Hello and welcome to January 2026!

It’s an futile exercise to try and distill down the chaotic astrology of 2025. In part, that’s because the planetary movements last year were far more active than in any of the 35 years I have been researching and writing these articles, and also because there were planetary events last year that have not happened simultaneously for hundreds of years.

There are so many changes this year, so much newness – which isn’t to say that it is bad or scary or negative – it’s simply new. I don’t think any of us have moved through the last several years without feeling a pressure cooker of energies. We can all feel that things are shifting and yet, we don’t know what is coming. The focus has been on fractures, polarities and endings rather than speaking about what our part of the world could be like on the other side of such dramatic times. Which is why we had a planetary “time-out” in December, encouraging us to take some dedicated time to plan for our next steps.

2025 felt like it went for about four months rather than twelve, such was the frenetic pace of it all. Now, in this new year we have a few of the same astrological movements happening once more, though in 2026 those planets will move signs and then stay put, rather than to-ing and fro-ing between signs. Overall, it feels like last year was the prologue and this year is the first chapter, one in which the storylines can really get some momentum behind them.

2026 begins on a pragmatic note when Mercury enters Capricorn on the 1st. This is the ideal transit for making plans. What do you want or need to accomplish this year? Which goals need to be prioritized? Can you find a balance between work, home, and hobbies? If not, what does it need to go?

And then there is Neptune, the watery god of imagination, intuition and spiritual connection making its final move from its ruler Pisces (where it has lived since 2011) into Aries on January 26th, where it will reside until 2039. Saturn, the planet of integrity and self-mastery, will also make the move from Pisces to Aries on February 13th, where it will reside until April 2028.

With both transits we see this shift from Pisces to Aries, a divide that takes us from the misty fog of the collective dreamworld into the primal oneness of fiery Aries. This is a movement from womb to individual. Plans are in place to turn our visions and dreams into reality. Are we building them to last, sustainably or are they effects of whimsy or an insatiable appetite for the new? Saturn in Aries will teach us about long-range time, practical application and to build in pragmatism with our action energy, tempering an insatiable (and often immature) need for the new-new-new.

Release and Realign: Get really clear what you want to bring into 2026 and set your intentions for the new year. And the astrology is on your side. Nothing's being eclipsed. And there's not a Mercury retrograde. So, January is going to be a very powerful month for framing your future.

Intuition and Clarity: With Neptune direct, trust your inner voice. Creative outlets like manifesting, meditation, or art are powerful tools for healing and processing emotions, especially around the Full Moon and during Venus retrograde reflection periods.

Manifestation: Set aside time to mentally picture yourself already having achieved your goals, focusing on the positive emotions that come with it. With Neptune and later Saturn in Aries, this blend of intuition with subsequent structured action will help us take our dreams and spiritual, psychic, and creative energies and make them real. When you allow yourself to receive with gratitude, then take steps to kindly use the items or support manifested, you align with your spiritual flow of energy.

Try to make consistent time to focus what we want to see more of in our lives: peace, joy, sharing, abundance, and coming together as a force for love, and the highest good of all. Then we will be truly co-creating with the cosmos in the best way possible - all the ingredients are there for us right now.

Now we can see how specific January dates will affect you.

· Full Moon in Cancer (January 3): This is your lunar nudge to get your home in order. Take down holiday decorations, deep clean the kitchen, and throw out any trash accumulated from last month’s festivities. A day spent organizing your nest will put your home on solid ground—and lift your mood.

Venus moves into Aquarius (January 17): Romance goes high-tech. If you are single, there is no better time to update your online profile. You can also meet new love interests through friends or group activities. Just remember to lead with your mind. Smarts win hearts during this transit. Already partnered? Look for ways to connect via the mind. Think: good conversations over coffee, romantic texts, or Netflix and chill. This transit of Venus is also your best slot to invest in new computers, gadgets, and mentally stimulating hobbies. Venus leaves Aquarius on February 10th.

Sun in Aquarius (January 19): This transit means logic rules for the following 4 weeks. Keep a cool head, lead with facts, and you’ll win every argument. This month is excellent for catchups with pals, winter events, and group activities. Why spend this cold time of year alone? It’s better with friends. The Sun leaves Aquarius for sensitive Pisces on February 18th.

Saturn sextile (60) Uranus (January 20): In the wee hours of the morning is the final pass in a trilogy that began last April. Issues between the old guard and progress found common ground. Work is still needed, but this aspect shows the way forward. A drastic shift in power is on the way, but how it shakes out remains to be seen. Look for the helpers, workers, and brave souls—they will lead the way this year. We won’t experience this aspect again until 2038.

• Mercury into Aquarius (January 20): This is considered brilliant aspect but a bit icy. During this transit, which hangs around until February 6th, it’s best to let your head take the wheel rather than your heart. Decisions need to be made around the hard, cold facts.
• Mars into Aquarius (January 23): This is a transit that favors innovation, independence, and progress. Mars likes to fight, and in this sign, it’s the good kind. Social justice issues could inspire the collective to come together. All for one and one for all! The power to the people! It’s a fabulous period for intellectual pursuits (and arguments), humanitarian efforts, and community building. However, it can be a bit erratic and restless. While the intentions may be noble, fights could turn into grudge matches or mutinies. Choose your battles wisely. Mars remains here until March 2nd.
• Neptune back into Aries (January 26): This is for a long stay that lasts until March 2039. 2025 gave us a taste of what this transit is all about: fresh inspiration and ideals. Now, we can begin building the dream in earnest. What do you want to create? Which new things are tugging at your sleeve? Whatever your imagination conjures can become a reality if you are willing to put in the work. Keep in mind, this transit is associated with rebellion and uprisings. If authorities ignore public concerns, it may spark a revolution.

MANY BLESSINGS, JULIE REEVES, https://sightedastrology.com/

Personal Note; Find out how all the planetary events affect you in these first months of 2026. What cycle are you in? Please contact me at julie@sightedastrology.com for an appointment. All consultations may be done on Zoom and can be video recorded for you to keep.