the new year does not start on 01/01
according to astrology
When Does the New Year Really Begin?
After reading this article, I hope you’ll start noticing patterns in your own life that reflect the sentiments I’m about to explain.
I love telling people that January 1st is not when the new year begins. I’m often met with reactions of disbelief, confusion and sometimes even anger. Often, the response is mocking or dismissive, with comments like, “don’t be stupid.” I’ve said time and time again, I wish people would explore astrology for themselves before outright rejecting it with zero evidence or context to challenge what’s being said. Merely crying that astrology isn’t real just doesn’t cut it anymore—bring something to the table please. Doing some research would show you that astrology is the study of time—not something that depends on your belief or disbelief—and works similarly to the seasons of life. Just like Mother Nature, astrology is cyclical.
So let me ask you a question: Why do you think the new year would begin in the middle of winter?
Think about the themes of winter: it’s a time for rest, reflection, and dormancy. Nature slows down; trees are bare, and growth pauses. In contrast, the new year is supposed to symbolise change, new opportunities and a fresh start.
Keep that in mind whilst I delve into the origins of both the Gregorian New Year and the Astrological New Year to explore this idea further.
Gregorian New Year
The ‘modern’ New Year begins on January 1st according to the Gregorian calendar—a system shaped by historical, cultural, and political decisions rather than astrological reasoning.
This calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and became globally standardised due to European colonial influence.
So why January 1st?
Roman Origins:
The date traces back to the Roman calendar reform by Julius Caesar. The Roman calendar initially began in March, aligning with the start of the agricultural season and vernal equinox (a time of renewal and growth in nature). However, in 45 BCE, Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which standardised January 1st as the start of the new year to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, endings and gates or doorways. January is named after Janus. By placing the new year in January, it aligned with the start of the Roman consular year, when newly elected consuls took office.
Christian Influence:
During the Middle Ages, European countries celebrated the new year on various dates, such as March 25th (Annunciation Day) or December 25th (Christmas). But by 1582, the Gregorian calendar reform (led by Pope Gregory XIII) reinstated January 1st as the official start of the year to align with Julian traditions and create a unified system for Christian Europe.
Astrological New Year
Astrologically, the New Year begins in late March, when the Sun enters Aries. If you think about it logically, Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, so it would make sense that a new cycle/new year would begin with Aries and end with Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac. The astrological new year in March coincides with the spring equinox (around March 20–21) which marks a time of new beginnings.
So why March 21st?
Connection to Nature:
Astrology and Mother Nature are both cyclical. Spring is when life renews, plants grow, and animals become more active. The spring equinox is a time of balance (equal day and night) and renewal, which resonates with many ancient calendars that began in March. For example, the Babylonians celebrated the new year in March with the festival of Akitu, tied to the agricultural cycle and renewal of life, as well as honoring the god Marduk. Before the Julian calendar reform, the Roman calendar began in March, with Martius (March) being the first month. March was named after Mars, the god of war. Aries is ruled by the planet Mars.
Symbolism:
Aries represents beginnings, action, growth, and forward movement making it a fitting symbol for the start of a new year.
Spring is the season when plants start blooming, think about daffodils for example. The Spring flower symbolises new beginnings, joy, rebirth. After surviving the harshness of winter, the daffodil with it’s bright yellow colour, signifies a change of season, a renewed hope. I was, and still am, always excited to see daffodils in March because it’s the sign of a fresh start. The daffodil was brought to the UK by the Romans. The botanical name for the daffodil is Narcissus, and if you know your mythology, you’ll know that Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and died and the daffodil is said to have sprung up and bloomed in the same spot. The drooping flowers of the daffodil are said to represent Narcissus bending over to look at his reflection. The daffodil symbolises death and rebirth—the end of one chapter giving way to something new. Sounds like a new year to me…
To summarise:
Gregorian New Year (January 1st): A civil and global tradition, tied to historical reforms, religion, colonialism and standardisation.
Astrological New Year (March 21st): Rooted in natural cycles, agriculture, and celestial alignments (equinoxes), reflecting an older, nature-based perspective.
Whilst the Gregorian new year is dictated by human convention, the astrological perspective ties the new year to natural cycles and cosmic alignment, making it, in my opinion, the true marker of a new beginning.
Even today, some cultures observe the new year in March. The Persian community celebrate Nowruz which occurs on the spring equinox (March 20-21) and signifies a time of renewal and rebirth of nature. In Bali, the new year occurs in March with the celebration known as Nyepi, ‘Day of Silence’ observed with meditation and self-reflection, aligning with the transition to a new cycle. In India, the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar falls in March or April, marking the Hindu New Year known as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
Cultures that celebrate the new year in March often do so because it aligns with:
The Spring Equinox: A time of balance and renewal in nature.
Agricultural Cycles: Planting season and the start of growth.
Symbolic Rebirth: March is often associated with new beginnings, both spiritually and physically.
When you compare how you feel in January versus March, which time of year feels closer to a fresh start? Look back at previous years—when did you notice more action and new opportunities in your life?
This doesn’t mean you have to abandon January 1st entirely, nor am I telling you to choose. Like many, I socially celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st, but I personally align my spiritual practices with the astrological new year in March.
All I aim to do here is emphasise the deep connection between humanity and the natural world. Both Mother Nature and astrology follow cycles, reminding us to honour time as it truly is: cyclical, not linear. If this resonates with you, it might be time to rethink the January 1st perspective.