Every year has days that are considered astrological red flags for starting new things and making big life decisions. Here at CHANI, we comb through the astrology of each year to pinpoint which dates are worth working with — and which are worth avoiding.

As expected, 2026 has a few dates to steer clear of — especially if you’re planning a wedding, opening a business, taking a trip, or launching a project — so we’ve compiled them for you here. If you’ve already scheduled something important on one of the days listed below, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to balance out the downsides of this astrology (more on that later). When you know what could go wrong at any given moment, you can go in prepared.

‍

The bad, the worse, and the messy

‍

January

⛈️ January 2nd – 3rd: Full Moon in Cancer

We normally love a Full Moon in Cancer, because the Moon is at home in this sign. But this one is happening exactly opposite the warrior planet, Mars, which means emotions will be charged, and tempers are likely to flare up. If you want to plan something on this day, time it after 12 pm PT on January 3rd, when the Moon will be closer to generous, supportive Jupiter. And if someone tries to pick a fight in the meantime? Don’t take the bait.

‍

February

🐉 February 17th: Solar eclipse in Aquarius

Eclipses bring curveballs, so avoid starting anything big on this day, if you can. If you can’t? Plan for surprises — and power outages. (Seriously. A solar eclipse means the light of the Sun gets blotted out, and our light bulbs, electrical outlets, and internet connections can sputter too.)
‍

🥀 February 20th: Saturn conjoins Neptune

Listen: We’ve been feeling the influence of this once-in-35-years conjunction between Saturn and Neptune for the past year — and on this day, it’s finally making an exact hit. Expect boundaries to dissolve and leak. That might happen literally (think water pipes bursting or walls crumbling), or it might show up in the limits you set with other people. Either way, plan to do some reinforcement.
‍

🔙 February 25th – March 20th: Mercury retrograde in Pisces

This period brings a double whammy to all things communication and travel, because not only is Mercury retrograde — the messenger planet is also in Pisces, the sign of its fall and detriment. Expect crossed wires and sudden detours, and leave extra wiggle room in your schedule. If you have to do something during this period, time it for the Mercury cazimi on March 6th/7th.
‍

🧯 February 27th: Mars squares Uranus

When the warrior planet squares off with the planet of disruption, things get heated — sometimes literally, so make sure your appliances are turned off, and don’t leave any candles burning. People may be on edge around this date, so give each other plenty of space. And do whatever helps you regulate your feelings — you’re not responsible for anyone else’s, after all.

‍

March

🐲 March 2nd – 3rd: Lunar eclipse in Virgo

Eclipses always come in twos or threes, and this is the final one of the season, but it will have ripple effects throughout the following weeks, if not months. These two days could feel especially draining, so avoid taking on any unnecessary stressors if you can. And if you can’t — sometimes that’s just life — try to make time for rest, even if it’s just an extra 15 minutes of breathing room between appointments or meetings.
‍

📣 March 13th: Mars conjoins the North Node

When the planet of aggression joins the North Node, all of our frustrations get a megaphone. On the plus side, we have abundant energy to take action, so this wouldn’t be a bad day for some kind of competition. Tempers and tensions may be hard to ignore, though, so if you are planning a wedding on this date, maybe don’t seat those two argumentative cousins at the same table.

‍

April

🌀 April 3rd: Venus squares Pluto

We wouldn’t recommend trying to reach an agreement or sign a contract on this date, when control issues and power struggles are likely. But if you don’t have that option, be extra clear and direct about your needs, and pay attention to what others have to say too. Luckily, this day isn’t all bad, because Venus is at home in Taurus, which means you’ll be well-resourced to handle whatever challenges come up.

‍

May

🩹 May 16th: Mars conjoins Chiron

Mars brings conflict, and Chiron reflects our deepest wounds, so the two don’t make a comfy combo. Whatever comes up on this date might be healing in the end, but you may not want any cathartic moments interrupting your plans. If someone gets your goat, don’t pretend it didn’t happen, but be strategic about when and how to address the issue. Having your therapist or best friend on speed dial also wouldn’t hurt.
‍

‍⏸️ May 25th: Mars squares Pluto Rx

When the warrior planet squares off with the ruler of the underworld, egos clash, and power struggles surface. But you don’t have to get involved. Do what you can to protect your energy, and let everyone else mind their own business.

📉 May 28th: Venus squares Saturn

Womp womp. When the planet of pleasure squares off with the planet of reality checks, it’s almost always a downer. You might find yourself in a situation that feels limiting or stifling. Just remember that Saturn has a lot to teach us about boundaries and commitments, which are both crucial in relationships — but you may have to learn the hard way.

‍

June

⛰️ June 17th: Venus opposes Pluto Rx

The planet of love is in showstopping Leo on this date, which would be super fun if power-obsessed Pluto weren’t crashing the party. The chance of drama is high, so resist the urge to make mountains out of molehills.
‍

🔙 June 29th – July 23rd: Mercury retrograde in Cancer

The difference between feelings and facts may get blurry during these three weeks. Before saying something you can’t unsay, check in with yourself. If you’re feeling unsettled, sleep on it. And as always during retrograde periods, leave wiggle room in your schedule, and make a plan B and C. If you have to schedule a big event during this period, time it for the Mercury cazimi on July 12th.

