On the New Year and Cycles of Being; Early January 2026

As we step through the threshold of a new year on the 1st of January, Mercury moves into the sign of Capricorn. This threshold like symbol of the messenger god, bringing thought and insight into view in this area of the sky. All but three of the traditional seven planetary bodies are gathering in this space now. Mars, in its sign of exaltation leads the way. The Sun is flanked by Mars and Venus, respectively, both currently obscured by the Sun's rays. This sign is known for its dedication, for its determination, for its integrity. It heralds in this symbolic turning of the sands each year. A time when many feel this surge of inspiration to make change.

The question of what makes a new year has come up in various circles I've been witness to over the past few years. Growing emphasis each year being placed on traditions such as the Lunar New Year, the spring equinox, and even the Rave New Year. Our current system, the Gregorian Calendar was put into use in 1582, created to reflect the seasonal calendar. This calendar system only gained wider use by the late 19th century. Some countries, especially those of the Islamic world, still primarily use their own calendar system, saving the Gregorian Calendar for secular purposes [1]. Just recently, I came across a video suggesting a modified system of tracking time by splitting the year into even months grouped into quarters. This system would make for 13 months each year, something the Lunar calendar also points to, offering each quarter 13 weeks total. This modification works with the current calendar system to accommodate living in a world where the Gregorian Calendar system is still used, but leans into this idea of living in cycles that work for us- humans living as nature.

Cycles of being. Each system has been built off of trying to connect to some sort of cycle. And while much emphasis is placed on these collective markers of change, of refresh, one thing is consistent across them all- a desire to connect to the natural world. It has been my own practice over the past several years to feel into what my body has desire and energy to do, feeling into what draws my attention. Leaning into my emotional wave process has helped me to slow down and feel into the decisions I'm making. I see some fellow astrologers looking through the transits, waiting for just the right moment to participate with the world, but in my own experience, I've found the perfect timing is often discovered through simply feeling into my body's wisdom, the resulting experiences reflected by the transits regardless. More often than not, we are right on time if we can allow it.

The Oregon Coastline | Digital; Autumn 2018

While there is all of this Capricorn energy in the sky building something, we must remember that this is Saturn's realm, and Saturn is a slow moving planet. It takes its time so it can act with precision. Know that whatever pressure is building is asking you to feel into what direction you actually have energy for. Our sense of desire and drive is somewhat unclear to us while Mars and Venus are combust in the sky, so allow the contemplation that Mercury brings to build into something that will result in either action or ambivalence. Act where you have the energy to do so, but don't force it if it isn't the correct time. We are still very much in a season of rest, deep in the winter months, when the daylight is shortest.

The Moon will profect in its opposition to the Sun early in the morning on the 3rd of January, Eastern time. A full Moon very near the degree of fixed star Sirius- a star whose midnight culmination was associated with the Gregorian New Year at the time of its creation. This culmination has shifted some with the precession of the equinoxes [2]. On this Mars night, Venus hour, the Moon will reach its fullest point at 13º02' in the sign of Cancer, conjunct Jupiter who is still retrograde. The second decan of Cancer, governed by Mercury and Mars, is especially associated with nostalgia. This Moon feels like a beautiful reflection of this season of transition that we find ourselves in. Reflective of the nature of Sirius, but also reflections of the planets at play with this full Moon too- Jupiter, currently in a contemplative stage in its transit through Cancer, Mars and Venus combust in Capricorn, creating some lack of clarity with their energies at the moment as well. A time to reflect. What are we devoting ourselves to in our every day lived experiences? Where does our passion lie? Where could we use a little more faith? What do we desire to reconcile with? What is worth fighting for?

As the month progresses, both Venus and Mars will find themselves Cazimi most of the day on the 8th of January. These two planets Cazimi the Sun brings emphasis to these planets' themes. That lack of clarity around drive and desire dissolving, offering new light on what is being birthed. Ambition garnering momentum as the month rolls on. Each of these three planets opposing Jupiter throughout the week- Venus, Sun, Mars, and finally, on the 14th of January, Mercury. A procession of opportunity for internal expansion in the realm of our comforts, ego-selves, drive, and thought. Venus then makes a sextile to Saturn on the 15th of January, a time when we can begin to invest with solidity in the things we place value in.

These transits represent a cycle of being. Little puzzle pieces opening us up to a larger story unfolding, offering us insight to where our hearts are drawing us in the coming year. This year, in particular, will herald in a season of fire. There will be plenty of time for action, so allow for some down time, rest and revel in the creative inspiration, ambition, narrowing down of the fantasies that are bursting within us at this time. Feel into your heart's greatest desires and let them spill forward as this month is slowly woven into being.