AstroWatch

*Any times indicated are for the Pacific Time Zone.

*Remember, these are just transits and they too, like a kidney stone, shall pass.

Forecast for 2026

At last, 2025 is over!  For some, it was a good year with good memories.  For some, not so good.  Memorable, yes, but not good memories.  For others, probably most, just another year with ups and downs.

What about 2026?  Will it be different?  Yes, in some ways.  2025 was a “9” year (2+0+2+5=9), the end of a cycle, symbolizing a year for finishing things in preparation for 2026, a “1” year (2+0+2+6=10; 1+0=1), the beginning of a new cycle, symbolizing a year for starting new things.  For reference, the previous “9” year was 2016 (2+0+1+6=9), and the previous “1” year was 2017 (2+0+1+7=10; 1+0=1).  Did you start or acquire something in 2017 that culminated, ended, was sold, or disposed of in 2025?  If so, that is the essence of these nine-year recurring cycles.

 So, will 2026 be better? Will it feel different?  In many ways, probably not, as there is a lot of energy and dynamics that are carrying over.  With most long cycles, things don’t make sharp changes; they flow as one year fades away and the new year grows and takes over. 

Some other carry-overs from 2025 to 2026 are Jupiter and Uranus retrograde, suggesting that possible delays, setbacks, do-overs, and disappointments will continue.  There are four planets out-of-bounds, three south, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, and one north, the Moon.  That means that half of the eight planets that can go out-of-bounds, are out-of-bounds.  Out-of-bounds symbolizes a lack of constraints, going to extremes, and, in this case, with thoughts of the future and people and things from the past coming back into our lives.

 Some of the key aspects for the first ten days of January include Mercury waning square Neptune, after which Mercury will go void-of-course and then enter Capricorn on the 1st.  Chiron stations direct on the 2nd, followed by the Cancer Full Moon on the 3rd, one of three oppositions and five major aspects that day, all by the Moon.  On the 6th, Venus will make her superior conjunction to the Sun, followed on the 7th by Venus conjunct Mars, and then on the 9th, the Sun will conjunct Mars, and then Venus will oppose Jupiter.  On the 10th, the Sun will oppose Jupiter, and then Mars will oppose Jupiter, the first two of six major aspects that day.

01/01/2026 – 2:04 am – fast Out-of-Bounds North (OoBN) Moon waxing inconjunct/quincunx Out-of-Bounds South (OoBS) Mars

This is a continuation of the waxing quincunxes that the Moon made to Venus and the Sun to end 2025, suggesting that surprise actions may be the norm, at least for the beginning of 2026.  Note any dreams, insights, feelings, or other surprises that may come to you during the night or on waking.

 01/01/2026 – 5:33 am – (OoBS) Mercury waning mutable square Neptune

Following this crisis of consciousness square, Mercury goes void-of-course for almost 7 3/4 hours.  With this combination, some may find themselves questioning their own thoughts.  Is Neptune hiding something?  Is He trying to deceive or mislead?  Trust your instincts, your gut feeling!

 01/01/2026 – 1:11 pm – (OoBS) Mercury enters Capricorn

The south symbolizes the past.  Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign and also known as the business sign.  When considering business in 2026, look back to what has worked and more importantly, what hasn’t worked in the past.  Don’t make the same mistake twice.

 01/01/2026 – 11:09 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon waxing mutable square Shadow Saturn

Coming late in the day, this crisis of action square may manifest as thoughts or dreams around what you should or need to do tomorrow or even the coming week.  Note any dreams, thoughts, feelings, or other sensations that come to you tonight, while you sleep, or on waking.  Because both planets are in mutable, sometimes indecisive signs, it may be more difficult to decide what action to take.  But choose you must.

 01/02/2026 – 4:24 am – fast (OoBN) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing mutable square to Neptune, the Moon goes void-of-course for 45 minutes until entering Her home sign of Cancer at 5:09 am.  Any doubts you may have about what to do, may be cleared away by this aspect.  Trust yourself.  You do know what to do.  You just need to do it.  With the Moon in Her Cancer home, the choices should become clearer and deciding should be easier.

