New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aquarius ~ February 17, 2026 Shakes the Foundations

Aquarius New Moon Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026

The Aquarius New Moon Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026 arrives with energy that does not quietly whisper but shakes the foundations. On this day, the New Moon is at 28 degrees and 45 minutes of Aquarius, which is technically the 29th degree, a critical threshold where old patterns, habits, and ways of thinking are ready to be left behind. There is an urgency in this energy, a sense that something cannot continue as it has. Aquarius, with its forward-looking, freedom-loving spirit, invites us to question what feels stagnant, to seek innovation in how we connect, create, and define ourselves. But this is not a gentle invitation.

The New Moon squares Uranus in Taurus, its own ruler, creating tension between what wants to break free and what feels rooted, secure, or familiar. The eclipse magnifies this tension, bringing sudden insights, realizations, or events that highlight where change is overdue. Even if you cannot yet see the full path forward, the energy is impossible to ignore. It insists that something must evolve. This is a moment of awakening, a chance to step into something new even if it feels risky, unconventional, or surprising.

Release, Reflect, Ready: The Days Leading up to the Eclipse

In the days leading up to the eclipse, the tension is already building. On February 16, the Sun will square Uranus, and just hours before the New Moon eclipse, the Moon will also square Uranus. These alignments occur during the balsamic lunar phase, the quiet, reflective period two to three days before every New Moon when the old cycle is winding down. The balsamic phase is a time to let go, to release what no longer serves, and to make space for what is coming. With both luminaries pressing against Uranus, this release is not gentle. Sudden insights, unexpected events, or moments of restlessness may surface, showing where flexibility is needed or where the structures in our lives are growing too rigid. This is the kind of energy that shakes routines, challenges habits, and illuminates the patterns we are ready to outgrow.

Because the New Moon eclipse lands at the critical 29th degree of Aquarius, this sense of urgency is amplified. The days just before the eclipse serve as a kind of prelude, sharpening awareness that what must shift is often unavoidable. This is a time to notice the stressors and to acknowledge what is ready to be left behind, even if the changes feel sudden or uncomfortable.

The few days before this New Moon Solar Eclipse is a perfect time to carve out a little space for yourself. Since Aquarius is an air sign, your mind might be too busy to just sit quietly and meditate, and that’s okay. If you can’t settle into stillness, grab a journal instead. Write out your thoughts, your feelings, what’s ready to shift whatever comes up. Getting it out on paper can help you make sense of the energy and get ready for the new cycle ahead.

Sabian Symbol of 29 Aquarius meaning: A Butterfly Emerging from a Chrysalis

As the eclipse lands at the critical 29th degree of Aquarius, we can also look to the Sabian Symbol for this degree, “A Butterfly Emerging from a Chrysalis.” This image captures exactly what the energy is asking of us. The butterfly does not simply step out of the chrysalis. It must struggle to break free, and that effort is essential. Without the push to be free, the wings might never grow strong enough to survive the flight. Transformation often comes with friction and discomfort, and that is exactly what we are being invited to notice. Just as the balsamic phase encouraged us to release what no longer serves, the Sabian Symbol asks us to see what we are ready to emerge into. What parts of yourself, your thinking, or your life have been quietly evolving, waiting for this moment? The eclipse offers a kind of cosmic green light. It is time to step forward, to open your wings, and trust that the struggle itself is part of the process, necessary for true growth and freedom.

What to Do When This Eclipse Arrives

When the New Moon Solar Eclipse arrives on February 17, take a moment to pause and notice where the energy is moving through you. The tension you’ve been feeling, the restlessness, the insights are all part of the process of clearing space for something new. This is a perfect time to set intentions, but don’t feel like you have to plan every detail. Instead, focus on what you want to invite into your life, the qualities you want to cultivate, and the old patterns you are ready to release. You might write them down, speak them aloud, or simply hold them in your awareness.

Movement and action can help too. Aquarius energy thrives on freedom and experimentation, so consider doing something that embodies that spirit like taking a walk, brainstorming new ideas, or trying something you’ve been curious about but haven’t yet attempted. Notice the impulses that come up, the things that feel alive and energizing. This can also show up through new groups, new interests, or new social connections that spark curiosity and fresh perspectives.

Finally, trust the process. Transformation rarely happens all at once. Some changes will feel sudden and obvious, and others will unfold quietly over time. The push and struggle you’ve felt are part of building strength, resilience, and clarity. This eclipse is an invitation to step forward with courage, curiosity, and openness, ready to embrace the new cycle that is waiting for you.

As always, you’re welcome to reach out if you have questions or want to explore this energy in a private session together.