**please do not DM me asking for natal chart readings**
Mostly sign ingresses & monthly forecast notes, as well as occasional excerpts from whatever I'm reading at the moment.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast’s June Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim. Calendar designed by Paula Belluomini and timeline graphics by Madeline Coates at honeycomb.co.
The month starts out with a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer, though when she enters Leo her opposition to Pluto will bring up themes of power and control. Mercury will gear up for a retrograde as Mars nears a conjunction to Uranus. Jupiter enters Leo for the next year, putting him in opposition to Pluto as well. Mercury retrogrades right before a conjunction with Jupiter, effectively delaying a benefit for us. I’ll put the news recap at the end this month since the video came out late, but it does have some astrological community news at the very end!
June Forecast
June 1st - Mercury enters Cancer
This activates the energy already going on in Cancer with Venus and Jupiter.
June 3rd - Mercury square Neptune
With Mercury (4♋) squaring Neptune (4♈), this was a day of confusing communications. After leaving their domicile, Mercury is operating on a more emotional level, and Neptune makes things more Impressionistic than exact. This can be good for artistic expression and reactivates the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which is not yet at 10 degrees of separation.
June 8th - Auspicious Election (not pictued)
One of the best charts of this year, it takes place around 3:30PM local time, which should give you Libra rising. The Ascendant ruler Venus is in the 10th house and applying to a conjunction with Jupiter, making this a good chart for work and career, public image, aspirations, dealing with superiors. The 10th house ruler, the Moon, is in Pisces and applying to a trine with Jupiter and Venus with mututal reception. Thus even though the exact conjunction is the next day, the Moon placement on June 8th is extremely positive. The downside is Mars in the 8th house, meaning this isn’t the greatest chart for debts, taxes, and shared resources. Mercury is also squaring Saturn, so there is some possible hampering of communications, but in a day chart they should be surmountable.
Note: this entire day is a very good day because of the Moon in Pisces being extra helpful to Venus-Jupiter, though any time around the conjunction is fortuitous.
June 9th - Venus conjunct Jupiter
Going exact at 25 Cancer, this is the most fortuitous aspect of the year (note: Jupiter is exalted in Cancer). It confirms relationships, brings peace, and offers empathy and understanding to us. This is more freed up from malefic influences than last year and we can find ourselves caring for others or being cared for, enjoying the good things in life for awhile, and generally availing ourselves of life-affirming energies. This is a particularly good aspect for proposals and marriages, and is also the last round of Jupiter cleaning up the mess from Mars’s retrograde in Cancer from 2024-25. The World Cup is also happening just after this, bringing good vibes for the event.
June 10th - Mercury square Saturn
June 13th - Venus enters Leo
This sets her on a path of opposing Pluto, though this is a blessing through the Leo sector of our charts generally and will hearken back to events from August-September of last year.
June 14th - New Moon in Gemini
Venus is approaching an opposition to Pluto in the background, and the lunation’s ruler Mercury is slowing down in preparation for a retrograde, so some of our efforts begun around this time will have to be redone a couple times. Mercury seems to be heading towards a conjunction to Jupiter, but isn’t able to fully complete it, so we may get a bit of a fakeout or see something positive put on hold for awhile.
June 17th - Venus opposite Pluto
This aspect brings underworld themes, power struggles, and trying to bring love and creativity in the face of war (Mars is squaring them by sign as well). In relationships this can be obsession or having a hard time letting someone go after a separation. This may also manifest as the Leo area of your chart needing growth and creativity, while the Aquarius house needs to be dug up from the depths, with both needing your attention at the same time. We may also see individuals trying to shine among the collective.
Once Jupiter joins her in Leo, though, we’ll have a period of positive and affirming energies going through our charts in this third quarter of the year. Leo is more of a mixed bag later on, but for now things look pretty good!
June 21st - Sun enters Cancer
This solstice will be especially bright as the Sun activates some of the previous positive energies in our charts and it could be a good time for family reunions and parties, though we’re gearing up for some complications ahead.
June 25th - Sun square Neptune
There may be some confusion and lack of clarity around this time.
June 28th - Mars enters Gemini
This ingress immediately ramps up for a conjunction with Uranus (03♊), though Mars did get a weak sextile from Jupiter before this ingres. Something lightly held back the worst impulses of this conjunction while it was out-of-sign, but the harsher things will get louder at the end of the month here. The US was founded under not only Uranus in Gemini, but specifically under a Mars-Uranus conjunction–the Civil war started under a conjunction and ended under a copresence, and dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki under this aspect as well. We have four of this aspect coming up over the past few years. General significations are uprisings and revolts, military and/or technological innovations (the trine to Pluto in Aquarius is good for disruptive technologies), as well as radical liberation. In personal charts this can help us think quickly and innovate with new ideas, but not necessarily lasting ones.s
Particularly striking is that this aspect goes exact on July 4th, baking it into the U.S. solar return chart for the year. There’s a strong element of surprise here: squares coincided with military attacks, and the last conjunction coincided with Trump dodging an assassination attempt and Biden dropping out of the presidential race.Venezuela, Cuba, Lebanon, and Taiwan also have strong Mars-Uranus signatures.
Overall, this is also the time of new beginnings. The seeds of new thing, including positive developments in our lives, may be planted now. We may feel a greater need for freedom and innovation in the Gemini parts of our charts, and Mars pours gasoline all over that spark. Mars can also add greater speed and energy to areas of our chart where we are trying to innovate. We can become versatile and think quickly, but we have to be careful not to get too scattered around this time. Something comes out of left field and it can be invigorating, but we may also want to try and not act too impulsive.
June 29th - Mercury stations retrograde, Full Moon in Capricorn
The lunation heightens the energy that’s already going on, as it squares Saturn just like the last one.
June 30th - Jupiter enters Leo
This begins a one-year transit through Leo, and he’ll have a loose, sign-based conjunction to Venus as she finishes her transit of the sign. We have some growth and confirmation of good things going on, though Jupiter is now approaching an opposition to Pluto that we’ll really be feeling in July. We will want to show off and expand, though Pluto makes us want to dig into deep places or control information and resources.
Jupiter-Pluto can also bring up themes of wealth and justice, including one of the biggest US fast food worker strike in 2015, which was part of securing a right to unionize, and corporate mergers being blocked.
May News Recap:
The US-Israel war on Iran was punctuated by a Mars-Jupiter square on May 4th and a destructive Mars-Pluto square on May 26th. Though there’s been a fragile ceasefire, the US catalyzed a round of missile exchanges right around the 4th, and then again the 25th-28th saw more fire back and forth on mainly military targets. We’ve avoided economic disaster so far with different countries draining their oil reserves, but they’ll run out soon. Astrologically, the Mars-Uranus conjunction in June-July will likely see the next development (previous flashpoints occurred on Mars-Uranus squares), and long-term the next eclipse season in August-September, as U.S. & Israeli conflicts with Iran and across the Middle East generally have coincided with eclipses over the past few years.
The Mars squares corresponded with other explosions worldwide as well, including a deadly accident at a fireworks factory in China (Mars was on the descendant and Jupiter on the Midheaven). The second Mars square saw Russia send an especially large volley of missiles into Ukraine, destroying cultural sites in Kiev. An aerospace facility in residential Southern California saw a chemical tank overheat (Mars-Pluto) and nearly explode, but a crack in the tank relieved some pressure. A slight sextile from Venus to Mars with reception at the exact sextile added a cooling energy, and indeed the evacuation orders were lifted at that time. Other disasters around this time may have been ameliorated by this. A chemical plant in Oregon saw a deadlier explosion, and a Jeff Bezos-owned space facility saw a massive explosion that wiped out the entire launch pad.
The Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries from April into May also saw (the start of) an outbreak of a rare Andean Hantavirus strain on a cruise ship, and a strain of Ebola with no vaccine broke out over a contested province in in the Democratic Republic of Congo and into Uganda. A Mars-Saturn square with Mars in his other domicile Scorpio saw a massive outbreak in 2014. Mars spreads the virus like wildfire, while Saturnian authorities try to stop the spread and raise public awareness.
Pluto’s entry into Aquarius has shown society trying to tackle the advent of AI: the Pope issued a decree about it, graduation speakers at colleges got booed for praising AI, an AI used in graduation speeches missed people’s names, and one speaker told the students it’s their generation’s mission to destroy AI. Pluto’s station was activated by a Mars transit in May, bringing big stories to light. Erin Brokovich also launched a crowdsourced map of AI data centers in the US so people can better voice their concerns about environmental, community and local cost impacts for projects that are largely approved behind closed doors (another Pluto signification).
The Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries, activated by Mars’s transit, saw a scandal in India around an astrologer in government. Chris found this trends more broadly with backlash against the occult: Evangeline Adams’s and Alan Leo’s astrology lawsuits were under Saturn-Neptune conjunctions, Adorno’s writings criticism of astrology in the 50s, the Gocquelins’ research on statistics and birth data with the Mars effect emerging, the Satanic Panic and Reagan’s astrologer scandal in the 80s.
In politics, the May 13-15 meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump revived another Saturn-Neptune signature: the United States’ “strategic ambiguity” about the degree to which it recognizes and supports the ROC in Taiwan while establishing and maintaining relations with the PRC in mainland China. We should expect further developments here during the Mars-Uranus conjunction in late June/July (first in a series of four) and the Venus retrograde in Scorpio this October-November. The US oil blockade of Cuba has also continued, with a federal grand jury in Miami reopening a criminal case against Raul Castro on the recurrence of a Saturn-Neptune conjunction. The current government celebrates its founding July 26, 1953, which was under a Mars-Uranus conjunction–another Mars-Uranus conjunction will peak this July, making it a time to watch out for.
In domestic US news, a 1982 amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was overturned by the Supreme Court, forcing people to prove explicit intent of racial discrimination in redistricting and making said proof harder. Mars, Saturn, and Pluto were in Libra and Uranus was in Sagittarius during the original act, and now it was overturned with Mars-Saturn in Aries and Uranus in Gemini, opposing it. Red states immediately began gerrymandering to disenfranchise Black neighborhoods as much as possible. The US Uranus return is showing us whose “freedom” this country was actually founded on and the way slavery and its legacy are baked into the nation.
In smaller astrology news, an individual in France is attempting to trademark the term “astrocartography/ie” in the entire EU after successfully getting one in France, and is immediately sending cease and desist letters to anyone else practicing this. Seeing as this is an entire field of practice, the popularizer of the most common techniques himself only trademarked a stylized version that has now lapsed, was not the first person to draw planetary lines on a map, and has no relation to the person trying to trademark it, it’s a pretty big ethical dilemma for astrologers. Chris connects this to Saturn-Neptune as well–trying to corral structures around a technique whose origins and practices are too nebulous to trace to a single person to begin with. There are two petitions about it, and other astrological organizations are looking into legal options as well.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast’s June Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Leisa Schaim. Calendar designed by Paula Belluomini and timeline graphics by Madeline Coates at honeycomb.co.
The month starts out with a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer, though when she enters Leo her opposition to Pluto will bring up themes of power and control. Mercury will gear up for a retrograde as Mars nears a conjunction to Uranus. Jupiter enters Leo for the next year, putting him in opposition to Pluto as well. Mercury retrogrades right before a conjunction with Jupiter, effectively delaying a benefit for us. I’ll put the news recap at the end this month since the video came out late, but it does have some astrological community news at the very end!
June Forecast
June 1st - Mercury enters Cancer
This activates the energy already going on in Cancer with Venus and Jupiter.
June 3rd - Mercury square Neptune
With Mercury (4♋) squaring Neptune (4♈), this was a day of confusing communications. After leaving their domicile, Mercury is operating on a more emotional level, and Neptune makes things more Impressionistic than exact. This can be good for artistic expression and reactivates the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, which is not yet at 10 degrees of separation.
June 8th - Auspicious Election (not pictued)
One of the best charts of this year, it takes place around 3:30PM local time, which should give you Libra rising. The Ascendant ruler Venus is in the 10th house and applying to a conjunction with Jupiter, making this a good chart for work and career, public image, aspirations, dealing with superiors. The 10th house ruler, the Moon, is in Pisces and applying to a trine with Jupiter and Venus with mututal reception. Thus even though the exact conjunction is the next day, the Moon placement on June 8th is extremely positive. The downside is Mars in the 8th house, meaning this isn’t the greatest chart for debts, taxes, and shared resources. Mercury is also squaring Saturn, so there is some possible hampering of communications, but in a day chart they should be surmountable.
