The Astrology of 2026

Saturn and Neptune at 0 degrees of Aries

Boomshakalaka!

The year it all changed. That is what I expect we will look back and declare at the end of 2026. It is a year that is filled with never-before-seen astrological occurrences that signal a turning point for all of us. Ever since the auspicious alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in Capricorn in March of 2020, which was considered a harbinger of “Great Transformation,” we have been futilely struggling to return to the way it was. Hopefully, at this point, we are recognizing that is not how it is going to unfold. The alignment of 2020 represented the end of an old era of Capricorn-style structures and the seeding of a new cycle in collective organization. In 2026, I suspect we will experience a quantum leap in this regard, albeit not without some challenges. So, buckle up, it might get a little bumpy.

I like to look at the moon's positioning on the first day of January for the moment the clock reaches 00:00. As some of you may be aware, the New Year we currently celebrate hasn't always been in January. January 1 became the official start of the New Year in the Roman calendar through reforms by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE with the Julian calendar, though it was formalized more widely via Pope Gregory XIII's Gregorian calendar in 1582. Prior to this, our ancestors celebrated the new year around the time of the vernal equinox, or spring. Astrologers consequently recognize the new year as beginning on the first day of spring, when we see life renewed in the natural world. I will explore this in more detail later in this forecast.

However, considering that the collective has had to adjust to the new year being celebrated during a period when the natural world is in deep rest and still months away from the rejuvenating energies of spring, I examine this chart to understand the mood of the people as we celebrate, shivering with our scarves wrapped around us. In astrology, the moon symbolizes the people. This year (refer to the chart below), the moon will be positioned at 9 degrees and 50 minutes of Gemini as the year metaphorically turns its page.

The moon in Gemini highlights two important factors that I believe can help us understand the emotional state of the populace in 2026, those being the element of Air and the modality of mutability. Let's first look at Air. This is an energy associated with communication, media, ideas, transportation through the air, intellectual and ideological movements. The mutable influence brings with it instability, transition, and situations that change quickly or fragment into multiple threads.

Additional factors influencing the people are the fact that this moon is a gibbous moon and it is in a state known as out of bounds. The gibbous phase of the moon is connected to the part of the moon's cycle that is more outwardly oriented and concerned with establishing connections through the world of ideas, as well as developing relationships. This is an intellectual phase, driven by the desire to scout out as much territory as possible, especially the landscapes of languages and ideas. This is the preparation for the harvest. A very synchronistic placement for a Gemini moon.

Being out of bounds thickens the plot. On New Year’s Day (by the Roman calendar) the Moon is Out of Bounds at +26:55 of declination. This indicates a condition in which a planet acts beyond normal expectations or capabilities. It may not behave as anticipated. There is a maverick nature present. Following rules is not desirable, but this is a time of hearing one’s own drummer. There is also the ability to see beyond the usual line of consciousness. The ability to cross in and out of realms is activated. Hopefully you are beginning to connect some dots thematically as these various attributes of the moon on January 1st stack up.

One final filter I look at this moon through is its Sabian symbol. I have found that this has been eerily descriptive of events that unfold during a new year. For a detailed discussion of what the Sabian symbols are you can read more here: Sabian Astrology | The Origin and History of the Sabian Symbols | The Sabian Assembly

With the moon at 9 degrees and 50 minutes of Gemini this corresponds to the Sabian symbol at Gemini 10. As I read this, I was struck by how strongly it corresponded with so much of the other astrology of 2026 that we will discuss shortly. Here is the summary as provided by Dane Rudhyar:

(GEMINI 10°): 

AN AIRPLANE PERFORMING A NOSEDIVE.  

KEYNOTE: A superior ability to challenge nature and play with danger.

Through the controlled use of mental powers man can challenge the most basic force in nature: gravitation. He enjoys playing with it as a lion tamer with his violent animals. But what he challenges is within himself as well as outside. Gravitation is the universal binding force of the material world. By challenging it man prepares himself to pierce beyond the physical and to reach higher realms of existence. He may lose the struggle, but that prospect makes the effort more exciting. He might gain "immortality."

