The astrology of 2026 promises to be legendary, as the first historic event kicks off when Neptune enters Aries on January 26, 2026, where it will remain until 2039. The planet of illusion, confusion, and dreams doesn’t enter a new zodiac sign very often, as this kind of transit only happens every fourteen years. Neptune in Aries will completely shift the spiritual vibration, helping the collective find their courage to go after their dreams. What can you expect from Neptune in Aries, based on your zodiac sign? Read on to learn more about this transit and how it will affect your zodiac sign.

🔥  What Can You Expect from Neptune in Aries?

Neptune’s role in astrology is relatively new compared to the traditional planets: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. After Neptune was discovered in 1846, Neptune became known as one of astrology’s modern planets, followed by Uranus and Pluto. Neptune plays a unique role in astrology. Some consider Neptune as a higher octave of Venus, so one could say Neptune has Venusian, or benefic, qualities. After all, Neptune does play upon the creative Venusian aspects, since Neptune is associated with film, photography, and the entertainment industry. More importantly, Neptune is highly regarded as a planet that rules the following: illusion, confusion, dreams, psychic receptivity, and osmosis or oneness. Neptune’s role is often murky. The gas giant has a fog-like effect, so Neptune is often associated with romanticism or wearing rose-colored glasses. With this in mind, one can safely assume that Neptune can align with addictions, poor coping mechanisms, boundlessness, victimhood, and escapism. Just like any other planet, Neptune has its negative and positive attributes.

Like any other outer planet, Neptune has a long transit. A good rule of thumb is that a planet will have a longer transit (and retrograde) if the planet is further away from the sun. Given that Neptune is relatively far—Only 2.8 billion miles, but who’s counting?—Neptune has a fourteen-year-long transit, which means Neptune only enters a new zodiac sign every fourteen years. So, it’s highly unlikely you will get to experience Neptune in all twelve zodiac signs during your lifetime. 

Neptune entering Aries on January 26, 2026, is historic because Neptune hasn’t been in Aries since the U.S. Civil War (1860s). Although most of us haven’t experienced a full Neptune in Aries transit, we did get a brief taste of what’s to come in 2025. Think back to what happened from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025; whatever happened then will come back and continue unfolding for the next fourteen years.

So, what can we expect from Neptune in Aries? First, look toward the core Aries’ attributes: cardinal, masculine, and fire. The cardinal nature of Aries implies leadership, ambition, and initiation; masculine energy suggests action and extroversion; fire leads to stamina, passion, frustration, and vitality. Next, consider what Neptune rules: dreams, illusion, escapism, and spirituality. With these key features and traits in mind, one can assume Neptune in Aries will be an initiatory period. Aries will inspire acting on Neptune’s aspirations and wishes. There might be a strong sense of self-belief or self-certainty, since Neptune’s spiritual energy will be self-directed. You may feel more delusionally courageous, brave, and inspired to go after your dreams even if you’ve never done anything quite like it before. In other words, Neptune in Aries has a scorch and burn effect: whatever burns down will foster growth for something new. 

Collectively, Neptune in Aries will represent the start of something new that comes from shared anger and passion. It will feel like a spark has finally been lit, which is on par with Neptune in Aries’ role in history, as it most recently coincided with the US Civil War. Not to mention that Uranus will also be in Gemini starting in 2026, and Pluto is currently in Aquarius, which are two other transits associated with warring periods (WW2, U.S. Civil War, French Revolution, etc). Knowing Neptune in Aries’ historic relevance is important because this upcoming transit may suggest a collective conscious call for change. However, the change may be a result of rage, poor leadership, unnecessary bloodshed, and others suffering at the cost of one pursuing their ambitions. Although this might sound scary and intense, Neptune in Aries doesn’t have to be; Neptune in Aries might be the fuel the collective needs to turn over a new leaf.

💭  Overall Themes: What will spark your dreams? Neptune in Aries will encourage you to be brave, courageous, and forthright if you feel strongly about what you’re meant to do. The cardinal nature of Aries will push Neptune to be action-oriented and ambitious. You may feel like you’re burning with passion, creativity, and excitement when you think about what you want to accomplish. Just don’t lose sight of your goals if success takes a tad longer than expected.  

