The Equinox is the balance point of the Sun's active daytime energy and the Moon's receptive nighttime energy, the turning point in the cycle of light and dark. Day and night are of equal length all over the world. The Equinox, along with the Solstice are the cornerstones of western astrology.  In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a point to mark the start of darkness whereas in the Southern Hemisphere the light is on the rise. In many cultures the earth energy is associated with dragons and at the Equinoxes we feel the change as the dragon wakes at Spring Equinox and retreats at Autumn Equinox. Always a time of new beginnings and transition, the energies of nature and the weather around us can be turbulent, reminding us that balance is not static but a constant process of ebb and flow. At the celestial Equinox, we are called to balance our conscious fire energy with the watery energy of the unconscious, on both an outer and an inner level. All of the dualities which define us and the way we live our lives are in focus at this time, not just light and dark but also creation and destruction, growth and release, inner and outer, yin and yang. We are called to review these dualities and how they are manifesting for us, and to make changes which bring them into balance. This may mean that we seem to pull back and forth between extremes for a while as we find our equilibrium.

About the Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the summer solstice. It is a time of gathering in, the season of harvest and transformation. We celebrate the abundance and growth of the summer even as we mourn the passing of the warm season. We may be enjoying fruits and other produce from gardens and farms, especially if we've grown it ourselves. We also celebrate our achievements and creations, as well as the bond we have with friends and family. The earth's dragon energy is retreating now, just as the fiery power of the sun is waning. We are moving into the dark season of the year, a time for contemplation and reflection. This is a time for reconciling dualities – light and dark, material and spiritual, active and receptive. At the Equinox we honor and celebrate all of these, the parts of ourselves we are proud of and also the parts we may prefer to ignore. Now our focus shifts towards the inner realms, to our inner experience and wisdom.

About the Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the summer solstice. It marks the rebirth of nature and the growing fertility of the earth. The dragon energy within ourselves and within the earth is awakening and we are moving into the active phase of the year. At Spring Equinox, we focus on growth and rising energy as we welcome the light and the lengthening days. The sun is gaining strength in the waxing phase of its annual cycle. Seeds are germinating, buds are bursting, and the first flowers are coming into bloom. Our energy shifts from the inward focus of the winter darkness and we begin to manifest the plans we have been making. We begin new ventures and set off on new journeys. The seeds we planted at Imbolc are shooting up and we may be seeing the first phase of results from long held plans and goals. Spring Equinox is a time for taking risks, breaking out and moving on as we move from the thinking phase to the doing phase according to the zodiac.

Horoscopes for Fall / Spring Equinox: September 2019

Aries Horoscope (Aries dates: March 20 – April 19)

As the first sign of the astrological zodiac, Aries, it’s likely that any seasonal change gets you all fired up about new projects and plans, regardless of whether you have completed the last cycle. Try to find a balance and to complete whatever is outstanding so that you can release it knowing you have done your best. This clears the way for new passions and a shift in focus. Let the energies of the season unfold in their own time rather than trying to force the process as you, Aries are known to do.

Taurus Horoscope (Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20)

Being surrounded by astrological change and shifting energies may feel uncomfortable as you prefer life to stay stable and secure. Equinox energy reminds us that nothing is permanent, however much we might like it to be. Being shaken up a little can be a positive thing, Taurus, bringing new energy into your life and clearing out anything which has become stagnant. Keeping your feet on solid ground, perhaps literally by touching the earth whenever you can, will help you to navigate the changing season.

Gemini Horoscope (Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20)

Your enjoyment of the new and love of constant stimulation means that the energy shifts of the Equinox are welcomed as a chance to shake life up a little and let go of anything which has become tired or stale. Make some space in your mind, Gemini, as well as your life in general to help you find some clarity before you leap into the next thing. You may be more comfortable going from one extreme to the other than reconciling the opposing energies around you.

