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Pisces I The Labyrinth (as named by Austin Coppock), begins on 18 February 2026 at 10:52 am EST. It lasts nine days, 22 hours and 25 minutes, until 28 February 2026 at 9:17 am EST. T. Susan Chang called it The Farthest Shore, as she explored its associations with the 8 of Cups. The Greeks of the Hellenistic era associated this time period with Okeanos, the world-encircling waters beyond the Pillars of Hercules and the primordial titan-deity of the salt waters beyond the known world.

I’ written about Pisces I before, in 2025 – 2024 – 2023 – 2022 – 2021 – 2020.

Okeanos’ decan is square to that of his wife, Tethys at Gemini I the Apple of Eden, associated with the eight of swords. It should be thought-provoking to think of these two cards as being in alternately in alliance and contention, as well as compromise — representing many of the best (and worst) elements of a long term marriage:

• “You’ve had a long day. Let’s do takeout. Where do you want to get dinner tonight?”
• “Ugh, anywhere, I just don’t want to cook.”
• “Fine… Thai food?”
• “Blech, no — how about a pizza?”

And around and around it goes… That relationship between Tethys and Okeanos — between the rewards of ocean like fish and seaweed and evaporated water becoming rain to fructify the earth; and its risks like storms and lost ships and cargo and the challenges of depth and pressure and tracklessness, is the nature of Ocean itself: fruitful yet barren, initiatory yet mysterious, a place of surviving but not thriving. Gemini I’s eight of swords represents the blind risk present in initiations, where we enter a state of risk and danger for the sake of a potentially wonderful prize — while Pisces I’s eight of cups represents walking away from a variety of prizes for the sake of a journey of still-greater importance. Sooner or later, we must abandon the comfort of an orderly model, and strike out on our own wild path.

Ocean, for anyone who has ever been a sailor, presents a similar mix of pathlessness and routine routes — along with the more-than-occasional storm. My grandfather taught me to sail in the waters of Long Island Sound, a relatively young and tame body of water on the northeastern coast of the United States. “One hand for yourself,” he’d say, “and one for the boat.” Or “pay attention to tide and time.” Or “One eye always on the weather.” He’d sometimes sit with these aphorisms (which he may have learned from a sailing book, or picked up in the marine boatyard shop from listening to other sailors — I don’t know.) But after giving the thought a moment to percolate in my brain a bit, he’d explain. “Never be so focused on what you’re doing with the sails or the motor or the lines, that you forget to keep your body in the boat, and safe on board.” Incidentally, cables on boats are always ‘lines’, not ‘ropes’ — because they’re part of the ‘mechanism’ that makes the boat move. Tide and Time was a reminder that we’d left the dock at a specific point in the day, but that the water or the weather was bound to change… and the outgoing tide that made our departure so easy, would also make it hard to return to the same little harbor where he moored his boat. The weather was a primary concern for my grandfather — he’d been stuck on the water in his little sloop during a thunderstorm once, and he didn’t wish that for me at all when I was ten years old. He always returned to his safe harbor if the weather looked even slightly threatening.

The dodeks of Pisces I are assigned to Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini — paralleling the fisherman on the waters who is drawing in his nets at the sight of a bad change in the weather or the ocean. He brings in his nets and lines and rushes about securing his vessel against the oncoming weather shift, then turns his boat toward safe harbor. Yet once he reaches the encircling arms of his protected port, he immediately schemes and thinks about how to put his bow and keel toward the fishing grounds again — of two minds, like Gemini, knowing he dare not risk his boat and gear to the sea right now, yet deeply aware that his livelihood depends on going out again as soon as as the weather improves even slightly.

Dates to Watch

22 February 2026 — Venus trines Jupiter — A moment of grace and ease arises from this meeting, which favorably indicates social interactions and occasions, but also promises self-indulgent behaviors. Financial interests are often benefitted by this movement. Starting your vacation today can be a good idea.

26 February 2026 — Mars squares Uranus — My vehicle was struck by another car from behind in a hit-and-run accident during a Mars square Uranus transit, which is associated with rash and impulsive behavior. I wasn’t injured, but I was without a functional car for three and a half months while I waited for my vehicle to be repaired. Forgetting or forgoing important obligations is a common theme of this transit — but remember that you still have those obligations on the other side of the transit.

27 February 2026 — Mercury conjuncts Venus — Art, music and poetry bring delight today. So does admitting to someone that you love them. It’s a highly unifying transit, too, as one’s aesthetic sense and communications skills align in ways that bring coherence and beauty to bear on your life.

