JOURNAL
FROM EQUINOX TO EQUINOX:
The Celestial Forecast - March 2026
By Marianne Jacuzzi
M.A., E-RYT 500, Jyotish Visharada, Jyotish Kovid, Jyotish Brihaspati
The times are out of joint. Anxiety about the state of the world preoccupies most every thinking person across the globe these days. Those living in actual war zones—and sadly there are many of those today—suffer much more than creeping anxiety. Violence, destruction of homes and infrastructure, oppression, torture, terrorism, poverty, hunger—these are realities for far too many people today. Nations turn against nations; and within nations, polarised factions spew hatred and blame towards the other side, rarely considering how their own actions may have contributed to the problems at hand. Few are those who can calmly listen to adversaries, stepping into the others’ shoes to see reality from a different perspective. As always, there are at least two sides to every story. But few are the media outlets that report events with dispassion. As one reads what passes for journalism these days, the ideological slant is clear. It’s never in doubt who are the bad guys and who the good guys, until one reads an article from the opposite camp and the roles are reversed.
Though all of this is particularly acute at present, it is nothing new. Human nature—as we can read it according to the dynamic interplay of the archetypal energy of the planets acting upon the human soul—does not change. Karma begets karma, and so history unfolds. Shakespeare’s famous lines refer not just to the particular outrage of Hamlet in the Kingdom of Denmark in the late Middle Ages, but also suggested, to the discerning audience of his day, the turmoil of early 17th Century England. And they speak to us today, no matter our country, most urgently.
This morning I read in the Wall Street Journal about the elaborate and costly security systems the ultra-wealthy are installing in their homes: millions of dollars spent on cutting-edge technology, bunkers, armed guards, safe rooms, solid steel doors with 13 dead bolts, AI powered facial recognition systems, laser-powered perimeter defences. Their mansions have become impenetrable fortresses— 21st century versions of the medieval castle. Someone even encircled his property with an actual moat, concentric to which a hedge of orange trees with four inch thorns was planted to reinforce the deterrent in a more traditional manner. Truly nothing is new under the sun!
Fear drives this mania for security. And though it is understandable given recent attacks upon persons of wealth and power, it is still fear, a contracting emotion. Fear is rampant amongst the less well-off also—fear of climate change, fear of terrorism, fear of oppression or attack, fear of job loss, fear of scarcity, fear of the other. Fear, as Jyotish teaches, is the domain of Saturn. Control, scarcity, contraction, power, repression, coal, metals, oil, weapons, defense, material security—all this is also the domain of Saturn. Saturn when strong upholds structures—institutional, political, commercial and material. It is to Shani we need to look to see the bigger picture, to understand the context for these troubling times.
Saturn-Neptune Conjunction
Saturn and Neptune formed an exact conjunction in Pisces on 20 February, 2026 in the nakshatra of Uttara Bhadrapada, ruled by Saturn. Its presiding deity, Ahir Budhnya is related to Rudhra, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, god of destruction and transformation—precisely what we’re experiencing now. The sojourn of Saturn and Neptune together in Pisces lasts for about three years, from March 2025 to February 2028—except for Saturn’s brief transit into Aries then back again into Pisces. The commingling of their two energies is powerful: Saturnian structure meets the dissolving water of Neptune. The world as most of us alive today have known it is imploding from this force, slowly but steadily. Another long-cycle celestial phenomenon adds confluence to the collapse, which I’ll discuss below. Water works slowly, but over time it can erode even stone. That is the background theme for our times. The faster moving planets provide the triggers, accelerating the process according to their nature.
Neptune has a great affinity with Pisces. Watery, mystical, and dreamy, Neptune dissolves borders and blurs reality. When vibrating at a high frequency, he is spiritual and transcendent. Yet his fluidity easily leads to escapism, confusion and mental instability. With Neptune as with all three outer planets, distance makes their influence upon most individuals very weak to nonexistent. Neptune, Uranus and Pluto would need to form an exact conjunction with one of the nine planets of classical Jyotish to have an impact on a person’s chart. However, in transit they matter; in conjunction with other planets, they matter for the world. Their long sojourn through a sign establishes a quality that defines time for a generation—or in some cases an epoch.
