Vedic Astrological Newsletter: January - March 2026

VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL OUTLOOK FOR THE 1ST QUARTER OF 2026:

As a reminder, these newsletters are published on a quarterly basis, and focus on the most salient planetary transits in force during each month of the quarter. These newsletters are available at my website www.Dgoldsteinphd.com and remain posted for each quarter of the year. Interested readers are invited to subscribe and have the quarterly newsletters emailed automatically, four times/year. 

If you are seeking an appointment for a consultation, the "Wait List" remains in force. You may place your name on the Wait List, located at the front page of my website www.Dgoldsteinphd.com  

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JANUARY 2026:

Planetary Optimism starts off the year:

      As we begin the new year, on January 1, 2026, there is a strong line-up of planets in the sign of Sagittarius, including Mercury, Venus, the Sun and Mars, respectively. All four planets receive the concurrent aspects from both Jupiter and Saturn, keeping them balanced in expression. Planets in Sagittarius generally promote wanting more freedoms, optimism, expansion, a larger philosophical perspective and they put greater emphasis on education, wisdom, higher knowledge, following the law, as well as putting an emphasis on spirituality, philosophy, ethics and religion, and all of the natural world, animals, forests, and trees.  However, there can also be an unhealthy dose of dogmatism, forcing beliefs, viewpoints and philosophical or political positions in the atmosphere, as if there is only one right perspective and one wrong one. Therefore, anticipate more heated debates, which challenge different attitudes, beliefs and religious ideologies throughout the first half of January. These planets transit together through Sagittarius until 1/12, when Venus then moves to Capricorn, followed by the Sun on 1/14.   

     Note that Sagittarius is the Lagna (1st house) of the U.S.A. chart. When multiple planets transit through the 1st house of any given chart, there are quite recognizable influences on that person or entity as a result of such a prominent group of planets displaying their qualities in full view. It is likely going to be a very busy 12 days for the U.S. Since Sagittarius represents "law and order," this may point to the legislative governmental bodies coming together to pass a new budget, put in place new laws, as well as putting a greater emphasis on individual freedoms, while curtailing certain activities that don't fit in with the philosophy or belief system in force. Expect a lot of heated debate, challenging ideology, religious liberties, educational approaches and political orientation. 

     It's worth noting that the overall planetary transits during the first quarter of 2026 generally appear more positive and stronger as compared to other months of the year. Even though planetary transits are not the "whole story," since individual charts and planetary mahadashas take the greater weight in predictions, still planetary transits will stimulate and either promote or curtail certain tendencies or situations. It stands to reason, when planets are unafflicted and in strong positions, that will reflect a more powerful, positive and beneficial influence in certain domains. 

     Thus, if you have projects and/or plans that you want to start or advance, the first quarter of 2026 is generally a more optimal time to proceed, with a few exceptional time periods. 

Venus gains strength transiting to Capricorn on 1/12:

     On 1/12, Venus enters the friendly sign of Capricorn, where Venus does exceptionally well if unafflicted. Venus transits through Capricorn until 2/5, when it then moves to Aquarius, another strong position for Venus. This particular transit of Venus is strong, as there are no afflictions or challenging aspects on it. When Venus is strong in Capricorn, this bodes well for business ventures, administration, practical matters in general, making progress in work domains, organization, and it is also beneficial for relationships, negotiation, legal matters, making major purchases, improving property as well as other real estate ventures.  

     On 1/17, most of the planetary energy shifts into Capricorn, with Mercury, Mars, the Sun, Venus and Pluto all making a tight conjunction together. This happens to be the 2nd house of the U.S. chart, which rules income and finances. The focus in the country is likely to orient around employment, the budget, expenses, the cost of goods and services, and salaries. This focal Capricorn planet series transit also focuses attention on getting work done, simplifying, organizing, and rearranging and reprioritizing one's life and where and how you spend your precious time. These four planets transit through Capricorn between 1/17 through 2/3.  This is an excellent time to regroup, get serious about your life direction and take the steps necessary to rearrange and make the changes that you believe are necessary to evolve and make progress.

FEBRUARY 2026:

     For this month, several planets gain strength and get a nice boost, including the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars.   

Mars gains great strength during its transit of Capricorn, where it is exalted:

     Perhaps the most powerful transit of the first quarter of 2026, involves Mars. On 1/15, Mars transits to Capricorn where it is exalted and unafflicted. Mars transits through Capricorn until 2/23  when it then moves to Aquarius. Mars will also join with the Sun, Venus and Mercury during part of this transit in Capricorn.  With Mars exalted, this is an excellent period for making progress in all domains. It's excellent for persevering, taking on challenges, acting assertive, taking independent actions, and it is one essential astrological component  which is beneficial for surgical procedures. Activities/projects that involves sharp instruments, cutting, precision, engineering, mechanics, technology, construction, competition, as well as strength and power generally thrive and are promoted while Mars is strong. This is an excellent period for advancing such projects. Strong Mars in force promotes higher energy, motivation, zeal, rapid advancement, persistence, ambition and drive.  This is a great time to take this energy and direct it where you want to advance and make progress in your life. It's also excellent for sports, physical exercise and challenging oneself to go beyond usual limitations. 

Planetary Cluster in Aquarius starts on 2/3:

     Beginning on 2/3, planets begin transiting into Aquarius. First on 2/3, Mercury moves into Aquarius, followed by Venus on 2/5, the Sun on 2/12 and finally Mars on 2/23. While in Aquarius all of these planets will join with transiting Rahu and receive the beneficial aspect of Jupiter, concurrently.  Unusual, eccentric or unexpected situations tend to be associated with planets in Aquarius. Adding the Rahu influence to all of these planets passing through Aquarius brings an even stronger emphasis and intensity to how they express their energies in the world.  Moreover, Jupiter will be aspecting all of these planets simultaneously, offering a very positive boost.  

