February 20th, 2026

From where do we build and draw faith?

Neptune is in the spotlight due to its definitive entry into Aries, and its conjunction with Saturn at 00 degrees Aries and 45′ (1st degree of Aries). What is a conjunction? A conjunction gives emphasis, unifies energies, it does not offer awareness. Awareness is manifesting through the opposition aspect (like the Full Moon). This particular conjunction is characterized as “historic” because it is rare. We do not have a recent previous one in this sign and at this degree of the sign, in order to make certain comparisons. It also preludes (converses) in time with two other planetary cycles of collective significance and development that are entering another area of expression (Uranus trine Pluto – Aquarius and Gemini) and Uranus sextile Neptune (Gemini–Aries) this year. This is particularly rare, and highlights that whatever begins now, affects us all, and within the next three to five years (until 2031), not only is here to stay, it will determine the evolution of the world, of coming generations, and of our reality, to a degree that we cannot really and fully conceive.

We are in a moment of envisioning, contemplation or completion and closure of chapters. In a moment of collapse of previous ideals, and creation of new ones. In a moment where our faith may be tested. How is this interpreted at the beginning of a Aries? (The Vernal Equinox point?- The point of equal light and darkness). How does this completion manifest in a new way, an initiative, in a new environment. A new perspective. With a different stance that is called to evolve what we defined as ideal, and to focus on a new ideal. Which gives form to something, which is expressed in a new way and relates to our vital space, perhaps our own lived experience, or sense of identity.

When something is so close to us, we do not perceive it holistically so easily, it absorbs us, and gives us the impulse to do something about it. It is like the threshold of a door the exact moment we enter or depart, and that first step. However, we struggle to separate or discern what is coming or what will arise from it. This stirs up emotions, thoughts, courage, hope, and this step will have certain consequences -results in the future. The conjunction speaks of a trigger, a first manifestation. Something that nudges us to see things differently, to negotiate the moment with the totality. To perform a transcendence. It is like the moment of an embrace, of a farewell or of a critical meeting. Every new commitment, also speaks of a release of a previous one.

Saturn met Neptune —went toward him. Saturn is the last visible planet with the naked eye (therefore that boundary of reality that we recognize), and Neptune is a planet that we cannot see with the naked eye. Where do we stand, in order to gaze at the totality? This has a meaning that connects distance and position. Distance shows what is important for the large scheme of things, and position, the way we will respond. Spiritually, creatively and ideologically this aspect is about a revelation. We distance ourselves from somewhere and assume a new position. It speaks of limits and transcendence of them. It speaks of a transition, something that unifies, merges or dissolves, and of something that consolidates, structures, and is realistic. Early Aries is the first breath of Spring, and deals with issues of autonomy, initiative, existence, and identity, externalization of a dynamic impulse. All of the above have both positive and negative scenarios. This ~37 year cycle speaks of the building of ideals and dreams. Within this context, it includes what pre-exists, and what we place faith in.

At the beginning of the cycle, perhaps prompted by some event or experience, it is likely that we reflect upon these matters. On what has completed its cycle. On matters of a new beginning, on something that is important for survival, for the now, and on the level of structures and governance for the whole, the common good. It calls us to a holistic view, regarding autonomy, identity, that which we feel needs to be defended in life, for the sake of continuity and creation collectively.

The two energies may coincide and manifest as an individual, or personally characterized initiative (Aries), from a perspective to benefit or contribute to the whole. An action, an event, may turn us toward that which is most vital and important. Our identity or what we identify with may become relevant. Issues of principle, and matters that concern the beginning of something that we believe in, create or contemplate may concern us. Each beginning may be the half of everything, but as in music or literature, a motif that at first sounds discordant or disconnected, may later be revealed as the key of the whole composition. Many works begin intentionally in darkness, in some kind of vagueness, in a state where complexity prevails. How many times in our effort to clarify something, did we seek to read texts, study information, consult or meet with people so that a new direction would arise afterward, with greater clarity? How many times, through difficulty, a phase of retreat, a concession, a resignation, or an experience of loss in life, were we led to a new road of faith or creation, which in the end may have proven eye opening or revealed new aspects of ourselves? Whatever we see at this given time happening around us, in our world, seems to dissolve compartments or demolish previous ideals. It is at the same time a trigger, an impulse, a motion, an idea, it is a challenge for change of perspective and response.

The question at the beginning of the cycle:

What is our dream now? Who and what inspires us? What do we expect from here onward? Is there something that we must leave behind, to make it reality? Who and what helps us, what weakens us, and what disorients us? Where do we gain faith and what drains it? Do we focus on that which unifies, joins or on that which separates and disolves. In parallel with whatever we do or manage at this moment, we take stock, at least those of us who are 50 years old or over.

If somewhere the boundaries have been lost in our lives or in the world, it is because we are entering a process to determine what has meaning, and what is our highest obligation. A structure or a means of organization will need to change in some sector of our lives, or continue in a different manner, a new environment. This requires a change in the way we respond, but also a change in our mentality to a smaller or greater degree. Management of our time is important in this process.

For each one of us, on an individual level, this cycle means something different — according to our natal chart and disposition, as Saturn rules certain houses (areas of life). Each one of us experiences their own Saturn scenario, their own Neptune scenario. It may also mean many things at the same time — practical, material, spiritual, ideological, psychological, creative.

In any case, how does the ideal meet tangible reality at this time? What is the ideal scenario for our reality in the here and now? How does this connect to external or generational factors? Where do we feel the need to defend something or surrender something, as individuals, in our relationships, in our profession, on a social, collective or global level. Everything is relevant.

