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Welcome to the first eclipse of 2026. Are you ready?
Occurring on Feb. 17 at exactly 7:01 a.m. ET, eclipses are cosmic turning points. Arriving like a divine plot twist, this is a sacred portal where fate and free will intertwine, accelerating timelines, closing chapters, and ushering in soul-level beginnings. This is equivalent to the universe pressing fast-forward on your evolution. While they normally take about six months to manifest, what normally unfolds over months or years can suddenly crystallize in days or weeks. Eclipses reveal what’s ready to change, what’s ready to rise, and what you’re no longer meant to carry.
As for this one? This eclipse lands at the very last degrees of Aquarius, the last air sign of the zodiac, and a powerful point that carries the energy of mastery, initiation, and forward momentum. It’s as if new streams of consciousness are pouring in all at once — future-focused, electric, visionary. Over the next six months, this eclipse is accelerating you into a new reality. You may feel it as sudden clarity, unexpected shifts, or an undeniable pull toward something bigger. You’re being catapulted forward whether your mind feels ready or not… because your soul already is.
We haven’t experienced an Aquarius eclipse since 2018, but this time is different. Back then, we were releasing old Aquarian themes. Now, we’re being pulled toward them. And by late July and August, this story continues. This means what begins now will be of greater focus then. Consider this moment the opening chapter, with a powerful second act arriving mid-summer. Late July through August carries another wave of activation as this same cosmic point is reactivated. This is fast-moving, unpredictable, liberating energy that upgrades our awareness and invites us into a higher understanding of who we’re becoming.
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People are waking up, parts of you that once felt dormant are stirring and new visions are emerging. This is an activating eclipse, one that shows us what’s possible moving forward. And the cosmos is standing right beside us as we make these bold choices. Aquarius is the water bearer — the visionary who pours wisdom into the collective. It governs our shared visions — communication, perception, and collective connection but on massive scales. This includes social platforms, global systems, technology, energy grids, aviation, innovation, and humanity’s ongoing evolution.
That said, this eclipse is helping us lift our gaze beyond the familiar horizon. You may lock into a dream or future version of yourself that feels magnetic, alive, and aligned with your frequency. So, open yourself to new ideas, new communities, and new ways of thinking and being. Let yourself explore, and let curiosity lead the way.
This eclipse is also in direct conversation with Uranus, the great awakener, stirring up powerful change from the material realm. Uranus isn’t going to tiptoe; on the contrary, it liberates by dismantling and structures that no longer fit are cracking open. Old frameworks are collapsing and systems that can’t sustain the future are being exposed. But this isn’t destruction for destruction’s sake — we’re moving beyond energies that no longer resonate with where humanity is headed.
This dynamic energy can ripple through large groups, collective spaces, and shared experiences. This eclipse is also opening a healing doorway through the Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries (exact on Feb. 20) that hasn’t been activated in decades. It invites us to embody our healing with courage. This is rebirth energy.
Adding to the magnitude of this moment: we’re also entering a brand-new Saturn–Neptune cycle at the very first degree of Aries. This marks the beginning of a long spiritual chapter, combining structure with imagination, discipline with dreams, reality with mysticism. (Chiron and Saturn-Neptune in) Aries and (Pluto, the solar eclipse and soon the north node in) Aquarius together emphasize independence, individuality, and radical self-authorship. This is a new level of self-awareness.
Trust what’s unfolding.
In the meantime, read on for your solar eclipse horoscope and affirmation according to your zodiac sign.
Want more insights like for every phase of the lunar cycle? Then check out our book, Practical Moon Magic. It's a beginner-friendly guide to harnessing the magic of the moon in your every day life and includes powerful rituals and spells for every new moon, full moon, eclipse, and more. Grab a copy here.
Aries
Reach out, take the leap, and follow the spark, Aries. This eclipse jolts your friendships, networks, and future goals while shaking up your sense of security. A surprising connection or opportunity could change how you earn, share, or value your gifts. Stay open as what arrives now could feel sudden, but it’s divinely guided. Solar eclipse affirmation: I welcome divine connections and abundant new possibilities.
