As above, so below. The transits and major planetary shifts of 2025 reflected shake-ups and upheavals in the world—politically, economically, and perhaps, in everyone’s personal lives, especially once the second half of the year came to pass. We’re currently deep into Winter (season) and still carrying remnants of last year’s cycles—technically two more months of darkness before we truly step into the astrological year. And while planets changing signs, eclipses, and retrogrades abound, what’s essential in 2026 is pausing to respond and not to react when you find yourself in the chaos of it all. Lastly, don’t forget to find little joys and share them with a community of living bodies, leaning into vulnerability and softness, despite the odds.
Planetary Shifts, Retrogrades, and Eclipses
In the past, astrologers analyzed the year ahead during the Spring Equinox, looking at the chart when the Sun enters Aries. For now, we’re going to look at the chart of January 1, 2026. Following traditional concepts, we’re going to look into the movements of the seven classical planets only, excluding the outer planets: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The dates follow Cebu local time.
Photo: Alex Andrews, Pexels
For the First Quarter of the year, after four months of retrogradation and spending time in Pisces, Saturn moves back to Aries on February 15 and will stay there until 2028. Jupiter in Cancer, which has been retrograde since November, will move forward through the sign on March 13 and will step into the sign of Leo on June 30. Mars speeds through the signs without slowing down this year, while Venus will enter retrogradation in the sign of Scorpio on October three, and then sits back on her throne in Libra on November 14. In 2025, we saw our favorite speedy planet Mercury retrograde through the fire signs, and this year, they will be retrograding in water signs—Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio—the first Mercury retrograde happening on February 26. Considering that Mercury is a fast planet, the intensity of its effects varies from person to person, but they’re not rare, and Mercury goes retrograde every year.
In 2025, the eclipses happened on the axis of Pisces and Virgo, changing the landscape of whatever those signs ruled in everyone’s charts. As the first recorded omen of the past, eclipses are determined by the lunar nodes—the crossing between the Moon’s orbit, and the ecliptic—which is the Sun’s path through the sky. Eclipses signify upheavals and changes that can be a little harsh, sometimes gradual, but something I can only describe as a forest fire—if not an implosion consuming everything in its wake. We will have our first glimpse of an annular Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on February 17 at 8:13 PM, followed by a total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 3 at 7:34 PM. The next pair of eclipses happens in August—a total Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 13 at 1:47 AM, and a partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on August 28 at 12:14 PM.
What the Signs Can Expect in 2026
Based on these major planetary events, here’s what every sign can expect in 2026. Get more insight by reading both your Rising Sun sign scopes (and actually your Moon sign. I’d actually give more importance to your Moon sign than your Sun sign). Note that these are more general deductions. If you want to get more specific, I recommend seeking a professional astrologer to see what’s up based on your birth chart.
Capricorn
There’s a renewed resolve and focused energy to act on your goals and plans gives you an edge at the beginning of 2026. You must do this with tactical precision and quiet tenacity. Capricorn is a starter, and if you’ve been thinking of making significant changes that can last you the whole year, make the most of this transit. Venus here is also a sign to explore the more indulgent and sexual parts of yourself, even if you’re not in a relationship. Sectors of the home, family, and psyche, and partnerships light up as Saturn moves to Aries, and Jupiter treads through Cancer until he ingresses into Leo in June. Saturn in Aries will be the judge of structures needing to be fortified, while Jupiter may or may not bring fortunes, depending on actions past.
Aquarius
Prepare for big things and big changes this year, Aquarius, as the eclipses start treading through the Aquarius-Leo axis. Strains in relationships might loosen and come crashing down to reveal a more authentic you, even if it’s not the most pleasant feeling. Addressing your needs while being considerate of others is a balance you need to keep this year. Tap into softness, tap into vulnerability, and closeness with those who support you. With your ruler Saturn finally leaving your house of resources and money, you might have learned a thing or two about handling it better and saving up some of those resources—yes, even time and attention—for yourself. In June, Jupiter moves into your sector of relationships, marriage, and clientele. There will be growth and expansion. While Jupiter is a planet of fortune, he is also a wise teacher. What you get from him this year will have connections with your allies and ambitions, and the resources available to you.
Pisces
While the eclipses were happening within your sign and your sister sign Virgo in 2025, even with all the chaos, you may have found yourself in good company and found yourself growing into your own. Your ruler, Jupiter, being in Cancer since June last year, might have offered some respite, even if it came from unexpected places and people. The house of hopes, dreams, and allies in your chart sees a lot of activity at the beginning of the year while Mars, Venus, and the Sun pass through Capricorn. This will be a great time to commit (or recommit) to new friendships and even consider projects you’ve been hoping to do with other people, especially with this renewed sense of self the eclipses may have brought you this year.
Aries
Aries, your lord Mars is in a good place at the beginning of 2026. The focus is on reaching for everything you deserve: Personal resources and income, experiences that grow you, and building the reputation and legacy you’ve always wanted. While Saturn has already dipped its toes into your sign last year, its presence in Aries for two more years will have its challenges, and patience will be your friend. Saturn is not happy being in Aries, but he rewards hard work and discipline. You will be tested, and your willpower questioned. Jupiter moving into Leo late in July will touch your house of leisure, pleasure, and creativity. While 2026 may bring its hardships, it’s important that you tap into your creative outlets and lean on your close friendships and creative communities then. Outlets are a must, just make sure they don’t include self-sabotage.
