Michael O'Connor Astrologer

Happy New Year 2026!

A warm welcome to new Members and thank you all for being here! I look forward to providing all of you with guidance and insight over the course of 2026, which is destined to be a very significant year. Scroll down to the bottom for the Horoscope entries for each sign.

Click here to look back at the Horoscope for 2025.

Contents:

1. Brief Big Picture Overview

2. Summary Overview for 2026

3. Seasonal Forecast for 2026

4. The Numerology Factor – 2026 and the Universal 1-Year

5. Overview of Mars in 2026

6. Mercury Retrograde Periods and Themes in 2026

7. Eclipse in 2026: Pisces, Virgo and Leo

8.  Jupiter in Cancer and Leo in 2026

9.  Saturn in Pisces and Aries

10. Uranus in Taurus and Gemini in 2026 

11. Neptune in Aries in 2026

12. Pluto in Aquarius in 2026

13. The Lunar Nodes from Pisces/Virgo to Aquarius/Leo

14. Horoscope Summarized Destiny Themes for Each Sign

1) Brief Big Picture Overview

Our world has arrived at another great juncture, with major preliminary steps that will unfold over the course of 2026, and will continue for years to come.

In the bigger picture, the sunrise moment for the Age of Aquarius is fast approaching, and there are strong indications that it will officially occur at the end of this decade. In this regard, we have been in the dawning process for a much longer time than is commonly understood. Of course, there are ever many fronts and issues to consider on the world stage.

The big picture theme, however, is the steady rise of cross-border or nationality and cross-cultural events associated with modern technology that is effectively pushing towards global standardization, or what has been described as a ‘global village’. Of course, we are not there yet, but the push for it continues and will likely continue for centuries to come. The downside is that the steps to achieving it will probably coincide with the rise of totalitarian control. This includes the steady erosion of democratic liberties.

What has emerged as the common knowledge of the notion of a ‘Deep State’ or powerful, hidden networks secretly controlling the direction of entire nations, is yielding to notions of ‘Deep Empire’ which implies the goal of global dominance. While the United Nations might be regarded as an international coalition and regulatory body serving to offset the rise of any given nation achieving this global ambition, its very existence and authority, based on appointment as opposed to election could itself be guilty of exercising powers that ‘cross the line’ of national sovereignty. And it is susceptible itself to internal corruption and infiltration by those committed to ’empire’ in accordance with their own traditional culture. That these aspirations are guided more by power and control than tradition and cultural nostalgia is a feature of the human condition as a whole.

All of these ‘trends’ can be understood as themes associated with the Age of Aquarius which, when understood, places Scorpio, the sign of shared wealth, hidden agendas, and the aspiration to power and elitism, in the position of authority for the entire age! This assertion merits further elaboration, but this is not the place for it so the appeal is to your intuition more than factual knowledge at this time.

The North Node in Aquarius, which begins its 18+month cycle in late July 2026 will contribute to accelerating the outer evidence of this fast-approaching Aquarian Age big picture factor, which consists of 2,160 years, by the way, making this specific cycle that much more relevant for better understanding the human condition in this context. For example, the dawning of the Age of Pisces coincided with Jesus of Nazareth, Julius Caesar, and the Republic of Rome becoming an emperor-led empire. the Greek Ptolemaic Empire entered in, Alexandria Egypt fell to the Romans when Anthony and Cleopatra failed to defeat Octavian. This is the very short list of events that synchronized with the dawn of the Age of Pisces, the implications of which are still with us to this day.

The process of crossing the threshold into the new day of the Aquarian Age is occurring now and will be more eventful yet, and probably stressful at times as we collectively enter the unknown with amplified pressure to adapt. That the majority of the shifts of planets entering new signs currently in 2026 are from female to male signs indicates increased assertiveness. For instance, Jupiter is in female Cancer currently, but will enter male Leo on June 30, 2026. Although Jupiter’s cycle only last 1 year or so and is in Cancer currently, where it is deemed exalted, serving to boost confidences and emotional resolve, it will prove extra bold, fiery and dramatic when in Leo as of late June 2026. Thus, while the obvious influences of 2026 as a significant year of global change will begin early, they will accelerate and escalate, coming to a peak in mid-summer.

2) Summary Overview for 2026

The major headlines for 2026 are the ‘re-entry’ of most of the far planets, including Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter, entering new signs, along with the Moon’s Nodes shifting from Pisces and Virgo to Aquarius and Leo!

In 2025, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune made brief sojourns in Aries, Gemini, and Aries again, respectively. Their initial entries served to activate some preliminary processes that will unfold much more fully in 2026. Jupiter will also enter Leo in 2026, Pluto is already in the early degrees of Aquarius and will be joined by the Lunar North Node while the Sun in Leo is conjunct Jupiter and both are opposing Pluto. The common denominator here is that all the signs mentioned are Fire and Air element signs, which are deemed ‘male’. Compared with the female elements of Water and Earth, which indicate a more conservative attitude and approach, the air-fueled fire will prove bold and brazen, determined to take much bigger risks.

Generally, people with predominantly Water and Earth element factors in their nature will have a more difficult time adapting than those with strong Fire and Air.

 The fact that all the far planets will form harmonious aspects is helpful.

The following is a more detailed breakdown of planetary ingresses in 2026.

Neptune: On January 26, 2026, Neptune will re-enter Aries, the sign of new beginnings and pioneering initiatives to begin a 12.5-year cycle. The last time Neptune entered Aries, the American Civil War (1861-1865) began leading to the abolition of slavery followed by the ‘Reconstruction Era’, and the same year (1861) was the abolition of serfdom in Russia, the unification of Italy and the Tongzhi Restoration in China which was described by historian of the “Tongzhi Restoration”, Mary Wright, as the “last stand of Chinese conservatism”, asserting that “not only a dynasty but also a civilization which appeared to have collapsed was revived to last for another sixty years by the extraordinary efforts of extraordinary men in the 1860s.”

