New Moon: Sunday 18th January, 19:51 UTC, 28+ Capricorn
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Sunday’s New Moon was a herald of major upcoming changes. Not only did the luminaries conjoin late in the sign; but during this same week, Venus, Mercury and Mars ingress(ed) Aquarius alongside them. Further, next month will see both Saturn and Neptune re-enter Aries, and in April Uranus returns to Gemini, following their brief visits last summer. The coming transition is highlighted in the lunation chart by a minor grand trine between the late Capricorn, Pisces and Taurus contingents.
What will we feel and experience when these events are complete, and the planets in question are settled in their new homes? What will we see as they make the crossing? Amid the volatility of our present environment, it’s incredibly challenging even to guess what might happen next. But let’s examine the astrology before us for clues.
Firstly, the mass exodus from Capricorn to Aquarius, consisting of all the inner planets. Both signs are classically ruled by Saturn; as such, there are common themes of steadiness, power dynamics, and acknowledgment of traditions and mores. However, Uranus has additional dominion over Aquarius, making it a region where the old and the new tussle, and where revolutionary, fresh ideas can break humanity out from the established structures and push us onward. This can happen for better or worse; what we make of the impetus depends on ourselves.*
Each planet thus entering the realm of the water-carrier will also be involved in an eventual conjunction with Pluto, now steadily moving through the initial degrees of that sign. Lately, we’ve already witnessed developments that bring home the seriousness of the moment; potentially, another incident or pattern awaits which will impress on our minds yet more deeply a due sense of solemnity, gravity and significance. Pluto sets all superficial matters aside and leaps right to the core, the ultimate truth; this is his gift, though its manifestations do often feel challenging.
Secondly, the outer planet arrivals in Aries and Gemini during the next few months. Richard Tarnas has noted that Saturn-Neptune cycles at root involve a contest between perceived realities, with those in either camp often convinced that the opposing beliefs are delusional. This will no doubt sound familiar, and in this moment when great effort is being expended to wreak havoc with our minds, the struggle for sanity appears unprecedented. Yet Saturn’s hard aspects** with Neptune are roughly a decade apart, giving their entire cycle a duration of about 40 years. In some respects, then, this is a battle we are continually fighting.
What exactly to look for when these two gas giants meet in Aries next month can at most be an inspired guess; the last time they conjoined in the sign of the Ram was in the early 18th century, just as (in Europe) the Age of Enlightenment was just about to get going and the Inquisition were still running around pursuing ostensible heretics and agents of their devil. Who knows; perhaps the sign of cardinal fire will shake us all out of a Piscean slumber and cast out the chimaeras and cobwebs from our collective minds.***
Uranus, meanwhile, last ingressed Gemini between 1941 and 1942; I suspect I need not go into any great detail regarding occurrences during those years, except perhaps to note that they marked a turn of the tide in the Allies’ favour.****
During the last Saturn-Neptune square in 2015, as we witnessed an embodiment of toxic white male rage descending an escalator, some among us felt we were hearing the last roar of the dying dinosaur. Even as the grief and chaos born of that rage manifests daily 11 years later, it still seems to me that, while dangerous, the creature is indeed in its final agonies: its thrashing bears the hallmarks of desperation as well as fury.
Yes, it is causing terrible harm – as over many decades the errors of white supremacy, of sexism and of capitalism have done irreparable damage all over the face of this planet. Too long we have blundered into, stolen and exploited lives, resources and land, and called it conquest. We have arrogantly forced religious and cultural conversion by the sword and believed it righteous. We have overheated our world and trampled on multiple ecosystems in the name of profit.
As the logical conclusion of all this is now reached in the untold wealth of a very few and suffering for all the rest, I believe we still have the power to turn the wheel and avoid the worst. Whether or not that’s true, we must continue to do all we can, while we can.
That, at least, is a certainty.
* It’s worth remembering that Aquarius symbolises the human among the four Evangelists; this emphasises our species’ potency, and the importance of its works in the world.