Cancer Horoscope (Cancer dates: June 21 – July 21)
According to the zodiac, your astrological sign tends to be sensitive to the subtle energies around you and seasonal changes may bring a sense of insecurity or instability. Make space to go with your own flow, Cancer, and honor your changing moods as you navigate the inner and outer cosmic tides of your life. It’s likely that you are well attuned to the cycles of life and are aware of the need to release the past to make way for the future, even if at times the process doesn't come easily.

Leo Horoscope (Leo dates: July 22 – August 22)

As the zodiac's sign of fixed fire, Leo, you may veer between wanting to hold on to what you have, and wanting to burn away the old to make way for the next. Try not to go to extremes as you work out how to balance your inner and outer worlds. Astrology tells us that this is a good time to shift your creative focus, to finish up recent projects and make space for new inspiration. Keep your conscious mind clear to avoid burning out of control.

Virgo Horoscope (Virgo dates: August 23 – September 22)

The sometimes turbulent astrological energies of the Equinox may feel unsettling if you prefer change to be something that evolves gradually and according to a set plan. Pay attention to the balance between reason and intuition, Virgo, between your conscious and your unconscious minds and make space for both to guide you through this time of transition. Astrology indicates that it's time to pay attention to the messages from your physical body as well as your inner self and make some time for self-care amidst the chaos.

Libra Horoscope (Libra dates: September 23 – October 22)

As the astrological sign of balance, Libra, it’s likely that the Equinox energy feels comfortable and that you are used to the process of refining your inner as well as outer balance. Don't try too hard to stay on an even keel, even if the shifting season is revealing parts of yourself you which feel less comfortable. Accepting and even embracing all of ourselves is necessary for our growth and may reveal hidden riches. According to Astrology, periods of chaos are just as important as peace and quiet and can inspire great creativity.

Scorpio Horoscope (Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21)

If your zodiac sign's tendency is to dig your heels in when faced with change, the Equinox may bring challenges or even a sense of frustration, Scorpio, especially when it comes to your love life. Rather than resisting the change, allow the deep waters of your unconscious to be stirred up. Even when it feels difficult, this process is important as it helps to avoid emotional stagnation and getting stuck in a rut, emotionally or otherwise. The Astrology and dragon energies of the Equinox might highlight areas in your life where change is needed.

Sagittarius Horoscope (Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 20)

The changing season may bring a sense of exciting new possibilities. Be careful not to rush ahead, Sagittarius, without completing your existing projects first – you can't fully embrace the new until you have released the old. If you're feeling unsure of your direction, keep the bigger picture in mind and go with the flow, trusting that you will end up where you need to be. Make space to listen to your intuition and let your higher vision guide you.

Capricorn Horoscope (Capricorn dates: December 21 – January 19)

If you tend to be fixed on a particular goal, Capricorn, the changing energies of the Equinox may feel like a distraction. Astrology recommends you to be open to new possibilities and don't be afraid to let go of whatever has become stagnant, even if it means changing your goal. Your cardinal zodiac sign energy means that you are good at taking the initiative and willing to act even when the way ahead isn't clear, so make the most of this to navigate the seasonal shift.

Aquarius Horoscope (Aquarius dates: January 20 – February 17)

The strong winds of the Equinox may feel like a blowing away of mental cobwebs, or like a challenge to your comfortable, established thinking, sometimes both at the same time. Making space for the former opens up new possibilities, Aquarius, and is also an opportunity to release old thought patterns which may have become stale or even dogmatic. According to Astrology, Aquarius is known as the zodiac sign of innovation, so allow the shifting earth energies at this time to open you to a deeper truth.

Pisces Horoscope (Pisces dates: February 18 – March 19)

According to astrology and the zodiac, like all of the water signs, Pisces, you are sensitive to the subtle energies around you and may find the sometimes chaotic energies of the Equinox overwhelming at times. Keep flexible inner boundaries in place so that you don't take on too much energy from other people but are still able to respond to your intuition. If you're feeling lost, or confused, pay attention to the changes in the weather and nature around you to keep you grounded and align yourself with the energies of the season.