This offers a good example of the ideals of Neptune upheld by the bold and assertive efforts of Aries.

Saturn: On February 13, 2026, Saturn will also re-enter Aries, where it will remain until early April 2028. The last time Saturn was in Aries was between 1996 and 1999 when the internet really gained momentum, and numerous associated technology companies began the world over.

So, we can expect bold initiatives and assertions by new trends and leaders, some of which and who will seem ‘just and true’, while others not so.

Uranus: On April 25, 2026, Uranus will re-enter Gemini. This will synchronize with the next major push to increase the speed and scope of the information highway. Just when it might have been assumed that we can’t go any faster, it will undergo a turbo-charge activation, yet which will accelerate over the ensuing 7 years through late spring 2033.

Both Saturn and Neptune form an opportunistic lower sextile (60-degrees) aspects, (symbolically associated with intelligent, socially active and communicative Gemini), to regenerative Pluto in revolutionary Aquarius. This will synchronize with major waves of businesses, new and old, both adapting and emerging to align with the emerging digital economy.

Uranus in Gemini will also form upper sextile aspects, (symbolically associated with future-oriented, innovative and rebellious Aquarius) to Pluto, which is also in Aquarius, which means that we will experience a strong push to manifest the future now! This entire process will largely begin in February and will progressively accelerate throughout the year.

These events together indicate that Humanity is in the process of the birthing of a whole new era, which can probably be described with words like ‘digital, technocratic, nanotech’…, and it will prove to be much more significant than many probably realize and that few can even imagine! The lead-up stages have been underway for many years, not least of all the internet era. Yet even it had many significant preliminary steps.

The foreshadowing events of the coming new era that were hinted at in 2025 will prove to be progressively more complex in 2026, culminating in the summer.

Pluto in Aquarius made the initial inroads, and its synchronistic activity is like dynamite blowing through the rock in the mountain and clearing anything else in the way that no longer aligns with the greater, destined process. Saturn in Pisces contributed to this clearing, if less dramatically, steadily disintegrating old structures at every level of society the world over.

When far planets enter new signs, only to retrograde back into the previous sign for a while before engaging in its full charge transit through the sign, the influences of the new sign are moderate, probably due to the fact that the planet is moving slowly and does not have time to accelerate. In this regard, the initial entry of Saturn and Neptune in Aries, and Uranus in Gemini, respectively, is akin to seeds being planted, which do not show signs of growth for a while. Then the retrograde period can be likened to the time required for the seeds to germinate. Then, when the planet re-enters the sign, the sprouts begin to appear. So, while the seeds are active, observances of their eventual, destined influence can be described as subtle, yet some paying close attention will notice.

The march of re-entry in 2026 will begin with Neptune. Interestingly, as the planet symbolic of imagined ideals, like a clarion call piercing the air since its re-entry will be in pioneering, assertive Aries. This will occur on January 26/27, 2026.

Neptune will then be followed by Saturn on February 13/14 and finally by Uranus on April 25/26, 2026.

These dates are outlined to provide a longer-term perspective on the preparatory processes involved, highlighted by the Universal 9-Year that was 2025, the number of endings, completions and graduations, followed by Universal 1-Year 2026.

Pluto, already in Aquarius, is generating a proactive drive with all the torque of the 4^th Fixed Sign that it is. In Aquarius, Pluto’s influence requires us to step out of our isolation into collectives where team spirits culminate to exponential and transcendental levels where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

 Jupiter is still in Cancer as of late Spring, supporting boosts of confidence in the overall dynamic, at both individual and collective levels, for better or worse, since confidence can inspire antagonists as much as heroes…

When the Lunar North Node enters Aquarius in late July, it will activate Uranus in Gemini, which will be in sextile to Neptune in Aries and in trine to Pluto in Aquarius, which will prove more than eventful; it will trigger an accelerating momentum of rapid change.

Not surprisingly, July in 2026 is a Universal 8-month, the number of power and drama.

So, this overview alone should be enough to provide you with the awareness needed to observe the destined synchronicities at play. Among the main points here is to help you see that the unfoldment of events is not merely random and based on circumstances and free will choices alone. Synchronicity or the meaningfulness of the flow of events is based on the realization that the universe or existence is consciousness made manifest and that it is woven with purpose, which we otherwise refer to as destiny, at both collective and individual levels.

Interestingly, free will is a core feature of this purposeful destiny. Free will is like constructing boats to sail across oceans, while destiny is akin to the world with oceans, currents and tides…

3) Seasonal Overview for 2026

Winter Solstice 2025 is the pre-launch of the calendar year 2026. As usual, it occurs on December 21. With a waxing New Moon in Capricorn, and Mars there too at 0-degrees, and the ruler of Capricorn, Saturn, still in Pisces along with Neptune and the Lunar North Node, altogether symbolic of letting go, surrendering to the flow and preparing to adapt to the new, an accelerated disintegration process of notions of ‘normal’ can be expected. Many will face challenges of determining where they best fit in the world now, and how, requiring adaptation and reinvention.

Spring Equinox 2026 begins on March 20 in 2026. A six-planet stellium in Aries, including Sun, New Moon, Venus, Chiron, Saturn and Neptune, indicates that Spring 2026 will be dynamic and eventful. The fact that Mars is in Pisces, along with Mercury stationary direct after 3 weeks of retrograde motion and both closely aligned with the Lunar North Node, is suggestive of the need for people to do ‘inner work’ to clear doubts, confusion, and resistance to the rapidly changing world and to focus on re-imagining what is possible and necessary.