Saturn entered Pisces in March of 2025, joining Neptune who entered in 2023. While journeying previously through his own signs Capricorn and Aquarius during the seven years prior, Saturn gained in strength and stature, reinforcing with an iron-clad fist everything he represents. Pisces signifies change. There Saturn plunges into a foreign medium—the fluid, amorphous, subtle realm of Pisces where he comes up against the watery instability of Neptune.The steady pillar of a strong Saturn has nowhere to ground itself. Water weakens him, undermines structure, and so in the world we’re experiencing the erosion of known structures everywhere. Financial systems, communication, geopolitics, government organisations, corporations, commerce, international trade are all in flux, dissolving. Nothing is quite what it was before, and where it’s all going is still a question with no clear answers in sight.
Neptune takes 165 years to orbit the zodiac and remains in a sign for about 13 to 14 years. Saturn’s orbit of 30 years means that his conjunction with Neptune will happen every few decades. However, for it to fall in Pisces, we have to go way back in time. A Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Pisces is a rare phenomenon! Neptune was last in Pisces in the mid-19th century, yet at that time Saturn is on the other side of the zodiac, so no conjunction occurs. We need to go back one more Neptune cycle for the two planets to meet in Pisces. From 1693 to 1707, Neptune resides in Pisces, with Saturn’s sojourn happening towards the end of that period, from 1701 to 1704. The conjunction is exact on 28 March 1703 in the nakshatra of Revati, the mystical culmination point of the zodiac. That’s over three centuries ago!
It’s a pivotal point in history. In Europe, the old medieval world order is finally coming to an end. No more is there one Christian civilisation, with one established church, and rulers of the various kingdoms receiving their authority from the one God worshipped by all. Christianity had split into numerous denominations; religious wars had strained the resources of governments, as did the expansion of empires into the New World. Though kings still rule, their position is more tenuous. They need ministers, higher taxes, standing armies. Feudal loyalty no longer suffices, and the ideological framework that upheld the old order is being challenged by scientists like Isaac Newton and Enlightenment thinkers like René Descartes and John Locke. Meanwhile in India, the Mughal Empire is beginning to collapse, facilitating the expansion of European influence, particularly the later growth of the British Raj, made possible in part by advancements in sea travel and the Act of Union of 1707 that unites the parliaments of England and Scotland and forms Great Britain as a new entity. In short, the age of faith no longer characterises the culture of Europe, and a new reality is taking shape. Though the scent of church incense might still drift from the past, coal smoke is colouring the future.
In the century following this pivotal point, new themes, new influences begin to shape the modern world, at first mostly ideologically. Enlightenment ideals had undermined the credibility of the divine right of kings. Then towards the end of the century, the American Revolution attacks that belief literally, establishing a new form of government based upon principles of human rights, liberty and democracy. The French Revolution does the same—albeit after a tumultuous phase of bloody transition. The modern world of sovereign nation states, industrial capitalism, parliamentary rule and international politics is taking shape, with industrialisation accelerating in the 19th century and new technologies in the 20th. Though the Saturn-Neptune Conjunction of 1703 does not coincide with any one earth-shaking global event, it marks a transition between two very different world orders, a turning point in history. Now, three centuries later we’re at another major turning point.
