A new moon arrives around every month or so, resetting the lunar clock. Astrologically, this lunation symbolizes a new beginning, offering a chance to recharge, manifest, and plant new seeds. But each new moon has a slightly different flavor, depending on what sign it’s in. And we can expect to feel the thrill as the new moon ingresses into hotshot Aries on March 21, inspiring the collective to take risks and make moves on all of our goals and passions.
New moons are all about the beginning phases. Think: intention-setting, reflecting, and planning. This lunation is offering an especially strong fresh-start feeling, since it’s stationed in action-oriented Aries and heralds the spring equinox.
The competitive fire sign is pushing everyone’s boundaries and propelling us to bet on ourselves, explore, and take charge. If you’ve got your eye on a promotion, now’s the time to fight for it. In the mood for romance? This new moon is encouraging you to make the first move. Being edgy, demonstrating initiative, and showing up for yourself is what Aries energy is all about.
The new moon also happens to hook up with Mercury, the planet of communication and the mind, in the sassy fire sign, spicing up your conversations and making you a little more nosy than usual. Aries energy tends to be rash and impulsive, whereas the new moon begs us to hit the brakes and strategize. Lean into the moon’s energy on this one; it’s a great moment to take a breath and be patient with yourself and those around you.
POPSUGAR spoke with astrologers Lauren Ash and Emily Logan Lewis to dive into the spiritual meaning of the new moon in Aries and how it may affect your zodiac sign.
The Spiritual Meaning of the March 21 New Moon in Aries
The sun moving into passionate Aries – this year on March 21 – officially kicks off the zodiac year. We’ve absorbed all the knowledge, intuition, and innovations from Pisces season, and now Aries takes over to help us put our plans into motion. The new moon in Aries helps us plan courageously, without relying too heavily on the details.
Aries is a cardinal fire sign that craves leadership and passion, so expect to feel especially empowered by the ram’s brute force – it gives off “don’t take no for an answer” when it comes to squashing your goals and reaching your dreams. With the spring equinox in full effect, this lunation is about turning over a new leaf. That means ghosting those situationships (yes, you have permission), debuting new styles, and making the first move.
According to Lewis, this new moon is connected to a rare second new moon in Aries in April (the second being a solar eclipse, too) – so soak up all lessons you’re learning about your identity and self-expression. “Both new moons will energetically launch you into a whole new version of you,” Lewis tells POPSUGAR. “This is a great time to tune into your vision for the rest of 2023, and ask yourself, ‘Who do I need to become in order to make my dream vision a reality?'”
But Ash, astrologer and host of the Birthchart, Pls Podcast, explains that a tough aspect may cause a bit of friction during the new moon as it squares off with Mars in Gemini. “You may be feeling restless and impatient with your current circumstances, which could lead you to speak or act out of turn,” Ash says. “It’s important to remind yourself that good things take time to avoid letting things bubble over.”
Curious to know how the March 21 new moon in Aries may affect your zodiac sign? Keep reading to learn how to use the energy of this new moon to spice up your life.
How the March 21 New Moon in Aries May Affect the Zodiac Signs
Aries (March 20-April 19)
You’re feeling the brunt of this new moon, Aries. Eagerness fills you up as you spearhead new projects and conjure up a million new ideas that extend beyond a haircut or addition to your wardrobe. “You may feel yourself gravitating toward new opportunities, passions, and interests that align with your most authentic self,” Lewis explains. Be open to these changes, which may help you understand yourself on an intimate level, but remember to stay true to yourself!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
This new moon can feel like a major block right now, Taurus. Rather than jumping into anything new, Ash explains that this time is perfect to let go and reflect. Where are you struggling to align between your physical self and your spiritual one? Take this new moon to bridge the gap and reconnect with your inner world. “This is a very sensitive new moon for you, so try and find some peace in your favorite hobbies, meditation, or personal spiritual practice,” Ash says.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Your social life is sizzling under this new moon, Gemini! Whether it’s receiving endless invites or feeling more social than usual, the spicy energy of Aries is encouraging you to focus on your friendships and ring in new traditions with the people in your inner circle. “You may also find yourself meeting new people this month, as it’s a great time for you to begin new relationships and friendships,” Lewis says. Open yourself up to expanding your network; this time is all about community.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
It may feel like you’re under a microscope right now, Cancer – but use it as professional fuel! Fiery Aries is stoking your passionate heart and is encouraging you to make major decisions when it comes to your career. “There’s an opportunity to reinvent your public or career life if things are starting to seem too stale or boring,” Ash says. But whether you’re in the market for a new professional direction or not, this new moon is helping you get honest and brave about what it is you want to be known for.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
The world is yours, Leo – not that you didn’t know that before. Under this new moon, you may feel inspired to travel or eager to immerse yourself in new customs and cultures. Either way, Lewis explains that fellow fire sign Aries is boosting your confidence to explore in ways you may have felt hesitant about before. “It’s an awesome opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone, and shift your energy by trying something you’ve never done before,” she says.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
What’s lurking under the surface, Virgo? The new moon in aggressive Aries is pushing you to get honest about what you need to let go of, so you can be authentically yourself. This can look like reevaluating your relationship with sex and money, Ash suggests. “You may experience some anxiety during this transit – but don’t let it cause you to fold,” she says. If you get in your head about your insecurities, know that Aries energy is giving you the confidence to face your fears.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)
This steamy new moon is firing up your relationships, Libra. Looking to try new restaurants or start new traditions with your boo? Or maybe you’re single and feel ready to spice up your love life. Whatever the case, this new moon is about making the first move. Lewis says it’s important to use this energy to identify your needs and desires in a partnership, especially if you’re single. “If you’re coupled up, you may want to write new relationship goals with your partner and ask them for help with achieving your own personal goals,” Lewis adds.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Get ready to venture outside your boundaries, Scorpio. If your day-to-day has felt inspired lately, now’s the time to integrate new practices into your routine. “This is also a good time to review the finer details of your daily life and cut out anything that’s holding you back,” Ash says. With competitive Aries at play, it’s a powerful moment to get active and incorporate cardio or other exercises in your daily ritual.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
It’s time to feed your inner creative, Sagittarius. Fellow fire sign Aries is helping your passions bubble up to the surface, so take a breather from the hustle and bustle. Lewis says that Aries is lighting up your childlike sense of wonder, making it a good time to really lean into activities that help you connect with your inner child. “You may feel inspired to take up some DIY projects, to try something creative, or to explore a new place that makes your inner child smile,” Lewis says. Finger painting, anyone?
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Despite Aries playing the role of coach and mentor for the rest of the zodiac, this new moon is teaching a valuable lesson in rest, Capricorn. Ash explains that this new moon prompts a quiet time for reflection and identifying your needs when it comes to security. “Spending time with the people closest to you and asking your trusted friends for advice could be the ticket to seeing your situation from a new perspective,” Ash says. Redecorating your sanctuary or incorporating new home goods can be productive ways to spend this lunation, she adds.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
The Aries new moon is picking your brain, Aquarius. Revel in the new perspectives and follow your curiosity right now. “It’s a great time to learn new skills, to take a class or workshop in something new, or to read a book on a topic that motivates you,” Lewis suggests. These mental shifts may bring exciting new experiences, so don’t be afraid to really go down the rabbit hole right now.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You’ve had a lot of new ideas related to your identity and expression swimming in your mind lately, but now, Ash says it’s time to put those abstract ideas into practice. “You’re setting the new rules for your life. It’s time to build new habits and reinforce the boundaries that help strengthen your sense of value and worthiness,” Ash says. Take this insightful new moon to get honest about what’s truly important to you.