Welcome to the New Year of 2026. There are dramatic changes happening with the planets this year. All the outer planets have just recently or will soon enter new signs, which is extremely rare. These changes are evident with all the craziness in the world as we see new beginnings occurring everywhere.
In this summary of the year I’ll look at planetary alignments, the Chinese New Year, retrogrades, Moon’s nodes changing signs, eclipses, visible planets and planetary ingresses.
Print this as a reference for the year.
Let’s start by looking at the chart of January 1, 2026. Every year begins with the Sun in Capricorn. This year, Venus and Mars are flanking the Sun for a powerful start to the year. Mars can bring strife, but luckily it will be balanced by loving Venus. They are up in the 10th house with a yellow circle around them. When planets are conjunct, or holding hands in the sky, I draw a yellow circle around them to make them stand out. To keep it easy, all the charts in this article will be using a zero Aries rising.
Planetary Alignments
The main planets to watch this year are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, which are all of the outer planets. The planetary pair that everyone is watching is Saturn and Neptune, who are joining and finally entering Aries. The other long-term transit is Uranus forming a trine to Pluto. An ingress is when a planet enters a new sign, and we have enormously powerful ingresses in the coming year. Pluto is the only outer planet that won’t be doing an ingress this year. He finally entered Aquarius last year and won’t be retrograding back into Capricorn again. That’s perfect because all of the other outer planets will be changing signs this year. It’s like Pluto opened the door for transformation and now all the other planets can follow.
Pluto Trine Uranus from May 2024 – July 2029
Two important planets to watch this year are Pluto and Uranus. They are forming a positive blue line, or a trine, between them that will last for five years, depending on the orb used. Why does it last that long? Because these are both slow-moving planets. Pluto’s orbit is 248 years, while the orbit of Uranus is 84 years. Their last trine was in 1920, and their next trine isn’t until 2062. Even though their timing is rare, this trine is astonishing since both planets are changing signs as they form this important angle. Pluto has just entered the revolutionary sign of Aquarius and will be there until 2044! Yes, we are just entering the Aquarian Age, which is why we are seeing so much turmoil in the world now. The Age of Aquarius will start with a global revolution. Suppression will not be tolerated. Freedom is the goal of Aquarius.
To add to the excitement, independent Uranus is about to enter the loud sign of Gemini. People will find their voices during this phase in an unusually strong way with the support of Pluto. Groups and organizations will be forming to help the transformation.
Saturn Conjunct Neptune on February 20th, 2026
The much-anticipated conjunctio
Zero degrees Aries is an enormously powerful place for these slow planets to meet. Bold beginnings will take place with all this powerful Aries energy. Move forward in your life. Things will happen quickly.
Jupiter Trine Neptune on July 20, 2026
After a long stay in the sign of Cancer, Jupiter will enter Leo on June 29, 2026. Planets in like elements always trine each other. So when Jupiter enters the fire sign of Leo, he will trine both Neptune and Saturn in Aries. Remember that trines, or blue lines, bring harmony and opportunities. Jupiter is an incredibly positive help to Saturn and Neptune, the odd couple of planets. Jupiter brings optimism, humanitarian interests, generosity and success. Jupiter is giving both Neptune and Saturn an early boost in their new sign of Aries.
Neptune is about healing, spirituality and empathy. Jupiter will bring those qualities to the surface, where they can be useful. This is the time to learn meditation or to step up your meditation practice. Jump into the quantum field, and see how it can help you.
Jupiter Oppose Pluto on July 20, 2026
To make this even more special, Jupiter will oppose Pluto on the exact same day as he forms a trine with Neptune. Remarkable. Jupiter will be a trigger for Pluto. Every planet has a job. Jupiter’s is to bring success. Saturn’s is to focus, and Pluto’s is to transform everything. This will be a crucial day in 2026 to suddenly move forward. Be prepared.
Jupiter Trine Saturn on August 31, 2026
After connecting with Neptune and Pluto, now Jupiter is forming a positive connection with focused Saturn to get your dreams realized. We will all feel confident, ambitious, diligent and a bit driven to get things done. Address the challenging tasks you've been avoiding as they may be easier to finish than you expect.
Chinese New Year
Welcome to the year of the Fire Horse, which starts on February 17, 2026, and will continue in that sign until February 6, 2027. Chinese astrology has a fascinating system. The Chinese New Year always starts on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice. Western and Chinese astrology both have twelve animals or symbols but use them differently. Western astrology uses four elements of fire, earth, air and water, while Chinese astrology uses five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth.
The Chinese system changes the animal each year but keeps the same element for two years. For example, this is the year of the Fire Horse and next year will be the year of the Fire Goat. The different animals have unique personalities, similar to the western signs of the Zodiac. The element influences each animal, giving it a special style. Since there are 12 symbols and five elements, the cycle repeats every 60 years. 12 x 5 = 60. So when a person is 60 years old, the same pair of symbols and elements will occur.
It's important to realize that this isn’t just about the energy of what is happening out in the world, but it is also how we will each feel within ourselves during this year.
