Planets move through the zodiac at different speeds. Each time a planet shifts from one sign to the next, it changes the energy of your birth chart. These shifts are called planetary transits in Vedic astrology.
The year 2026 brings several noteworthy movements. Jupiter reaches its exalted sign, Cancer. Saturn stays in Pisces for the full year. Rahu and Ketu change their axis in December.
Knowing the dates and signs of these transits helps you plan. You can track all 2026 planetary positions in real time on our planetary transit page. Use it alongside this guide for the best results.
Sun Transit 2026
The Sun spends about 30 days in each sign. Its movement defines the solar months in the Indian calendar. In 2026, the Sun begins in Sagittarius and completes its full zodiac cycle by December.
Makar Sankranti falls on 14 January when the Sun enters Capricorn. This date marks the start of Uttarayan. The Cancer ingress on 16 July coincides with the Dakshinayan period.
| Zodiac Sign | Date of Entry |
| Capricorn | 14 January 2026 |
| Aquarius | 13 February 2026 |
| Pisces | 15 March 2026 |
| Aries | 14 April 2026 |
| Taurus | 15 May 2026 |
| Gemini | 15 June 2026 |
| Cancer | 16 July 2026 |
| Leo | 17 August 2026 |
| Virgo | 17 September 2026 |
| Libra | 17 October 2026 |
| Scorpio | 16 November 2026 |
| Sagittarius | 16 December 2026 |
Full Moon Dates in 2026
The Moon changes signs roughly every two and a quarter days. Full Moon days (Purnima) hold special importance for rituals and meditation. May 2026 has two Full Moon dates, on the 1st and the 31st.
| Month | Full Moon Date |
| January | 03 January 2026 |
| February | 01 February 2026 |
| March | 03 March 2026 |
| April | 02 April 2026 |
| May (First) | 01 May 2026 |
| May (Second) | 31 May 2026 |
| June | 29 June 2026 |
| July | 29 July 2026 |
| August | 28 August 2026 |
| September | 26 September 2026 |
| October | 26 October 2026 |
| November | 24 November 2026 |
| December | 23 December 2026 |
Mercury Transit 2026
Mercury governs intellect, speech, trade, and technology. It moves fast through the zodiac. In 2026, Mercury changes signs thirteen times and goes retrograde four times.
Mercury Sign Changes
| Zodiac Sign | Date of Entry |
| Capricorn | 17 January 2026 |
| Aquarius | 03 February 2026 |
| Pisces | 11 April 2026 |
| Aries | 30 April 2026 |
| Taurus | 15 May 2026 |
| Gemini | 29 May 2026 |
| Cancer | 22 June 2026 |
| Cancer (Re-entry) | 05 August 2026 |
| Leo | 22 August 2026 |
| Virgo | 07 September 2026 |
| Libra | 26 September 2026 |
| Scorpio | 02 December 2026 |
| Sagittarius | 22 December 2026 |
Mercury Retrograde Periods in 2026
During retrograde, Mercury appears to move backward from Earth. These windows often bring miscommunications and travel delays. Planning and double-checking details help during these phases.
The first retrograde starts in Aquarius on 26 February. The second and third retrogrades occur back-to-back in Cancer and Gemini during the summer. The fourth retrograde runs through Libra in autumn.
| Sign | Retrograde Window |
| Aquarius | 26 Feb to 21 Mar 2026 |
| Cancer | 29 Jun to 07 Jul 2026 |
| Gemini | 07 Jul to 24 Jul 2026 |
| Libra | 24 Oct to 13 Nov 2026 |
Venus Transit 2026
Venus rules over love, beauty, creativity, and wealth. It takes about 23 days to cross one sign under normal motion. Venus visits eleven signs in 2026 before its retrograde slows things down.
The standout event is Venus retrograde from 3 October to 14 November. During this time, Venus backtracks through Libra and briefly enters Virgo. Retrograde Venus often brings old relationships and past financial decisions back into focus.
This is a good period to revisit creative projects. It also helps to review spending patterns and budgets.
| Zodiac Sign | Date of Entry |
| Capricorn | 13 January 2026 |
| Aquarius | 06 February 2026 |
| Pisces | 02 March 2026 |
| Aries | 26 March 2026 |
| Taurus | 19 April 2026 |
| Gemini | 14 May 2026 |
| Cancer | 08 June 2026 |
| Leo | 04 July 2026 |
| Virgo | 01 August 2026 |
| Libra | 02 September 2026 |
| Libra (post-retrograde) | 22 November 2026 |
Venus Retrograde: 03 October to 14 November 2026 (Libra to Virgo)
Mars Transit 2026
Mars is the planet of courage, action, and physical energy. It spends roughly 45 days in each sign. In 2026, Mars does not go retrograde at all. Its forward motion stays unbroken throughout the year.
