Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans.
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January astrology opens with a rare Capricorn stellium, intensifying ambition, authority, and long-term goals. But emotional undercurrents run deep as Jupiter, Chiron, and Eris challenge excess, imbalance, and ignored wounds. This week’s astrology asks where power has gone too far—and where cooperation, moderation, and conscious action can restore stability without force.
In This Week's Astrological Overview:
- What makes the Capricorn stellium in January 2026 unusual?
- How does Jupiter amplify emotional and ethical tension?
- Why does the cardinal grand cross signal a breaking point?
- What role does Eris play in exposing hidden truths?
- Where is the opportunity for renewal through balance and cooperation?
Previous weeks' astrological overviews
Astrological Overview:
January 5 - 11, 2026
Each week, astrologer Pam Younghans offers perspectives on the planetary influences currently at play. Consider this overview a compass to help you navigate both opportunities and challenges as they arise. Her insights are intended as guidance for reflection and empowerment, not as predictions. Your personal experiences will always be uniquely shaped by your birth chart and current transits.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours;
Add 8 hours for Universal Time (UT).
MONDAY: Sun sesquiquadrate Sedna, Venus sesquiquadrate Sedna
TUESDAY: Sun conjunct Venus
WEDNESDAY: Venus conjunct Mars
THURSDAY: Mercury sextile North Node
FRIDAY: Sun conjunct Mars, Venus opposite Jupiter,
Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus
SATURDAY: Sun opposite Jupiter, Mars opposite Jupiter
SUNDAY: Venus square Chiron, Eris stations direct
Overview: January 5 - 11, 2026
TRAVELING STELLIUM: The Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Mars are all in Capricorn now, forming what is called a stellium of planets. While such groupings occur periodically, it is less common for four planets to be virtually side-by-side for an extended period, essentially forming a "traveling stellium." This is what is transpiring in the first few weeks of 2026 as our foursome of planets journeys through Capricorn and into Aquarius.
Capricorn is a goal-oriented, practical sign. With the Sun and the three personal planets in the sign, we would expect concrete, determined, collaborative action in alignment with our core values and long-term goals. But the situation is much more complicated than that, with each of these planets opposing Jupiter and squaring Chiron and Eris over the next two weeks.
GOING TOO FAR: This week, the Sun, Venus, and Mars all oppose the planet Jupiter. As the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter magnifies whatever it touches; in opposition, it can indicate overoptimism (Sun), overindulgence (Venus), and overconfidence (Mars). Some may overstep boundaries in an effort to achieve a goal.
Overexpansion may meet with legal, ethical, or moral opposition, all ruled by Jupiter. And, with the giant planet in empathetic, security-conscious Cancer, a tsunami of emotions could arise in response to overly authoritative actions or overtly avaricious objectives (the shadow side of Capricorn). Old beliefs that we once relied upon to help us feel safe are being challenged at this time.
CARDINAL GRAND CROSS: The issues being raised by these oppositions between Jupiter and the Capricorn planets could come to a crisis point next weekend. On Saturday, January 10, a cardinal grand cross is activated when the Sun exactly opposes Jupiter, squares the Moon in Libra, and is also square Chiron and Eris in Aries.
A grand cross represents extreme tension that is looking for a release point. This could be a time when those legal or ethical battles come to a boiling point. The public longs for peace and equity (Moon in Libra), while Chiron and Eris in Aries expose the wounds inflicted by the arrogant, ruthless, unevolved ego.
ERIS INFLUENCE: Dwarf planet Eris, which plays an integral role in the grand cross dynamic, is especially strong now; the planet named for the goddess of Discord is at a virtual standstill for the next two weeks due to stationing direct next Sunday.
Audacious Eris is an agitator and an instigator, often upsetting the status quo as she reveals truths that humanity would rather not see. She is bold and brash, unafraid of stirring controversy and willing to confront the established order.
Eris is the leader of the grand cross, being the outermost planet involved in the configuration and also at the most elevated degree. As Eris awakens the feminine warrior archetype this week, some may finally face a reality that they have been trying to ignore, and also be inspired to take action.
DAILY ASPECTS THIS WEEK (January 5 - 11, 2026):
Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important aspects, day by day:
Monday
Sun sesquiquadrate Sedna, Venus sesquiquadrate Sedna: Feelings of having been betrayed or deceived may arise, but Sedna's promise is that the traumas we experience will lead to the spiritual transformation we seek. With the Sun and Venus in authoritative Capricorn, these feelings could be in response to the words and actions of leaders or governments.
Tuesday
Sun conjunct Venus: Collaborations and alliances may be forged and strengthened now, based on mutual long-term goals.
Wednesday
Venus conjunct Mars: The feminine and masculine work together. We take action to support our values, and we value the importance of taking action. Team work can be very successful.
Thursday
Mercury sextile North Node: Communications are facilitated as we learn to listen with our hearts more than only with our intellects.
Friday
Sun conjunct Mars: The desire to achieve our goals is strong, so impulsive actions are possible. Much can be accomplished by remaining disciplined and being willing to take a step-by-step approach.
Venus opposite Jupiter: The emotional need for comfort and safety is heightened, perhaps leading to overindulgence.
Mercury sesquiquadrate Uranus: Nervous energy is heightened and it may be harder to concentrate. Information we receive challenges us to think in new ways about a situation.
Saturday
Sun opposite Jupiter, Mars opposite Jupiter: Moderation is key today, since it can be easy to go overboard. Legal or ethical issues could reach a climax.
Sunday
Venus square Chiron: Old relationship wounds could be triggered today, reminding us of times when we felt unloved or unwanted. These symptoms and memories indicate a need to accept, understand, and love ourselves more completely, in the ways that we have wished for love and understanding from others.
Eris stations direct: The need to feel seen and heard is very strong, especially in situations where we have felt ignored or dismissed.
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If Your Birthday Is This Week (January 5 - 11):
The drive to accomplish is strong this year, and much can be achieved as long as you remain in balance and are aware of a tendency to overdo. Relationships and partnerships are likely to be integral to your success and your work could involve being an advocate for those who have been disenfranchised. Part of being in balance means giving yourself time for self-reflection and self-care, even when there is much to get done. It will be essential for your overall well-being to pay attention when insecurities arise, and to embrace your fearful side with love and understanding, rather than ignoring, devaluing, or judging this aspect of your being. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Venus, conjunct Mars, opposite Jupiter, square Chiron, square Eris)
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EVENTS AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
WEBINAR THIS WEEK! I'm looking forward to seeing you this Wednesday, January 7, for my first webinar of 2026! "A Great Unraveling and a Cosmic Reweaving" will cover the many powerful astrological events occurring throughout 2026, especially in January, February, and March. We are already well aware that this is a major transitional year, and knowing the astrology can help us align with the higher intentions of these times. To learn more or to register, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/pamjan-march2026.
DAILY ASTROLOGY: For my daily astrological insights, including lunar aspects not covered in this Journal, please follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
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Article Recap:
This January astrology forecast highlights a rare Capricorn stellium that intensifies ambition while exposing emotional and ethical limits. As Jupiter, Chiron, and Eris apply pressure, the week becomes a test of balance, restraint, and conscious cooperation rather than force or domination.
#CapricornStellium #JanuaryAstrology #AstrologyForecast #January2026 #AstrologyInsights
