New Moon Solar Eclipse in 4°36 Aquarius: Dhanishtha: Stay Focused / Stay Steady

*LONG POST* Eclipses are revealing events where the universe shines a super powered spotlight on certain signs, planets and degrees. If our charts get “activated” in one of these ways, it can bring about a pivotal time in our lives. Because eclipses unearth what’s been hidden, we often witness bombshell reports in the news cycle the days surrounding an eclipse. What comes with an eclipse is often loaded with karma so it’s important to be clear if it’s karma being worked out or resolved, or if engaging will create more karma to carry forward. Eclipses are magnifying events so being still, meditating and focusing on peace or the supportive qualities of the eclipse nakshatra are recommended. 

The New Moon / Solar Eclipse on Feb 17, 2026 at 7:01am ET will be in the ambitious and disciplined degree of sidereal Aquarius called Dhanishtha. Known as the star of symphony and whose name translates to “swift, abundant, and rich,” its symbolism of the drum and flute highlight the importance of music, vibration and sound therapy, of rhythm and timing, of steadiness and endurance, and the importance of mastering prana: our breath, our life force, and where we choose to put our focus and attention. 

This eclipse puts the spotlight on the structures and the rhythms in our lives, our long-term goals, responsibilities and discipline - areas that may need us to re-focus or re-commit. We’re being asked to take this eclipse moment and the next few months that are influenced by this eclipse to look at the cycle of life we’re in, to align our outer actions with our inner rhythm, and to be mindful of the message we are amplifying in the world. Our breath, voices and choices resonate beyond our immediate environments. 

Dhanishtha has the shakti or power to give abundance, fame and prosperity. It has far-reaching influence, is skilled at bringing people together and building powerful social networks, highlighting the importance of collaboration, timing, and steady dedication. Being ruled by Mars and Saturn (planets opposite in energy: Mars is one foot on the gas, Saturn is one foot on the break), it reminds us of the importance of collaboration, patience and persistence over the next few months. Feisty Mars and disciplined Saturn must work together to come up with a solid plan and actionable steps to attain the goal in mind.

The shadow side of this eclipse can focus too heavily on abundance which can lead to greed, arrogance, unethical behavior and strained relationships. To remain in alignment, it is crucial to balance personal ambition with emotional connection, reflection and introspection.

This particular eclipse is unusual in that it pulls in every planet as it sits with and is aspected by most planets, creating a planetary pile up that can either feel overwhelming or laser focused (this depends on our stress levels). It’s also ruled by and sitting in between Saturn and Mars, the only two planets it doesn’t sit with. Being hemmed in by malefics like Mars and Saturn can cause frustration and a feeling of being stuck - like a volcano on the verge of erupting - like something is building but can’t move yet. The Mars-Rahu conjunction in a week for 6 weeks should alleviate this, but that combo can create more reactive expressions than productive — at least until Mars moves to sit with Saturn in Pisces early April. Utilizing Mars’ current steady exaltation energy and the disciplined focus of this Dhanishtha eclipse to devise an actionable plan will help us get solid steps closer to our personal and collective goals, so when Mars moves again, it can be with great leaps and not too much chaos. 

Patience and focus will be key as overwhelm is likely during the next few weeks and months. So many planets in air signs means things may take time to materialize out of the dreamscape of ideals to a more tangible place in our lives. Saturn sitting so close to Neptune can also make things feel elusive and hard to pin down. This eclipse is in sidereal Aquarius, the equitable Water Bearer which values social justice and forward movement for all. While we may want change to occur immediately in our lives, this Aquarian ellipse’s job now is to fill our sails with a vision of change and forward movement for ourselves and for the greater good. Dhanishtha’s job is to get us to focus on what we need to do to get closer us to our goals, and to make sure we’re staying steady and in tune. 

Some things to consider:

🥁Is the rhythm of your day supporting you?

🥁What are your current goals?

🥁Are your efforts in harmony with your values?

🥁Are you being patient and persistent? 

🥁What’s going to take more time? What needs adjusting?

🥁Where do you feel stuck? Can you review what you’ve done/what’s worked/what hasn’t, and devise a simple and accessible action plan?

🥁Do you believe your voice has power?

🥁What is calling your attention? Does it feel elevated in purpose? Is it accessible? Does it flow with who you are and where you’re going, as an individual and in the collective?

*Eclipses affect the water systems in general, so it’s recommended to stay hydrated the days around an eclipse, and to focus on spiritual practice during the moments surrounding an eclipse. Interestingly, the water systems of the pregnant mother can be affected so it’s helpful to look at the two pairs of eclipses that took place before our own births to understand what karmas we are working out and what areas of our own life may feel eclipsed in some way. 

 ::PEACE::