Note: this entire day is a very good day because of the Moon in Pisces being extra helpful to Venus-Jupiter, though any time around the conjunction is fortuitous.
June 9th - Venus conjunct Jupiter
Going exact at 25 Cancer, this is the most fortuitous aspect of the year (note: Jupiter is exalted in Cancer). It confirms relationships, brings peace, and offers empathy and understanding to us. This is more freed up from malefic influences than last year and we can find ourselves caring for others or being cared for, enjoying the good things in life for awhile, and generally availing ourselves of life-affirming energies. This is a particularly good aspect for proposals and marriages, and is also the last round of Jupiter cleaning up the mess from Mars’s retrograde in Cancer from 2024-25. The World Cup is also happening just after this, bringing good vibes for the event.
June 10th - Mercury square Saturn
June 13th - Venus enters Leo
This sets her on a path of opposing Pluto, though this is a blessing through the Leo sector of our charts generally and will hearken back to events from August-September of last year.
June 14th - New Moon in Gemini
Venus is approaching an opposition to Pluto in the background, and the lunation’s ruler Mercury is slowing down in preparation for a retrograde, so some of our efforts begun around this time will have to be redone a couple times. Mercury seems to be heading towards a conjunction to Jupiter, but isn’t able to fully complete it, so we may get a bit of a fakeout or see something positive put on hold for awhile.
June 17th - Venus opposite Pluto
This aspect brings underworld themes, power struggles, and trying to bring love and creativity in the face of war (Mars is squaring them by sign as well). In relationships this can be obsession or having a hard time letting someone go after a separation. This may also manifest as the Leo area of your chart needing growth and creativity, while the Aquarius house needs to be dug up from the depths, with both needing your attention at the same time. We may also see individuals trying to shine among the collective.
Once Jupiter joins her in Leo, though, we’ll have a period of positive and affirming energies going through our charts in this third quarter of the year. Leo is more of a mixed bag later on, but for now things look pretty good!
June 21st - Sun enters Cancer
This solstice will be especially bright as the Sun activates some of the previous positive energies in our charts and it could be a good time for family reunions and parties, though we’re gearing up for some complications ahead.
June 25th - Sun square Neptune
There may be some confusion and lack of clarity around this time.
June 28th - Mars enters Gemini
This ingress immediately ramps up for a conjunction with Uranus (03♊), though Mars did get a weak sextile from Jupiter before this ingres. Something lightly held back the worst impulses of this conjunction while it was out-of-sign, but the harsher things will get louder at the end of the month here. The US was founded under not only Uranus in Gemini, but specifically under a Mars-Uranus conjunction–the Civil war started under a conjunction and ended under a copresence, and dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki under this aspect as well. We have four of this aspect coming up over the past few years. General significations are uprisings and revolts, military and/or technological innovations (the trine to Pluto in Aquarius is good for disruptive technologies), as well as radical liberation. In personal charts this can help us think quickly and innovate with new ideas, but not necessarily lasting ones.s
Particularly striking is that this aspect goes exact on July 4th, baking it into the U.S. solar return chart for the year. There’s a strong element of surprise here: squares coincided with military attacks, and the last conjunction coincided with Trump dodging an assassination attempt and Biden dropping out of the presidential race.Venezuela, Cuba, Lebanon, and Taiwan also have strong Mars-Uranus signatures.
Overall, this is also the time of new beginnings. The seeds of new thing, including positive developments in our lives, may be planted now. We may feel a greater need for freedom and innovation in the Gemini parts of our charts, and Mars pours gasoline all over that spark. Mars can also add greater speed and energy to areas of our chart where we are trying to innovate. We can become versatile and think quickly, but we have to be careful not to get too scattered around this time. Something comes out of left field and it can be invigorating, but we may also want to try and not act too impulsive.
June 29th - Mercury stations retrograde, Full Moon in Capricorn
The lunation heightens the energy that’s already going on, as it squares Saturn just like the last one.
June 30th - Jupiter enters Leo
This begins a one-year transit through Leo, and he’ll have a loose, sign-based conjunction to Venus as she finishes her transit of the sign. We have some growth and confirmation of good things going on, though Jupiter is now approaching an opposition to Pluto that we’ll really be feeling in July. We will want to show off and expand, though Pluto makes us want to dig into deep places or control information and resources.
Jupiter-Pluto can also bring up themes of wealth and justice, including one of the biggest US fast food worker strike in 2015, which was part of securing a right to unionize, and corporate mergers being blocked.
May News Recap:
The US-Israel war on Iran was punctuated by a Mars-Jupiter square on May 4th and a destructive Mars-Pluto square on May 26th. Though there’s been a fragile ceasefire, the US catalyzed a round of missile exchanges right around the 4th, and then again the 25th-28th saw more fire back and forth on mainly military targets. We’ve avoided economic disaster so far with different countries draining their oil reserves, but they’ll run out soon. Astrologically, the Mars-Uranus conjunction in June-July will likely see the next development (previous flashpoints occurred on Mars-Uranus squares), and long-term the next eclipse season in August-September, as U.S. & Israeli conflicts with Iran and across the Middle East generally have coincided with eclipses over the past few years.
The Mars squares corresponded with other explosions worldwide as well, including a deadly accident at a fireworks factory in China (Mars was on the descendant and Jupiter on the Midheaven). The second Mars square saw Russia send an especially large volley of missiles into Ukraine, destroying cultural sites in Kiev. An aerospace facility in residential Southern California saw a chemical tank overheat (Mars-Pluto) and nearly explode, but a crack in the tank relieved some pressure. A slight sextile from Venus to Mars with reception at the exact sextile added a cooling energy, and indeed the evacuation orders were lifted at that time. Other disasters around this time may have been ameliorated by this. A chemical plant in Oregon saw a deadlier explosion, and a Jeff Bezos-owned space facility saw a massive explosion that wiped out the entire launch pad.
The Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries from April into May also saw (the start of) an outbreak of a rare Andean Hantavirus strain on a cruise ship, and a strain of Ebola with no vaccine broke out over a contested province in in the Democratic Republic of Congo and into Uganda. A Mars-Saturn square with Mars in his other domicile Scorpio saw a massive outbreak in 2014. Mars spreads the virus like wildfire, while Saturnian authorities try to stop the spread and raise public awareness.
Pluto’s entry into Aquarius has shown society trying to tackle the advent of AI: the Pope issued a decree about it, graduation speakers at colleges got booed for praising AI, an AI used in graduation speeches missed people’s names, and one speaker told the students it’s their generation’s mission to destroy AI. Pluto’s station was activated by a Mars transit in May, bringing big stories to light. Erin Brokovich also launched a crowdsourced map of AI data centers in the US so people can better voice their concerns about environmental, community and local cost impacts for projects that are largely approved behind closed doors (another Pluto signification).
The Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries, activated by Mars’s transit, saw a scandal in India around an astrologer in government. Chris found this trends more broadly with backlash against the occult: Evangeline Adams’s and Alan Leo’s astrology lawsuits were under Saturn-Neptune conjunctions, Adorno’s writings criticism of astrology in the 50s, the Gocquelins’ research on statistics and birth data with the Mars effect emerging, the Satanic Panic and Reagan’s astrologer scandal in the 80s.
In politics, the May 13-15 meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump revived another Saturn-Neptune signature: the United States’ “strategic ambiguity” about the degree to which it recognizes and supports the ROC in Taiwan while establishing and maintaining relations with the PRC in mainland China. We should expect further developments here during the Mars-Uranus conjunction in late June/July (first in a series of four) and the Venus retrograde in Scorpio this October-November. The US oil blockade of Cuba has also continued, with a federal grand jury in Miami reopening a criminal case against Raul Castro on the recurrence of a Saturn-Neptune conjunction. The current government celebrates its founding July 26, 1953, which was under a Mars-Uranus conjunction–another Mars-Uranus conjunction will peak this July, making it a time to watch out for.
In domestic US news, a 1982 amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was overturned by the Supreme Court, forcing people to prove explicit intent of racial discrimination in redistricting and making said proof harder. Mars, Saturn, and Pluto were in Libra and Uranus was in Sagittarius during the original act, and now it was overturned with Mars-Saturn in Aries and Uranus in Gemini, opposing it. Red states immediately began gerrymandering to disenfranchise Black neighborhoods as much as possible. The US Uranus return is showing us whose “freedom” this country was actually founded on and the way slavery and its legacy are baked into the nation.
In smaller astrology news, an individual in France is attempting to trademark the term “astrocartography/ie” in the entire EU after successfully getting one in France, and is immediately sending cease and desist letters to anyone else practicing this. Seeing as this is an entire field of practice, the popularizer of the most common techniques himself only trademarked a stylized version that has now lapsed, was not the first person to draw planetary lines on a map, and has no relation to the person trying to trademark it, it’s a pretty big ethical dilemma for astrologers. Chris connects this to Saturn-Neptune as well–trying to corral structures around a technique whose origins and practices are too nebulous to trace to a single person to begin with. There are two petitions about it, and other astrological organizations are looking into legal options as well.
By the way, if anyone is interested in more broad strokes daily/weekly forecasts, I've always enjoyed what Zambonifunk has to say. He has a relaxed and conversational tone that I find very accessible. He's on TikTok and Instagram as well.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast’s May forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
Themes this month: We open with a peace-shattering Mars-Jupiter square on May 4th, accompanied by a Pluto station on the 6th that will involve power dynamics and hidden information coming to light. We have a difficult Mars-Pluto square on the 26th, but it’s followed up by one of the most positive aspects of the year, a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer.
April News Recap:
We had a rare quadruple conjunction between Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, hitting the gas and brakes at the same. Our hosts predicted escalation and violent words, which we saw early on when Trump threatend to wipe out the entire Iranian civilization as the war escalates. He backtracked enough to broker a fragile peace deal, which was set to expire near the Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 19th. Vance went directly to Iran to negotiate around the 11th-12th Venus-Jupiter sextile–they were largely unproductive but peace was attempted after something insane, an object lesson in benefic sextiles. Trump encated the naval counter-blockade of Iranian ports as the Mars-Saturn conjunction built up, culminating in the US attacking and boarding an Iranian ship on the day of the conjunction. Saturn-Neptune conjunctions have indicated some of the longest naval blockades in history, including during the Korean War and Napoleonic Wars. A planet between two malefics is traditionally called “beseiged,” and in this case we can see transportation choked by a literal seige. As a result countries around the world are experiencing oil shortages and gas prices rising, as well as fertilizer shortages set to cause massive agricultural shortages in the months to come. This is the very tip of the iceberg with ramifications of events that have already happened. Chris also goes into the relationship of Neptune-Saturn and oil, a summary of his recent video on the subject (click link at top of post if you’re interested). There is now a clear financial incentive for alternative energy sources.
On April 25th Uranus entered Gemini for the next 7-8 years, which began exactly with the attempted assassination at the White House correspondents’ dinner. As an omen for what this transit has in store for the US & its presidents, it’s a dramatic one. The Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction also prompted discussions of whether or not it was a false flag.
Mars-Saturn-Neptune also saw some religious controversies in the Twittersphere and the emergence of AI-generated videos being used for political propaganda (our hosts only talk about Iran here, but there is also an entity called “Generative AI for Good” being used by the US and UN–this technology is widespread regardless of political alliances). Dark stories affecting women and sexuality have surfaced with Saturn-Neptune as well, especially around men drugging their partners and continued interest in the Epstein files.
In technology, Mars has intensified the Saturn-Neptune critiques of AI and specifically OpenAI, including articles about the technology being more limited than advertised and an unsuccesful attempt to throw a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman’s house. The AI investment bubble probably will pop soon with added economic ramifications. Meanwhile, Pluto in Aquarius marks the Pluto return of the United States, and the recent overturn of the voting rights act has re-legalized racist gerrymandering in the country.
May Forecast
May 1st - Full Moon in Scorpio
Mars rules this Full Moon and is still heading towards a square to Jupiter, although the Moon applying to a trine with Jupiter offers some support in remediating damage.
May 2nd - Venus enters Taurus
May 4th - Mars square Jupiter
Mars square Jupiter gives us drive to move quickly, though the pace may not be sustainable. The Moon will also trine Mars from Sagittarius this day, really shedding some light on it. Mars has the upper hand as he is overcoming Jupiter, but we can also see some positive outcomes in persona lives, especially around finally being able to take decisive action after previous obstacles.