Saturn and Neptune

Saturn will conjunct Neptune on 20 February 2026 (at 11:18 am EST, at 0° Aries 45′) a few days into the Sun’s time in Pisces I. The big outer planets only conjunct once-ish every few decades (or up to three times over a few months if either planet goes through a retrograde), and Saturn meets Neptune only once ever 36 years. The last time was in 1989 as the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union were imploding; the time before, in 1950-51, China was switching dynastic allegiance from the Nationalist movement (whose successors now control Taiwan) to the Communist movement (still in power on the mainland). The time before that, roughly coincided with the Russian Revolution of 1917.

The three previous times suggest a significant shift in the way that power is centralized, aggregated and controlled — and what institutions hold and manage it. In all three cases, though, a beautiful and idealistic dream had to face up to its ugly realities and failures: the Soviet Union, like the Tsarist system that preceded it, held out hope for a Russia that bridged and connected Asia with Europe and provided great wealth and prosperity for its people — while each reality showed Russia could only deliver a fraction of that prosperity to a minuscule percentage of the elites. China shifted from a hope of a democratically elected government to replace emperors, to the reality of a single-party system that won control only with the business ends of rifles and re-education camps. The revelation of ugly realities is unlikely to appear all at once, or bring down nations in an instant — but be on the lookout for the collapse of propaganda and manufactured narratives in coming weeks.

House Delineations

The First House of self and self-presentation is Gemini ruled by squaring Mercury exiled and detrimented in Pisces (but in their own term). The Air triplicity rulers are sextile (Saturn), square (Mercury) or inconjunct (Jupiter). Challenging communications from your workplace or supervisor test and strain your sense of self-worth: argument is unlikely to smooth over frictions, but just knuckling under isn’t likely to satisfy, either. Find a third way if you can.

The Second House of money and possessions is Cancer, ruled by the trining Moon in Pisces (in the 27th Mansion). Jupiter is present, exalted but retrograde. The Water triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Mars), or trine (Venus exalted, Moon). Favorable financial circumstances are likely to arise as appeals and reviews of past actions work out in your favor. Be gracious but persistent in requesting compensation.

The Third House of extended family and intimate friends is Leo ruled by the inconjunct Sun. The Fire triplicity rulers are trine (Saturn detrimented) or inconjunct (Jupiter retrograde and exalted, Sun). The Imum Coeli is present. Serving your community is likely to bring temporary contentment, but be aware that your reputation and capacities are being assessed and evaluated.

The Fourth House of home, household, and parents is Virgo, ruled by opposing, exiled and detrimented Mercury. The South Node is present. The Earth triplicity rulers are opposed (Moon, Venus) or inconjunct (Mars). Spending time away from home is likely to bring on some organically arising difficulties — nobody’s out to get you, but spending some cash on a house-checker to water the plants and confirm the pipes aren’t frozen is a good idea.

The Fifth House of pleasures and pastimes is Libra, ruled by inconjunct but exalted Venus. The Air triplicity rulers are opposed (exiled Saturn), square (exalted Jupiter) or inconjunct (detrimented/exiled Mercury). It’s important to identify the sources of your joy and happiness, but recognize that appropriate costs should be evaluated and attended to while enjoying them. Consider not only what your hobbies and pastimes are, but also who you share them with. Children may be a source of unexpected expenses this week; your instincts to invite acquaintances into closer friendships may be both impulsive and risky, though this is mostly likely to work in your favor.

The Sixth House of daily routines, pets, and injuries is Scorpio, ruled by squaring Mars. The Water triplicity rulers are square (Mars) or trine (Moon, exalted Venus). The Lunar apogee is present. You have secrets to work on this week, and yet they’re also likely to be matters that require professional oversight. Don’t get so attached to your daily efforts that you forget to seek feedback on them; you’re likely to learn more from a little honest criticism, so seek it early in the process rather than waiting until the end.

The Seventh House of spouse, peer partners, and rivals is Sagittarius, ruled by inconjunct exalted Jupiter. The Fire triplicity rulers are square (Sun), trine (exiled Saturn) or inconjunct (exalted Jupiter). Professional roles may interfere more than usual with spousal relationships; and peer-to-peer rivalries at work may be a bit more heated than usual; be aware of triangulation — don’t tell work colleagues about your romances or rivalries, and you won’t have to worry about third-party disclosure of your secrets or anxieties.

The Eighth House of obligation, duty and legacy is Capricorn, ruled by squaring exiled Saturn. The Earth triplicity rulers are inconjunct (Mars) or sextile (exalted Venus, Moon). Make ‘deposits’ into your responsibility account, and get those difficult tasks like taxes done —but recognize that this may require you to establish boundaries with friends or acquaintances, and that some of those boundaries may result in ill will or bad feeling.

