On March 20, 2004, at precisely 1:49 a.m. EST, the Sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator, launching Spring. "Equinox" literally means "equal night" and signifies to many cultures and spiritualities nature's balance, while welcoming growth and new beginnings. Many cultures, including the Egyptians and Mayans built some of their temples to welcome the rising or high sun on the vernal equinox (the Sphinx faces the rising vernal equinox sun).