The incoming year is momentous. If the past 12 months haven’t exactly gone to plan, consider the key astrological dates of 2026 as your cosmic opportunity for a do-over, but with the benefit of the grace and knowledge that you didn’t have in 2025. Several planets such as Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are re-entering the signs that they transitioned into in 2025 pre-retrograde, remaining there for several years. This time around, we will be able to comprehend matters with more insight. The important astrological dates of 2026 are poised to propel us forward in many ways, particularly in our global connections.
The 3 Mercury retrogrades of 2026 in the water signs (Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio)
26 February to 20 March
Mercury retrograde in Pisces can cause us to get confused between dreams and reality. We may get swept up in our fantasies, choosing to believe in our illusions rather than logic. Our intuition might not be in tune with the universe or the truth, resulting in paranoia and communication mishaps. The flipside is that we’ll be innovative and creative, as these sentiments are heightened. Revising former projects allows us to repurpose the past to achieve artistic greatness.
29 June to 23 July
Mercury retrograde in Cancer brings repressed emotions to the forefront of our hearts. Everything that has been buried beneath the surface will come out, since we are tired of holding it in. We’ll remain in a cocoon until we are ready to heal. Reconciliations with family members and friends will be a core theme, as we prepare to commit to the relationships that are important to us. Finding security and safety in these connections and affiliations is vital.
24 October to 13 November
Mercury retrograde in Scorpio can be somewhat intense and venomous. We might express ourselves harshly, as our words are full of emotion and power. The caveat is that we may take matters too far, creating a situation that requires repair. It’s also a great time to re-evaluate relationships to understand what—and who—is a good fit. Consider it an optimal opportunity for growth in all aspects of life.
The 4 eclipses of 2026
Astrologically speaking, eclipses give us the strength to transform. They bring discoveries and changes that can enhance our lives.
17 February
The annular solar eclipse in Aquarius is an opportunity to reassess. We are challenging the status quo to find our place in society. Redefining the groups we move in and the goals we have is critical, since we are augmenting our values.
3 March
The total lunar eclipse in Virgo provides an opportunity to explore our emotions from an analytical perspective. Spending our energy meditating on these sentiments is beneficial.
12 August
The total solar eclipse in Leo urges us to let go of our egocentric desires and beliefs. Giving energy to something bigger than ourselves is necessary. Consider aligning with the local community or a global humanitarian organisation.
28 August
The partial lunar eclipse in Pisces is a time of nostalgia. We are leaning into our youth to ignite purpose that speaks to us on a soulful level. Looking inwards is going to take us on a magical and spiritual journey. Ultimately, we’ll discover the beauty within ourselves.
The major planetary shifts of 2026
26 January
Mystical Neptune gets a wake-up call in fiery Aries until March 2039. Rather than waiting for a chance to shine, we’ll seek it through our own means. We may resort to tactics that prioritise our own wants and needs over those of others. People with authority who have selfish goals might rise in influence. [Note that Neptune entered Aries for a bit from 30 March to 22 October, 2025.]
14 February
Responsible Saturn only listens to itself when orbiting the zodiac sign Aries until April 2028. Saturn begins its planetary return from the past 27 to 30 years, and the same amount of time prior to that. Now, we are bossing up and opting to assist others after we’ve had our piece of the pie (and then some). We’ll learn to be more disciplined than impulsive and to depend on ourselves. [Note that Saturn transited Aries for a few months from 25 May to 1 September, 2025.]
26 April
‘Great Awakener’ Uranus in Gemini reinvents the AI wheel (mainly our reliance on it). The way we receive information will change, particularly in the realm of social media. Generational catchphrases prevail, encouraging us all to upgrade our communication. [Note that Uranus walked through Gemini between 7 July and 8 November, 2025.]
19 June
The centaur Chiron (‘the wounded healer who could not heal itself’) glides into Taurus, an occurrence every 46 to 52 years. Mending our core and addressing areas of self-worth and materialism gives us the chance to evolve in eight years. It’ll be a process, so don’t rush emotions.
30 June
For the first time in approximately 12 years, the expansive planet Jupiter enters Leo. Big declarations will be made, as well as overpromises. We can expect immense drama and tantrums when we don’t win, teaching us that first prize isn’t as critical as doing what we love in life. This could entail solo travel, romanticism and luck.
27 July
The karmic Nodes of Destiny enter the Aquarius and Leo lunar axis for the next year and a half. The North Node in Aquarius pushes us to transcend our comfort zone and to make a significant contribution to the universe. The South Node in Leo balances our energy to ensure we aren’t self-serving. Giving back and supporting others is a massive step in a new direction. We are entering our humble and charitable era.
Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra
3 October to 14 November
Do not rush into a relationship or end a partnership when Venus, the planet of love and money, moves backwards in the sky. The retrograde begins in Scorpio and moonwalks into Libra, allowing us to embrace and nurture our shadow selves. As a result, we’ll have to acknowledge our deepest emotions—including jealousy and a desire to have control. Being able to work through these patterns is key.
The equinoxes and solstices of 2026
20 March
The astrological new year, Aries season, and spring equinox (the hours of day and night are even) awaken our passions for the next three months.
21 June
The summer solstice (the longest day of the year), which marks the beginning of Cancer season, makes us more carefree and tenderhearted as the weather heats up.
23 September
Libra season and the autumnal equinox (the hours of day and night are even) prepare us for the cooler months ahead and the fall harvest.
21 December
The winter solstice (the shortest day of the year) brings the beginning of Capricorn season, offering reflection and contemplation as the year comes to a close.
This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk
