newsletter archive: 2026, the venus-mars kiss, & the full moon in cancer

Sent: January 1 2026

No one ever really knows what a Magician year will be.

The last numerological 1 years were in 2017 and 2008. These years, on their own, already illustrate once-every-9 years kind of beginnings but 2026 is more than novel as every outer planet is shifting into a new sign. This is not something that happens often, certainly not every 9 years.

For Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto to all shift within a year of each other along with Saturn and Jupiter, is signaling that we are in the midst of some kind of epochal turning point. In 2025, we experienced some of these first ingressions and their new, emerging storylines. Pluto completed its transition into Aquarius, Neptune crossed into Aries at the end of March, Saturn followed in May, and Uranus entered Gemini in July. The last time the outer planets shifted in a short period of time like this was in the late 1730s, a time that also saw a Saturn–Neptune conjunction in a cardinal sign. That period birthed the colonial Great Awakening and a wave of revolutions and systemic reorganizations around the globe. It disassembled the old world and began to sketch the outlines of a new one that unfolded in the decades following.

The planets are not deceptive really, they have a way of obviously and hilariously modeling their motifs for us in more than one place in the transiting sky. There is often glaring, undeniable emphasis on what the times are calling for. Right now it is echoing that theme of "disassembling and reassembling” collectively and in our personal lives. The numerological 1 year screams “beginning” but we know that beginnings are also typically bottom heavy with endings. Beginnings often come in disguise, through frustration, innocent stumbling, by accident or upheaval. That is to say, let’s not forget the cycles that are culminating now: Uranus in Taurus (since 2018), Neptune in Pisces (since 2011), and Pluto in Capricorn (since 2008). Each has been reshaping the bones of our reality, and their departures signal the end of that work.

At the end of 2025, we have been plunged back into the older stories. Saturn and Neptune both returned to Pisces while Uranus slipped back into Taurus, pulling us once more into familiar lessons. These last few months have been the most incredible as we’ve grappled with themes that we each met years ago in such exclusive and spirit crafted ways that speak to the unique journeys that we are each on. To encounter something again after taking a break, finding ourselves back in old circumstances but with new eyes. We are still in this process of putting something previously indistinct or destabilizing to rest, doing so with a newfound understanding of the patterns that have been playing out and what they might require from us. The last months of 2025 asked for deep integration, the settling of a decade’s worth of experience into understanding.

Early 2026 continues this process as it engages these old players until Neptune moves into Aries on January 26, Saturn follows on February 13, and they meet for their exact conjunction on February 20. Uranus remains in Taurus until April 25 when it reenters Gemini. We can see that the beginning of the year still calls us back to finish these thematic projects as Saturn’s close co-presence with Neptune rules Capricorn and Aquarius season. Additionally, Uranus in Taurus (i.e. where does true stability lie?) will face off with our first eclipse of the year in Aquarius on February 17 and will see one last conjunction with Venus on April 23, its ruler, before finally moving forward. The old converges with the new and, as such, the first 8 months of the year are likely to move quickly. We’ll be slowing down quite a bit after August when Mercury, Venus, and Mars begin their retrograde cycles, and we’ll need this time for integration.

There was likely something that occurred between the months of March and September 2025 that instigated a new reality but that was only the preview. In February 2026, we begin again with stark emphasis on the dissolution and redrawing of previous boundaries and limitations of what is possible. Saturn, our planet that usually sets obstacle courses around the things we want to build, has been acting quite differently over the past year and will continue to for the rest of its transit through Aries until 2028. It’s not that obstacles cease to exist, but they are practically falling off the bone with Neptunian influence. Much like the last Saturn-Neptune conjunction, its synchronization with the fall of the Berlin Wall, and subsequent changes to the European borders– we are likely to see a similar kind of event this year globally and personally. This is a “bubble burst” moment in the Pisces-Aries sectors, bringing both grief and powerful realization that sets us off to explore new frontiers with discipline and determination. It is one of the most defining transits of 2026 as a whole.

