2026 Astrology - A Fast-Paced Year of Change & Initiation

Katy Sophia
4 days ago
8 min read

2026 will be a fast-paced year of dynamic change. Many new beginnings are in store for us as we enter vibrant new fields of consciousness and access renewed energy.

It is wise to release, vision and prepare during the month of December, to ensure you are ready for this fast moving energy.

What is the Overriding Energy of 2026?

The overriding energy of this year is fast-paced, dynamic, forward moving, passionate and brilliant like fire itself. The energy of the Fire Horse is enhanced by Saturn and Neptune in Aries, and Jupiter’s entry into Leo midway through the year.

This universal 1 year is a time to begin new projects, make sweeping changes, strike out on bold new ventures while carefully considering the outcomes. The power of your will and intention is important, and the forward momentum you maintain.

Venus is ascending through the chakra gates; this affects your relationships, gifts, talents and money. The overall energy is that of reclaiming, rising, and rebirthing yourself to new levels of embodied brilliance. Abundance will flow into creative and compassionate endeavours that are fully aligned with spirit.

Some powerful eclipses and intense retrograde phases call you to draw on the energy of the horse for strength and endurance, and know that you will win through as long as you connect to the fire within, in all integrity and authenticity.

2026 - A Universal 1 Year

In numerology, 2026 is a Universal 1 Year, initiating a new cycle of nine years. You may like to spend some time reflecting on the past cycle of nine years and what is has brought you.

What adventures have you lived through?
What have you achieved on the road to your dreams?
What new wonders has this turn of the spiral shown you?
What losses have you sustained that have made you stronger?
What would you like to do better?

The energy of the 1 year brings the opportunity to clean the slate and begin again, wiser than before, as you harness

Fresh new beginnings
Leadership
Initiative
Dynamic energy
Entering a new cycle of 9 years

2026 - The Year of the Fire Horse

The Chinese Year of the Fire Horse begins on February 17 2026. This animal element combination is noted for its powerful energy. The horse brings qualities of strength, perseverance, freedom, dynamism and indomitable spirit. When it combines its energies with the element of fire, these qualities are increased. The fire element is active, dynamic, enthusiastic, passionate and incandescent. So the Fire Horse is an exceptional year, and it is vital to take the reins with discipline, authority and control.

Qualities of the Fire Horse:

Strength and speed
Determination and endurance
Passion and brilliance
Magnificence and nobility
Leadership and innovation

The combination of the 1 Year and the Fire Horse

brings an extremely fast moving energy which needs to be carefully harnessed and controlled. It is the archetypal Wild Horse /Crazy Horse energy, that can work powerfully in your favour, or backfire into chaos when not properly managed.

The more time you take to prepare and get clear on your vision, the more stable you will be as you learn to ride this wild incoming firecracker energy.

Astrology of 2026

Notable events of 2026

Saturn and Neptune re-enter Aries, ready to stay the course in this sign. Neptune enters Aries on 26 January, and Saturn on 14 February. This brings added fire energy to this fire element year, which is all about forward movement and rising to new challenges.

Saturn re-enters Aries

Saturn, planet of structure and boundaries will be in Aries, the sign of new beginnings, until April 2028. This is a time period which favours taking the initiative, building with discipline and responsibility, and taking charge of your life.

Neptune re-enters Aries

Neptune, planet of spiritual calling, dreams and dissolution will be in the first sign of the zodiac until 2039. This long cycle of Neptune will call you home to your spiritual roots, and the original spark within that comes from the Creator.

Jupiter enters Leo on 30 June

Jupiter ends its year long stint in Cancer, which brought the focus onto home, family and emotional security. When the planet of abundance and prosperity enters Leo, we will experience a huge influx of fire energy, working in synergy with the energy of the Fire Horse year. This year long transit brings an increase in benevolence, good fortune, creative self-expression and sovereign leadership. The second half of the year favours endeavours that thrive on the expansive, abundant energy of Leonine self-assurance.

Solar & Lunar Eclipses

17 February Annular Solar Eclipse in Aquarius

New Moon Solar Elipse in Aquarius square Uranus. This eclipse heralds lightning change and electric transformation. This day signals the Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse, and it is also the day that Venus rises as the Evening Star, ready to begin her Ascent.

Eclipse visible in South in Africa, South in South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.

2-3 March Total Lunar Eclipse in Virgo

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse with a looped stellium in Pisces opposing the Moon. Beginnings and endings in relationships; the need to clear the slate and implement brand new structures and agreements; the return to original purity.

Eclipse visible in East in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica.

12 August: Total Solar Eclipse in Leo

This New Moon Solar Eclipse has a lot of complex aspects in the sky, including a Mystic Rectangle; a Grand Air Trine; a Kite; and a T-square with Mars, Venus & Neptune. This is Lionsgate energy dissolving obstructions and bringing in the new.