Taurus
Claim the spotlight and reinvent yourself, Taurus. This eclipse activates your career and public image while Uranus electrifies(and revolutionizes) your identity. You may feel called to radically redefine how you show up in the world. Let yourself evolve — visibility comes when you honor your truth. Solar eclipse affirmation: I courageously and unapologetically embody my authentic power.
Gemini
Create room for expansion and release the old narratives, Gemini. This eclipse opens doors around learning, travel, or spiritual growth while Uranus stirs your subconscious. Unexpected realizations arrive through dreams, moments of solitude, or sudden clarity. Trust what’s being revealed behind the scenes. Solar eclipse affirmation: I trust the power of divine timing as it is guiding and leading me into the future.
Cancer
Surrender the need for control and open your heart, Cancer. This eclipse transforms your inner world while Uranus shakes up your friendships and future plans. Emotional breakthroughs and powerful realizations arrive through community or shared experiences. Let go of outdated narratives and attachments. Solar eclipse affirmation: I release negative beliefs and entanglements and welcome soulful transformation.
Leo
Choose your partnerships with intention and discernment as you step into leadership, Leo. This solar eclipse will reshape and revolutionize your relationships while Uranus disrupts your career path in liberating ways. A connection may evolve quickly, while a professional shift arrives unexpectedly. Balance your love life with your ambitions. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am attracting relationships and connections that honor my truth and bring my success.
Virgo
Reset your rhythm and honor what your body is asking for, Virgo. This eclipse rearranges your daily routines, work flow, and wellness habits, while Uranus sparks sudden realizations about your beliefs, travel plans, or future direction. A schedule shift, new responsibility, or unexpected opportunity could redirect your path. Trust what feels freeing. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am in alignment with my purpose and the possibilities are endless.
Libra
Pursue what brings you pleasure without guilt, and create from the heart, Libra. This eclipse brings romance, creativity and self-expression, while Uranus activates emotional healing around intimacy or shared resources. A spark could arrive unexpectedly, whether it’s a love interest, passion project, or breakthrough moment. Let yourself receive joy without overthinking it. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am ready to immerse myself in joy, love and inspiration.
Scorpio
Open your heart and soften your walls, Scorpio. Nurture what wholeheartedly feels like home. This solar eclipse will reshape your emotional foundation, family dynamics, and living situation, while electric Uranus brings surprises through relationships and commitments. A conversation could change everything, or you may finally feel ready to release an old attachment. Stability comes from within. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am safe; I trust my evolution as I rebuild my foundation.
Sagittarius
Speak your truth but remain open to the possibilities, Sagittarius. This eclipse activates communication, contracts, and important conversations, while Uranus shakes up your work life or wellness routines. News may arrive suddenly, or plans could shift fast — adaptability is your superpower right now. Your words carry weight, so use them with intention. Solar eclipse affirmation: I express myself clearly and welcome inspired change; I am ready to embody my genius.
Capricorn
Honor your worth and take a bold step toward what excites you. This eclipse highlights money, values, and self-esteem, while Uranus electrifies romance, creativity, or passion projects. A financial opportunity or creative breakthrough could appear unexpectedly. Let pleasure guide your next move, because abundance responds to your sparkling authenticity. Solar eclipse affirmation: I am aware of my uniqueness; I trust that my talents have the power to create lasting security.
Aquarius
This one's for you, Aquarius. Step into your power and let yourself be fully seen. This solar eclipse is equivalent to a personal rebirth, inviting you to shed an old identity while Uranus stirs changes at home or within your emotional world. You could feel called to redefine who you are and how you show up. Trust the version of you that’s emerging. Solar eclipse affirmation: I wholeheartedly embrace my evolution; I am free to be me.
Pisces
Slow down and listen to your inner voice. This eclipse opens a spiritual portal through rest, reflection, and release, while Uranus activates your mindset and communication. Sudden insights arrive through dreams, journaling, or meaningful conversations. Your intuition is guiding you toward a natural, more authentic path. Do you trust it? Solar eclipse affirmation: My intuition is my compass; the divine guides me with wisdom every step of the way.
Valerie is an astrologer, writer & visual storyteller. She currently writes horoscopes for PEOPLE, formerly for PopSugar, StyleCaster, Elite Daily, among others. For more of her work, check out valeriemesa.com or follow her on Instagram @valeriemesa.