This is the final stage of the fourteenth sequence. The symbol for it has a strong sense of finality. No possibility of half measures exists. Man is committed irrevocably to success or failure — at least as a conscious and self-reliant mind. The alternatives are clear-cut. One may describe it as MIND vs. MATTER, or as Man's will against the fate that gravitation so aptly symbolizes.

Pulling this all together, the moon in Gemini at the start of 2026 reveals key insights about the emotional state of the populace, influenced by the Air element and mutability. Air represents communication, media, and ideas, while mutability introduces instability and rapid changes. The gibbous moon phase emphasizes outward connections and intellectual exploration, preparing for a metaphorical harvest. The moon's out-of-bounds status on New Year’s Day suggests a maverick nature, challenging norms and expanding consciousness.

Additionally, the Sabian symbol for Gemini 10, "An Airplane Performing a Nosedive," highlights a superior ability to challenge nature and embrace danger. This symbol reflects the struggle between mind and matter, embodying a commitment to success or failure. It underscores a decisive confrontation between man's will and fate, symbolized by gravitation, offering the potential for reaching higher realms of existence.

Next, let's look at the year 2026 through the lens of numerology. Numerology is a metaphysical system that assigns vibrational meanings to numbers. For a new year like 2026, numerologists reduce the date (2+0+2+6=10→1+0=1) to a "universal year number," forecasting themes such as fresh starts, independence, and innovation for that calendar cycle. This energy encourages bold initiatives, self-reliance, and pioneering actions, often bringing global resets in technology, leadership, and culture after 2025's closure phase. Again, as you will see when we get into more specific astrological events for this year, this is definitely supportive of the overarching theme that will emerge of a global reset of some type occurring.

Finally, I also like to step outside of western astrology and look at what Chinese astrology has to say about the upcoming year. Here we have yet another example of marking the new year at a different point in time. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, typically falling between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. This year is the year of the Fire Horse or Yang Fire Horse. The Chinese New Year will run from February 17, 2026, to February 5, 2027, according to the lunar calendar. This year emphasizes quick changes, passion, and bold actions, though historical Fire Horse years (like 1966) carry folklore of intensity. Here again we see thematically topics like passion and intensity repeating.

Unlike previous years, with this year's forecast I intend to only write about the first quarter of 2026 as I believe events will be so profound and fast moving that looking at the year through quarterly forecasts is going to be more beneficial. I will touch on Astrological New Year Chart as it will occur within the first quarter of 2026 on March 20th.

We begin the new year as we always do with the Sun having entered Capricorn in December 2025 at Winter Solstice. During the first quarter the Sun will move into three different zodiac signs and those will occur on:

• Sun into Aquarius Jan 18, 2026 (middle of Winter)

• Sun into Pisces Feb 18, 2026 (ending of Winter)

• Sun into Aries Mar 20, 2026 (Astrological New Year)

The movement of the Moon during the first quarter will be as follows:

• Cancer Full Moon Jan 3, 2026

• Capricorn New Moon Jan 18, 2026

• Leo Full Moon Feb 1, 2026

• Aquarius New Moon Feb 17, 2026 (Annular solar eclipse)

• Virgo Full Moon Mar 3, 2026 (Total lunar eclipse)

• Pisces New Moon Mar 18, 2026 (closest to the Astrological New Year)

Let's now dive into the month of January 2026. Though there are many things occurring in January that could be written about, I wish to focus the larger, big picture events. There are two in January. First, Neptune the planet that takes 165 years to circle the Sun will be changing signs, moving in Aries on January 26, 2026. Neptune was last in Aries from April 13, 1861, to April 7, 1875. This is a big deal. It will remain in Aries until March 2039.

It's immediately important to understand that past ingresses of Neptune into Aries have often coincided with periods of conflict, rebellion, and fights for freedom. This does not mean things will unfold exactly as they have in the past, perhaps we have evolved some, but since one of the things astrology excels at is pattern recognition, we must consider this to be a possibility. Of note and most recently when Neptune transited Aries from 1861-1875, this was just after the American Civil War began with the attack on Fort Sumter, leading to emancipation and national reconfiguration amid intense violence. Another example we have is 1370-1383 which overlapped the Hundred Years' War between England and France, with church schisms and early Protestant challenges signaling ideological uprisings. There are more examples I could share but you get the picture. I do not pretend to know how things unfold this time through, but we must be prepared for whatever may come our way.