Summer Solstice 2026 begins on June 21, 2026. Sun and Mercury, closely aligned with Jupiter, all in Cancer and the Moon near its First Quarter in Virgo, are suggestive of an ‘all hands on deck’ effort by families to remain grounded, calm, and stable both emotionally and materially. Positively, the first major waves of change from the dynamic Spring will have a chance to settle and integrate.

Autumn Equinox 2026 begins on September 22 in North and South America. The Sun in close opposition to Neptune in Aries, Venus in Scorpio, and Mars in the late degrees of Cancer, contribute to the general theme of cooperative adaptation to a rather complex final season of 2026. A Grand Trine in the Air Elements including Sun in Libra, Uranus in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius, supported by Mercury also in diplomatic and intelligent Libra, will also help smooth the edges with heightened abilities to engage intelligent, innovative and creative responses to any challenges presented by the changing times.

4) The Numerology Factor – 2025 and Universal Year 9

Since 2025 was a Universal 9-Year, symbolic of endings, completions and graduations, it constitutes a preparatory period in light of the Universal 1-Year that 2026 is, and which also indicates the beginning of a new 9-year cycle. The year number count that is used to determine the Universal Year is quite in sync with the Astrological rhythms and planetary cycles.

In its own way, any 9-year in the overall cycle can be described as the ‘beginning of the end’, especially in its early stages. In this regard, it is quite apt that Pluto finally entered Aquarius for its uninterrupted 20-year push in November 2024, a Universal 8-Year and in an 11/2 month, equating to 19/1.

So, 2025 from the larger, societal and collective perspective can be understood as the pre-launch for 2026. These processes can prove messy and chaotic, like a major new project in its early stages, as with cutting and clearing and gathering of supplies, carefully studying plans and blueprints and progressively new workers showing up soon to become familiar faces, liked, trusted and not.  More personally, 9 years can be metaphorically likened to laying the garden to rest in autumn, complete with the planting of bulbs and other perennials, and perhaps also with plans to do some inner work, as with renovations and making new and bigger plans for the coming spring.

So, while every year is significant, 2026 is destined to be especially so. Admittedly, the first of a new 9-Year cycle activates, but really shows its momentum in the 3^rd year which is 2028. With all the far planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune re-entering new signs by mid-year, the initial shifts, the activating, cutting and clearing… stages will be clearly evident.

The challenge will largely be to ‘roll with it’, without blind conformity but rather with visionary, co-creative authenticity. This is where these insights and guidance will prove helpful. The processes associated with the destined, initial activations and changes will continue through 2026, especially.

5) Overview of Mars in 2026

Mars is the first of the outer planets, yet also holds the distinction of being a ‘personal’ planet. In this regard, Mars is unique and special in the Astrological pantheon. As the ruler of Aries, the first sign of the Zodiac, and in which the Sun is exalted, Mars is symbolic of action. It can be understood as the ‘verb’ in the sentence and can range from being proactive and assertive, to aggressive and even to violent. All cutting tools and weapons come under the heading of Mars. Professional and elite athletes in general, almost always have a very prominent Mars in their Birth Chart. Mars also co-rules Scorpio (along with Pluto), adding to its uniqueness and range. So, while Mars is not commonly observed as important as the far planets beginning with Jupiter, its dynamic is certainly worth observing, and more importantly, of harnessing in a conscious and deliberate manner for the sake of greater achievement in life.

Since Mars, the planet of action, assertion, aggression, combat and war, is the ruling planet for Aries, it will play a special role for the entirety of Neptune’s cycle and that of Saturn, with extra emphasis while Saturn remains in Aries through to spring 2028. This entire period can be expected to be dynamic, edgy, pointed, and cutting… in all the ways these words might apply. This will prove especially true when Mars is in Cardinal Signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, where it will be when 2026 begins. Yet, it will also prove extra potent when in Aquarius and Gemini and especially when conjunct Pluto and Uranus in those signs.

• Mars in Capricorn – December 14, 2025 – January 23, 2026

• Mars in Aquarius – January 23, 2026 – March 2, 2026

• Mars in Pisces – March 2, 2026 – April 9, 2026

• Mars in Aries – April 9, 2026 – May 18, 2026

• Mars in Taurus – May 19, 2026 – June 28, 2026

• Mars in Gemini – June 28, 2026 – August 11, 2026

• Mars in Cancer – August 11, 2026 – Sept 27, 2026

• Mars in Leo – Sept 27, 2026 – November 25, 2026

• Mars in Virgo – November 25, 2026…

(*Note: On January 9, 2027, Mars will turn retrograde at 10 Virgo 25 and will re-enter Leo on February 21, 2027, retrograde back to 20 Leo 55 by April 1, turn direct again and re-enter Virgo on May 14, 2027, and then will enter Libra on July 13, 2027.)

6) Mercury Retrograde Periods in 2026

1. February 25 to March 20            22 Pisces 24 to 8 Pisces 29

2. June 29 to July 23                          26 Cancer 15 to 16 Cancer 19

3. October 24 to November 13      20 Scorpio 59 to 5 Scorpio 02

Mercury is truly the trickster planet. Although it takes just 88 days to complete an orbit around the Sun, matching the official number of constellations, it takes an entire year to ‘appear’ to orbit around Earth. This is so because Mercury turns retrograde three times per year, and sometimes it even borders on four times. Planets turning retrograde are based on our experiential perceptions of the cosmos.

The ‘influences’, eventful and psychological, of these observable phenomena is what Astrology is all about. While these observances of synchronistic events, as subtle and subjective, are true of all the planets in our solar system when they turn retrograde, the influences are especially strong regarding Mercury’s tri-annual retrograde process.

