Your Guide to the Astrology of 2026

Welcome to your guide to the Astrology of 2026!

If 2025 felt like a major rehearsal, 2026 is when the curtain truly rises on a new era. That intense period where three outer planets entered new signs—then retrograded back to finish old business—is now over. This year, those powerful generational planets anchor themselves for the long haul: Saturn and Neptune solidify their move into Aries this winter, and Uranus fully re-enters Gemini in the spring.

The year ahead is packed with major astrological events—a Venus retrograde, new eclipse axes, and all Mercury Retrogrades cycling through the depths of the Water signs. Crucially, many outer planet transits are flowing (trines and sextiles). This means the energy is available and moving; we can choose to resist the current, or we can consciously ride it toward our highest potential.

While any cosmic forecast can feel daunting, remember that astrology isn't about predicting a predetermined future. Instead, from an Evolutionary Astrology perspective, these transits offer profound opportunities for personal growth and soul evolution, both individually and collectively.

Are you ready to embrace the courage, clarity, and innovation that 2026 demands? Let’s dive in and explore the key astrological events that will define this transformative year!

KEY DATES

Outer Planets Changing Signs

• Neptune Re-enters Aries (Jan 26, 2026 - 2039)

• Saturn Re-enters Aries (Feb 13, 2026 - Apr 12, 2028)

• Uranus Re-enters Gemini (April 25, 2026 - 2033)

• Jupiter enters Leo (June 30, 2026 - July 26, 2027)

Planet-to-Planet Aspects

• Saturn and Neptune Conjunct in Aries (exact 2/2/26 in Aries, in range since mid 2025 and through May of 2026)

• Uranus in Gemini Trine Pluto in Aquarius (exact 7/17/26, 11/29/26, 6/14/27, in range beginning spring 2026 and intermittently through July of 2028)

• Jupiter in Leo Opposition Pluto in Aquarius (exact 7/20/2026, in range 6/21/26 - 8/19/26)

• Jupiter in Leo Trine Neptune in Aries (exact 7/20/2026, in range 6/21/26 - 8/19/26)

• Jupiter in Leo Saturn in in Aries (exact 8/31/26, in range 7/31/26 - 9/30/26)

Sextiles

• Uranus sextile Neptune (7/15/26, 1/15/27, 6/6/27)

• Neptune sextile Pluto (exact this year on 7/24/26, 9/15/26, but has been in range since the mid-20th century)

• Saturn sextile Uranus (1/19/26)

• Saturn sextile Pluto (3/28/26)

• Jupiter sextile Uranus (7/21/26)

Mercury Retrogrades

• Mercury Retrograde in Pisces (2/25/26 - 3/20/26)

• Mercury Retrograde in Cancer (6/29/26 - 7/30/26)

• Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio (10/24/26 - 11/13/26)

Venus Retrograde

• Venus Retrograde in Libra and Scorpio (10/3/26 - 11/13/26)

Eclipses

• Solar Eclipse in Aquarius (2/17/26)

• Lunar Eclipse in Virgo (3/3/26)

• Solar Eclipse in Leo (8/12/26)

• Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (8/28/26)

To learn how to work with these transits and add their dates to your digital calendar in just a few clicks, join my class, How to Plan Your Year with Astrology.

OUTER PLANETS CHANGING SIGNS

Neptune Re-enters Aries (Jan 26, 2026 - 2039)

After its final retreat into Pisces during late 2025, Neptune fully re-enters Aries on January 26th for the next 13 years. This shift from Pisces, the sign of endings, into Aries, the sign of birth and initiation, marks a momentous new chapter. Neptune's long transit in Aries invites each of us to actively step into courage as a spiritual practice. 

This powerful convergence of Neptune (vision) and Aries (assertion) is about pioneering a new spiritual self. Individually, we are encouraged to initiate groundbreaking practices and look for opportunities to apply our ideals directly to life. 

However, this transit also presents a serious collective challenge: the Aries shadow of frustration and anger can be magnified by Neptune’s overwhelming, sweeping influence, increasing the potential for collective violence. Our task is to make a conscious choice away from feeding that aggressive energy, maintaining mindfulness, and supporting the vulnerable. We must be deeply aware of our own contributions to the collective mood.