May 5th - Mercury square Pluto
May 6th - Pluto stations retrograde
Pluto’s station here emphasizes the Pluto in Aquarius themes we’ve been seeing, especially regarding technological innovations with Uranus in Gemini further electrifying events. Mercury’s involvement directs our thoughts towards Aquarius Pluto’s power dynamics in wider society–this transit especially connotes investigative journalism and disclosure of hidden information. In personal charts, this station may draw our attention towards something very intensely. This is also the US Pluto return.
May 10th - Sun-Jupiter sextile (not pictured)
From 20 Taurus to 20 Cancer, this will be a little breath of relief to smooth over some aspects of our struggles.
May 12th - Venus square Neptune (not pictured)
This is a good time to think about the value of escapism. It’s a nice respite to take a break and romanticize things, but we also want to make sure we’re still on solid ground.
May 14th - Sun conjunct Mercury
May 16th - New Moon in Taurus
This is a huge turning point that evenly divides the month for us as all the planets are about to change signs nearly every day for the next week.
May 17th - Mercury enters Gemini
This is the first time Mercury has conjoined Uranus in Gemini, with the Sun joining soon after.
May 18th - Mars enters Taurus, Venus enters Cancer
Venus will sextile Mars right after they ingress, bringing some peace and harmony to our conflicts and spice to our relationships. For Mars, this is the first Taurus transit in years that Uranus hasn’t been there. Instead of the usual powder keg, we may see a slower, more stagnant pace to the Mars conflicts implicated. However, this also moves him away from Saturn, so we may still feel a sense of motion as we get to know Mars in Taurus again.
May 20th - Sun enters Gemini
May 22nd - Uranus conjunct Sun
This begins a new synodic cycle for Uranus in this sign, with fast-moving Mercury still close enough to influence things. It’s a great time to come up with new ideas and shake off old, stale ones. Chris compares the vibe to meeting up with a friend at a coffee shop and chatting all afternoon hopped up on strong coffee…stimulating!
May 26th - Mars square Pluto
Mars-Pluto aspects often see overreactions, as Pluto can magnify Mars’s warlike tendencies towards total annihilation in world conflicts. In personal traits this can manifest much more postiively, though, such as digging deep for energy reserves that help you survive a difficult situation. Last year’s Mars oppostion to Pluto showed the death of the Pope and ensuing large, stately funeral.
May 28th - Venus square Saturn
The reality of situations we were enjoying earlier will become apparent. We want to go play outside, but first we need to take care of Saturnian responsibilities. You have to fill out a lot of paperwork before a marriage is finalized. Overall, however, we’re starting to move towards a much more positive time of the year as Venus approaches Jupiter.
May 31st - Full Moon in Sagittarius
This Moon is ruled by exalted Cancer Jupiter, who is approaching a conjunction with Venus. The Moon is tightly conjunct Antares (a super bright red star) while the Sun conjoins Aldeberan, two royal stars adding power to events. Royal stars denote importance of events that happen around this time and the next few weeks.
Meanwhile the Venus-Jupiter conjunction is starting to grow in intensity at the end of the month, giving gracious affirmation to our endeavors in the time to come.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast’s May forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
Themes this month: We open with a peace-shattering Mars-Jupiter square on May 4th, accompanied by a Pluto station on the 6th that will involve power dynamics and hidden information coming to light. We have a difficult Mars-Pluto square on the 26th, but it’s followed up by one of the most positive aspects of the year, a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in Cancer.
April News Recap:
We had a rare quadruple conjunction between Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, hitting the gas and brakes at the same. Our hosts predicted escalation and violent words, which we saw early on when Trump threatend to wipe out the entire Iranian civilization as the war escalates. He backtracked enough to broker a fragile peace deal, which was set to expire near the Mars-Saturn conjunction on April 19th. Vance went directly to Iran to negotiate around the 11th-12th Venus-Jupiter sextile–they were largely unproductive but peace was attempted after something insane, an object lesson in benefic sextiles. Trump encated the naval counter-blockade of Iranian ports as the Mars-Saturn conjunction built up, culminating in the US attacking and boarding an Iranian ship on the day of the conjunction. Saturn-Neptune conjunctions have indicated some of the longest naval blockades in history, including during the Korean War and Napoleonic Wars. A planet between two malefics is traditionally called “beseiged,” and in this case we can see transportation choked by a literal seige. As a result countries around the world are experiencing oil shortages and gas prices rising, as well as fertilizer shortages set to cause massive agricultural shortages in the months to come. This is the very tip of the iceberg with ramifications of events that have already happened. Chris also goes into the relationship of Neptune-Saturn and oil, a summary of his recent video on the subject (click link at top of post if you’re interested). There is now a clear financial incentive for alternative energy sources.
On April 25th Uranus entered Gemini for the next 7-8 years, which began exactly with the attempted assassination at the White House correspondents’ dinner. As an omen for what this transit has in store for the US & its presidents, it’s a dramatic one. The Mars-Saturn-Neptune conjunction also prompted discussions of whether or not it was a false flag.
Mars-Saturn-Neptune also saw some religious controversies in the Twittersphere and the emergence of AI-generated videos being used for political propaganda (our hosts only talk about Iran here, but there is also an entity called “Generative AI for Good” being used by the US and UN–this technology is widespread regardless of political alliances). Dark stories affecting women and sexuality have surfaced with Saturn-Neptune as well, especially around men drugging their partners and continued interest in the Epstein files.
In technology, Mars has intensified the Saturn-Neptune critiques of AI and specifically OpenAI, including articles about the technology being more limited than advertised and an unsuccesful attempt to throw a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman’s house. The AI investment bubble probably will pop soon with added economic ramifications. Meanwhile, Pluto in Aquarius marks the Pluto return of the United States, and the recent overturn of the voting rights act has re-legalized racist gerrymandering in the country.
May Forecast
May 1st - Full Moon in Scorpio
Mars rules this Full Moon and is still heading towards a square to Jupiter, although the Moon applying to a trine with Jupiter offers some support in remediating damage.
May 2nd - Venus enters Taurus
May 4th - Mars square Jupiter
Mars square Jupiter gives us drive to move quickly, though the pace may not be sustainable. The Moon will also trine Mars from Sagittarius this day, really shedding some light on it. Mars has the upper hand as he is overcoming Jupiter, but we can also see some positive outcomes in persona lives, especially around finally being able to take decisive action after previous obstacles.
May 5th - Mercury square Pluto
May 6th - Pluto stations retrograde
Pluto’s station here emphasizes the Pluto in Aquarius themes we’ve been seeing, especially regarding technological innovations with Uranus in Gemini further electrifying events. Mercury’s involvement directs our thoughts towards Aquarius Pluto’s power dynamics in wider society–this transit especially connotes investigative journalism and disclosure of hidden information. In personal charts, this station may draw our attention towards something very intensely. This is also the US Pluto return.
May 10th - Sun-Jupiter sextile (not pictured)
From 20 Taurus to 20 Cancer, this will be a little breath of relief to smooth over some aspects of our struggles.
May 12th - Venus square Neptune (not pictured)
This is a good time to think about the value of escapism. It’s a nice respite to take a break and romanticize things, but we also want to make sure we’re still on solid ground.
May 14th - Sun conjunct Mercury
May 16th - New Moon in Taurus
This is a huge turning point that evenly divides the month for us as all the planets are about to change signs nearly every day for the next week.
May 17th - Mercury enters Gemini
This is the first time Mercury has conjoined Uranus in Gemini, with the Sun joining soon after.
May 18th - Mars enters Taurus, Venus enters Cancer
Venus will sextile Mars right after they ingress, bringing some peace and harmony to our conflicts and spice to our relationships. For Mars, this is the first Taurus transit in years that Uranus hasn’t been there. Instead of the usual powder keg, we may see a slower, more stagnant pace to the Mars conflicts implicated. However, this also moves him away from Saturn, so we may still feel a sense of motion as we get to know Mars in Taurus again.
May 20th - Sun enters Gemini
May 22nd - Uranus conjunct Sun
This begins a new synodic cycle for Uranus in this sign, with fast-moving Mercury still close enough to influence things. It’s a great time to come up with new ideas and shake off old, stale ones. Chris compares the vibe to meeting up with a friend at a coffee shop and chatting all afternoon hopped up on strong coffee…stimulating!
May 26th - Mars square Pluto
Mars-Pluto aspects often see overreactions, as Pluto can magnify Mars’s warlike tendencies towards total annihilation in world conflicts. In personal traits this can manifest much more postiively, though, such as digging deep for energy reserves that help you survive a difficult situation. Last year’s Mars oppostion to Pluto showed the death of the Pope and ensuing large, stately funeral.
May 28th - Venus square Saturn
The reality of situations we were enjoying earlier will become apparent. We want to go play outside, but first we need to take care of Saturnian responsibilities. You have to fill out a lot of paperwork before a marriage is finalized. Overall, however, we’re starting to move towards a much more positive time of the year as Venus approaches Jupiter.
May 31st - Full Moon in Sagittarius
This Moon is ruled by exalted Cancer Jupiter, who is approaching a conjunction with Venus. The Moon is tightly conjunct Antares (a super bright red star) while the Sun conjoins Aldeberan, two royal stars adding power to events. Royal stars denote importance of events that happen around this time and the next few weeks.
Meanwhile the Venus-Jupiter conjunction is starting to grow in intensity at the end of the month, giving gracious affirmation to our endeavors in the time to come.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's April forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
News Recap: Just after the last forecast episode was released, the US-Israeli war on Iran began in earnest with an attack on a girls’ school and assasination of Iran’s late supreme leader right on the Mars-Uranus square (Saturn-Neptune conjunctions, lunar eclipses in Virgo, and previous Mars-Uranus squares have all weighed in on past US-Iran conflicts). All 3 leaders involved were born under eclipses (with Iran’s current leader born shortly before one as well), so the lunar eclipse in Virgo is a big factor here too. Fall/detriment, retrograde Pisces Mercury was in bad shape with a conjunction of Mars, and indeed the channels of travel and communication stopped via waterway due to war: Iran closed the strait of Hormuz, effectively freezing the global oil trade, in response to US attacks. Uranus going into Gemini means the US will probably be involved in a big, long war; previous Uranus in Gemini periods were its founding war, its civil war, and its entry into World War II. Unfortunately the upcoming Mars-Uranus conjunction in Gemini in July indicates that this is the beginning of a longer story involving further escalation. Fertilizer and food supplies are also affected worldwide as well.
In other interational news, the US oil blockade on Cuba has caused a significant humanitarian crisis, and Donald Trump has been threatening to take over the country. Cuba celebrates its current state’s founding in 1953, under a Saturn-Neptune conjunction, a 36-year-long cycle repeating now. Austin points out Saturn-Neptune conjunctions coincide with communist literature and revolutions generally, and also that Mars-Saturn-Neptune in conjunction heralded the near-destruction of Port Royal in the 18th century during “World War 0”, possibly indicating a Caribbean or maritime city experiencing significant damage by fire.
The Mercury rx conjunct Mars also saw the unveiling of a new design for the dime, where the eagle is no longer holding an olive branch along with arrows–no peace, only war. Mercury stationing direct near Mars also saw the closing of the Metaverse, and the day of the Sun-Saturn conjunction, also OpenAI closing its Sora video generator: technologies have reached their zenith but have now hit a wall and are cut and ceasing. What will sharp Mars pop along with the AI bubble, and what has Saturn’s blessing to stick around?
In astrology community news, Mercury rx in Pisces also saw the closure of Astro-Seek due to to malicious usage. Additionally, Lee Lehman passed away, credited with revitalizing horary astrology as part of the larger traditional revival in the US, was out as gay in the 80s, and I remember her as the author of The Essential Dignities, the first rigorous astrology book I read. Chris did an episode on horary with her back in the pre-video days of his show, episode 116.
April Forecast: This month we’ll have a huge stellium in Aries; by the time of the New Moon midmonth we’ll have the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune. The Mars-Saturn conjunction looms over much of the month: hitting the brakes and gas simultaneously is not just unproductive, it’s also a great way to damage a car. On the personal level this can be frustrating but productive, but on the societal level this can bode ill: during the height of COVID these contacts saw the emergence of new variants, and is also associated with pressed military service and countries introducing conscription
April 1st - Full Moon in Libra
The month immediately begins on a Full Moon in Libra, with Mercury (14♓) sextile upiter (15♋), attempting to clean up some of the mess of the retrograde.
April 3rd - Venus square Pluto
Venus square Pluto brings up questions of power dynamics in relationships as well as paranoia threatening trust. The Moon in Scorpio hitting Pluto lights things up for this day.