The Ninth House of higher learning and long-distance travel is Aquarius, ruled by sextile exiled Saturn. The Air triplicity rulers are inconjunct (exiled Mercury, exalted Jupiter) or sextile (Saturn). Mars and Pluto are present. Journeys and travel are more costly than expected; in classroom or lab, injuries are possible and greater cautions should be exercised. Pay careful attention to lines and cables under tension or carrying current.

The Tenth House of career and professional reputation is Pisces, ruled by trining exalted Jupiter. The Water triplicity rulers are present (exalted Venus, Moon) or inconjunct (Mars). The Sun, Mercury and the North Node are also present. Career and reputation may experience some tidal increases and decreases quite circuitously, but it doesn’t mean you can keep your head down and avoid leadership roles. You’ll have to shine the light of reason on a maze of possibilities to find your way through; but at the same time recognize that there are office politics and financial predicaments that no one will quite be able to escape. Do your best to find solutions that work for everyone.

The Eleventh House of friends, associates, and allies is Aries, ruled by sextile Mars. The Fire triplicity rulers are square (exalted Jupiter), present (exiled Saturn) or inconjunct (Sun). Neptune is also present, and Saturn and Neptune are in the same degree, just days away from Conjunction. Your friends, acquaintances, work colleagues and followers or fans are all on fire for big changes and hard work ahead to change the world — but the work will be hard and will take several years to complete, and it’s not yet clear what needs doing. In the meantime there are likely to be some hardships and harshness, and new expectations on you all. The ferocity may not be immediately apparent, but some coldness may rear its head immediately.

The Twelfth House of both obstacles and opportunities is Taurus, ruled by sextile exalted Venus. The Earth triplicity rulers are square (Mars) or sextile (exalted Venus, Moon). Uranus and the Lunar perigee are present. Languidness and a lack of deliberate effort on goals are likely to cause more difficulties and setbacks than pressing onward. Keep advancing the conversations you need to have, but do so in the right forums. Know that upheavals will eventually force you into action — but it’s better to act sooner, rather than react at the last minute.

Horoscopes by Rising Sign

Decan I of any sign (usually covering the 21st of the month to the first of the following month) is free to all visitors; Decan II is only available to Patreon and Ko-Fi.com subscribers; and Decan III is available to Patreon, Ko-Fi, and MailChimp subscribers.

I recommend reading your Sun sign, Moon sign, and Rising sign for best results. I write them with rising sign in mind, but several people have told me they find that they do better with all three.

Gemini: Your ‘brand’ or self-image this week depends on having confidence in your unique abilities to Do The Thing in your office or work environment — but it’s these very abilities that will be called into question or critiqued. It’s worth analyzing the source of those criticisms though, before buying into them: do they arise from envy, inability to do the same work, or anxiety about being so dependent on you? It’s also worth considering your own skills, separately from how they’re being attacked — where do you need to upgrade or improve? With whom are you studying or who are you imitating? Are your long-term needs being addressed?

Cancer: Financial matters require some private recalculations and review of previous assumptions based on new information. Plans with friends need adjustment, but for completely obvious reasons that everyone should have guessed at earlier. Your career issues require working with colleagues to support a new vision, even as that idea is limited by powerful constraints and natural boundaries. Travel plans are coming together but have to be mitigated based on professional expectations and continuing education goals — be alert to some odious tasks that may bite before they bark.

Leo: Getting to know your local community — and winning some recognition from them — is likely to be a source of contentment this week. Yet it’s going to require that you do some tedious and seemingly random leg-work to make the connections happen. Once you’ve done that work, you may find that you’ve built an elaborate scheme from which it will be difficult to extricate yourself, and which may act against your long-term travel plans. Some gardens require cultivation — and it’s worth asking if you’d rather do your horticulture here, or somewhere else, and move accordingly.

Virgo: Household matters go unaddressed or under-addressed while you put your energies into particularly tricky problems at work. It’s all going to come together, but you are likely to feel trapped and meandering until certain problems resolve. Travel plans are likely to fall through or become more expensive, and putting off plans with friends will feel second nature. It’s important to act with generosity toward past clientele but don’t give away the store. There are some long term plans that may have to be adjusted, last minute, but do your best to reschedule promptly.

Libra: Delightful entertainment is in your future, but only if you can pack your bag and get out of work on time — and make your employees or subordinates do the same! The trouble is, what you’re working on is likely to be so very interesting that putting acceptable bounds around it may be inconvenient. You may also be affected by some sticker shock — the ticket may be more expensive than you thought, or come with unexpected strings attached that raise your hackles or throw up boundaries between you and a partner. Recognize that the unplanned indebtedness invites you to step back and break off the engagement; or to step in more fully, with informed consent. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions of your friends.

