Happy astrological new year. The Sun entered Aries on March 20, the day of the Spring Equinox. Light will overcome shadow, at last, and summer is no longer just a dream but a simmering vision on a hopeful horizon.
Aries — the firstborn, if you will — represents the active outward expression of the life force. Its creative power is rendered in a Y-shaped symbol that looks curiously like a womb and ovaries. As the womb is the site of human creation, so is spring the period of nature’s own fertility. ’Tis the season to sow the seeds whose fruits we may reap come the warmer months ahead.
In the world’s mythologies, the deities of spring were largely female in representation. It is convenient, then, that March is also International Women’s Month. In fact, the name March derives from Mars, Aries’s planetary ruler. If that’s so, then why the association of Mars and Aries with masculine traits?
The answer likely exists somewhere amidst the inevitable rubble of the patriarchy or, perhaps, in a heated debate in which this astrologer would argue that, despite having different origins, trans women are women in the end, and exclusionary politics are zombie vestiges of said patriarchy and Eurocentric supremacy. My point is that anyone can experience rebirth regardless of gender.
Let this equinox herald for you a time of new beginnings and glorious transitions. In our collective deliverance from the darkness of winter, life is pregnant with possibility.
ARIES / ARIES RISING
March 21 – April 19
Mars square Uranus: Tear up the rules and have some fun this week. Creative breakthroughs abound — but beware a possible backlash.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
April 20 – May 20
Venus conjunct Saturn: You’ve aged out of certain relationships. Don’t take it too seriously; just be true to yourself.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
May 21 – June 20
Mercury sextile Pluto: Your probing intellect makes you particularly persuasive. Don’t abuse your power of magnetism.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
June 21 – July 22
Moon conjunct Pluto: You are easily overpowered by your feelings. This is a really good time to find a shrink.
LEO / LEO RISING
July 23 – Aug. 22
Sun in Aries: This month feels like a fresh start for you. Don’t waste it looking in the rearview mirror. Eyes on the road.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Mercury sextile Pluto: Your powers of persuasion are hypnotizing but don’t be led down a path toward domination.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
Venus conjunct Saturn: Your sense of maturity is reflected in your friendships. If you have to let go, do it with a light heart.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
Mars square Uranus: Forget your fears and get festive. New perspectives are exciting, but they may land you in a spot of trouble.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Jupiter conjunct Neptune: Your intuition is your greatest teacher but don’t cling to any unrealistic expectations about what it all could be.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Venus conjunct Saturn: Friends and finances may sometimes feel like opposing forces. Take responsibility with a salt rim.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Venus conjunct Saturn: Feel welcome to forego your responsibilities for some friendly fun but expect empty pockets afterward.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Feb. 19 – March 20
Jupiter conjunct Neptune: Let your intuition help you discern true possibilities from the delusions of your desires.