April 5th - Sun square Jupiter
This should release a bit of the tension from the Pluto transit. Both the Sun (15♈) and Jupiter (15♋) are exalted, and since they already work well together, this is a great time to see a potential way forward through some of our challenges. We’re being lifted up and elevated–the first week of the month definitely has the best astrological weather.
April 9th - Mars enters Aries
This really begins the buildup to the Mars-Saturn conjunction on the 19th, with Mars the engine being stronger than Saturn the breaks. We’re being pulled forward before we’re ready, with maximum internal contradiction. This also puts Mars in close range of a conjunction with Neptune (see below).
While there’s some expansion in the Taurus-Cancer areas of our charts, the Aries area will be getting some intensity and pressure.
April 12th - Venus sextile Jupiter
(not pictured) One of the few planets not in Aries this month, once she clears the square with Pluto at the beginning of Taurus she’ll be headed towards helpful sextile with Jupiter (16♋), easing over some Cancer & Taurus areas for us. We can squeeze in some good things before all the Mars & Saturn stuff later.
April 13th - Mars conjunct Neptune
Combative Mars and illusory Neptune give us “the fog of war,” where military action is taking place on the wrong target. In personal lives we may take out our frustrations on the wrong people, or have our imaginations lead the way with loaded firearms in hand. Modern astrologers associate Neptune with deception, but Valens (c. 300 CE) associates Saturn with lying and liars, so having Mars contact both of them this month means we should take much care in the Aries parts of our charts. Mars-Neptune also indicates religious warriors and romanticizing violence, as well as the popping of bubbles. (A/N: In personal charts I could see this working out as illusions being aggressively shattered–something lacking tact but ultimately helpful for shaking us out of it.) We have a get-up-and-go attitude, but we’re confused about where to direct it.
April 14th - Mercury enters Aries
This puts Mercury in position to get involved with the Mars-Saturn-Neptune business in Aries, discussed more under the Mars conjunction.
April 16th - Mercury conjunct Neptune
This completes the height of our Aries stellium with 6 planets; additionally, Mercury will eventually join Saturn and Neptune at the exact degree of 7 Aries. We’ll see the recurrence of other events that occurred under Aries stellia, like with Capricorn in January. One key difference is that these planets are all visible (right before dawn): not only can we observe this, but it means the effects will be very loud and visible in the Aries sectors of our charts. Communications are confused and disruptive with Mercury and Neptune involved, with this week being the most intense of the Aries stellium tensions.
April 17th - New Moon Aries April
19th - Mars conjunct Saturn, Sun enters Taurus
After this conjunction Mars will be moving out of the most intense range of the conjunction’s issues. The pressure will begin to slowly release by the 23rd.
April 20th - Mercury conjunct Neptune, Mercury conjunct Mars
Mercury joins Mars-Saturn-Neptune, and here’s the roundup of Mercury-Mars conjunctions over the past few months:
We also had five Mercury-Mars conjunctions in a row from 1978-79, as well as around the 1930s Great Depression and 2008 recession, so it’s safe to say the reduction in trade will have adverse effects on the world market. Mercury traditionally amplifies the nature of planets around them.
April 23rd - Venus conjunct Uranus
This conjunction occurs right before both planets move into Gemini. In personal charts this can bring new interpersonal and creative endeavors. This will summarize what the Uranus in Taurus story has been for us over the past 7 years.
April 24th - Venus enters Gemini
April 25th - Uranus enters Gemini
Uranus enteres Gemini for good this time, until May 22nd, 2033. This kicks off four conjunctions with Mars: July 4 of this year, and June of 2028, 2030, and 2032. For our personal charts, we got a preview of what this transit is about between July 7th and November 7th of last year, when Uranus first dipped into Gemini. This is a disruptive, innovated energy with radical, sudden change over the next 7 years in the Gemini houses of our charts. While this is foreboding for the US chart, this can be very productive and bring insights we’ve never considered in our personal charts. In some ways Uranus in Taurus was more difficult to deal with in a fixed sign, versus mutable, airy Gemini lends itself easily to Uranus’s experimentation and push for freedom.
Austin also connects the history of philosphical liberalism (that is, that individual rights should be paramount in politics) and liberal democracy is connected to Uranus in Gemini periods. Our hosts hope this indicates a renewal of freedoms after a period of difficulty like the Civil War; I’m more skeptical about the existing political system being “restored” to some ideal, but freedom generally is a keyword nonetheless.
April 26th - Mercury square Jupiter
This alignment will be a good time to clear things up a little in our personal charts, with Jupiter expanding communication.
April also ends just shy of a Full Moon in Scorpio on May 1st. April is a particularly tense month, but things will start easing up towards the end of the month and by mid-May we’ll be out of the worst of it.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's April forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
News Recap: Just after the last forecast episode was released, the US-Israeli war on Iran began in earnest with an attack on a girls’ school and assasination of Iran’s late supreme leader right on the Mars-Uranus square (Saturn-Neptune conjunctions, lunar eclipses in Virgo, and previous Mars-Uranus squares have all weighed in on past US-Iran conflicts). All 3 leaders involved were born under eclipses (with Iran’s current leader born shortly before one as well), so the lunar eclipse in Virgo is a big factor here too. Fall/detriment, retrograde Pisces Mercury was in bad shape with a conjunction of Mars, and indeed the channels of travel and communication stopped via waterway due to war: Iran closed the strait of Hormuz, effectively freezing the global oil trade, in response to US attacks. Uranus going into Gemini means the US will probably be involved in a big, long war; previous Uranus in Gemini periods were its founding war, its civil war, and its entry into World War II. Unfortunately the upcoming Mars-Uranus conjunction in Gemini in July indicates that this is the beginning of a longer story involving further escalation. Fertilizer and food supplies are also affected worldwide as well.
In other interational news, the US oil blockade on Cuba has caused a significant humanitarian crisis, and Donald Trump has been threatening to take over the country. Cuba celebrates its current state’s founding in 1953, under a Saturn-Neptune conjunction, a 36-year-long cycle repeating now. Austin points out Saturn-Neptune conjunctions coincide with communist literature and revolutions generally, and also that Mars-Saturn-Neptune in conjunction heralded the near-destruction of Port Royal in the 18th century during “World War 0”, possibly indicating a Caribbean or maritime city experiencing significant damage by fire.
The Mercury rx conjunct Mars also saw the unveiling of a new design for the dime, where the eagle is no longer holding an olive branch along with arrows–no peace, only war. Mercury stationing direct near Mars also saw the closing of the Metaverse, and the day of the Sun-Saturn conjunction, also OpenAI closing its Sora video generator: technologies have reached their zenith but have now hit a wall and are cut and ceasing. What will sharp Mars pop along with the AI bubble, and what has Saturn’s blessing to stick around?
In astrology community news, Mercury rx in Pisces also saw the closure of Astro-Seek due to to malicious usage. Additionally, Lee Lehman passed away, credited with revitalizing horary astrology as part of the larger traditional revival in the US, was out as gay in the 80s, and I remember her as the author of The Essential Dignities, the first rigorous astrology book I read. Chris did an episode on horary with her back in the pre-video days of his show, episode 116.
April Forecast: This month we’ll have a huge stellium in Aries; by the time of the New Moon midmonth we’ll have the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune. The Mars-Saturn conjunction looms over much of the month: hitting the brakes and gas simultaneously is not just unproductive, it’s also a great way to damage a car. On the personal level this can be frustrating but productive, but on the societal level this can bode ill: during the height of COVID these contacts saw the emergence of new variants, and is also associated with pressed military service and countries introducing conscription
April 1st - Full Moon in Libra
The month immediately begins on a Full Moon in Libra, with Mercury (14♓) sextile upiter (15♋), attempting to clean up some of the mess of the retrograde.
April 3rd - Venus square Pluto
Venus square Pluto brings up questions of power dynamics in relationships as well as paranoia threatening trust. The Moon in Scorpio hitting Pluto lights things up for this day.
April 5th - Sun square Jupiter
This should release a bit of the tension from the Pluto transit. Both the Sun (15♈) and Jupiter (15♋) are exalted, and since they already work well together, this is a great time to see a potential way forward through some of our challenges. We’re being lifted up and elevated–the first week of the month definitely has the best astrological weather.
April 9th - Mars enters Aries
This really begins the buildup to the Mars-Saturn conjunction on the 19th, with Mars the engine being stronger than Saturn the breaks. We’re being pulled forward before we’re ready, with maximum internal contradiction. This also puts Mars in close range of a conjunction with Neptune (see below).
While there’s some expansion in the Taurus-Cancer areas of our charts, the Aries area will be getting some intensity and pressure.
April 12th - Venus sextile Jupiter
(not pictured) One of the few planets not in Aries this month, once she clears the square with Pluto at the beginning of Taurus she’ll be headed towards helpful sextile with Jupiter (16♋), easing over some Cancer & Taurus areas for us. We can squeeze in some good things before all the Mars & Saturn stuff later.
April 13th - Mars conjunct Neptune
Combative Mars and illusory Neptune give us “the fog of war,” where military action is taking place on the wrong target. In personal lives we may take out our frustrations on the wrong people, or have our imaginations lead the way with loaded firearms in hand. Modern astrologers associate Neptune with deception, but Valens (c. 300 CE) associates Saturn with lying and liars, so having Mars contact both of them this month means we should take much care in the Aries parts of our charts. Mars-Neptune also indicates religious warriors and romanticizing violence, as well as the popping of bubbles. (A/N: In personal charts I could see this working out as illusions being aggressively shattered–something lacking tact but ultimately helpful for shaking us out of it.) We have a get-up-and-go attitude, but we’re confused about where to direct it.
April 14th - Mercury enters Aries
This puts Mercury in position to get involved with the Mars-Saturn-Neptune business in Aries, discussed more under the Mars conjunction.
April 16th - Mercury conjunct Neptune
This completes the height of our Aries stellium with 6 planets; additionally, Mercury will eventually join Saturn and Neptune at the exact degree of 7 Aries. We’ll see the recurrence of other events that occurred under Aries stellia, like with Capricorn in January. One key difference is that these planets are all visible (right before dawn): not only can we observe this, but it means the effects will be very loud and visible in the Aries sectors of our charts. Communications are confused and disruptive with Mercury and Neptune involved, with this week being the most intense of the Aries stellium tensions.
April 17th - New Moon Aries April
19th - Mars conjunct Saturn, Sun enters Taurus
After this conjunction Mars will be moving out of the most intense range of the conjunction’s issues. The pressure will begin to slowly release by the 23rd.
April 20th - Mercury conjunct Neptune, Mercury conjunct Mars
Mercury joins Mars-Saturn-Neptune, and here’s the roundup of Mercury-Mars conjunctions over the past few months:
We also had five Mercury-Mars conjunctions in a row from 1978-79, as well as around the 1930s Great Depression and 2008 recession, so it’s safe to say the reduction in trade will have adverse effects on the world market. Mercury traditionally amplifies the nature of planets around them.
April 23rd - Venus conjunct Uranus
This conjunction occurs right before both planets move into Gemini. In personal charts this can bring new interpersonal and creative endeavors. This will summarize what the Uranus in Taurus story has been for us over the past 7 years.
April 24th - Venus enters Gemini
April 25th - Uranus enters Gemini
Uranus enteres Gemini for good this time, until May 22nd, 2033. This kicks off four conjunctions with Mars: July 4 of this year, and June of 2028, 2030, and 2032. For our personal charts, we got a preview of what this transit is about between July 7th and November 7th of last year, when Uranus first dipped into Gemini. This is a disruptive, innovated energy with radical, sudden change over the next 7 years in the Gemini houses of our charts. While this is foreboding for the US chart, this can be very productive and bring insights we’ve never considered in our personal charts. In some ways Uranus in Taurus was more difficult to deal with in a fixed sign, versus mutable, airy Gemini lends itself easily to Uranus’s experimentation and push for freedom.
Austin also connects the history of philosphical liberalism (that is, that individual rights should be paramount in politics) and liberal democracy is connected to Uranus in Gemini periods. Our hosts hope this indicates a renewal of freedoms after a period of difficulty like the Civil War; I’m more skeptical about the existing political system being “restored” to some ideal, but freedom generally is a keyword nonetheless.
April 26th - Mercury square Jupiter
This alignment will be a good time to clear things up a little in our personal charts, with Jupiter expanding communication.