• The Challenge: Dealing with a surge of anger or frustration that is hard to channel constructively, and the collective risk of being swept up in delusion or violence.

• The Opportunity: To initiate profound spiritual breakthroughs and embrace courage as the foundation of your practice, leading to the confident assertion of your authentic self and beliefs.

Saturn Re-enters Aries (Feb 13, 2026 - Apr 12, 2028)

Saturn, the planet of structure and responsibility, fully establishes itself in the assertive sign of Aries on February 13th. Aries embodies the warrior archetype, encouraging us to "feel the fear and do it anyway." Saturn in Aries provides the necessary discipline and perseverance to commit to these pioneering endeavors. It amplifies your drive to initiate projects and pursue ambitions with focused intention, demanding that you build sustainable structures for your individuality.

The shadow side of this transit lies in willful perseverance in the wrong direction. There is a strong tendency to insist on getting your way, like the ram butting its head against a brick wall. It is crucial to remember the wisdom of surrender gleaned from the preceding Saturn in Pisces transit. The challenge here is learning to recognize when the ego is driving your actions versus when you are aligning with authentic purpose, requiring a mindful balance between courageous assertion and self-compassion.

• The Challenge: Stubborn resistance to course correction and the potential for harsh self-criticism. You must balance your assertive drive with the wisdom of when to pause or pivot. 

• The Opportunity: To launch significant, long-term endeavors and begin to build lasting structures. This transit provides the commitment needed to sustain courageous new beginnings.

Uranus Re-enters Gemini (April 25, 2026 - 2033)

Uranus re-enters Gemini after dipping in for a few months mid-2025. Its 7-year transit through Gemini sparks a period of rapid intellectual and communicative evolution. Gemini, with its inherent open-mindedness, embodies a state of the "Beginner's Mind"—a perspective free from judgment and unattached to dogma. As Uranus, the planet of innovation and rebellion, moves through this sign, we're collectively invited to dismantle outdated thought patterns and challenge belief systems that no longer serve our growth. This transit unleashes a surge of intellectual curiosity, driving us to explore unconventional ideas, invent new ways of connecting, and revolutionize how we learn and share information.

This era promises exciting breakthroughs in communication and knowledge sharing, with technologies like AI and social media undergoing rapid and unpredictable transformations. However, the shadow side of this transit also brings a heightened potential for misinformation and deception. We must cultivate critical thinking skills and learn to navigate a world where "smooth talkers" and fabricated realities can easily mislead. It is crucial to remain connected to our own inner truth and discern wisely amidst the influx of information.

• The Challenge: Dealing with a heightened potential for misinformation and mental burnout. You must actively cultivate discernment to protect yourself from being misled.

• The Opportunity: To launch an intellectual revolution, break free from limiting mental patterns, and experience groundbreaking innovation in your personal methods of learning and communication.

Jupiter enters Leo (June 30, 2026 - July 26, 2027)

Jupiter enters the vibrant sign of Leo in mid-2026, shifting the collective focus toward confidence, creative expansion, and dramatic self-expression. This year-long transit amplifies themes of leadership, the arts, entertainment, and the collective pursuit of joy and recognition. We can expect a noticeable boom in creative industries and a general collective impulse to take risks rooted in self-confidence. The energy encourages us to showcase our unique spirit and lead from a place of enthusiasm.

However, the evolutionary task here is critical: Jupiter magnifies the ego, forcing us to wrestle with the difference between genuine, heartfelt creativity and mere performance or spectacle. Issues of authenticity versus pride will dominate the world stage, making it crucial to ensure that leadership and creative output stem from a place of integrity rather than simply a desire for applause or external validation. This transit challenges us to harness our inner fire responsibly and cultivate true generosity of spirit.

• The Challenge: Dealing with amplified ego conflicts, inflated self-importance, and potential dramatic power struggles on the global stage. It requires active discernment between authentic leadership and mere arrogance.

• The Opportunity: To experience a major flowering of the arts, entertainment, and creative self-expression. This period supports finding joy, embracing self-confidence, and attracting opportunities that genuinely reflect the heart's desire.

