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Happy Astrological New Year 2026: The Beginning of a New Cycle & the End of a Blog Series

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Happy New Year…

Not the Gregorian New Year (January 1st), the Chinese Lunar New Year (this year on Tuesday, February 16th) – by the way, Happy Year of the Fire Horse, or the pagan/Celtic New Year (Samhain/Halloween – October 31st-November 1st). A fun bit of trivia I learned while writing this post is that until 1752, the New Year was celebrated on March 25th (my birthday!), before shifting to January 1st. 🙂

As you can see, there are many different calendrical systems and perspectives on beginnings and endings. From a Western astrological perspective, rooted in seasonal cycles, the New Year begins on the day that the Sun shifts from the cosmic womb (Pisces) into Aries: a.k.a. the Spring Equinox. This year the Astrological New Year falls on Friday, March 20th at 10:46am EST.

FYI: If you want to skip ahead to the book recs. I promise I won’t be offended, not in the slightest. Just scroll, scroll, scroll down.

What are the stellar energies of the year according to this snapshot in time? 

This year, the Rising Sign is in late Gemini ruled by Mercury in Pisces in the 10th house of career/vocation/public role. That said, Mercury is retrograde. But don’t panic. This well-respected traditional astrologer thinks of it as Mercury experiencing a psychedelic trip. 🍄So it’s still functioning, just in an altered state of consciousness outside of our everyday norm/default mode. While this could certainly lead to confusion and misunderstandings in communication, an association with both Mercury retrograde and Mercury in Pisces (nebulous oceanic depths), it could also mean a deep dive into one’s innermost depths. Mercury in Pisces, especially retrograde, will look beneath the tip of the iceberg, but may struggle to function at the surface. It’s a matter of give and take. 🙂 

Caveat: Just because Mercury retrograde and/or Mercury in Pisces could be described as akin to a psychedelic trip, doesn’t mean I advocate for folks doing a bunch of drugs to maximize this astrological transit. If you do, no judgment (there have been numerous studies in recent years about the benefits of psychedelics in therapeutic settings, etc.), but you can achieve an altered state of consciousness through breathwork, meditation, drumming, etc. I speak to this from personal experience. 

This would be a good year to flit like a bumblebee or hummingbird, Gemini energy, into the hidden nectar of your soul. Sorry, I couldn’t help but be a bit poetic here. That’s very Mercury in Pisces. (To be fair, I was also born with Mercury in Pisces which lends itself to what I refer to as my “meandering musings.”) 🙂 

What is especially interesting about this chart is that the North Node of the Moon, which Evolutionary Astrologers in particular associate with purpose, destiny, and drive, is right on the chart ruler, Mercury in Pisces. Both at 8 degrees, early in the sign’s 30-degree domain. So, it’s part of our evolutionary drive as a species to dive deep into the collective unconscious this year, but in a light and agile way (Gemini), without getting too bogged down in the swirling waters or drowned in the muck.

The Moon in this chart (a New Moon) is obscured by the Sun, which is also in Aries, thus serving to magnify the energies of newness and birth. Especially an inspired, rapid-fire, assertive start of something new and exciting. Since it falls in the 11th house, this speaks to community and social networks.

This year’s “birth chart” if you will is calling for a radical new approach to building community. It’s calling on all of us to take the lead, as Aries folks are natural leaders, in combating the loneliness epidemic which was exacerbated during the worst of the pandemic. It also asks that you maintain your integrity and autonomy as an individual and don’t fall into the trap of the hive mind as you find your people. 

So, IN SUM: there is so MUCH much more that could be said about this moment in time, but if you take only 2 key themes away from it, remember the following:

  1. Honor your innate curiosity and approach this year through the lens of exploring new ideas from a range of perspectives, the deeper (Pisces) the better. But remember, adopt a light and whimsical (if possible) approach to this (Gemini). Try not to get sucked into a deep despair or depression, the downside of such heavy Piscean energies.
  2. Focus on building connections and community without losing yourself (Aries) in the process. (This is ESPECIALLY important for folks who may struggle with boundaries, care for others and neglect themselves, etc. If you have prominent Libra or Pisces energies in your chart – especially Sun, Moon, or Rising – this could be a concern for you. It certainly is for me as a Libra Rising).