Eclipse visible in Europe, North in Asia, North/West Africa, Much of North America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic.

27-28 August: Partial Lunar Eclipse in Pisces

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Pisces is square Uranus. This is a powerful time for releasing emotions, with surprising outcomes.

Eclipse visible in Europe, West in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica.

Mercury Retrograde 2026 dates:

Mercury goes retrograde three times in a year, and in 2026 all the retrogrades are in water signs. This signifies deep emotional introspection, in the midst of the fiery, forward moving energy of this year. It is wise to use these periods to take a step back, go on retreat, or practise meditation and self-care. In this way you will harmonise with the elemental cycles of the year.

25 February - 20 March: 22 - 8 Pisces

29 June - 23 July: 26 - 16 Cancer

23 October - 13 November: 20 - 5 Scorpio

Venus through the Chakra Gates

We begin the year with Venus in the underworld, having completed her Descent as Inanna the Pisces Goddess, since March 2025. We prepare for the Ascent of Inanna, as she reclaims her clothing and jewellery at each chakra gate, from February until September. Pisces is the overriding energy of this cycle, as we reclaim our boundaries and empathic abilities, compassion and creativity, realising in the end we are our own saviour; and recognising the state of Oneness with All.

6 January: Superior conjunction. Venus in the Heart of the Sun. Venus is seeded with the Solar Light, and receives illumination for a new cycle.

17 February: Venus rises as the Evening Star

18 February: Ascent of Inanna - The Pisces Goddess ascends through the chakra gates from February until September

2 October - 13 November: Venus retrograde in Scorpio /Libra. A time of intense reflection on relationships, with significant people from the past making reappearances in your life or your thoughts. In this cycle, you are called to reflect on what you truly desire, and how you can surrender to the right relationship, by accepting yourself and embodying the Divine feminine and masculine within.

Venus and Mercury are both retrograde in Scorpio from 23 October - 13 November.

Book your personal Cycle of Venus Reading

How to Prepare for 2026

During the month of December, take some time to reflect on the past year of the Wood Snake, with its energies of wisdom, shedding, and new growth; and also the past nine years and the trajectory of your life. Meditate on the learnings, what you wish to release; and the new things you would like to bring into your life.

Release Ceremony

You may like to do a release ceremony, to affirm to the universe that you are letting go of what you wish to let go: relationships, past cycles, circumstances, habits, addictions, losses and endings. Some examples of a release ceremony:

A Shamanic fire ceremony
A Solstice gathering with intention
Writing what you wish to release on paper, and burning it, or throwing it into a river
Speaking out your intentions of what you wish to release, then bathing in Himalayan salt and anointing yourself with oils to cleanse and renew your energy

Visioning the New

Once you have released the old, it is time to vision the new. Allow yourself to dream and vision a new life, where you are embodying more of your soul essence, and realising your potential to serve and share. Look at practical steps to get there, and open yourself to new opportunities:

Dreaming & visioning in a guided Shamanic journey
Calling in the new with Manifestation rituals
Connecting with your Soul in meditation and asking for guidance
Journalling and recording your dreams

Astrology Reading

You can choose to invest in a personal astrology reading to discuss your natal chart and transits, and how your energy interacts with the energy of 2026. In this way you can map out windows of possibility, skilfully navigate challenges, and maximise your potential. Get clear on your soul purpose, and strengthen your soul gifts.

Book your 2026 Astrology Reading now

Energy Healing

You may like to book a course of energy healing sessions to facilitate trauma release, emotional and spiritual healing, auric cleansing and energy protection for the year ahead. Get to the root of relationship patterns, and bring in fresh new energy and intentions.

Book a course of Energy Healing sessions

Akashic Reading

You may choose to have an Akashic reading, to see what soul wisdom is coming in for you from past or future lives and galactic guides, and experience Sekhem healing of past lives and karmic blocks.

Book an Akashic Reading with Sekhem Healing

2026 Keywords

Initiate - Innovate - Intend - Ignite

As you hold the reins of the wild horse energy, remember. You are the Master of your Destiny. You Create with your Will. You are setting the tone for the next nine years, so be courageous, be bold, and don’t hesitate. A strong connection to your soul and highest purpose is vital to maintain your direction.

By Katy Sophia 08/12/2025

Katy Sophia

Sacred Journey Facilitator, Astrologer, Energy Healer, Soul Guide

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Key Outer Planet Ingresses & Transits

Jupiter

10 March: Jupiter direct 15 Cancer

30 June: Jupiter enters Leo

12 December: Jupiter retrograde 27 Leo

Saturn