2026 Do’s and Don’ts: Astrological Tips and Tricks for the Year Ahead  

Hello everyone, and welcome to 2026 – this year is going to be extremely interesting. And by interesting, I mean historical in more ways than one. Yes, the 2020s have all been intense thus far, but the peak of the energy happens now.

So, this article walks you through some necessary and helpful tips and tricks you can follow to make your life much easier, to avoid some of the stuff you don’t want to invite into your life, to manage your expectations, and – after all of that – to actually live and make the most out of this year of massive change.

This article does not stand alone. The Year 2026: A New Dawn walks you through a generalized overview that explains exactly why 2026 is so big and gives a far more thorough and nuanced overview of the energies, as well as additional information on how to work with them. (As this article is supposed to be short… not sure if I managed that.) Also, subscribers get advice specific to their Sun and Rising signs as well. Become a subscriber – and get the article as well! (It’s free!)

Lastly, before we really get into the meat and potatoes:

Writing these articles costs a lot of time and energy, never mind the know-how and training to even be able to mine the astrology to get to all this good stuff, like advice, tips, and tricks. I want to bring this knowledge to others free of charge because it can do so much to help others, and I don’t want to gatekeep that from people who can’t afford to pay my 1-on-1 reading fees. But honestly, this would be paid content-only if made by any other astrologer that I know.

Again: I don’t want to do that. But if you can support me in doing this work by giving a donation of your choice (even a small one!) I’d be super grateful, as it would really help me in doing my work – thank you so much in advance! You can also book a 1-on-1 reading and report if you want more individualized advice. 

Now, let’s get started.

Tips and Tricks: the Biggest Themes

Pay Attention!

Pay attention to what information is going to come out and keep an ear to the ground, including when it comes from sources you usually don’t listen to. What’s important here is that the tendency we have already towards polarization and “every group having their own set of information that echoes their opinion,” while changing compared to early 2025, still remains. What do I mean by that? If you know that you’re basing your opinions of what’s going on based on other information than the people who have a different opinion from you, it’s going to be a really good idea to listen to the other side of the story. Even if you disagree with 99% of what they say: it’s important to have a basis for understanding, or the fracturing that’s possible under Uranus in Gemini on a social and societal level will get even worse. And the 1% are going to be really, really interesting.

Expect to Have Your Mind Changed

You’ll enter this year thinking you know what there is to know about the world and your reality. It’s highly likely that you don’t – that neither of us has any of the information we truly need – and it’s just as likely that 2026 is going to drop some bombshells in terms of information coming to light that we later feel betrayed by.

This means it’s a good idea to: a) follow your gut instinct when your logic and gut don’t agree on something, b) do research where you can, And c) stay flexible with your plans and the things you truly commit to believing.

Too much is in flux right now, though 2026 will re-orient us to what is true… with time.

Speak Your Truth

Under Uranus in Gemini, you once again have a right to freely speak your opinion, even if others don’t like it – and vice versa. The drive towards freedom of having and expressing your own thoughts on a matter is going to become a major theme worldwide, and much bigger and harder to suppress socially. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into consequences depending on your delivery. This year can make us, hm, let’s just say blunt where tact might be needed. In some cases, even tempted to engage in unnecessary provocation of others. Be aware of which battles you pick.

Set Boundaries

This year makes us all more focused on who WE are as individuals and what WE need, first. This is part of a development towards something more humanitarian, but until we reach a certain level, we’ll run into selfishness, which requires us to set boundaries.

Pick Your Battles…

Quite simply, there are things you should absolutely get involved in and things not worth your time. If you pour your energy into the latter, you won’t have much left over for the former: pick your battles – and then commit to them. This goes for conflict, for projects, and for anything you decide to fight for.

… And Actually Commit to the Battles You Pick

With Saturn and Neptune in Aries, it’s time to put your walk where your talk was and your money where your mouth is… and, in that sense, to actually fight the battles you subscribed yourself to: both because you won’t be given a choice and because you feel the internal pressure of not being in alignment with your principles more strongly. Conflicts also erupt more easily and can, at times, escalate more easily.

If you commit to “fight a battle” – in the form of a project, a goal, or an actual conflict – you’ll need to actually commit to it, because if you only say you do without the intent to follow through, the battle will find you anyway. It’ll sneak up on you while you’re least aware and ignore all those lovely, energetic RSVPs of “Eff off” you sent out to avoid its calls to action. Either be honest – that this isn’t a fight you wish to have – or see it through.

Many times, people say they’re really going to fight X or have conflict Y, and then either don’t actually do it, or they make such a half-baked attempt that nothing positive comes out of it. This won’t fly under this energy: stay consistent and actually do things right, or they WILL come back to bite you. 2026 is not going to leave you much room for waffling around when you said you would but then wouldn’t. It also won’t let you easily exit a conflict/fight for something that you initiated: so better be sure you finish what you started.

Self-Discipline Pays Off

Not every little thing that upsets you needs to lead to conflict, and sometimes, we need to actively de-escalate and keep ourselves in check when we’re in a conflict – so that it can be resolved fairly. More on this in different sections of this report, but note to self: maturity and discipline pay off a lot this year – more than usually.