Interestingly, the cycles of the Saturn-Jupiter Conjunctions—as delineated brilliantly by Edith Hathaway in her classic work, In Search of Destiny—add confluence to this pattern. The last Core Water Period ends in 1702 with a Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction in Pisces. For the prior 158 years of the Core Water Period these conjunctions all occur in water signs. Water favours faith and religion, monarchy and tradition, universal truth, sea explorations, devotion—all themes important to that period of history. The last Water conjunction of 1702 occurs less than a year before Saturn and Neptune’s exact conjunction in 1703, both significantly in Pisces. Those two powerful celestial phenomena both define that pivot point in history, denoting the striking difference between the periods before and after. Eighty years of transition from Water to Fire follows before the Core Fire Period begins in 1782. Core Fire corresponds with the fiery revolutions of France and the American colonies, with factory smoke, railroads, and increased industrialisation throughout the 19th century. It ends in 1901, when the mutation period from Fire to Earth begins, coinciding with the two World Wars of the 20th century. The Core Earth Period, where we are now, begins in 1961.
At the deep centre of the Core Earth Period, the Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction of 2020 stands forth as another pivot point. Those two celestial giants meet in Capricorn at 6°20’, exactly at the Winter Solstice, which makes it a stand-out conjunction so especially powerful. Saturn in his own sign is strong, the victor in the planetary war with Jupiter, who in Capricorn is debilitated. Saturnian structure and control are dominant, eclipsing ethics and truth, the domain of Jupiter. The events of that period bear this out clearly, with authoritarian overreach during the covid pandemic and the many lies underpinning it. According to Edith Hathaway’s research, stand-out conjunctions at the midpoint of a Core Period indicate a probable reversal of the trend of that period. Since 1961 Earth themes have gained momentum, first with the vargottama conjunction in Capricorn in 1961, which gives Saturn particular dominance, and then in Virgo in 1981. Once again in 2020 the conjunction occurs in Capricorn, but this time at 6°20’, no longer Vargottama so Saturn in the varga charts takes on the more idealistic qualities of Aquarius. A harbinger perhaps of the reversal to come.
The confluence between these two celestial phenomena is striking. The Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction cycles align with the effect of the much rarer pattern of the Saturn-Neptune Conjunctions in Pisces. Once again, we’re at a significant turning point in history, similar to the early 1700’s, with Saturn and Neptune meeting in Pisces again. Though in 1702, the Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction marks the end of a Core period, this time it’s a stand-out conjunction marking the exact centre. But both indicate a change of the cultural zeitgeist.
This my friends is what I believe we’re experiencing now: a major shift in time. Earth Periods favour structure: consolidation of material resources, banking and commerce, globalist organisations and international order, mining and drilling, control, secularism, fear-based surveillance. We can see how all those trends gain momentum from the mid-20th century onwards. Yet we can’t see quite where we’re going. Just as in 1703 when nobody could truly envision the dramatic transformation of the world order about to unfold in the decades ahead, we are at a similar turning point. The world as we have known it is passing away. Under the dissolving power of Neptune in Pisces, Saturnian structures are crumbling with particular speed since Saturn entered the watery realm in March of 2025, shortly after Donald Trump is again inaugurated president of the USA. It feels like chaos, because it is. Yet something new will take shape. What and how is not yet clear. Past certainties remain fragmented in the churning waters of ambiguity and doubt. The transition will take time. Though Core Earth lasts until 2080, the change is beginning now. We do indeed live in interesting times!
General Outlook for 2026
The Chaitra Shukla Pratipada chart for the Indian New Year indicates trends for the year ahead. Set for sunrise during the first tithi of the New Moon in Pisces, this year we see a number of planets gather in Pisces with Sun and Moon—namely Saturn and Neptune just a couple of degrees apart from their exact conjunction degree and Venus exalted. With water prominent, storms, floods and extreme weather conditions of all kinds could become severe. For this London chart, the lagna is in Scorpio, another water sign, so more heavy rain for London and anywhere else with a water ascendent. A strong Rahu from Aquarius aspects Pisces, his erratic, obsessive energy, his desire to bring things into materiality with relentless drive animating the configuration. Expect more sudden shocking events and revelations. But true to Rahu’s guile and subterfuge, much remains in shadow. Rahu’s dark, serpentine quality colours everything with ambiguity. With Rahu’s aspect adding impetus, the Saturn-Neptune conjunction will continue to play out for the rest of the year. Saturn combust the Sun will weaken even more all he signifies, further eroding the structures of society already crumbling. Expect breakdowns, closures, the rupturing of societal bonds. Yet Venus exalted provides a contrasting light, heightening the devotional and transcendental dimension of Pisces and Neptune and suggesting that a rain of beneficence might be one of the surprises.
