What day is the spring equinox in 2023?
This year, the spring equinox arrives on Monday, March 20, at 5:24 p.m. EDT, moving us into a new season and astrological year at the start of a new week.
What happens at the spring equinox?
As the spring equinox arrives, the sun will be located directly over the Earth’s equator, granting the northern and southern hemispheres equal amounts of sunlight. For us, in the northern hemisphere, this also marks the day on which we begin to experience increasingly more daylight than darkness during each 24-hour day, leading up to the summer solstice, on June 21, which marks the day with the most daylight of the entire year.
Is March 20 an equinox or solstice?
It’s considered an equinox because the location of the sun over the equator means that the days and nights are of equal length in most parts of the world. (And the word “equinox” comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.”)
By contrast, solstices, which happen in summer (June 20 or 21) and in winter (on December 21 or 22) in the northern hemisphere mark the days with the greatest span of light and darkness, respectively. On these days, the sun is actually located at its farthest point from the equator, either the most north (summer) or the most south (winter). And the term solstice comes from the Latin words sol, meaning “sun,” and sistere, meaning “to stand still” because, on both solstices, the sun appears to rise and set at the same spot on the horizon.
What does the spring equinox mean in astrology?
Astrologically, the spring equinox always heralds the sun’s movement into the cardinal fire sign of Aries, which is what channels that initiatory energy noted above. You can think of the spring equinox as an “absolute energetic reset,” says astrologer Narayana Montúfar. “This is fire energy in its purest form, and we’re all bound to feel a surge of productivity and drive.”
Though that’s the case any year on the spring equinox, the effects of this day are particularly pronounced in 2023, with the moon also in Aries and a new moon occurring in Aries the day after, on March 21. According to astrologer Alexandria Lettman, this rare coincidence of the sun and the moon meeting up in Aries right at the spring equinox could make March 21 an especially lucky day for every zodiac sign this year. In particular, the vibe is ripe for new beginnings: New moons, in general, are about setting intentions for action, and the assertive lift from Aries makes this one a particularly great time to pursue a new goal without fear.
“We have this rush of Aries coming in and a really quick injection of fire energy.” —Alex Caiola, astrologer
Further amplifying that Aries energy is Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, which is also transiting in Aries from March 19 to April 3 (spanning the spring equinox). Given the alignment of the sun, moon, and Mercury in Aries, “we have this rush of Aries coming in and a really quick injection of fire energy,” says astrologer Alex Caiola.
And it’s possible that all this fire will send sparks flying in the realm of relationships, given that Venus, the planet of desire, also meets up with the north node (a point in the sky related to fate and destiny) as the spring equinox arrives. This conjunction could bring everyone some “magnetic, lucky energy” when it comes to matters of love, says Lettman.
Which signs are most affected by the spring equinox in 2023?
While this strong start to Aries season will undoubtedly impact these fiery rams, the other three cardinal signs—Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn—can also expect to *really* sense the arrival of the spring equinox and the jolt of forward momentum that it may bring. These signs are naturally the self-starters of the zodiac, so they tend to resonate deeply with the start of any new season.
But Cancers especially can expect to sense the shift in a motivating and positive way, adds Caiola. That’s because the Aries sun will be conjunct their midheaven, which marks the cusp of the 10th astrological house and is similarly tied to purpose, reputation, and career.
That said, everyone else certainly won’t be left untouched by this astrological moment. The spring equinox will bring a different kind of cosmic rebirth for every zodiac sign, depending on which astrological house the sun in Aries occupies for each one. Read on to learn how the energy of the spring equinox could impact your sign, plus how to make the most of the day.
What the spring equinox means for every zodiac sign in 2023
Aries
It’s the start of your season, Aries, and you’re bound to feel this sense of new beginnings in a big way. “The sun in your sign will help illuminate your path forward, toward success,” says Montúfar.
As noted above, this is certainly a supportive time for launching any new plans—and you, in particular, could feel a stronger desire to chase your instincts, says Lettman. While impulse-spending could also be a part of your equinox journey, know that treating yourself every once in a while isn’t necessarily a bad thing, she adds.