Learn how the outer planets are affecting you in 2026 by booking a reading.

PLANET-TO-PLANET ASPECTS

Saturn and Neptune Conjunct in Aries 
(exact 2/2/26 in Aries, in range since mid 2025 and through May of 2026)

This powerful convergence, occurring roughly every 36 years, marks a pivotal moment where discipline and spiritual vision merge in the sign of action. It challenges us to move beyond mere dreaming and into the realm of practical manifestation, demanding that we build a solid, meaningful foundation for our spiritual lives. The core message is clear: trust in your intuition while grounding your ideals in reality by finding the courage (Aries) to take concrete, assertive steps toward your vision.

• The Challenge: Dealing with a surge of anger or frustration that is hard to channel constructively, and the collective risk of being swept up in delusion or violence.

• The Opportunity: To courageously manifest your highest spiritual ideals by integrating disciplined action with visionary purpose.

Uranus in Gemini Trine Pluto in Aquarius
(exact 7/17/26, 11/29/26, 6/14/27, in range beginning spring 2026 and intermittently through July of 2028)

This rare and powerful trine creates a flowing and supportive partnership between the forces of collective transformation and mental liberation. It signifies a period where revolutionary insights and rapid technological shifts (Uranus in Gemini) naturally support the deep societal restructuring and empowerment of groups (Pluto in Aquarius). This dynamic makes it easier for individuals to align their unique, innovative ideas with a larger, future-focused mission, resulting in accelerated progress and collective evolution.

• The Challenge: The primary challenge is avoiding dissociative behavior and an over-emphasis on intellectual approaches that override heart-centered, humanistic concerns.

• The Opportunity: This aspect offers an ideal environment for integrating radical authenticity with collective progress, accelerating profound change through revolutionary innovation and mental liberation.

Jupiter in Leo Opposition Pluto in Aquarius
(exact 7/20/2026, in range 6/21/26 - 8/19/26)

This intense opposition creates a dynamic tension between the urge for dramatic individual self-expression and creative expansion (Jupiter in Leo) and the need for profound, non-personal social transformation (Pluto in Aquarius). This period highlights struggles regarding ego versus the group, demanding that we re-evaluate where we seek recognition and how we use our creative power for the collective good. We will see that when we let go of our ego’s need to be noticed for the sake of being noticed, we can be part of our community in ways that are more fulfilling and productive.

• The Challenge: The conflict between individual ego-driven ambition and the imperative for collective ethical transformation.

• The Opportunity: To transform our unique creative passions into a powerful vehicle for genuine social change and find authentic recognition by serving a greater mission.

Jupiter in Leo Trine Neptune in Aries
(exact 7/20/2026, in range 6/21/26 - 8/19/26)

Jupiter magnifies what it touches, and Neptune is the planet of imagination and spiritual connection. With both of these expansive planets in Fire signs, we can feel inspired now more than ever to take a risk and go all-in on the things that give us a sense of greater meaning. This harmonious fire trine amplifies our enthusiasm and motivates us to take a leap of faith toward our biggest dreams, whether that manifests as a career expansion, a creative project, or a budding romance. However, as always with Jupiter, all that glitters is not gold, and Neptune has its delusional qualities as well, requiring that you keep one toe tethered to the ground during this period.

• The Challenge: Maintaining discernment amidst intense, romantic idealism, where grand schemes may lack realistic grounding.

• The Opportunity: This transit offers a powerful flow of energy to courageously manifest your highest creative and spiritual ideals, supported by optimism and enthusiasm.
  

Jupiter in Leo Saturn in in Aries
(exact 8/31/26, in range 7/31/26 - 9/30/26)

This powerful Fire trine creates a dynamic synergy between expansive optimism and disciplined initiative, flowing easily between Jupiter in Leo and Saturn in Aries. This energy can help us to overcome the inertia and fear that previously stalled major creative and structural projects, allowing us to take bold action on ambitious, long-term goals. Jupiter's faith fuels the courage to initiate, while Saturn ensures the resulting creative output is structured and built to last, providing phenomenal forward momentum where we previously procrastinated.

