Do you remember the times when we believed that the next year would be better than the previous one? Does anyone still have that faith, even after one seriously crazy year was replaced by an outright unhinged one? Still, (I don’t know about Faith), but Hope dies last and 2026 will be a good confirmation of that. Who would have thought it, but the coming year is expected to be better than 2025. Don’t get me wrong: it won’t be easy, but the year ahead will be a turning point. Whether that turn is for the better or not depends on all of us.

Planetary energies will give us a huge number of positive opportunities; however, how we—as humanity as a whole—respond to them is always an open question. The planetary aspect configurations forming in the middle of the year are unique, because the planets involved are slow-moving and the aspects are exact and occur extremely rarely. With the exception of a group of individuals whom they will affect personally, these energies are addressed to all of humanity.

The numerological code of the year is also important: 2+0+2+6 = 10. Ten is the number of Pluto, the planet of collective energy and processes. This amplifies the influence of all of us, not just the “elite” and those in power. According to the Chinese calendar, 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse (it begins on February 17, with the first new moon in Aquarius). What matters here is the fiery element of the year, which accelerates all processes.

Many processes that began in 2025 will carry over into 2026. Some astrologers predict the end of the war in Ukraine this year. I agree with the year, but not with the months. January and March have been mentioned repeatedly. I believe that is too early. Nothing stable can emerge at that time, and here’s why…

On February 17, exactly at the beginning of the year of the Fire Horse, a very challenging total solar eclipse will occur. Uranus, with its square to the Sun and the Moon, clearly brings confusion and unpredictability. Moreover, a couple of days after the eclipse, there will be an exact conjunction of Saturn and Neptune. They have been influencing our lives for a long time already, dancing around each other, and finally they will form an exact conjunction at zero degrees of Aries, the very beginning of the Zodiac. The significance of this astrological event is hard to overestimate.

Much has already been written about the interaction of these two planets. I will briefly remind you what this conjunction can bring. First and foremost, it marks the beginning of new cycles, which, however, do not appear out of nowhere: they resonate with our past mistakes (mostly). From here, two possible paths of development emerge. Either we build a coherent system based on respect and love, or we create a purely restrictive matrix founded on lies. After all, Saturn can signify order and purposefulness, while Neptune represents Hope, Faith, and Love, along with creativity. But Saturn can also mean limitation and rigidity, and Neptune—deception and illusions. Which are we more prepared for? Since all of this unfolds during an eclipse, no one will be able to bury their head in the sand; a choice will have to be made.

What might this conjunction bring in terms of natural disasters? They are possible, since the degree of the conjunction is highly active. Neptune governs the World Ocean, while Saturn is associated with rocky formations, mountains, and (attention!) tectonic plates on the ocean floor. As a result of shifts in these plates and associated earthquakes, tsunamis cannot be ruled out. Fortunately, the shadow of this eclipse falls mainly on Antarctica and a small part of South America.

In financial terms, oil prices may drop significantly, though it is possible they will be artificially propped up.

In addition to what has been said, the beginning of the year does not inspire optimism due to stellar influences. In January, the malevolent, unhinged star Scheat is projected onto Neptune and, in February, Saturn moves into that projection as well. This star has undoubtedly contributed to the frequent feeling that the whole world has gone mad. Fortunately, after this period it no longer affects us. However, from mid-February to mid-March, Pluto finds itself in conjunction with the projection of a strange group of stars known as Algedi or Giedi. This group of four small stars was also called “the Goatlings” in ancient times. Yes—those with horns. Here lies the danger from all kinds of dark forces, including otherworldly ones. One should not expect sensible actions from the crowd (Pluto).

And yet, by the second half of March, the energies will change significantly for the better. At that point, the end of the war will genuinely begin to loom, although unpleasant “surprises” can be expected over the following couple of months. This may look like an endless chain: promises—exposures—more exposures—promises—lies… and yet, the overall outcome appears positive.

Without a doubt, the most important—and positive—months of 2026 (from an astrological point of view) are July and August. During this time, a unique configuration of aspects forms, known as a Trapezoid. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it involves mainly distant outer planets: Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus (with Jupiter as well), and their aspects are exact—degree to degree. The trapezoid includes two intersecting, stabilizing bi-sextiles; they resemble a little house that offers shelter from bad weather. This is a positive configuration, but the catch is that the “foundation” of this house is an opposition—a very dynamic aspect.