Quick Guide to the Complete Zodiacal Book Rec. Blog Series

Do you want to refer back to any of the blog posts from this series, but don’t have the patience to dig through the blog archive on our website? Look NO further than this interactive list.

Also, just for fun, I’ve listed the top 3 zodiac signs in Yarmouth, based on the number of clicks/reads at the time of drafting this post (2/9/26). The results were intriguing (at least to me!) to say the least. 🙂

I literally laughed out loud when I saw that one of the least viewed posts was Leo. Why did I laugh? Leo is the diva who loves to be in the spotlight, so it’s rather amusing that this post didn’t garner much attention. Perhaps we should reframe Leo, in the context of this series, as the courage-seeking lion of Wizard of Oz fame. 

Poor dedicated and diligent Virgo languishing without many views did not, however, shock me. A deeply underrated sign, in my opinion.

FYI: The dates the sun falls in each sign shifts a bit from year to year and may have been different the year you were born. So, just so you know, the dates in parentheses are dates for 2025-2026 beginning with Pisces and ending with Aries. 🙂

A Final Round of Book Recommendations: Astrology in Fiction

Curious to learn more about astrology through fiction? You may be surprised to discover that there’s actually quite a bit of it, across a wide range of genres.

Here are just a few that we own here at MML:

MML-owned Fiction Starring (pun intended) Astrology
TITLE & AUTHOR CALL NO. Why read it?
The Luminaries (2013)

Catton, Eleanor

 CAT Dive into this Booker Prize winner from 2013, a literary historical novel that frames its plot through the lens of astrology (the sidereal version – not the Western zodiac). 

In this lyrical and cinematic New Zealand-based tale, you can expect a convoluted non-linear storyline all about the attempt to solve three unsolved murders by a newcomer to New Zealand and a group of twelve (yes, twelve like the twelve signs!) local men.

Librarian Confession: I bought this book years ago at an indie used bookstore in Duluth from my Minnesota days (2016-2022) and STILL haven’t gotten around to reading it. Perhaps now’s my chance. 🙂
A Rose By Any Other Name (2024)

McMyne, Mary 

 McMYN Interested in reading a steamy historical romance set in Elizabethan/Shakespeare’s England? Do you want to read about a fiery young woman and her best friend (possibly lover) fleeing to London to practice occultism: astrology and love charms, after being accused of witchcraft?

If so, you’ll love this book by the bestselling author of The Book of Gothel, a fantastical and fantastically witchy 2022 retelling of Rapunzel.
The Unraveling of Julia (2025)

Scottoline, Lisa

 SCO Not a fan of historical fiction? Fear not. You may prefer this contemporary psychological thriller by a bestselling author in which a woman becomes obsessed with astrology after her husband’s murder, which was predicted in her horoscope. Yikes!

In this harrowing, nail-biter of a thriller, the grieving widow inherits a Tuscan villa from a stranger. How peculiar. 

The plot thickens from there as the woman from whom she inherited the villa was convinced she was the descendent of Duchess Caterina Sforza (a fierce and fearless Renaissance noblewoman, scientist, and warrior). In addition, she was a recluse obsessed with astrology. (So, yes…some historical components, but the narrative takes place in present-day Tuscany).

This novel potentially offers a cautionary tale against becoming too obsessed with and/or paranoid about predictive astrology. 

If none of those three titles whetted your appetite or you’ve already read them, there are more available statewide. We can easily get them in your hands. See below:

Astrology-themed Fiction Titles Avail. Elsewhere in Maine
TITLE & AUTHOR NO. OF MINERVA COPIES Why read it?
The Astrology House (2024)

Jade, Carinn

 3 Minerva Copies If you love gripping thrillers with occult themes, this debut novel set in an astrologer-themed hotel featuring Manhattan socialities might be right up your alley. 

