Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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The Year of the Fire Horse begins alongside a rare Saturn Neptune alignment and an Aquarius solar eclipse, marking a powerful turning point. These forces symbolize dissolving structures, emerging identity, and renewed direction. This week’s astrology reflects both personal awakening and collective shifts, where old systems lose certainty and new paths begin to take shape. Understanding these symbols offers insight into why change feels inevitable and momentum is returning.
In This Week's Astrological Overview:
- Why the Fire Horse year symbolizes acceleration after clearing cycles
- What makes the Saturn Neptune conjunction at zero Aries so rare
- How the Aquarius eclipse emphasizes individual and collective change
- The role of Sedna and emerging feminine perspectives
- Why this week may feel like both collapse and beginning at the same time
Previous weeks' astrological overviews
Astrological Overview:
February 16 - 22, 2026
Each week, astrologer Pam Younghans shares her reflections on the cosmic patterns unfolding around us and within us. She acts as a gentle guide, offering perspective and awareness as we move through the week’s energies. Astrology does not dictate our path, but it can illuminate possibilities and invite conscious choice. These insights are tools for self-understanding and growth. Remember that your journey is uniquely your own, shaped by your personal chart and the way you respond to life’s unfolding moments.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours;
Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT).
MONDAY: Mercury trine Jupiter, Venus semisquare Chiron
TUESDAY: New Moon/Solar Eclipse 4:00 a.m. PST,
Venus conjunct North Node
WEDNESDAY: Sun enters Pisces, Jupiter semisquare Sedna
THURSDAY: Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, Sun square Sedna,
Mars sextile Ceres, Mercury semisquare Pluto
FRIDAY: Saturn conjunct Neptune, Saturn sextile Sedna,
Neptune sextile Sedna
SATURDAY: Pallas Athena conjunct North Node
SUNDAY: Mars sextile Chiron, Venus trine Jupiter
Overview: February 16 - 22, 2026
PLANETARY COLLABORATION: Two very significant astrological events occur within three days of each other this coming week. In chronological order, the first is an annular Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on February 17. Then, on February 20, the long-awaited Saturn-Neptune conjunction perfects at the Aries Point, the very first degree of the zodiac.
These two events are collaborating in the activation of major changes that are now becoming extremely obvious, both in individual lives and in our collective world. Each of these cosmic events would be impactful in and of itself; the fact that they are occurring virtually simultaneously reveals that there is a powerful plan unfolding at this time.
RING OF FIRE ECLIPSE: This month's New Moon occurs at 4:00 a.m. PST this Tuesday, February 17, when the Sun and Moon align at 28°49' Aquarius. The lunation will be accompanied by annular Solar Eclipse—commonly called a "ring of fire" eclipse because the Moon doesn't completely block the light of the Sun. In this type of Solar Eclipse, we are able to see a circle of light surrounding the dark orb of the lunar disk.
Astrologically, eclipses are important due to the proximity of the Sun and the Moon to the lunar nodal axis. This activation of the North and South Nodes evokes themes of karmic evolution and resolution. Changes that occur under the gaze of an eclipse usually feel fated and can potentially alter history.
This week's Solar Eclipse highlights and stimulates within each of us the archetypes associated with the sign of Aquarius: the Nonconformist, the Progressive, the Individualist, the Scientist, and the Social Activist. Compounding the revolutionary potentials represented by these universal personality types, Uranus—the planet known as the Great Awakener or Great Liberator—is closely square the lunation. This aspect indicates the potential for radical, surprising, or sudden changes to manifest.
The New Moon eclipse is also square the dwarf planet Sedna, which is playing a powerful role in current scenarios. I'll write more about Sedna as I discuss the Saturn-Neptune conjunction—but with respect to the lunation, we can consider that the major shifts that occur will invite us to embrace a process of spiritual metamorphosis, and will be instrumental in awakening us to our higher destinies.
A very bright factor in the eclipse chart is the exact conjunction between Venus, the planet of Love and Beauty, and the North Node in Pisces. This alignment, which is further empowered when the Moon conjoins the North Node later in the day (10:18 p.m. PST), supports the formation of new, heart-centered alliances that are based on mutual spiritual values.
THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE: While I am not educated in Chinese astrology, I believe it's important to acknowledge that Tuesday's New Moon is also the Chinese New Year. With this lunation, we leave behind the year of the Wood Snake and enter the year of the Fire Horse. According to sources:
"In the year of the Wood Snake (2025), we shed, release, and clear space. What is heavy and fake falls away. What is real remains. The Snake clears the path. In the year of the Fire Horse (2026), we move and rise with confidence. Doors open, momentum returns. We finally walk in a direction that feels right. The Horse carries us forward.
A GREAT UNRAVELING: The Saturn-Neptune conjunction that finally perfects this week has been on astrologers' collective radars for years, with much contemplation and conjecture about its potential manifestations and meanings. The reason it is so significant is primarily because it occurs at the very first degree of the zodiac, known as the Aries Point. This point is said to trigger events that affect the entire world.
The two planets rendezvous every 36 years or so, and they meet in Aries periodically (the last time was 1703 CE)—but an alignment at zero degrees of Aries is extremely rare. I haven't done the research myself, but know of some astrologers who have spent time trying to find exact dates. One of them said a Saturn-Neptune conjunction at the Aries Point last occurred around 4000 BCE; another said it was about 7000 BCE. Either way, I think we can agree that this doesn't happen very often.
The conjunction of these two planets is complicated, as it's a bit like trying to mix oil and water. Saturn is the planet of realism, practicality, structures, laws, hierarchies, and authorities, while Neptune is the planet of idealism, intuition, compassion, the imagination, and oneness. So the question becomes: which planet wins the day?