 01/02/2026 – 6:38 am – Chiron stations Direct

As Chiron stations at 22 Aries 36’, it will be as if He appears to sit and ponder what 2026 has to offer.  Chiron is traveling through that part of the zodiac where He is farthest from the Sun, taking Him out to His grandfather Uranus’s orbit.  He has actually been at 22 Aries since December 3, 2025, and won’t return to 23 Aries until January 31, 2026.  Those with planets or other sensitive points at or near 22 Aries or one of the other cardinal signs, Libra, Cancer, or Capricorn, may feel this the strongest.  What might you feel?  It could be as if an old wound has been ripped open again, or as if you are facing the most difficult test you have ever faced, or perhaps as if you have been abandoned by those who should love you?  These are just some of the possibilities, each to varying degrees that might be experienced.

01/02/2026 – 6:58 am – fast (OoBN) Moon cardinal opposition Mercury

The opposition is the midpoint in a cycle, similar to a Full Moon.  It is the turning point as work moves from developing, expanding to consolidating, completing.  It is also about finding balance in your work and life.  You might start your day by asking yourself, am I out of balance in any part of my life?  If yes, then you decide what you are going to do about it.

 Over 2 1/2 hours later (9:35 am), the (OoBN) Moon will make a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to Pluto for the last aspect of the day.  This quincunx precedes the opposition.  The surprise may be discovering something that isn’t in balance as Pluto leads us through the dark light of day.

 01/03/2026 – 12:40 am – fast (OoBN) Moon cardinal opposition Venus

This is the first of three consecutive cardinal oppositions, all before sunrise, and five total exact major aspects, all by the Moon today.  This could be an emotional day for some, an uncomfortable day for others.  Then there are those who may not feel the difference.  It all depends on how, if at all, these aspects connect with your planets and other sensitive points.

 It is the first hour of Saturday morning, some may be sleeping while others may still be enjoying the night.  With Venus involved this could be about a special relationship and making it stronger, perhaps taking it to the next level, making it official, proposing, or getting married or about something that you desire.

 With all three cardinal, start something, oppositions coming before sunrise, be sure to note any dreams, visions, insights, “a-ha” moments, feelings, or other sensations that come to you during the night and on waking.  Did you hear something?  Did you see something?  Just because you can’t see or hear it now, doesn’t mean it wasn’t real when you did.

 01/03/2026 – 2:03 am – fast (OoBN) Full Moon cardinal opposition Sun

This second aspect of the day is the Full Moon, commonly known as the “Wolf Moon,” named for the howling of the hungry wolf packs as they seek their next meal.  She is at 13 Cancer 02’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A very old man facing a vast dark space to the northeast.”  This suggests that one may be seeking help or spiritual guidance as the Northeast symbolizes this.  This is about having the trust and courage that you have the strength and wisdom to make the connection you might seek.  The potential downside is that some may be feeling that they have a lack of purpose or have been abandoned, or that they have a loss of faith.

 This Full Moon is conjunct the fixed star Sirius, the fifth brightest object in the sky after the Sun, Moon, Venus, and Jupiter.  Sirius symbolizes indigenous people who may feel as if they have been abandoned by those who claimed to have their best interest at heart.  Sirius also symbolizes having faith in the future and finding the truth, even in the darkest of times.

 01/03/2026 – 4:37 am – fast (OoBN) Moon cardinal opposition (OoBS) Mars

For the third aspect of the day, the Moon is in Her home sign of Cancer and at Her strongest and Mars is strengthened in Capricorn the sign of His exaltation.  This dynamic may create a powerful tug-of-war between them and so any action may require greater effort.  With Mars involved, this aspect may offer the opportunity to take any action necessary to restore balance in your life after the busy holiday season.

01/03/2026 – 10:06 am – Venus returns In-Bounds

As she crosses 12 Capricorn 40’, Venus returns into the Boundary of the Sun.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A fire worshipper.”  This suggests that if you don’t have a spiritual or religious belief, you may want to consider seeking one now.  Check the next aspect.

 01/03/2026 – 2:54 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon cardinal water conjunction retrograde Jupiter

The fourth aspect of the day is this new Moon Jupiter cycle, the first, and perhaps theme setter, for 2026.  Jupiter was the ancient ruler of Pisces and combined with His rulership of Sagittarius, offers an opportunity to review, reconsider, or consider what it is that you do believe?  All the aspects seem to be offering support in that endeavor, and it would be an appropriate thing to start with a new Jupiter cycle.  With Jupiter retrograde, you might want to start by revisiting any past beliefs.

 01/03/2026 – 11:45 pm – fast (OoBN) Moon waxing water trine shadow Saturn

This pause and review of any recent actions trine is the fifth and final aspect of the day.  Start by reviewing what you did today.  Did you accomplish what you wanted to?  If not, what didn’t get done?  Will you do it tomorrow?

