2026 promises to be another wild ride for inhabitants of planet Earth. Last year, I talked about three big themes: (1) fast-paced changes, (2) dissolution of our old structures and systems, and (3) emergence of new forms and movements. Those themes hold for 2026. We are entering a new world order, ready or not!
January starts strong with a lineup of the faster-moving planets in Capricorn. Buckle up—we're in for another intense month, leading us to eclipse season and a Mercury retrograde in February.
January at a Glance
Jan 1: Mercury square Neptune, Mercury enters Capricorn
Jan 3: Full Moon in Cancer
Jan 6-8: Conjunctions form between the Sun, Venus, and Mars in Capricorn
Jan 9-10: Venus, The Sun & Mars opposite Jupiter (in Cancer)
Jan 17: Venus enters Aquarius
Jan 18: New Moon in Capricorn
Jan 19-23: Mercury, the Sun & Mars enter Aquarius and approach Pluto
Jan 26: Neptune enters Aries
Jan 27: Mars conjunct Pluto
Transit of the Month: Neptune enters Aries
Neptune’s long-awaited final entry to Aries is Monday, Jan 26. You might remember that Neptune entered Aries on Mar 30, 2025, and stayed for 6 months. On Oct 22, Neptune regressed into Pisces, but this time the gas giant will remain in Aries until May 2038.
There is no going back. It’s a big deal, and bigger when Saturn joins Neptune at the 1st degree of Aries next month.
Jan 1-10
The New Year starts with a planetary conclave in Capricorn. On Jan 1, Mercury is the last of the fast-moving planets to square Neptune from Sagittarius. Venus, the Sun, and Mars did it in December.
After that square, Mercury joins the Sun, Venus, and Mars in Saturn’s cave. There is no luxury here; it’s stark, cold, and damp, yet lit by the Sun's flames. It’s a place to regroup, to strategize, and to let the solar rays ignite you.
The Full Moon on Jan 3 illuminates the sky outside the cave. There is an inherent contradiction between the Moon and Jupiter in sentimental, comforting Cancer versus the realistic, disciplined gathering in Capricorn. You may experience tension between the old and the new, or between what you want or need to do and how it impacts others. Full Moons can always bring big emotions, but this one is a doozy. A Moon-Jupiter connection amplifies whatever you’re feeling.
It’s a month for making decisions and getting things done.
Desire + Purpose + Drive = New Directions and Plans
Venus, the Sun, and Mars move closely together for a few weeks, with the tightest conjunctions at 17-20 degrees of Capricorn.
(1) Venus meets the Sun one-to-one on Jan 6 and passes over Mars on Jan 7.
(2) Mars receives Solar orders on Jan 9 while Venus opposes Jupiter.
(3) Jan 10, the Sun and Mars oppose Jupiter.
Your move: Map out your priorities for 2026. Write them down—even if you're not ready to share them yet. This Capricorn emphasis rewards concrete planning over vague intentions.
Jan 11-17
The Sun-Venus-Mars trio is still moving arm in arm in the third decan of Capricorn. Mercury is racing to catch up and will soon do so.
On Jan 14, Mercury opposes Jupiter, revisiting last week’s action, and inching toward Mars. This combination can make words sharper and more impactful. It is powerful but also provocative.
On Jan 17, Venus is the first of the trio to slide into Aquarius, where Pluto sits at the 4th degree. Pluto is associated with extremes. Therefore, Venusian matters such as romance, relationships with women, or creative/artistic expression may be intensified. It’s the kind of pressure that can turn coal into a diamond.
Venus, Mercury, and the Sun meet Pluto every year, so you’ve experienced it many times. This time is a bit different because they’re traveling close together and with Mars, making the conjunctions more volatile than usual.
Your move: Be mindful of communications. Before you have that conversation or send that message, consider your desired response. Set boundaries without burning bridges. If you must cut ties, secure your safety first.
Jan 18-24
There are three exact planetary conjunctions with Pluto in Aquarius this week, with Mars in the chat. It is unlikely to be a calm, quiet period. I try to slow myself down during weeks like this, knowing there is a high risk of showdowns, power struggles, and overreactions.
The week starts with a Mercury-Mars conjunction on Jan 18. One of the catchphrases for this aspect is fighting words. I have often seen it reflected in aggressive driving or road rage. Watch for reckless, impulsive, or fast movements and messages.
On the 19th, the Sun slips into Aquarius while Venus meets with Pluto. Mercury follows the Sun into Aquarius on Jan 20 and connects with the Sun on Jan 21. The following day is Mercury’s audience with Pluto.
On Jan 23, it is Mars' turn to leave Capricorn behind for the fixed air of Aquarius, as the Sun meets Pluto. Mars is getting close, and the Plutonian influence continues into next week.
Your move: Pause before reacting. The Mercury-Mars conjunction and triple Pluto meetings create conditions for explosive exchanges. If you must have difficult conversations, prepare what you'll say in advance and choose your timing strategically. Better yet, redirect this intense energy toward focused work—research, writing, or projects that require deep concentration. Not every provocation deserves a response.
Jan 25-31
Neptune leaves Pisces for Aries on Jan 26, the big move of the month. Last year, the ingress occurred with extreme weather and escalating violence in several parts of the world. It merges with a Mars-Pluto conjunction on Jan 27, so there may be harrowing news on the national or world front. At the personal level, you may be able to channel the strong forces into something productive.
Keep in mind that this Mars-Pluto aspect builds and dissipates. Jan 27 is the exact moment, but I marked my own calendar from Jan 23-Feb 1 for its strong influence. Work with the Mars-Pluto energy to eliminate what is no longer useful. This is demolition work. If you're ending a relationship, leaving a job, or breaking a habit, the concentrated force of these planets can help you make a clean break. Just ensure you have your next steps mapped out first.
On Jan 29, Mercury catches up with Venus, moving to the front of the Aquarius pack.
Your move: Ground yourself during this volatile period. The Mars-Pluto conjunction (Jan 23-Feb 1), combined with Neptune's final entry into Aries, demands careful navigation. Channel the intensity into focused work rather than confrontation. If you need to make bold moves or significant changes, this is your window—but time it carefully. Avoid impulsive decisions around Jan 26-27 when world events may feel overwhelming.
Golden Hours
One of my favorite times of the month (Central time).
Jan 21 - Still in its New phase, the Moon in Pisces makes a lovely, supportive trine to Jupiter. At the same time, Mercury is in the heart of the Sun in Aquarius. It’s supportive for cleaning/cleansing and attuning your mind and spirit. Meditation, prayer, dreamwork, or any therapeutic practice could benefit. Listen to your intuition.