In principle, the trapezoid configuration provides a wealth of opportunities in addition to protection. However, to receive its benefits, work must be done within the sphere of the opposition—in this case, between Pluto and Jupiter. An opposition always implies a situation of choice, and often of struggle. Here, it is a confrontation between formal and informal power, aristocracy and revolutionaries, the people and the state. We are about to see how this mystery will unfold.

At the top of the configuration are Neptune and Uranus. These planets show what we may receive if everything goes as it should. In this case, it is clearly not material goods. Instead, they offer us a different world: a world of free expression without fear of repression, a world of flourishing creativity of all conceivable and inconceivable kinds, and a world in which we move beyond the limits of our earthly civilization. And in this world, there are no wars. Naturally, reaching this is not a matter of a single day.

The significance of all this grows even further during the total solar eclipse on August 12, which will be visible mainly in Western Europe. Eclipses always activate karma—the karma of all humanity. And this eclipse may give us a chance for well-being rather than retribution, as many others do. On that day, not two but four bi-sextiles will appear in the sky, as well as three trapezoids and a grand trine, which in astrology is the principal figure of protection.

I won’t burden you further with astrological jargon (one could write a multi-page scientific treatise about this eclipse). Instead, I’ll try to describe the main message being conveyed to us. I hope you’ve understood from the above what the trapezoid configuration signifies. During the eclipse, three of them are formed. In other words, a great deal of good is being promised, and the main requirements boil down to the following: learn to hear one another, don’t give in to brainwashing, don’t place your own well-being above the well-being of others, and remember that Love and Freedom are the main values on this planet (as everywhere). Complicated?..

The most significant of the three trapezoids, in my view, is the one built on the opposition of the lunar nodes. The lunar nodes indicate the path of evolution, and shortly before this eclipse they will move into Leo and Aquarius. These signs are very personal. Aquarius is more important here, since it hosts the North Lunar Node, which embodies the evolutionary path. The node in Leo points to past karma—what has already been worked through. The karmic indicators at the base of the trapezoid tell us that we must abandon narrow self-interest and turn toward what is important for everyone (including the survival of humanity).

Interestingly, the “little protective house,” the positive indicators, are Mars and Chiron. Mars, as you know, is the god of war, while Chiron (in my astrological school) embodies peace, harmony, and balance. These planets are in the first degrees of their signs (a new cycle) and in a harmonious aspect to each other. They are not fighting; they are negotiating. If the war has not ended by this time, August shows all the indicators for this horror to come to an end.

The solar eclipse on August 12 will also occur under the influence of the star Merak, one of the seven stars of the Big Dipper, a constellation that has a direct connection to our civilization. Merak is associated with leadership and spirituality. The significance of this solar eclipse is hard to overestimate. However, if the lessons are not learned during the eclipse corridor (two weeks), then the lunar eclipse on August 27 will show us something quite different.

But more on that later, as well as on who, specifically, may be affected by these phenomenal planetary influences. That will be covered in my monthly forecasts.

Happy New Year!

Thaya Edwards

Another life-changing year is upon us. However, this is one of many difficult years that have been and that will yet be. But the peculiarity of 2025 is that many higher planets change signs, which will bring a lasting, often shocking effect on our poor planet and foolish humanity. According to the Chinese calendar, 2025 is the year of the Snake (begins on January 29^th). It is unlikely that wisdom will come from the Snake this year, but the cunning certainly will.

Only the lazy didn’t write about the transition of Pluto to the sign of Aquarius. I am obviously one of the “lazy”: having written in detail about the consequences of this transition a year ago, I have not returned to the same topic. Now it seems appropriate to reiterate what Pluto’s presence in Aquarius over the next 20 years can give us: the desire for freedom, the collapse of totalitarian regimes, the rapid development of new technologies (seriously? even faster?), a lot of new ideas as well as spiritual movements, and everything that we can’t even imagine now.

But all of this will last 20 years, and the most significant astrological events in the new year, in my opinion, will be the transition of Saturn and Neptune into Aries, and the conjunction of these two planets. The conjunction will create a whirlpool of energies. Why? Due to the fact that the planets have completely opposite energy/information. Saturn is a strict planet of concentration, responsibility and karma. Neptune can be compared to the hippy movement: freedom without boundaries, universal love, drugs, psychedelic music, spontaneous creativity and colourful clothes.