As the planet generally symbolic of communications, these are accurately understood at every level and not just between people. In other words, even atoms, molecules and cells can be understood to harbor various modes of inner communication, and with other atoms, molecules and cells, as well. After all, how else would they produce the myriad forms that they do, each distinct, if sharing fundamental similarities?

So when Mercury turns retrograde, there is an increased tendency for communications to become confused. It can be likened to driving backwards, during which time our perspectives are not as clear and sharp as when driving forward. This ‘Reverse’ of the ‘Retrograde’ process tends to align well with keywords and their associated themes such as review, reconsider, reflect, reassess, retreat, repair, and so on… Complications can occur when we endeavor to go against this thematic current. This, miscommunications of various kinds are common during Mercury Retrograde cycles, amounting to all sorts of confusions, conundrums and subsequently as frustrations due to willful assertions to consciously or unconsciously work against the current.

Part of the complexity of the plot is that Mercury can be recognized to behave somewhat differently from one sign to another. Adding to the confusion, due to the ultimately subjective reality of life, while there are generalities, not everyone experiences the influences in the same way, adding to skeptics requiring absolute, objective empiricism, which of course, is its own delusion. That said, there are many paradigms and perspectives in the world, much as it probably should be, not to mention personal prerogative.

So, this guideline will tell you ‘what and when’ regarding the Mercury Retrograde themes for 2026, and you can then be aware and cooperate with the process and conduct your own observations, all of which support a heightened state of awareness anyway, instead of simply cruising through life, half asleep with arbitrary notions of coincidence and randomness.

 Among the first considerations regarding these dates is to determine if Mercury will be retrograde on your birthday. If it is, the general themes of reflection and revision… as outlined above can be understood to play a role over the course of your personal year until your next birthday. In other words, Mercury will be retrograde in your Solar Return chart, which represents your ‘personal year’ cycle, as opposed to the shared generic cycle of January 1 to December 31 each year. (These two cycles do overlap, and Numerology offers a good technique for understanding it better.)

When Mercury Retrograde moves from one sign to another, the dynamic will change, sometimes subtly, sometimes more noticeably. The signs of Mercury’s Dignity, or it rulership and detriment and its exaltation and fall are deeper considerations. In any case, a deeper consideration of the Solar Return chart would be required, yet the general themes can be encompassed by horoscopes.

7) Eclipses in 2026

Background to Better Understand Eclipses

Eclipses happen to share a close association with the Lunar Nodes. It is likely that the observations and studies into eclipses by our ancient forebears are what contributed to intuiting the entire concept of Lunar Nodes as holding mystical, spiritual implications.

There are Solar and Lunar Eclipses. Solar Eclipses occur when the Moon is exactly New, and Lunar Eclipses when the Moon is exactly Full. Ironically, Solar Eclipses are generally considered the more powerful. While Solar Eclipses come in 4 distinct expressions – Total, Partial, Annular, and Hybrid, they should all be regarded as powerful.

What is ironic about this is that a Solar Eclipse can be regarded as the true ‘Super Moon’ yet occurs not when it is Full but when it is New. So, it is counter to popular thinking about Moons and their effects. Yet it does depend on the house placement and especially the aspects by degree to Natal Planets. So, both Solar and Lunar Eclipses can prove powerful and impactful, if from different ends of the same pole.

The basic rule of thumb regarding interpreting eclipses is that Solar Eclipses are more external, empirically actual and eventful, while Lunar Eclipses tend to be more internal and subjective, affecting changes of perception, belief, and other personal and emotionally charged realities.

This is not to say the Lunar Eclipses do not have noticeable outer effects. Yet, these are largely associated with the attitudes, feelings, perceptions, interpretations, beliefs and the behavioral changes associated with this receiving ‘activations’ subject to deeper, evolutionary needs, or requirements of destiny.

New Moons are all about new beginnings, whereas Full Moons imply clearing and purging the past. Full Moons ironically indicate that the Moon has effectively entered its waning phase, thus the processes of clearing the past are triggered. Positively, the process implies feelings, attitudes, orientations and sometimes actual events that trigger these to more fully emphasize personal, authentic values and needs.

There are three main types of Solar Eclipses: Total, Annular, and Partial. A Total Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, an Annular Eclipse happens when the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a “ring of fire,” and a Partial Eclipse occurs when only part of the Sun is obscured by the Moon.

There is actually a fourth type of Solar Eclipse called a Hybrid Eclipse, which is a rare type of Solar Eclipse that changes its appearance depending on the observer’s location, appearing as either a Total or an Annular Eclipse. This occurs because the Moon’s distance from Earth varies, causing some areas to experience totality while others see only an Annular Eclipse.

There are also three types of Lunar Eclipses: Total, Partial, and Penumbral. A Total Lunar Eclipse occurs when the Earth completely covers the Moon’s surface, a Partial Lunar Eclipse happens when only part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, and a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse is when the Moon passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow, causing a subtle dimming.

‘Eclipse Season’ occurs approximately every six months. When it does, the mix of Solar and Lunar Eclipses varies. Sometimes there is 1 Lunar Eclipse accompanying the Solar, sometimes there are 2, sometimes there are none, and sometimes either the Solar or Lunar Eclipse is ‘Total’, but other times not, but ALL Eclipses, whether they are Total, Partial, Annual (solar) or Penumbral (lunar) or otherwise, should be deemed significant, provided they are deemed significant in terms of the specifics of one’s Birth Chart especially in terms of forming close aspects to Natal planets and angles.

In 2026, both Solar Eclipses are followed by Lunar Eclipses, as opposed to being preceded by Lunar Eclipses.