‍

July

🎲 July 3rd: Mars conjoins Uranus

Mars can make us feel hotheaded, while Uranus brings disruptions and surprises, so this is a volatile combo. Whenever the warrior planet is in the mix, tempers are likely to flare up, so do what you can to de-escalate any conflict that’s brewing, and do whatever helps you shake off your restlessness.
‍

🌶️ July 28th: Venus squares Mars

When the planet of love squares off with feisty Mars, things get spicy. A little friction can be fun, so this isn’t the worst astrology of all time. But because Venus is in perfectionist Virgo, the sign of its fall, everyone might be a little more nitpicky than usual, so try to give each other some grace.

‍

August

🐲 August 12th: Solar eclipse in Leo

During solar eclipses, authority figures tend to get challenged — but especially when it’s a solar eclipse near the South Node in Leo, which hasn’t happened for almost two decades. This eclipse has big dethrone-the-king energy, so global events may upstage your personal plans, or maybe someone will question your own authority. As with all eclipses, prepare for the unexpected — and for sudden outages.
‍

🧹 August 21st: Venus opposes Saturn Rx

This day is almost good, because the planet of love is in Libra, its home sign. But Venus’ opposition to Saturn could make you feel stuck. The best thing you can do? Face what’s happening head-on. There’s no sweeping things under the rug on this date.
‍

🐉 August 27th – 28th: Lunar eclipse in Pisces

You feel that? It’s the other shoe dropping. This is the finale of this eclipse season. While it may be less draining than the first one on August 12th, it will definitely bring plot twists. Rest up so you can ride the waves of this emotionally turbulent moment.

‍

September

🚧 September 1st: Mars squares Saturn Rx

Mars wants to go, go, go, while Saturn wants to slow all the way down. When the two square off, they bring major frustrations, delays, and obstacles. If you feel a tantrum coming on, pause. Find constructive ways to release the heat so you can handle any setbacks more calmly. (Yes, screaming into your pillow counts.)

🪫 September 15th: Venus squares Pluto Rx 

Not only is Venus squaring off with the planet of power struggles — it’s also in Scorpio, the sign of its detriment, and in its pre-retrograde shadow. You may be feeling tapped out on this date, and it may be harder to give people the benefit of the doubt. Seeking someone else’s support or perspective could help you zoom out and address the situation more objectively. (Because Venus is soon to go retrograde, this is the first of three times this transit will happen.)

‍

October

👻 October 3rd – November 13th: Venus retrograde in Scorpio and Libra

Venus retrogrades are always taxing, because they push us to confront what’s not working in our relationships. But during the first part of this retrograde period, when Venus is in Scorpio (its sign of detriment), we may feel like we’re being dragged through the underworld. Expect to face some shadowy feelings about love, possessiveness, or jealousy. The cazimi on October 23rd may not be the best moment for any big plans, because Venus is still in Scorpio, but we’ll find more clarity around this date. And two days later, when retrograde Venus re-enters Libra (its home sign), we’ll have more tools to handle any challenges that come up.
‍

🎭 October 10th: Venus Rx squares Mars

Are we flirting or getting on each other’s nerves? As with the last square-off between Venus and Mars on July 28th, the tension in the air could be either swoon-worthy or frustrating — but more likely both. If you notice your thoughts getting a little obsessive or melodramatic, take some time to cool off.
‍

⏪ October 19th: Venus Rx squares Pluto Rx

Since Venus is now retrograde, this is a re-run of the square that happened on September 15th. Go back and review that description to remind yourself what to expect.

💬 October 24th – November 13th: Mercury retrograde in Scorpio

The messenger planet is out of the office during these three weeks — and it’s happening while Venus, the planet of love, is also retrograde. This is an extra stressful combo for our relationships, because communication will feel harder than usual, and we’ll have less patience for mix-ups. Oh, and delays may be more frustrating than ever. Plan accordingly. And note that, as usual, the Mercury cazimi on November 4th will provide a brief moment of relief.

‍

November

🫧 November 14th: Mars conjoins the South Node

This is just one of those days when anger bubbles beneath the surface until it bursts. After all, bottled-up emotions always find a way to leak out. A thorough venting session will be your friend around this date. So will any activities that help your body release pent-up frustration.

‍

December

❤️‍🩹 December 9th: Venus squares Pluto

This is the final re-run of the squares that happened on September 15th and October 19th. Go back and review the first description to remember what to expect. While we wouldn’t pick this date for a big event, at least Venus is now moving direct again, so whatever comes up could help you clarify or resolve any issues you’ve been navigating over the past several months.

‍

What should I do if I’ve already locked in one of these dates?

First: Don’t panic.

Second: If you have some control over the timing of your event, work with an astrologer to find a moment in the day when the gnarly astro is less intense — or at least less noticeable.

Third: Even if you can’t reschedule, you can anticipate what could go wrong and stay one step ahead of any mishaps. For example, if you know Mercury will be retrograde, you can expect miscommunications and travel hiccups. So allow as much wiggle room as possible, and encourage everyone else involved to do the same. You can also ask a certain planet to play nice by setting up an altar, lighting a candle, or contributing to a relevant cause. (A Mercury retrograde could be a great time to volunteer with a literacy program or donate to your favorite podcaster’s Patreon.)

And if you want more guidance for the year, check out our 2026 Astro Planner, which clues you in to all the upcoming transits and offers rituals and activities to help you make the most of the astrology in real time.