• The Challenge: The tendency toward overwork and overcommitment (Leo/Jupiter excess), leading to burnout or taking on unsustainable levels of ambition and responsibility.

• The Opportunity: This aspect offers exceptional productivity and growth spurts for projects requiring long-term effort, allowing us to build lasting structures.

A PATTERN OF SEXTILES

The sextile is a flowing and supportive aspect in astrology, representing a 60-degree angle between two planets. It signifies a harmonious flow of energy that creates opportunity, ease, and synergy between the planets involved. In 2026, the prevalence of sextiles between the slower-moving outer planets promises a year where profound shifts are supported by a constructive underlying current. 

This ease of movement is highlighted by several powerful alignments: 

Uranus sextile Neptune  (7/15/26, 1/15/27, 6/6/27) 
Theme: Visionary Progress

Neptune sextile Pluto (exact this year on 7/24/26, 9/15/26, but has been in range since the mid-20th century)
Theme: Collective Healing

Saturn sextile Uranus (1/19/26)
Theme: Structured Innovation

Saturn sextile Pluto (3/28/26)
Theme: Enduring Change

Jupiter sextile Uranus (7/21/26)
Theme: Expansive Breakthroughs

Collectively, these sextiles provide the necessary energetic support to build the future and make courageous changes without being blocked by excessive resistance.

Transits happen all year around, and they’re always changing. In Transit Your Year, you receive readings every 3 months, so you can stay connected to how these transits impact your daily life.

MERCURY RETROGRADES

Mercury Retrograde is always a necessary time to slow down, look within, and make space to hear our inner guidance. In 2026, with all three retrogrades cycling through the Water element (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio), we are collectively invited into the deeper emotional current. We must remember that feelings are their own language; analyzing them is not the point. This year, the work is about allowing the truth of our emotions to surface and learning how to trust their wisdom.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces
(2/25/26 - 3/20/26)

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces invites reflection on acceptance of self and others and our connection to the transcendent realm. It's a time to pause, reflect, and spend time in our inner world.

• The Opportunity: To deepen your spiritual connection, integrate intuitive insights, and achieve breakthroughs in creative or artistic pursuits.

• The Challenge: Dealing with mental fog, misplacing boundaries, avoiding necessary reality checks, and numbing or escapism.

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer
(6/29/26 - 7/30/26)

When Mercury rewinds through nurturing Cancer, the focus shifts to home, family, and emotional security. This retrograde calls us to open our hearts and spend time nurturing our closest bonds.

• The Opportunity: To revisit and heal long-standing family patterns, strengthen your emotional foundation, and make peace with aspects of your personal past.

• The Challenge: Becoming overly moody, defensive, or getting stuck in past emotional narratives, leading to communication struggles with loved ones.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio
(10/24/26 - 11/13/26)

As Mercury travels through probing Scorpio, we are invited to confront what we might normally be resistant to—our deepest fears, shadows, and unacknowledged wounds. This retrograde is a powerful call to check in with what we have been sweeping under the rug.

• The Opportunity: To achieve profound psychological clarity, honestly re-evaluate intimate bonds and the balance of power in relationships, and gain wisdom from the depths of your unconscious.

• The Challenge: Dealing with suspicion, intense mental brooding, or the temptation to engage in emotional manipulation rather than facing the truth head-on.

This cycle provides a profound opportunity to transform unconscious emotional patterns into conscious choices, leaving us aligned with our true nature.

Follow my monthly blog posts for deeper interpretations of each Mercury Retrograde and check Mercury Retrograde dates for the year ahead HERE. Plus, get my free eBook, How to Work with Mercury Retrograde.

VENUS RETROGRADE IN LIBRA AND SCORPIO

Venus Retrograde in Libra and Scorpio
(10/3/26 - 11/13/26)

Venus Retrogrades happen about every 1 ½ years. Retrogrades are not inherently negative; they are cosmic invitations to review, reconsider, and reconnect with the core nature of the retrograde planet. Venus is a planet which rules partnership, values, and even finances. This Venus retrograde period is a powerful time to re-evaluate what truly brings us pleasure and peace, especially concerning our relationships and core values. As Venus transits back through the partnership-focused signs of Libra and Scorpio, we are asked to move from surface harmony to deep truth. The initial part of the retrograde in Scorpio demands confronting difficult material from the past within relationships, such as grudges or resentments, actively working to heal relational rifts. The Libra phase calls for reviewing concepts of balance and fairness in close agreements, often requiring a renegotiation of roles. 