This steady movement makes 2026 a good year for starting new projects. Physical fitness goals, career moves, and land-related decisions get extra support from a direct Mars.
| Zodiac Sign | Date of Entry |
| Capricorn | 16 January 2026 |
| Aquarius | 23 February 2026 |
| Pisces | 02 April 2026 |
| Aries | 11 May 2026 |
| Taurus | 21 June 2026 |
| Gemini | 02 August 2026 |
| Cancer | 18 September 2026 |
| Leo | 12 November 2026 |
Jupiter Transit 2026
Jupiter is the greatest benefic in Vedic astrology. It stays in one sign for about twelve to thirteen months. Each Jupiter transit carries significant weight for predictions.
On 2 June, Jupiter enters Cancer. Cancer is the exaltation sign of Jupiter. This placement supports education, spiritual growth, property matters, and family well-being. It is one of the most awaited transits of the year.
Jupiter then moves into Leo on 31 October. From 13 December onward, Jupiter goes retrograde in Leo. The retrograde phase encourages inner reflection and review of goals.
| Transit Detail | Period |
| Cancer | 02 June to 31 October 2026 |
| Leo | From 31 October 2026 |
| Retrograde in Leo | 13 Dec to 31 Dec 2026 |
Saturn Transit 2026
Saturn remains in Pisces for the entire year 2026. Its roughly two-and-a-half-year stay in each sign creates lasting themes around that sign’s areas.
Pisces relates to spirituality, long-distance travel, and higher learning. Saturn here continues to test patience in these areas. Charitable work and selfless service also come under Saturn’s attention.
Saturn goes retrograde from 27 July to 11 December. During this stretch, old responsibilities and unresolved karmic patterns tend to resurface. Working through them with steady effort brings the best outcomes.
| Transit Detail | Period |
| Pisces | Entire year 2026 |
| Retrograde in Pisces | 27 Jul to 11 Dec 2026 |
Rahu and Ketu Transit 2026
Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets (lunar nodes). They always move in reverse through the zodiac. Each node spends about eighteen months in one sign.
For most of 2026, Rahu stays in Aquarius, and Ketu stays in Leo. This axis highlights the tension between collective concerns and personal identity.
On 5 December, Rahu shifts into Capricorn, and Ketu moves into Cancer. This axis change redefines priorities around career, public image, emotional security, and home life for the next eighteen months.
| Node | Period |
| Rahu in Aquarius | Until 05 December 2026 |
| Rahu enters Capricorn | 05 December 2026 |
| Ketu in Leo | Until 05 December 2026 |
| Ketu enters Cancer | 05 December 2026 |
Major Planetary Conjunctions in 2026
When multiple planets gather in one sign, their combined energy is amplified. Several notable conjunctions take place in 2026. These periods deserve extra attention in your planning.
January starts strong with four planets in Sagittarius. A rare five-planet alignment in Capricorn occurs between 18 and 21 January. February and March see a packed Aquarius with up to five planets plus Rahu.
| Conjunction | Date Range |
| Sun, Mars, Mercury, Venus in Sagittarius | 01 Jan to 13 Jan 2026 |
| Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus in Capricorn | 18 Jan to 21 Jan 2026 |
| Sun, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Rahu in Aquarius | 23 Feb to 02 Mar 2026 |
| Sun, Saturn, Mars, Mercury in Pisces | 11 Apr to 14 Apr 2026 |
| Venus and Ketu in Leo | 04 Jul to 01 Aug 2026 |
| Mars, Jupiter, Ketu in Leo | 12 Nov to 05 Dec 2026 |
Five Transits to Watch Closely in 2026
1. Jupiter Exalted in Cancer (2 Jun to 31 Oct): A strong placement for higher studies, property, and spiritual growth. Plan major decisions during this window.
2. Venus Retrograde in Libra and Virgo (3 Oct to 14 Nov): Review relationships and finances. Revisit creative ideas you had shelved earlier.
3. Saturn Retrograde in Pisces (27 Jul to 11 Dec): Resolve pending duties and old obligations. Patience and steady effort pay off during this phase.
4. Rahu-Ketu Axis Change (5 Dec): A once-in-eighteen-months event. The shift from Aquarius-Leo to Capricorn-Cancer redirects collective energy.
5. Mercury’s Four Retrogrades: Happening in Aquarius, Cancer, Gemini, and Libra. Double-check contracts, travel plans, and communications.
How to Use This Transit Calendar
Mark the major transit dates in your personal calendar. Pay extra attention to retrogrades of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn. These periods call for review rather than new beginnings.
Check which houses these transiting planets activate in your birth chart. A planet entering your 10th house affects career. The same planet in your 7th house affects partnerships. Knowing this helps you prepare.
Plan major life events like job changes, weddings, or property purchases around supportive transits. Jupiter’s exaltation in Cancer from June to October is one such window. Use direct Mars energy for physical and career goals.
Stay Prepared Throughout 2026
Planetary transits are a practical tool in Vedic astrology. They help you understand the energy of each period. Knowing when planets change signs, go retrograde, or form conjunctions gives you an edge in planning.
Use this calendar as a ready reference throughout the year. Stay aware of what each month brings. Prepare well, act wisely, and let the planets work in your favour.