1. The First Solar Eclipse of 2026 occurs on February 17 at 28 Aquarius 50, and is followed by a Lunar Eclipse two weeks later on March 3 at 12 Virgo 54.

2.  The Second Solar Eclipse occurs on August 12 at 20 Leo 02, and is followed by a Lunar Eclipse on August 27/28 at 4 Pisces 54.

*Note:

Understanding any major event, such as an eclipse, includes analysis of the event chart as a whole. Since any chart provides a lot of interpretative information, the following will offer just a few key points for each eclipse. The next layer of interpretation is based on which Houses the eclipses occur in, in terms of both your Solar Chart, which is what Horoscopes are based on, and your actual Birth Chart would prove that much more accurate. The perspective of your Solar Chart, where your Sun Sign serves as your Ascendant with 0-degree equal House Cusps, will be elaborated closer to the actual date of the eclipse events in the Horoscope interpretations for that week.

The general interpretation can be achieved with Horoscopes, based on the ‘Solar House’ they occur in. In this regard, place your Sun Sign on the Ascendant, or first house cusp, then simply count the signs in their zodiacal order. Otherwise, if you happen to know what your actual Ascendant is, and the degree of it and the remaining houses, then you can determine where the eclipses will occur in your chart. (I can help you with this.)

The other factor is to decipher if the degree of the eclipse in the given sign makes close aspects to the angles or planets in your chart. (This is not common knowledge, so do not assume that you should know this.) If the planet or angle is close to this degree, within a couple of degrees, 3 at most, yet a little higher, the impact is likely to be stronger than if the eclipse degree is higher than the angle or planet in question.

– Annular Solar Eclipse: February 17 – (28 Aquarius 50)

The major factors include the Sun/Moon conjunction in Aquarius closely square Uranus in Taurus, along with Saturn and Neptune still closely aligned at 0 Aries and both Mars and Pluto in Aquarius as well = Powerful and eventful kick-off of the Year of the Fire Horse!

– Total Lunar Eclipse: March 3 – (12 Virgo 54)

A four planet stellium in Pisces, including Mars at 0 Pisces with its ruling planet Neptune at 1 Aries conjunct Saturn at 2 Aries = indicates an emotional surge to do inner work to clear doubts, fears, blocks and resistances to the flow of change.

– Total Solar Eclipse: August 12 – (20 Leo 02)

A four-planet stellium by sign in Leo, including Mercury and Jupiter and with Mars at 0 Cancer and the Lunar Nodes having just entered Aquarius and Leo, and at the 29^th degree = makes for an emotionally charged and dramatic theme of influence over the ensuing six months crossing over into 2027.

– Partial Lunar Eclipse: August 27/28 – (4 Pisces 54)

Uranus at the apex of a T-Square with the Sun closely conjunct Mercury in Virgo and opposing the Moon in Pisces, with Neptune in early Aries = basically indicates an intelligent and innovative response to overcome problems.

8) Jupiter in Cancer and Leo

Jupiter is generally a positive influence wherever it is situated. It indicates opportunities for growth and expansion.

At worst, Jupiter’s influence can manifest as exaggeration and excess, overconfident, reckless or foolhardy. So, it can be understood as a planet that requires some measure of moderation to get the best of it.

Generally, when Jupiter enters a new sign or enters a new house or makes aspects to other planets, the increase and expansion factor is activated. This can translate as opportunity, optimism, adventuresomeness, faith and the confidence to take risks that you would not usually.

Jupiter entered Gemini in mid-May 2024.  Jupiter in Gemini is technically categorized to be in its sign of detriment. Consequently, it will prove to be very eventful, if scattering, dizzying and altogether confusing for some. It could also amount to major disappointments for some as well. Positively, Jupiter in Gemini is curious, philosophical, intellectually stimulating and engaging in conversations, especially those oriented to ethics, principles and truths.

2026 begins with Jupiter in Cancer where it began its approximate 1-year cycle on June 9, 2025. The year ends with Jupiter in Cancer where it is deemed to be especially auspicious, thus kicking off the Universal 1-Year 2026 on a high note!

Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, tending to boost confidence levels. So, like a hero arriving on the scene just in time to avert disaster and casualty, Jupiter in Cancer will likely come as a welcome cycle, amounting to an overall rise in the collective spirit of optimism.

This is also true of Jupiter in Leo, the cycle of which begins on June 29, 2026. So, we could enjoy 2 years of boosted confidence, again, which comes at an ideal time due to all the far planets entering new signs, which can prove dramatic in terms of rapid, societal change. All being well, Jupiter in Cancer and Leo will support these to be positive. In both signs, the main issues could amount to overconfidence, leading to assumptions and taking people and situations for granted. As ever, the ideal is to work consciously and cooperatively with the planetary influences, and this is where this kind of guidance to be aware helps.

9) Saturn in Pisces and Aries

Saturn in Pisces = Surrender gracefully and do not take the widespread dissolution of the social fabric and the economy personally. Focus to adapt patiently and prepare for Saturn in Aries!

Saturn in Aries =  Focus to determine a clear direction and work with a strategic plan to enter new territory somehow, and/or to take different approaches.

2025 began with Saturn direct and at 14 Pisces 31. By May 24, 2025, it entered Aries, before turning retrograde again on July 13, 2025, at 1 Aries 56. It re-entered Pisces on September 1, 2025, and retreated back to 25 Pisces 09 by November 27, 2025, when it turned Direct again and will re-enter Aries on February 13/14, 2026, where it will remain by transit until April 13, 2028!

These technical details and their implications will not be commonly applied or understood; however, you can play Astrologer and see if you have any angles or planets near this degree or in Pisces or Aries.

