THE YEAR OF THE HORSE: MOVING FORWARD WITH COURAGE AND INNER STRENGTH

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

The Full Moon in Leo in February helped kick off a new year, and what a dynamic year it will be! A new eclipse cycle began in Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, right before Saturn made an exact conjunction with Neptune.

It’s not often that we have a Saturn-Neptune conjunction. The last time we had a Saturn-Neptune conjunction was 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down.

There was also a Saturn-Neptune conjunction period during the time of the American Revolutionary War when America absolved itself from British control fighting to rule its own land in the late 1700s. Another indication that we are being thrusted back to the origins of what made America America.

While I don’t want war, Saturn-Neptune periods coincide with times of war. The last time Neptune was in Aries was during the U.S. Civil War. With Saturn and Neptune in the sign of war, Aries, ruled by warrior, Mars, themes of war, conflict, strife, cutting, and separating (all Mars traits) are even more prominent, and, unfortunately, will continue to be.

And, to top it all off, every time Uranus is in Gemini (which it will be starting April), the U.S. is involved in some kind of war. This is because in the birth chart commonly used for the United States, both Mars and Uranus are in Gemini in the 7th house of relationships. So, every time Uranus is in Gemini, it meets up with the planet of war, Mars, in relation to others. And, in this case, “others” also includes its own people.

While there is war, we also have the opportunity to build new foundations that truly support us, and center equity. A new era is happening, and it’s up to us to create systems that work better for all people, and provide social and economic freedom to all. This is what Jupiter in Cancer can help us do until June 30th before it moves into Leo. Jupiter in Cancer is the light guiding us through the darkness.

The Saturn-Neptune conjunction is a big deal. It’s also significant because it happened at 0 degrees of Aries. 0 degrees is the first degree, and Aries the first sign of the zodiac. Thus, a MAJOR theme of new beginnings and firsts are happening this year that sets the stage for the next decade or so of our lives. Whole new eras are beginning that we have not experienced before. It’s A LOT.

2026 is a dynamic year with many, various moving parts. It’s also the year of the horse in Chinese astrology. 

Chinese medicine practitioner, Susan Gu says, “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough. It reflects a stage of life that moves boldly forward without the fear of obstacles, placing emphasis on being in motion rather than standing still.”

That quote speaks accurately to the other astrology of this year. With the bold, prominent Aries energy (Saturn-Neptune) we are working with this year, the fire element propels to act and move forward with courage and strength. And, while Aries is a sign that likes to go hard for a short period of time, like a sprinter, Saturn is all about endurance, and Saturn in Aries is trying to cool the impulsiveness and create sustainability.

Gu also points out, “A Horse year is not about running the fastest but running the longest.” This is Saturn. Saturn says, go, take action, but, remember, you’re running a marathon, not a sprint. This year is favorable for taking actions that support longevity and create sustainability.

The horse energy is also aligned with the unique cosmic alignment we will experience in July with Jupiter in Leo, Pluto in Aquarius, Uranus in Gemini, and Neptune in Aries all aspecting each other at 4 degrees. The number 4 is often associated with stability and solid foundations. 

While our world is incredibly unstable right now, this alignment is giving us an opportunity to think long-term and start building new foundations that are more supportive.

Going through changes or transitions? An astrology reading can help you gain deeper insights into what your birth chart reveals about the next year and changes in your life. I’d love to go over that with you, and I invite you to book one with me below: