By Rachel Hicks
www.RachelleHicks.com
IG:@RachelleHicksAstrology
An exact eclipse of the new moon : Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
The sun Aquarius at 28° | Moon Aquarius at 28 °
Today’s new moon in Aquarius is also the first eclipse of the year. This brings us to eclipse season and one of the most intense periods of astrological weather we will experience in 2026.
To recap what’s ahead: this eclipse season includes two eclipses – the Solar Eclipse on February 17th and the Lunar Eclipse on March 3rd. We also have Mercury retrograde from February 26th to March 21st.
And the main action of this cosmic show is the Saturn-Neptune conjunction on February 20, a few days after the new moon eclipse in Aquarius.
The Saturn-Neptune conjunction has been one of the main transits that astrologers have discussed during 2025 and 2026. While this is their first official pairing, it also marks the culmination of a long “dance” they’ve been engaged in over the past year. As we move into April and May, Saturn leaves Neptune’s range and moves quickly into Aries.
The beginning of the space storm of 2026
As Saturn and Neptune approach their exact conjunction at 0° Aries, we have already seen collective activity intensify. When we experience what I call “strong astrological weather,” there is often heightened activity and uncertainty in the collective realm.
Although many of these events can be challenging, we can see them as collective growing pains. Discomfort often signals expansion. In times like these, when life is calm and simple, we can face parts of ourselves that don’t come to the surface easily.
Odysseus and the Sirens
In a recent Instagram post for the University of Astrology account, I referred to the myth of Odysseus and the Sirens as a symbol of this moment. This seems especially relevant during today’s New Moon Eclipse and in the coming weeks.
Odysseus can be seen as an Aries type figure – a hero on a hero’s journey. She has a strong connection to her divine mentor and guide, Athena, another archetype we can associate with Aries energy. But when we think more deeply about his travels, we remember that he was rarely alone. He travels with his crew. In many ways, he’s less of a lone character and more of a team effort. This is where we begin to feel the Aquarian emphasis reflected in today’s New Moon.
Notably, Greek mythology is experiencing something of a renaissance in popular culture, most notably with the 2026 Hollywood film, Odyssey.
One scene in particular seems particularly relevant for action in our present moment: Odysseus and his men sailing through the Sirens’ territory.
In OdysseyIt takes Odysseus and his crew ten years to travel home from Troy to Ithaca on foot and by boat from mainland Turkey to the northwestern Greek islands.
At some point they must cross the waters where the Sirens live. The song of the sirens is irresistibly seductive. He calls all who hear him. But anyone who follows his call will not return. This is fatal.
In order to cross these waters safely, Odysseus orders his men to plug their ears with wax so they can continue rowing. However, he prefers to listen to the song, but his crew orders him to be tied to the ship’s mast.
In this way it remains anchored. He listens, but he does not obey.
New Lunar Eclipse Practice: Anchored Listening
Think of this New Moon Eclipse as an invitation to practice anchored listening.
One of the great things about myth is that we can explore different ways and reimagine what symbols mean.
Even if the siren song is devastating, perhaps there is wisdom in the message. Maybe that’s why Odysseus wanted to hear the song, but still he was safe and anchored to his ship.
Seizures can be like wild cards. With Saturn and Neptune very active, this can be a powerful day for clarity and confusion, structure and dream management.
Using the legend of Odysseus as a story to think about, ask yourself:
What’s my siren song now?
Where do I feel—emotionally, mentally, or energetically?
What is attractive, idealized, or difficult to ignore?
Even though I’m not physically attracted to something, do my thoughts constantly dwell on topics that aren’t healthy for me?
Then ask:
What is my column?
What keeps me grounded?
What values, commitments, or structures protect my integrity?
Perhaps this image can be an anchor point for you during today’s eclipse and for the astrological energies that have gathered in February and March.
Based on this image of Odysseus, you can think about where you can listen without leaving the center.
Post New Moon Eclipse in Aquarius: Anchor in a storm appeared first University of Astrology.