To add to the complexity, Kala Sarpa Yoga appears in this chart also, indicating unpredictable and unusual happenings—for good or for ill. It forms on 17 March and remains a feature until 10 July, broken only by Moon’s sojourn outside the axis of Rahu and Ketu every fortnight. But Moon, a restless wanderer by nature, does little to calm the unsettled energy that characterises this time. A tight orb of Mercury retrograde with Rahu and Mars forms in Aquarius. Mercury surrounded by two natural malefic planets in a papakatari yoga becomes malefic himself: shrewd, self-serving and calculating, a high priest of nefarious business. The year ahead could intensify the behind the scenes machinations of war as well as generate new wars and scandals. More individuals of power and prominence will likely be exposed as participants in Jeffrey Epstein’s inner circle of abuse. But perhaps even more interesting, the financial and political shenanigans behind it all could come to light. That concentration of malefic energy in Aquarius could expose just how deep into corruption those pillars of worldly power can descend. Shrewd Mercury resides almost to the degree opposite Ketu, expert in hidden matters and detective work, and strong in Leo. How is it that this individual who comes from a humble, middle-class background and worked as a schoolteacher early in his career came to manage and invest billions and billions of dollars for wealthy clients, becoming a billionaire himself and involved in the highest levels of political intrigue? How is it that a former prince paid millions of pounds to someone he never met in compensation for things he never did? I believe we’re in for some surprises, many of which will serve to further erode long-established power structures, the overall theme of this larger expanse of time.
Jupiter in Cancer
Jupiter enters Cancer, his sign of exaltation on 1 June: the major astrological event of 2026! Because of his unusual transit last year, which took him from Taurus to Gemini to Cancer then back to Gemini, he won’t be staying in Cancer for his usual yearly sojourn. That anomaly just adds to the erratic nature of everything else during these times. Nevertheless, Jupiter’s transit will be a beautiful time—high summer, season of light, abundance and expansion. For the first few weeks of his transit, he receives an aspect from Mars, a boost of positive momentum from his friend, who is strong in Aries, Shortly afterwards, Venus and Mercury join Jupiter in Cancer, forming a beautiful Saraswati Yoga. This combination inspires artistic expression, learning, sweet speech, science and music. With Jupiter exalted, everything he indicates gains in prominence: ethics, truth, religion, philosophy, justice, creativity, children. It’s a welcome reversal of the degradation Jupiter experienced when debilitated in Capricorn, overpowered by Saturn and blighted by the long-term effects of the pivotal Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction of 2020. If peace comes to any of the war ravaged places of the world this year, it’s likely to happen during this period of greater harmony and sweetness. During Jupiter’s transit of Cancer, truth in politics and media, truth in education, truth in public health will gain strength against the forces of Orwellian doublespeak, indoctrination, and profit before care that have infiltrated those arenas over the last years.
The sweetness actually begins in April with Venus in Taurus and continues through May, so make the most of the spring and early summer months. Depending upon your personal chart, the energy will be conducive to relationship bonding, friendship, home improvements, music making, creative endeavours, pilgrimage, and most especially spiritual practices, in particular japa meditation and seva. Jupiter is Guru, lover of mantra and singing the names of the Divine. His optimistic nature fosters generosity, so giving of yourself, your heart, your resources to those in need strengthens Jupiter and returns the benefit to you as well. Venus transits Taurus from 19 April to 14 May. Afterwards when he enters Gemini, Mercury is in Taurus. Those two benefics make a parivartana exchange, strengthening their beneficence and extending the sweetness that continues with Jupiter entering Cancer in June. On 8 June Venus joins Jupiter in Cancer and remains until 4 July. Despite the background turmoil of other influences this will be a very felicitous time. Make the most of it, because on July 4th, when Venus leaves Cancer, a sudden bang erupts from another part of the zodiac.
