Eye on the Sky – Solar eclipses of 2026

The first eclipse to occur in Aquarius will take place in February 2026. Notably, although the nodal axis will be transiting Aquarius–Leo, the second solar eclipse of the year, in August 2026, will fall in the sign of Cancer, and there will be no solar eclipse in Leo during this cycle. The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be an annular eclipse (Ring of Fire) on 17 February 2026, occurring in Dhaniṣṭhā Nakṣatra  (4th pada) in Aquarius. This will be followed by a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, falling in Aśleṣā Nakṣatra  (3rd pada) in Cancer.

The Nodal Axis: Aquarius (Kumbha) – Leo (Siṁha)

A brief note on the nodal axis of Aquarius and Leo: these signs are ruled by Saturn and the Sun, respectively—planets that are diametrically opposed in the dig chakra and symbolise contrasting principles of authority, discipline, ego, leadership, and social order. As a result, this axis often coincides with heightened tensions between individual power and collective forces. With Rahu in Aquarius, there is an intensified drive to reshape society itself. This energy frequently challenges entrenched hierarchies and norms through political movements, ideological reform, and technological innovation. The recent rapid advancement and widespread acceptance of Artificial Intelligence exemplify this influence. During this period, gains often arise through non-traditional or foreign means, though such success may be accompanied by moral ambiguity, instability, or excessive fear and desire. That is why investments in gold, silver, technology, defence, and aerospace sectors appear particularly have been favoured under this influence.

By contrast, Ketu’s transit through Leo operates in a more inward and disruptive manner, often signifying loss, renunciation, or disinterest in power and recognition. This can manifest as sudden withdrawals from positions of authority or the collapse of ego-driven identities. Since May 2025, we have witnessed regime changes or political collapses in Iran, Venezuela, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Madagascar, reflecting this theme.

This aligns closely with the upcoming Samvatsara, spanning 19 March 2026 to 6 April 2027, known as Parābhava, meaning defeat, disgrace, contempt, or overthrow. Classical texts associate this year with afflictions arising from fire, weapons, disease, sorrow, and dangers particularly affecting intellectuals and cattle.

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEdecade/SEdecade2021.html

Musings from 2025

There have been both hits and misses in my predictions from last year. Writing in 2024, I anticipated that the conjunction of Rahu and Saturn in Pūrva Bhādrapadā  would lead to widespread protests, wars, military actions, and the forceful suppression of civil movements. Indeed, we have seen regime changes in Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, alongside protests and civil unrest not only in developing nations but also within the United States.

However, some expectations remain unfulfilled. A temporary ceasefire or peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has yet to materialise, and the anticipated regime change in Israel has not occurred. That said, an existential crisis for NATO, particularly with the Greenland issue at the forefront, has emerged broadly in line with my earlier assessment.

The United Kingdom continues to struggle with debt and financial pressures, while challenges to judicial authority persist in the United States, even as the country experiences significant financial prosperity—again aligning with earlier forecasts.

Predictions for 2026

Countries and individuals with ascendants along the Aquarius–Leo axis remain in the closing phase of nodal transformation through 6 December. The 1/7 axis typically forces decisive outcomes—alliances, leadership roles, and financial positions resolve rather than linger. As Varāhamihira notes, eclipses here tend to weaken rulers or strain state finances. With the UK’s progressed ascendant in Leo and the eclipse peaking near midday, pressures around debt, taxation, and executive leadership persist, keeping the government under sustained scrutiny.

The February annular eclipse in Aquarius, compressed between Mars and Saturn and tied to a difficult Jupiter–Rahu exchange, stresses trade, commerce, and institutional relationships. For the UK these manifests through partnerships and business, for the US through domestic security and internal cohesion, and for China through fiscal and monetary channels. Collectively, it signals tightening markets, commodity volatility, and ideological friction, producing credibility tests for leadership across the Anglosphere, inward fiscal focus in Europe, and firmer central consolidation in China—reform under constraint rather than expansion.

The August total eclipse in Cancer shifts the locus to borders, expenditure, food supply, and public welfare. Hemmed by Mars and Ketu, it suggests abrupt developments and strategic recalibration, particularly for defence alliances and security structures. Leadership is challenged particularly for US and NATO as the eclipse peaks at the hour of Sun, but may emerge leaner and more consolidated. UK continues fiscal and healthcare restructuring, China manages commercial realignment, and the EU emphasises stability. As the nodes enter the Capricorn–Cancer axis in December, attention correspondingly pivots toward states with those ascendants (China, Spain, Iran, France, and Germany), marking the next cycle of geopolitical emphasis.

Detailed country-specific effects are summarised in Tables 2 and 4 within the individual eclipse analyses.

Annular Solar Eclipse Feb 17, 2026 in Aquarius in Dhaniṣṭhā  

The ascendant calculated for the peak of the eclipse is Gemini has the presence of a retrograde Jupiter, which offers a degree of protection. The eclipse occurs in Aquarius, a sign also aspected by Jupiter; however, this mutual aspect between Jupiter and Rahu, the lord of the eclipse, is considered inauspicious. The presence of Venus and Mercury in the same house as the eclipse suggests  challenges for business and trade. Sectors related to commodities and agriculture are likely to experience difficulties. Aquarius, being hemmed between Saturn and Mars, carries oppressive  energy and, as the seventh house in the natal chart of the United Kingdom, indicates strain and unfavourable conditions for partnerships, commerce, and international relations.

