ASTROLOGY & SYMBOLISM OF 2026

Disclaimer: The predictions made below are my own interpretation of the current astrological transits, and the collective spiritual and societal trends. I do not claim to hold the absolute truth and cannot be held accountable for personal and/or collective experiences not aligning with those predictions.

2026: YEAR OF FRESH STARTS, ACTION, NOVELTY, BRAVERY & AUTHENTICITY

KEYWORDS: change, independence, ambition, courage, alignment, innovation, reinvention, relocation, movement, motivation, creativity, speed, personal power, self-confidence, assertiveness, progress, tests, adventure, freedom, common vision & service.

2026 is the year of new beginnings. The dawn of a new era. It will be a truly unique and extraordinary year, one we haven’t witnessed in a long time. The astrology (Western and Chinese), numerology and elemental configuration all align in an extraordinary way, making the common themes that they share even more potent. Fire, Air, Aries, Leo & Aquarius are the main characters this year.

All of the outer planets and the lunar nodes are entering new signs in 2026. In 2025, we got a glimpse, a foretaste of what awaits in the second half of the 2020s. We got to make drafts, rehearse, prepare, detach, and let go of outdated karmic baggage and patterns. For many, 2025 was a huge release of decades (even lifetimes) worth of karma. 2025 transformed us more than any other year, so that we could step into this new era as lightweight and free of the past as possible in order to make space for true alignment and purpose. We now enter 2026 as completely different versions of ourselves, free of past chains and baggage, ready to carry out unique missions.

2025 was the year when we stepped out of the chrysalis, but didn’t fully open our wings, because we were still tied to the old shell. 2026 is the year when we bravely take flight with nothing holding us back.

2026 brings freshness, momentum, action, motivation, movement and fast-paced change. This is the year when we fully step into authenticity, personal power and self-confidence after years of healing and inner work, often in isolation or behind the scenes. We are now ready to carry out specific missions that are aligned with our souls’ unique purpose, gifts, skills and strengths.

Note: If your mission isn’t clear or you feel lost, don’t worry. You will get clear direction throughout the year by following your heart and paying attention to your spiritual guidance. You will eventually be redirected to the places where you can be of the highest service to the collective, where your energy is needed. This can become your mantra if things remain unclear or if you need guidance.

As creatures of habit, we have a tendency to resist change, even when we know it is necessary and inevitable. Hold on to your fire horses (pun intended, see Chinese Astrology). Nobody said it was going to be an easy year. If you’re walking a path that’s not meant for you or if you’re in a situation that’s not aligned, you will be redirected in an obvious way. 2026 is about welcoming novelty and pushing forward to make progress while trusting your intuition and having faith that you are being guided for a higher purpose.

2026 is the year when go all out. We test our strength, take risks, push our limits, launch new ventures, birth new projects, try new things, explore new territories, take bold steps and set clear boundaries. This isn’t about taking impulsive risks or acting without careful planning, but rather going beyond the comfort zone, facing fears, bravely overcoming obstacles that are holding us back, and not letting failure dictate our lives. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or giant leaps – baby steps are the best way to go. 2026 gives us the courage, motivation and momentum to do so.

We didn’t go through so much, especially in the last 5 years, so that we could stay small. We now know what we’re capable of and we’re being called to use what we’ve learned to help build a better future. 2026 is a year when we focus on and prioritise ourselves while actively being part of the collective. It is the year when we show up to be of service, yet remain as authentic as possible in social contexts, carry out our missions with confidence (even if they’re unconventional) and trust in our unique abilities. No more holding back, no more hiding, no more postponing, no more striving for perfection. We have been preparing ourselves long enough for this very moment.

The shadow side of 2026 is selfishness, impatience, aggressiveness, arrogance, excessive pride, recklessness, impulsiveness, frustration, stress, isolation, scattering, overwhelm and burnout.

2026 won’t be easy for those who resist change. The wheel is in full motion and turning faster than before. On a personal level, it is important to have practices and tools in place to ground, slow down, take a breath and regulate the nervous system when everything feels speedy or too much. It is also important to remember that, new beginnings doesn’t mean that experiences we go through this year will last for ever. What we’re building is still in its new-born phase during which we’re learning and experimenting, because 2026 is the first year of a 9-year cycle (see Numerology).

On a collective level, the established order will continue to roar and tighten its grip as the system collapses. At this stage, it would rather get buried under the bricks than get out of the crumbling house. The shadow side of this fiery year is extreme nationalism, aggressiveness, escalation, confrontation, rash decision-making, dangerous communication styles and impulsive action on the world stage. The positive side is the emergence of new political and ideological movements, a new generation of leaders, more local and community-led initiatives, and more inclusive ways of structuring society.

Finally, 2026 is the year of sovereignty. We are ready to take matters into our own hands, become our own authorities, stay true to ourselves, and work together to make a collective dream a reality. It will start with small steps, trial and error, but the collective effort is what matters most. 2026 is the year of adaptation, clear direction, innovation, reinvention, new ideas and bold moves that have one goal in mind: a creating better future for all.

