On 20^th March the Sun enters Aries and we celebrate the Spring Equinox, the Astrological New Year.

The Sun’s entry into the sign of Mars is especially important this year as it meets Neptune and Saturn in Aries for the first time and sparks these planets into life.

Neptune symbolises collective ideals, as well as dreams, imagination and our longing to merge with something greater than ourselves. In Aries it symbolises the ideals of individual action and the hero, our ability to assert ourselves and to fight for what we want. Aries wants to win. The shadow side, which we are seeing expressed on every screen we open, is the inflation of the individual ego above all else – and war.

Saturn, planet of boundaries and established structures, is co-present with Neptune. Saturn’s slow, cold nature is contrary to the heat of Mars, but with Neptune it seems to have lost its ability to create boundaries. Instead, it is fearful.

Traditionally, Saturn represents old age, and elderly people. And today we have a collection of old men trying to make themselves feel young and powerful (Aries) by killing women, children, men, animals and any creatures that cross their path (no boundaries), from the safety of their offices and golf courses.

At this Equinox, the Sun connects with this Martian energy. Perhaps the solar light will bring the terrible reality we are living through somehow into greater consciousness? Perhaps those involved will actually see? Perhaps we can hope that there might be more acknowledgement of the horror that is unfolding among our ‘saner’ leaders, and a greater effort to bring it to an end?

The collection of planets currently in Aries are ruled by Mars in Pisces which often acts most effectively on behalf of others. Mars makes a positive aspect to Jupiter in Cancer. This could be a compassionate and emotional connection, seeking to nurture and protect. Or, this powerful feeling energy could simply bury its head and become defensive, moving sideways as it attempts to protect itself and its own tribe, with no thought for the wider human community.

The New Moon on 19^th March suggested endings and new beginnings, together with the possibility of hope. There is always hope.

A key player at this Equinox is once again, Mercury, which is turning direct in Pisces on the North Node of destiny only hours later. Does this suggest a new direction? Or at least more clarity?

Mercury was present at the 2025 Winter Solstice on 21^st December. He stood alone, making no aspects almost exactly square the nodal ‘axis of destiny’. He was there to remind us that the future, however inevitable it seemed, was not yet written. Choices and decisions were still to be made.

As this astrological new year begins, we have some agency, but we may have to face the fact that the options we must choose between may not be the ones we were hoping for. We must be prepared for the eventuality that things may not go the way we hope and wish. In the end, what we so desperately want may not be what our soul needs.

With Mercury in Pisces, communication is fluid and truth is relative and uncertain, taking form and shape from its surroundings, from what is encountered.

However, on a pragmatic, everyday level, Mercury direct should make communication easier, emails should be forthcoming, decisions can now be taken.

As Mercury moves back across the degrees of its retrograde, he will be wrapping up all that has been ‘left behind’ in Pisces, tying up all the ends of the old era. Nothing important will be missed.

So, Mercury on the North Node in this Equinox chart is our destiny and our guide, and he sits in Pisces where communication is fluid and truth is relative. Nevertheless, it is up to each and every one of us to try and give it shape.