// THE MAGICIAN'S WORKSHOP //

As we step into a Magician year, we must remain teachable and willing to experiment. This archetype is ruled by Mercury, a symbol of the beginner’s mind, regardless of how far along you may be in your journey. In the traditional Rider-Waite Tarot, the Magician stands behind a table with all four “suits” before him, the Pentacle, Cup, Sword, and Wand representing each of the four elements and directions. When this archetype appears, it is usually at a time where nothing has truly been created yet, all is still within the mind and ethers. He has the bare minimum, the raw elements, in front of him and he is in a position to handcraft whatever it is that he wants whether it is for fun, for identity, for service, or to be known and visible to the world. The Magician is both everything and nothing at all. He has everything he needs but nothing more if he cannot use it and learn to master his abilities. A Magician experience might be the moment where we engage with creation as a means to survive, making do with what we have available. It’s an archetype of managing both talent and skill; talent is god given while skill is something that has to be developed through use. 2026 is a year that will require taking advantage of the resources in front of you even if they are not fully formed and the conditions are not ideal. The Magician’s lesson cards, The Sun and The Wheel of Fortune, remind us to stay visible through the process and to recognize turning points as they come. This is not a year for hiding. It is a year for being seen, even while still becoming.

As we exit 2025’s Virgo Hermit year all about solitude, healing arcs, simplifying, digesting, and releasing, we are coming out of a “hermit mode” representing either literal isolation or some level of intense focus and purification. The Hermit card has always reminded me of the Hellenistic Lot of Necessity as they are both connected to Mercury. Like all of the Lots, Necessity is an allotment of fate that rules over unavoidable challenges. Bonatti called it the “Part of Middling Intellect and Poverty” while Medieval astrologers named it the “Lot of Tricks and Struggles”. In modern astrology, we have come to know Saturn primarily as the planet of struggle and limitation but Saturn is connected instead to the Lot of Nemesis which is much more about that typical Saturnian accountability and retribution. It leads me to believe that modern astrology is missing something here about the true nature of Mercury.

We can quickly identify Mercury in words like “intellect” and “tricks” as this is the archetype of the academic as well as the clown. Words like “poverty” and “struggle” however, show us something else entirely about this daimon, that these things may be directly connected to our level of consciousness. Mercury is a symbol of what we are awake to or aware of and in the case of the Hermit and Necessity, the struggles that show up under their influence are typically not needless struggles, these are the tricks of life that teach profound lessons to advance consciousness. It speaks of struggle as a teacher, of the mental trials that sharpen awareness. 2025 and the Hermit year was generally about the process of humbling, the struggles that force us into a sense of purge and awareness of our past failures. Now moving into a Magician year in 2026, still under the daimon of Mercury, we see another face of this planet after a period of such intentional clearing, we finally stand at the table with our tools.

After a year of releasing, there is now finally enough room and space to create something new. It brilliantly lines up with a Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries, the first sign of the zodiacal wheel and symbol of new beginnings, but we have to be willing to get our hands dirty to participate. I think this is a good time to consider: What exactly is necessary to create your next life? How many of those elements do you already possess in your own toolbox? How can you stay visible even while you are still in the process of becoming?

//OPENING 2026: THE VENUS-MARS KISS//

Venus and Mars transits are essentially bookending the year starting with their “kiss” (a conjunction) on January 7th and ending with their retrograde cycles. Venus-Mars conjunctions represent both union and separations, these are typically highly relational transits and they may signify the beginning of a project that emphasizes the importance of relating. Venus brings a focus on value while Mars provides an activity or motivation that can either unite or destroy. Their meetings invoke both the destruction of older relationship dynamics and thrust us into new ones within the year following the exact aspect. We will then typically see the climax of whatever began at the conjunction later at the opposition, a time of turning points that shape the remainder of the cycle.

For reference, our last Venus-Mars conjunction took place on February 22nd 2024 at 6º Aquarius, we then saw the opposition later that year during Mars retrograde in Leo opposing Venus in Aquarius at 5º on December 12th. We are now fully ending that cycle and beginning another one this year in 2026, the conjunction occurs at 18º Capricorn and we’ll see its opposition counterpart on March 19th 2027 when Mars is retrograde in Leo at 21º opposite Venus in Aquarius.

A few significant things about this conjunction:

We may notice similarities from the Venus-Mars conjunction back in February 2022 that took place at 16º Capricorn. These conjunctions are so close by degree and will activate the same houses and natal planets. You may notice similar themes come up, but this time Pluto is absent (thank god) and as a result, this conjunction may represent some level of completed evolution.

When reflecting back on that Venus-Mars conjunction in 2022, that was a time of Plutonian obliteration. It’s very likely that partings and separations that took place at that time were painful, life altering, destructive, and aimed to transform the foundation of the sign and house themes connected to it in a cathartic purge. Now having another Venus-Mars conjunction nearly in the same place, without Pluto’s presence but now instead with the Sun, indicates that we are seeing something clearly and are more prepared for the responsibility that is called for now 4 years later. The Sun generally declares identity as planets move through the heart of the Sun, it’s an initiation, a baptism by holy fire. Venus goes first on January 6th, meets with Mars on the 7th, and Mars finally conjoins the Sun in its own cazimi on the 9th.

