The Vernal Equinox and New Beginnings
By Lorraine Valente
After experiencing the frigid temperatures and snow here on the east coast, I’m looking forward to the arrival of Spring. As the days grow longer, the Vernal Equinox on March 20th marks the first day of Spring. We also refer to this time as the Spring Equinox. In days of olde, the Spring Equinox marked a place in time when seeds would literally be planted and then food would be harvested at the Autumn Equinox on or about September 23rd. Figuratively speaking, we see the arrival of Spring as a fertile time for new beginnings. The air is warming up, crocus and daffodils emerge from their winter slumbering retreat and “love” and romance is in the air!
Astrologically, March 20/21st heralds the entrance of the Sun into the sign of 00 degrees of Aries. Emerging from Pisces and the 12th house, we reluctantly emerge from a surreal, embryonic cradle, starry-eyed and impressionable. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and the starting point at which we begin our journey and evolution.
0 Degrees of Aries is also called the Aries Point or AP. Astronomically, this point marks the place where the Sun crosses the equatorial plain in the North, or the Sun/Earth midpoint. Uranian Astrologers link 0 degrees to all the cardinal signs. Cardinal energy (Aries, Cancer, Libra & Capricorn) initiates, is action oriented and outgoing. Cardinal energy represents movement from an inner, passive quality to an assertive, outer quality. It is our will to be noticed, like seedlings pushing their way through the soils surface towards the warmth of light. Some would say that the first house and 0 Aries is where our spirit emerges and the starting point likened to the Fool’s Journey in the tarot. Even though the Fool symbolizes the element of Air, his fire ignites his passion for independence and exploration. Emerging with creative energy and innocence he forges away on his path, consciously trying to learn from his life experiences through trial and error.
The Suit of Cups in the tarot deck is also symbolic of Spring, water and emotions and love. Cups are intuitive and heighten our senses. We become more aware of our feelings and desires. Because Aries’ ruling planet is Mars, taking action and being first is symbolic of Aries. Aries inhabits the 1st house of the natural zodiac. The Ascendant is the cusp of the first house as many already know as the Rising Sign.
Because Aries arrives immediately after the dreamy, Neptunian 12th house, when Aries arrives on the scene, everyone knows about it! Think of the first house cusp as the emergence from the amniotic fluid (the hypnotic, watery 12th house). If you think of the symbolism, when we are “birthed” it is often rather traumatic! There are people everywhere, lights, camera, action and out pops baby! Baby emerging from the womb is like “here I am” hear me scream, I have arrived! Well, this is Aries, or the assertive, action oriented red planet Mars! Spring has sprung!
One of the first animals we discover in springtime is the rabbit or hare. Rabbits are known for their intuition, gentleness and are often a guide. Symbols of fertility and abundance, rabbits show both promise and fulfillment. Ladybugs are one of the first insects we see and their discovery is beneficial as they are called “wishing bugs”. When you spot a ladybug, remember to count her spots. Each spot represents a wish for you!
New Beginnings, birth, growth and revitalized and renewed energy is symbolic of 0 degrees of any sign and more specifically for the sign of Aries. The Sabian Symbol for 1 Aries (we always round up to the next degree) is: “A Woman Has Risen Out of the Ocean, a Seal Embracing Her.” Again, this is symbolic of our emergence into the light of day. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon of the Spring season.
The first Full Moon on March 25th will be at 5 degrees Libra indicating the passing on of knowledge. It isn’t enough that we are “knowing” if we do not share our experiences and lessons with others. The Full Moon is a culmination of energy carried forth from the previous New Moon, 14 days earlier. During a New Moon, if we visualized that which we desire, “planted” seeds of inspiration, they will “bloom” during the Full Moon.
This year, Palm Sunday will arrive on the same day as the Spring Equinox along with celebration of International Astrology Day! What better time to celebrate the Astrological community than at 0 Aries!
Interestingly, I recently read that there is greater geomagnetic disturbances in the ocean during March/April, the Spring Equinox (Aries), and September/October during the Autumn Equinox (Libra). Fewer disturbances are found at the Solstice points of December/January (Capricorn) and June/July (Cancer). Since Aries/Libra is typically the relationship axis, the symbolism is quite clear!
Since the Spring Equinox brings our desire for love and romance to the forefront of our thoughts, let’s discuss how we can bring new love into our lives. Desire and intent are keys to visualizing that which we want to manifest in your life. If you have wanted to start a family, bring a new love into your life, switch careers or even plant a garden, now is the time to plant your personal seeds. By personal seeds I mean the thoughts you create inside your mind’s eye. Thoughts are energy. Positive thoughts will bring positive results through the mental pictures you visualize for yourself. If you have difficulty visualizing what you desire, perhaps you can locate photos on the Internet or in a magazine for symbols of what you seek. Cut those photos out and arrange them in a book or in a collage. If you prefer objects such a stones, flowers, animal totems, or candles, arrange those on a table or in a box. You won’t need much space. Then meditate. Completely focus your mind on your heart’s desire. Because Aries is all about starting new, your “wishes” are likely to be heard!
Article Published in the Astrology for Tomorrow Newsletter,
Vernal Equinox - March 20, 2005
Lorraine Valente, Professional Astrologer, Writer
FuchsiaStars@aol.com
Copyright (c) 2005
FuchsiaStars Guidance www.FuchsiaStars.com
Karmic Astrology: The Soul's Journey www.KarmicAstrology.tv
This article was posted by Lorraine Valente
