January 2026 brings movement on every level—personally as well as collectively—and leaves little room for standstill.
The cosmos guides the personal planets in an orderly sequence through this month of strictly disciplined Capricorn: First to Chiron, where weaknesses and wounds are touched and purified, then to Pluto, where whatever no longer serves growth falls away.
Opening: Full Moon and concentration on January 3
The Full Moon in Cancer brings emotional truth to the surface; you feel clearly what truly matters to you. At the same time, the Sun, Mars, and Venus stand closely together at the beginning of the month: will, values, relationship themes, and assertive power are bundled. You address inconsistencies and leave old paths behind.
Friction as a path of healing: Square to Chiron from January 10
Then the energies move into a square with Chiron: old wounds, childhood patterns, and health-related themes are touched. This is precisely the opportunity for honest self-examination instead of repetition—introducing forgiveness, healing, and new inner boundaries and routines.
Turning point: New Moon as a point of setting intentions on January 18
At the New Moon everything intensifies: Mercury joins Mars close to the Sun, with the Moon in Capricorn. This is a time for setting intentions for sustainable structures with clear aims and words – pragmatic and undramatic. Saturn and Uranus – reality and renewal – offer firm and composed support, helping you truly commit to the next step.
Deep transformation as Pluto takes over from January 20
In the final third of the month, the parade of the personal planets moves across powerful, transformative Pluto: depth, truth, consequence. Everything that is not authentic will fall away. Transformation instead of cosmetic change.
End of the month: Mars–Pluto tension on January 28
Toward the end, intensity rises through Mars–Pluto, will and power. This can manifest as combativeness or power struggles – outwardly and inwardly. At the same time, it is an enormous force for breaking through blockages and becoming radically clear about what you stand for. What no longer serves development can go.
In world affairs, large-scale visions are being pushed into implementation with considerable pressure.
Changemaker: Neptune enters Aries on January 26 – the beginning of a new collective dream
Neptune, the second giant among the planets, ushers in a new era through its ingress at 0° Aries. This marks the beginning of the zodiac and a new 165-year cycle.
Visions are set in motion. This is the opening of an epoch poised between visionary courage and ideological delusion. What is believed seeks active implementation – encouraging both creative renewal and fanatical rigidity.
Neptune and water
Neptune, mythologically the ruler of the seas, refers to the principle of water itself. Water constantly changes its form – liquid, solid, gaseous – yet its total quantity on Earth remains constant. For millions of years, the same water has circulated through the planetary cycle. It is transformed, not replaced.
The human body is part of this system. We consist largely of water that existed long before us and has taken many different forms.
In this sense, we are temporary carriers of an ancient element. With Neptune in Aries, this water now becomes active and reorganizes itself. Change means constant transformation.
“Try not to learn to let what is simply be.
In the moment you realize you are not who you were,
the old self has already passed.”
— Rumi
Which areas of life are affected by these energies can be seen in your personal horoscope. Wherever you have planets or axes from mid-Capricorn to early Aquarius, and at 0° Aries, significant movement will occur.
By the way, you can create your horoscope for free at astro.com.
January in chronological order:
01.01. – Mercury square Neptune – Dreams
The first two days of the year are ideal for nourishing the soul – days for dolce far niente. I highly recommend this, as the rest of the month is strongly influenced by Capricorn energy and involves a great deal of work.
Especially on January 1, pay attention to your dreams, as the metaphysical realm is particularly close at this time.
02.01.26 – 20.02. – Mercury enters Capricorn – mental order
With Mercury’s move into structured Capricorn, clarity enters life. Thoughts seek order, and decisions are made realistically. Mercury in serious, structured Capricorn supports factual planning and sober assessment. Feelings, however, cannot simply be organized away, so emotional rigidity should be avoided.
02.01. – Chiron turns direct – weakness becomes strength
At the same time, old wounds move more consciously into focus. Topics long avoided can no longer be ignored. This day – and especially the days from mid-January onward – are suitable for honest self-examination and inner healing processes. Remaining stuck in victim consciousness or projecting blame outward will only intensify the pain.
From January 10 to 17, Venus, the Sun, Mars, and Mercury connect with Chiron. Childhood wounds and unwanted emotional or mental patterns surface. Use these days for concrete steps toward reconciliation and healing.
03.01. – Full Moon in Cancer – career versus family or pragmatism versus emotions
Family matters, inner needs, and responsibility come into focus. Feeling meets responsibility. You clearly recognize what nourishes you emotionally – and you also have the strength to adjust your daily life accordingly. Thanks to the Mercury–Uranus connection, insights and changes come particularly easily now.
06.01. – Sun conjunct Venus – self-worth
Show love in every possible way – spread it!
Love and will unite and direct attention to your own value. This constellation represents steady, responsible, and disciplined love, expressed less through words than through reliability and lived commitment. It is a good moment to take your own needs seriously and treat yourself with respect. True closeness arises from consistency and respect – including respect for yourself – not from seeking validation externally.