Elaboration of Saturn in Pisces

Saturn is considered the planet of karma, and Pisces is also the reservoir sign of accumulated karmas. When combined, the theme of karma is increased. So, Saturn in Pisces symbolizes what often manifests as karmic returns, often in the way of apathy and lack of direction. Commonly, if located in the Birth Chart, it indicates an absent parent, usually the father, but sometimes mother, if father played the more maternal role, or the absence was less physical and simply a factor of relative mental and emotional neglect.

Saturn in Pisces is not dynamic in the outer sense, often associated with various modes of disintegration, both personally and collectively, and can be understood as marking periods that often amount to people feeling lost and confused. Yet, the disintegration process can, admittedly, prove dynamic and dramatic too, which it has and continues to be.

Some examples since Saturn entered Pisces in early March 2023 include the fact that many long-standing business and brands with household names either downsized or went bankrupt altogether, the opioid crisis and homelessness escalated dramatically, the economy has progressively slipped into a deep recession, and issues with open borders in the USA have flooded the country with illegal immigrants.

In a general sense, this cycle is effectively synchronizing with themes of dissolve, delete and disintegrate associated with many of the structures that we have all come to generally rely upon, understand, and trust. In this regard, many of the established structures of society will melt away and make way for a whole new set of ‘norms’ that especially began in Spring 2025 when Saturn initially entered Aries.

Saturn in Aries can certainly prove dynamic. Like Mars in Cancer, Saturn is generally categorized as a Cardinal planet and Aries is a Cardinal sign, symbolic of action and initiative. The main issue with Saturn in Aries is that it can prove rash and misdirected. While there is a lot to say about Saturn in Aries and the approximate 2.5-year cycle it implies starting again on February 13/14, 2026, the simple message for now is as follows: Prepare for a time period that could prove to be dynamic, bold, assertive, and even aggressive and violent.

10) Uranus in Taurus and Gemini in 2026

Uranus transits through a sign on an average of 7 years. Yet, it happens to be extra slow in Taurus, true to its slow but sure reputation. While all the far planets in any sign invariably synchronize with major changes, Uranus can prove especially strong, much like Pluto, yet more unpredictable and erratic.

Uranus and Pluto together constitute a dynamic evolutionary duo encompassing approximately 140-year cycles. The last time they were conjunct was 1965/66 and they will next align April 24, 2104, at 7 Taurus 36 as part of a tight 5 ‘planet’ stellium including Sun, Moon and Venus. (It is a little strange to refer to such dates since a significantly new humanity will experience it, and the young people alive now will be elderly. It generally indicates a revolutionary movement to get closer to nature and the land as with agriculture.)

Not surprisingly, the current cycle is directly associated with the gender equality revolution that was sparked strong in the mid-sixties. Remember the women’s liberation movement of that decade. I made a 3-part video series about it back in 2018, but it clearly still remains relevant. Here are the links to each part:  Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3

Uranus in 2026

Uranus in Taurus has been our reality since May 2018 and will be through to April 25, 2026! For many, it has been and continues to be a difficult transit, economically. Taurus is generally regarded as a challenging sign placement for Uranus, often manifesting as greed and clever schemes. Since that time, the world has and continues to undergo a significant shift of wealth, effectively making the very wealthy much wealthier and the poor even more so, while the prosperous middle class has largely paid the bill. Many will attest that this period has been tainted with fraud and grand theft at unprecedented levels and continues even now.

So, Uranus will then re-enter Gemini on April 25, 2026, where it will remain for its approximate 7-year cycle. So, we are still significantly under the influence of it in Taurus, the sign of foundations, until then. Yet, when Uranus re-enters Gemini, a follow-through process associated with the revolutionary internet era will really begin.

It will include the next major implementation of AI and a major shift from fiat currencies to digital economies, along with robotics and the ‘internet of things’ in general, affecting every area of our social lives and, invariably, that of our economic realities as well.

By the time Uranus enters Cancer for its full transit cycle of about 7 years, which begins in early May 2033, the world will have changed significantly due to Uranus’ transit through Gemini to the extent that what we consider normal today will be all but forgotten and a rapidly fading memory.

So, get ready for Uranus in Gemini as it makes its debut in Summer 2026.

11) Neptune in Pisces and Aries

Although Neptune entered Pisces in 2011, this is hardly a new story, bringing attention to it at its tail end in Pisces at the end of 2025 is especially noteworthy.

It already entered Aries on March 29/30, advanced to 2 Aries 10 by July 4 due to turning retrograde, then re-entered Pisces on October 23, retreated to just 29 Pisces 22 by December 11, 2025, and then re-enters Aries on January 26, 2026.

Among the more significant factors in this process is that it has shared the critical 29^th and 1^st degrees of Pisces and Aries respectively, along with Saturn. This is especially noteworthy because 29 Pisces is the Omega degree of the entire Zodiac and 0 Aries is the Alpha degree.

Also significant is the fact that although they have been very close throughout much of 2025, Saturn and Neptune will only form their first official conjunction while in Aries on February 20, 2026, at 0 Aries! This is very significant indeed since 0 Aries is truly the Alpha degree of the entire Zodiac.

12) Pluto in Aquarius

Little, powerful Pluto, way out there in the far reaches of the solar system, is symbolic of purification, regeneration and transformation.  From the perspective of holism, far is like acknowledging that your toes are far from the top of your head. You simply have to adjust your perspective of holism to cosmic proportions, and then you are in the mindset that distance is not necessarily a major factor, just as quantum entanglement suggests, and the interaction of your imagination, intuition, and reasoning intelligence too can evolve to see what it could not quite conceive prior.

