Jupiter in what’s likened to a really loud party. You know the feeling: You’re pulled to stay, “but at some point, you want to go home,” says Velez. What that means for you—don’t be surprised if you notice a desire for knowledge in a topic that’s totally new, like learning a language (which happens to be one of the best hobbies for a Gemini).
Pay attention to:
- Higher knowledge
- Legacies
- Creativity and joy
Pro tip: Venture outside your normal bounds—as long as it’s in the direction of joy.
Cancer (June 21–July 22): Stay home
Cancers love a warm and cozy home base. The spring equinox brings a feeling of pressure to this sign, so it’s a time to honor what you value most. Velez says that during the spring equinox Cancers and Cancer risings “may be dealing with losses and gains that they may not have control over.” Here’s the good news: “A lot of comfort will be found by remaining true to yourself,” they say. So snuggle up with a warm drink and a book that speaks to your zodiac sign.
Pay attention to:
- Home life
- Shared resources
- Inner truth
Pro tip: Nestle into your home and strengthen your foundations.
Leo (July 23–August 22): Head outside
As a fire sign, Leo loves to be seen. So it should come as no surprise that people born under this sign are in their element in the early spring. With the weather brightening, local neighborhoods are springing back to life, giving Leos plenty of opportunities to strut their stuff. “There’s a desire to create something larger than them that impacts lots of people,” Velez says. Leos will find joy in the community—leadership is their career strength, after all—but they’ll need to practice discipline to attain it, Velez notes.
Pay attention to:
- Local neighborhoods
- Siblings and community
- Relationships
Pro tip: Head to a farmers’ market or a local outdoor event. And if there isn’t one, organize it.
Virgo (August 23–September 22): Focus on self-care
“Pay attention to who you take care of,” Velez advises Virgos and Virgo risings. That may be your dog, a different pet or even yourself. They note that Virgos will have the resources they need at a time when they feel pressure to change daily routines. As you head into the spring equinox, be aware that the planet Neptune is in Pisces. That’s what astrologers call an opposition to your sun or rising sign, and it could represent a strain or need for balance. The planet Neptune may inflate the things people say. “Try not to take other people’s words too seriously at this time,” says Velez.
Pay attention to:
- Caregiving
- Work
- Health
Pro tip: It’s time for earthy, grounded activities, like tending to a fuss-free houseplant. Get organized. Put up boundaries. Focus on self-care.
Libra (September 23–October 22): Get serious
“Libra and Libra risings are going to feel lit up at this time,” says Velez. Libra is a super-social sign ruled by Venus, so people born under it “love to get the tea on everything,” as Velez puts it. But be careful not to spill! The spring equinox is a time to be mindful about what you say, especially regarding issues at work. That shouldn’t be difficult—Libra is the most polite sign, after all. The planets Venus and Mars have been traveling close together for weeks, creating dynamic action. However, as Venus’s path pulls ahead of Mars, you’ll feel a need to focus and settle down.
Pay attention to:
- Emotions
- Communication
- Work
Pro tip: It’s been fun, but this is the perfect time to get serious again.
Scorpio (October 23–November 21): Lighten your load
For Scorpio and Scorpio risings, this is an intense time. Scorpios are fearless, except when it comes to other people. The spring equinox brings a message that they can let go. “I’ve never met a Scorpio who wasn’t wary of something or someone, but not being consumed by that wariness is important,” Velez says. Sure, you need to be cautious in certain circumstances, but you can ease up on the hypervigilance. One thing to keep in mind: You may feel the effects of the equinox most with extra action at work or in the places where you’re most seen.
Pay attention to:
- Work
- Relationships
- Home
Pro tip: Time to spring clean and purge feelings you don’t need to carry any longer.
Sagittarius (November 22–December 21): Take new paths
As a fire sign, Sagittarius is living it up at the spring equinox. “It’s time not just to spark things off and maintain the spark but to start fireworks that hopefully don’t start any forest fires,” says Velez. In other words, go big and let yourself shine, but don’t get reckless. This is a chaotic shift, so seek clarity and comfort in the midst of the excitement.
Pay attention to:
- Daily routine
- Socializing
- Foundations
Pro tip: Push for healthy shifts in your daily routines (like picking a workout that fits with your sign), and find comfort in socializing with friends.
Capricorn (December 22–January 19): Pat yourself on the back
If you’re a Capricorn or Capricorn rising, you may have spent the past few years feeling a sense of pressure. The equinox could mark a time for potential recognition of the difficulties of the past few years, and those insights could show up in surprising ways. “You’ll find your focus on issues related to values and finances,” Velez says. Thankfully, Capricorns are the super-responsible money-makers of the zodiac.
Pay attention to:
- Legacies
- Local communities
- Finances
Pro tip: Things may have been rough, but now it’s time to notice the light at the end of the tunnel.
Aquarius (January 20–February 18): Find a new hobby
If you were born under this zodiac sign, you like to be in control—especially when it comes to your reputation. The equinox is a time of change, and that means extra turmoil for a fixed sign like Aquarius that prefers stability. Velez says Aquarians might be “feeling bored curating their collections of information and oddities and curios.” In that case, now is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby around a fresh interest and give it a go with new friends.
Pay attention to:
- Routines
- Interests
- Values
Pro tip: Let go of the need for stability, and embrace the new changes.
Pisces (February 19–March 20): Keep your cool
Your mission: Take care and stay hydrated, especially if you plan to go out and party the night before the equinox. Jupiter is the “king of debauchery,” Neptune is the “chaos master,” Mercury represents tricks and sleights of hand and all of those planets play a role in how Pisces will fare at the equinox. Needless to say, you’ll need to be mindful about intake, whether that’s alcohol or information, according to Velez.
Pay attention to:
- Finances
- Sensitivities
- Details
Pro tip: Pisces are extra sensitive at this time, so slow down and use caution when it comes to details.
Source:
- Liz Velez, astrologer at Velvet Hammer Astrology
