In case you hadn’t noticed, Aquarius is here.
The herald of mind-bending, consciousness-raising, evolutionary philosophies and experiences, Aquarius does not arrive for its annual date with the Sun with anything remotely resembling subtlety. No. Aquarius makes an entrance. This year, the arrival of the sign that rules rebellions, revolutions, democracies, and change is not only no exception, but it is far more intense than usual. It is more intense than most of us have seen in decades. In the immortal words of Gil Scott Heron, “… the revolution will not be televised…. the revolution will be live.” And if your community is anything like mine right now, part of it is happening in your neighborhood, just down the street.
A fixed, masculine, air sign, Aquarius is the water bearer. The implied message here is that – with water being the emotions and air being the mind – one of the highest applications of humanity is using your mind to control your emotions. And one of the highest applications of Aquarius is to help you do that. Easier said than done, I know. But right now, we are getting numerous opportunities to practice. Let’s see what we can do with them.
The normal challenges and changes that Aquarius brings are far more tangible, more visceral now. The tricky part this year is not how to see them, it is how to prioritize them. Look to the realm of Aquarius for guidance. On the most basic level, Aquarius rules the friends, groups, and networks that comprise your community. In times of crisis, the success or failure of any community hinges on the ability of its individual members to manage their emotions in such a way as to further the goals they share and the values that inform them. Aquarius season always asks you to demonstrate that you can sublimate your ego in order to better serve the greater good. Start there.
And as you do, focus on the archetypes of Aquarius. There are four: Humanitarian Reformer; Rebel; Wise Fool, and Outsider. Emulate them. Remember, each sign is a response to the one that came before it. Earthy Capricorn was focused on the importance of creating the order, structure, discipline, and form needed to help get the tribe through the stark coldness of winter. Airy Aquarius, in response, uses that sturdy foundation to create the change needed to better navigate the coming spring and the current manifestation cycle.
Part of what makes Aquarius season so powerful is because it is the home of Imbolc. Part of what makes this Aquarius New Moon so powerful is because it coincides with the Lunar Imbolc. Part of what makes this Aquarius New Moon exceptionally powerful is that it is also the first of two eclipses. Factor in the Chinese New Year, the year of the Fire Horse, which also occurs at this Aquarius New Moon, and you have the most spiritually potent day of the year.
Like the Lunar Imbolc, the Chinese New Year is based on the cycles of the Moon and is both a planting festival and the herald of spring. In Chinese astrology, the Horse is a symbol of speed, endurance, vitality, and freedom. During a Fire Horse year, you can count on an energetic time of dynamic change, adventure, and forward-moving action that compels you towards greater freedom, success, and independence. The tricky part is consistency and balance.
For now, and throughout 2026, visualize yourself moving forward and achieving your goals in ways that are consistent and balanced. Imagine yourself feeling loved by your community in a life of meaning and joy. Ask your Gods, guides, guardians, angels, archangels, and ancestors to guide your thoughts, your actions, your words, and your deeds, so you can have that life—and only that kind of life. Listen to what they say, listen to the answers you receive, and trust them. Take the actions you need to take to get that life. And if you get stuck, call me.
We’ll figure it out.
Calendar
Below are some of the dates when your opportunities for wizardry, magic, and alchemy will be the greatest.
February 17
Annular Solar Eclipse at the New Moon: The Sun and the New Moon are conjunct at 28° Aquarius. They are part of a large, rolling Stellium involving Mars at 19° Aquarius, Venus at 08° Pisces, the North Node at 09° Pisces, and Mercury at 16° Pisces.
Chinese New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse
Lunar Imbolc
New Moon in Aquarius
Ramadan begins at sunset (ends on March 18)
February 18
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins (ends April 2)
Losar/Tibetan New Year
Sun moves into Pisces
February 25
Mercury Retrograde Prelude Period ends
Mercury Retrogrades at 22° Pisces
Late February 2026 brings another major planetary alignment. A rare visual grouping including Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune forms an arc in the night sky.
March 2
Mars moves into Pisces
Purim/The Festival of Lots begins at sunset
Ta’anit Esther/The Fast of Esther
March 3
Full Moon in Virgo (also known as the Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Lenten Moon, Sleepy Moon, Sap Moon, Seed Moon, and Worm Moon)
Purim/The Festival of Lots ends at sunset
Shushan Purim begins at sunset
Total Lunar Eclipse at the Full Moon: a massive, rolling stellium involving Mars at 00° Pisces, the North Node at 08° Pisces, a Retrograde Mercury at 20° Pisces, Venus at 26° Pisces, Neptune at 01° Aries, and Saturn at 02° Aries.
March 4
Holi (India)
Shushan Purim ends at sunset
March 6
Venus moves into Aries
March 8
Daylight Savings Time begins (ends November 1)
International Women’s Day
March 10
Jupiter goes Direct at 15° Cancer
March 12
Aztec (Mexika) New Year
March 15
Mothering Sunday (United Kingdom and Ireland)
March 17
Saint Patrick’s Day
Eclipse Shadow Period Ends
March 18
Eid-al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) at sunset
New Moon in Pisces
