What are the most important astrology dates in 2026?

The headline dates are Jupiter entering exalted Cancer on June 4, four eclipses (Feb 17, Mar 3, Aug 12, Aug 28), three Mercury retrogrades, a Venus retrograde from October 4, and the Rahu-Ketu axis shift on December 6.

When are the retrogrades in 2026?

Mercury: Feb 27 to Mar 22, Jul 1 to Jul 25, and Oct 25 to Nov 15. Venus: Oct 4 to Nov 15. Saturn: Jul 28 to Dec 12. Jupiter: from Jan 2 to Mar 12 and again from Dec 14. Mars has no retrograde in 2026.

When are the eclipses in 2026?

Four eclipses: solar on February 17, lunar on March 3, solar on August 12, and lunar on August 28. All fall on the Aquarius-Leo axis.

Astrology Calendar 2026: Every Key Date, Month by Month

Here is the full 2026 Vedic astrology calendar in one place: every retrograde, every eclipse, and every major planetary sign change, with the date and a one-line meaning. All positions use the sidereal (Lahiri) zodiac. Bookmark this page and follow the links to the detailed guide for each event.

January

Jan 2: Jupiter is already retrograde in Gemini (turned back on this date), a time to consolidate rather than launch. See the Jupiter transit guide.
Jan 17: Mars enters Capricorn, where it is exalted, the year's strongest phase for disciplined action. See the Mars transit guide.

February

Feb 17: Solar eclipse on the Aquarius-Leo axis, a day to chant and reflect, not to begin. See the eclipses guide.
Feb 24: Mars enters Aquarius, energy turns toward goals, networks, and the unconventional.
Feb 27: Mercury turns retrograde (until Mar 22), the first of three windows to slow down on contracts and travel. See the Mercury retrograde guide.

March

Mar 3: Lunar eclipse on the Aquarius-Leo axis, emotions surface, keep to inner work.
Mar 12: Jupiter turns direct in Gemini, forward growth resumes in learning and communication.
Mar 22: Mercury turns direct, the first retrograde window closes.

April

Apr 3: Mars enters Pisces, drive softens and scatters, better for quiet effort than open conflict.

May

May 12: Mars enters Aries, its own sign, direct and confident action with a hot temper to manage.

June

Jun 4: Jupiter enters Cancer, where it is exalted, the headline transit of the year for growth, wealth, family, and children. See the Jupiter transit guide.
Jun 22: Mars enters Taurus, steady and practical energy.

July

Jul 1: Mercury turns retrograde (until Jul 25), the second window, mind home and family messages.
Jul 25: Mercury turns direct, the second window closes.
Jul 28: Saturn turns retrograde in Pisces (until Dec 12), a long review of discipline in the soft areas of life. See the Saturn transit guide.

August

Aug 4: Mars enters Gemini, restless and talkative, watch for arguments.
Aug 12: Solar eclipse on the Aquarius-Leo axis, a charged pause for prayer and stillness.
Aug 28: Lunar eclipse on the Aquarius-Leo axis, the last eclipse of the year, feelings run high.

September

Sep 20: Mars enters Cancer, where it is debilitated, its hardest phase, channel energy into care, not conflict.

October

Oct 4: Venus turns retrograde (until Nov 15), a six-week review of love, money, and old relationships. See the Venus retrograde guide.
Oct 25: Mercury turns retrograde (until Nov 15), the third window, overlapping Venus, so revisit both money and feelings.

November

Nov 4: Jupiter enters Leo, growth turns toward leadership and recognition.
Nov 14: Mars enters Leo, assertive and proud energy, good for visible leadership.
Nov 15: Both Venus and Mercury turn direct, the autumn review closes.

December

Dec 6: Rahu enters Capricorn and Ketu enters Cancer, the karmic axis swings from Aquarius-Leo to a new ambition-versus-comfort theme. See the Rahu-Ketu transit guide.
Dec 12: Saturn turns direct in Pisces, the long retrograde review ends.
Dec 14: Jupiter turns retrograde in Leo, refine your ambitions as the year closes.

How to Use This Calendar

These dates are the weather of the year, the same sky for everyone. How each one lands on you is personal, set by your moon sign, the houses these planets activate in your chart, and the dasha you are running. A personal chart reading on AstroMedha turns this shared calendar into your own, showing which of these 2026 dates actually matters for your career, relationships, money, and health.

Common questions

What are the most important astrology dates in 2026?: The headline dates are Jupiter entering exalted Cancer on June 4, four eclipses (Feb 17, Mar 3, Aug 12, Aug 28), three Mercury retrogrades, a Venus retrograde from October 4, and the Rahu-Ketu axis shift on December 6.
When are the retrogrades in 2026?: Mercury: Feb 27 to Mar 22, Jul 1 to Jul 25, and Oct 25 to Nov 15. Venus: Oct 4 to Nov 15. Saturn: Jul 28 to Dec 12. Jupiter: from Jan 2 to Mar 12 and again from Dec 14. Mars has no retrograde in 2026.
When are the eclipses in 2026?: Four eclipses: solar on February 17, lunar on March 3, solar on August 12, and lunar on August 28. All fall on the Aquarius-Leo axis.