Photo: Astronomical Clock in Prague by Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels
Taurus
The year begins with your ruler, Venus, in Capricorn, joined by Mars, Sun, and Mercury to follow in a few days. It won’t be enough to just find comfort in what you’re used to this year—and you’ve seen yourself change in 2025 to attest that. This is a great time to act on new pursuits, especially if they involve higher learning, other cultures, and travel. This year, your standards are changing, especially as the nodes begin their journey into Aquarius and Leo, prompting shifts in your career and reputation, as well as your inner and home life, which will be a great time for release—to free up space and to gather better tools for self-improvement. For someone so great at comfort and pleasure-seeking, no matter how mundane, your tendency to work too hard might be this year’s bane, especially with Saturn going back to Aries. Make sure to get proper rest while you’re accomplishing your goals.
Gemini
Gemini, being a child of Mercury means there’s always something active and moving about you. Even so, you tried to show up in your community despite responsibilities, self-imposed or otherwise. The North Node in Pisces, with Saturn being there as well, taught you when it was okay to extend your efforts and when it was necessary to say no, especially in the realm of career and vocations, and how you want to appear in the world. We’re at the last leg of this nodal cycle, and Saturn is moving into your house of alliances, hopes, and dreams, while Jupiter moves to Leo, in your house of communication, immediate locale, and learning. Saturn in Aries is big on discipline and keeping it together, so perhaps, being more aware of what you say to others will be more rewarding this year. Jupiter in Leo encourages more exploration and going out there, in places you’ve only considered before, especially if you’re seeking something romantic and lasting.
Cancer
Jupiter brought in so many wins for you, especially in the second half of 2025, when the planet of good fortune graced your sign. But Jupiter also made it clear that those wins entailed bigger responsibilities, states of disappointment, and maybe even stirred up some questions about what you truly wanted in the first place, especially while Saturn was always in Jupiter’s periphery. As 2026 unfolds and Saturn goes back to your house of career and legacy, you’re reminded that good things take time, and what you’re building requires a lot of patience and tenacity. The houses of income and shared resources get some activity once Jupiter moves to Leo, plus the eclipses happening in the Aquarius-Leo axis. Be wise about your spending and pay your debts—better yet, don’t rack up more!
Leo
2026 will be a year of discomfort in exchange for growth and authenticity. What you once thought was true about yourself, you might have to reconsider this year as Jupiter makes its way to your sign, plus the South Node, prompting you to shed parts of yourself that don’t feel aligned anymore. Saturn in Pisces saw you giving away much of yourself to help with other people’s burdens, and as the planet of hard work and hardships goes back to Aries, your house of higher learning and travel. This might prompt you to pick up new things to learn and understand, and Saturn here will ask you to really take your time. Mentors from all walks of life might just come through.
Virgo
As the dust settles somewhat, with the eclipses moving into the Aquarius-Leo axis this year, you feel more like yourself now, despite how the nodes ravaged through your identity and relationships. Taking time to rest and to retreat will be important for you this year, especially with Jupiter joining the South Node in Leo, while the North Node lingers in your house of work and duties. A great deal of work and responsibilities are coming your way. Saturn in Aries will be a lesson in being responsive instead of reactive in times of anxiety and your tendency to overthink. You’re human, after all—capable, yes—but with a tendency to err.
Libra
Maturation is a big theme for you this year, as Saturn makes its way to Aries, where it stays until 2028. Your aspirations in love and relationships, and the life you’ve been wanting, start here, where you’re called to lay the foundations brick by brick—with patience and discipline. You’re offered moments to reset and reconsider what you value later in the year, as your ruling planet, the Goddess of Love, retrogrades through Scorpio and your sign. The lunar nodes in Pisces and Virgo saw you oscillate between rest and responsibilities, maybe, even forgoing rest altogether, at the expense of burning out. How can you make better decisions in relation to that part of your life? And as we find the eclipses in your houses of pleasure, leisure, alliances, hopes, and dreams, how are you going to come to terms with what will be shed here?
Scorpio
With Mars in his sign of exaltation, Capricorn, you enter the New Year with a better sense of purpose. Being part of a community, or even starting one within your locale, will pave the way for creating support systems you might need halfway through 2026. Mystery is cool, but vulnerability and understanding others, truly sitting with where they’re at, is more punk. Jupiter, on his way to your career sector, might bring in better opportunities, but only if you’ve done your due diligence in the past year or so. Saturn stepping into your house of toil and illness might have you going for annual and routine check-ups more often. Check on your impulses and habits.
Sagittarius
Your gentle voyage through 2025 continues well into the first quarter of 2026, as Jupiter, the planet that rules you, makes its way through Cancer until its ingress to Leo in June, activating your house of higher learning and travel. The shifts may have been subtle this year, while you busied yourself with the mundane and explored avenues of self-improvement. But this year’s transits reward your audacity and daring. Opportunities to become a student as you are a mentor come. Any decisions made around your home and career will unfold slowly, as the lunar nodes leave these areas in your life, with Saturn making it back to Aries in February.