     Rahu's influence on Mercury, Venus, the Sun and Mars will be intense during February. Rahu's association with so many planets simultaneously, while also being aspected by Jupiter gives a powerful, relentless, driven, over-the-top type of energy that is hard to control, limit or otherwise feel satiated. This energy is one of feeling driven, optimistic, excited and when benefits come your way, the tendency is to feel that "it's nice, but what else is there?" "Can it be even better than this?" When Rahu is strong, the energy is unstoppable, unless the individual mentally directs Rahu and gives it a "brain." It  requires understanding and awareness and self-discipline to control Rahu and to understand, when enough is good enough.  You don't need even more.  On a mundane level, when you've had enough to eat, you should stop because if you eat too much, you will soon suffer the uncomfortable indigestion consequences.  Rahu's energy is very compelling, tempting and hard to walk away from, because in the moment it's a whole lot of fun. That's Rahu in a nutshell. 

     The other side of the coin involving Rahu, is that you can materially have gains and opportunities come your way. If you know your Vedic astrological chart, check the house that is ruled by Aquarius during February. For example, if you are Taurus rising (Lagna), your 10th house is governed by Aquarius. The 10th house governs the career and one's actions in life. You can anticipate a lot of activity and some unexpected benefits coming your way from that domain during February and into March. Since Jupiter will also be throwing a beneficial aspect from your 2nd house onto your 10th house, you can also anticipate increased income, a possible rise in salary or improvement in sales or business during the months of February and March. The person's entire chart status has to be considered to make that a solid prediction, but clearly some beneficial energy in the Taurus Lagna's career and finances are quite possible via this particular transit. 

     We might witness some novel discoveries in scientific and/or medical research during this period. Alternative approaches to healing also get the spotlight during this transit. This is a positive time for group activities, humanistic efforts and the possibility of redefining boundaries between nations and even ushering in healing and mending differences across different groups. One thing for sure, "expect the unexpected", and some unusual situations manifesting. 

     In the U.S. chart, this multi-planet Aquarius transit is taking place in the 3rd house which governs communications, information-processing, technology, and short distance travel. The 3rd house is also where the Moon is located in the U.S. chart. The Moon rules the 8th house in that chart. This transiting influence on the Moon can reflect some major changes that might be completely unexpected and transformative in the country.  Since the 8th house also governs longevity (death), there may be a sudden, unexpected death of a major government officer during February, or certain people might choose to suddenly resign from higher positions in government. The 8th house also deals with controversies, secrets, scandals and hidden agendas. Some of this may come out in full view during February and March. 

In sum, February/March promises to give us all a "wild Rahu ride" coming from several domains, personally and in the larger society. This will be interesting to monitor and observe from many dimensions and angles.  

March 2026:

Mercury turns retrograde in Aquarius on 2/26:

     Mercury will turn retrograde at 28:20 degrees Aquarius on 2/26, and continues to retrograde through Aquarius until 3/20. Mercury ends its retrogradation at 14:15 degrees Aquarius and exactly conjuncts Rahu at 14 degrees Aquarius on 3/20. Mercury's conjunction with Rahu, while retrograde puts Mercury into very high, explosive gear for the entire time. The Mercury/Rahu conjunction, along with Jupiter's aspect to it, is excellent for promoting all types of communications in a big way. This is a strong period for writing, developing proposals and grants, for example. This combination also benefits commerce, international relations, and scientific publications.  There will be a much greater tendency for a lot of group activity, as new groups will tend to form over a particular concern or cause, for example.  

     Another "possibility", is that a new large group will form for those individuals in the U.S. who are seeking health insurance, including those who lost their ACA coverage. Since Mercury will be transiting through Shatabhisha (major nakshatra for medical/health matters), in the 11th house of groups, and intensifying with its retrograde motion and association with Rahu and Jupiter's aspect, it is quite possible that one of the senate/congressional proposals to start a new large group for those uninsured individuals will manifest during this period. Mercury transits through the Shatabhisha segment between 3/9 - 4/1.

     There might be a major communicative disease outbreak, such as Measles or Covid spreading across the country in large numbers during this Shatabhisha transit between 3/9 - 4/1. This could reach epidemic proportions (not necessarily pandemic levels). 

     On the negative side, the Mercury/Rahu conjunction, while retrograde, can also reflect an overwhelmed mind,  out of balance thinking, anxiety and nervousness, difficulty concentrating and focusing, as well as promote extremism.  Retrograde Mercury/Rahu in Aquarius,  is a very vata/scattered type of energy in force. On 3/13 there is an exact conjunction of Mars and Rahu at 14 degrees Aquarius and Mercury is also involved, retrograding and very close at 16 degrees Aquarius.  We are likely to see another outbreak of verbal insults, hostilities, biases, threats, and hate language against several targeted groups, spreading around the country in a high dose during this period. Brace yourself and don't absorb it. 

     With this Mercury/Rahu/Mars combination retrograde, it is wise to slow down communications. Think things through before you speak, text, or write and send. There's a rash, impulsive, impatient tendency with this particular Mercury retrograde. Double check all appointments, travel arrangements and allow extra time for everything. The tendency to blurt things out that are better left unsaid is particularly high during this one.  Also, communications will tend to be misinterpreted, misunderstood and too copious. It's best to take your time, reread your work, and do some editing before you send it out.  Be sure you understand any documents you have to sign and simply slow down your mind, thoughts, and typing/writing. Take many deep breaths, slow it down and let the stress, worry and over-thinking go....