Choose Forgiveness… Eventually

In a world that claims to value acceptance, we’re in short supply of actually letting grievances go and finding acceptance with our own/someone else's past with us. You don’t have to put yourself in a situation where you’ll continuously get hurt (that’s not forgiveness, that’s playing the doormat): but know when to let things go internally.

Don’t Use the Appeasement Strategy

Some people are going to want to pick fights at this time, and it’s really difficult to avoid conflict with someone who’s committed to having it out with you. The appeasement strategy (a.k.a., avoiding conflict at all cost, overprioritizing “making someone like you again” over the issue at hand) is only going to buy you time, and often at the expense of your peace (and ethics). Giving a little is fine, and so is compromise. But the actual mindset of “if I give you everything you say you want, you won’t hurt me!” won’t work. Not long-term, and not at all in 2026.

Provocations:

Avoid unnecessary provocations, and be aware of how blunt you are.

In 2026, a year when tempers run high, and emotions do, too, it’s probably best to know when to choose the tactful route rather than “calling a spade a spade” 24/7, with no exception. Not only that, the energy makes it so seductive to just be blunt that the people who are already prone to more bluntness might overdo it – even unintentionally.

Similarly, more diplomatic folks are led to a more direct route: remember, direct communication is great! Just make sure you don’t overshoot your mark.

Handle provocation well.

2026: the year of provocation. Uranus in Gemini brings an energy (similarly to Pluto in Aquarius, and they’re hyping each other up here) of WANTING to troll people, to shock others, to play around a little in the realm of provocation for the amusement of it. (Note: I don’t endorse this, I just say it’s going to be an elevated theme.

Be aware this is going to happen (and keep your cool if you’re the target), and be aware when you’re doing it yourself (and of what you’re getting into if you decide to do this). Tempers run high.

Also: please don’t get mean, especially not without cause. People have feelings, including those on the internet who read their comment sections. You do not want to be responsible for some of the fallout that internet trolling, etc., can have. Be aware of what you’re doing and why.

If this article helped you, consider supporting my work via donation or by sending this to a friend… or both! Thank you kindly for your support! You are the reason why I can keep doing this work for all!

Want individualized advice? I offer 1-on-1 readings and reports for the Year Ahead! Click here to fill out the form for the next steps!

The Darker Potential

The darker potential of these energies, something that hopefully no one, but likely a rare few of you, might experience. However, it truly is nothing I’d expect everyone to move through, so please don’t freak out, and don’t get worried if this does not apply to you. This is not for everyone. Also, you can skip this entire section here if you’d like.

Without further ado, let’s get in there.

Traffic and Travel

This year has the highest likelihood for traffic accidents and unexpected (travel, traffic, and logistics-related) events that I’ve seen so far. HOWEVER: you can do something about this.

Take travel and traffic-related safety seriously

Wear your seatbelt, mind the traffic rules and speed limits, and don’t drive when you’re overly tired, emotional, or under the influence. Check your vehicle and make sure you’re on top of repairs and random warning lamps going off.

Invest in safety

Via paying money, time, or attention to Common Sense Safety rules (be it for traveling alone in a city you haven’t been to yet, being at an airport, etc.): invest in your own safety.

Extreme Sports

This is the year to be way more careful with these things, especially around extreme sports you casually dabble in during your vacation. (If you’re a pro who does this regularly throughout the year, that’s a bit different – but care is still required.) Don’t skimp on safety precautions, equipment, and external support.

And for all of the above: watch out for Mercury Retrogrades!

Conflicts Have Relational Consequences

This year, more than in other years, Saturn brings the focus to the consequences of relational conflicts… especially that conflicts can actually cost us relationships. In some cases, this will be because of the why of the conflict. Quite simply, not everyone is compatible, as some people have far too different values, life circumstances, goals, and dreams to have any business together at all: one person would always have to compromise, and while there’s a time and space for that… not everything can or should be compromised on. (Example: one person can’t live without a future that includes having a child. The other person can’t live in a future with a child. Neither is capable of changing their mind… how can anyone compromise here? It’s not like you can pick the middle and have 0.5 children – you’re not a walking statistic!)

In these cases, the ending of the relationships is absolutely for the highest good of all involved. Your future is on the line – and maybe someone else’s as well. Your destiny is calling you elsewhere – it’s okay to lose what was meant to be temporary along the way.

In some cases, it’s because of the how of the conflict – essentially, how the conflict is handled. Here is where you can tweak your own conflict style to get the result you want. (Note: always shutting up and avoiding the conflict will only buy you time, not peace. Some conflicts need to be fought out.) This may also be a time when some of you have to say goodbye to a person who’s so married to an unhealthy conflict style that they’re harming you. … and to become more mature in your own style of conflict-behavior, if that’s necessary.

Extreme Cases

This section obviously DOES NOT APPLY TO EVERYONE. This is speaking to the darkest potential ONLY, and that is optional – as far as astrology is concerned.