01/04/2026 – 2:12 am – fast (OoBN) Moon waxing sextile retrograde Uranus

This is the review any new things started recently sextile.  Coming in the night, it may offer a dream or sudden insight to get you thinking.  If something wakes you in the night, note the time, what it was, and what your reaction was, with as much detail as possible.  Your answers may be in there.

 01/04/2026 – 4:59 am – fast (OoBN) Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing pause and review of any recent actions water trine to Neptune, the Moon goes void-of-course for 45 minutes, until entering Leo at 5:44 am.  Note any dreams, insights, feelings or other sensations that come to you as they are messages from your subconscious.

 As she crosses 29 Cancer 46’, 23 minutes before entering Leo (5:21 am), the fast Moon returns into the controlling boundary of the Sun.  Some may feel this shift as their day gets started.

 01/04/2026 – 9:57 am – Mars returns In-Bounds

As He crosses 15 Capricorn 34’, Mars returns into the stifling (for Him), boundary of the Sun.  However, there is hope as the Sabian Symbol for this degree is “School grounds filled with boys and girls in gym clothes.”  This suggests a time to be active, for excitement, doing something physical, be it playing sports, walking, or sightseeing.  It is Sunday and you can choose what activity you want to do.

01/04/2026 – 10:25 am – fast Moon fixed opposition Pluto

With Pluto involved, this opposition may take on a deeper, personal, possibly darker persona.  This could make finding and maintaining your balance and progress more challenging.

Three hours later (1:25 pm), the fast Moon will make a waning inconjunct/ quincunx to Mercury for the last aspect of the day.  This is the aspect that follows the opposition.  With Mercury involved it could be a surprise phone call, email, text, or other type of message or a sudden thought that “pops” into your head.  Whatever it may be, it is important.

 01/05/2026 – 6:56 am – fast Moon waning inconjunct/quincunx Venus

There are no exact major aspects (Ptolemaic aspects, conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition), between the ten traditional planets today.  However, there will be three waning quincunxes and a waxing trine to Chiron which could make for a day of surprises and opportunities.

It is Monday, and for some, their first “workday” of the new year.  Starting with Venus, the surprise may have to do with something or someone that you desire.  It could be a good surprise or a disappointment as waning aspects are about consolidating and completing things.  Do you have something important that you need to complete?  What are you willing to give up to achieve your goals?

 Twenty-six minutes later (7:24 am), the fast Moon will make the second waning quincunx of the day, this time to the Sun.  A surprise now may be on a more personal level, but one that could have great significance for you.

 About 1 3/4 hours later (9:08 am), the fast Moon will make the third waning quincunx of the day, this time to Mars.  This surprise may require a quick reaction or action on your part so pay attention to your surroundings as there may be danger around you.

 01/05/2026 – 7:59 pm – decelerating Moon waxing fire trine Chiron

This is the pause and review of any recent actions trine.  Take time to review what you have done today.  There may be something that you need to change, missed or forgot to do.  If you can’t “fix” it tonight, then put it on the top of your to-do list for tomorrow.

 01/06/2026 – 5:05 am – decelerating Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a waxing fixed crisis of action square to retrograde Uranus, the Moon goes void-of-course for almost four hours.  Did something wake you in the night or just early?  If so, note the time, what it was, and as much detail as possible.  You should also note any dreams, insights, feelings, or other sensations that you may have during the night or on waking.

Over two hours earlier (2:48 am), the Moon made a waxing inconjunct/ quincunx to shadow Saturn, the first of three quincunxes today.  The waxing quincunx precedes the opposition suggesting a time to prepare things to move from waxing, developing to waning, completing.  Note any dreams or other events that may happen around this time.  With Saturn involved, the details are most important.  Don’t leave any out.

Just over three hours after the square to Uranus (8:13 am), the Moon will make a waxing quincunx to Neptune for the second of the day.  Now it is Neptune’s turn to offer up a surprise.  It may be something hidden in a fog or revealed in a dream.  It may be as some other sign, something out-of-place or unreal.  Pay attention to everything.

 01/06/2026 – 8:36 am – Venus Superior Conjunction Sun

This conjunction is at 16 Capricorn 22’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A girl surreptitiously bathing in the nude.”  This symbol represents letting go of your self-imposed constraints and inhibitions that are holding you back.  Like Venus through the “underworld,” you can be “reborn.”