💤   Dreaming with Neptune: Your Cosmic Forecast for Neptune in Aries

There are a few key dates to keep an eye on. Neptune in Aries’ energy will be especially noticeable during these periods:

⏰  Neptune in Aries: 2025 - 2039

Neptune will be in Aries for about fourteen years; however, Neptune will be in and out of Pisces and Aries from end of 2025 to the beginning of 2026, just like Neptune will be in and out of Aries and Taurus between 2038 to 2039. This happens when Neptune prepares for its next ingress.

⏪  Neptune Retrograde in Aries

Neptune stations retrograde once per year for five months, so you can expect Neptune to station retrograde in Aries every year of its transit. The first one will be this year. Neptune will station retrograde in Aries on July 7, 2026, which will occur at 4 degrees, then station direct in Aries on December 12, 2026 at 1 degree.

‼️  Neptune conjuncts Saturn: February 20, 2026

Neptune in Aries will conjunct Saturn in Aries at 0 degrees, creating a rare cosmic alliance. The Neptune-Saturn conjunctions typically happen once every 36 years, which means the last Neptune-Saturn conjunction was in 1989. Tune into The Astrology Podcast’s episode on this cosmic alliance, and its significance in history.

🌈  Tips & Tricks to Dreaming with Neptune in Aries

How can you capitalize on Neptune in Aries’ energy? The next fourteen years will push you to manifest your deepest desires and turn your dreams into your reality. Using these tips will help you stay on top of your manifestations throughout this long, Neptunian transit:

🧘  Staying Grounded

Neptune’s fuzzy energy can easily knock you off your feet if you’re not careful. There’s always a strong chance that you can become confused, deluded, misguided, or projected on throughout a Neptune transit. Neptune in Aries won’t be any different, so you will have to work hard to remain grounded. Staying grounded will help you see the thin line between reality and fantasy, allowing you to use the positive qualities of Neptune without falling into a hazy spiral. Since this Neptune transit invokes fire, you may want to use your vitality to your advantage. Your strength, stamina, and life force can help you stay grounded. Going for daily walks, being physically active, and moving your body will help you remain connected with reality.

💤  Keeping a Dream Journal

Your dreams have something to say. Neptune is aligned with the dreamworld, spirit realm, and fantasies, so Neptune will have an unconscious effect on your dreams. Whether you’re daydreaming or traversing worlds as you sleep, Neptune in Aries will provoke subconscious messages through intentional imagery and scenarios. The best way to make sense of your dreams is by keeping a dream journal. You can go old school with a classic notebook and pen, or you can record your dreams on your phone. No matter how you do it, you may find meaning in your dreams when you take time to remember and reflect.

🧿  Practicing Discernment

It can be tricky to work with Neptune’s befuddling energy. You may feel strongly about where you’re going or what you’ve intuited until reality contradicts your spiritual focus. Neptune’s murkiness implies a lack of knowing, or the inability to see something for what it is. Practicing discernment will certainly help you when you’re unsure of whether or not Neptune is tricking you. Discernment comes with time, so it might take a while to hone your ability to have a good eye. You may make a few mistakes or take a few missteps, so don’t beat yourself up. See each lesson as a chance to strengthen your discernment as you go through Neptune in Aries.

 

🌟  Your Neptune in Aries Horoscope & Crystal, According to Your Zodiac Sign

Each zodiac sign has a special crystal they can use during Neptune in Aries. Which crystal should your zodiac sign use, and why? Read your sun sign and rising sign crystal-scopes:

♈  Aries: Selenite for Self-Purification

Aries, your sense of self will dissolve and transcend, as Neptune in Aries courses through your first house of identity. The initial energy of this transit may bring on an identity crisis as you disconnect from your selfhood. But don’t freak out. You’re meant to be cleansed and purified, so that your highest self can step forward.