MAIN ASTROLOGICAL TRANSITS & THEMES

27/01: Neptune fully enters Aries

15/02: Saturn fully enters Aries

20/02: Saturn-Neptune conjunction at 0° Aries

27/04: Uranus fully enters Gemini

20/06: Chiron moves into Taurus

01/07: Jupiter moves into Leo

28/07: The lunar nodes move into the signs of Aquarius (North Node) & Leo (South Node) à Eclipses in those signs (+ Pisces & Virgo) in February & August!

RETROGRADES:

Mercury: 25th February - 21st March (Pisces); 30th June - 24th July (Cancer); 24th October - 14th November (Scorpio)

Venus: 3rd October - 14th November (Scorpio-Libra)

Note: many of the following themes have already been discussed in the 2025 predictions. As these are long planetary transits, they will keep playing out for many years. Please check out my 2025 predictions post for even more relevant themes.

The Saturn-Neptune conjunction on 20^th February is the most important transit of the year. They will meet at 0 degrees of Aries, which is the most critical degree of the zodiac: The Beginning, The Birth. It is about making dreams (Neptune) a reality (Saturn), and we’re starting from scratch (0° Aries). A blank canvas full of potential and possibility, a promising dawn. It is an opportunity to design our dream life based on our goals and missions, make it a reality by living it out on a daily basis, and refine it as we try new things, succeed and fail. This conjunction is also about personal empowerment, self-authority, sovereignty, taking responsibility for our lives, trusting our inner knowing and following our spiritual guidance. It also signals the dissolution of outdated structures and fake appearances, and the emergence of new conscious/spiritual leaders.

With Uranus fully entering Gemini and trining Pluto in Aquarius, technology will play a big role this year. 2026 being a fast-paced year, we can expect leaps in progress, new technologies and inventions that we wouldn’t have dreamed of even 6 months ago. Beware of getting overwhelmed and overstimulated by novelty and quick-paced programmes.

AI will keep evolving very rapidly, for better or worse– that’s up to us to decide. It will replace even more jobs, overtake entire fields, and unemployment will be at an all-time high. As a result, new jobs and fields will be created, and people will be forced to choose new vocations and take trainings, a process that will eventually align them closer to their soul missions. Community and networks will play a big role in helping those going through this process, acting as guides, mentors, and even financial support.

The shadow side of AI, technology, science and medicine will be revealed in an obvious way in 2026. These revelations will be shocking, sparking new waves of mass awakening. Those in power will use technology and science to control populations (mainly through digital means), wage tech wars, and fight for dominion over the natural resources needed to develop new technologies.

With the North Node moving into Aquarius in July, we are collectively called to explore the following questions in a serious way: Why are we developing these new technologies? Who is behind those innovations? Who controls the current science narrative and for what purpose? Are we happy with the direction we’re collectively taking regarding those matters or do we need to make changes?

With Uranus in Gemini, modern technology will be reappropriated by local groups of people and developed to fit the needs of local communities, hence giving birth to new, smaller and localised social media platforms, media channels, online services and other digital portals.

Free speech will play a big role in 2026. As more and more people come into their power and dare to speak their truth, the fight for free speech will be taken to a new, more intense level, as we review this concept that has been misused to fit specific narratives and agendas for too long, giving us the illusion of freedom.

With the dominant Air, Aquarius & Gemini energy, we can expect even more teacher & student protests that demand reforms and higher wages/benefits that value and reflect their hard work. We are likely to see the first serious changes in the outdated educational system, programmes and curricula. Alternative ways of learning and teaching will be introduced that will be based on a better understanding of children and adolescent psychology. Many parents will take their children out of schools to educate them at home or in small-scale, community settings. With the well-established use of AI and the Internet, universities will start to become obsolete, with the first wave of youth turning to non-institutionalised specialisations or even becoming self-taught specialists, thus changing the current criteria around formal qualifications and avoiding high tuition fees.

Finally, the Individual & Community theme will be very prevalent in 2026. With the mix of Fire & Air, Aries & Aquarius energies, we are called to focus on ourselves while also remaining part of the collective. It is about staying authentic in group settings, celebrate our differences as part of our humanness, being of service to the collective while respecting our own needs and boundaries and not following crowds.

2026 WILL BE AN ESPECIALLY IMPACTFUL YEAR FOR THE FOLLOWING SIGNS/PLACEMENTS:

Aries, especially 0°-4° (Sun, Moon, Rising, Mars): Aries are being called forth to lead by example, become pillars, authorities, pioneers, spiritual warriors and collective protectors. 2026 is the year when Aries cultivates an invincible self-discipline, a healthy ego, strong psychic powers, and heartfelt devotion to collective service. This is also the year when they drop masks to show themselves as raw and authentic as possible, and fully step into their personal power. Their ability to fearlessly push forward and overcome anything will inspire us all to do the same and show us what is possible to achieve.

