Just the thought of a new season put me in a better mood today. I am so sick of winter! And as those mounds of dirty slush were noticeably lower today than yesterday, I finally started getting the feeling that spring is finally here!!

I like writing about the change of seasons because they’re filled with deep significance. From a meteorological point of view, “Meteorological Spring” began on March 1 (for reasons I explained in my piece “March’s Roar”). But the vernal equinox, which we refer to as the official start of the spring season, falls every year about March 20th. Due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the sun crosses the Equator in its migration in the sky, ushering in the spring season for residents of the Northern Hemisphere.

During this time of year in the northern half of the globe, it’s the time when nature’s forces “spring” to life after months of dormancy. There’s an outpouring of energy that is seen and felt by all. The birds are singing and the trees and flowers burst with color (and pollen -- achoo!).

Astrologers associate the beginning of spring with Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, and according to astrology the sun is said to be “exalted” in Aries. If you’re born between about March 21-April 20th this is “your sign.”

According to Wikipedia, this personality tends to display an “aggressive, energetic, active, adventurous, enthusiastic, passionate, and pioneering character.” (Think… Marlon Brando, Elton John, Russell Crowe, and divas Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Celion Dion, and Diana Ross - all Aries).

Happy Spring from Weather Plus!