January Overview: Sagittarius in the Spotlight
At the beginning of January, the sign of Sagittarius is in the spotlight, with four planets closely traveling together through this Jupiter-ruled sign. Saturn in Pisces and Mars in Sagittarius influence each other during the first two weeks of the month. A parivartana yoga occurs between Jupiter and Mercury that highlights expansive thinking and education.
Mars, the planet of action and courage, enters its exalted sign of Capricorn on January 15 and joins Pluto there, an intense and powerful combination. At the end of January, Venus and Mercury are conjunct in Capricorn and bring creative, original ideas and the need for positive, healing interactions.
Sagittarius Stellium and Jupiter Opposition
January brings a stellium of four planets (Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars) traveling together in the fire sign of Sagittarius and opposed by transiting Jupiter in the sign of Gemini. Saturn in Pisces also aspects these planets in Sagittarius.
On January 9, 2026, three of these planets in Sagittarius (Sun, Venus, and Mars) will conjunct exactly at 25 degrees and be opposed by Jupiter in Gemini, also at 25 degrees. Benefic Jupiter’s influence on its own sign of Sagittarius can somewhat uplift this transit.
However, Venus and Mars will be combust, or weakened, by being too close to the powerful Sun, so take care when interacting with others and avoid hasty actions. There is, however, the possibility of a breakthrough when Venus and Mars are very close to the Sun, within 0°17’ or less, an event called cazimi, which can briefly strengthen the combust planets and bring insight and depth to the situation.
Saturn and Mars: Push and Pull Energy
During the first two weeks of January, Saturn in Pisces and Mars in Sagittarius will both aspect each other until January 15, when Mars then shifts to the sign of Capricorn. The Saturn/Mars aspect can generate a push/pull energy, so at times you may move forward and then experience a temporary setback.
These two planets are considered “enemies” to each other, so watch for increased volatility or rising frustrations during this time. Don’t make impulsive decisions you later regret. Raise your vibrations through meditation or mindfulness practices.
Jupiter and Mercury Parivartana Yoga
Jupiter and Mercury create a parivartana yoga in January, as these two planets exchange signs, with Jupiter in the Mercury-ruled sign of Gemini and Mercury transiting the Jupiter-ruled sign of Sagittarius.
The exact opposition of Jupiter and Mercury occurs on January 14, 2026, at 25 degrees, and the parivartana yoga ends late on January 16, when Mercury moves into Capricorn. This Jupiter/Mercury combination increases our thirst for knowledge, and our focus turns toward spiritual and philosophical insights into life.
Creative ideas can surface, and this is also a positive period for writing or journaling. However, this opposition can also bring overly expansive thinking that may be impractical.
Mars Exalted in Capricorn
Mars, the planet of action, assertiveness, and conflict, begins its formidable transit through its exalted sign of Capricorn from January 15 through February 22, 2026. Mars will also be combust at times, traveling very close to the Sun in Capricorn.
Mars transiting Capricorn is quite strong and gives a warrior-like energy that can be efficient, quick-acting, and feel invincible. Mars is exalted in this Saturn-ruled sign, making it a good time to develop a sense of self-responsibility and take appropriate, well-thought-out actions.
Mars in Capricorn can test our inner strength and power. Be watchful for overbearing, relentless, or angry energies surfacing. This is a period to practice compassionate neutrality and self-restraint. Engage in positive Mars activities, such as practicing yoga or walking in nature, to increase physical stamina.
This is also a good time to work with conflict resolution concepts and to donate time to worthy causes, as Mars is also a planet of advocacy.
Mars and Pluto Conjunction
While Mars is in Capricorn, it will conjunct the outer planet Pluto there at 9 degrees Capricorn from January 27 to 28, 2026. Mars and Pluto together can be explosively powerful and forceful, so find positive ways to channel and release these amplified, deep, and intense energies.
Don’t let situations escalate. At times, Mars/Pluto energies can bring unconscious power struggles and trauma to the surface in order to heal and transform. This is a time for meditation, forgiveness, peaceful actions, and self-improvement modalities.
Honor boundaries with others and be kind. Ultimately, this transit can generate courage and strong determination that bring much-needed inner transformation and rebirth.
Venus and Mercury Conjunction at Month’s End
At the end of the month, from January 28 to 30, Venus and Mercury will exactly conjunct, traveling together from 19 degrees to 22 degrees Capricorn. These two benefic and friendly planets bring a happier and more positive tone.
This is a good time for intellectual or creative endeavors, healing relationships, and connecting socially with family and close friends.
Summary
January 2026 is marked by powerful, dynamic astrological themes centered on expansion, tension, discipline, and transformation. A strong Sagittarius emphasis—through a stellium involving the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars—highlights philosophy, learning, belief systems, and big-picture thinking, while opposition from Jupiter in Gemini challenges excess and impracticality. Saturn in Pisces adds pressure for maturity and restraint, creating periods of push–pull energy, delays, and necessary reflection. Mid-month brings a significant shift as Mars enters its exalted sign of Capricorn, amplifying ambition, responsibility, and decisive action, culminating later in an intense Mars–Pluto conjunction that can catalyze deep inner transformation if handled consciously. The month closes on a more harmonious note with a Venus–Mercury conjunction in Capricorn, supporting healing communication, creativity, and constructive social connection.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at https://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
