Our March Equinox arrives on Thursday 20 March at 8:01 AEDT. This is the moment where our seasons are in a balance – where the number of daylight minutes and night time minutes are equal.
This is the inflection point of our seasons, where we begin to descend into the winter months of the year. Or for those in the Northern Hemisphere, the warmer months of the year. Astrologer Amy Lea say that "the equinox represents a pivotal midpoint in the dance between darkness and light" and that this day comes with a deep astrological significance.
So, what do you need to know about our March Equinox? Is this a time to take heed and shelter? Is a moment for manifestation? Is it a point for rebirth? Regardless of what may be in your natal astrology chart or human design chart, Lea looks at this as a recalibration. "I always encourage people to use the equinox as a moment to pause, check-in, and reflect, as it marks a powerful turning point in the year," say Lea.
Below, we delve into the true meaning of the March Equinox and why some people consider this day one of the most important dates in the astrological calendar.
What does the equinox represent from an astrological perspective?
The equinox holds deep astrological significance as a threshold moment of transition and balance.
In the zodiacal cycle, the March equinox occurs as the Sun moves from Pisces into Aries, marking the start of a brand-new astrological year. Pisces, the final sign, represents endings, integration, and spiritual completion, while Aries, the first sign, ignites fresh beginnings, initiative, and forward momentum.
This shift isn’t just about change – it’s about the full-circle moment of closing one cycle and stepping boldly into the next.
Beyond the zodiac, the equinox represents a pivotal midpoint in the dance between darkness and light. It marks the exact moment when day and night stand in perfect balance before we continue our journey toward increasing daylight (in the Northern Hemisphere) or toward longer nights (in the Southern Hemisphere). Positioned between the winter and summer solstices, it serves as a cosmic reminder of equilibrium, renewal, and the natural cycles of expansion and contraction that shape both the seasons and our personal growth.
What energy will this particular equinox bring?
This year, the equinox arrives in the midst of eclipse season, alongside Mercury and Venus retrogrades, making the astrology of March – especially mid to late March – particularly intense. Many people may find themselves processing a lot emotionally, feeling more sensitive than usual, or experiencing moments of uncertainty and confusion.
Because of this, the equinox may not feel as immediately initiatory or full of forward momentum as it has in previous years. Instead, this is a time of integration – there’s important insight to gather before rushing ahead.
"The momentum will come, but right now, it’s about listening, observing, and honouring where you are."
Be gentle with yourself, tend to your energy, and trust that clarity will naturally emerge as we move into April.
How can we use this time to our best advantage?
I always encourage people to use the equinox as a moment to pause, check-in, and reflect, as it marks a powerful turning point in the year. It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking ahead – setting goals, making plans – that we forget to acknowledge how far we’ve already come. The equinox offers us a natural reset, a chance to recenter before moving forward.
"Because this equinox occurs during eclipse season, the energy is heightened, making it a time for surrender rather than active manifestation or big rituals."
Instead, a simple moment of quiet reflection can be deeply supportive. Consider honouring your journey – where you’ve been since late December, what you’ve moved through, and where you feel called to go between now and late June. Rather than forcing clarity or rushing into action, use this time to listen, integrate, and trust in your unfolding. Momentum will come when it’s meant to.
Is there anything we should be extra mindful of at this time?
The most important thing right now is simply taking care of yourself – physically, emotionally, and energetically. With the equinox occurring amidst eclipse season and planetary retrogrades, this transition may feel less like a bold, fresh start and more like a moment of deep integration and recalibration.
If you're feeling this, the best approach is surrender – release any pressure around how this shift should feel or what you should be doing. If clarity feels just out of reach, trust that it will come in its own time.
"If you're uncertain about your next steps, don’t force action."
Instead, focus on what does feel steady and aligned in this moment.
And remember – Aries season lasts a full month. You don’t need to take big, decisive action on the equinox itself to make the most of this energy. Let things unfold naturally, and when the moment for action arrives, you’ll feel it.
Why do some people consider this equinox to be the beginning of the astrological new year?
Many astrologers (and an increasing number of people) recognise the equinox as the true start of the astrological year because it coincides with the Sun’s transition from Pisces into Aries – a shift from endings to bold new beginnings.
Pisces, as the final sign of the zodiac, represents closure, integration, and surrender, making Pisces season a deeply reflective and internal time. But when the Sun moves into Aries, a fire sign ruled by Mars, we feel an undeniable energetic shift. Aries is both cardinal (driven by initiation and momentum) and fiery (infused with passion, courage, and action), making it the perfect archetype to ignite a fresh cycle.
This is why many people don’t fully feel the energy of the new year kicking in until March – it’s when we finally move out of the slower, inward pull of Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces and into Aries’ forward-moving, action-oriented spark.
What's the difference between the current autumn equinox and the spring equinox?
The Autumn and Spring Equinoxes are both threshold moments of balance – times when day and night are of equal length before we shift into either more light or more darkness. But energetically, they carry very different themes.
The Spring Equinox (Ostara) is a time of renewal, fresh starts, and outward expansion. It brings momentum, inspiration, and the energy to plant new seeds (both physically and metaphorically). This is when nature reawakens, life begins to bloom, and we feel the pull toward growth, action, and new possibilities.
The Autumn Equinox (Mabon), on the other hand, is a season of harvesting, integration, and release. This signals a shift from the outward energy of summer to the more reflective, inward energy of fall and winter.
"This is when we slow down, take stock of what we’ve created, and prepare to let go of what’s no longer needed—just as the trees shed their leaves in preparation for the colder months ahead."
Both equinoxes remind us of life’s natural cycles: expansion and contraction, beginning and ending, light and dark. Where the Spring Equinox invites us to breathe life into new dreams, the Autumn Equinox asks us to gather our wisdom, celebrate our growth, and trust in the power of release.
Is it different for Northern and Southern hemispheres?
Yes. The equinox is experienced differently depending on which hemisphere you’re in.
Here in Australia (Southern Hemisphere), we are approaching the Autumn Equinox, a time that marks the shift from summer to winter. This is when the days begin to shorten, the light gradually fades, and nature starts preparing for the more introspective, slower energy of the colder months ahead.
Conversely, in the Northern Hemisphere, they are approaching the Spring Equinox, signalling the transition from winter to summer. As the days lengthen and warmth returns, this is a time of emergence, renewal, and fresh beginnings – a season of growth and expansion after the darkness of winter.
Amy Lea is a professional astrologer, Human Design analyst, and energy and nervous system practitioner who helps individuals and leaders design extraordinary lives and businesses with authenticity and ease. With a holistic approach, Amy blends the wisdom of Astrology, Human Design, somatic practices, and strengths-based leadership to guide clients toward greater alignment and self-trust. Amy’s ethos is Coherence Over Hustle—the belief that true success stems from inner alignment and sustainable flow rather than relentless striving and ineffective busyness.