The Superior Conjunction occurs when Venus, transiting on the far side of the Sun, aligns with the Sun and the Earth.  Like a full Moon, the face of Venus will be fully illuminated by the Sun to viewers on Earth.  This is generally considered the midpoint in a Sun Venus cycle and is symbolically Venus’ other transit of the underworld.  After several days, She will appear in the west as the evening star Hesperus.  Did you start something around the time of Her Inferior Conjunction with the Sun, March 22, 2025, perhaps up to five days before or after?  If so, how is it developing?  Is it at that point where you are ready to begin trimming it, consolidating it, paring it down to the essential parts to be completed?  If not, best get to it.

01/06/2026 – 8:57 am – decelerating Moon enters Virgo

Now in logical, analytical, mutable earth Virgo, the Moon may seem to take on a cooler, more methodical air about Her.  Use this energy while you can.

Over five hours later (2:06 pm), the Moon will make a waning inconjunct/quincunx to Pluto for the third and final quincunx of the day.  This quincunx follows the opposition and while the surprise may seem personal, it may have greater implications in the days ahead.

01/07/2026 – 12:02 am – average Moon waning earth trine (OoBS) Mercury

This is the first of four consecutive waning, pause and plan your next actions earth trines by the Moon and the first of six exact major aspects, five by the Moon, today.  This suggests that you may want to focus on older or other work that needs to be completed sooner.  Coming in the night, note any dreams, insights, feelings, or other sensations that you may see, hear, or think.

01/07/2026 – 5:04 pm – average Moon waning earth trine Sun

The next three waning earth trines occur so quickly as to be like a gale rather than a breeze.  Is there a storm coming?  Perhaps so, for there are several rare astronomical events coming in the weeks and months ahead that suggest great changes are coming.  The choice is do you bend or do you break.  In a few days, these trines will become squares, then sextiles, then conjunctions.  This sequence of four will repeat, then become five, and then six in close sequence in the months ahead.  Some may feel this as if a great storm is coming, but others will be oblivious to it.  Which will you be?

 Just 40 minutes later (5:44 pm), the Moon will make the third waning earth trine, this time to Venus.  What are you passionate about?  What or who is it that you desire most?  The next one comes so quickly that you may not have time to think about it, just instinctively react.

 Just two minutes (simultaneously) later (5:46 pm), the Moon will make the fourth and final waning earth trine of the day, this time to Mars.  Trust your instincts and muscle memory.  Be aware of your surroundings.

01/07/2026 – 6:43 pm – Venus conjunct Mars

This is the fifth aspect of the day and the only one not involving the Moon.  Their conjunction is at 18 Capricorn 09’.  The Sabian symbol for this degree is “A child of about five carrying a huge shopping bag.”  This suggests that you may be called on to do or “carry” something that you think is too much for you.  Time to step up and prove yourself.  You are capable of more than you think.

 01/07/2026 – 9:59 pm – average Moon waxing sextile retrograde Jupiter

This is the pause and review those new things started recently.  Did you start something new with the Moon Jupiter conjunction four days ago, or since then?  If so, how are they developing?  Now would be a good time to plan your next action to keep them on track and moving forward.

 01/08/2026 – 9:46 am – slowing Moon mutable opposition shadow Saturn

This is the midpoint of their cycle.  Time to check how things are going.  Take a critical close look at where things are going and consider if that is where you want them to go.  You can make a “course correction” at this time if you choose to do so.

01/08/2026 – 11:50 am – slowing Moon waxing earth trine retrograde Uranus

Now things shift to the other side of the cycle as this is the pause and review of any recent actions trine.  Are the results of your actions what you expected?  If so, continue forward.  If not, what do you change to get back on track?

 01/08/2026 – 3:23 pm – slowing Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following a mutable opposition to Neptune, the Moon goes void-of-course for 43 minutes until entering Libra at 4:06 pm.  Don’t start anything new.  Set it aside for later, when cooperation and team work are emphasized.  Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or someone else’s opinion.

 01/08/2026 – 9:47 pm – slowing Moon waning air trine Pluto

This is another pause and plan your next action trine.  Considering what you plan on doing tomorrow, what do you do first?

01/09/2026 – 3:41 am – Sun conjunct Mars

Their conjunction is at 19 Capricorn 13’.  The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “A hidden choir singing.”  This suggests that there may be things that you can’t see but need to be aware of.  Be quiet and listen for the unheard.  Close your eyes and see what others may not.  Avoid impulsive actions.  Trust your instincts.  This is the end of their old cycle and the beginning of their new one.  Their previous conjunction was January 15, 2025.  Did you start something new around that date?  Have you finished it or forgotten about it?  Their next conjunction will be February 19, 2027.  What new thing are you going to start at this time?