The author, Carinn Jade, is a lawyer as well as a writer, and she co-hosts The Pop Fiction Women podcast with her friend Kate. This podcast is dedicated to unpacking complex women in fiction across a range of formats from Hollywood, to streaming TV series, and, yes, as you may have guessed, novels as well!
Murder in the 11th House (Bk. 1) (2011)

Lewis, Mitchell Scott

 2 Minerva Copies Looking for a light and humorous read? Look no further.

Dive into this upbeat mystery series (The Starlight Detective Agency) centered around astrology. 

You’ll notice the references to the twelve houses in the book titles. This NYC detective is also an astrologer, as is the author himself, both of which you may have already guessed. 

This inaugural book launches the series with the tale of an astrologer-detective investigating the murder of a state judge in a NYC parking garage.
Written in the Stars (Bk. 1) (2020)

Bellefleur, Alexandria

 19 Minerva Copies If you are a queer romance fan, this series by bestselling author, Alexandria Bellefleur, will likely claim your heart.

This opening novel of her series is an adorable sapphic love story told through the stars. It’s also a Lambda Award Winner!

It’s a lighthearted contemporary adaptation of Pride and Prejudice about a free-spirited (I’m gonna guess, very Sagittarian or Aries) social media astrologer in a fake relationship with an actuary (someone with a job in the realm of finances…maybe a Capricorn or Taurus?) Read on to find out more!

FYI: As cute and charming as this book is, be warned…it is fairly steamy/sexually explicit. Don’t let the cover fool you. There’s nothing at all wrong with this style of romance novel, but I would imagine you’d prefer to know what you’re getting into. ☕(Steamy…get it?!) 

If you like this book, you’ll love the continuation of the series. 🙂

Want More Astrology?: Beginner-Friendly Books

At the moment, MML doesn’t own many books about astrology, with exceptions for fiction featuring astrological themes.

For now, I’d recommend that you request books from other libraries in larger towns/cities (i.e.: Portland, Brunswick, Lewiston/Auburn) that DO have a more robust astrology section. If you need recommendations, feel free to reach out to me and I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction for you. The best way to reach me is via email at ckleftis@yarmouthlibrary.org. 

For more recommendations (note, some of these titles are NOT available at any Maine libraries, but we could still try to get them to you from out of state), check out Chris Brennan’s (a prominent traditional astrologer’s) list of recommendations for beginners. 

Beginner-Friendly Astrology Books (Available in Maine)
TITLE & AUTHOR NO. OF MINERVA COPIES Why read it?
The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (2011)

Kent, April Elliott

 1 Minerva copy This book was my first ever astrology book!

It was a fantastic, very accessible and readable, introduction to the field which I dove headfirst into in 2017. 

I have since outgrown it, but for a beginner it is absolute perfection. 🙂

FYI: If you already have the basics down: the houses, signs, planets, and aspects (relationships between planets and signs by angles like 90 degrees, 180 degrees, etc.) this book may not be advanced enough for you.
I Don’t Believe in Astrology: A Therapist’s Guide to the Life-Changing Wisdom of the Stars (2025)

Silverman, Debra 

 2 Minerva copies This book adopts a more modern psychological astrology stance, but it’s accessible and geared towards the open-minded/curious skeptic.

I haven’t read it myself, but if you’re open to a more pop astrology perspective that incorporates elements of mainstream psychological astrology, this could be the perfect book for you.
You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance (2020)

Nicholas, Chani

 7 Minerva copies This is super accessible but also rigorous and rooted in Hellenistic tools and techniques, popularized for a contemporary audience. 

I myself am eager to get my hands on it. Why? I am committed to blending the foundational techniques and theories of traditional Hellenistic astrology with a contemporary (i.e.: in my case, queer feminist and social justice-driven) worldview. Chani excels in bridging the gap between these seeming opposites. 