At its core, astrology functions as another language, though it is archetypal by nature. It employs universal patterns, images, and themes (archetypes) that resonate throughout different cultures and time periods. Most astrologers begin by learning to construct astro-speak sentences that combine zodiac signs with planetary bodies. This often leads to surprisingly accurate portrayals that those of us engaged in daily life can connect with. When considering the ingress of Neptune into Aries I went back to the beginning of my training as an astrologer and composed twelve sentences that represent a range of possible manifestations. There obviously can be more but this gives you an idea of some of what is likely to unfold:

•Ideal‑driven warfare

•Mass struggles for emancipation

•Forging of new national identities under conditions of sacrifice and upheaval

•Cosmic energy piercing forcefully into social movements

•Spiritually based initiatives stirring passionate emotions

•Aggressive efforts to escape the mind and explore the hidden

•Spontaneous dissolution of ambiguities, mass delusions, and deceptions

•Brazen exploitation that preys upon naïve idealism

•Powerful inspiration to fight for pioneering dreams and visions

•Reactionary musical scores promoting unity consciousness

•Destructive and hard to diagnose diseases 

•Independent and cooperative societies arising driven by mystical visionaries

As you will learn in just a moment, this isn't just any old ingress of Neptune into Aries due to an important aspect it will form in February, which has never been experienced before in recorded history. But before we go there, let's look at a second important event in January, Mars conjunct Pluto in Aquarius on Jan 27, 2026. This by any astrological metric is a difficult configuration. A Pluto-Mars conjunction in Aquarius is extremely rare, occurring roughly once every 200-250 years due to Pluto's slow orbit (248 years per zodiac cycle) and Mars's fast one (about 2 years). Hopefully that got your attention. So far, and we are far from done, we have highlighted an event that only occurs every 165 years and now another event that comes around roughly every 200-250 years.

Mars-Pluto synodic cycles drive themes of assertive transformation, crises of power, and regenerative breakthroughs. In mundane astrology, these align with surges in military action, deep societal upheavals, or technological intensity. This conjunction activates the period from Jan 27, 2026, to May 26, 2026. This most recent alignment in Aquarius actually began on February 13-14, 2024, the first in Aquarius in centuries with a conjunction. Here is what that cycle has looked like:

Starting conjunction: February 14, 2024, at 0° Aquarius, initiating themes of collective transformation and assertive innovation.

First square (Mars ahead): Occurred around June 2024, as Mars reached ~3° Taurus while Pluto held at ~0–1° Aquarius, heightening tensions in power dynamics and resource struggles.

Opposition: Formed mid-cycle in October–November 2024, with Mars at ~1–2° Leo opposing Pluto at ~0–1° Aquarius, marking a peak of externalized conflict, ideological clashes, or breakthroughs in group empowerment.

Second square: Late November–December 2024, as Mars in Scorpio squared Pluto, intensifying investigative or regenerative pressures before the cycle's resolution.

Now we find ourselves back for round two, with the upcoming conjunction on January 27th at 3 degrees and 34 minutes of Aquarius. This pattern will persist creating a narrow window (through 2043/44) for Mars to catch up every ~2 years, but tight conjunctions (within 1-2°) are infrequent and potent. Like the list above concerning potential manifestations of Neptune in Aries, I have created a list of twelve possibilities for the Mars/Pluto conjunction:

•Hidden aggression coming violently from the shadows

•Powerful movements of rebellion arising among society

•Transformative innovations driving pioneering endeavors

•Forceful events triggering paradigm shifts and freethinking

•Surging activism birthing humanitarian idealism

•Independent cooperatives pushing progressive reformation

•Obsessive drive for evolutionary experiences

•Collective wishes are motivated by spiritual and mental regeneration

•Intense energies focused on the liberation of the soul

•Activation of terror activities that are cunning and organized

•Accelerated demolition of old structures in favor of revolutionary ideas

•Secret organizations frantically pursuing subversive agendas

Moving now to February of 2026 we are in for a first time ever event when the planets Saturn and Neptune come together in a conjunction at 0 degrees of Aries. I know I mentioned that the ingress of Neptune into Aries is a big deal, however, this is an even BIGGER DEAL due to it never happening before in recorded astrological history. This configuration of „Saturn and Neptune will occur at 00:45 Aries on Feb 20, 2026. Saturn-Neptune conjunctions in Aries have happened roughly every 36 years (their synodic cycle), but always at later degrees: 2° Aries (594 BCE), 27° Aries (92 BCE), 16° Aries (232 CE), 6° Aries (555 CE), 21° Aries (1380 CE), and 11° Aries (1703 CE).

