Aquarius Solar Eclipse: Metamorphosis of the Collective Soul

Aquarius Solar Eclipse (New Moon)
February 17, 2026
4:01 AM PST / 7:01 AM EST
28 degrees Aquarius

On February 17, we reach a cosmic inflection point. We are entering the vortex of a powerful Solar Eclipse at 28° Aquarius.

Solar Eclipses are New Moons conjunct the Lunar Nodes and have a fated quality about them. The light of the Sun is temporarily obscured, and while this will only be visible over Antarctica in a "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse, the cosmic significance of the darkening of the light of consciousness will reverberate throughout the world.

Aquarius is the sign of the collective, groups, innovation and progressive ideas. A Mars-Uranus square aligned with the solar eclipse suggests collective unrest, eruptions of conflict and provocative ideas that motivate people into action.

Transition of Leadership

Solar eclipses are notorious for the fall of a "King" or leader, a weakening in their power or a transition from their powerful role. In Aquarius, the Sun is in detriment suggesting an individual ego is eclipsed by the needs of the collective.

This is echoed by the current state of Saturn, the traditional ruler of Aquarius. Saturn recently entered Aries, where it is in "fall." When the planet of authority and structure is in its fall, the authority loses its footing.

As Saturn is nearing its conjunction with Neptune (exact Feb 20), there's an indication of a dissolution in authority, structures and systems. Boundaries and boarders are shifting, and the systems we once thought were solid and permanent are revealing themselves to be porous and collapsing.

A National Inflection Point

This eclipse is significant for the United States. When we cast the chart for the moment of the eclipse in Washington D.C., the solar eclipse sits directly on the Ascendant.

Even more striking, the eclipse conjoins the Moon of the U.S. Sibly chart, the traditional birth chart of the nation. In mundane astrology, the Moon represents the people—the collective soul and domestic life of the country. With the eclipse hitting the national "front door" (the Ascendant) and its "emotional heart" (the Moon), the United States is positioned to experience this cosmic reset in a profound, public, and likely dramatic way.

Shocks to the System: The Algol Connection

The most volatile aspect of this eclipse is its square to Uranus at 27° Taurus. Uranus is the "Great Awakener," the planet which correlates to shocking events, sudden twists and earthquakes, both literally and figuratively.

Uranus is currently on the fixed star Algol, associated with "losing one's head." While this can be metaphorical—losing our cool or experiencing a sudden lapse in judgment—it points toward dramatic disruptions and shocks to our physical or financial security. 

Ideological Battles and Insatiable Hunger

Mars, the planet of action and drive, is conjunct the solar eclipse so we can expect provocative impulses that could turn into collective conflicts. The new beginning promised by this eclipse may be birthed through a period of intense ideological battle.

Meanwhile, the North Node (the Dragon's Head) is at 8° Pisces. The North Node indicates expansive growth potential, yet in Pisces conjunct Venus, it can create a yearning for escapism, indulgence or a fantasy relationship. The downside is that the insatiable hunger of the Dragon's Head can be intoxicating and without limitations.

The Sabian Symbol: The Butterfly Emerging

Despite the turbulence, the Sabian Symbol for 28° Aquarius offers a hopeful insight: "A Butterfly Emerging From A Chrysalis."

This is the quintessential image of metamorphosis. The chrysalis phase is a complete molecular breakdown. To become a butterfly, the caterpillar must first dissolve completely. If you feel like your life—or the world around you—is currently in a state of 'liquid chaos,' remember that this is the necessary prerequisite for evolutionary renewal.

Navigating the Eclipse Disorientation

As we move through this week, expect some surprising twist and shocking revelations. There will likely be a palpable sense that the structures we've relied on in the past are no longer a strong enough scaffolding to rely upon. Leadership is changing and in some cases, must yield to the shifting collective forces.

The sense of disorientation of an eclipse is temporary - don't try to force answers or outcomes now. Clarity will come after eclipse season is over - we still have a Lunar Eclipse to experience March 3 - so take the time necessary to witness the great cosmic re-adjustments happening now. 

Warmly,
Christina Caudill
RADIANT ASTROLOGY