Further examination shows that the eclipse reaches its peak around midday, an indication of strain for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his cabinet. Nevertheless,  matters governed by Venus and Saturn are expected to produce some positive results, particularly benefiting women, healthcare, travel, low-income groups, the elderly, and border regions.

The eclipse falls on the 4th pada of Dhaniṣṭhā in the sign of Aquarius.  The Nakṣatra  Dhaniṣṭhā symbolises the prosperity and wealth and is presided by the deity Ashta vasus – ruling rhythm, and the elemental balance of nature  The 4th pada falls in the Scorpio navamsa, adding intensity, aggression, and a combative tone to the event’s expression. An eclipse in Aquarius considered unfavourable to mountain-dwelling people, the western direction, those involved in hard labour, thieves, herdsmen and barbarians. Eclipse is in the month of Phalguna is deemed adverse  for  noble woman, makers of weapons, rulers and hermits, dancer and crops.

I have tabulated the effect of the eclipse for some countries by casting a chart for the peak hour.

 

For individuals, if the natal Sun, Moon or Ascendant is placed in Dhaniṣṭhā, it may be a time to increase awareness about finances, health and direction in life. The impact of the eclipse is felt roughly six months before or after the eclipse. Table 3 lists some key personalities that have their Ascendants, Sun or Moon in Dhaniṣṭhā

 

Total Solar Eclipse – 12^th August 2026  in Cancer in Aśleṣā

The ascendant at the time of the eclipse is Sagittarius, which represents the fifth house of reputation and creativity in the United Kingdom’s natal chart. Its ruler, Jupiter, is positioned in the eclipsed house Cancer with Mercury, the lord of the seventh house governing business and partnerships. This alignment is unfavourable for both the general public and commercial activity.

The eclipse occurs in Cancer, corresponding to the twelfth house of expenditure, which is also associated with border regions and neighbouring countries. The eclipsed house is flanked by Mars and Ketu, a configuration that can bring sudden disturbances or tensions along the borders. The planetary positions form a garland pattern, enclosed between Mars and Venus, a combination known to heighten emotional intensity and instability. Both Saturn and Mars aspect the ascendant, reinforcing the theme of disturbances.

The eclipse peaks in the hour of Venus, therefore women, health care  hospitality and travel will have negative effect. NHS may see a huge transition. Working class will benefit.

This is a total solar eclipse in Cancer, occurring in the 3rd pada of Aśleṣā Nakṣatra . Eclipses in Cancer are traditionally adverse for agriculture and food supplies – grain and cattle (milk-producing animals) and also fisherman & sailors and those in nurturing professions like healthcare, while those occurring in the lunar month of Shravana are considered harmful to autumnal crops (barley, rye, wheat) and forest-dwelling or hunting communities. Aśleṣā Nakṣatra , ruled by serpents (Nagas), carries an energy of secrecy, depth, and mastery over poisons—a symbolism that can manifest as both healing and manipulation. The 3rd pada, falling in the Aquarius Navamsa, enhances strategic intelligence and hidden manoeuvring, suggesting a period marked by covert negotiations and , behind-the-scenes activity.

 

If the natal Sun, Moon or Ascendant is placed in Aśleṣā  may be a time to increase awareness about finances, health and direction in life. The impact of the eclipse is felt roughly six months before or after the eclipse. Table 5 lists some key personalities that have their Ascendants, Sun or Moon in Ashelsha

 

Remedies

The Solar energy or Agni (Fire element) gets weakened in an eclipse. Agni or precisely jātargni aids in digestion, therefore one should observe fasting at the time of the eclipse as the digestive process will be weak. After the eclipse, bathing is prescribed invoking the devas and loka-palas beckoning the seas and rivers to wash of the digressions to remove the suffering caused by inauspicious planets. This bathing is more essential if the Sun, Moon or the Ascendant is in the eclipsed sign and in the Nakṣatra  of Dhaniṣṭhā or Aśleṣā.

From the tradition I have been taught, seekers and those affected are asked to worship Jupiter or Shiva who is the “Father of the Universe” to reduce bad energy and restore the glory of Sun. We recommend praying to the teaching form of Shiva called Dakṣiṇāmūrti with mantra

ॐ दक्षिणामूर्ति रतरोम्

om dakṣiṇāmūrti ratarom

or

ॐ नमो भगवते दक्षिणामुर्तये मह्यं मेदां प्रज्ञां प्रयच्छ स्वाहा

om namo bhagavate dakṣiṇāmurtaye mahyaṁ medāṁ prajñāṁ prayaccha svāhā

Giving to charity on this day is also highly encouraged.

References

• Based on the principles taught by Jyotish Guru Pandit Sanjay Rath
• Bṛhat Samhitā – Varahamihīrā, M. Ramakṛishna Bhat, Part 1, Motilal Banarasidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd, Delhi, India
• Eclipse Data from https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/solar.html
• Time and Date.com Solar & Lunar Eclipses Worldwide (timeanddate.com)
• Shri Jyoti Star – Vedic software

ॐ तत् सत्

 

This is the original work of Vijaya Jyoti, copyright © 2026 vijaya.jyoti.com. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted without proper attribution to the author and source.