Happy Astrological New Year! (Yep, That’s a Thing—Here’s What You Need to Know)

Think you covered everything by singing Auld Lang Syne on December 31, then ushering in the Lunar New Year a few weeks later? Here's another cause for celebration: the astrological new year, which aligns with the spring equinox and the period of rebirth and regrowth that it kicks off. And to help you navigate this annual event, astrologer Jennifer Racioppi is here with your weekly dose of celestial wisdom—with a wellness twist.

Monday, March 19

With Mars, the planet of action, in Capricorn until May 16, now’s the time to embrace discipline. Having just left Sagittarius (a sign it traveled in from January 26 to March 17), Mars settles into stoic and hard-working Capricorn. Slow and steady win the race. Meanwhile, with Mercury (which is about to station retrograde) conjoining Venus in get-it-started Aries, you may have energy fit to burst. You may want to throw a tantrum today—but don’t. Instead, channel your energy and focus it into aligned mindful action. Need an outlet? Put in your earbuds, turn up the tunes, and sweat it out.

Tuesday, March 20

The sun moves into the first sign of the zodiac today, Aries, kicking off the astrological new year. With the equinox here and the first official day of spring upon us in the northern hemisphere, you may want to kick your health practices up a notch with a cleanse or increased dedication to your wellness regime. With Mercury about to station retrograde in just two days, the last days of March allow for the perfect opportunity to optimize the detoxification pathways of the body and release the old and stuck energy (and toxins) of the winter. Let go of the old to welcome the new.

Wednesday, March 21

With the moon in Taurus (a fixed earth sign) all day today, settle into your body. Even with the sun ramping up momentum in fiery Aries, going slow to go fast proves prudent now. At the end of 2017, Saturn, the planet of discipline and structure, moved from Sagittarius into Capricorn. As Mars retraces Saturn’s steps and approaches an exact conjunction with Saturn, he reminds us to apply discipline and focus on behalf of our soul goals. It’s so important to get this message now. What are you devoted to? What are you committed to creating? Stake your claim.

Thursday, March 22

Mercury, the planet of communication, stations retrograde today for the first time in 2018. Now’s the time to check a “me first” attitude at the door. With the planet of communication retracing its steps in the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, it’s essential to slow down, tune in, and hear. Listening to your inner voice, and the voice of others, becomes key to utilizing this Mercury-in-retrograde period to your advantage. While 2018 kicked off with zero retrograde activity, now's the time to review decisions made since the start of the new year. So use this time to evaluate the path you are on. Go wide by going deep!

Friday, March 23

Friday, a day ruled by Venus, happens with Venus in a direct square (awkward angle) to Pluto, who rules our shadow. Because of this, today might lack the sweet Fri-yay vibes that the kickoff to the weekend is known for. Should jealousy surface today, meet it with curiosity, as opposed to feeling like a victim. When seen for what it is, you can use the shadow to learn about what it is you most desire, need, and feel. So let difficult emotions be, without buying into them. Like clouds, emotions shift without rhyme or reason. Witness them; don’t become them.

Saturday, March 24

There’s a whopping dose of “ouch” in the sky. (The super-specific astrological reason why: The sun is in Aries, squaring its ruling planet, Mars, creating a cardinal T-square with the moon in Cancer.) A cardinal T-square can create an unsettling feeling that stimulates drive but lacks a definite place to focus energy. Because of this, you could feel prone to taking the bait. Don’t. Avoid getting sucked into unnecessary drama. Instead, focus on building harmony and beauty.  Permit yourself to focus on what’s going well in your life. Conjure delight and focus on pleasure instead. Hint: Massage therapy might go a long way today.

Sunday, March 25

With the moon in sensitive Cancer making a sweet trine to Jupiter but simultaneously an awkward square to retrograde Mercury, ask your body what she needs. Then, listen to her answer. Instead of forcing yourself to do what you think you want, come home to yourself. Try to be without an agenda today except for presence. Tune into your intuition and see where it leads you. Don't be afraid to honor your values in the process (even if that means upsetting someone else). You can't please everyone, but you can please yourself. Take time for you today!

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women's health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success. 

For another perspective on what's to come for the whole month, check out "RockStar Shaman" Alyson Charles' energy predictions.