Astrology for January 2026
Crossing the Threshold – 2026
A year of new beginnings, shifting themes
(Sign up here to join Susan’s 2026 Astrology talk, January 17th, Saturday, 5pm PST)
During the last several years, disruption, change, and uncertainty have reigned. 2025 brought us to the planetary formation “Aries Vortex”, where the fast moving trine of Uranus to Pluto brought upheaval, reversal, and disruption. This trine funneled through the first conjunction of Saturn Neptune in Aries, which correlates with collapse of false structures and the birth of new collective myths. With the conjunction taking place in fiery Aries, a reckoning around leadership, warfare, activism, identity and freedoms unfolds. Any conjunction in Aries, especially when its the outer planets is volatile, catalytic and initiatory.
Now in 2026 as we approach the first exact conjunction of Saturn and Neptune, on February 20th, 2026 brings us to the Saturn Neptune conjunction as a doorway, a threshold where the winds of change blow through and we step in and continue to shape new beginnings. “Crossing the Threshold” is the title for 2026 year. This is the birthing now taking place. How will we nourish this new beginning? (Read Susan’s full article on the astrology for 2026)
We start the year with the Moon waxing to full. In the early morning hours of January 3rd the full Cancer Moon takes place. This is a hyper-charged full Moon conjunct Jupiter in Cancer while it opposes the Sun Mars Venus conjunction in Capricorn. Jupiter opposed Mars creates big moves. Sun Mars in Capricorn is action and movement toward goals. We watch for dramatic postures on the National and World Wide stage. The Full Moon activates the USA natal Sun highlighting the USA actions and responses.
Personally, under this full Moon, we can reinstate intentions and map out actions, honoring the balance of masculine and feminine, yin and yang, being receptive and acting on intention within our own lives. This is a powerful alignment for bringing in inspiration and committing to the direction we will move in for the year.
The year begins with Venus conjuncting the Sun in Capricorn, suggesting themes and lessons on commitment, aligning with shared goals, collaborative work, and staying power. Venus also conjuncts Mars and opposes Jupiter, creating an active Venus cycle where relationships include action, directness in steady and committed ways. It’s opposition to Jupiter in Cancer reminds us to tune into our feelings, our needs for belonging, and our desire to learn and grow. This Venus cycle describes balancing achievement with attunement to our inner world, for this will be helpful in the months ahead. The opposition to Jupiter also reminds us not to overcommit to others before checking in with our own needs.
Key themes for this year:
Intentions are powerful as the stage is set for new beginnings, encouraging us to act on our values, take a stand, reclaim aliveness, trusting our inner voice and guidance. What newness and changes are urging transformation in your life? Where do you feel in stagnant energy? Where are you moved to act in new ways?
2026 is a #1 year
Not only is the Saturn Neptune conjunction in zero Aries signaling important new beginnings and the year beginning with Mars conjuncting the Sun in Capricorn, marking a time of clarifying intentions and taking action, but also the numerology of the year 2026 indicate new beginnings. 2026 added together equals 10 of completion and new beginnings as it translates to the number 1.
The 10th Tarot card in the Major Arcana is the Wheel of Fortune, which indicates the fates are changing. It calls upon us to reach for our intentions to turn the wheel. The number 1 card of the Major Arcana is the Magician, master creator, who uses the laws of creation to set the new beginnings in motion. What is our inspiration, (fire or wands)? What is our imagination imaging, (water or cups)? What intentions and plans are we drawing up, (swords or air)? And what comes into manifestation, (pentacles or Earth)?
2026, the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese Astrology
A year of inspired movement
Begins February 17th, 4:01 am PST, at the 2nd New Moon after the Winter Solstice. Entering the year of the Fire Horse coincides with the first solar eclipse of the year. (More on this in the February newsletter) A powerful time for movement and attunement to our own inner guidance, inspired by passion.
