Just when you though 2026 couldn’t get more stressful, may I present you with Neptune in Aries. This month’s super rare, big astrological transit is set to bring a major shift in energy – and I warn you, you might not like what’s coming.

According to Rachel Ruth Tate, certified astrologer at Casinos Analyzer, Neptune’s move into the Aries sign means a shedding of peaceful, lazy energy to make way for a new “warrior ethos” that prizes individualism, competitiveness and ambition. Anyone else feel exhausted just thinking about it?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Neptune in Aries transit and how you can embrace the new energetic shifts rather than working against them.

What is Neptune in Aries?

The Neptune in Aries transit takes place on 26 January and will see the “dreamy” planet Neptune entering the sign of Aries for the first time since 1975.

“When Neptune makes cosmic moves, those big ripple effects wash over everything, changing the very way that we perceive the reality around us,” says Tate.

As she explains, Neptune, the furthest official planet from the Sun, is often associated with our subconscious minds. Think themes like “transcendence, illusion, fantasy, spirituality and mysticism.”

She also notes that because Neptune has an orbital period of around 165 years, no human actually experiences its full cycle through the zodiac during their lifetime. “So,” she says, “when it changes signs, it matters on a generational level.” It also means that the Neptune in Aries transit will last for a literal decade and a half – so we all better get used to it.

Neptune in Aries is bringing a new “warrior ethos”

Ok, so what is this “generational” shift bringing? According to Tate, we’ve been in a zone of hazy, peaceful, “woo-woo” energy – but all of that is about to change.

“Aries is the fiery first sign of the zodiac, in which Mars rules and the Sun exalts, making it truly the sign of rugged individualism and personal sovereignty,” she says. “With Neptune transiting this part of the zodiac over the next decade and a half, you can expect a shift away from group membership and into independent pursuits.” It’s a new period of what she calls “warrior ethos.”

How will Neptune in Aries affect your life?

Tate expects pretty much everything to become more about personalisation as individuality and personal success become more important driving forces.

People may start focusing more on self-advancement in their careers, becoming more competitive and cut-throat. Meanwhile, in relationships, people may start thinking more about personal gain. “It will be more normal than ever to fly solo and forgo traditional marriage,” she says.

How will Neptune in Aries affect your star sign?

Astrologer Emma Howarth gives the scoop:

Aries

It’s time for Aries to start dreaming again. And that means putting yourself first. Take a bold step away from a situation that’s kept you playing small and start showing the world what you’re made of. You’re about discover what you’re capable of when you get out of your own way.

Taurus

There’s magic in the air for Taurus as Neptune moves into your healing twelfth house. Think spiritual adventures, the very best kind of closure and a creative idea with the power to make a dream come true. The path ahead might not always be smooth but you’ve got what it takes to navigate it. Your future starts here.

Gemini

Community, connection and common goals take centre stage for Gemini as Neptune spins through Aries. If you become the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, have you chosen the ultimate crew? The more time you spend with people who inspire and uplift you, the closer you’ll get to a dream come true.

Cancer

A career dream you might have once thought impossible is about to feel like an option for you. Allow yourself to aim high and start thinking big, Cancer. Neptune in Aries invites you to redefine what success means to you. Ignore the doubters and don’t give up. Choosing your own path forward is a power move.

Leo

A future dream that involves travel, adventure or spending more time living and working abroad could come to fruition for you during Neptune in Aries. All you have to do is keep taking the right steps forward. Keep distractions to a minimum. Get the people closest to you on board with your vision. And when you feel like giving up, don’t.

Virgo

Neptune in Aries is all about transformation for Virgo and but it’s a long game type of change. If something is falling away for you now, let it. Trust that what lies ahead is better than anything you’re leaving behind. It’s time to start slowly shedding an old skin as you become the person you were always meant to be.

Libra

If you’ve loved and lost you might not feel like putting your faith in the cosmos right now. You also might not have a choice! Neptune in Aries has its sights set on your love life. So let this be your sign to believe in love again. A partnership that feels supportive, harmonious and written in the stars is slowly making its way towards you.

Scorpio

It’s time for Scorpio to dream up a life they don’t feel the need to escape from. Neptune in Aries sees you slowly but surely switch up your lifestyle until every part of it feels tailor made for you. Rework your mornings, make moves at work and commit to a health kick for the long term. Nothing changes if nothing changes, Scorpio. And this is change for the better.

Sagittarius

A creative dream is about to become the main character in your life, Sagittarius. So don’t let anyone tell you it can’t happen for you. The more you believe in yourself the better things get while Neptune takes its spin in your fifth house. Time spent doing something you love is time well spent during this long-game transit.

Capricorn

If your biggest dreams involve home, family and creating a legacy you can be proud of, Neptune and Aries is about to deliver. A focus on the foundations of your life could see you levelling up in a major way over the next decade, Capricorn. Start as you to go on my aiming high from the off.

Aquarius

A bright idea that you can’t stop thinking about is the key to a dream come true, Aquarius. Neptune in Aries urges you to take action even if it’s just the tiniest first step. The more you move towards making this happen, the better your life will get. Connection, community and good times await you.

Pisces

This Neptune in Aries transit is a big one for Pisces, and it’s all connected to self worth and finances. You might think you don’t care about money, but imagine the good you could do if you got your hands on some? You’ll be able to cash in when you put your focus and energy into an idea that feels like a fantasy at first.