April also ends just shy of a Full Moon in Scorpio on May 1st. April is a particularly tense month, but things will start easing up towards the end of the month and by mid-May we’ll be out of the worst of it.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's March forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
February News Recap: On January 30th we saw the release of many more Epstein files alongside the Saturn-Neptune cojunction. Austin points out the pileup of combust Mars-Mercury-Venus on Pluto--as soon as Mercury was visible, these stories came to light. Additionally, Pluto was in Aquarius during the French Revolution. Saturn-Neptune transits will continue to weigh in on this story over the next few years.
In happier news, we had Bad Bunny's halftime show where he celebrated Puerto Rican culture and called attention to issues, and Chris found that Saturn-Neptune conjunctions also align with moments in Puerto Rican history (especially regarding the US). In 1917, Puerto Ricans became US citizens (a/n: so they could be drafted), in 1952 the Constitution codifying was ratified, in 1989 political parties formally requested self-determination from the United States.
The Aquarius eclipse in late February highlighted Pluto in Aquarius stories, including the emergence of AI automaton OpenClaw & its CEO getting hired by OpenAI. We also have AI companies & data centers causing massive computer parts shortages by buying up everything that was meant for the consumer market–Saturn in Neptune reminds us all too well that “illusory” and “post-industrial” developments need real materials and systems to continue existing. Pluto in Aquarius activated by the eclipse also showed us a renewal of UFO/aliens stories, where Obama’s comments on a podcast led people to call for the release of any US government investigations into the matter. This was also on the Saturn-Neptune conjunction and the reality of such theories are in question, especially with Obama claiming to have misspoken.
On the Aquarius eclipse we also saw the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who also ran for president on Saturn-Neptune conjunctions. In a less honorable prominent figure eclipse story, Prince Andrew was arrested in connection with the Epstein files; the House of Windsor seems to have Saturn-Neptune connections with its image as well.
Mexico also has important Saturn-Neptune signatures: breaking from Spain under that aspect in 1810, the Mexican-American war under that of 1846, and creating its constiution under the 1917 conjunction, and most recently with government forces killing a major cartel figure.
The US has also begun an oil blockade of Cuba following the invasion of Venezuela and is pressuring other countries to stop trade as well, causing a major energy & humanitarian crisis on the already-beseiged island.
There have also been strong astrological signals around Iran (note that this episode was recorded on February 26th). The February 17th eclipse coincided with negotiations between the US and Iran, and the Mars-Uranus square right after the release of this episode saw the first attack of full-on war with the US & Israel bombing a girls’ school. Our hosts also talk about the Saturn-Neptune conjunction being a repetition of the US-UK-backed coup in 1953, and that of 1989 connecting with the current* leader’s rise to power (*a/n: and this conjunction saw his assassination a few days after this episode was recorded). Eclipses were in Aquarius and Virgo during the time of the Iranian Revolution of the 1970s, and Mars-Uranus contacts in recent years, which went exact again on the 28th, have manifested as military actions between Iran and Israel/USA.
March Forecast
We enter March under the shadow of many February alignments, at the height of eclipse season about to peak on March 3rd and on the heels of a Mars-Uranus square on February 27th. The Saturn-Neptune conjunction on February 20th is also very much at play as we begin the month.
March 2nd - Mars enters Pisces
March 3rd - Lunar Eclipse in Virgo
This lunar eclipse in Virgo is the companion to a Virgo solar eclipse back in September, tying in events from this time. Mars, hot off the volatile square with Uranus, has just entered Pisces and opposes the Moon/conjoins the Sun–the last Mars opposite eclipse was in the fall of 2023. This full lunar eclipse will be visible as a bloodsoaked moon across much of North America and Asia, the last of which corresponded with the US bombing Yemen.
We have another eclipse in Virgo next year, meaning this month’s eclipse is not the conclusion but the continuation of the current series.
The Moon’s next aspect after this eclipse will be a sextile to Jupiter (15♋) with reception, providing small amelioration to our difficulties, but her ruler Mercury is retrograde in Pisces and she applies to an opposition with this confused planet immediately after. Eclipses always signify the rise and fall of prominent people: notable deaths and downfalls as well as the sudden rise of previously obscure people.
March 6th - Venus enters Aries
Venus has been copresent with Mercury during the start of this retrograde, but without her softening influence our miscommunications may worsen, especially as our backwards traveller approaches a conjunction with Mars at their direct station. Thus this retrograde will likely show us what things are no longer working for us by the end; with the direct station happening on the South Node, our introspections end with us deciding to leave what is no longer serving us. Because this Mercury retrograde is so tied into the eclipse, we may find deeper revelations and greater consequences than the usual Mercury rx period.
Additionally, from a technical perspective Mercury is in very difficult place: in fall and detriment by sign, retrograde, combust, copresent/conjunct eclipse points, ruling an eclipse, and copresent Mars–so Mercurial matters were be especially impeded during this time. We’ll start being able to craft and see a way forward more clearly when the retrograde ends on March 20th, but it won’t look particularly easy. Pay attention to which house(s) of your natal chart this hits.
Austin brings up a consideration from Indian astrology that a retrograde planet in fall or exile actually goes a little bit better than a dignified or peregrine one, where things may be so bad they’re good.
March 7th - Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, Venus conjunct Neptune
This will activate the Saturn-Neptune conjunction that peaks on the 7th-8th. Relationships become ambiguous: “Am I trapped in Saturn’s walls or floating through Neptune’s dreamland?” During the buildup to this conjunction, every planet would hit Saturn and then Neptune, punctuating our rules with confusion, but post-conjunction every planet will aspect illusory Neptune and then solid Saturn. Thus Venus will lead the charge in clearing out the ambiguity these two giants bring.
March 8th - Venus conjunct Saturn
March 10th - Jupiter stations direct
This also brings us to a week out from eclipses, AKA the end of eclipse season, at the same time as our benefic moving forward and resolving issues in the Cancer areas of our charts. It’s an unambiguously good moment for Jupiter and all Jupiter things (a/n: Jupiter is exalted in this sign), bringing positive resolutions in areas of our lives.
March 15th - Retrograde Mercury conjunct Mars
Be careful on this day, as both anger and confusion abound. We may be confused about where the insults come from, especially since we’re near an eclipse point. If you must act in anger, make sure you’re pointed in the right direction and reacting proportionately, as collateral targets may result in new conflicts.
March 18th - New Moon in Pisces
This first lunation free of an eclipse takes place the same time as a Venus (15♈) - Jupiter (15♋) square. Things have been calming down for about a week as we exit eclipse season, and the benefics in contact are poised to help smooth things over. The eclipse points aren’t closely configured to the lights (28♓), and overall the sign of Pisces is finally returning to normalcy. The Sun & Moon also sextile Uranus (28♉), bringing a comfortable level of unexpected zest to things.
March 20th - Sun enters Aries, Mercury stations direct
March 22nd - Sun conjunct Neptune
This marks the beginning of a few days where the Sun traverses ground between Neptune & Pisces, highlighting these themes once again. This is also the first of 13 or 14 conjunctions the Sun will hit with Neptune shortly after the equinox every year for the duration of the latter’s trip through Aries. This is a great window into what the Neptune Aries background is for us in the next decade; note what house it falls in your natal chart.
March 22nd - Mars trine Jupiter (not pictured)
Mars is being received by Jupiter as a planet in his sign, adding an air of reconciliation to Martial matters, such as negotiations opening between enemy countries and passengers on a plane stopping an attempted shoe bomber. The current government of Iran was also created during a Mars-Jupiter trine, so a hopefully peaceful development in the current war is likely. Also notable was January 2019’s then-longest government shutdown in US history, and February 2003, when Colin Powell lied to the UN about weapons of mass destruction to justify invading Iraq. Jupiter gives support to planets even when they don’t deserve it, so giving causus belli to military actions is unfortunately also in line.
In our personal lives, Mars-Jupiter trines are good for taking actions and expending energy in a productive way. Thus the most auspicious election for the month is around March 21st at 1:00PM local time (see video for more details). Generally Mars-Jupiter indicates winners–sometimes who we want, sometimes not.
March 25th - Sun conjunct Saturn
March 28th - Saturn sextile Pluto
March 30th - Venus enters Taurus
A pretty positive influence, but we’ll see more of it in April. The end of March & beginning of April give us some reprieve before Mars approaches a conjunction with Saturn & Neptune. Take a breath, rest, and recharge.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's March forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
February News Recap: On January 30th we saw the release of many more Epstein files alongside the Saturn-Neptune cojunction. Austin points out the pileup of combust Mars-Mercury-Venus on Pluto--as soon as Mercury was visible, these stories came to light. Additionally, Pluto was in Aquarius during the French Revolution. Saturn-Neptune transits will continue to weigh in on this story over the next few years.
In happier news, we had Bad Bunny's halftime show where he celebrated Puerto Rican culture and called attention to issues, and Chris found that Saturn-Neptune conjunctions also align with moments in Puerto Rican history (especially regarding the US). In 1917, Puerto Ricans became US citizens (a/n: so they could be drafted), in 1952 the Constitution codifying was ratified, in 1989 political parties formally requested self-determination from the United States.
The Aquarius eclipse in late February highlighted Pluto in Aquarius stories, including the emergence of AI automaton OpenClaw & its CEO getting hired by OpenAI. We also have AI companies & data centers causing massive computer parts shortages by buying up everything that was meant for the consumer market–Saturn in Neptune reminds us all too well that “illusory” and “post-industrial” developments need real materials and systems to continue existing. Pluto in Aquarius activated by the eclipse also showed us a renewal of UFO/aliens stories, where Obama’s comments on a podcast led people to call for the release of any US government investigations into the matter. This was also on the Saturn-Neptune conjunction and the reality of such theories are in question, especially with Obama claiming to have misspoken.
On the Aquarius eclipse we also saw the passing of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who also ran for president on Saturn-Neptune conjunctions. In a less honorable prominent figure eclipse story, Prince Andrew was arrested in connection with the Epstein files; the House of Windsor seems to have Saturn-Neptune connections with its image as well.
Mexico also has important Saturn-Neptune signatures: breaking from Spain under that aspect in 1810, the Mexican-American war under that of 1846, and creating its constiution under the 1917 conjunction, and most recently with government forces killing a major cartel figure.
The US has also begun an oil blockade of Cuba following the invasion of Venezuela and is pressuring other countries to stop trade as well, causing a major energy & humanitarian crisis on the already-beseiged island.
There have also been strong astrological signals around Iran (note that this episode was recorded on February 26th). The February 17th eclipse coincided with negotiations between the US and Iran, and the Mars-Uranus square right after the release of this episode saw the first attack of full-on war with the US & Israel bombing a girls’ school. Our hosts also talk about the Saturn-Neptune conjunction being a repetition of the US-UK-backed coup in 1953, and that of 1989 connecting with the current* leader’s rise to power (*a/n: and this conjunction saw his assassination a few days after this episode was recorded). Eclipses were in Aquarius and Virgo during the time of the Iranian Revolution of the 1970s, and Mars-Uranus contacts in recent years, which went exact again on the 28th, have manifested as military actions between Iran and Israel/USA.
March Forecast
We enter March under the shadow of many February alignments, at the height of eclipse season about to peak on March 3rd and on the heels of a Mars-Uranus square on February 27th. The Saturn-Neptune conjunction on February 20th is also very much at play as we begin the month.
March 2nd - Mars enters Pisces
March 3rd - Lunar Eclipse in Virgo
This lunar eclipse in Virgo is the companion to a Virgo solar eclipse back in September, tying in events from this time. Mars, hot off the volatile square with Uranus, has just entered Pisces and opposes the Moon/conjoins the Sun–the last Mars opposite eclipse was in the fall of 2023. This full lunar eclipse will be visible as a bloodsoaked moon across much of North America and Asia, the last of which corresponded with the US bombing Yemen.
We have another eclipse in Virgo next year, meaning this month’s eclipse is not the conclusion but the continuation of the current series.
The Moon’s next aspect after this eclipse will be a sextile to Jupiter (15♋) with reception, providing small amelioration to our difficulties, but her ruler Mercury is retrograde in Pisces and she applies to an opposition with this confused planet immediately after. Eclipses always signify the rise and fall of prominent people: notable deaths and downfalls as well as the sudden rise of previously obscure people.
March 6th - Venus enters Aries
Venus has been copresent with Mercury during the start of this retrograde, but without her softening influence our miscommunications may worsen, especially as our backwards traveller approaches a conjunction with Mars at their direct station. Thus this retrograde will likely show us what things are no longer working for us by the end; with the direct station happening on the South Node, our introspections end with us deciding to leave what is no longer serving us. Because this Mercury retrograde is so tied into the eclipse, we may find deeper revelations and greater consequences than the usual Mercury rx period.
