With daylight finally stretching into the evening and warm weather on the horizon, one thing is evident: The spring equinox is *finally* upon us. This first official day of spring also marks the first day of the astrological calendar and the start of fiery Aries season. “It feels celebratory, as it brings the astrological new year, and it signifies that we’re now coming out of the dark of winter,” says astrologer Courtney O’Reilly. “Nature can now spring back to life.” And so can we, as the astrology of the spring equinox will deliver ambitious, up-and-at-’em energy for every zodiac sign.

What day is the spring equinox in 2024?

This year, the spring equinox arrives on March 19, 2024, at 11:06 p.m. EDT, moving us into a new season and astrological year slightly early than in recent years.

What happens at the spring equinox?

As the spring equinox arrives, the sun will be located directly over the Earth’s equator, granting the northern and southern hemispheres equal amounts of sunlight.

For us, in the northern hemisphere, this day also marks the point at which we begin to experience increasingly more daylight than darkness during each 24-hour day leading up to the summer solstice, on June 20, which marks the day with the most daylight of the entire year.

Is March 19 an equinox or solstice?

March 19, 2024, is considered the spring equinox (not the solstice) because the location of the sun over the equator means that the days and nights are of equal length in most parts of the world. (The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, meaning “night.”)

By contrast, solstices, which happen in summer (June 20 or 21) and in winter (December 21 or 22) in the northern hemisphere, mark the days with the greatest span of light and darkness, respectively. On these days, the sun is actually located at its farthest point from the equator, either the most north (summer) or the most south (winter). And the term “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol, meaning “sun,” and sistere, meaning “to stand still” because, on both solstices, the sun appears to rise and set at the same spot on the horizon.

What does the spring equinox mean in astrology?

Astrologically, the spring equinox always heralds the sun’s movement into the cardinal fire sign of Aries, which is what channels that initiatory energy noted above. You can think of the spring equinox as an “absolute energetic reset,” says astrologer Narayana Montúfar. “This is fire energy in its purest form, and we’re all bound to feel a surge of productivity and drive.”

Though that’s the case any year on the spring equinox, the effects of this day are particularly pronounced in 2024. With Mercury having just entered Aries on March 9 and the moon shifting into fellow fire sign Leo on the day of the spring equinox, the cosmos will be burning white-hot with fire-sign intensity, says astrologer Babs Cheung. While certain signs will feel the heat more profoundly, the entire zodiac will be beaming with a certain dynamic, take-charge energy, she says.

Which signs are most affected by the spring equinox in 2024?

While this strong start to Aries season will undoubtedly impact the fiery Aries signs themselves, Leo, Gemini, and Virgo are also slated to *really* feel the forward momentum of this year’s spring equinox.

The latter two, Gemini and Virgo, get an extra boost thanks to Mercury—their shared planetary ruler—also transiting Aries as the sun shifts into Aries for the equinox. “They’ll be feeling like taking risks and grabbing the bull by the horns,” says Cheung.

“Gemini and Virgo will be feeling like taking risks and grabbing the bull by the horns.” —Babs Cheung, astrologer

While this push to take initiative can be inspiring, Cheung warns that Gemini could easily run themselves ragged trying to stick to their social calendar, as the sun in Aries lights up their 11th astrological house of community.

By a different token, Virgo may be prone to acting on impulse, as the sun moves through their eighth house of transformation, says Cheung. They may feel more empowered to leave behind the things that don’t serve them—which is great!—but should be sure to choose their next steps carefully, she says.

And as for Leo? Because the moon enters Leo mere hours before the spring equinox arrives, the lion of the zodiac will get showered with an extra dose of fiery passion, too, when the Aries sun beams into their ninth house of travel and learning.

All of that said, the other zodiac signs certainly won’t be left untouched by this astrological moment. The spring equinox will bring a different kind of cosmic rebirth for every zodiac sign, depending on which astrological house the sun in Aries occupies for each. Read on to learn how the energy of the spring equinox could impact your sign, plus how to make the most of the day.

What the spring equinox means for every zodiac sign in 2024

Aries

Happy birthday, Aries! It’s the start of your season, and as such, you’re bound to feel the fresh-start energy of the spring equinox in a major way. “The sun in your sign will help illuminate your path forward, toward success,” says Montúfar. Now is an exciting time for launching any new plans you’ve been cooking up, says Cheung. “You’re going to be showing up as your best self,” she adds.

A small warning: “Recklessness is favored during this season,” says Cheung, and because you’re naturally inclined toward impulsivity (as the sign ruled by intense Mars), you may be especially prone to accidents and slip-ups. Watch your step!

Taurus

The forward momentum of the spring equinox will likely feel more subtle and internal for you, Taurus. That’s because the Aries sun highlights your 12th house, which is associated with dreams and the inner psyche. “This is going to be a still, quiet time for you,” says Cheung. Now is the moment to look inward and tackle any feelings, fears, or challenges that have been weighing heavy on your heart. Are you struggling with imposter syndrome or sensing early signs of burnout? If so, now’s the time to address it.

Creating space for some proper rest and relaxation will leave you well-positioned for your big spiritual refresh when your birthday season arrives next month.

Gemini

You could feel more connected to the greater collective during this spring equinox, Gemini. That’s because your 11th house of idealism, progress, and community gets a boost from both the sun and Mercury (your planetary ruler) in fiery Aries, turning you into even more of a social butterfly than you might usually be.

