At exactly 11:01pm AEDT on 17 February the New Moon in Aquarius arrives. It brings with it a rare and impactful Solar Eclipse, but sadly, it will only be those in Northern Europe, Canada and West Africa who will be positioned to see it.
This New Moon will be particularly auspicious as it’s the one that also marks Lunar New Year – bringing the year of the snake to a close and beginning of the Year of the Horse. Think of this as your opportunity to do one last recalibration and cast of what doesn’t serve you before you enter the rest of 2026. Here’s what you need to know
Who will be able to see the Solar Eclipse?
A Solar Eclipse is a rare phenomenon that can only occur when a New Moon falls during the daylight hours. It happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, and fully or partially obscuring the Sun from our view.
In this instance, only a handful of locations will be able to see February’s Solar Eclipse due to the particular positioning. Greenland, and places in Europe like Spain and France will get the best view. Canada, Alaska, Western Africa, parts of Russia and Scandinavia will also catch glimpses. Unfortunately, if you live anywhere South of the equator, you’ll have to catch the next one.
What’s the significance of a Solar Eclipse?
Astrologically, a Solar Eclipse is a more intense and more deeply impactful New Moon.
New Moons are moments of reset and rest, but they’re also somewhat magical moments that prime us for manifestation and change. It’s a time for shedding the things in life that no longer serve us and preparing ourselves for the next great transition.
Solar Eclipses are said to trigger sudden and powerful change. If a redirection in your life path has been looming, a Solar Eclipse is said to suddenly propel this forward. It’s important not to approach this with fear but with the knowing embrace that the universe will present you the challenge or new path that you need at this time.
These phenomena can also initiate a shift in your own perspective and the way you view the world and people around you. It is an opportunity to learn, develop and grow.
What to expect and how to approach the New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
This New Moon will bring an internal revolution. Understand that this will be a pivotal moment, and you will need to treat it as such. If there is any grudge, grievance, anger or sadness that you are clinging to, you will need to actively let go. Or know that this negativity will follow you into the rest of the year.
Lunar astrology says that this is our final moment of shedding before we enter a new era of action, acceleration and a breaking of the bonds that have been holding you back. In order to make the most of this moment, you will have to clear the slate. Take stock of where you are and what you still have left to achieve in life, love and career. Anything that does not ultimately aid you in where you need to be may not be worth carrying forward.
Here, Aquarius’s influence will see routines disrupted in favour of something better. It is innovative energy that will help you understand your full potential, and also where you still need to grow. It is common for Aquarius Moons to awakens a humanitarian calling and a desire for a bigger purpose. Connect with this energy and find out where it leads you.
There will be no desire to go with the flow in this moment, and while swimming upstream can feel more taxing, it is ultimately more rewarding. As they say, nothing worth having ever comes easy.
This will be an incredibly magical and powerful time to manifest for the future. Speak your intentions aloud, write them down or whatever you need to do to crystalise them in your mind. The threads of your new beginning are emerging, you just need to pick them up and follow them.
Image: Geronimo Giqueaux on Unsplash