Scorpio: Home and family may be expensive this week, and that will be a source of conflict that makes you want to loose your ties and find new connections. Breaking stuff may be cathartic, but remember that it’s unfair to break someone else’s stuff without replacing it. Similarly, reconciliation can be fun and beautiful, but that would require you to be both tolerant and forgiving. Avoid contemptible speech and seek to be sweeter and smoother in your actions. The workplace will be hard enough with new ideas and goals that are at odds with reality; don’t bring those unrealistic fantasies into your private life.

Sagittarius: The relationship between money and one’s spouse is often opaque, but there are quick issues that need addressing, even if you do most of the calculations in private. Your own professional attentions are at odds with romantic liaisons and possibilities, but time with friends can be quite valuable if you recognize that you’re on the first steps of a complex and imaginative journey together: put the end in the beginning. Much of your learning and discovery this week will take place near home or with close family members, but be cautious on the road and with new expenses. Reintegrate prayer into your daily routine.

Capricorn: Many partnerships often cohere during shared entertainments: a coffee date leads to a night at the movies, a dinner out to Netflix-and-chill. But often those partnerships are first tested, then deepened, during challenging times, like when friends come for casual hang-out time or as house-sitters during your travels — but then wind up staying… and staying… and staying. Sometimes those unexpected visitors eat of your substance while you’re away; sometimes you have to maintain a friend while they get back on their feet; sometimes you intend to have an overnight guest and wind up with a housemate, or a one-night stand turns into a relationship faster than you expected. Not all such relationships are bad, but it’s worth identifying some boundaries before you host game night at your house.

Aquarius: Got travel plans? You may find that you’re shelling out more money than you thought you were going to, and yet the plans still go awry or need to be changed last minute. In the midst of your delays and difficulties, take the time to note down the names and badge numbers of the cast of characters, and a few defining details. It could be that this is a story worth telling, either in novel or screenplay format; you could dine as an entertaining dinner guest for years on the basis of your adventures this week. At the same time, though, keep receipts — not just for entertainment purposes, but for reimbursements and as evidence of what went awry. Recognize, too, that the first version of the story will not be as good as your memoir — don’t blab your complaints to social media right away, or you cheapen its usefulness to your future plans.

Pisces: It may be worthwhile to brush up your resume or CV, and put a little more oomph into your participation in team meetings. You’re an obviously necessary part of the community and culture in your workplace, but just because you know it, doesn’t mean the boss does. Have a little fun in what you do, but make a point of showing work in progress rather than just keeping it a secret. Financial solutions that you thought were resolved, may turn out to be illusory after all; you may have to renege on promises to friends, but do so with formal apologies rather than ghosting, and explain yourself. Long-term plans may need to be released.

Aries: You may find yourself cutting ties with friends over principles this week — or allowing yourself to let an acquaintance seep back into your life after a long absence, despite reservations. The traditional norms of your long-term finances may be in a bit of a squeeze, too, and though it’s not white-knuckling your way to pay-day, you’re looking at some long-term forecasts and wondering which set of travel plans or conferences to cut from your schedule first. You know that home-and-family take priority, of course, and that there are “personal lifestyle” activities that are easily dropped. What comes next? Take a long hard look at your annual schedule of retreats and spa days next, and which of your friends are costliest (both emotionally and financially). Then you’ll know what cuts to make, at least temporarily.

Taurus: Your long-term plans and your personal identity are likely to be intertwined this coming week in some strange ways, as your traditional role and your assumptions about who you are get shaken and stirred. Take the loss with good sportsmanship, though; recognize it might be a few years before you have clarity about who you’re going to become. Friendships and alliances with acquaintances can become more important if you let them — but deciding who to admit to your inner circle is going to take some time. Who can carouse with you, and yet see you as yourself? Pointing out inefficiencies at work won’t make you popular; yet they count on you to align mission and vision with intermediate objectives and practical activities — nobody does it better.

Colophon

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If you want to read some of my astrologically-oriented poetry, the largest collection is called A Full Volume of Splendor and Starlight, available through my Etsy shop, and containing poems and hymns to the planets, constellations, decan deities, and Moon Mansion angels. While not astrological, Festae contains hymns to some of the older Roman gods and spirits from the calendar created by Numa Pompilius, the second ancient King of Rome.

I use iPhemeris for my charting software, and screenshot it to make charts. I want to thank the team that develops iPhemeris for the addition of Terms and Decans to their charts. I also use Hugh Tran‘s Physis typeface to craft logos for this blog, as well.

I use Christopher Warnock‘s The Mansions of the Moon as the basis of my Moon placement delineations, and Austin Coppock‘s 36 Faces for much of my planetary delineations. Neither gentleman endorses me.