The month of January speaks of consolidation and new beginnings. After a somewhat foggy and sensitive start to the year, strong creative impulses promise fruitful results. The New Moon in Capricorn on 18 January invites you to keep the new and the tried-and-tested in balance. From 20 January, future projects, networking and reforms take centre stage. Neptune's ingress into Aries on 26 Januaryopens a longer chapter in which visions need to become tangible. This month, determination, transparent motives and a willingness to release old patterns create the best conditions for the new to become sustainable.

THE CURRENT QUALITY OF TIME
Welcome to 2026! The first months of this year, in particular, bring some striking changes in the quality of time. Neptune moves into Aries at the end of January; Saturn follows in mid-February. At the end of February they meet in a conjunction on the first degree of Aries, probably the most significant constellation of the year. Uranus also changes signs: in April it finally enters Gemini. Thus, in 2026 all of the outer planets will have completed their sign changes. They introduce new themes into our lives that we must face.

Nobody gets past Neptune in January. It is on the last degree of Pisces and moves into Aries at the end of the month. The area between Pisces and Aries is called the “cosmic fissure”; it is both an ending and a beginning. Every planet that changes signs in these weeks forms an aspect to Neptune, which lingers in this zone between “no longer” and “not yet.” Sensitive people do not always find the feelings linked to this easy to handle, yet they can open the door to profound spiritual insights.
This theme shows up right on 1 January, when Mercury forms a square to Neptune while moving into Capricorn. Although Mercury in Capricorn represents clear thinking, thoughts and perceptions can feel noticeably foggy and subjective on this day. Rumors and misunderstandings are also likely. Luckily, this phase is brief. Postpone important decisions until the next day if you cannot concentrate or find it hard to judge facts adequately.

The Full Moon in Cancer falls on 3 January. Provide a sheltered setting in this sensitive time and listen to the quiet nuances: which needs are asking for attention? Do not suppress inner restlessness. Give it space. Creative expression as well as silence and ritual now offer stability.
In the days that follow, a promising arc of suspense builds up. Venus meets the Sun in Capricorn on 6 January, conjoins Mars on 8 January, and the Sun is conjunct Mars on 9 January. Moreover, Venus, the Sun and Mars oppose Jupiter in Cancer on 9 and 10 January. This energetic constellation injects dynamism into your relationships and is an excellent time for creative or artistic work. At the same time, it kindles desires and needs. The temptation to want too much - in projects, spending or expectations - is strong. Use the invigorating momentum, yet be wary of excess. Good planning, clear agreements and realistic budgets are worth their weight in gold now.

On 14 JanuaryMercury opposes Jupiter. Conversations and negotiations gain reach, but there is also a tendency toward grand words. Weigh your arguments carefully and do not let momentary enthusiasm push you into promises that later prove too sweeping.
The days from 15 to 17 January bring a tangible sense of balance and constructive openings. On 15 January Venus forms a sextile to Saturn and trines Uranus; on 17 Januaryit is sextile Neptune. That same day the Sun also sextiles Saturn and trines Uranus, and Venus moves into Aquarius. The quality of time is inspiring and lets you combine tradition and innovation with ease. Relationships, co-operation and creative ventures benefit from commitment, while fresh impulses are welcome too.
The New Moon in Capricorn arrives on 18 January, flanked by Mercury conjunct Mars in Capricorn and Venus conjunct Pluto in Aquarius (exact on 20 January). The tension between conservative and progressive forces urges you to prepare the ground for long-term projects.

Try to value novelty and what is tried-and-tested equally, combine vision with feasibility, and set out the next steps in a practical way.

20 Januarymarks a clear shift. The Sun and Mercury enter Aquarius. Venus meets Pluto. Saturn forms a sextile to Uranus. Mars is trine Uranus and sextile Saturn. Mercury sextiles Neptune. On 21 January the Sun meets Mercury; on 22 January Mercury reaches Pluto and the Sun follows on 23 January. On that same day Mars moves into Aquarius.
Important tracks are laid during these days, setting a new course. Relationships and values deepen or call for honest decisions. Power structures also become more visible. Be clear about your intentions and do not beat around the bush. Clarity and authenticity now create trust. Beware of hidden power games.
The time is ripe for smart reforms that strengthen future viability. Plans and agreements that blend integrity with pioneering spirit now find an audience. Action shifts noticeably toward collective, networking topics. Shared goals, projects with social relevance and technological innovations come to the fore.

The first major astrological event of the year takes place on 26 January: Neptune moves ultimately into Aries, a sign it will only leave again in 2038. This shift brings a change in the quality of time, which will be felt over the coming years. Our ideals are changing and no longer want merely to be dreamed; they want to be tested and lived. Pioneering spirit, courage and the willingness to stand up for meaning gain importance. This can be inspiring, yet it also demands responsibility in handling visions and convictions. In the long run we can expect a strong impulse to rediscover our own strength.
On 28 January Mars is conjunct Pluto. If channelled consciously, this concentrated, intense force can lead to breakthroughs. Unnecessary trials of strength or attempts to force control carry a high risk of escalation. On 29 January Mercury conjoins Venus. The tone becomes friendlier and more conciliatory again. Good conversations, fair offers and appreciative feedback now find an audience more easily. It is a suitable moment to refine agreements or to build a bridge where things had previously been rocky.