The Full Moon opens the year with optimism and curiosity about what lies ahead. The Moon is conjoined Jupiter in Gemini, in the lunar mansion Ārdrā, ruled by Rudra, the ‘god of storms’, emotional and otherwise. This combination amplifies big ideas, restless thinking, and a sense of possibility, as we resolve some conflict.

Jupiter and the North Node (Rahu) aspect each other, showing more creative potential, if also more delusion than is ideal. The ongoing Saturn–Neptune conjunction in Pisces increases confusion, illusion, or misplaced faith. In short, many bold ideas may be forming for the New Year, but not all of them will be realistic.

The Sun conceals Mars and Venus in Sagittarius, both squared by Saturn and Neptune in Pisces. Clarity is forthcoming, only when we look within for the truth. This Full Moon isn’t about defining what’s real or achievable just yet. That phase arrives once planets begin moving into Capricorn by mid-January.

For now, use Jupiter’s brightness and buoyancy in Gemini to spark ideas and explore possibilities. Gemini excels at playing devil’s advocate, considering many different options. The Full Moon’s conjunction with Jupiter in Gemini can flip narratives back and forth, but it can also reveal a broader intelligence beyond simple ideas of ‘good’ and ‘bad.’. In that space, something more integrated can begin to emerge for 2026.

Join me live for my 2026 Astrology Forecast on January 4: www.timelineastrology.com

This in-depth 2-hour presentation explores the major sidereal transits shaping 2026, what they mean for the world, and how each sign can work with the year ahead. Attendees receive the recording, including a 5-hour recording breaking it down for each sign and a 2026 Sidereal Digital Calendar.

January 2026 opens the year with intensity and momentum. Fiery optimism and big ideas dominate the early weeks, but by mid-month, the focus shifts decisively into Capricorn, demanding realism, discipline, and follow-through.

With multiple planets in combustion and engaging Pluto, illusions are stripped away, and deeper power dynamics come into view. This is a month of commitment, testing resolve, and choosing what is truly worth the effort as vision meets reality.

When we speak about the winter Solstice as a celebration of the Sun’s rebirth in the northern hemisphere, we must also acknowledge an astronomical fact: The Solstice no longer occurs in the same star sign it once did.

The seasonal cycle is fixed, but the stellar backdrop has shifted, and with it, the symbolism and meaning of our Solstice - and Christmas - celebrations.

Precession of the Equinoxes (and Solstices)

The slow backwards drift of the Equinoxes - and Solstices - approximately 1° every 72 years, is caused by the precession of Earth’s axis. Over millennia, this causes the Tropical zodiac (seasonal) and the Sidereal zodiac (star-based) to separate.

In Indian astrology, this drift is measured using different ayanāṁśa, with citrapakṣa used as the midpoint of the lunar mansion citrā – 0° Sidereal Libra - marked by the ‘fixed star’ Spica. This point acts as a stellar anchor for the beginning of the opposite 0° Sidereal Aries.

Approximately 2,500 years ago, the Equinoxes and Solstices aligned closely with the beginning of the cardinal Sidereal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn). However, since then, these have been slowly moving backwards through the stars, i.e., the Sidereal zodiac.

The Moon meets the Sun at the beginning of Sagittarius, in the lunar mansion Mūla. Mūla means 'root', pointing both to our cosmic origins (the galactic centre viewed through this sign), and to our personal and collective roots as a family and as a species. These themes often rise to the surface as we enter the holidays and reconnect with relatives we may not see all year.

Mūla helps us get to the root of things, revealing long-held beliefs that need to be released. Its symbol, a bunch of roots, also speaks to healing, especially through herbs. This is a time when family wounds can be healed, but the process can cut deep as buried issues come to light.

Mūla is ruled by Niritti, the 'goddess of destruction', reminding us that anything standing in the way of truth must be cleared. At the Christmas table, remember that everyone holds their own version of the truth, especially with Jupiter retrograde in Gemini amplifying opinions!

With Mars in combustion and Venus crossing the Scorpio–Sagittarius juncture, tensions may rise, and arguments can break out easily. To maintain peace, avoid discussing sensitive topics and simply enjoy your meal - unless you need to clear the air.

The New Moon occurs a day before the Solstice, which is itself a turning point, and with Jupiter, the New Moon's ruler, bright at the mid-way point of its retrograde phase. Ultimately, this period is about reconnecting to the truth within, so you can meet the truth within others with more grace.

Darinka Maja joins me to discuss the various indicators of mental health and well-being in the Vedic chart, and how these might be obstructed.

