Astrologers become animated when major planets change sign or conjoin. Distant planets appear to move slowly to we earth dwellers, and between them supply a host of planetary cycles unknown to astrologers of old, for whom Saturn defined the edge of the cosmos. These days Saturn, Prometheus, Neptune and Pluto and their cycles – when they conjoin or oppose each other – describe the wheels of history trundling and turning over thousands of years, enabling us to assign historical events to specific cycles. The computerised astrologers of modern times have become masters of the cosmos, or at least lords of their keyboards.
To take a recent example, 2020, the year when Saturn and Pluto conjoined, proved to be as rotten as astrology anticipated, though only the occasional commentator singled out a pandemic as the source of the woe to come. Among them was Andre Barbault, the French maestro of cycles analysis, who made his prediction of a pandemic in 2014, several years before his death.
In 2025 Saturn, Prometheus and Neptune all change signs (Pluto recently did likewise) while Saturn and Neptune begin a conjunction that becomes precise in early 2026. Big news! The Saturn-Neptune cycle – they meet every 36 years – pits the hard-nosed qualities of Saturn against the idealism and longing of Neptune. It’s a cycle strikingly associated with Russia and the rise of Marxism, conjunctions coming in 1846, with publication of The Communist Manifesto, 1917 (Russian revolution), 1953 (death of Stalin) and 1989 (collapse of the USSR). We await the next phase with trepidation: are we looking at a Russian victory in Ukraine and further domination over old USSR territories, or the implosion of a shaky Russian war economy?
Barbault describes Saturn-Neptune in wider terms, as representing “power and prosperity above, and misfortune and poverty below.’ Frustrated populations, which have lost all hope, bring popular insurrections.
There are other ways to interpret Saturn and Neptune together, with the immensity of nature (Neptune) bringing shock and awe to a humanity unable to cope with an ongoing climate crisis.
Because Neptune can also spell religion, with Saturn playing sceptic, we may also be looking at a time when the official version of events is at odds with grassroots experience, a world of ‘alternative facts’.
In other news from way out there, the arrival of Prometheus (aka Uranus) in Gemini in August describes a whirlwind of invention during its seven-year stay, interrupted by a couple of months back in Taurus next winter. This is the planet of technology in a cerebral sign, and in Gemini will be a divine affair. In terms of comms and tech, we ain’t seen nothing yet.
Pluto meanwhile has finally moved fully into Aquarius casting its baleful rays (sorry), presiding over global transformation for the common good (it says here). Aquarius is a complex sign; humanitarian and democratic (the Urn Bearer pours for all) but also scientific and controlling (‘we know what’s best for you’). Along with Sagittarius, it is one home of science fiction (see Jules Verne b. 8.2.1828) and space cadets. If you want a glimpse into the fabled Age of Aquarius (the fabled hum to which has fallen silent), take a look at Elon Musk, the ultimate Plutocrat and a real-life space cadet. His horoscope, many studies, is dominated by a Saturn-Neptune opposition, the same two planets conjoining this year, though in Musk’s chart, in opposition.
Before we leave Barbault, it’s worth recalling the surprising forecast he left us with for 2026. “The most benefic configuration of the century, which will work for the splendid relaunch of civilisation.’ That sets a high bar but one worth attempting.
Lastly, let’s not forget Jupiter, by tradition king of the planets and a joyful presence. Still the largest planet on show, Jupiter moves into Cancer in June, a reminder that for most of us, a home is what counts.
Movements of the major planets in 2025-6
Jupiter moves from Gemini to Cancer on June 10
Saturn moves from Pisces to Aries on May 25, goes back to Pisces on September1 and back to Aries on February 15, 2026
Prometheus moves from Taurus to Gemini on July 7 then back to Taurus on November 8 until April 26
Neptune moves from Pisces to Aries on November 3, back to Pisces on October 23 and then back to Aries on January 27
Pluto remains in early Aquarius.
Retrogrades of Mercury
March 14- April 7 From Aries to Pisces
July 17 – August 11 in Leo
November 9-29 from Sagittarius to Scorpio
Eclipses
14 March – Total Lunar eclipse in Virgo
29 March – partial Solar eclipse in Aries
7 September – Total lunar eclipse in Pisces
21 September partial solar eclipse in Aries