Process is a keyword, as is metamorphosis. Death is its dark side, yet subject to the cyclic nature of duality, it is always followed by one kind of rebirth or another. That said, the death process can be and often is difficult. So, when it is someone else’s turn, exercise empathy and compassion, as you would secretly pray for when it is yours. What supports us through this phase, which includes deconstruction, decay, and pulverization, is faith – faith in the process, faith that new life follows, and faith that the resurrection includes fresh, energized and inspired enthusiasm to embrace new possibilities.

So, although Pluto often gets a bad rap, we are challenged to embrace its purposeful process as the gift it is. After all, what would it be like if the processes of change and transformation were not operative? Stagnation is high on the list of answers. So, focus your intention to cooperate with its regenerative processes proactively, faithfully, and willingly, since resistance is futile anyway. Yet, in this way, we can each and together contribute to steering the directions of destiny to new experiences, victory, and fulfillment.

Pluto entered Aquarius on November 19, 2024 for the third and final time for this round and remains there transiting through the sign of the Water Bearer until 2044! This will prove very impactful for everyone and on a global scale, and is likely to prove challenging, ironically. There are those who idealize notions of modern technology working for us versus against, but can we rely on such optimism? On personal levels, people with planets, angles, and other sensitive points at the first 3 degrees of any sign, but especially those of the Fixed Signs: Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio will experience its regenerative and transformational, and at best, purifying impact.

It will take the entire year to achieve 2 Aquarius 43 where it will be on January 1, 2026. Over the course of the year, Pluto will advance to 5 Aquarius 31, and by the end of the year it will be at 4 Aquarius 31 as 2027 begins. So if you have planets in your Birth Chart in this degree range, you can expect to undergo transformations in your life, which can bring about endings, purifications, regenerations and so on. The key is to be aware and cooperate as much as you can.

Pluto invariably has a major effect on our lives at both mass collective and individual levels. When Pluto transits through a sign, it invariably produces a steady flow of transformational change. For example, its transit through Capricorn, the sign of governments since 2008 synchronized with real estate prices increasing by 3 and 4 times, if not more, a housing shortage crisis manifesting as widespread tent cities that continues to this day the world over, a steady emergence of governments the world over exercising more authority the world over. Catapulted by the Covid-19 horror, forced compliance by governments to accept new medical technologies that were not thoroughly tested, resulting in millions losing their livelihoods, businesses and life savings and the casualty count from adverse reactions continues to rise steadily even to this day. In short, governments have lost their prior stature as trustworthy and have revealed severe levels of corruption. Consequently, people are generally much more suspicious of the integrity of governments as we now begin a whole new cycle in Aquarius. Ironically, it is this very reality that is also now pushing us all to become more politically aware and less naïve regarding the promises of politicians.

What is not so well understood is that Pluto is in its “fall” Sign in Aquarius. This means that it does not fare so well… As the sign of humanity, in general, it may be understood that we are about to undergo many changes. Among the more significant themes is the fact that more power and authority has shifted into the hands of private sectors, as with mega corporations and conglomerates, the members of which do not have civic responsibilities and are largely unknown. Positively, these changes will manifest as people come to recognize their common interests more fully and so begin to focus on working together more cooperatively than before.

Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, still in Taurus until late April 2026 is also in its fall sign, which has synchronized with the steadily advancing economic recession. Positively, when Uranus enters Gemini it will synchronize with a more activated, assertive and productive impulse leading to much-needed economic growth. Uranus will re-enter Gemini again on April 25, 2026 and will then transit through the sign of the twins until late May 3033!

The main outer manifestations with Uranus in Taurus include digital currencies and central bank control, banks owned by private sectors, and restrictive policies placed on farming practices. An observer from another planet might recognize that humanity is at war with itself, and it might also be recognized that there must be various hidden networks at the helm of these unnecessary and perplexing crises.

Aquarius can generally be understood as the sign of humanism and humanitarianism, so it can also be interpreted to be the sign of humanity itself. The Water Bearer image symbolizes the metaphysical understanding that matter itself is, we are, and life when regarded holistically, in its dualistic expression, is comprised of energy, vibration and frequency. We see this understanding and application of technology regarding energy waves everywhere in the world, not least of all the internet and wireless access, Bluetooth, radar, satellite transmissions and so on. The rapid spread and popularization of ancient wisdom, knowledge, and technology as with Sacred Geometry and the increasing acceptance of ancient high civilizations, are all part of this Aquarian Age theme.

Thus, Pluto in Aquarius will likely prove to manifest as a transformation of humanity at the mass collective level between now and 2044 when it enters Pisces.

Describing how this will unfold is not simple and would require an entire book, but we can be certain that humanity in general will undergo processes of deep change and transformation at a global scale over the 20-year period of its transit that is now underway, without any more interruptions.

Read this article for more insight into this important historic event:

Pluto in Aquarius – the Birthing of a New Age

13) The Lunar Nodes from Pisces and Virgo to Aquarius and Leo

Brief Background on the Lunar Nodes

The Lunar Nodes are not actual celestial bodies. They mark points where the Moon in its orbital cycle crosses the plane of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun. These points are symbolic of some of the more esoteric in Astrology and refer to themes associated with the evolution of the soul.

The South Node symbolizes accumulated experiences and associated wisdom of the past, while the North Node symbolizes the new and points in the direction we are destined and meant to go.

The Lunar Nodes in our Birth Charts are interpreted somewhat differently than those of the Nodes by Transit, as is true of all the planets. So, in their transit cycle processes, which aptly amount to approximately 18.5-month periods for each sign pair, and approximately 18.5 years for the entire cycle of the Zodiac (aptly revealing a fractal ratio), reveal collective themes and orientations. In both cases, as Natal Chart factors and by transit, the planets that rule the signs involved play key roles.