08.01. – Venus conjunct Mars – new relationship cycle / new creative impulse
Desire, attraction, and passion come clearly to the forefront. This day is suitable for clear positioning in matters of the heart and for honest encounters. Relationships are meant to stand the test of everyday life and prove themselves practically.
This is also an excellent day to begin creative projects.
09.01. – Sun conjunct Mars – initiative
Willpower is strong, and the urge to assert yourself increases. This day can be used to move forward courageously, make decisions, and implement them. Today you can get down to business: start projects, including those that challenge you physically.
At the same time, there is a tendency toward exaggerated expectations or promises, with a risk of disappointment.
There is also an increased tendency to exert power or act aggressively. Keep things measured.
10.01. – Sun opposite Jupiter – boundless
The need for meaning and greatness is strong. Generous toward yourself and others, you scoop with a large ladle.
At the same time, there is a danger of overestimating yourself. This day calls for honest self-assessment. Be cautious about placing yourself morally above others or ignoring your own limits.
Today is suited for big-picture planning – not for detailed work.
10.01. – Mars opposite Jupiter – ego assertion
Conflicts can escalate, especially where the need to be right or to impose one’s will is strong. It is advisable to examine your motives and boundaries. Unconsciously, this energy can discharge as arguments, exaggeration, or unnecessary power struggles.
11.01. – Venus square Chiron – healing for greater self-worth
Old wounds related to love and self-worth are touched. Encounters can be painful as familiar patterns are activated. This day is suitable for healing through awareness. Be careful not to take rejection personally or question your own value.
At the same time, be mindful in dealing with others: people can quickly feel unloved, hurt, or slip into a victim role.
12.01. – Sun square Chiron – Am I being seen?
Self-image is put to the test. You are confronted with your own insecurities. This day invites you to accept your story instead of identifying with victimhood. Excessive self-harshness, however, intensifies feelings of hurt. You may also recognize that a victim mindset does not move you forward.
Take care of yourself today, give yourself attention, consciously do something good for yourself, and speak kindly about yourself.
13.01. – Mars square Chiron – suppressed energy
Old anger can flare up, especially where boundaries were not set in the past. When used consciously, this transit helps you stand up for yourself. Unconsciously, it can lead to overreactions and escalating conflicts.
Physical activity, sports, and spending time outdoors are good ways to release excess energy.
14.01. – Mercury opposite Jupiter – big visions
Thoughts and words may exceed their factual basis. There is a tendency to promise too much or to absolutize opinions. This day is suitable for spinning grand visions and questioning beliefs. Caution is advised with empty promises or exaggerated statements.
15.01. – Venus trine Uranus – freedom
A fresh breeze blows through matters of the heart. New forms of closeness and freedom can emerge. This day supports honest independence. A good day to start a new hobby or connect with new people.
16.01. – Mercury square Chiron – mindful thinking and speaking
Conversations may touch old wounds. It is important to speak and listen consciously. This day is suitable for clarifying words if chosen with care. Thoughtless remarks, however, can hurt.
Pay attention to constructive thinking today and learn to guide your thoughts consciously.
17.01. – Venus enters Aquarius – independence
Relationships now require more freedom and authenticity. It is a good time to think about new relationship models. Emotional distance as a protective mechanism should be reflected upon.
18.01. – New Moon in Capricorn with strong Uranus influence
This New Moon calls for conscious realignment. It is about taking responsibility for your own life and setting clear goals. Those who continue to avoid themselves will miss this opportunity. Today you can plant the seeds for new structures in your life.
What you set as New Year’s resolutions can now be implemented well – especially regarding daily structure, greater discipline, and freedom in relationships.
Professionally, this is a good time to plant new seeds for daily routines – particularly for establishing AI-generated programs.
20.01. – Pluto activations through the Sun’s entry into Aquarius and Venus – reassessing values
The stellium is active from January 20 to 31, 2026 – simply let go!
Truth can no longer be avoided. The comfort zone is left behind and new territory entered. What blocks development must go.
These days are suitable for radical honesty and transformation. Power games or manipulation will inevitably lead to losses. Power lies within you – not outside. You determine how you feel, think, and act.
26.01. – until March 2039 – Neptune enters Aries – game changer
The energetic shift is tangible. After 14 years, Neptune moves from Pisces into Aries.
Aries is ruled by Mars; dreams now seek to be implemented more combatively through action.
Ideals demand courage and personal responsibility.
Blind idealism or unconscious activism, however, can lead to disappointment.
27.01.–28.01. – Mars–Pluto in Aquarius – pressure!
Suppressed tension and anger surface.
Here, fighting spirit combines with power dynamics.
What are your intentions? Use power for love and compassion – take responsibility.
Mountains can be moved this way.
What no longer fits may go – without drama, with an eye toward future and meaning.
29.01. – Mercury conjunct Venus – love is spoken
Words come from the heart. Conversations can reconcile and create closeness. Speak about beauty and values, and mentally nurture self-love.
“Yesterday I was clever and wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise and change myself.”
— Rumi
I thank all readers sincerely for their loyalty.
Zurich, December 27, 2025 – Bettina Bettini