This exact position at the zodiac's Aries Point, the first degree, marks an unprecedented "world point" alignment, amplifying themes of new structural-spiritual paradigms, martial idealism, or collective rebirth through sacrifice, unseen since antiquity. Some are calling this a reset, others a new beginning. It is no doubt something we will soon remember as a turning point. As I have already introduced, I am choosing this year to offer up a series of one-line delineations concerning the various paradigm shifting astrology occurring in 2026. Here are some potential manifestations of the Saturn Neptune conjunction at 0 Aries:

•An explosive collision of forceful authority with fiery idealism

•Independent and courageous movements challenged by militant resistance

•Self-determined spiritual actions achieve new respect and solemnity

•Stubborn stalemates are fiercely melted by brave imaginings

•Personal divinity clashes with authoritarian church dogma and rules

•Confident dreamers bring powerful visions into trailblazing reality

•New mystical initiatives cut through old obstructions and fraudulent orthodoxy

•Eroding boundaries dissolve the restrictions of impervious monopolies

•Inflexible rules aggressively disintegrated in favor of flexibility and spaciousness

•Destructive cabals engage in covert activities against expanded consciousness

•Fiery quests and heroic causes find powerful and dedicated momentum

•Warrior like organizations pushing for integrity and commitment to higher ideals

This is truly likely to be a period of breakdowns of outdated systems (governments, institutions) akin to 1989's Berlin Wall fall, ushering new leadership, cultural renaissance, and integration of science/spirituality—potentially via AI revolutions, ideological conflicts, or collective awakenings toward shared purpose over hierarchy.

As we move into the final month of this first quarter of 2026, I wish to turn your attention to the spring equinox occurring on March 20, 2026, 10:45 am EST. This is the point in time that astrologers recognize as the new year. In the world of mundane astrology, which deals with collective and worldly events rather than individual horoscopes., astrologers typically cast a chart for the Aries ingress for the capital city of the nation in which they reside. Being I live in the United States, I will be looking at a chart cast for Washington DC. Here is that chart:

The first thing to know about an ingress chart in mundane astrology chart is that it has a limited life. The way that is determined is the rising sign which defines the length of time the effect will be. If a mutable sign, such as Gemini in this chart the duration is 6 months or until the Autumnal Equinox. Just as a point of reference, last year's chart (2025 Spring Equinox) had Aquarius rising which is a fixed sign which made it applicable for the whole year.

The rising sign and its ruler describe the general condition, mood, and preoccupations of the people or nation. Gemini rising makes the collective atmosphere restless, highly mental, news‑driven, and oriented toward information, movement, trade, transportation, and media. This is echoed in other factors already cited.

Another very important component of mundane astrology is to identify the ruler of the chart. In this case we find that the ruler of the Aries ingress chart for 2026 is a Pisces Mercury Rx (retrograde), which places the mind of the nation in a mutable water sign: the traits being intuitive, symbolic, emotionally permeable, and prone to blurred boundaries. In Pisces, Mercury often struggles with sharp distinctions and practical clarity, favoring imagination, myth, and image over strict fact‑checking. Retrogradation highlights review, revision, and re‑interpretation: announcements are walked back, policies re‑framed, and “what was said” becomes contested territory. It can also correlate with misinformation, mixed signals, and the sense that facts are shifting or hidden behind a fog of spin, rumor, or conspiracy narrative. This is something to be aware of as we move into the period represented by March 20, 2026, through September 23, 2026.

Further this Pisces Mercury Rx is in the tenth house. Putting this retrograde Pisces Mercury in the 10th pulls that confusion and re‑writing of the story right into the sphere of government, leadership, and national reputation. The executive branch, head of state, and high‑profile institutions become the primary channels through which this ambiguous, poetic, or evasive communication style is expressed. Also, with Mercury being in what is known in astrology as a state of debility when placed in Pisces and retrograde, it is often indicative of trouble through bad communications and inaccurate information. The government seems to act in ways that are out of touch with the interests and concerns of the people.