Overall, this is a comfortable mindset for you, as you’re an air sign who naturally loves to intellectualize, and you can appreciate the high-key energy of Aries as a force for action. “Just don’t bite off more than you can chew in terms of how many parties or events you’re going to attend,” says Cheung. Keep an eye on your social battery, and plan to recharge when necessary.

Cancer

Your work life could feel supercharged as the equinox arrives, Cancer. The Aries sun will be conjunct your midheaven, which marks the cusp of the 10th astrological house and is similarly tied to purpose and reputation. That means “you’re going to have a field day when it comes to your career,” says Cheung, so consider funneling your energy into initiating new passion projects at work or even asking for a raise. If you’ve been thinking about a career switch, now is also the time to action that.

Leo

This transit is giving good vibes only for you, Leo. The moon enters your sign on the same day as the spring equinox occurs, giving you an extra boost of compassion and self-love, says Cheung. And because you’re a fire sign, like Aries, the vibrant energy of the season suits you well.

You’ll also be pleased to know that this equinox highlights your ninth house, which is not only associated with travel, learning, and exploration, but also, with good fortune and sweet serendipity. (After all, it’s the house ruled by lucky Jupiter.) As a result, you could enter spring feeling more confident than ever—energy that Cheung suggests using to expand your horizons, letting your heart guide the way.

Virgo

The equinox could bring you much-needed closure as the Aries sun falls in your eighth house of beginnings, endings, and transformations, Virgo. In order to start something new, sometimes, something has to end—and that couldn’t ring truer for you than it does right now.

With tax season underway, Cheung notes that these beginnings and endings could come up in regard to your resources or money. If you’ve been considering picking up a side hustle or canceling a pricey subscription, now’s the time to take action and optimize your finances. The extra intensity from your planetary ruler Mercury in Aries can leave you feeling impulsive, though, so make sure to fully flesh out and reflect on the possible impact of any decision you make, says Cheung.

Libra

The sun’s move into Aries illuminates your seventh house of partnerships, shining a light on the dynamics in your romantic relationships, Libra. This may be great news, considering you’re an expert at keeping the scales balanced. But Cheung shares that the individualistic energy of Aries season could also put you in a rough spot emotionally; you tend to put other people first, which isn’t exactly the vibe of self-focused Aries.

Aim to give partners or friends grace during this period if they need some space, and don’t take dropped plans too personally. Instead, try focusing on the ways you can put yourself first, for a change.

Given that Aries season is all about initiating new things, now is also a great time for you to experiment, adds Cheung. Take a risk on romantic interests who aren’t usually your type, or spend some time dreaming up date ideas for a current relationship.

Scorpio

Your equinox refresh could happen in the realm of your daily routines, Scorpio. The sun in Aries resides in your sixth house of rituals, habits, and wellness, putting you in the position to set new short-term goals that align with the life you envision for yourself, says Cheung.

Some of your daily habits might seem inconsequential, but over time, they can either impede or support your loftier goals. Cheung says you’ll be in a position to discover which habits support your most authentic self, and which ones definitely don’t. This work will likely keep you busy, so be sure to send the occasional, “Hi! Don’t worry, I’m still alive” check-in text to your pals.

Sagittarius

Creativity and optimism are among your natural fortes, Sagittarius. But the extra boost of Aries energy at the arrival of the spring equinox could crank both of those qualities up a notch. The sun in Aries shines in your fifth house of pleasure, giving you the forward nudge you need to begin or accelerate new hobbies and creative pursuits, says Cheung.

This energy is motivating for sure, but Cheung warns against taking on too many side interests at the same time, as you could find yourself surrounded by half-finished projects. Instead, pick one or two, and give them your all.

Capricorn

By helping to illuminate the past experiences that shaped who you are, this equinox could power up your personal growth, Capricorn. The sun in Aries resides in your fourth house of familial roots, and the fresh-start energy it channels could have you thinking about how you can give your homestead—and your family dynamics—a new groove, says Cheung.

Funnel your energy into social hangs with your relatives, or tackle a home renovation project you’ve been sitting on for a while. Now’s the time to feed the hearth, so to speak.

Aquarius

Prepare for a mindset shift, Aquarius. The sun moving into Aries shines a light on your third house of intellect and communication, opening your mind to greater optimism and new ideas. “There’s an opportunity for a huge Renaissance when it comes to your messaging, how you speak to yourself, and how you approach life,” says Cheung.

Since Aries season supports experimentation, Cheung recommends leaning into new perspectives or philosophies of thought. You could feel a sense of lightness and freedom from dropping thought patterns that have been holding you back, whether fueled by self-doubt or fear.

Pisces

You’re typically a big-picture thinker, Pisces, but the energy this Aries season could turn your attention toward the tangible details and structures that you need to bring your goals to life. The sun activates your second house of resources, encouraging you to re-up your daily routines and make sure they’re working in service of your goals.

Since Venus will be moving through your sign as the equinox arrives, you’ll also be equipped with an extra dose of compassion, making it “a great time for you to be activated in your values,” says Cheung. Ask yourself whether certain habits, projects, or people are *actually* worth your precious time, energy, or money—or if you might be more fulfilled allocating your resources elsewhere.