NorthPoint Astrology Journal
|
Your guide to planetary energies for
January 12 to 18, 2026
By Astrologer Pam Younghans
WEBINAR RECAP: It was great to see so many of you at last week's webinar! Whether you attended live or are watching the replay, I hope you enjoy the class and find the information and insights helpful as you navigate 2026—especially during the "unravelling" phase of these first three months.
If you missed the class and would like some insights into the coming year, the video replay, slideshow, and calendars for "A Great Unraveling and a Cosmic Reweaving" are available for purchase. Just send an email with "Webinar Replay" in the subject line to [email protected], and I'll reply with details. Thanks! CAPRICORN NEW MOON: We are in the Fourth Quarter phase of the Moon as we begin this week—a time when we see more clearly and are digesting the issues that arose at the time of the Full Moon on January 3. In this last phase of the lunar cycle, we are encouraged to find closure, to complete projects, and to clear out what is no longer working so that we might begin the next lunar cycle with a clean slate. Feelings of discontent or disillusionment may draw us inward for processing, especially toward the end of the week. The New Moon for this first month of 2026 occurs next Sunday, January 18. The Sun and Moon will align at 11:51 a.m. PST, when both luminaries are at 28°43' Capricorn. This is another lunation of consequence due to its strong aspects to almost all the other planets: it is conjunct Mars and Mercury in Capricorn, conjunct Venus and Pluto in Aquarius, sextile Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, trine Uranus in Taurus/Sedna in Gemini, and square Chiron and Eris in Aries. The stellium of Capricorn planets focuses our attention on practical matters, on being disciplined, and on working hard to achieve the goals we've set for ourselves. With Mercury and Mars exactly conjunct in the sign, conversations are forthright and serious, decisions are weighty, and actions have long-term consequences. AQUARIUS EFFECT: Although Capricorn is the dominant influence for Sunday's New Moon, we must also consider the proximity of two Aquarian planets, especially since one of them is powerful Pluto (03°16' Aquarius). The eleventh sign stimulates a need for social equality, innovation, and progress. Aquarius inspires us to follow our intuition and encourages us to march to the beat of our own drummer. Whenever Pluto is activated, significant or dramatic changes are brewing, emotions and power struggles can intensify, and secrets are likely to be revealed. Pluto is the Psychotherapist, bringing to the surface that which has been suppressed or repressed. And, as god of the underworld, Pluto often takes us through process of endings and beginnings, of death and rebirth. CHIRON AND ERIS: The New Moon is in square aspect to Chiron and Eris, and both of these planetary objects are at strength right now since they stationed direct very recently: Chiron on January 2 and Eris on January 11. With this lunation activating the Chiron-Eris conjunction, additional painful or inconvenient truths may be revealed, most likely with themes of injustice and women's rights. We have been working with the Chiron-Eris conjunction for many months now, since its first occurrence in May 2025; the aspect will be exact for the third and final time on March 19, 2026. Throughout this time, underlying motives and secret agendas have been revealed, and we've become more aware of traumas that have been successfully hidden until now. More information may thus come to light either around the time of next Sunday's New Moon or within the next couple of weeks as the Moon gains brightness in the sky. It is important to remember that what is surfacing now is not new; it is simply being exaggerated at this time so that we finally see a truth we have been avoiding or downplaying. It is in the revealing of a wound that there is the potential for healing, renewal, and liberation. We tend to think of consciousness expansion mostly in terms of becoming more spiritually aware and opening to other dimensional realities. Chiron and Eris—and Pluto—remind us that part of the evolution of consciousness is also about becoming aware of and evolving the darker aspects of ourselves and of humanity. DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/ ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important aspects, day by day: Monday Sun square Chiron: We could deal with a lack of confidence at this time, or a fear that we are not adequate for the work that lies ahead. Chiron aspects always invite us to hold the space for our own healing, through providing love and understanding to the insecure or fearful child within us. Venus square Eris: People may be irritable today, especially if they feel disregarded or that their needs are not being addressed. Tuesday Mars square Chiron: Frustrations can lead to impulsive actions. Some may be especially defensive or reactive. Wednesday Mercury opposite Jupiter: There is a tendency to exaggerate or misrepresent the truth with this opposition. Emotions may cloud our vision and our judgment. Sun square Eris: We may feel strong resistance toward authority figures and also feel a need to break free from restrictions and rebel against controls. Venus sextile Saturn: This aspect can help stabilize relationship or financial matters, as it enables us to be both caring and practical. Thursday Venus trine Uranus: This aspect helps us be open to new opportunities and novel experiences in relationships, creative endeavors, and financial matters. An urge to more fully express who we are inspires us to take risks in these areas. Mercury square Chiron: Communications may be challenging today. Some may react defensively if they feel insecure about sharing their ideas. Friday Mars square Eris: This is a rather combative influence. People are likely to be abrupt, reactive, and impulsive. A strong desire to have one's own needs met can manifest as anger or aggression. Saturday Venus sextile Neptune: This aspect helps us see the best in others and enables us to be compassionate and forgiving. Sun sextile Saturn, Sun trine Uranus: Working together, these two aspects help us to remain grounded amidst change. We can focus on a task and commit to a goal while remaining flexible and open to creative inspiration. Mercury square Eris, conjunct Mars: The mind is active and communications are very forthright. Some may speak their truth in ways that are hurtful, and be unwilling to hear another's point of view. Venus enters Aquarius: Venus will be in nonconformist Aquarius for about three weeks, from January 17 to February 10. During this time, there is a greater openness to connecting with people who are in some way different than our usual "crowd." Friendship and equality gain importance, as compared to needing a romantic relationship, and being true to oneself is a high priority. Aquarius is also socially minded, so we may be drawn to people who share a cause that we believe in. Sunday New Moon: The Sun and Moon align at 11:51 a.m. PST today, when both luminaries are at 28°43' Capricorn. Mercury sextile Saturn, Mercury trine Uranus: Communications are more rational today. At the same time, we are open-minded and able to discuss different ideas. This would be a good day for brainstorming innovative solutions. IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: This is a profound and active year for you. There is a strong drive to achieve, and you are willing to commit "body, mind, and soul" to accomplishing your goals. You will likely have both the discipline and the flexibility to make your efforts a success. However, it will be important not to go overboard or to overextend, to keep in mind that you also need nurturing and support in your life—both from others and from yourself. If insecurities arise, take the time to embrace the fearful self with love and understanding, rather than ignoring or judging your emotional responses. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, conjunct Venus, conjunct Mars, opposite Jupiter, sextile Saturn, trine Uranus, sextile Neptune, square Chiron, square Eris) In peace, love, and gratitude, Pam Younghans For an audio recording and non-English versions of this Journal on InnerSelf.com, please click HERE. (New week's audio and text are online no later than 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday.) Image by Mona El Falaky from Pixabay NorthPoint Journal © 2026 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved. DISCLAIMER: This NorthPoint Journal is not intended to replace the need for qualified healthcare, mental health, legal, or spiritual consultations. No guarantees, implied warranties, or assurances of any kind are given, and as such, Pam Younghans will not be responsible for any interpretation made or used by the recipient of the information and advice provided herein. |
Aspects of Note this Week Times and dates use Pacific Standard Time (PST). Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT). MONDAY: Sun square Chiron, Venus square Eris TUESDAY: Mars square Chiron WEDNESDAY: Mercury opposite Jupiter, Sun square Eris, Venus sextile Saturn THURSDAY: Venus trine Uranus, Mercury square Chiron FRIDAY: Mars square Eris SATURDAY: Venus sextile Neptune, Sun sextile Saturn, Mercury square Eris, Venus enters Aquarius, Sun trine Uranus, Mercury conjunct Mars SUNDAY: New Moon 11:51 a.m. PST, Mercury sextile Saturn, Mercury trine Uranus Subscribe to the Journal! |