The spring equinox 2024, a significant event that marks the beginning of a new season, occurs on March 19 at 11:06 PM ET. The arrival of the spring equinox is a moment of rejuvenation and rebirth as flowers begin to bloom and sunlight warms the northern hemisphere. As the sun moves along the equator, it brings warmth and power, allowing us to welcome the joys of spring, including the beautiful flowers and greenery Mother Earth provides. But the beauty of impending spring isn't the only gift this day brings: It is also the March New Year (otherwise known as the Astrological New Year), International Astrology Day, and marks the commencement of the Sabbat holiday Ostara.
The equinox occurs twice a year: once in the spring and once at the start of fall. The vernal equinox, also known as the spring equinox, brings equal hours of daylight, sunlight, and moonlight. This balance reminds us to take a break from our daily routines and reflect on the need for equilibrium in our lives. Let's use this opportunity to pause and embrace a new season with a fresh outlook.
Urging on the new beginning vibes, it helps that the spring equinox coincides with the Astrological New Year. Prior to 1752, the New Year was celebrated on March 25 in England and America. The switch to celebrating on January 1 was made to align with the Gregorian calendar.
The spring equinox, which coincides with the beginning of Aries Season, is often celebrated and is referred to as the Astrological New Year and International Astrology Day. Being that action planet Mars governs the zodiac sign Aries, this time is known to set off the astrological year with a bang because it brings a lot of energy, desire, and passion to our hopes and intentions.
This spring equinox marks a unique astrological new year due to a few significant events. Firstly, Mercury will enter its pre-retrograde phase on March 18 (the retrograde will begin April 1 and last until April 25), which will slow things down and create a pivotal time for us to reflect and recharge. Secondly, the eclipse season will be in full swing, with the lunar eclipse occurring on March 25 and the total solar eclipse (AKA The Great American Total Solar Eclipse) happening on April 8, bringing heightened energy into our lives.
Dealing with these intense and juxtaposing energies can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage. As the sun transitions from Pisces to Aries, we move from water to fire, which can be a lot to handle. However, taking care of ourselves during this time is crucial.
Here are some techniques to help recharge, reset, and restore our vibe through self-care during the spring equinox, according to energy healers:
Cupping practitioner Vanessa Kuhn Denola suggests using a ball to release tense spots in the body like the back, shoulders, hips, and glutes. She says to “use it to find those nagging painful spots, like between your spine and shoulder blade. Lay on your floor or bed and lean into the ball. Just a few minutes every night while you're watching a show or talking on the phone can build a nice self care habit into your routine. You'll feel great every time.” This will wash away emotional stress stored in the body from winter.
Chiropractor Juan Gutierrez says, “movement is medicine. As a chiropractor my job is to get your joints able to move better. Then I encourage everyone to walk and stretch so that their joints — and entire spine and skeleton — keep moving and stay happy." So, go out for a walk, connect with nature, and stretch out your body.
Reiki healer Rebecca Weinstein suggests “treating yourself with kindness. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with affirming and supportive statements. Also, connecting with supportive friends can be great to share your experiences and receive encouragement.” She also reminds us to “take occasional breaks from digital devices to reduce screen time and create a more serene environment for healing” to be present and to find balance during the equinox.
Sharon Ruedeman, who is a tarot card reader, breath work and reiki healer, says rest is the most important activity. “We spend so much time outwardly, but when we pause to offer ourselves some energy work, it’s a very nurturing and internal act. And by creating by this moment in our days, we’re emphasizing to our brains that this is important. So, the more we create these kinds of self-care, the more we’re building up our self-awareness — which can really help boost any efforts to create new habits.”
Massage therapist Jali Brister says it’s best to “relax your mind, and your body will follow. Your body and mind keep score. Be mindful of taking time to meditate to ground yourself.”
All of this advice will help you spring forward into the new season with ease.