Additionally, from a technical perspective Mercury is in very difficult place: in fall and detriment by sign, retrograde, combust, copresent/conjunct eclipse points, ruling an eclipse, and copresent Mars–so Mercurial matters were be especially impeded during this time. We’ll start being able to craft and see a way forward more clearly when the retrograde ends on March 20th, but it won’t look particularly easy. Pay attention to which house(s) of your natal chart this hits.
Austin brings up a consideration from Indian astrology that a retrograde planet in fall or exile actually goes a little bit better than a dignified or peregrine one, where things may be so bad they’re good.
March 7th - Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury, Venus conjunct Neptune
This will activate the Saturn-Neptune conjunction that peaks on the 7th-8th. Relationships become ambiguous: “Am I trapped in Saturn’s walls or floating through Neptune’s dreamland?” During the buildup to this conjunction, every planet would hit Saturn and then Neptune, punctuating our rules with confusion, but post-conjunction every planet will aspect illusory Neptune and then solid Saturn. Thus Venus will lead the charge in clearing out the ambiguity these two giants bring.
March 8th - Venus conjunct Saturn
March 10th - Jupiter stations direct
This also brings us to a week out from eclipses, AKA the end of eclipse season, at the same time as our benefic moving forward and resolving issues in the Cancer areas of our charts. It’s an unambiguously good moment for Jupiter and all Jupiter things (a/n: Jupiter is exalted in this sign), bringing positive resolutions in areas of our lives.
March 15th - Retrograde Mercury conjunct Mars
Be careful on this day, as both anger and confusion abound. We may be confused about where the insults come from, especially since we’re near an eclipse point. If you must act in anger, make sure you’re pointed in the right direction and reacting proportionately, as collateral targets may result in new conflicts.
March 18th - New Moon in Pisces
This first lunation free of an eclipse takes place the same time as a Venus (15♈) - Jupiter (15♋) square. Things have been calming down for about a week as we exit eclipse season, and the benefics in contact are poised to help smooth things over. The eclipse points aren’t closely configured to the lights (28♓), and overall the sign of Pisces is finally returning to normalcy. The Sun & Moon also sextile Uranus (28♉), bringing a comfortable level of unexpected zest to things.
March 20th - Sun enters Aries, Mercury stations direct
March 22nd - Sun conjunct Neptune
This marks the beginning of a few days where the Sun traverses ground between Neptune & Pisces, highlighting these themes once again. This is also the first of 13 or 14 conjunctions the Sun will hit with Neptune shortly after the equinox every year for the duration of the latter’s trip through Aries. This is a great window into what the Neptune Aries background is for us in the next decade; note what house it falls in your natal chart.
March 22nd - Mars trine Jupiter (not pictured)
Mars is being received by Jupiter as a planet in his sign, adding an air of reconciliation to Martial matters, such as negotiations opening between enemy countries and passengers on a plane stopping an attempted shoe bomber. The current government of Iran was also created during a Mars-Jupiter trine, so a hopefully peaceful development in the current war is likely. Also notable was January 2019’s then-longest government shutdown in US history, and February 2003, when Colin Powell lied to the UN about weapons of mass destruction to justify invading Iraq. Jupiter gives support to planets even when they don’t deserve it, so giving causus belli to military actions is unfortunately also in line.
In our personal lives, Mars-Jupiter trines are good for taking actions and expending energy in a productive way. Thus the most auspicious election for the month is around March 21st at 1:00PM local time (see video for more details). Generally Mars-Jupiter indicates winners–sometimes who we want, sometimes not.
March 25th - Sun conjunct Saturn
March 28th - Saturn sextile Pluto
March 30th - Venus enters Taurus
A pretty positive influence, but we’ll see more of it in April. The end of March & beginning of April give us some reprieve before Mars approaches a conjunction with Saturn & Neptune. Take a breath, rest, and recharge.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's February Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
The chaotic energies of January will continue into February, as the planets in our Aquarius stellium (Sun-Mercury-Venus-Mars-Pluto) will each square Uranus in Taurus.
February 1st - Full Moon in Leo
This lunation will really highlight the Aquarius and Uranus energies we've been dealing with, shedding some light on what may be in store. It's also a precursor to themes broached by the solar eclipse later this month.
February 3rd - Uranus stations direct
This is the last time Uranus will station in Taurus for the next 84 years, finishing off a chapter of radical changes in the Taurus sectors of our charts which began in 2018-19. All the inner planets will be squaring this now-mobile Uranus, bringing unexpected disruptions, shocking changes, breaking barriers--a liberating but also volatile energy. This is the beginning of closing arguments for Uranus in Taurus, which will conclude for good in April. (July 2025 was our first foray into Uranus in Gemini if you're wondering where to look for hints about the next chapter.) We may have the final note on something involving money & currencies (ex. crypto, the dollar, precious metals at all-time high prices), basic necessities like food and agriculture. Upcoming Mercury-Mars conjunctions echo those during the 2008-9 financial crisis and 1929 stock market crash.
February 5th - Mercury square Uranus
This can involve unexpected news & communications.
February 6th - Mercury Enters Pisces
Due to the retrograde, Mercury will be in Pisces until April 18th.
February 8th - Venus square Uranus
Unexpected events involving women or relationships. Uranus can be favorable or unfavorable changes, so don't plan too hard and prepare to go with the flow.
February 9th - Eclipse season begins (not pictured)
About a week before an eclipse, the Moon squares the Sun (last quarter moon, in this case), with the most dramatic events and effects beginning to take place. We're crossing the event horizon, entering the storm we must sail through.
February 10th - Venus enters Pisces
This begins one of the most positive aspects of the month. Not only is Venus exalted in Pisces, but she begins forming a trine to Jupiter in Cancer, with reception (she's in Jupiter's sign) further strengthening their connection. We will have some beauty and harmony going on in between the more difficult aspects. Additionally, this is the first time in a few years that Venus will get to transit her exaltation without Saturn around to bog things down, and as she's getting further from the Sun, she'll become more visible (and therefore stronger/more direct in influence) through this transit.
February 11th - Mercury enters pre-rx shadow (not pictured)
8 Pisces is the degree that they'll walk back to during this retrograde, so something from this time is events that we'll have to re-do or reevaluate during the retrograde.
February 13th - Saturn enters Aries
This wraps up the 2-year+ transit of Saturn in Pisces and puts us in Aries til April 12th, 2028. He'll station retrograde this year from July 26th - December 10th and in 2027 from August 9th to December 23rd. We'll be feeling more responsibility, weight, and heaviness in the Aries parts of our charts (and for those born under Saturn in Aries, a Saturn return!). Saturn first dipped a toe into Aries from May 24th to September 1st, so look back to that time for a preview of what the next 2 years 2 months will be about. Austin notes that the pace will be exhaustingly rapid in Aries, as slow, mature, wary Saturn is in fall in fast, young, impulsive Aries. Bad matches, embarrassed leaders (Bill Clinton's 2nd term was under Saturn in Aries), slow institutions moving quickly and incompetently.
Chris also notes that gun control and second amendment stories have been historically tied to Saturn Aries periods, as detailed in an article by Patrick Watson. Perhaps Republicans will now be on the side of gun control and other constitutional amendments because they don't like how people are using them now. Sometimes people in power do things simply because they can. Illusory, deceptive Neptune is also copresent for this transit, bringing a house-of-mirrors bent to this Saturn in Aries transit. Saturn in Aries pushes the limits of individuals versus structures, and rather than giving us new rules, may ask "what are the limits of these rules?"
February 16th - Sun square Uranus
February 17th - Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
Eclipses generally involve the fall of powerful people, the death of major figures, and sudden rise of previously obscure figures. Additionally, momentous events are begun from humble beginnings during eclipses. The seeds of much bigger events are planted.
This eclipse is ruled by Saturn, who's on the verge of a significant conjunction with Neptune discussed below. The Sun and Moon (28♒) are closely square Uranus (27♉), bringing even more of Uranus's unexpected disruptions than usual. With Pluto in Aquarius as well, AI events will likely increase, as well as power plays from above, especially tech companies' control over media and people. This is also accelerating the Pluto return of the United States.
For personal charts, this is the beginning of a series of major beginnings and endings in the Aquarius and Leo areas of our charts as the eclipses will center around that axis for the next couple years.
February 18th - Sun enters Pisces
February 20th - Saturn conjunct Neptune
The last Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries was in 1989, and the next one will be around 2061, so this is a pretty monumental transit. Austin brings up the fall of the Berlin wall and events in Russian history like the October Revolution (1917) and the death of Stalin (1953). One of these historical themes is the collapse of old world orders and emergence of new ones, the changing of alliances among major players and the foundation or breakaway of new states. These planets became close to a conjunction in June-August of last year during their first foray into Aries; something that almost happened then will come to completion now. Austin predicts we'll be in the space between the old world collapsing in the new one emerging (the next part of the Gramsci quote he's paraphrasing is "now is the time of monsters").
Chris is also fond of describing Neptune-Saturn as a "reality distortion field" where we can't tell what's true or not. Things that aren't true may nonetheless have significant impacts from the power of belief. We also see popular uprisings under this aspect, such as the independence of many Latin American countries, as well as shadowy machinations, new boundaries being drawn, and ideals and beliefs like new religious communities (or cults or theocracies) forming. Utopian ideals rise and fall, as do empires.
February 22nd - Venus trine Jupiter (not pictured)
This is the most positive aspect of the month, and would be quite powerful if not for all the other craziness going on. People will work together towards shared values, with sweetness and compassion.
February 26th - Mercury stations retrograde
Mercury is in both fall and exile in Pisces, making this a particularly confusing time of miscommunications, but Venus applying to a conjunction will help to alleviate some of the difficulties. Overall, confusion will multiply.
For individuals, standard Mercury rx stuff applies: revisiting or reevaluating situations, running into people or things from your past, being introspective and rethinking things in your life. You can see it as a 3-act story: doing something once, having to turn back, and doing it again in light of having backtracked it. This is the perfect time to rethinking the Pisces part of your chart, after Saturn and Neptune have left and are not coming back.
February 27th - Mars square Uranus
In world events, sudden violence like assassinations, guerilla warfare, new technologies implemented or technologies breaking, protests, and generally back-to-back news stories occur around these transits.
February 28th - Mercury (rx) conjunct Venus
Venus lends a hand to help with technical delays and fix snafus, Chris thinking especially a woman or female figure stepping in to fix something. Austin warns that it might look like things are gonna be ok, but only temporarily (or illusorily) so, as there's another eclipse and then some headed our way in March.
Venus and Mars have also started to emerge from under the beams of the Sun by the end of the month, so we'll also start seeing what those underground moves in silence were really about.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's February Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock.
The chaotic energies of January will continue into February, as the planets in our Aquarius stellium (Sun-Mercury-Venus-Mars-Pluto) will each square Uranus in Taurus.
February 1st - Full Moon in Leo
This lunation will really highlight the Aquarius and Uranus energies we've been dealing with, shedding some light on what may be in store. It's also a precursor to themes broached by the solar eclipse later this month.
February 3rd - Uranus stations direct
This is the last time Uranus will station in Taurus for the next 84 years, finishing off a chapter of radical changes in the Taurus sectors of our charts which began in 2018-19. All the inner planets will be squaring this now-mobile Uranus, bringing unexpected disruptions, shocking changes, breaking barriers--a liberating but also volatile energy. This is the beginning of closing arguments for Uranus in Taurus, which will conclude for good in April. (July 2025 was our first foray into Uranus in Gemini if you're wondering where to look for hints about the next chapter.) We may have the final note on something involving money & currencies (ex. crypto, the dollar, precious metals at all-time high prices), basic necessities like food and agriculture. Upcoming Mercury-Mars conjunctions echo those during the 2008-9 financial crisis and 1929 stock market crash.
February 5th - Mercury square Uranus
This can involve unexpected news & communications.
February 6th - Mercury Enters Pisces
Due to the retrograde, Mercury will be in Pisces until April 18th.
February 8th - Venus square Uranus
Unexpected events involving women or relationships. Uranus can be favorable or unfavorable changes, so don't plan too hard and prepare to go with the flow.
February 9th - Eclipse season begins (not pictured)
About a week before an eclipse, the Moon squares the Sun (last quarter moon, in this case), with the most dramatic events and effects beginning to take place. We're crossing the event horizon, entering the storm we must sail through.
