Psst…did you know that the spring equinox is also a horoscope holiday? Facts! In 1993, March 20 was declared International Astrology Day and the astro world has been low-key celebrating ever since. This is the auspicious day each year when sun returns to 0º Aries—the starting point of the zodiac—resetting the cosmic calendar for a fresh, 365-day cycle.
Astrologically, you could think of the March 20 equinox (March 21 in some time zones) as a reset for your internal compass. As the Sun makes its journey toward the Northern hemisphere, reflect on your own “true north.” Is life heading in a direction that aligns with your higher self? Do you need to raise your standards or elevate your efforts?
Equinox, which translates into “equal night,” is one of only two days annually where the Sun sits on the Earth’s equator, blessing both hemispheres with equal ray action. As a result, most places on the planet have a rare, 24 hours of nearly uniform daylight and nighttime hours.
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This makes March 20 a vital day to examine your internal balance. Are you shining bright (like a diamond) or delving into introspection and shadow work? It’s kind of like finding that equilibrium between your own day and night states. And guess what? The fastest sunrises and sunsets happen on the equinox. Think of this as yet another metaphor for the accelerated personal growth you can do near March 20.
What’s the best way for your zodiac sign to do this? Naturally, we have a few suggestions. Basically, it boils down to looking at the light and shadows in an equal way. And while this starts with the equinox, you have all four weeks of Aries season, until April 19, to build that muscle. So, here it goes…
Aries
Light
It’s your birthday season, Aries, which means you’re back in action star mode, ready to tackle new initiatives and basically start everything fresh. These energizing four weeks are prime time for daring adventures that push you out of your comfort zone. Grant yourself the right to move on from activities that you know in your heart you’ve outgrown.
Shadow
Whoa, Aries! You don’t need to tear down EVERY structure in your life that isn’t up to code. In many cases, a “remodel” will do just fine. Your impulsive sign can make rash (and regrettable) decisions in the heat of the moment, so think those goodbyes through carefully. At the very least, make a graceful exit.
Balance
New year, new you? But of course, Aries. But let’s talk about your short attention span. You’re a dynamic soul with many talents and your interest wanes fast. So try making micro resolutions. Start with a few four-week goals; what can you accomplish before the Sun leaves your sign on April 19? With those wins under your belt, you’ll be motivated to tackle the next mission…and the one after that.
Taurus
Light
Aries season comes right before your birthday. With the Sun in your rejuvenating twelfth house, use this time to catch up on beauty rest, tie up loose ends, and detox everything from your food choices to your friend list to any limiting beliefs you’ve adopted. These can be the most spiritually illuminating four weeks of your entire year.
Shadow
Like all mere mortals, you’ve got baggage, Taurus. Judging yourself does zero good; just go deal with the claim checks. (Which may involve apologizing to other people for judging them!) Messy rooms and brimming storage closets reflect your state of mind. Consider unpacking your bottled up emotions with a supportive guide like a coach or therapist. Profound insights can change everything while the Sun is in Aries and your twelfth house of subconscious healing.
Balance
Before you attack the physical clutter, clear your mind with journaling or meditative activities like painting or playing music. Then, get started in the serene state that your Venus-ruled sign prefers. You might actually enjoy this cleanup mission, especially if you discover buried treasures in your closets and bins.
Gemini
Light
Many hands (and minds) make light work as the Sun sails through Aries and your 11th house of collaboration. Circulate with intriguing people in your industry and scope out some new scenes in your area. Begin meeting regularly to get organized around your next shared mission, whether you’re teaming up on a moneymaking venture or planning an epic group vacation.
Shadow
The struggle is real, Gemini, but what if it wasn’t totally necessary? There may be one area of life where you’re being a stubborn holdout, refusing to “play well with others” or abide by the majority rule of the team. And what’s that all about? Your underlying fear of being bored or trapped.
Balance
Go make what Civil Rights legend John Lewis called “good trouble.” The 11th house rules activism, making this the perfect four-week cycle to throw your energy behind an important cause or bring a meaningful dimension to a current mission.
Cancer
Light
Since Aries rules your 10th house of success, the call to leadership will get louder by the day. Don’t resist! Bring your A game and you’ll blaze a trail straight to the executive suites—or maybe your own home office, which might be more your dream.