Even darker than this, some people might walk with the themes of violence this year – especially if an addiction and/or substance abuse is involved – so, if you know you might be at risk, this is a time to prioritize learning how to protect yourself. Jupiter in Cancer (until June 30^th) is actually going to be a very positive influence on building skills and structures for self-protection, should that be something you actively invest time and energy in. Chiron in Aries is going to help, too: so, you’re not doomed here. You can actively do things to protect yourself that actually work out.

Addiction

This is also a time when the negative consequences on your own body or in your own life emerge if you are addicted to something. If you’re on a sobriety journey, this year could be a breakthrough, allowing you to truly set yourself up for continued sobriety. (Again, you have to put in the work).

If you’re currently using substances in ways that aren’t healthy for you (or can’t stop doing behaviors that you know are harming you, despite seeing the consequences), this is a great year to get away from this. But the consequences of not doing so become more apparent. Please be mindful.

If you love someone with an addiction, this is a year where more boundaries are needed (and where you’re more cosmically supported than before when it comes to setting them).

Recklessness

Consequences of recklessness are another theme of this year: if you’re prone to more reckless behavior, regardless of where and with what, this might be a time to choose caution, as things can quickly escalate more than you think they do. Think things through.

This doesn’t mean to avoid any and all risk – but there is risk, and there is R.I.S.K. This is not the time to jump out of an airplane with a parachute bought from GuaranteedBadQualityNoWarrantyDotCom – at a discount.

This is the time for well-calculated risk, though… so, don’t be risk-avoided, just don’t be stupid about life.

Elementary Stuff:

Fire

Fires spreading everywhere – metaphorically and literally – may be a theme this year with Chiron, Saturn, and Neptune all in Aries… and then, Jupiter and the South Node in the fire sign, Leo. Please make sure you have insurance, avoid unnecessary risks, and don’t invest in overly flammable materials, technologies, etc. (Also: not a good year to vacation in fire-prone areas in Summer.)

Pipes

Check your pipes before Fall.

Storms

Extreme Weather may be a thing this year, including storms: be careful and seek shelter if you need to.

If this article helped you, consider supporting my work via donation or by sending this to a friend… or both! Thank you kindly for your support! You are the reason why I can keep doing this work for all!

Want individualized advice? I offer 1-on-1 readings and reports for the Year Ahead! Click here to fill out the form for the next steps!

Other tips:

Work to Realize Your Dreams

2026 has a magic-like signature that gives us the opportunity to make dreams come true. What used to seem impossible becomes doable… so, use the opportunity!

Take Risks

Don’t be reckless, but do take risks and make leaps of faith. Be bold, have courage, and take a chance.

Express Yourself!

This year is all about – and rewards – individuality. Be yourself, see good things come to you!

Individualized Advice

So much of 2026 is very specific to individuals that it makes little sense to cover all the small parts with 1,000 warnings and caveats that it may not apply to you specifically… so, come in for a reading and find out! 

Set Yourself Free

This year highly supports any endeavor that liberates you… So be sure you know what liberation brings you if you choose it. An alternative title for this year could have been: POV: You realize you have free will. Or: Effing Around… and Finding Out, Yay! (Well, the latter part may come in 2027.)

Energy Management

With Saturn in Aries, the theme is going to be to learn how to use your own energy sustainably: especially in 2026 when Chiron is dancing between Aries and Taurus. Burnout ain’t fun. I’d avoid it if I were you. So, manage your resources wisely.

Slow Down Before Making Decisions

With Uranus in Gemini bringing change at the speed of a thought, we can become tempted to throw our life’s trajectory into an illegal U-Turn without checking traffic first… that is to say, we can be so impulsive that we do something really dumb, only to later pay the price. And also, we might break something loose only to figure out within record time that it was “just a phase.”

During Uranus in Gemini, we’ll have a lot of very brief “phases” where we’re 100% convinced of our perspective and likely discard other people’s opinions more easily. Slow down when it comes to making decisions, so you’re not leaping before you look.

And if you stick with your decision after an appropriate amount of patience and research has been applied… leap – and fly. This is not about avoiding change; this is about choosing the right lane to change into.

Root Into Safe Havens and Your Home

With Jupiter in Cancer (until June 30^th), we can use our safe spaces, including the people who feel like home, the places that feel like home, and our actual homes as a refuge that helps us ground and process the changes taking place this year. Family of the soul or of blood (whichever applies, I would hope for you that you have both!) can be a space of safety that, if it’s healthy, helps you through these times like nothing else. Keep your friends close – and your chosen/blood family closer.

If this article helped you, consider supporting my work via donation or by sending this to a friend… or both! Thank you kindly for your support! You are the reason why I can keep doing this work for all!

Want individualized advice? I offer 1-on-1 readings and reports for the Year Ahead! Click here to fill out the form for the next steps!

Further Reading:

This article is part of a series, so check out:

Year of A New Dawn: A Generalized Analysis of 2026

2026: A Compilation of All Articles (Including all articles mentioned in this one!)

And become a subscriber for advice for your Sun and Rising Signs!

Also, please note that the most individualized and tailored-to-you advice comes in the form of a 1-on-1 reading or report with me – book one here.

Thanks for reading this article! Consider donating to support my work and sending this to a friend if this helps you.

See you soon,

Alexandra

AstrologyfromtheSoul.com