** conjunction, opposition and square, i.e. each 90-degree interval, which are the main contacts examined when discussing a transit cycle.
*** And thereupon ICE agents from the streets…I am really an incurable optimist, aren’t I?
**** See above footnote.
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| Chart for the 2026 Capricorn New Moon: Sunday 18th January, 19:51 UTC. The solar sign is shown as the first house. |
Horoscope for 2026 Capricorn New Moon
 | Aries: New opportunities in the work arena seem to be available, and in all probability at least one is yours for the taking. Be sure, however, and check out precisely what is on offer before committing; some negotiation or snag-ironing may be necessary before a satisfactory conclusion is reached. Know thoroughly your expectations, aims and limits. |
 | Taurus: Many of us have moments of existential angst, wherein we plague ourselves with worries over the correctness of our path, whether our actions are salutary and tending to the right end, and so on. If you’re feeling particularly beset at present, perhaps some old, debunked self-criticism has popped up for a visit; acknowledge it if so, then show it the exit. |
 | Gemini: Some earnest labour in the region of self-understanding and emotional wellbeing will hopefully soon bear fruit. Meanwhile, do maintain and take pride in your efforts. Care of the psyche is an ongoing endeavour, and is crucial to the development of our eternally growing and changing identities. You have every right to bestow this attention on yourself. |
 | Cancer: There is a very definite allure in the idea of one’s presence easing or benefiting someone else’s life. It is certainly pleasant to be valued, needed or loved; equally, it’s important for you to recognise yourself in the person thus appreciated. If you feel someone is not perceiving you accurately, it may be helpful to communicate your concerns. |
 | Leo: Within our late-stage capitalist environment, autonomy is a severely underrated quality; yet freedom of thought and action are arguably fundamental to wellbeing. If some aspect of your daily routine leaves you feeling stifled or hampered, consider possible ways to increase your liberty and/or self-determination, even if only a little. |
 | Virgo: Where possible, taking a few precious moments out from your usual surroundings and habits could offer significant revitalisation and inspiration. Make a space for yourself to play, enjoy simple pleasures and perhaps try out something new, or spend time just being, without pressure. Remember that your existence needs no justification. |
 | Libra: A chance word or event may suggest surprising new possibilities in coming days; perhaps an opportunity for adventure or a significant development. Whatever shows up might at first seem implausible or difficult to manifest, though you’d probably be wise not to dismiss it out of hand. After all, circumstances have a way of altering. |
 | Scorpio: We can all understand ourselves and our present world more completely through listening to our loved ones’ stories, and by learning further about the family, locale and general history into which we first emerged. If you keep eyes and ears firmly open, you could well discover something offering significant elucidation regarding a current mystery. |
 | Sagittarius: Co-operation and peaceful resolution are, generally speaking, vital values. While all parties act in good faith and communicate honestly, even strong disagreement can eventually be settled fairly. However, when someone tries to lie or bully their way to victory, by far the best response is a firm and consistent upholding of boundaries and of justice. |
 | Capricorn: You could find yourself infused with inspiration or drive for a specific project, prompting you to set aside various routine activities and throw yourself into a singular focus. What’s more, others around you might well catch your enthusiasm as your eloquence sparks interest. Enjoy this atmosphere; it may sustain you through long and serious application. |
 | Aquarius: As is true of many beings under the rule of sober Saturn, Aquarians tend at times to be rather a pragmatic bunch; certainly, when one suggests acknowledging or expressing emotions, the water-carrier’s clever avoidance techniques are infamous. Perhaps you might try letting down these defences for a while, at least where you feel safest. |
 | Pisces: Potentially, this is a useful moment to create pleasant memories with members of your social sphere, which may include a joint artistic or inventive effort. It’s possible that what could commence as a bit of fun will develop into a cherished activity, in which something truly profound is forged. Let curiosity lead, and give yourself permission to explore. |