In a situation like this, we usually consider that the outermost, slowest moving planet will be the strongest influence of the two. Thus we can expect that Neptune will be dissolving the structures, laws, and hierarchies that Saturn represents, ultimately enabling us to build a more enlightened future.
UTILIZING THE ENERGIES: We can make good use of the Saturn-Neptune energies on an individual level, if we apply ourselves. This alignment supports:
- Becoming more disciplined about our personal spiritual practice
- Taking moral, ethical, compassionate action
- Going within to find our own truth rather than relying on external input
- Using our intuitive knowing instead of trusting only our logical minds
- Rising above wishful thinking, taking action to support an ideal or to fulfill a dream
- Role models and leaders who embody courage, compassion, creativity, and
spiritual wisdom - Rebirth after discouragement and delusions of Saturn/Neptune in Pisces
However, we will likely also be aware of certain challenges:
- Secrets exposed, scandals, conspiracies, and corruption
- Disillusionment, disorientation as structures dissolve
- Physical exhaustion, low morale, spiritual fatigue, a crisis of faith
- Conflicts, battles over ideals
- The dissembling of systems and governmental structures
- Leaders who are immoral, irresponsible, without conscience
EMPOWERMENT OF THE FEMININE: A very significant piece of this complex puzzle—one that I don't hear many astrologers discussing—is that when Saturn and Neptune align on February 20, they will both be exactly sextile Sedna in Gemini. These aspects represent an opportunity for us to rise above the victim role, to claim our voice, to speak our truth, and to embody our soul’s higher purpose. I see these aspects as specifically supporting an empowerment of the feminine voice and perspective.
Synchronistically, the Sabian symbol for the first degree of Aries (where Saturn and Neptune align) is:
"A woman just risen from the sea. A seal is embracing her."
Astrologer Dane Rudhyar explains that this symbol:
"refers to the development of individualized consciousness—the consciousness of being an individual person with a place and function (a 'destiny') in the planetary organism of the Earth, and in a particular type of human society and culture. To be individually conscious means to emerge out of the sea of generic and collective consciousness. It is the result of some basic action: a leaving behind, an emerging from a womb or matrix, here symbolized by the sea."
Powerful times, indeed. Saturn's sextile to Sedna occurs only once, but the Neptune-Sedna sextile is long-term, repeating again on October 23 and December 23 of this year.
DAILY ASPECTS THIS WEEK (February 16 - 22, 2026):
Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important aspects, day by day:
Monday
Mercury trine Jupiter: Communications flow easily today and we may receive heartfelt or inspiring messages. Some may have trouble slowing down long enough to truly listen.
Venus semisquare Chiron: Some relationships could experience challenges if important issues have been glossed over or ignored.
Tuesday
New Moon/Solar Eclipse: The New Moon occurs at 4:00 a.m. PST, when the Sun and Moon align at 28°49' Aquarius. The annular Solar Eclipse will be visible for only about two minutes from Antarctica, with partial eclipses visible for a little over four hours from the southernmost regions of South America and Africa.
Venus conjunct North Node: This alignment encourages us to follow our heart's calling and to connect with others in compassion and understanding.
Wednesday
Sun enters Pisces: The Sun enters the last sign of the zodiac at 7:51 a.m. PST this morning. While in Pisces, the Sun supports us in opening our hearts, in taking the higher ground, in following a spiritual path, and in using our intuition and our imagination. Because we may be more impressionable during this time, and could absorb the energies of others and of the collective more readily, we might need more time alone. The shadow side of Pisces includes being overly passive and an unwillingness to address issues directly.
Jupiter semisquare Sedna: The emotional trauma associated with deception, abuse, and betrayal could be magnified with this aspect.
Thursday
Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter: We could be a bit overindulgent today and tend to procrastinate about taking action.
Sun square Sedna: The part of us that would prefer not to see uncomfortable realities is challenged by the information being received.
Mars sextile Ceres: This aspect supports our taking action to express caring, to protect those who are vulnerable, or to advocate for others.
Mercury semisquare Pluto: The mind is strategic, but also suspicious. Secrets may be revealed.
Friday
Saturn conjunct Neptune: The long-awaited Saturn-Neptune alignment perfects at 8:52 a.m. PST, when both planets are at 00°45' Aries.
Saturn sextile Sedna, Neptune sextile Sedna: Opportunities arise now to speak truth and to be more proactive in claiming our spiritual destiny.
Saturday
Pallas Athena conjunct North Node: Insights and intuition guide us on our higher path now. Athena in Pisces is the enlightened spiritual warrior, supporting nonviolent resistance and representing the wisdom of compassion.
Sunday
Mars sextile Chiron: Through self-care and understanding, we are able to overcome fears and insecurities that have been undermining our actions.
Venus trine Jupiter: This harmonious aspect can help us feel hopeful and emotionally uplifted. It is generally a good time to be social and to connect with loved ones.
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If Your Birthday Is This Week (February 16 - 22):
An important process of individuation is underway for you this year. You are getting more deeply in touch with what is true and authentic for you, as compared to living up to others' or your own expectations. It might feel as if you are reinventing yourself, which will be reflected in new or surprising choices in some area of your life. Along the way, you may realize ways in which you have downplayed your personal power or pretended to be less than you truly are. As you become aware of issues in that area, you are challenged to reclaim your spiritual sovereignty. (Solar Return Sun sesquiquadrate Jupiter, square Uranus, square Sedna)
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EVENTS AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
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Article Recap:
The Fire Horse year begins alongside a rare Saturn Neptune alignment that symbolizes dissolution and renewal. This period reflects the ending of rigid structures and the emergence of new identity and direction. Understanding Fire Horse momentum and Saturn Neptune themes helps frame current uncertainty as part of a larger transition toward new collective patterns.
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