Getting into the festive fall spirit can be as simple as breaking out that cozy throw blanket, brewing a cup of hot apple cider, and throwing yourself a horror movie marathon. For those into the mystical world of astrology, ringing in the new season looks a little like checking horoscopes and preparing for the new spiritual shifts ushered in by the fall equinox. And by the looks of the cosmic climate, the collective is headed for lots of new beginnings and finalization. 

 

What is the Fall Equinox?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about what the fall equinox is, its origins, and its spiritual meaning. The fall equinox marks the start of autumn for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and marks spring for those in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, the fall equinox will arrive on Wednesday, September 22 2021 at 19:21 UTC and as always, happens alongside Libra season. During the fall equinox, the sun crosses our celestial equator (the invisible line that separates space and Earth’s equator) from north to south — escorting us into the autumn season filled with short days, cooler temperatures, and lots of cozy nights indoors.

 

The Spiritual Meaning of the Fall Equinox

On the more astrological side of things, the fall equinox represents a clean slate, new beginnings, and release. Much like the dehydrating trees and their falling leaves, the fall equinox symbolizes metamorphic shifts that require us to part ways with habitual routines that prevent us from moving forward, garnering new beginnings, and welcoming newer parts of ourselves. We’re doing away with bits of our shadows and morphing into a newer state of consciousness to align with our values. In the same way we’re trading our shorts and crop tops for sweaters and boots, we’re making the same spiritual transitions internally.

There are a ton of celestial events between September 22 and the start of the Winter solstice on December 21. From Mercury going retrograde, to most retrograded planets going direct, there’s tons of going on in the stars. So, what does the fall equinox have in store for your zodiac sign? 

 

Libra Merc RX - 9/16

New Moon Libra - 10/6

Pluto direct in Capricorn - 10/6

Venus in Sag - 10/7

Saturn direct in Aquarius - 10/10

Jupiter direct in Aquarius - 10/17

Merc direct in Libra - 10/19

Neptune direct in Pisces - 12/1

 

Horoscopes for the Zodiac signs

Aries: March 21–April 19

The fall equinox is firing up areas in your life that relate to partnerships, Aries. Whether professional, platonic, or romantic, the connections you hold closest to you are being called into question — but because this is happening in Libra, the new season will bring huge revelations within your intimate relationships that might include releasing, forgiveness, or taking that next step with your partner. You might be asking yourself if you’re truly satisfied with the way your relationships are headed or whether you need to let go of people in order to allow yourself to grow spiritually.

Taurus: April 20–May 20

Taurus, you’re in for some serious adjustments in your routine during the fall equinox. You’ll be asked to create harmony between your work and personal life. If you’re all work and no play, there’s a chance burnout might be a closer reality than you think. Conversely, if you’re overly indulgent in self-care while putting minimal effort into your vocation, you could be seeing malfunction in the workplace. Moderation is key, and striking a sincere balance between these networks will open up a world of new opportunities for you. 

Gemini: May 21–June 21

Creative pursuits are headed your way, Gemini, and it’s up to you to welcome them with open arms. The fall equinox is allowing you to explore not only your creative side, but it’s also amplifying your sexual pleasure and desire. And with sultry Venus energy impacting you greatly, you’re going to want to take advantage of all the sex and intimacy you’re attracting. While it’s a good time to take up new artistic skills or dabble in different art forms, it’s also a great excuse to go the extra mile when it comes to satisfying your more carnal desires in the bedroom.

Cancer: June 22–July 22

Cancer, the fall equinox is garnering themes of home and origins and will appear in the form of new additions to family (chosen or not). Expect that the nostalgia will be extra relevant during this time, and looking back on your roots will give you extra insight into what’s possible in your future — but find a balance! You may feel the urge to make peace with old wounds at home. This is a time for healing, burying the hatchet, and creating your own peace that you may not have had before.

Leo: July 23–August 22

You’re known to be center stage, Leo, especially when it comes to public speaking or communication in general. But the fall equinox is here with lessons on standing back and uplifting the voices of others. With Libra’s diplomatic energy hitting your house of intellect and communication, you’ll find it especially valuable to strike equality within your social groups as well as venturing in new and exciting mindsets. This is a period of inner growth as you expand empathy and excite new shifts in mentality.

Virgo: August 23–September 22

Virgo, you’re very keen and exact on your material possessions — as most earth signs tend to be. The fall equinox is here to send you messages of sharing with others and detaching yourself from material tethers to the natural world. The new season may also welcome new money, but keep in mind of the inner housekeeping you’re doing right now. During this period, you’re seeing your physical environment in a new light, so don’t be afraid to explore new philosophies when it comes to possessions and letting go of excess stuff that may be ruling your life in big ways.

Libra: September 23–October 23

Image means a lot to you, Libra. From aesthetics, luxury, and stories of romance, you do lots to sustain a beautiful impression. During the fall equinox, you’ll find yourself undergoing shifts in areas of identity and social image. If you struggle with keeping the peace with others at your own expense, you’ll slowly learn to let go of the impossible feat of pleasing everyone. Don’t be afraid to dip into new aesthetics or try on new personas — you might surprise yourself with a new trademark or signature. It’s your season, after all.

Scorpio: October 24–November 21

It may seem as though this year has stifled a lot of what you want to say or feel your personal power, Scorpio. That might be due to Pluto, your home planet, entering retrograde earlier this year. Has life demystified your wonder for all things magical? Thankfully, this fall equinox is bringing sustainable shifts in areas of the spiritual and cosmic as Pluto goes direct on October 6 in Capricorn. Expect to feel your power restored as you get a chance to exercise your strengths to put your projects into action.

Sagittarius: November 22–December 21

New beginnings are underway, Sagittarius. And you can rest easy knowing your home planet, Jupiter, is stationing direct, meaning your regular scheduled programming of jovial luck and abundance will be restored — specifically in the friend department. You might make new friends in high places, making sincere connections that will ultimately move you up in life. Perhaps you’ll be an internet sensation or even lead a new trend. Whatever the case, luck is definitely on your side during this period, so revel in it.

Capricorn: December 22–January 19

Capricorn, if you’ve been feeling out of sorts or unsatisfied at work, you might be able to blame your home planet, Saturn, going retrograde. Thankfully, Saturn is stationing direct on October 10, so you just might be getting your groove back during the fall equinox. Or, you might be in for an entirely new vocation entirely. It’s okay to explore career realms and diversify your skills. You can monetize anything these days, and as long as you’re putting sincere Capricorn effort, you’ll thrive effortlessly.

Aquarius: January 20–February 18

The fall equinox is bringing new revelations in your personal philosophy, Aquarius. You have no issue with exploring higher states of consciousness, so expect spiritual shifts in matters of the mind and beliefs. You may explore new sights through travel or dabble in a new faith. It’s a good time to stock up on books in the philosophical genre or plan a trip to a city you’ve never been. It may even lead you to reinvent yourself in ways you never thought possible.

Pisces: February 19–March 20

Prepare for departure from the old you, Pisces. The fall equinox is bringing changes to you in major ways. If you’ve been feeling less like yourself these days, that might be because of Neptune, your native planet, going retrograde, but you’ll have a piece of your sanity back knowing it goes direct on December 1, and in your sign no less. So while you’ll feel more at home with yourself, you’re also ushering new transformations in terms of money, spirituality, and all things metaphysical. This means you you may undergo an ego death — but don’t fret, dear one. Rebirth is a beautiful thing.