The Full Moon occurs in sidereal Taurus, in the lunar mansion Rohiṇī, which I like to call ‘the comfortable one’. This reflects Taurus’ warm, passionate, and pleasure-seeking nature. Its symbol, a chariot, represents wealth, comfort, and the finer things in life.

In myth, Rohiṇī was the Moon’s favourite wife (nakṣatra), and the Moon stayed with her longer than the others. This represents staying longer with what feels good. As the story goes, the Moon was cursed to wax and wane because of this attachment, reminding us that pleasure also has its ups and downs.

Still, comfort and enjoyment are essential, represented by this lunar mansion and the ruler of Taurus, Venus. Without the nicer things in life, we have little protection from more challenging experiences, especially those represented by Scorpio, the opposite sign. With many planets, including the Sun, moving through Scorpio at this time, our focus can lean heavily toward what could go wrong. This Full Moon offers a necessary counterbalance.

The Full Moon is also at the ‘bending of the nodes’, halfway between the eclipses, which brings a change of fate. Yet this could be a pleasant surprise. A pleasant experience with supportive people can help you address the deeper issues you cannot ignore.

Jupiter retrogrades back into Gemini on December 5, with planets moving into Sagittarius for a fiery exchange. By the end of the month, a Mercury–Jupiter sign exchange brings more clarity, even if we are still sketchy on the details or feel somewhat confused (Saturn-Neptune).Jupiter’s return to Gemini asks us to review our hopes (9th house) and dreams (12th house) and communicate something more meaningful and truthful. I recently read a report that stated more and more people are posting less and less on social media platforms. This trend reflects Jupiter’s transit in Gemini, where meaningless engagement no longer satisfies. When you’re ready to let go of what is not your purpose, how to achieve your purpose becomes clearer. Saturn stations direct in Pisces, conjunct Neptune, moving long-term goals forward, which must include ending an illusion. Certain things are no longer sustainable, including the ‘AI bubble’ everyone is worried about bursting. Mercury re-enters Scorpio and opposes Uranus on December 10, bringing more revelations. More hidden information resurfaces (Epstein files!) before a more open dialogue emerges later in the month as Mercury enters Sagittarius. We see four planets move from Scorpio to Sagittarius in December. Mars enters Sagittarius on December 7 (square Saturn), followed by the Sun (Dec 15), Venus (Dec 20), and Mercury (Dec 29). These planets are opposite retrograde Jupiter in Gemini, firing up a fight for truth. Yet Saturn’s restrictive gaze may delay full disclosure.If you know your purpose, you’re more likely to fight for it. However, with several planets in combustion (close to the Sun), motivation may be high, but your conviction may blind you to objective reality.The Full Moon in Taurus (Rohiṇī) on December 4 offers warmth and grounding amid uncertain changes during the first week of December, reminding us of the cyclical nature of enjoyment as a necessary counterbalance to Scorpio themes. The New Moon in Sagittarius (Mūla) on December 20 cuts to the chase, bringing both healing and confrontation, especially around family, beliefs, and long-held patterns. This occurs just before the Solstice, which is itself a turning point.

As the year ends, Mercury enters Sagittarius and inspires hope and enthusiasm.

In the second part about remedial measures in Indian astrology, I'm joined by Marian Babity, a long-time student of astrology. We discuss what karma is and how best to approach our remedies so they help us align with what is.

The Moon reaches its exact degree of debilitation as it joins the Sun and Mercury (retrograde) in Scorpio during the dark lunar phase. This can bring feelings of vulnerability along with deeper insights. Mars’s presence adds strength and renewal.

Though Mercury’s retrograde may cause setbacks, this period is ideal for rethinking what or who you are dedicating yourself to. With Jupiter’s supportive aspect, there’s reason for optimism despite challenges, bringing more discernment about what needs to go, so you can focus on what’s important.

The New Moon phase begins in Viśākhā, which is about making a decision, before moving into Anurādhā, a sign of loyalty and devotion. Anurādhā, ruled by the god of friendship, Mitra, reflects commitment and steadfast dedication once a decision is made.

Yet you may struggle with what to commit to at first, as events realign to help you settle into something more stable. Be mindful not to settle into patterns that no longer serve you.

How to spot them. What they mean.

All planets periodically appear to move backwards in the sky. Retrogrades highlight turning points, where a planet’s influence becomes more complex and internalised. They invite us to slow down, revisit unfinished business, and redirect energy inward for renewal.

Whether it’s Mercury stirring up communication issues or Jupiter challenging clarity of purpose, each retrograde reveals distinctive life themes. Critical moments come when planets station—standing still before shifting direction—marking powerful times for reflection and recalibration.