Capricorn is the sign of commitment and longevity, while Venus who finds triplicity and Mars who finds its exaltation here are deeply resourced and supportive of this climb up the mountain. Mars and Venus are known for their mythological love affair, this is their brief meeting and marriage to each other as the Sun stands like a priest witnessing, clarifying, and performing their ceremony. Of course, all of this is symbolic, the kind of union or commitment that is being made around this time depends on where this hits in the personal chart, but it will continue to stay relevant in the background throughout 2026 and into 2027.

The upcoming opposition and climax of the cycle, while not until March 2027, seems connected to the opposition that we saw back in December 2024. They are at different degrees and decans of Leo-Aquarius but we have a repeating Mars retrograde in Leo which signals some kind of through line. Mars retrograde is a moment where we see breakdowns and reevaluation of motivation and energy, having two of these in the Leo sector along with Jupiter’s transit to Leo starting on June 29th 2026 and the eclipses on the Leo-Aquarius axis in 2026-2027 engages a lot of focus in these areas of the chart.

Not to mention, the last Mars retrograde acted as a bridge transit for Pluto to fully leave Capricorn and enter Aquarius for the next 20 years and the Venus-Mars conjunctions in 2021 and 2022 were a part of a triplicate, the first conjunction was in Leo, the second in Capricorn, and the third in Aquarius. So these three, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Leo are somehow working together here. When considering the new projects and relationships that begin or end at the conjunction in January, notice how they may become a springboard for turning points and growth in the Leo-Aquarius houses later.

// FULL MOON IN CANCER //

Just before the Venus-Mars conjunction and cazimis, we have our first Full Moon of the year at 13º Cancer while Venus and Mars are straddling the Sun in opposition. It should be noted that Jupiter, while not conjunct, is copresent at 21º Cancer and will be hit with oppositions from the Sun, Venus, and Mars about a week after the Full Moon on the 9th and 10th of January. I think it should be noted, that while this Venus-Mars business is devoid of Pluto’s presence this time, the Capricorn stellium in opposition to the Moon does look to be a bit uncomfortable (growth always is) as it sets up the story of Jupiter oppositions.

An opposition generally is, again this sense of “climax” and acts as a tightrope, while conjunctions indicate the merging of two or more energies that create the “start” of something. So, we have several “starts” happening in the Capricorn sector that are requiring ambition, commitment, and a level of severity but we have the Full Moon and Jupiter sitting in the opposite sign bringing a climax and reminder to embody tenderness, nourishment, and emotional safety too. It can’t be either/or, the presence from planets in Cancer are teaching us that commitments and foundations built without emotional security are brittle and empty. The opposition from Mars especially is uncomfortable because the Moon is about body, it governs how we feel while Mars in Capricorn is driven towards accomplishment regardless of feeling. When they are at odds, it can lead to a feeling being bulldozed or conversely, overloaded with emotion in a way that is less than productive.

The challenge is to find a way to satisfy both. The Moon and Jupiter are in their domicile and exaltation respectively, so even while Mars and Venus are strong and the Capricorn sector is saturated with a stellium, the dominant energy and authority does seem to lie in lunar territory for the first two weeks of the year. This is also our last Capricorn season with Saturn in Pisces as ruler, and he is on the same page with Jupiter’s exploration of what emotional responsibility looks like via trine. It opens the Magician year with that same sentiment of working within the limitations and with the elements that we have, it’s our first lesson in turning potential into something tangible.

During the last Mercury retrograde, I got a head start on talking about the Mars cazimi in particular due to the foreshadowing that the Mercury-Mars conjunctions brought starting back in October 2025. The final Mercury-Mars conjunction will perfect on January 17th, I’m sure we’ll recap around that time, but in that article, we also explored rising sign horoscopes that are quite relevant now. Here they are again, revised with exploration of the Moon and Jupiter in the opposite sign and house. Consider these your Full Moon/Venus-Mars conjunction/Mars cazimi horoscopes (-:

//FULL MOON HOROSCOPES FOR YOUR RISING SIGN//

Aries Rising

You’re building a new chapter of visibility, purpose, and leadership. The Capricorn sector of your chart wants results, but the Full Moon in Cancer calls you back home. While ambition demands structure, your emotional base must be nourished or the foundation will crack. A new project or partnership may define your direction, yet it will only thrive if your private world feels safe. Honor the tension between outer achievement and inner peace. The world can wait a moment while you refill yourself.

