On February 17th, 2026, at 6:13 a.m. CST, the Moon and Sun meet at 28°56′ Aquarius, marking the start of a brand-new lunar cycle. This New Moon also coincides with the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal observed across many Asian cultures that follow the lunar calendar.
This shifts the collective from the Year of the Water Serpent into the Year of the Fire Horse.
Water serpent energy is inward, subtle, and alchemical. Water governs emotions, intuition, memory, and the unseen currents beneath conscious awareness. Over the past year, transformation has occurred in the quietest corners of the soul. Old snake skin sheds. Insight gathered in the stillness. Much of the work happened below the surface, preparing the psyche and spirit for release.
The shift into Fire energy changes everything.
Fire represents activation, illumination, and embodiment. Where water dissolves, fire ignites. Where water reflects, fire propels.
But…. that is not all.
This isn’t your average New Moon.
It is an annular solar eclipse (a “Ring of Fire“). In astrology, this event is highly significant as it marks the beginning of a new eclipse cycle. It is the first in a new series of eclipses along the Leo-Aquarius axis, continuing through 2028.
This energy may trigger a rebrand and allow you to focus on self-expression, technology, and community.
While every New Moon offers a fresh start, a Solar Eclipse amplifies that beginning. By accelerating change and igniting shifts that will continue to unfold over the months ahead. Especially from now until the next solar eclipse in Leo in August.
The New Moon falls in the late degrees of Aquarius, a rare and potent zone of awareness where perception stretches beyond its usual limits. At this stage, vision evolves to higher levels of consciousness. We are invited to see more deeply, to recognize patterns beneath appearances, and to perceive life from a broader, more elevated vantage point. Something of great importance emerged, and it must be recognized before we can move forward.
There’s an added significance this energy carries for those with strong Fixed sign placements: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. For these individuals, the energy of this lunation feels extremely personal. And that’s because it is! They are more likely to experience opportunities to make significant changes and to break free of stagnation and inertia.
Keep up with all the major astrological transits this year with our free astrology calendar!
What Aquarius Represents
Aquarius, also known as the “Water Bearer,” is actually an Air sign, not a Water sign. This distinction is often misunderstood. The confusion arises from its symbolism. Aquarius is depicted as a figure carrying water, not because it represents emotion, but because it signifies the transmission of consciousness. The “water” Aquarius pours out is knowledge, awareness, and insight; revolutionary ways of thinking meant to circulate through humanity.
This sign is not focused on emotions or tradition. But on ideas, patterns, systems, networks, evolution, and rebelling against the norm. Examining how things work, and whether they still serve their intended purpose. This is the sign of humanity as a whole and its shared dream.
Aquarius is traditionally ruled by Saturn, the planet of structure, responsibility, and long-established systems. Saturn represents the rules, institutions, hierarchies, and patterns that have held society together over time. In modern times, Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet of sudden change, innovation, and expanding awareness. The lightning bolt that shocks humanity into a more evolved, elevated way of being.
Together, these rulerships explain Aquarius’ unique role. Aquarius can see Saturnian systems that have become rigid, outdated, or disconnected. Evolving them in a Uranian way. While it may seem like chaos and disorder, it is actually about restoring choices.
In its highest expression, Aquarius teaches us divine love and how to direct it toward self, the way the Source does. This aspect of consciousness is about recognizing self-destructive habits and freeing yourself; expanding into your capacity to be the Love you are.
For this reason, Aquarius requires a detached attitude. Progress depends on letting go of toxic feelings, routines, roles, and structures that no longer reflect our present needs. Without that release, innovation stalls and future solutions remain inaccessible.
Read more: Understanding Saturn, Lord of Karma
Why This Eclipse Matters
This eclipse matters because it’s not just about personal timelines. It opens up the collective field, and brings innovative themes into focus. Revealing how ideas spread, systems respond, and how our individual choices ripple out into the universe. Small events carry widespread implications, and that subtle shift in perception can significantly alter direction.
The emphasis is not on reacting to what’s happening, but on understanding how and why events are unfolding the way they do. Aquarius understands that progress does not emerge from holding on, but from recognizing when a cycle has completed. This awareness leads directly to sacred wisdom: uncovering the true power of the mind; not as an instrument of control, but as a tool for insight and connection. A gateway to the heart.
There’s an evolutionary shift occurring. A subtle yet profound undoing of pride and the ego. We no longer need to defend, prove, or elevate individuality at the expense of collective truth. Instead, we learn to participate rather than compete, to listen rather than dominate.
Intelligence becomes collaborative when this occurs. Awareness transcends beyond the self. And humanity restores itself. Not through force or superiority, but through humility, shared understanding, and a return to what connects us all.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Lunar & Solar Eclipses
Eclipse Transits: Dynamic Activation of the Collective Mind
Considering that this Solar Eclipse is strongly activated, it will have a greater impact and reach.
With the Sun closely involved, awareness increases and key themes come into focus. Many will feel a strong pull toward autonomy and self-exploration, uncovering parts of themselves long held back. This transit supports personal rebranding and highlights how individual choices directly influence the collective.
A conjunction to Venus adds a layer of depth by bringing attention to values, relationships, and resources. Priorities are evolving. There is a need for greater integrity between personal values and the systems we participate in, how we connect with others, collaborate, and where we invest our time, energy, and support.
Mars moves things forward. Whether conscious or reactive, recent choices have already triggered change. Eclipses show where the fire is headed, not where it started. As energy moves toward innovation, independence, and social change, both individuals and the collective are challenged to break from outdated norms.
Uranus’ square introduces instability, but for a good reason. Unexpected developments or sudden realizations expose weaknesses in existing structures. It becomes difficult to ignore what no longer works. Rather than creating lasting disorder, disruptions are intended to break habitual thinking and create room for alternatives that better reflect present realities.
How Will the Aquarius Moon Affect Us?
The Aquarius Solar Eclipse hits the mental and social nervous systems first. This exposes outdated thinking patterns, identities, and roles. Some will feel inspired, overstimulated, restless, or mentally exhausted. Not because too much is happening, but because certain ways of thinking aren’t working anymore. And ideas are flooding in!
There’s a huge increase in awareness. Blind spots come to light. People see things as they are, not as they hoped they would be. Even though it may feel cold, the detachment serves a purpose: it creates clarity where emotions have obscured the truth.
Relationships built on obligation, dependency, or unspoken expectations require authentic love and trust. People-pleasing and emotional over-functioning go away with the wind.
At a deeper level, survival-based living, overthinking, perfectionism, and constant self-monitoring collapse. Some people reach a breaking point where they can no longer maintain control. It’s not failure; it’s the nervous system asking for a change of direction.
This eclipse also initiates a deep change in humanity. One where we see that our relationship with our ancestors, spirit, and the world around us matters. This is about the restoration of humanity.
What to Expect
- Heightened intuitive perception
Enhanced sensitivity through clairaudience, clairsentience, clairvoyance, and telepathy. You may notice heightened intuition, vivid dreams, stronger gut feelings, or sudden insights. This may cause a natural pull towards quiet spaces. Integration requires rest, reflection, and conscious withdrawal. - Major themes emerging through media and public channels
Expect significant announcements or developments across television, radio, streaming platforms, and digital media. Public speaking, education, broadcast media, publishing, and printing become active zones. Narratives circulate fast. Wider audiences receive information faster. - Growing connections between dream science and technology
Focus on consciousness research, sleep studies, AI interfaces, neural mapping, and imagination-innovation relationships. A rapid move in automation, platforms, and digital infrastructure. Technology continues to blur the boundaries between inner experience and advancement. As breakthroughs arrive, ethical debates and security concerns also arise. Expect crypto and other financial systems to be highlighted. - Exposure of darker systems
A focus on treason, manipulation, cybercrime, hacking, and data breaches. Digital and institutional weaknesses are identified and addressed. Overcoming the fear of global health scares. - Light as antidote
Staying aligned with compassion, truth, and coherence helps stabilize not only your own field, but also the collective. In periods of rapid change, the light within supports balance, guidance, and graceful navigation through the unknown.