Free Astrology Classes/Webinars for Beginners

Most astrology classes that are legitimate and well-researched are rather expensive and are geared towards folks seeking professional training on the road to becoming astrologers. If you, like me, do NOT fall into this category, don’t panic. There are numerous resources available online. I’ve linked to (and/or curated) a series of Youtube playlists on a range of beginner-friendly topics, namely, the signs, the planets, and the houses. 

For a list of fantastic astrologers to follow, check out my top 7 (Why 7? It’s my lucky number) recommendations below: 

Both Michael and Chani have offered phenomenal free talks (available on Youtube) all about astrology, activism, and social justice, and the intersections of astrology and queer feminism. If any of that appeals to you, as it does me, you may love their approach to astrology.

Michael Morris on Queer Astrology

Chani Nicholas on Astrology & Activism

If you’re really into Chani’s talk I mentioned above, you may also enjoy Alice Sparkly Kat’s phenomenal book or her interview with Chris on The Astrology Podcast all about it!

All three are experts in traditional Hellenistic/ancient Western astrology and can help you provide a solid foundation (there’s Saturn for you!) in the field. If you later shift to other astrological practices like Modern Psychological Astrology (see especially the work of John Green and Dr. Liz Greene – unrelated) or Evolutionary Astrology (2 different schools: Jeffrey Wolf Green, yes another Green, and Steven Forrest), among others, you’ll have all the basics under your belt thanks to any of these 7+ stellar (pun intended) astrologers.

Finally, if you want to dive headfirst into the rich global history of astrology, Dr. Nicholas Campion is a must read expert in the field. He also founded the Sophia Centre Press in the U.K. and an accredited Master’s program in astrology and cultural astronomy at the University of Wales. 🙂

FYI: I have not provided any resources for Jyotish/Vedic/Hindu astrology simply because I do not have much familiarity with it. The little that I do know/have heard is that this tradition has more of a lunar focus, is based on the sidereal zodiac (not the Western tropical/season-based zodiac), and it is a continuous tradition rather than a broken one. In other words, Western astrology faded into oblivion for several hundreds of years and has only recently begun to experience a renaissance of sorts. Vedic astrology, however, has been an integral part of Indian culture, society, and religion for millennia. Finally, to avoid cultural appropriation, I am not able or willing to share information on Vedic astrology about which I am not even remotely qualified to discuss. 

Closing Words of Gratitude from Your AstroNerd Librarian

Last but not least, I wanted to thank you for joining me on this long ride through the zodiac, following me along the wheel of the year with a brief introduction to each sign, author, and book recommendations curated with great care by moi. I fell into astrology as part of my spiritual practice back in 2017 and like many contemporary, highly-educated Western folks, I began as a skeptic. 

At the time all I knew was that I was an Aries, since I was born in late March, but none of the rather superficial online information about this sign resonated with me…at all! However, being the colossal nerd that I am, I was curious to see if there could be ANY merit whatsoever to astrology, so I dug a little deeper. 

I quickly learned that the horoscopes in newspapers and magazines like Cosmopolitan are laughably bad. They barely scratch the surface and grossly overgeneralize people’s nuanced and complex, at times contradictory, personalities and life experiences. (To be fair to their writers, horoscopes are designed this way). Horoscopes serve the purpose of popularizing astrology and making it mainstream, but at a great cost: reducing astrology to its lowest common denominator and stripping it of its rich cultural, intellectual, and spiritual roots. 

In my case, as soon as I learned about my Rising Sign (Libra) and my Moon sign (Aquarius), both of which made much more sense to me, I decided to give astrology a second chance and I haven’t looked back since. Also, most astrologers trained in the tradition’s ancient roots urge folks to read horoscopes not for the Sun Sign but rather for their Rising Sign. It’s still a bit too broad strokes, but since the Rising Sign is so much more personal than the Sun Sign, it is more likely to resonate. It sure did in my case. 🙂

If this blog series has encouraged you to give this rich stellar language another chance as a fellow skeptic, I’m delighted. If nothing else, I hope it’s been a fun journey through literature (fiction, memoir, poetry, etc.) through the lens of the language of the stars. ⭐

 

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