The time is here! We have been waiting for the beginning of Spring, and this year it lands on March 20th at 2:24 PM PDT. Spring begins every year when the Sun enters the sign of Aries at 0 degrees 0 minutes. And, astrologically speaking, it initiates the Solar Year.
Let the celebrations begin, and they will all over the world. One notable one is in Chichen Itza, built by the Mayans, at the temple of Kukulkan. Thousands of people come together to see the “Return of the Sun Serpent,” where every Vernal Equinox, the sun casts a shadow over the pyramid that appears like an enormous snake moving down the pyramid.
Ancient cultures went as far as erecting monuments that marked the Sun’s passage into the Equinox. In Machu Picchu Peru; there is a giant stone at the top of this sacred mountain called Intihuatana, which means “the place when the sun gets tied.” Usually the stone casts a shadow during the day, but at exactly noon on the date of the Spring or Autumn Equinox, the Sun’s shadow disappears! The stone is a precise indicator of the date of the two Equinoxes.
On this Vernal Equinox the Sun is joined by Mercury and Neptune in a conjunction. Together they set the tone for this year; Mercury in Aries encourages us to be outspoken and direct, always eager to express our ideas and opinions. And not to mind opposing the consensus; stirring up a little controversy. Neptune lends a sensitivity and imagination, where we are attracted to artistic and creative pursuits and mysticism. You’ll be impressionable and receptive, open to having experiences that are unusual and unexplainable by the rational mind.
This year when the Sun enters Aries we are looking at a new beginning. This new year is followed by a New Moon in Aries on the next day, March 21st at 10:23 AM PDT. This double Fire Sign ignites our power, imagination and strength. It represents the child in all of us; one who dreams the impossible dreams, and makes them come true. Aries energy brings the individual a curiosity much like a child‘s, with the will and energy to act on it. Aries, ruling the first month of the solar year, also rules the first house of the zodiac. Aries is a Cardinal Sign. Cardinal signs govern the beginning, the source, and plant the seeds for what is to come. Aries is a natural leader, an initiator that can be willful and courageous. Directing that will is the challenge for the Aries individual, taking care not to be a dictator or willful child.
Aries is ruled by the Planet Mars. Mars is male/positive energy, a warrior energy that likes a good fight. When well directed, a strong Mars can lend to the individual a great courage, a hero‘s temperament, confidence and leadership. Badly directed can bring disharmony, selfishness, arrogance and mischief. The Ram is the symbol for Aries. Rams plough with their horns to expose the food beneath the surface, the sprouts that lie below, to feed their family. So the Ram energy is breaking the surface to be nourished and fed.
To strive for the highest Aries energy would be to have the strength and courage to fight for whatever ideal, cause, person that you believe in enough. To be willing to speak your mind with calm authority, rather than impulsively. To learn to listen to others so as to be the best leader. And, to pioneer new horizons that others fear to tread.
So as with each New Moon we have the opportunity to make goals, plan for our future, plant the seeds for things to come. We are encouraged to be brave with this New Moon, and to set our intention without fear and limitations. Look at this as you would a garden; you must prepare the ground to ensure whatever you grow has everything it needs. Sure there is work to be done, but once it’s made ready you rest assured you’ve done all the necessary steps to ensure a healthy garden. Life is like that.
Thank you Judy Crescenzo for your beautiful insight! For a private reading email: judy@skypatterns.com