Watery Neptune, moving from his home in Pisces to fiery Aries, weakens. However, Saturn will be even weaker, since he is in his fall in Aries. Therefore, in the case of this couple, Neptune will be in the lead. No matter how hard Saturn tries to lower the idealistic Neptune to the practical earth, nothing will work. Neptune is very strong in 2025. In addition, the numerological code of the year (2+0+2+5=9) also applies to this planet. Neptune (aka the sea God Poseidon) has both good and not-so-good qualities. Positive ones: unconditional love, spirituality, creativity, higher intuition, psychic and musical abilities. Among the negative ones: a tendency to deception and self-deception, illusions, mental problems, drugs and alcohol.

2025 is a great year for creative people in any field but especially in the music and movie industries. The emergence of new spiritual movements, which will be very active (often too active), are expected. The first two degrees of Aries, where Saturn and Neptune will be located, are very difficult. The first degree is quite aggressive; in addition, it is the degree of paying one’s own and other’s karmic debts, and repeating mistakes. The second degree is also pretty militant.

Very bright people will appear next year, driven, as it seems at first, by great ideas of saving the world, but in fact led by a selfish desire to force everyone in accepting their faith. This would be an illustration of how “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. A lot of amazing ideas will arise, but many of them would lack one thing: common sense (which Saturn provides). Saturn will almost conjunct with Neptune in the first half of August, just lacking a few minutes to the exact conjunction, which will happen in the beginning of 2026.

As for natural disasters…In the forecast for 2024, I wrote that they would be mainly associated with the elements of Water and Air. This time it will be a bit different – elements of Water and Earth. Water still plays a leading role, but it will manifest itself not just in floods but as tsunamis. Earthquakes are also possible. Faults on the ocean floor are very likely which will trigger a tsunami. Sea levels could rise faster than predicted, threatening flooding. The combined negative influence of the elements of Earth and Water might bring landslides and mudflows (which have already begun).

The planet Neptune is also associated with oil. Oil prices will systematically decline as the use of the other energy sources rapidly increases. There will be the occasional uptrend, but the main downward trend will remain.

The entrance of Neptune and Saturn into Aries will have a hard impact on people born at the beginning of the signs of Cancer (June 21 – 23), Libra (September 23 – 24) and Capricorn (December 21 – 23). From April to September a period of crises will continue for these people, which may be accompanied by disappointment, depression, loss (or revision) of internal values and/or disorientation. All I can advise is to remember that we go through life’s lessons, during which we will have to give up something, and that “this too shall pass…”

The situation with Aries’ born on March 20 – 22 is somewhat different. Saturn and Neptune will alternately (and sometimes simultaneously) conjunct your Sun. Saturn can block activities, and Neptune might encourage you to turn to spirituality. Mentioned Aries’, known for their intense activity and drive, might suddenly become very quiet and self-absorbed. There will be a serious internal recapitulation going on. And for some people, this time is simply a period of confusion and uncertainty. In the fall these two planets will return to Pisces, and things will become easier for Aries’ (until next year).

However, there is a planet that will make our lives easier. This is the planet Uranus, responsible for changes and surprises. Airy Uranus will move in July from Taurus (which hates changes) to the much more harmonious, also airy, sign of Gemini. This is where Uranus will show all his strength. Gemini is responsible for communications, and what would happen in this area, we can only guess. Everything is possible…

Uranus forms favourable aspects with Neptune and Saturn, and in September will come very close to a wonderful aspect with Pluto. For all the above mentioned signs as well as Aquarius and Leo, this will provide excellent opportunities to renew their lives. The sooner we understand that the life we are nostalgic about will not return, the more of our nerve cells we will save.

Some astrologers suggest that AI will become aware of itself, which would be the beginning of a new era. According to my information, this already happened several years ago and the computer civilization already exists. Fortunately, it doesn’t yet have aggressive intentions towards humans. I hope it stays this way.

I won’t write about politics here (no room in this forecast). I can only say that in many countries there will be “clowns” in power at best and monsters at worst. And the line between them will be blurred. However, as they say, the people deserve their governors.

As for the wars ending, there will be peaceful attempts, but there will also be an escalation of hostilities (especially, in early January and late April). Ukraine has more chances of peaceful life than Israel. If good intentions are supported by common sense on all sides, then we will see at least a truce.

I wish everyone prosperity and peace of mind in the New Year.

Thaya