New Moon Solar Eclipse at 28 degrees of Aquarius on February 17, 2026

Eclipses are times when the Sun or Moon's energy is blocked causing an obscuring of their light. For this eclipse we have the Sun being blocked. Imagine what it was like hundreds of years ago when this phenomenon happened? It probably brought up anxiety and fear. What if the Sun didn't come "back"? We are a heliocentric universe, so what would happen without the Sun's warmth and growing potential? During this eclipse we may notice instability, fear, and concern for the unknown. But, equally we could be excited for the changes coming our way. It depends on how you experience change.

This will be the first eclipse in the Leo/Aquarius axis. The last time the eclipses were there was between 2017-2019 so think back to that time. What may feel like an echo from that time? This will be our first taste as it were. The eclipses this year give us the sense of what is new and on the horizon (with the eclipses in the Aquarius/Leo axis on February 17 and August 12th respectively) while also show us what is wrapping up and ending in the Virgo/Pisces axis (on March 3rd and August 28th respectively).

Looking at the archetype of Aquarius, lets consider that the Sun is farthest away from it's rulership (Leo), so we are looking at something from a distance or far off. We may not feel the warmth or companionship we feel during Leo season (usually the summer in the Northern hemisphere where it's time for vacations and get togethers). Where I am, Winter has it's hold on this area and I often watch outdoor life from the warmth and comfort of my home. We may want to consider the idea of what it might feel like to be an outsider? What does it look like from the outside? People may think you are one kind of person having one kind of experience of life, but from where you stand, it feels entirely different. On the edges, or on the outskirts, what is life like for people who are marginalized or don't seem to "fit in"? We can see this playing out on the global stage in major ways. When we bring it down to our personal lives, I'm sure we can call dial in to times when we didn't feel included or maybe even wanted. Aquarius is a fixed air sign which brings in the ideas, communications, and objectives that are far-reaching or future-oriented. Other words connected to this archetype are innovation, visionary, intellectual, non-conformity, rebel, humanitarianism, independence, orginality, detachment, fragments, and stubborn.

I often think that Aquarius needs a reminder to upgrade some of their thinking or ideals. Aquarius is a fixed sign, so there's something here about fighting or arguing for their perspective based on their standards and beliefs. Eventually the north node will be accompanying these eclipses which reminds us to push ourselves outside of our comfort zone and try something new. This eclipse has the north node still in Pisces, but the Sun and Moon are conjunct in one of the last degress of Aquarius which reiterates this feeling of being on the outer edges of something. What can we learn from being an outlier?

The ruler of this eclipse, Saturn, has just moved into Aries--and here again is another message around being new to something, not exactly having the lay of the land or knowing what's ahead. Aries is bold, passionate, and fiesty. It takes some of that rebellious energy and puts it into action. It gathers it's courage and takes that first step. Saturn is said to be in detriment in Aries (it's usually easier to do things together (Libra) then it is to do something alone), but that shouldn't dissuade us from bravely moving foward. There's a lot of judgement about not knowing how to do something. Will mistakes be made? Surely! Will we learn from that? That is one potential. Remaining humble as you move through any challenges could be one strategy. Mars is close to the Sun and Moon--and what's interesting is that Mars is in Saturn's sign (Aquarius) and Saturn is in Mars sign (Aries), so that's what's called mutual reception. This signifies cooperation and the potential to work together even if normally you don't see eye-to-eye. Saturn is also next to Neptune, which could suggest a softening or a loosening of rigidity.

If that Saturn/Neptune quality is bringing up feelings of dissillusionment or discontent, what practice could you commit to that brings a sense of groundedness or connection? Instead of letting the waters of Neptune take you away and overwhelm you, realistically consider what you can do ease the angst or anxiety. Take responsibility for your feelings and emotions. You may want to retreat and spend some time alone nurturing and nourishing yourself. Even if it's a nap, a bath, or doing some yoga, yoga nidra, or other spiritually based practice. I've used the word practice twice on purpose--we want to implement something we are habitually committing ourselves to. We aren't going for perfection, we are going for good enough. I'm reminded of Joseph Campbell's quote, "I have found that you have only to take one step towards the gods, and they will then take ten steps towards you." Here is the need for humility and the willingness to accept what is present in the moment.

Finally, adding its presence to this lunation is Uranus in Taurus, which is squaring the New Moon. Uranus is the modern ruler of Aquarius, so this god will be adding energy to the mix. Uranus represents the catalysts of change, "aha" moments, freedom, rebellion, and autonomy. Uranus is wrapping up its travels in Taurus. It entered the sign in 2008 and will leave the sign in April 2026 and enter Gemini. Taurus is a fixed, earth sign--arguably one of the most stubborn of the fixed signs. Uranus is offering a chance for change, but are you willing to let go in this area of your life? In some way, we may feel that change is being thrust upon us and that can make us act out or in ways we normally wouldn't. How can we chanel some of that Pisces energy and go with the flow?

I've been re-reading When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön (highly recommend) and I appreciate her words of wisdom: "When we hold on to our opinions with aggression, no matter how valid our cause, we are simply adding more aggression to the planet, and violence and pain increase. Cultivating nonagression is cultivating peace." Since we are working with the Aquarius archetype--an air sign that is fixed and that may mean fixed opinions. If we're feeling cornered, we could come out swinging, causing harm (even if unintentional). I think most of us can agree we are seeing this in full display in the collective.

So, how to take care of our "piece" in the larger metaphorical puzzle we call life? I leave you with another quote from Chödrön, "If there’s any possibility for enlightenment it’s right now, not at some future time. Now is the time. What does it take to use the life we already have in order to make us wiser rather than more stuck? What is the source of wisdom, at a personal, individual level?”