♉  Taurus: Amethyst for Calm Thoughts

Taurus, it’s important to keep calm with Neptune in Aries activating your twelfth house of unconsciousness. Neptune in Aries may project anger, frustration, and impulsivity if you’re not careful. Be mindful of the company you keep and how you process your feelings to avoid becoming overwhelmed by your inner fire. 

♊  Gemini: Sodalite for Transparent Friends 

Gemini, take off the rose-colored glasses when Neptune in Aries confuses your eleventh house of friendship. If you’re not careful, you could fall into the wrong company over the next fourteen years. Trust your intuition when you feel like something is off, and believe it when someone shows you their true colors.  

♋  Cancer: Black Tourmaline for Spiritual Protection

Cancer, protect yourself from the rumor mill because Neptune in Aries will delude your tenth house of reputation. How others see and know you will be a bit murky throughout the next fourteen years. You may want to up your spiritual protection from the evil eye, nasty rumors, and projections to safeguard your public status. 

♌  Leo: Red Jasper for Grounded Exploration

Leo, you have an intense spiritual journey waiting, since Neptune in Aries will activate your ninth house of exploration. The next fourteen years will be full of quantum shifts, karmic lessons, and teachers of every kind. Prepare yourself, because your mind is about to be blown away as your spiritual path unfolds.

♍  Virgo: Malachite for Guided Transformation

Virgo, you’re due for an upgrade, as Neptune in Aries enlightens your eighth house of power. You may initially go through the wringer as you face deep psychological pain and betrayal, but Neptune will reward you in the long run if you remain hopeful. Everything will eventually make sense, so trust this transformative process.

♎  Libra: Carnelian for Confident Partnerships

Libra, your dream partner could arrive when Neptune in Aries intuits your seventh house of relationships. However, you may have to face karmic lessons regarding boundaries, codependency, and false partners in your quest to find the one. Luckily, your soulmate will materialize by the time Neptune in Aries is over. 

♏  Scorpio: Bloodstone for Overall Stability

Scorpio, listen to your body, since Neptune in Aries will cast a fog over your sixth house of health. The next fourteen years might be tricky if you’re unable to pinpoint when or how something started. Being consistent with your routine and habits can help, since your consistency can give you an idea of what may change.

♐  Sagittarius: Citrine for Manifesting Joy

Sagittarius, you’re about to be euphoric when Neptune in Aries lights up your fifth house of pleasure. There will be ample opportunity for all kinds of pleasure, ranging from sex, romance, hobbies, and creativity. However, you may want to be realistic about what brings joy to avoid falling into unhealthy habits.

♑  Capricorn: Moonstone for Ancestral Connection

Capricorn, your lineage will speak to you, as Neptune in Aries bridges the gap in your fourth house of ancestry. Secrets from your family’s past will unravel throughout the next fourteen years. Be prepared to see your family members—dead or alive—for who they truly are as you uncover the mystery of your lineage.

♒  Aquarius: Fluorite for Direct Communication

Aquarius, seek directness when Neptune in Aries confuses your third house of communication. Getting your point across, learning something new, and understanding others will become challenging over the next fourteen years. You may need to change your communication habits and strengthen your skills to get to the bottom of things.

♓  Pisces: Pyrite for Manifesting Wealth

Pisces, keep track of your finances, since Neptune in Aries will influence your second house of wealth. How you make money or where your money goes might become a mystery if you’re not careful. Remember that not every rainbow leads to a pot of gold, so use your discretion when facing financial decisions and challenges.

 

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🤔  How Will Neptune in Aries Affect YOU?

Discuss your cosmic energy and starry future with ASCEND's in-house astrologer, Liz Simmons. Liz offers an array of readings, from birth charts to personal forecasts.

⭐️  Book your astrology reading

 

 

 

✍️  Meet ASCEND’s In-House Astrologer & Writer

Liz Simmons is a writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. Liz is the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Aside from providing astrological readings and tarot readings, Liz writes for ASCEND’s blog. Her expert commentary is featured in over twenty publications, including Cosmopolitan, Shape, Women’s Health, & more. Check out her work on Instagram, @the_ _crone & book a reading with her at ASCEND.