Taurus Rising

You are clarifying what you believe in. The Capricorn conjunction asks you to take your philosophy, your studies, or your long-distance dreams seriously and turn them into something measurable. But Jupiter and the Moon in Cancer remind you that learning must stay alive. Communication, curiosity, and simple exchanges with others ground your wider vision. Faith and fact are learning to coexist. A new long-term goal is forming, but it begins with speaking honestly about what you feel.

Gemini Rising

Shared resources and emotional trust are the currencies of this cycle. The Capricorn cluster intensifies your focus on intimacy, shared finances, and the agreements that bind you to others. Yet the Cancer Full Moon lights up self-worth and stability. What you’re building with another must still honor your values. This is a test of both control and surrender. Strengthen what is mutual, release what is draining, and remember that the security you crave is built from within.

Cancer Rising

Contracts, commitments, and power dynamics are shifting. The Venus–Mars conjunction activates your relationship axis, calling for mature collaboration and clear boundaries. Yet the Full Moon and Jupiter in your own sign remind you that you are the emotional center of the story. Before giving everything to others, remember who you are when you stand alone. This is a season for sacred reciprocity. Partnership is meant to amplify your light, not eclipse it.

Leo Rising

You are mastering your systems and daily disciplines. Capricorn asks for precision in your work and your wellbeing. But the Cancer Full Moon opens the subconscious, exposing the emotional patterns that quietly sabotage progress. This is where ambition meets rest, where productivity must include recovery. A new rhythm of service and health is emerging, and it begins with compassionate boundaries around your energy. Your best work will flow from surrender, not strain.

Virgo Rising

The Venus-Mars conjunction spotlights artistry, romance, and joy as serious endeavors that deserve your time and devotion. Yet the Cancer Full Moon invites in your ability to invest in an emotionally nourishing future. You are learning that pleasure expands not only when shared with community but also when you are able to nurture the things and people that you like. Let your heart-led projects connect you to others. Commitment gives your creativity and love form, but collaboration breathes it to life.

Libra Rising

The Capricorn story roots itself at home. You’re being called to fortify your foundations, both emotionally and physically. Yet the Cancer Full Moon shines from the top of your chart, illuminating your public life. What you build in private soon becomes visible. This opposition asks for balance between caretaking and ambition. Security and success are not separate pursuits. Anchor deeply before rising.

Scorpio Rising

The conjunctions in Capricorn sharpen your mind and your message. You’re learning to communicate with authority and precision. Yet the Cancer Full Moon opens your worldview, stretching your sense of what’s possible when you take emotional risks. The lesson is to integrate discipline with belief. What you say must align with what you truly know in your bones. Life's lessons and teachers culminate now to help you speak from wisdom, not reaction.

Sagittarius Rising

This cycle begins a serious era of self-reliance and value definition. Capricorn pushes you to construct financial and material security through patience and skill. But Cancer in the 8th house reminds you that not all wealth is tangible. Emotional intimacy and shared vulnerability are forms of abundance too. Allow your independence to deepen connection rather than wall it off. You can be both grounded and open, self-sufficient and emotionally intertwined.

Capricorn Rising

You are the architect now. The Venus–Mars conjunction and cazimi ignite your identity and reshape your path forward. You are choosing who you want to become. Yet the Cancer Full Moon glows from your partnership house, asking what relationships can support this new form. Strength does not mean solitude. This is a moment to lead with integrity while letting others meet you halfway. Love that respects your growth will stay.

Aquarius Rising

Your unseen life is under reconstruction. The Capricorn sector of your chart pulls you inward, where you’re refining spiritual boundaries and confronting hidden habits. The Cancer Full Moon in your 6th house brings those realizations into your body. Healing becomes practical. What you’re releasing behind the scenes must translate into healthier routines and service in the world. Let the sacred meet the everyday.

Pisces Rising

Your alliances and long-term goals are maturing. Capricorn calls you to choose community intentionally, to align with networks that support your ambitions. Yet the Cancer Full Moon opens your creative, romantic heart. What you contribute to the collective must still feel joyful and authentic. A new project or friendship may inspire both purpose and play. Build the future, but make it personal.

Happy New Year!

Your friendly neighborhood astrologer,

Katie

this week's mood board