The North and South Nodes of the Moon are mythically likened to a great celestial serpent with a head and a tail.  Like the serpent constellation Draco, but unique unto itself, the Moon’s Nodal Axis indicates an evolutionary pathway – one that winds, writhes, and turns, along a transformational pathway and reveals a process akin to the snake periodically shedding its old skin, effectively revealing a new one. As well, like a snakes-and-ladders game board, the Lunar Nodes suggest that all paths provide experiences, tests, and lessons that must be passed, sooner or later…. One must have a sense of the spiritual, evolutionary journey that life in the material dimensions implies.

It is common to forget these deeper truths as the pressures and pleasures of our physical embodiment consume our perspectives and beliefs. Yet, in light of the end of our relatively temporary journeys, it is also common to return to a spiritual perspective, often amounting to too little and too late, at least in terms of consciously living in alignment with a deeper evolutionary plan, the deeper roots of which include authentic expressions and engagements, as opposed to conditioned values and attitudes, and to meaningful contributions to the greater collective, as opposed to relatively selfish pursuits that seldom venture beyond the parameters of our own families, interests and ambitions. Yet, even these probabilities are part of the plan, the process of which implies stages, like grade levels in school from pre-school to doctorate level studies, the higher levels symbolizing more meaningful and relevant contributions, while the lower levels suggest unapologetic oblivion beyond one’s own interests and appetites, or even entitled expectation.

The Lunar Nodes switch from Pisces and Virgo to Aquarius and Leo on July 28, 2026.

The North and South Nodes of the Moon, or generally referred to as the Lunar Nodes, have long been considered to be very powerful points associated with our spiritual, evolutionary process. Forming an axis, because both ends are exactly and perpetually 180 degrees apart, it incorporates the principle of polarity.

Although these points are hypothetical, which means they do not technically exist as objects, they do assert a very significant influence on our lives. Understanding why this is so provides a unique entry point into the spiritual side of Astrology. The fact that these points are determined by the intersection of the Moon’s orbit and the plane of the ecliptic, or apparent path of the Sun from the Earth’s perspective, is the first clue and introduces the spiritual focus.

Interestingly, while the planets orbit counterclockwise, the Lunar Nodes move in a clockwise direction. They are turning retrograde, which means they shift counterclockwise at semi-irregular intervals of anywhere from 4 to 10 days or so, associated with the fact that the Moon has an elliptical orbit and its rate of motion also varies for traveling 12-14 degrees per day.

Like the two sides of a magnet, the North Node pulls us towards the themes associated with the sign, degree, and house where it is positioned in our Birth Chart, and the South Node effectively repels us from it and pushes us towards the pull of the North. The same basic principle applies to the 18-month Transit cycle.

Although the South Node does emphasize natural inclinations, proclivities, and strengths, the goal is to use these for the sake of achieving the themes associated with the North Node. This is where an understanding of the principle of polarity comes to the fore. Along with the head and tail metaphor, or the push and pull of the opposite sides of a magnet, we can also think of an arrow with the arrowhead at one end and the feathers at the other. This image creates a clear indication of direction, as well as how the feathers guide and support the direction of the arrowhead to hit the determined target.

Currently, the North Node is in Pisces, and the South Node is in Virgo. This cycle began in mid-January 2025. Since Virgo can generally be described as the ‘social norm’, its destined influence is to ‘surrender’, a Pisces term, to the destined changes. When the Nodes change signs in late July 2026, and the North Node shifts to Aquarius, the general influence will be to break free (an Aquarius phrase) of the grip of the ego, which is instinctively oriented to comfort, familiarity, and security, and control, in varying degrees, of people and circumstances. Since Virgo is ruled by Mercury, and since Uranus, the ruling planet for Aquarius, will be in Gemini in summer 2026, this breaking free process will be from habitual perspectives and interpretations of society and life in general.

Overview of  the Lunar North Node in Pisces 

When the North Node is in Pisces, the general goal is to see through and beyond appearances. From a soul level, the lesson to be learned is to dissolve mental and emotional patterns that were developed for the sake of security.  The destiny is to learn that imagination and inspiration are just as important, if not more so, than logic and facts.  Recognize that nature unfolds in cycles with or without intervention, and successful participation in the processes of society often requires peaceful acceptance, surrender, and adaptation.  Develop faith that life as a whole is intelligent, purposeful, creative, and loving, and that the flow of destiny is divinely ordained and is not in the hands of a hidden few. The key is to attune to its rhythms to achieve communion and rhythmic harmony with the flow.

Overview of the Lunar North Node in Aquarius         

When the North Node is in Aquarius, the general goal is to strike a balance between being personal and impersonal. From a soul level, the lesson to be learned is to participate in the world, as one among equals; neither standing above nor below any other. The destiny is to learn detachment, not in the sense of indifference, but of acceptance of the realities of life beyond status and hierarchy. Recognize the value of friendship and unity that promotes shared ideals and democratic behavior.  Develop a sense of universality and appreciation for the rights, freedoms, and creative genius of individuals and groups everywhere.

14) Horoscope for All Signs

The outlines below encompassing themes for each sign of the Zodiac destined to occur in 2026 offer a glimpse of what each factor outlined above might produce for each of us at a personal level.

Knowing the possible one or two other signs you can read to gain even more levels of insight supports even more accurate and detailed insight.  Horoscopes serve best by giving us a taste or a sneak preview of archetypal themes in store in any given time period.

Yet, regarding truly personal insight relevant to your circumstances and stage of life, to gain even more clarity and precision of insight and guidance, and specific elaboration in light of our own personal Birth Charts and the circumstantial realities of our life as a whole, is best achieved by a live, in-person reading.