On February 17th we move into the year of the Fire Horse from the year of the Serpent. During the year of the Serpent we expected political extremes and the exposing of secrets. 2025 was a year of shedding skins, out of which in 2026 emerges the Fire Horse, thundering movement, birthed from a deeper place of insight, set into motion from the Serpent year. The independent fire Horse engages with hunches and intuition moving into decisive action and uncovering hidden agendas. Rebellious against restrains and with the need take risks, 2026 has the energy of change, breakthrough, and redirection of one’s course.
The element of Fire is the element of the Horse in 2026, giving this horse year a double dose of Fire as the natural element of Horse is also fire. Fire brings inspiration, excitement, and passion. 2026 is a potent year for connecting with your passion and developing what gives you joy. This fire horse has the gift of radiating love, healing, and resilience, being inspired with your creative juices as you move, travel, and shift your point of view. The challenge of the fire Horse is taking on too much, burn out, or fighting, as competition can get out of hand.
It seems auspicious that the Chinese New Year begins on a Solar eclipse in Aquarius, a few days before the 1st exact Saturn Neptune conjunction in Aries (February 20th). This day highlights the fire horse movement and speed with Aquarian themes, technological innovations, rebellion, visionary possibilities. Saturn Neptune conjunction in Aries marks a time of dissolving old structures and systems to recreate the world. (more info in February newsletter).
Jupiter trines Saturn throughout 2026 and into July 2027
A harmonizing trine which began in November 2025 and continues through 2027. Decisions that come out of that tensional square of 2025, set the stage for what we want to and will manifest or embody. This trine, for the next year and a half, supports implementing new foundational structures in our personal and collective lives.
Check your chart for these degrees, 25 Cancer, 25 Pisces, 13 Aries/Leo, 17 Aries/Leo, 27 Leo/Aries. What was clarified in 2025, 2026, can lead to manifestation and greater fulfillment growing in the years ahead, setting the stage when Jupiter opposes Saturn in 2030-2031.
Celestial Events for January
Jan 1 -The year begins with the Sun and Mars traveling in conjunction in Capricorn through mid February AND Jupiter trining Saturn – this supports clarifying intentions, taking direct action. Mars is also competitive, conflictual and dominating. Jupiter trining Saturn will give form to how one wants to grow.
Jan 3 – Powerful full Moon in Cancer conjunct Jupiter opposite Mars Sun conjunction – (see above for description)
January 3 – Full Moon, 13 Cancer, 2:02 am PST
Affirmation for Full Moon in Cancer
“I attend to what nourishes my soul, appreciating family, friends, and allowing the beauty of nature to fill me. I create meaning in my life by listening to my inner guidance, so creating nourishment for others”.
Jan 6 – Venus conjuncts the Sun at 16 Capricorn – for the next 3 days there is a gathering of Sun, Venus, Mars in Capricorn. What is highlighted is the value of working toward a goal, with commitment and integrity in relationships and with oneself.
Jan 7 – Venus conjuncts Mars, 18 Capricorn – Mars is exalted in Capricorn committed and hard working. What we value (Venus) we can take action on. This is a new cycle for Venus and Mars, initiating a new round of relatedness and action. The shadow manifestation is disagreements and conflict.
Jan 9 – The Sun conjuncts Mars, 19 Capricorn – Strong intentions and movement toward goals and action. Can be overly assertive.
Jan 9 – Venus at 20 Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer – here’s sweetness, enjoyment, and perhaps over indulgence.
Jan 10 – Sun conjunct Mars at 20 Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer – a day for big actions, large intentions, engage yourself with a big project. Protective and warlike actions can take place.
Jan 11 – Venus at 22 Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries – this emphasizes the need to see what’s out of balance or marginalized and can bring healing around comparison, competition, anger and aggression
Jan 12 – The Sun at 22 Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries – Readjustment between self and the masculine or yang principles, aggressiveness, attack, or blame, or the opposite – inability to take a stand for oneself.