On the 4th of July, Mars comes into exact conjunction with Uranus in Taurus. Though the Saraswati Yoga of exalted Jupiter, Venus and Mercury (now retrograde) remains in Pisces, this collision of fiery Mars with iconoclastic Uranus means more than your average firework display is likely on the 4th of July. Uranus signifies sudden happenings, shocking events, the breaking of rules and traditions, radical change, rebellion, innovation. It’s an energy similar in some ways to Rahu, and with the force of dynamic, impetuous Mars igniting it, some extraordinary happening will likely be triggered.
Total Solar Eclipse in Cancer
On August 13, a total solar eclipse occurs at 25°48’ Cancer in the demon nakshatra of Ashlesha. Symbolised by a serpent with the Nagas as its deities, Ashlesha signifies deep mystical powers, transformation, kundalini energy, altered states of consciousness and cycles of time. Slippery, secretive and seductive, it has the power to poison or enlighten. It’s an intense place for the shadow of the Moon to block the light of the Sun, source of all life on our planet. A moment of darkness descends, foreshadowing a taste of death and oblivion under the spell of Ashlesha, which has great affinity with the underworld. Both in the weeks before and after the eclipse and gradually fading in the following months, an eclipse can trigger events. They will feature the chiaroscuro quality of this year—an ambiguous blend of shadow and light, horror and grace, venom or amrita. The medium of Ashlesha suggests something violent, explosive or poisonous. Venus already debilitated in Virgo and opposite Saturn can offer nothing to uplift. Yet exalted Jupiter could redeem everything, drawing instead upon Ashlesha’s power to enlighten. Mercury resides also in Cancer, who because of his chameleon nature becomes strong for beneficence next to Jupiter. The influence of those two planets from the deva nakshatra of Pushya and just over 4° apart is sublime. It could inspire the mystical, transcendent side of Ashlesha to manifest in some extraordinary ways. Be mindful of the complexity of what could be released with this eclipse.
Autumnal Themes
On September 18th, Mars enters Cancer, his sign of debilitation. Though Jupiter is still there offering neecha bangha support, it is still not a comfortable medium for Mars. Directly opposite Pluto for part of the transit, Mars could incite trouble. Pluto signifies life and death, destruction of the old to make way for the new, ancestral trauma, secrets, obsessions and psychological intensity. The synergy of these two planets merging their energies aligns with the overall theme of this period of time. Fiery Mars provides the impetuous, stirring and arousing the dark cold energy of Pluto towards havoc and death. Destruction of old patterns and systems needs to happen. The Saturn-Neptune Conjunction in Pisces corresponding with the stand-out Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction in Core Earth makes that clear. Whatever happens with debilitated Mars opposite Pluto, whatever happens with the solar eclipse, whatever happens with Jupiter’s exaltation, these events are only the instruments, the means by which the cosmos is bringing about its larger purpose.
Jyotishmati gives us eyes to see beyond what others see. Possessed by the light Divine, it’s the boon of Lord Ganesh. May we see with His eyes. Above all I believe that means to see with wisdom and to trust that ultimately everything is as it should be. Divine Light and Divine Love govern the flow of time—though from our human vantage point much remains a mystery, even to us who humbly attempt to read the patterns in the heavens. As Julian of Norwich wrote long ago during the desperate times of the Black Death in Europe, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” The Light Divine dispels all fear. It’s the antidote to despair that we all need today.
Om Namah Sivaya
Bibliography:
Hathaway, Edith. In Search of Destiny. San Diego: Vintage Vedic Press, 2012.
Hathaway, Edith. “The Power of the Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction Cycles to Identify Major Trends and Trend Shifts.” Interview by Andrew Mason. edithhathaway.com. 2025. https://vimeo.com/1088703926/10c661ef55?fl=pl&fe=ti.