Aries Ingress 2026 II
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The Nuanced Asteroid Take
As some of you know, I have recently turned my attention to writing a book on the use of asteroids in astrological interpretation. Asteroids are a remarkable adjunct to traditional astrology which focuses on the 7 classic planets, Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, plus 3 transpersonal planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. By including asteroids in an astrological chart, be it a birth chart, election chart, event chart, or a country's chart, there is great nuance and clarity that can be gleaned. Asteroids fall generally into two distinct groups, Mythic Named Asteroids (MNAs) and Personal Named Asteroids (PNAs). In the case of MNAs, according to astrologer Alex Miller "these are asteroids named after mythological, religious, or archetypal figures (e.g., Daedalus, Icarus, Atlantis, Nemesis, Isis, Kassandra). They’re used to bring mythic/archetypal themes into chart work—how specific myths play out psychologically or situationally in a life". PNAs, also according to Alex represent "the names correspond to people, places, entities, or labels that can directly describe the native: given names, surnames, cities, organizations, even fictional characters. They’re used to tag highly literal signatures: your own name, a partner’s, a company you work for, a city you relocate to, etc." In my experience in working with asteroids, I have found this to be true.
In my recently published article, Aries Ingress of 2026 - Coming in Hot (available here: https://www.theclevelandshaman.com/post/aries-ingress-2026), I discussed in a traditional mundane astrology style what we might experience during the period the chart covers, which is six months due to a mutable sign rising. Today, I will take a different approach and concentrate on two asteroids being added to the same Spring Equinox chart: Icarus and Daedalus.
Why focus on these two asteroids? Because they embody something particularly relevant and significant to this year and the current events we are experiencing. The mythology behind them is important to understand at the onset. Daedalus and Icarus are central figures in Greek mythology, embodying themes of ingenuity, obedience, hubris, and tragic consequences. Daedalus, a brilliant Athenian inventor and architect, built the inescapable Labyrinth on Crete for King Minos to contain the Minotaur. After aiding Theseus's escape (by giving Ariadne a thread), Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son Icarus in the Labyrinth, fearing their genius. Unable to flee by sea or land (Minos controlled both), Daedalus crafted wings from feathers, wax, and thread. He warned Icarus: fly midway—too low and sea mist wets the feathers; too high and the sun will melt the wax. They launched successfully, soaring over Crete. Thrilled by freedom, young Icarus ignored warnings, climbing toward the sun in hubris. Wax melted, wings disintegrated; he plummeted into the Icarian Sea and drowned. Daedalus, grieving, reached Sicily safely.
If this mythological tale were to be summed up in just a few words, it would be rash, reckless actions... against countervailing advice. It would be impetuosity vs. restraint. I would be hubris-driven boundary-breaking vs. wisdom and respect for natural limits. Daedalus' warning to "take the middle way" echoes throughout many spiritual traditions in history. This is the story of reckless flight vs. wise navigation.
There are asteroids named after these mythical figures, Icarus is asteroid #1566, and Daedalus is asteroid #1864.
Turning our attention first to the placement of Icarus in the Aries Ingress Chart for 2026 we find it in the sign of Aquarius and domiciled in the 10th house. Also, extremely notable is that it is also at the 29th degree, a degree that carries with it both omen and overture. The 29th degree relates to some unproven karma and as a harbinger of change. In purely mundane terms, the presence of Icarus in the 10th house connects this recklessness and breeching normal boundaries to the highest branch of the government, the Executive Branch. It represents the power and authority of the government as well as the nation as a whole. It also represents the party in power at the time the chart is cast. Also, looking through a mundane lens, Icarus is in a fixed modality and an air sign. Fixed energy corresponds to things that last a long time, endure, and resist change. The element of Air relates to ideology, it is aerial themes affecting nations, such as air travel, media broadcasts, ideas, inventions, and diplomatic discourse.
Back briefly to the 29th degree. As I placed Icarus in the chart and saw it at the 29th degree, I remembered an article I read years ago written by Michele Adler and published in The Mountain Astrologer, Oct/Nov 2015. In this article she expands upon the qualities she has found that connect to this auspicious degree. In addition to what I have mentioned above, she shares that she has found correlations to pushing boundaries, tribal purpose, dynasty founding, a shadow side, and a sense of going it alone. At the time of this writing, which is prior to the actual Aires Ingress for 2026 which will take place on March 20, 2026, at 10:46 am in Washington DC, the United States has entered a war against the leaders of Iran. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know this is a highly debated and complex event. Remarkably, much of the additional attributions that Adler connects to the 29th degree find their way into this narrative... boundaries, tribes, dynasties, shadows.