February 10th - Venus enters Pisces
This begins one of the most positive aspects of the month. Not only is Venus exalted in Pisces, but she begins forming a trine to Jupiter in Cancer, with reception (she's in Jupiter's sign) further strengthening their connection. We will have some beauty and harmony going on in between the more difficult aspects. Additionally, this is the first time in a few years that Venus will get to transit her exaltation without Saturn around to bog things down, and as she's getting further from the Sun, she'll become more visible (and therefore stronger/more direct in influence) through this transit.
February 11th - Mercury enters pre-rx shadow (not pictured)
8 Pisces is the degree that they'll walk back to during this retrograde, so something from this time is events that we'll have to re-do or reevaluate during the retrograde.
February 13th - Saturn enters Aries
This wraps up the 2-year+ transit of Saturn in Pisces and puts us in Aries til April 12th, 2028. He'll station retrograde this year from July 26th - December 10th and in 2027 from August 9th to December 23rd. We'll be feeling more responsibility, weight, and heaviness in the Aries parts of our charts (and for those born under Saturn in Aries, a Saturn return!). Saturn first dipped a toe into Aries from May 24th to September 1st, so look back to that time for a preview of what the next 2 years 2 months will be about. Austin notes that the pace will be exhaustingly rapid in Aries, as slow, mature, wary Saturn is in fall in fast, young, impulsive Aries. Bad matches, embarrassed leaders (Bill Clinton's 2nd term was under Saturn in Aries), slow institutions moving quickly and incompetently.
Chris also notes that gun control and second amendment stories have been historically tied to Saturn Aries periods, as detailed in an article by Patrick Watson. Perhaps Republicans will now be on the side of gun control and other constitutional amendments because they don't like how people are using them now. Sometimes people in power do things simply because they can. Illusory, deceptive Neptune is also copresent for this transit, bringing a house-of-mirrors bent to this Saturn in Aries transit. Saturn in Aries pushes the limits of individuals versus structures, and rather than giving us new rules, may ask "what are the limits of these rules?"
February 16th - Sun square Uranus
February 17th - Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
Eclipses generally involve the fall of powerful people, the death of major figures, and sudden rise of previously obscure figures. Additionally, momentous events are begun from humble beginnings during eclipses. The seeds of much bigger events are planted.
This eclipse is ruled by Saturn, who's on the verge of a significant conjunction with Neptune discussed below. The Sun and Moon (28♒) are closely square Uranus (27♉), bringing even more of Uranus's unexpected disruptions than usual. With Pluto in Aquarius as well, AI events will likely increase, as well as power plays from above, especially tech companies' control over media and people. This is also accelerating the Pluto return of the United States.
For personal charts, this is the beginning of a series of major beginnings and endings in the Aquarius and Leo areas of our charts as the eclipses will center around that axis for the next couple years.
February 18th - Sun enters Pisces
February 20th - Saturn conjunct Neptune
The last Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries was in 1989, and the next one will be around 2061, so this is a pretty monumental transit. Austin brings up the fall of the Berlin wall and events in Russian history like the October Revolution (1917) and the death of Stalin (1953). One of these historical themes is the collapse of old world orders and emergence of new ones, the changing of alliances among major players and the foundation or breakaway of new states. These planets became close to a conjunction in June-August of last year during their first foray into Aries; something that almost happened then will come to completion now. Austin predicts we'll be in the space between the old world collapsing in the new one emerging (the next part of the Gramsci quote he's paraphrasing is "now is the time of monsters").
Chris is also fond of describing Neptune-Saturn as a "reality distortion field" where we can't tell what's true or not. Things that aren't true may nonetheless have significant impacts from the power of belief. We also see popular uprisings under this aspect, such as the independence of many Latin American countries, as well as shadowy machinations, new boundaries being drawn, and ideals and beliefs like new religious communities (or cults or theocracies) forming. Utopian ideals rise and fall, as do empires.
February 22nd - Venus trine Jupiter (not pictured)
This is the most positive aspect of the month, and would be quite powerful if not for all the other craziness going on. People will work together towards shared values, with sweetness and compassion.
February 26th - Mercury stations retrograde
Mercury is in both fall and exile in Pisces, making this a particularly confusing time of miscommunications, but Venus applying to a conjunction will help to alleviate some of the difficulties. Overall, confusion will multiply.
For individuals, standard Mercury rx stuff applies: revisiting or reevaluating situations, running into people or things from your past, being introspective and rethinking things in your life. You can see it as a 3-act story: doing something once, having to turn back, and doing it again in light of having backtracked it. This is the perfect time to rethinking the Pisces part of your chart, after Saturn and Neptune have left and are not coming back.
February 27th - Mars square Uranus
In world events, sudden violence like assassinations, guerilla warfare, new technologies implemented or technologies breaking, protests, and generally back-to-back news stories occur around these transits.
February 28th - Mercury (rx) conjunct Venus
Venus lends a hand to help with technical delays and fix snafus, Chris thinking especially a woman or female figure stepping in to fix something. Austin warns that it might look like things are gonna be ok, but only temporarily (or illusorily) so, as there's another eclipse and then some headed our way in March.
Venus and Mars have also started to emerge from under the beams of the Sun by the end of the month, so we'll also start seeing what those underground moves in silence were really about.
AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's 2026 forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. Planetary movements calendar above and January planetary alignments calendar are by Paula Belluomini, and later graphics are by Paige Herbert.
Major Planetary Movements Overview
Saturn and Neptune enter Aries in January & February
Saturn-Neptune conjunction in February
Eclipses in Aquarius and Virgo in February & March
Uranus enters Gemini in April
July 4th Mars-Uranus conjunciton
Jupiter in Cancer & Leo
August eclipses in Leo & Pisces
Venus retrograde in Libra and Scorpio October & November
Buildup to Mars retrograde in Leo and Virgo
Saturn-Neptune conjunction
After a brief foray and retrograde, Neptune enters a 12-to-13-year transit through Aries for good on January 26th, with Saturn following on February 13th. With all the outer planets changing signs from where they started in 2020, there’s no going back. On the one hand, this exact conjunction is the culmination of Saturn and Neptune dancing around each other the past few years, but on the other hand this occurs early in their foray into a new sign; it’s both a climax and the beginning of a new chapter. This interaction has been giving us a “reality distortion field,” where deciding what is real or solid is difficult (think AI images and conspiracy theories). If enough people believe an illusion, does it become true? Walls and barriers fall, usually shockingly fast. If something crumbles at a slight bump, how stable was it? Chris uses the example of a cardboard box: they can ship around the world and stay intact, but will fall apart in water.
This is a recurrence transit for anyone born during previous recent Saturn-Neptune conjunctions: 1989-90 in Capricorn and 1953 in Libra. Chris has found that even a loose, 10-degree natal conjunction will manifest in major life events when those planets conjoin exactly while transiting. Saturn-Neptune conjunctions see the formation of religious groups and social movements attempting to bring Saturnian structure to Neptunian ideals.
The last time Neptune entered Aries was the Civil War in the US–having not seen major conflict for a generation, many Americans romanticized the idea of war before rapid technological developments made the conflict so ugly that the government introduced drafting to fill the ranks. Neptune dreamed compassionately in Pisces, but dreams of heroic warriors’ sacrifice in hyper-individualistic Aries. The mainstreaming of hypermasculine manosphere content, and endurance tests like Mr. Beast’s “challenges” are also linked; our hosts connect this to the two-year trek of Saturn through Aries. Contrasts between moving fast and moving slow, old and young, and inappropriate leaders–think toddler emperors or Bill Clinton’s scandalous second term (which was under Saturn in Aries). With Neptune involved, both real and imagined conspiracies abound–previous Saturn-Neptune conjunctions include the Satanic Panic of the 80s and the Red Scare in the 50s. How deep does the rabbithole go?
Eclipse Season 1: February 9th - March 11th
This is our first eclipse in Aquarius, opening a new Leo-Aquarius story for the next couple years. Ruled by Saturn and coinciding with his conjunction to Neptune, this eclipse will magnify Neptune-Saturn-Aries concerns. It’ll also shine a bright light on Pluto in Aquarius, which corresponds to the explosion of AI integration. We’ll probably soon reach the threshold where you can’t tell when something is machine-generated anymore. The debates over this technology will similarly intensify. Social inequality and labor disputes like the automating away of entry-level jobs and growing wealth gaps will come to the forefront (the last Pluto in Aquarius period was the French Revolution).
Uranus in Gemini
After a brief foray and return to Taurus this year, Uranus enters Gemini for good in April and will stay there until 2032-33. Previous Uranus in Gemini periods include the US entry into WW2, its Civil War, and the war for its founding. The liberal democracy and other Enlightenment theories the US is based on were first formed during the previous Uranus in Gemini period, making this a theme that recurs with every return. Uranus in Gemini will be a very dramatic refresh and reassessment these ideas. (For example, while the US entered WW2 to stop the fascist imperialism of the Axis powers, FDR also signed the order to inter Japanese Americans in camps.)
Mars will conjoin Uranus on July 4th, the first of four during this Uranus transit. It’s a very combustible and violent combination, not just politically but also in the form of freak accidents. For example, the US a-bombed Hiroshima & Nagasaki in an act of massive destruction and began the Atomic Age under Mars-Uranus in Gemini, and indeed nuclear weapons may resurface as a significant concern. More broadly keywords include: rebellion, revolt, secession, separation, rapid technological advancement & deployment. Our hosts talk about military technology and predict an increase of drone warfare, and I posit that AI usage in warfare will increase exponentially across every aspect.
In other technologies, automated translation is advancing very quickly. Like the Internet, this may be part of diversifying culture from previously narrow mainstreams. We will also see a transportation revolution: Chris really thinks self-driving cars, drone taxis, and electric vehicles will increase. I hope that we get more trains.
Jupiter in Cancer
He’ll be exalted in Cancer for half this year and will move into Leo in June. Austin describes one of Jupiter’s strengths as “holding things together” and points out that Jupiter was in Cancer at the signing of the declaration of independence. Generally Jupiter will bring resilience and helps us bounce back in the Cancer areas of our charts for the next six months. We'll be making big moves in silence and caring for others (ex. Affordable Care Act in US). This will peak when Venus conjoins Jupiter in early June. Chris predicts a big celebrity wedding will happen, namely Taylor Swift since he's connected Venus-Jupiter transits to her current relationship.
Jupiter will be in Leo for the second half of the year. Though he's not in rulership or exaltation here, Leo Jupiter is a warm, encouraging, theatrical, radiant and buoyant energy in encouraging our endeavors. This is where believing in yourself and pure force of will are actually effective. We don't quite get the pure, unadulterated version of this though--he immediately opposes Pluto upon entry and then there is an eclipse in Leo, followed by Mars retrograde partially in this sign.
Eclipse Season 2: August 5th - September 4th
"Eclipse season" refers to the way eclipses effects are felt most intensely for about a week on either side of the event itself, and since they come in pairs, that makes the turbulent time last about a month. This marks the middle of eclipses shifting from events on the Virgo-Pisces axis to those on the Leo-Aquarius axis. We'll see big chapters begin to close up in our Virgo-Pisces houses and the beginning of a new chapter in the Leo-Aquarius sectors of our charts.
Pluto casts a shadow from Aquarius over all these Leo events, bringing in themes of power plays, secrets, and developments in AI and society. The Pisces eclipse chapters close as we go without a major planet in Pisces since 2003 (Uranus ingress).
Venus Retrograde
Venus retrograde lasts about 40 days and 40 nights. With a retrograde spanning two signs, you can also see this as an extended transit of Venus through Libra and Scorpio. Venus retrograde keywords include revisiting the past to either take things back or toss them away. The relational and emotional questions raised have a lot of weight, especially when going back and forth between her places of domicile and exile. Venus in Scorpio retrogrades occur in autumn about every 8 years: 2026, 2018, 2010, 2002, 1994, 1986, 1978, 1970, 1962, 1954, 1946, 1938, 1930, 1922, 1914, and 1906. Events from dramatic last quarters of these years may recur. Unfortunately this Venus retrograde starts with rough aspects to Pluto and Mars, plus there's a Mercury retrograde nestled inside, so it will not be as pleasant as the Leo one a few years ago. Less unorthodox fun and more trials that make us learn and grow.
The Babylonian myth of Inanna in the underworld was likely based on Venus retrograde and describes this one particularly well: after being stripped of power descending into the underworld and hanging on a meat hook, we'll find ourselves revived and taking back our thrones with more power than before, having defeated death. In less symbolic language, we'll see dramatic crashouts at the beginning of this retrograde and alliances we take for granted shaking up. However, it is front-loaded, and the latter half will ease up a little. We can also see traditional aesthetic and relationship norms being challenged, which can benefit us as we find beauty in unusual things and break from restrictive norms.
