In the hours after the recent Pisces eclipse, the Sun made one of its most meaningful transitions, into the sign of Aries. Like all cardinal signs, Aries represents one of four important solar festivals, in this case the Equinox.
This is like an astrological New Year celebration, which will peak on the Aries New Moon later in April.
The Aries Equinox sets the tone for the year ahead. The Moon’s influences (sign, phase, aspects) will provide some insight as to the next 12 months, as will the placement of Mars.
Much of our symbolic interpretation for festivals like the Equinox or Solstice is tied to Northern Hemisphere seasons. Thus, the Sun into Aries represents rebirth. It’s a time of starting over, or starting afresh. It can bring a welcome beginning or the chance to put the past behind you.
Easter, which is celebrated each year at some point in the month of Aries (from approx. March 20 – April 21), is a lunar festival. The date for Catholic/Christian Easter is calculated on this Equinox and the following Full Moon. Read more about mainstream religious celebrations and how they link to natural events like Solstices, Equinoxes + new or full Moons here.
The theory to work out the date for Easter is:
– watch for the March Equinox
– note the date of the next Full Moon
– the following Sunday will be Easter Sunday
For 2015 this applies as follows:
– March equinox, March 20/21 depending on your location
– Full Moon, the Libra Lunar Eclipse April 3/4 depending on your location, (Friday/Saturday)
– Easter Sunday = April 5
So back to the Equinox.
The March 2015 Equinox occurred under the dynamic and provocative energy of an eclipse, suggesting the year ahead brings fated encounters, dramatic changes and meaningful progress. It was a New Moon or solar eclipse, which means moving forward and new beginnings.
At the time of the Equinox, the Moon was also in Aries, adding to the fast paced themes, and the desire to get moving or take action.
Interestingly, Mars was also in Aries and so the classic Aries desire to push ahead, begin something or boldly pursue a passion reigns supreme.
The one catch? The Moon is on the south node suggesting there is a need to let go of baggage and the past, especially any negative or dark emotions, like fear, that might be preventing your progress.
Happy Equinox!
If you could pick one action to take in the coming weeks, what would it be?