Taurus
The push toward action could feel more subtle and internal for you, Taurus. The Aries sun highlights your 12th house of the inner psyche, dreams, and intuition. “Examine your deepest motivations for the goals you’re going after,” says Lettman. While it’s great to run toward positive, fulfilling things—like supportive relationships and adventures—as the equinox arrives, consider whether you might be running toward one thing to escape another. “Rather than just chasing after something, take a beat to be sure you’re chasing for the right reason,” she says.
Gemini
You could feel more connected to your biggest hopes and dreams and to the greater collective, Gemini. That’s because your 11th house of idealism, progress, and community gets a boost from the sun as the spring equinox arrives.
“New dreams will be coming together for you, and you’re going to have a good idea of how the actions you take now will get you closer to those dreams,” says Lettman. Overall, this is a comfortable mindset for you, as you’re an air sign that naturally loves to intellectualize, and you can appreciate the high-key energy of Aries as a force for action.
Cancer
The fact that the sun is about to be right over your midheaven, as noted above, could have you feeling the self-starter vibes at your place of work, Cancer. “You could reach a career milestone during the spring equinox or luck could be on your side at work,” says Lettman. In turn, it’s an auspicious time to ask for a raise or raise your hand for a new project. Or, if you’ve been waiting to make a career pivot, now could be the ideal time to do so.
Leo
This transit is giving only good vibes for you, Leo. You’ll be pleased to know that it highlights your ninth house, which is not only associated with travel, learning, and exploration, but also, with good fortune and sweet serendipity. (After all, it’s the house ruled by lucky Jupiter.) The result is “super optimistic and unstoppable energy,” says Lettman, who suggests harnessing this confidence to expand your horizons or embrace spontaneity however you see fit.
Virgo
The equinox could bring you much-needed closure, Virgo. In order to start something new, sometimes, something has to end—and that couldn’t ring truer for you right now, given the initiatory energy of Aries season arrives in your eighth house of transformations and endings. Consider this your cosmic sign to “cut ties [with anything or anyone that no longer serves you], end things for good, and move one with your life,” says Lettman.
Libra
While everyone could feel some lovey-dovey energy at the arrival of the equinox, thanks to Venus’s conjunction with the north node, you, in particular, could experience a relationship boost, Libra. After all, Venus is your planetary ruler, which dials up its impact on your life. Lettman suspects that this strong Venus energy could touch someone whom you really care about. “Someone in your life could be ready to take things to the next level with you,” she says.
Scorpio
Your equinox-inspired refresh could happen in your daily routines, Scorpio. The sun in Aries resides in your sixth house of rituals, habits, and wellness, putting you in the position to set new short-term goals around your career and take charge of your everyday responsibilities, says Lettman. This is also a time to home in on your mental and physical routines and tweak them as necessary so that they best support those goals, she adds.
Sagittarius
Creativity and optimism are your natural fortés, Sagittarius. but the extra boost of Aries energy from this transit could crank both of those skills up a notch. More specifically, the sun in Aries highlights your fifth house of pleasure and fun, giving you the forward nudge you need to begin or accelerate a passion project. You could find yourself trying something new, says Lettman, and while you may not know where it will lead, that’s just part of the fun for you. Overall, the energy is really “uplifting, empowering, and inspiring,” she says.
Capricorn
By helping to illuminate the past experiences that shaped who you are, this equinox could point you toward the things you really want and need, Capricorn. The sun in Aries resides in your fourth house of familial roots, and the fresh-start energy it channels could have you thinking about where you need to let go of patterns from your past. “Observe where you may be giving back to others more than to yourself,” says Lettman. Choosing, instead, to put yourself first could open up more opportunities for love and connection down the line.
Aquarius
Prepare for a perspective shift, Aquarius. The sun moving into Aries shines a light on your third house of intellect and communication, opening your mind to greater optimism and new ideas. You could feel a sense of lightness and freedom from anything that may have been holding you back, whether it was self-doubt or fear. And the resulting clarity could translate into more aligned decision-making, says Lettman.
Pisces
You’re typically a big-picture thinker, Pisces. But the energy this Aries season could turn your attention toward the tangible details and structures that you need to bring your goals to life. The sun activates your second house of resources, encouraging you to re-up your daily routines and make sure they’re working in service of your goals. “This will help you create the foundation you need to venture out and go after what you want,” says Lettman.