Shadow
As one of the zodiac’s four cardinal signs, there’s an Alpha in you, even if you hide your bossy tendencies behind a modest veneer. That said, your competitive streak could really flare up the next four weeks. You’re in it to win it, but at what cost? Don’t venture into the shark tank just because everyone else is acting like a bloodthirsty barracuda. Give it your absolute best shot, then let go and trust the process.
Balance
Your ability to nurture relationships is your best “job security” tactic. Socialize strategically, planting yourself around the movers and shakers. Apply for membership at a prestigious club or industry organization. Get involved in a charity where you might meet like-minded givers. If this doesn’t give you a direct pipeline to the top brass, maybe you’ll connect to their staff who may later recommend you for an opportunity.
Leo
Light
A change of scenery may be all you can think about starting this March 20 as the Aries Sun shines into your worldly ninth house for a month. Start researching destinations that feel like a good fit for your travel parameters. Long-distance connections will also heat up. Whether you’re looking for love, business partners, or creative collaborators, expand your search radius.
Shadow
As the zodiac’s royal, you need your creature comforts (and yes, decadence) when you sojourn; but not without your fair share of culturally immersive experiences. But sometimes your fear of the unknown can temporarily turn you into a fussy diva. When you find the GPS coordinates that call your name, don’t deliberate endlessly; book the trip! Yes, even if the hotel doesn’t have in-room spa services…
Balance
Your yearning for travel may be covering up a desire for more variety and self-nurturing close to home. Break up the binge-watching ennui and jump into evening workshops and fitness classes. (And try a ClassPass so you can sample different studios.) Treat yourself to massages, mani-pedis, and more fancy dinners, just like you would at that five-star resort.
Virgo
Light
As the Aries Sun simmers in your eighth house of mystery, secrets, and seduction, you may feel like flying under the radar for a month. It’s not that you have to disappear from the world altogether. But you’ll need your cave time—and your sexy time—in much larger doses. Relationships intensify under this solar spell, and there’s nothing lighthearted about them. A clear confirmation of devotion is an absolute requirement.
Shadow
Stormy feelings like jealousy, insecurity, and a fear of rejection can overtake you—especially if you’re doing the analytical Virgo thing and reading into people’s motives from afar. Monitor that intensity! You could overwhelm the object of your affections with actions that fall squarely into the “too much, too soon” category.
Balance
Channel that passionate energy into something physical too—always a good move for health-conscious Virgos. Start a yoga practice or jump into a four-week boot camp. Bonus: being in your body makes you feel like a sexy siren, so if things don’t work out with you-know-who, it won’t be long before you find a replacement.
Libra
Light
It’s prime time for partnership, Libra—music to your collaborative ears. While the Sun sails through Aries for a month, you attract complementary people who pick up where you leave off. In existing partnerships, recalibrate the level of give and take so it feels fair and square. A relationship that’s been flowing along beautifully could be ready for that “next steps” conversation between now and April 19.
Shadow
Although balance is everything to a Libra, watch out for toxic “tit for tat” scorekeeping. This may actually be a defense mechanism, especially if you got burned in the past by pouring out your passionate feelings to someone who didn’t reciprocate. Still, does every new person have to be punished for that sorry punk’s negligence?
Balance
Boundaries are a beautiful thing—and yes, Libra, you may need to set them with yourself. Giving too much too soon can be a problem for your romantic sign, so it’s good to set some limits. For example, hang out with a new date for no longer than two hours on your first encounter. Meet a prospective client on Zoom for a 20-minute chemistry meeting. Give enough of yourself to show interest, but also leave (the right) people wanting more!
Scorpio
Light
With the Aries Sun heating up your sixth house of healthy routines, you’re ready for an inside-out spring cleaning. Reboot your energy with a regular fitness and clean eating plan. At the office, hit the brake temporarily and assess your workflow. What time-saving systems can you set up that will not only zap stress but also save you from repeating tasks that could easily be automated?
Shadow
As the sign of extremes, you’ll go HAM, working around the clock to crush a goal. It’s not unlike you to dive into an intense boot camp and push yourself past your edge. The trouble is these types of punishing regimens are not sustainable. They may have the opposite of your intended effect, causing you to lose steam or stop believing in yourself.
Balance
Instead of denying yourself enjoyment with a deprivation mindset, try the “crowding out” method instead. Adding is a lot easier than subtracting when it comes to making change. Instead of swearing off sugar, for example, focus on eating leafy greens with every meal. As you fuel yourself with delicious, plant-based foods and brain-boosting proteins, you might stop craving a daily cupcake fix.