• The Challenge: The discomfort of confronting difficult relationship resentments (Scorpio) and the potential instability when renegotiating previously settled agreements (Libra).

• The Opportunity: This transit provides the profound opportunity to heal core relational wounds, clarify your self-worth, and establish long-term, authentic, and satisfying boundaries in all your most intimate bonds.

ECLIPSES

Eclipses happen in pairs, 2 weeks apart, about every 6 months. They move backwards through polarities of signs (opposites), spending about 2 years in each polarity. The current Pisces/Virgo pairs of eclipses are giving way in 2026 to a new sign polarity, Leo/Aquarius. This begins with the Solar Eclipse in Aquarius in February. Near the same time as the polarity shifts to a new sign pair, the Transiting Nodes also shift. Stay tuned to my monthly blog posts for more about the Transiting Nodes entering Leo/Aquarius in August of 2026.

Eclipses operate on both the collective and the individual levels. We can all tap into the energy of the lunar or solar eclipse by paying attention to the astrological sign it occupies and consciously working with the themes at play. Individually, you can go deeper with ritual and intention by paying attention to where the eclipses land in your personal chart (by natal house or any planets aspected.)

Solar Eclipse in Aquarius (2/17/26)

This eclipse signals a powerful new beginning or turning point related to friendships, social circles, and future goals. You may feel a strong urge to engage in humanitarian efforts or break free from conventional groups, prompting a major shift in your collective vision. This is a time to embrace innovation and align your aspirations with your authentic, individualistic self. Keywords: new beginnings, community, innovation, aspirations.

Lunar Eclipse in Virgo (3/3/26)

This eclipse brings emotional culmination and a potent call to release any tendencies toward perfectionism or excessive self-criticism. You may experience a significant turning point in your daily routines, work habits, or health strategies, urging you to create sustainable systems that truly support your well-being. It is a powerful time to find discernment and shed what is inefficient or draining your energy. Keywords: release, routines, health, perfectionism.

Solar Eclipse in Leo (8/12/26)

This eclipse signals a powerful new beginning or turning point related to your creativity, confidence, self-expression, and romantic life. You may feel a strong urge to pursue your passions or take a risk on a new venture that puts your unique talents center stage. This is a time to embrace your inner child, lead with your heart, and align your future self with your authentic joy.

Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (8/28/26)

This eclipse brings emotional culmination and a potent call to release any tendencies toward spiritual escapism, confusion, or martyrdom. You may experience a significant turning point related to your intuition, empathy, or connection to the divine, urging you to bring vague emotional issues to a clear close. It is a powerful time to find closure in creative projects, release unconscious burdens, and establish healthy boundaries around your compassionate nature. Keywords: release, intuition, healing, closure.

If you’d like to know more about how to plan your year using Eclipses, Mercury Retrogrades, and outer planetary transits, check out my new class, How to Plan Your Year with Astrology.

CONCLUSION

The Astrology of 2026 is defined by a massive energetic influx of Fire and Air, urging us out of the contemplative cocoon of the past few years and into a period of courageous clarity.

The collective work involves taking ownership of our creative power (Jupiter in Leo) and participating in the rapid mental liberation and social restructuring brought by Uranus in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius. The presence of numerous outer-planet sextiles acts as a cosmic tailwind, providing opportunities and ease for these large-scale changes.

Ultimately, 2026 is a year where your soul’s purpose is built into reality. Every retrograde in Water reminds us to check in with our heart, and every major Fire transit asks us to move forward with unwavering self-trust. 

If you want to know exactly where these powerful transits are initiating these new cycles in your personal blueprint, my Transit Your Year package offers the deep, personalized guidance you need to navigate 2026 with strategy and peace of mind.

And if you’d like to stay up to date on my forecasts for the collective, be sure to check back for my monthly blog posts HERE.