Story by Annamarie Meiser and Jorge Espinoza
There are two days each year when Earth experiences 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night: the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes.
The spring equinox is an exact moment in time, when the Sun appears to cross the equator going north. is year, that moment is 3:37 a.m. Moun- tain Daylight Time on March 20.
Because the Earth’s atmosphere bends the light from the rising and setting sun, the day when day and night appear equal is di erent at di erent latitudes. In Fort Collins, that day is March 17 this year.
A er the spring equinox, days begin to get longer in the Northern Hemisphere. A er the longest day of the year on summer solstice in June, the Sun appears to move back toward the equator and the days get shorter.
All calendars are based on astronomical observations. Many ancient civilizations used the spring equinox as the beginning of the new year; the Iranian New Year, called Nowruz, is still celebrated on the equinox. e dates of both Easter and Passover are calculated based on the rst full moon a er the spring equinox.
Astrological Associations with the Spring Equinox
In terms of astrology, the spring equinox represents the start of the Aries season which ushers in the start of an astrological new year. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, ruled by Mars, helps us tap into the forces that drive us toward our goals, channel our passions and encourage us to assert ourselves. This is a good time to reflect on the past year, and create goals for the next year.
HOROSCOPES
The messages below come with a horoscope and an affirmation to take with you as you begin a new cycle. They’re meant to be inspirational and reflective, so take what you need and leave what you don’t. Use them to make peace with the past and nd hope in the future. Read horoscopes for your Sun, Moon and Rising signs.
ARIES:
Focus on cultivating space that will allow you to become the person you want to be. Your energy should ow outward and express your desire for growth. Remember, you’re an autonomous being who is not meant to be sti ed.A rmation: When I accept my imperfections, I recognize my humanity and give myself space to grow into a better person.
TAURUS:
A year ago, you couldn’t have imagined you’d be in the place you’re in now. For better or for worse, you must accept your current position so that you can move forward. Be grateful for what’s worked out and purge what’s failed. You’re in control of your destiny.
Affirmation: My failures do not define the person I’ve become. They simply guide me to something better.
GEMINI:
Look at the bigger picture. When you only focus on chaos, you become isolated in anxiety and uncertainty. Learn how to proactively address problems rather than reactively engaging in them.A rmation: I can avoid resentment when I accept my emotions as they are rather than trying to rationalize my feelings.
CANCER:
When you neglect your intuition, you neglect your inner truth. Knowledge comes in many different forms and isn’t always academic. Trust the knowledge that you carry from your experiences and position in the world.
Affirmation: I find inner peace when I surrender to the knowledge I have within. I trust myself.
LEO:
Your goals aren’t worth working toward if you’re not willing to develop the skills needed to bring your goals to fruition. If your goals don’t reflect who you are on the inside then you need new goals.A rmation: When I spend time thinking about the future, I can envision myself spending time doing what I love.
VIRGO:
A change of fate is on the way for better or for worse. Either way the universe is forcing you to change your perspective on your current situation and move toward more meaningful experiences. Some of our most impactful experiences come when fate takes a turn for the worse.
Affirmation: No matter what happens, I will follow my heart as the universe opens new doors for me.
LIBRA:
The fulfillment you’re looking for isn’t in the place you’ve been looking in. It’s time to move onto something better. A change of direction will help you see your life in a new perspective.
Affirmation: I feel the most ful lled when I let my heart lead me toward spaces that foster my growth.
SCORPIO:
You’re coming out of an important transformative experience. You’ve taken the time to explore the depths of yourself, and have surfaced with a newfound respect for your humanity. Now you must share what you’ve learned about yourself with the world around you.
Affirmation: When I’m vulnerable with those around me, I let my peers see the real me. In this way, others develop an appreciation for my authenticity.
SAGITTARIUS:
You are in control of your destiny. In order to live the life you want, you must be open toward accepting love and support from those around you. Doing so, will help you see the bigger impact you have on others. You feel the most ful lled when you’re able to share what you love with those around you.
Affirmation: By using my imagination, I create a new and abundant future for myself
CAPRICORN:
Life is a roller coaster of highs and lows. Whether you’re coming out of extreme lows, or coming down from extreme highs, the ups and downs of life haunt everyone. Live your life by surrendering your fear of falling to extreme lows and falling from extreme highs.A rmation: I accept that I didn’t deserve all the bad things that have happened to me and embrace the fact that I am worthy of positive things happening to me.
AQUARIUS:
You have a new perspective on the situation at hand. While the reality of your situation may be unsettling, surrender to the truth. It’s the only way you can set yourself free from uncertainty.
Affirmation: The situation may not be what I expected, but I can adapt to the ever changing world around me.
PISCES:
Avoid giving up. You have everything you need to make your life fulfilling. The tools you’re looking for come from within. Focus on cultivating inner strength and inner peace, so you can identify the power you hold.
Affirmation: My power comes from within and is a reflection of the internal work I’ve done to become a more emotionally stable person.