Musing now about what an Aquarius Icarus adds to the delineation of the Spring Equinox chart, it seems that in its simplest form it points to something unfolding at the highest level of our government that is capricious in nature, infused with excessive hubris, inclined toward ignoring advice, and involves reckless actions. I also get the sense that given the presence of Aquarius in this equation, we may end up witnessing something dramatically tragic arising from the use or reliance on reckless innovation or technological overreach that is disruptive to the nation's stability causing upsets and potentially resulting in revolt and public backlash. In other words, this could be related to the war, and it could be related to technological hubris that backfires in some manner. A further clue to the volatile and upsetting nature of Icarus placed here is that it is squared by the planet that rules Aquarius (its modern ruler), Uranus. This might be best represented by the image of a moth to a flame. The energy of Uranus is one of sudden events, revolutions, over-throw, awakenings, and freedom. Is this configuration whispering a message that our government may get so reckless or impulsive in its actions that revolts and public resistance arise in a shocking and hurricane like manner?
Another potentiality is this configuration: the square from Uranus in the 12th house to Icarus in the 10th house represents a shadowy group, one immersed in secret plots and espionage (all 12th house themes), acting as an antagonist, pushing our leaders and government to Icarus-type behavior, which could result in the country "flying too high and burning up." Sadly, this is a reasonable read of this aspect between Uranus and Icarus. Almost like an exclamation point, there are people suggesting that this is indeed what is going on.
Somewhere in the above musings the truth likely lies. Only time will show us what the actual story is that ultimately unfolds.
To finish now let's turn our attention to Daedalus in Capricorn in the 8th house of this same chart.
This is the energy of wisdom, wise choices and the middle path. The role of Daedalus, like Icarus, is yet to be determined. What we know now is its placement and its meaning. The role could be one of clean-up on aisle 6 after the Uranus - Icarus square runs its course. Perhaps what we are looking at is there being a need after a period of tumult and hubris for Daedalus-like wisdom in order to recovery from extremism, and guidance to provide the public with a grounded response in the face of chaos. And once again, the placement of Daedalus in the zodiacal sign of Taurus, which represents the practical, determined, and the pursuit of security seems like an angel waiting in the wings to assist.
Daedalus is also in the cardinal modality and the element of earth. Herein might lie another clue. There could be a suggestion embedded in this placement that a Daedalus-like energy or even character could emerge who initiates a practical solution to the issues. A wise navigator. Also of interest is the fact that in the above chart, the closest aspect Daedalus makes is a sextile to Mars. I discussed Mars at length in my "Aries Ingress of 2026 - Coming in Hot" article. Essentially, Mars in the 10th, on an angle, in mundane astrology is a strong signal of violence, war, and conflict. Adding to this is that Mars is afflicted (having no dignity in Pisces), placing its energy in difficult waters. But a sextile from Daedalus could signal the potential of a "wise one" stepping forward at some point and acting as a counterbalance, tempering matters with insights that prevent all of the wax from melting from our nation's wings.
A word of warning now, Daedalus is domiciled in the 8th house. This is actually the place of death. More specifically, in mundane charts, the death of leading politicians. Let me be clear, this is not something I am wishing for at all, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention this fact. Adding to my concern is the fact the ruler of the 8th house is an Aries Saturn, which is afflicted by being in fall. Having Daedalus here could indicate someone possessing the wisdom necessary to navigate the country through such events. The 8th house is also the place of financial relations with other nations. This would include international trade deals and other financial partnerships, as well as debts and payments to or from other nations. If things were to reach extreme levels of chaos, again, a Daedalus-like character might be required to shepherd us back to some middle path.
(A Special Note: Daedalus is in a condition known as Out of Bounds. Celestial bodies that are OOB tend to act beyond normal expectation or capabilities. They see things others cannot. This seems like a wonderful condition for the energy of Daedalus to find itself in.)
In conclusion, I often regret that much of my writing as an astrologer (and shaman) over the years has focused on challenging and severe topics. However, I am thankful for astrology's ability to make us aware of the cycles we experience. The crucial point is, and always has been, which wolf we decide to feed. There is always an abundance of fear, greed, anger, resentment, jealousy, despair, and manipulation that can overwhelm us with grief. Yet, the opposite is also available to us if we choose it. Joy, hope, kindness, gratitude, empathy, compassion, and love serve as the remedy for the former. We each control a small part of the larger picture. My hope for you is that you transform that part into the most beautiful garden imaginable.