Jan 13 – Mars at 22 Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries – Noticing where thoughtful consideration brings healing to otherwise impulsive reactive actions.
Jan 14 – Mercury at 19 Capricorn opposes Jupiter in Cancer – big ideas and the desire to share ones beliefs and philosophy. Writing and communicating highlighting. Or saying too much.
Jan 14 – Venus at 27 Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces – commitment in partnership, devotion, love of deeper knowledge
Jan 15 – Venus at 27 Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus – finding a balance between relationship and independence. Meeting with unique and unusual people, feeling inspired.
jan 17 – Venus at 29 Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces – unconditional acceptance and affection, valuing spiritual practices with others.
Jan 17 – The Sun at 27 Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces – a day for discipline toward a goal, steady progress, putting things in order.
Jan 17 – Venus enters Aquarius (through Feb 10) – Venus in air sign, Aquarius, values friendship, gathering with friends and community. She values creative innovations and unique conversations.
Jan 17 – The Sun at 27 Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus – being inspired by breaking routines and leaning into something new. Radical moves. Insightful meditations and dreams.
Jan 17 – Mercury conjuncts Mars at 26 Capricorn – direct communications, getting to the point, sharp words, clarity.
Jan 18 – New Moon in Capricorn – follow up inspiration with a practical plan. What do you want to organize, build, accomplish? This is the time to make the commitment. This New Moon aligns with the Aries Vortex, and has the energy to transform the old and set the stage for the new. Look to what you deeply value (Venus) and how you speak it through your intention (Mercury conjunct Mars). This Moon aligns with fast moving, break through energy of Uranus, and funnels through the Saturn Neptune conjunction, to give form to what you imagine. All these planets, at this New Moon, are in the last degrees of a sign. What needs completion before the new begins? Or what of the old wants to be re-birthed into new form?
January 18 – New Moon, at 28 Capricorn, 11:52 am PST
Affirmation for New Moon in Capricorn
“I am tuned into what I would like to create. I find purpose and meaning through my creations and in so doing I contribute to the well-being of my community of fellow humans and the Earth.”
Jan 18 – Mercury at 27 Capricorn sextiles Saturn in Pisces, trines Uranus in Taurus – grounded communication, devoted study, organized planning, aligns with brilliant new ideas.
Jan 19 – The Sun at 29 Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces – Tuned into imagination. Take a walk by the sea.
Jan 19 – The Sun enters Aquarius – The Sun leaves practical hardworking Capricorn and moves into air sign, Aquarius, innovative, mentally curious and creative, and attuned to friends and community.
Jan 19 – Venus at 3 Aquarius conjuncts Pluto – relationships reveal depth, intensity, something surfaces that was hidden or unconscious. Transformation in partnership.
Jan 19 – Saturn at 27 Pisces sextiles Uranus in Taurus – Inventiveness and new perspectives take form. Activism is organized.
Jan 19 – Mars at 27 Capricorn trines Uranus in Taurus, sextiles Saturn in Pisces – Action is taken to breakthrough, inspire, rock the boat, act in new ways. Lightening strikes, Ahha!!
Jan 20 – Mercury at 29 Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces – imaginative contemplations and conversations.
Jan 20 – Mercury enters Aquarius – Mercury is enhanced in Aquarius, curiosity, inquisitiveness, unique conversations and insightful writings.
Jan 21 – The Sun at 1 Aquarius conjuncts Mercury – This conjunction brings a new round of insight. A day for inspired thought and inventiveness.
Jan 22 – Mercury at 3 Aquarius conjuncts Pluto – Penetrating perception, communicating deep thoughts and issues.
Jan 22 – Mars at 29 Capricorn sextiles Neptune in Pisces – A day to swim. Actions not clearly defined. Dancing and music.
Jan 23 – Mars enters Aquarius – Action in the community. Innovative interactions. Mental clarity and directness.
Jan 23 – The Sun at 3 Aquarius conjuncts Pluto – A day for depth, for internal insight. A day for transformations both psychological and physical.