The Chinese animal for 2025 was the Wood Snake. Now that the snake has already shed its skin, the Fire Horse can gallop forward unencumbered.
The Horse is high-spirited and flamboyant and corresponds to the western sign of Gemini. The Horse is highly intelligent, talkative, decisive, charming, witty, independent, adventurous, confident and extremely good with money. He is a born leader and doesn’t easily take advice from anyone, even his superiors. His vivaciousness, sense of humor and charisma get him far in life.
But the Horse has a testy negative side. He’s impulsive, stubborn, forgetful, impatient, self-centered, petty, volatile and a bit hedonistic. He is the playboy of the Chinese signs, but his worst trait is his explosive temper, which luckily doesn’t last long.
Let’s throw the element of Fire into the mix for extra excitement. The Fire Horse is the most flamboyant and magnetic of all the animals. His personality is captivating and is enhanced by his superior intelligence. He just expects to win. But if he isn’t happy, he may try to bring about change using sheer willpower and force. He gets distracted easily because of all the ideas racing through his head.
If used correctly, the energy of a Fire Horse year can empower us all. It’s like harnessing a stallion and going for a wild ride. Is the horse in charge, or are you, the rider, in charge? Ideally, we will feel invincible and ready to start fresh. Things will likely move forward at a fast speed, so hold on tightly. This is the perfect year to start a new business or, actually, to start a new lifestyle. We will all feel bold, confident, decisive and incredibly resourceful. The Fire Horse is a thrill seeker, and you will want to go on adventures and do your wish list this year. Why wait? The Fire Goat probably won’t be as much fun.
Retrogrades
Mercury Retrogrades
Retrogrades are really an optical illus
February 26th – March 20th in Pisces
This Mercury retrograde ends on the spring equinox, which is similar to the New Year, only for astrology. This retrograde is more powerful since it’s on the equinox. Pisces is all about releasing old emotions that no longer serve you. Clean up anything left over from the winter in preparation for spring. Gardening and water features are highlighted.
June 30th – July 23rd in Cancer
This will be a summer retrograde and is a suitable time to organize your home, since the sign of Cancer relates to home, family, food and friends. When is the last time you cleaned out all your closets? This would also be the perfect time to rearrange your kitchen.
October 24th – November 13th in Scorpio
This Scorpio retrograde happens over Halloween and leads into the holiday season. Scorpio and Halloween are perfect matches. Scorpio is associated with the bedroom and bathroom. If you are ready to upgrade these rooms, this is the perfect retrograde. Take some time for yourself and try not to overbook in this busy time of the year.
Venus Retrograde from October 4th to November 13th
Venus is slower than Mercury. It only turns retrograde approximately every 1½ years and lasts for six weeks each time. Venus is all about love, art, music, beauty and kindness. Venus will start her retrograde in Scorpio but will move back into Libra before she turns direct. To make this more powerful, Mercury is also retrograde. So Mercury and Venus will both be retrograde from October 24th through November 13th. Mercury is about communication. Venus is about love. This retrograde will reveal secrets about relationships. Scandals will erupt in the world. This will be a juicy one to watch.
Moon’s Nodes Change Signs
What are the Nodes of the Moon? A node is a point in space. These are the two locations that are the intersecting points between the paths of the Sun and the Moon. The orbit of the nodes is 18.6 years, so they are in signs for approximately 1½ years. The two nodes form a plane in space - the North Node and the South Node. Eclipses happen when the Sun and Moon line up with the nodes: solar eclipses occur at new moons, and lunar eclipses occur at full moons.
That’s what they are physically. Metaphysically, the nodes refer to past life patterns we continue to address. On a global scale, the nodes explain the collective energy of humanity. One technical thing about the nodes is that they always move retrograde.
The nodes will be in the signs of Virgo and Pisces from January 12, 2025, until July 26, 2026. At that time, they will enter Leo and Aquarius and will remain there from July 27, 2026, until March 27, 2028. We are now in the end of their stay in Virgo and Pisces. Virgo is the organizer of the Zodiac, and Pisces is the healer. Pisces also represents the most vulnerable in society, which has become painfully obvious recently, but things are about to change.
Not only will each of us feel different with this shift, but the entire world will put on another mask. Although the nodes might seem like a subtle vibration in the background, they are actually profound because when they enter new signs, they shape the collective with a fresh style. If Pisces and Virgo brought up vulnerabilities, Leo and Aquarius are the exact opposite. Leo is the boss of the Zodiac and speaks his mind with authority, dignity and leadership. Aquarius is the rebel of the Zodiac and demands change. Everyone will feel stronger and will be ready for a new phase. Aquarius brings the future with innovative technologies, freedom, connectedness and the unexpected. Aquarius rules the internet, as well as AI.
All of this will happen as we ride full speed on the back of a Fire Horse!
Eclipses
There are two eclipse seasons each year with solar and lunar eclipses occurring two weeks apart. The Sun, Moon, Earth and Moon’s nodes all need to align to create an eclipse. Not only are they beautiful to watch, but they synchronize with major turning points in our personal lives, as well as in the world.