 01/09/2026 – 9:35 am – Venus cardinal opposition retrograde Jupiter

Venus, the Sun, and Mars are so close together that within less than 24 hours, each will make an exact opposition to retrograde Jupiter which may bring up events, things, or people from the past.  As the lesser and greater benefics face off, this may be about balancing past benefits with what is desired or what you are working for in the future.  Perhaps your heart should rule with this choice.

 01/09/2026 – 4:34 pm – slow Moon waning cardinal square Mercury

With both the Moon and Mercury in action-oriented cardinal signs, this crisis of consciousness square suggests that you engage your brain before taking any action.  The objective now is to eliminate the unnecessary, that which does not add value to what you are working on as you complete the task at hand.

 01/10/2026 – 12:42 am – Sun cardinal opposition retrograde Jupiter

This is the first of six consecutive exact major aspects, the first three all to retrograde Jupiter and four  waning cardinal squares by the slow Moon.  As the two largest bodies in the Solar System face off, it may take on a feeling of David versus Goliath.  Each needs the other to accomplish their purpose.  With Jupiter retrograde, it may be about returning to a point of balance.  Note any dreams, insights, “a-ha” moments, feelings, or other sensations that come to you during the night or on waking.  You should find value in your notes in the hours and days ahead.

01/10/2026 – 6:25 am – Mars cardinal opposition retrograde Jupiter

Now it is Mars turn to face off with His outer solar system neighbor and, according to Roman mythology, His father Jupiter.  With Jupiter retrograde this could bring up issues you may have with your own father, or perhaps some other figure of authority.  Now would be a good time to deal with any such issues you may have and put them behind you.

 01/10/2026 – 7:08 am – average Moon waxing cardinal square retrograde Jupiter

An early Saturday morning cardinal crisis of action square could wake you or just give you the incentive to take action on some important project either at work or at home.

Just four minutes later (simultaneously, 7:12 am), the slow Moon will make the second of Her cardinal squares, this one to Mars and the next two, all three waning crisis of consciousness squares.  Avoid impulsive decisions.  Think before acting.

 Thirty-six minutes later (7:48 am), the slow Moon will make another waning cardinal crisis of consciousness square, this one to the Sun.  Choose your actions carefully.  If you can, wait until after the next square before deciding and taking action.

01/10/2026 – 9:54 am – slow Moon goes Void-of-Course

Following Her fourth cardinal square, this time to Venus, the Moon goes void-of-course for 17 hours.  She will finally enter Scorpio early tomorrow morning.  

Fortunately, it is Saturday morning which should make it easier for most to not start anything new during this time.  If you must start something new, do so cautiously, slowly, reviewing the requirements and your actions frequently.  Waning squares are about taking actions that lead to the completion of things, not something new.  You may want to focus on projects that you have previously started that are nearing or ready to be completed.

About 10 3/4 hours later (8:36 pm), the slow Moon will make a waning inconjunct/quincunx to Neptune.  Have you been working on a dream project?  If so, how is it coming?  You need to be thinking about what you need to do to get things ready to be completed.  Perhaps tonight, a dream will guide you to your answers.

Less than two hours later (10:20 pm), the slow Moon will make a waxing inconjunct/quincunx to retrograde Uranus.  This could be a double surprise or at least a totally unexpected one.

Forecast for January 11-20

On the 12th, the Moon will begin a sequence of four waning sextiles, the first  to Mercury, then Mars, followed on the 13th by sextiles to the Sun and Venus, two of six major aspects by the Moon that day.  Also, on the 13th the Moon will go out-of-bounds south joining Mercury.  On the 14th Mercury will oppose Jupiter and then on the 15th, Mercury will finally return in-bounds.  On the 17th Venus will go void-of-course and then enter Aquarius.  The 18th looks to be a busy day for many as there will be ten exact major aspects, two by Mercury and eight by the Moon, including the Capricorn New Moon.  On the  19th the Sun will go void-of-course then enter Aquarius followed by Venus conjunct Pluto, which is followed by Saturn sextile Uranus, Mars trine Uranus, and finishing up with Mars sextile Saturn.  On the 20th, Mercury will go void-of-course and then enter Aquarius.  After which, the Moon will square Uranus and then go void-of-course to end this period.