Jan 26 – Neptune into Aries – last time in Aries – 1861-1875 – Neptune is the archetypal energy of the transpersonal unity and oneness of the universe, spiritual love. It is the imaginative powers of the cosmos which creates the world. The sign Aries is the opposite, fierce with drive, individualistic, going its own independent way, assertive, courageous in its bold actions, competitive and conflictual, going to the edge and testing itself, “Dare I be!” It is also the birth of spring, the force that drives life into new rounds of being. Any planet entering Aries, marks a new round and birth of its expression. Could this sign planet combination embody in bold ways new ideals and imagination, more assertive empathy? Could it bring out the polarity between compassion and separation?
Jan 27 – Mars at 3 Aquarius conjuncts Pluto – intensity, powerful actions. Unconscious reactions with force.
Jan 29 – Mercury conjuncts Venus at 14 Aquarius – poetry, innovative discussions with friends, the sharing of ideas.
Feb 1 – Full Moon at 13 Leo – Read about this full Moon in February newsletter.
The Twelve signs for January 2026: Sun and Rising Signs
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Dear Aries, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3 turns your attention inward, drawing you toward home, family, and the emotional foundations that support your outer life. With Jupiter nearby, there is room for warmth, generosity, and even healing conversations. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, the spotlight shifts to your public life, your ambitions, responsibilities, and the role you play in the wider world. Mars, your ruling planet, also traveling through Capricorn, steadies your usual fire and asks for discipline, patience, and strategic effort. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th opens a fresh chapter around career direction and long-term goals. This month invites you to build something lasting, one intentional step at a time.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Dear Taurus, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3 illuminates your realm of communication, heartfelt conversations, meaningful exchanges, and emotional honesty are emphasized. You may feel called to speak from a deeper place or to listen more carefully to what others are truly saying. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, a fellow earth sign, your perspective widens toward learning, teaching, or reconnecting with a guiding philosophy. Venus, your ruling planet, encourages you to value what is steady, nourishing, and worth investing in. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th invites you to set intentions around growth, wisdom, and expanding your horizons, whether through study, travel, or a renewed sense of purpose.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Dear Gemini, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3 highlights themes of security, resources, and self-worth. Emotional clarity may arrive around what truly sustains you, materially and energetically. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, your focus turns to shared resources, deeper bonds, and the quiet work of transformation. Mercury, your ruling planet, encourages thoughtful planning and careful consideration rather than quick conclusions. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th offers a moment to reset your relationship with trust, intimacy, and long-term commitments. This is a month to take yourself seriously, even if the process feels subtle rather than dramatic.
Cancer (Jun 21–Jul 21): Dear Cancer, the Full Moon in your own sign on January 3 is a powerful moment of self-awareness and emotional culmination. With Jupiter close by, there is space for generosity, growth, and renewed confidence — even if vulnerability is part of the process. As the Sun moves in Capricorn, attention turns toward relationships and the balancing act between self and other. The Moon, your ruling planet, asks you to honor your feelings without letting them run the whole show. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th opens a fresh cycle in partnership, inviting intention, clarity, and commitment in how you relate, collaborate, and share your life with others.
Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 22): Dear Leo, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3 illuminates your inner world — dreams, intuition, and the quieter emotional currents that often go unnoticed. This is a time for rest, reflection, and gentle self-care. As the Sun, your ruling planet, travels through Capricorn, daily routines, work patterns, and responsibilities come into focus. There is satisfaction available in showing up consistently, even if recognition feels delayed. With both Mars and Venus traveling next to the Sun taking action and collaborating in partnerships in thoughtful skillful ways is enhanced. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th supports setting new intentions around health, work-life balance, and sustainable habits. Small changes now can make a significant difference over time.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Dear Virgo, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3 highlights friendships, community, and your sense of belonging. Emotional insight may arise around who truly supports you and where you feel at home among others. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, your creative spirit awakens, pleasure, romance, and self-expression are encouraged, though with a grounded, mature tone. Mercury, your ruling planet, supports thoughtful communication and discernment in how you share your gifts. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th invites you to commit to joy, not as an afterthought, but as something worthy of intention and care. An excellent time to express your creativity.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Dear Libra, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd brings visibility to your public life and responsibilities. Emotions tied to recognition, achievement, or your role in the world may come to the surface. As the Sun journeys through Capricorn, attention turns inward toward home, family, and emotional foundations. Careful balance between inner and outer life is now before you. Venus, your ruling planet, reminds you that harmony begins with feeling safe and grounded within yourself. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th offers an opportunity to set new intentions around your living situation, family dynamics, or the inner sense of stability you are cultivating this year.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): Dear Scorpio, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd expands your perspective, illuminating beliefs, guiding principles, or a deeper sense of meaning. Emotional insight may come through learning, travel, or spiritual reflection. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, communication becomes more focused and purposeful. Learning and teaching is enhanced. Mars and Pluto, your ruling planets, encourage depth, honesty, and strategic thinking, especially as Mars moves with the Sun in Capricorn. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th supports new intentions around how you express yourself, share ideas, and engage in important conversations. What you say now carries lasting weight.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): Dear Sagittarius, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd highlights themes of trust, intimacy, and shared resources. Emotional clarity may arrive around vulnerability or financial commitments or entanglements. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, attention shifts toward personal resources, values, and self-sufficiency. This reminds you of the talents you have that gives your life a sense of value. Jupiter, your ruling planet, now in Cancer, its sign of exaltation, supports attunement to your home, family and deeper self, as well as changes and transformations you are involved with. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th invites a fresh start around finances, self-worth, and the practical structures that support your freedom. Grounding your vision makes it more achievable.
Capricorn (Dec 21- Jan 19): Dear Capricorn, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd illuminates your relationships, both business and romantic, friends as well, bringing emotional truths to the surface in partnerships of all kinds. This is a moment of reflection around balance, reciprocity, and mutual support. With the Sun now in your sign, your season begins, vitality, clarity, and self-definition are renewed. Saturn, your ruling planet, supports patience, integrity, and long-term thinking. In February, Saturn enters Aries and begins a new round of growth, responsibility, and accomplishment for you. The New Moon in Capricorn on the 18th marks a powerful personal reset, inviting you to set intentions for the year ahead that reflect who you are becoming, not just who you have been.
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Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): Dear Aquarius, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd shines a light on your daily rhythms, health, and work-life balance. Emotional awareness may arise around how much you are giving and whether your routines truly support you. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, the focus turns inward, encouraging rest, reflection, and closure. This is in preparation for its entrance into Aquarius and a new round of the wheel for you. Both Saturn and Uranus, your ruling planets, support subtle but meaningful shifts behind the scenes. Uranus asks for completion in practical matters before leaving Taurus and Saturn prepares you for steady and thoughtful new beginnings as it enters Aries on February 13. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th invites you to release old patterns and prepare quietly for the new beginnings that await as your season approaches.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Dear Pisces, the Cancer Full Moon on January 3rd activates creativity, romance, and heartfelt expression. Emotions flow freely, inviting you to reconnect with joy and inspiration. As the Sun moves through Capricorn, attention shifts toward community, friendships, and long-term aspirations. What are you wanting for the year ahead? Your ruling planet, Jupiter, now in Cancer, (once every 12 years) aligned with the full Moon encourages enjoyment. It now enlarges your capacity for creative expression and connection with those you love. The Capricorn New Moon on the 18th supports setting intentions around the future you are building and the people you want beside you on that journey.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer in Santa Cruz for 42 years, bringing together traditional & esoteric astrology, Tarot and Qabalah. For info on her Friday monthly astrology groups, her Qabalah, astrology and/or painting classes, and for personal readings, call (831) 479-3751, or go to www.susanheinz.com