Aquarius (Sun, Moon, Rising, Saturn): North Node enters your sign in July: new territory, following the call, overcoming fears. Collective work, community, common vision, new friends/groups, embracing uniqueness, trusting your abilities, lead as true visionaries.

Cancer & Capricorn (Sun, Moon, Rising): Jupiter is still in Cancer until July, blessing you with luck, growth, abundance, recognition and good karma, especially in the areas of home, family, belonging, healing, emotional well-being & relationships (all kinds).

Leo (Sun, Moon, Rising): Jupiter enters Leo in July, blessing you with luck, growth, abundance, recognition and good karma when it comes to creativity, self-expression, hobbies, fun, romance and children. Expect a glow-up, and a boost in visibility, popularity and confidence. It is time to share your gifts and perform, not to stroke your ego, but to transmit your unique medicine to the world (we need it!). Beware of unexpected pregnancy, and of cultivating excess pride and an inflated ego. South Node enters Leo in July: old and fake performance tricks fall away, so that true authenticity can shine through; mature creative projects finally come to an end; a feeling of having done this or been here before when it comes to creative pursuits; old romance and exes come back due to unfinished karmic business.

Aquarius, Leo, Taurus & Scorpio 0°-6° (Sun, Moon, Rising / Mars, Venus, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus): Pluto continues its catalytic work of deep transformation, shadow work, karmic releases, purification, rebirth, soul evolution & empowerment.

Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius – Sun, Moon, Rising): With Uranus entering Gemini in April, you will be busy bees doing what you do best: connecting people. Your networks will grow, you’ll delight in exchanging with others, and you’ll rejoice in coming up with new ideas. Your relationships and friendships will change drastically: those who are not aligned with you will disappear in unexpected ways (or you will walk away), you’ll meet new, unique people in unconventional ways, and you will free yourselves from relationship dynamics that have run their course. Beware of burnout, nervous system overload and too much social interaction.

ELEMENTS

Earth & Water have been the dominant elements for the past 7 years. Like the caterpillar in the chrysalis, we spent those years doing a lot of introspective inner work in isolation, getting to know ourselves intimately, developing our intuitive & psychic abilities, cultivating spiritual & devotional practices, integrating trauma, befriending our shadow, processing emotions, understanding our past, and letting go of a lot of karmic baggage. It was a very Yin/Feminine time.

If you thought 2025 was fast-paced, you haven’t seen anything yet. We are now moving into 8 years of Air & Fire. Air is movement, communication, connection, the breath of Spirit. Fire is Spirit, the spark that starts life, creation in its rawest form, purification on all levels, rising from the ashes with renewed faith and perspective, and the inner fire that feeds our passions & desires.

Expect more Yang energy in 2026: extraversion, action, speed, motivation, ambition, passion, creativity, projects, ideas, exchange, connection, cooperation, networking, movement, etc.

This year finally sees the rise of the Divine Masculine externally. The brothers are being called forth to take their place next to the sisters as equals. We’ve all done enough inner work, healing and introspection. It’s time to meet where we’re at, and apply and embody what we’ve learned while being witnessed by others, to grow together as a result.

NUMEROLOGY

2026 is a Universal Year 1 (2+0+2+6 = 1+0 = 1)

1 is the number of new beginnings, planting seeds that we will be reaping in the next 9 years. 1 is the beginning of a new 9-year cycle. A new collective chapter, a blank canvas full of possibility, to be painted as we wish. Thus, 2026 is a year to try new things, start new projects, learn new skills, initiate, take leaps of faith, explore unknown territory and become resourceful.

The number 1 is ruled by the Sun: the Great Light, the Divine Masculine, the Life-Giver. The Sun is our light, our self, our identity. Thus, 2026 is the year to focus on and reinvent ourselves, connect with our Masculine side, shine our light, and embrace authenticity and originality as part of our unique identity.

CHINESE ASTROLOGY

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. This year, we will be moving with clear intention at very fast speed.

The Fire Horse is associated with speed, movement, adventure, freedom, courage, assertiveness, strength, endurance, untamed raw power, wildness, vitality, unstoppable drive, passion, extraversion, innovation and leadership.

The shadow side of the Fire Horse is an extreme fear of being tied down or restricted, stubbornness, inconsistency, impulsiveness, scattering and vanity.

In Western astrology, the Fire Horse can be associated with the zodiac signs of Sagittarius and Aries, as they share very similar traits.

*****

May 2026 give you the courage and drive to achieve your wildest goals.

May it be the year when you find your place among equals, lead by example and live so that you may have no regrets.

May you act in ways that benefit both your individual growth and the collective’s.

May you bravely step out of your comfort zone so that you may look back at the end of the year and say “I am so proud of you”.

The world is ready for you and your unique medicine. It is time you showed yourself. You are welcome as you are.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With all my love,

Alexandra

This text was written by a human. No use of AI was made at any stage of the writing process.

Warm wishes for 2026