Sagittarius
Light
Winter hibernation is officially over as the Sun sails into fellow fire sign Aries, igniting blazes in your glamorous, amorous fifth house. Emerge from the hive and claim your Queen Bee status. Pull on your most colorful, head-turning outfits just to go pick up coffee. Make experimental music and art. Romantically, these could be the most passionate and exciting four weeks you’ve had all year!
Shadow
As eager as you are to include people in your exciting plans, don’t put the cart before the horse. Your visionary powers are operating at a rainbows and unicorns level, but the mission can go off the rails if you fail to maintain creative control of any project you initiate. It’s okay to be the boss, Sagittarius, especially during Aries season. Also, bear in mind practical considerations of course, such as finances and, uh, gravity.
Balance
You’re more comfortable in the role of trailblazer than manager, but with the right squad of competent, self-authorized team players, you won’t feel weighed down with responsibility. Take the randomization out of the process. Write up a job description and a list of qualifications. Screen people with a thorough interview process. This might seem obvious, but your impulsive sign skips that step more often than you realize.
Capricorn
Light
Home is where your heart is, Capricorn—well, that’s what they say, right? Until April 19, the Sun beams into Aries, illuminating your fourth house of domestic affairs. Like opening the blinds and letting the light stream in, you’ll notice all the dust bunnies, messy countertops, and other areas that aren’t quite up to code. And let’s not even get started on the annoying habits of relatives and roomies that you’ve been trying to justify. Ignoring these things will be impossible for the next month. Redecorate, renovate, or reconfigure your space to suit your current lifestyle.
Shadow
If you’ve been feuding with a close friend or relative, you may be able to clear the air now, but not by sweeping the drama under the rug. Watch your tendency to suppress any struggles—especially if you’re doing it to keep up appearances. Forthright Aries Season is a time for dealing directly with conflict. If you can’t seem to broach a certain subject without screaming, you might need to bring in a mediator or sit down for a co-counseling session.
Balance
Although certain relationships may be fraught with tension, buffer yourself with support from people who do get you. Be sure to let the softer side of Capricorn shine through. Your vulnerability is the bridge to deeper levels of intimacy. At home, create one area that is your sanctuary—and if need be, install a smart lock on the door.
Aquarius
Light
Mic drop! You’re in your wise and witty element every year when the Aries Sun lights up your third house of communication. Here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for to finish your screenplay, perform standup, start a podcast—or just tell the world how you really feel. During this cooperative cycle, new friends come out of the woodwork. Hello, popularity boost!
Shadow
With shoot-from-the-hip Aries ruling your communication sector, you’re no stranger to shock value. But like fellow Aquarius James Dean, are you being a rebel without a cause? Don’t stir the pot just to cause controversy. Even a well-intentioned cause may have some nefarious roots, so don’t rush to throw support behind anyone until you know what they’re really all about.
Balance
While you’re never at a loss for clever one-liners, balance out those bon mots with some active listening. It’s simple in theory, but not so easy to pull off. When conversing, concentrate fully and soak in people’s words. Before you respond, you might repeat back what they said to make sure you actually understand. For example, “What I think I’m hearing you say is X. Did I get that right?”
Pisces
Light
Aries season means the end of your birthday celebration, but with the Sun in your industrious second house, you’re back to a productive groove. Finally, you can road test all those genius ideas that floated into your psyche over the past four weeks. Are you on the job hunt? This solar cycle could bring some bright possibilities your way. Spruce up your resume and circulate it online and IRL. If you love your job, you could be up for a raise and promotion.
Shadow
See it, want it? That’s the Pisces way. When you’re overtaken by desire, you can burn through your earnings faster than a lit match on a dry bed of grass. Impulse purchases could put you in the red, so don’t bank on money that’s not in your pocket—or borrow what you’re not absolutely certain you can pay back.
Balance
As eager as you are to kick off a promising initiative, think like a project manager first. Run it through the reality filter: What budgets, resources, and time commitments will be required to pull this off? Simplifying your original vision might be the saving grace. You can always add more bells and whistles with your version 2.0.
Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (a.k.a. The AstroTwins) are ELLE.com’s resident astrologers. They have written several astrology books, including Momstrology and Supercouple, and star as the astrological matchmakers for Prime Video’s Cosmic Love. The Eduts have read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Roberts. For their spot-on predictions, books, and online courses, check out our horoscopes coverage or visit astrostyle.com.