Message For The Signs
Fixed Signs
(Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius)
This eclipse brings attention to your identity, foundations, relationships, and public life. Something solid is being tested. You can’t pretend everything is fine while your soul demands change. The way you see yourself is shifting, relationships call for real accountability, and your purpose in the world requires authenticity. If something feels unstable, it’s because it was built on an old version of you. Stop carrying roles that no longer align. Stop staying loyal to spaces that don’t see you. This is about self-respect. You’re called to lead with integrity, love without control, and stand in your truth even when it seems like everyone is against you. Real power comes from alignment, not image.
EXPECT: changes in appearance or identity, moving or renovating, family issues coming to light, relationship turning points, commitments or breakups, power dynamics surfacing, career announcements, leadership changes, visibility in your public life, redefining your goals, confronting authority figures, and realizing which connections are real versus performative.
Mutable Signs
(Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)
The mental shift this eclipse brings you is a major transformation in the habits, beliefs, and patterns you’ve been avoiding. Don’t lie to yourself about what’s coming up. Your thoughts shape your reality, your routines heal or drain you, and your shadow asks to be acknowledged, not avoided.
It’s time to cleanse your mind and spirit. Get rid of outdated stories. Break compulsive cycles. Stop spiritualizing dysfunction. Honesty begins with admitting you don’t have all the answers. From there, real wisdom enters. Rather than just coping, you’re learning how to listen, integrate, and heal. You are in a position of power right now because of your clarity and consistency. Think positive thoughts. Make better choices. Don’t let comfort override truth.
EXPECT: news or conversations that change your perspective, contracts or paperwork needing action, shifts in your daily schedule, changes at work or with coworkers, burnout forcing lifestyle adjustments, health wake-up calls, starting or ending therapy, sleep disruptions, intense dreams, old memories resurfacing, sudden clarity about what habits are hurting you, travel or education plans changing, and belief systems breaking down so something more honest can take their place.
Cardinal Signs
(Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn)
Attention is directed at your income, values, resources, creativity, intimacy, and community. Giving, receiving, creating, and connecting are all evolving. This is a time to re-evaluate what’s really important to you; time, energy, your body, money, and gifts. You can’t keep pouring into people and projects that don’t reciprocate. Your creative fire is ablaze, emotional bonds are purified, and your place in the collective is shifting. Courage is what it takes to ask for what you deserve, stop overworking, and release toxic entanglements. Learning independence doesn’t mean isolation, and connecting doesn’t mean abandoning yourself. Be honest about your desires, set clear boundaries, and make intentional contributions.
EXPECT: Financial adjustments, new income ideas, spending realizations, creative projects starting, passion returning, changes in romantic or sexual connections, deep emotional talks, endings of unhealthy attachments, shared-money situations surfacing, joining or leaving groups, friendship changes, stepping into leadership, and deciding where your energy truly belongs.
This Eclipse Will Reinvent Reality
This eclipse is not a time for forcing outcomes. Eclipses act as omens and indicators, revealing what is already in motion rather than responding to personal will. During these periods, larger life systems reorient themselves, often in ways that cannot yet be fully understood.
Pushing for clarity, control, or immediate results creates resistance rather than progress.
This is why it’s best to avoid intense manifestation practices or spell work during an eclipse. Efforts to impose intention while the landscape is shifting often fizzle or backfire, not because something is “wrong,” but because the timing is off. Eclipses operate collectively, rearranging conditions beyond individual control. Allow events to unfold, let the endings complete themselves, and give the nervous system space to adjust.
The future is being laid in place. Your role is to stay present, flexible, and receptive as it unfolds.
Related article: Everything You Need to Know About February 2026 Astrological Energy