Mars Retrograde Buildup
If we see the retrograde as part of an extended transit through Leo and Virgo, this begins in September of 2025 until July of 2027. Think about what Mars has brought to Leo in your chart recently, because it won't be something we can ignore. Mars will be in Leo with Jupiter and after an eclipse, going from affirmation to major changes to irritation and dispute. Jupiter-Mars is very confident, but not necessarily peaceful. With the South Node hanging around, late Leo is very volatile (and it's the Ascendant of both the current president and vice president of the US). This is a mirror of ~2017, when the North Node was in Leo. Like all retrogrades, things will take awhile (think Mercury retrograde 3-times rule over a longer period of time), heat, irritation, and inflammation.
In a positive light, this can see people standing up for themselves even if it's difficult and cutting out toxic people. This is also a good time to assess what your challenges are in life now, not what they were, and preparing for those challenges. We've also seen military fiascos like the Bay of Pigs, taking the axe to structures or agencies without discernment, civil unrest and rebellion. The middle of Mars retrogrades involve him being closest to earth and brightest in the sky, and there's a risk of Martial matters boiling over uncontrollably. Mars retrogrades in late Leo & early Virgo every 79 years: 1947-48, 1868-69, and 1789-90.
Monthly Breakdown
January: Big Moves in Silence
Highlights of the month:
January 9th - Sun-Venus-Mars Triple Conjunction (♑)
January 10th - Mars (♑) opposite Jupiter (♋)
January 18th - Mercury-Mars conjunction (♑)
January 26th - Neptune enters Aries
January 27th - Mars-Pluto conjunction (♒)
January 29th - Venus-Mercury conjunction (♒)
Venus and Mars are so close to the Sun they're invisible, with Mercury joining later in the month. A lot of quiet but very consequential things are happening, and from about the 19th-27th Aquarius planets will conjoin Pluto; there's a lot going on behind the scenes. The Venus-Mars conjunction in particular marks scandals around gender and sexuality, e.g. the Epstein files, though some developments may happen in the shadows in January and come to public light later.
February
February 3rd - Uranus stations direct (♉)
February 13th - Saturn enters Aries
February 17th - Solar eclipse in Aquarius
February 20th - Saturn-Neptune conjunction (♈)
February 22nd - Venus (♓) trine Jupiter (♋)
February 25th - Mercury stations retrograde in Pisces
February 27th - Mars(♒)-Uranus(♉) square, Mercury conjunct Venus (♓)
While the Saturn-Neptune conjunction is the highlight of the month, the solar eclipse in Aquarius squares Uranus in Taurus. Venus and Jupiter will encourage us a little, but the Mars-Uranus square signals explosions and eruptions. The year is off to a loud and jagged start, but exalted Venus will give us some sweetness in another area (especially with the mutual reception in her trine with Jupiter). This is also important as the bold and loud ending of our Uranus in Taurus story begun in 2018, both as changes in our personal charts and in world events. It's shocking with a side order of delicacies!
March
March 3rd - Lunar eclipse in Virgo
March 17th - Mercury (rx) conjunct Mars (♓)
March 10th - Jupiter stations direct (♋)
The lunar eclipse opposes its ruler Mercury, who's struggling in fall, retrograde, and conjunct a freshly ingressed Mars. This makes Mercury's retrograde especially destructive, especially as they conjoin Mars halfway through it (though Mercury-Mars natives may experience major life events more constructively). However, Jupiter's station in his exaltation of Cancer is very powerful to help us. Austin describes it as "lost at sea and surrounded by sharks, but miraculously survives." Jupiter's doing maximum work for us.
April
April 9th - Mars enters Aries
April 12th - Mars conjunct Neptune
April 13th - Venus-Jupiter sextile
April 16th - Mercury-Neptune conjunction (♓)
April 19th - Mars-Saturn conjunction (♈)
April 20th - Mercury joins Mars-Saturn (♈)
April 25th - Uranus enters Gemini
The Mars-Saturn conjunction is the focal point of this entire month, and the Uranus ingress is another seismic shift. We still have side dishes of benefic distractions while monumental world events occur around us. Mars and Mercury will reactivate the Saturn-Neptune conjunction from February. In 1917 Mars joining Neptune & Saturn in the sign of Leo saw the October Revolution, ensuing Russian Civil War and eventual founding of the USSR. Mars-Saturn is also associated with plagues and pestilence, and proved this well during the COVID lockdowns of 2020~2023. Chris predicts some amount of military confusion with Mars and Neptune here. This looks more like attacks and battles than it does plagues, but in any cause confusion and deception may prove lethal in world events. Then Uranus moves back into Gemini for good (until 2032-33). Major chapters will shift in both world events and our personal lives; July to early November of 2025 were a preview of what Uranus in Gemini holds for us.
May
May 4th - Mars-Jupiter square
May 6th - Pluto retrograde in Aquarius
May 18th - Venus enters Cancer
May 22nd - Sun-Uranus conjunction in Gemini
May 25th - Mars square Pluto
The 16th-17th-18th is a turning point with a new Moon, Mercury entering Gemini, and Mars in Taurus & Venus in Cancer all around the same time. This fives us a bit of a break from intense Mars-Saturn-Neptune in Aries and gives us the beginning of Jupiter in Cancer. This leads us into early June, the nicest part of the year. However, we first must get past Mars square retrograde Pluto, where we see the dark side of technology especially in warfare.
June
June 9th - Venus -Jupiter conjunction (♋)
June 28th - Mars enters Gemini
June 29th - Mercury retrograde in Cancer, Jupiter enters Leo
Mars is clear of outer planet struggles for the time being, Venus is getting close to Jupiter with Mercury hanging out, and while Saturn is being a bit of a downer, overall we are nicely supported. Affirmation of romantic relationships and reconciliation are in order. The beginning of the month is the most pastoral time of year, though the very end is a sharp crank in another direction. Mercury screeches backwards right before conjoining Jupiter, who goes into Leo, while Mars starts gearing up for his retrograde next year.
July
July 4th - Mars-Uranus conjunction
July 7th - Neptune rx
July 17th - Uranus-Puto trine
July 20th - Jupiter opposite Pluto, trine Neptune
July 23rd - Mercury direct in Cancer
July 26th - Saturn rx, North Node enters Aquarius
July 29th - Sun-Jupiter conjunction in Leo
This is one of the busiest and most active months of the year. With Jupiter, Pluto, Uranus, and Neptune all at 4 degrees of their signs from the 19th to the 23rd, then the Sun hits 4 Leo on the 27th, and a Full Moon at 6 Aquarius lights this all up. Lots of explosions and noise all month. Mars and Uranus are copresent in Gemini, an event where many things happen at once. Mars-Uranus conjunctions in Taurus that may represent the buildup to this:
January 6th, 2020: Biden's inauguration & ensuing insurrection,
2022: FBI raid on Trump's house in Mar-a-Lago, Pelosi visits Taiwan & sours US-China relations,
July 2024: assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, RNC nominates Trump & he picks Vance as runningmate, FBI case dismissed, Biden drops out of race.
July 2026 is the next installment of these events--this configuration is the most telling for the United States this year. In the Civil War, Fort Sumter started on a Mars-Uranus conjunction in Gemini, so a major turning point is in order. We will get 4 total conjunctions of this nature: July 4, 2026 at 3°, June 23, 2028 at 11°, June 15th, 2030 at 19°, and June 6th, 2032 at 26°.
Uranus is also aspecting many other planets this month; the explosion has plenty of fuel and plenty of places to go. The first Uranus-Pluto trine this year will rapidly accelerate the pace of technological developments, Chris guessing maybe in AI (and I'll add AI-powered warfare). Jupiter and Neptune are also supporting this fast, fiery race forward.
Saturn Neptune is also quite activated this month. The key times are: initial conjunction in February, Neptune's station in July, and another station in December. We'll be reminded of the reality distortion field before these planets begin to separate.
August
August 6th - Venus enters Libra
August 12th - Leo solar eclipse
August 17th - Jupiter-Venus sextile
August 27th - Lunar eclipse in Pisces
August 31st - Venus enters pre-rx shadow (22♎), Jupiter-Saturn trine
Venus will be retrograding in Libra (and Scorpio), so her ingress this month marks the beginning of an extended transit. Mars also ingresses into Cancer this month, squaring Saturn who's also in fall in Aries, putting irritation in the background. Leo eclipses especially see prominent leaders rise and fall. Coming out of nowhere and falling into obscurity both happen, and Jupiter in Leo magnifies this instability. The seeds of important things are planted at eclipses, but our vision is obscured and we usually won't see where things are going until after the fact.
What's interesting about this eclipse cycle changing over from Virgo-Pisces to Leo-Aquarius is that we've only had one solar eclipse, in Virgo in September 2025.
September
September 1st - Mars-Saturn square goes exact
September 10th - Uranus rx in Gemini, Venus enters Scorpio
September 27th - Mars enters Leo
Mars-Saturn peaking at the beginning of the month is unpleasant, but it'll fade as time goes on. Uranus in Gemini will echo events from the first foray last year, such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the sudden censorship exacted on anyone criticizing the right wing's newest martyr. Venus entering Scorpio will remind us unequivocally that we have some things to sort out. By the end of the month Mars has entered the point from which he will retrograde, which also puts him copresent with Jupiter and the South Node.
October
October 3rd - Venus retrograde
October 24th - Mercury retrograde
October 25th - Venus regresses to Libra
Venus retrograde is tied up with a lot of other difficult aspects: her station squares Mars, who opposes Pluto, making a difficult T-square. This is more of a rough trip down memory lane. Mercury makes the same squares to Pluto and Mars before Venus, stationing in Scorpio soon after the benefic. The Mars-Pluto opposition last year showed the death & funeral of the Catholic Pope. The opening of this retrograde is gonna be rough, even for night charts who tend to experience Venus transits more constructively. Things will loosen up with Venus in Libra, which takes her out of range of Mars and puts her in domicile. We also see our third and final Mercury retrograde of the year, with both planets helping us as the station direct together on November 13th.
November
November 13th - Venus and Mercury station direct
November 15th - Mars-Jupiter-Ketu conjunction
November 26th - Mars enters Virgo, Uranus trine Pluto
Venus makes multiple sextiles to Jupiter from her vantage point in Libra, cushioning us a little. Mars, Jupiter, and Ketu (South Node) will conjoin at 25 Leo, giving us a huge surge of confidence getting rid of something or a martial problem with mysterious origins. This is a good configuration for military leaders, and anyone with Mars-Jupiter conjunctions, especially with the North Node or in Leo, it will be a significant activation for you. Jupiter can also magnify Mars's explosive tendencies, and an opening of a sequence because we'll revisit this configuration during the retrograde. Assassinations also occur with Mars-Ketu: Franz Ferdinand, for example. Mars-Jupiter is big, bold, and flashy.
Pluto and Uranus trining each other from Aquarius and Gemini respectively should show us some major technological development. Mars squares Uranus after his ingress into Virgo, an aspect that follows us into December.
December
December 4th - Mars (3♍) - Uranus (3♊) square
December 10th - Saturn direct
December 12th - Neptune direct
December 15th - Venus exits her post-rx shadow
Both the Civil War and WW2 had a Mars-Uranus conjunction during Uranus in Gemini, but for us this is the first of 3 squares, the next being February 2027 during the last eclipse in early Virgo. Thus all the Mars pre-retrograde shadow activity is building up to this climax in early in 2027. Overall 2026 ends with things about to heat up to something massive and recurring. Saturn and Neptune also activate their conjunction for the last time, stationing 6 degrees apart. What is true vs. false, real vs. illusion, digitally altered versus handmade? Illusions, moral panics, and idealistic pursuits are all on the table. Venus clears her retrograde degrees and gets ready to leave it for good into Sagittarius in 2027, meanwhile Mars is set to get loud and chaotic in the new year.
Venus retrograde could signal a breakdown of diplomatic relations, though at the end/after her retrograde there are some helpful sextiles that may restore some things here and there despite the chaos from Mars. There are helpers, healers, and silver linings during these difficult times. Jupiter is also trying to bring some help to our Leo houses, but the story is more complicated than it appears at first since it'll recur later.
Things look difficult, but sometimes difficult moments are times when people step up to do what's necessary. We can see truly good acts of heroism under Neptune in Aries, and rise to occasion in ways we didn't know we could. We can struggle for freedom and liberation.