Annular Solar Eclipse February 17th at 28 Aquarius
This will be an annular solar eclipse with both the Sun and Moon at 28 degrees Aquarius. During an annular eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth align, but the Moon is too far away from Earth to completely block the Sun’s disk, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around the Moon, known as the “ring of fire.” The sky grows dimmer but doesn’t get dark. With several planets in Pisces now, feelings and compassion will be emphasized. This eclipse will be visible in Antarctica.
Total Lunar Eclipse March 3rd at 12 Virgo
This will be a total lunar eclipse with the Sun in Pisces and the eclipsed Moon in Virgo. It is a wild eclipse with four planets in Pisces forming a huge party of planets and will be an emotional time for everyone. Use all this Pisces energy to meditate, dream, nap and be kind to yourself and others. Creativity is strong now. This total lunar eclipse is visible in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Total Solar Eclipse August 12th at 20 Leo
Partial Lunar Eclipse August 28 at 5 Pisces
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon don’t line up perfectly, so only part of the Moon will be eclipsed. This eclipse will be visible in China, Russia and Australia.
Visible planets
The planets are easy to spot in the evening sky … you just need to know where to look. The planets always travel along the Ecliptic, which I’ve named the “Great Highway in the Sky.” Sunrise, noon-day Sun, and Sunset define the Ecliptic. Observe the Sun's path since the planets always follow it.
The “inner planets,” Mercury and Venus, are always close to the horizon. You will never see them high in the sky. Venus is known as the “morning or evening star” and is easy to spot. Mercury is closer to the Sun. It is much dimmer than Venus and is difficult to see for most locations. For that reason, I’m not including Mercury in my list of visible planets.
The “outer planets”, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, will move across the entire sky all night long. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are visible, but Uranus, Neptune and Pluto can’t be seen without the use of a telescope.
Venus is in the western evening sky March to September
Venus is in the predawn sky November and December
Mars is in the predawn sky March to December
Jupiter is in the evening sky February to June
Jupiter is in the predawn sky September to December
Saturn is in the evening sky January and February
Saturn is in the predawn sky April to September
Saturn is in th evening sky November and December
Ingresses
During the year of 2026, most of the outer planets will be doing ingresses. What is an ingress? A planetary ingress is the moment when a planet enters a new sign of the zodiac, marking a shift in the planet’s personality. Sun in Aries acts very differently than Sun in Taurus. The outer planet ingresses shift everyone and introduce new themes. It is extremely unusual for all the outer planets to change signs close to the same time.
The only outer planet that won’t change signs is Pluto since he already entered Aquarius on November 20, 2024. Pluto will remain in revolutionary Aquarius all the way until 2044! Pluto has already changed signs, and now all the rest of the planets can make their individual ingresses. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will all be entering new signs soon.
The odd couple of planets, Saturn and Neptune, are important to watch. They are forming a rare conjunction, or holding hands in the sky. Saturn’s orbit is 29 years while Neptune’s orbit is 165 years. They only form a conjunction every 36 years, but this one is much rarer because of where they are meeting. They join at zero degrees Aries! This point is the first day of spring, the first sign of the zodiac, and basically the beginning of everything. They both entered Aries briefly in the spring of 2025, only to retrograde back into Pisces in October 2025. They both enter Aries in January and February 2026 and won’t retrograde back into Pisces again. Full speed ahead in Aries.
Uranus, the planet of sudden change, will enter outspoken Gemini in April 2026 and will remail there until 2033. Jupiter will enter Leo in June 2026 for one year.
This combination of ingresses will definitely change society as we know it. We can already feel change in the air.
Pluto entered Aquarius on November 20, 2024, to January 21, 2044
The Aquarian Age started when Pluto entered Aquarius.
Neptune will enter Aries on January 27, 2026, to March 2039
Secrets will be revealed and healing will happen. New styles of healthcare will manifest.
Saturn will enter Aries on February 14, 2026, to April 2028
New rules and regulations. Structure of business and government will change.
Uranus will enter Gemini on April 25, 2026, to May 22, 2033
Speaking our minds and finding our collective voice. Freedom of communication. Radical new inventions.
Artificial Intelligence.
Jupiter will enter Leo on June 29, 2026, to July 2027
New leadership. Confidence, generosity and common sense will prevail.
Summary
The theme for 2026 is Empowerment. The Aquarian Age has officially begun with Pluto having already entered Aquarius. He opened the door so all the other slow-moving planets could walk through in their new signs as well. We will see the old paradigm ending so a new one can emerge. It will be jolting with the Chinese Fire Horse and Saturn and Neptune entering fiery Aries. The first few months will be the toughest, but in the summer, when Uranus enters vocal Gemini and Jupiter enters confident Leo, everything will move forward. It’s important to remember that these changes are not solely external but also internal, fostering a renewed sense of confidence and vitality in each and every one of us. Make major changes early in the year to enjoy greater freedom by spring. If we can all harness the Fire Horse and the powerful Aries energy, we will succeed beyond our wildest dreams.