One final observation, Pisces Mercury Rx is conjunct with a Pisces Mars in this chart. Mars influence could turn this into an environment in which discussions turn hostile and angry, generating ill feelings among various sectors of the populace. Strikes, protests, and riots are possible.

One final, broad-based look at the above chart for the Aries ingress is the focus on the eleventh house. I will be writing a much more detailed analysis soon but it's clear that this emphasis has an important message for us. At the Aries Ingress (Spring Equinox) there will be 5 planets present in the eleventh house – Sun, Neptune, Saturn, Venus, and the Moon.  This speaks to themes centered around collective action, political bodies, and group-driven initiatives, with a highly volatile, pioneering quality. Aries is not exactly a demure energy. It's cardinal fire! It combines fire’s heat and dynamism with the cardinal modality’s drive to start things, producing bold, forward‑thrusting energy.

An eleventh house emphasis in an ingress pushes the year toward issues of coalitions, factions, party agendas, and how groups mobilize around ideals or grievances. It often shows that what legislatures and organized blocs do (or fail to do) becomes the central arena where the year’s story plays out. In other words, I believe we will see some fiery events related to specifically the house of representatives in the United States and the laws they pursue either passing them or repealing them. Again, there is much more nuance to be explored here especially as it pertains to the presence of these five planets in the eleventh house but broadly speaking these are some things we need to be pay attention to.

I started this forecast by stating that 2026 will be remembered as the year that changed everything. This assertion is rooted in the profound astrological shifts that will take place throughout the year, which are poised to influence not only individual lives but also the collective experience of humanity. Although this overview focused primarily on the first quarter, it is essential to recognize that there are numerous other significant astrological events that will unfold in the months that follow, each carrying its own weight and implications for our shared journey.

Some of the most notable occurrences include Saturn settling back into Aries, a sign known for its pioneering spirit and assertive energy. This transition will encourage a renewed focus on independence and personal responsibility, prompting individuals to take bold actions in their lives. Additionally, Neptune's entry into Aries for a remarkable 14-year period signifies a time when creativity and spirituality may merge with a sense of urgency and a desire for authenticity. This period could inspire artistic movements and a collective yearning for deeper truths, challenging us to confront illusions and embrace clarity. Furthermore, Uranus will fully transition into Gemini for a 7-year stay. This movement heralds a time of intellectual exploration and innovation, where communication technologies and social interactions may evolve in unexpected ways. The influence of Uranus in Gemini could lead to rapid advancements in information sharing and a rethinking of how we connect with one another, fostering a new age of ideas and collaboration. Lastly, Pluto's presence in Aquarius for the next 20 years will undoubtedly transform societal structures, as this powerful planet encourages deep transformation and regeneration within the realms of community, technology, and humanitarian efforts. The movement of all three outer planets into new signs will significantly impact our collective consciousness, stirring a blend of excitement and uncertainty as we navigate these changes.

However, the first quarter of 2026 could be particularly eventful due to the remarkable and, in some cases, unprecedented astrology we will experience. As these celestial bodies shift, they will create a backdrop of energetic dynamics that will influence personal and global events alike. With numerous long-cycle astrological phenomena occurring in a single year, which is considered a "1" year in numerology, symbolizing the emergence of new beginnings and collective themes, 2026 promises to be dynamic, restless, and a time when we will all need to take deep breaths to maintain our equilibrium. Similar to the Sabian symbol for Gemini 10, we might feel like we're in a nosedive, wondering if we can pull up and rise again.

This imagery encapsulates the potential volatility of the year, suggesting that we may encounter challenges that test our resilience and adaptability. However, amidst the turbulence, this will likely be a year of revelations, innovations, and dramatic events that can ultimately lead to growth and transformation. As we navigate through the highs and lows, it will be crucial to find stillness, calm, and tranquility in whatever way best suits your life. Engaging in practices that promote mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature, will be essential in helping us maintain our center amidst the whirlwind of change. Embracing the opportunities for personal and collective evolution that 2026 presents will require courage, openness, and a willingness to adapt to the unfolding narrative of our times.