Our mythology is rich in symbolism, but Neptune is the planet that speaks of myths, and decoding of symbols. Of course, not all traits of mythological Greek deities are adopted by astrology as significations. However, there is value in refering to them and exploring them.

The Greek Myth: Mythologically Poseidon was son of Cronus, essentially his father wanted to swallow him, as also his other children, from fear that they would dethrone him. The story relates to generations and mentalities. Fathers and sons. Those who reign and those who succeed them.

Poseidon (Neptune) has already occupied a new territory (in Aries), therefore this can be likened to the phase where Poseidon already is in a new region that he is just  getting to know (first degree). Saturn entered this region, (Aries) second in chronological order (think of this as if Poseidon’s father comes to visit him there in some way) — mythologically this could not occur, because after the epic Titanomachy Cronus disappeared from the forefront, and apart from conflicts never again had any essential contact with his children. So, is this meeting likened to the phase of baby Poseidon approached by his father with intention to swallow him? Or does this meeting resemble an awakening of memory, or deeds and experiences that return either in the form of “threat”, or as feeling of “obligation”, “debt”, “guilt”, or as a natural maturation process that seals or crystallizes something, but is also processing that feeling of being prompted, or overwhelmed by an imminent ending (of a story). As a reminder, that the very space we occupy, “inhabit” or on which we stand, has arisen from a struggle, strife, difficulties, a certain demand, but also “luck” — circumstance. This territory or world, we have an obligation to get to know, to define with a new momentum and to defend.

The world was divided into three realms, after the Titanomachy by drawing lots, and the lot fell to each god for the part of the world over which he would exercise dominion. It was not distributed according to evaluation of talent or skill or some kind but based on a process that was equitable and transparent, with equal opportunity for the three gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades–Pluto). For parts of the world that had different characteristics. They did not choose these realms themselves based on what they would wish, but they co-decided the process of election. Therefore, this conjunction reminds us of the origin of things and their history. The causes of situations that are present in our world(s). What is most important, now.

The children of mythological Cronus had a bad relationship with their father (except perhaps Zeus who was somewhat more protected), they struggled for their survival and had a huge clash with him. Whatever we create stems from a struggle, and a conflict to a smaller or greater degree, with that which pre-exists, but if nothing pre-exists, nothing can be created either. So, the children defeated Cronus, and through a common agreement, they tossed it like heads or tails, and found themselves rulers each of a part of the world, and it was through the characteristics of each world that they acquired their qualities and attributes, and the myths that correspond to them.

What are the qualities that are attributed to us based on the region we occupy or inhabit? Another issue of identity. The spaces and regions that we find ourselves and inhabit define us, they are permeated by their natural resources, knowledge, ideologies, history, myths, spiritual and religious concerns, memories, inherent urges, experiences, out of which an identity is created.

If we follow this thread of thought, it speaks also of issues of origin, but also for those who hold more “power”- a reminder that they have received it also by luck and circumstance or as destiny, the relationship with their past and strife.

This applies to all of us, to a greater or lesser extend. Everything therefore that has been given to us has been created, contains difficulty, privileges, temptations, and potential use and abuse. Every deity in Greek mythology had omnipotent and miraculous skills, but also human weaknesses. Advantages and flaws. Very wise.

So, we all come, collectively and individually, to remember that everything, however conflictual or cntrdictory it may be, has a common or similar origin, starting point, it is not perfect, and there is something we owe to give back, to take a stand. In a ‘territory’ that befell us, or was bequeathed to us. To measure ourselves against the elements where abuses have occurred, or distortions and mistakes took place, and to remember once again and defend (Aries) what we truly are, and that which is truly needed for a balanced coexistence.

What reminds us of this? Imperfections. Wrong priorities, imbalances, lack of measure, hypocrisy, lies, unnecessary strife for things that do not support or are not supported by a holistic view of life. The imbalances of the three worlds. How do we use this energy? By placing Poseidon’s trident and stirring up the waters, or calming them?

Naturally the degree of responsibility of each individual is very different, and relates to position. But in the sign of Aries, we are reminded of these impulsive actions or courageous responses that make a difference. It also concerns every person who exercises authority, has status, or even feels that they are authorized in some way. Those who hold or conquered positions and privileges by “lot,” or from generation to generation.

How is previous experience passed on to a new practice, to those who follow, to the whole? The transcendent significance of this alignment. What is the significance of individual actions and their contribution to the whole? How is experience transmitted into practice? How is power exercised based on prior conditions, and on the day to day level experience, and interaction? A new form of leadership is created. How does one meet or converse with their experiences and their past? How does one merge them with the collective feeling or the common good? Where do the boundaries of identity, self-authorisation and autonomy become confused? What does one consider his duty? How much has one understood what has been given to them, and what they deserve? To which temptations has one succumbed or resisted? What happens after death, after the end of ones “term”?

Thus, the “paternal” archetype is present, to each new archetype of power and leadesrship, to remind it, to attempt to restrain it, to structure it, to hold it accountable or to strengthen its creative potential. To stir through memory what had happened, from where everything started. What unites us all, and what we share no matter how different we may all are?

This causes a stir up in the field of coexistence or existence in various ways, which relates to identity, actions, stance and creation. Thus, begins a cycle of meeting of the mythological “father” with a “son.” We can perceive it as two separate entities or as one merged existence which is contradictory in nature, negotiating a “cohabitation” or “coexistence.” The relationship of the two deities was problematic by definition and from the very beginning, but that was it, it was as real as it gets, and it defined the course and the consequences for both. And from this, something was created for the “son” — creation, which has the privilege and the power to evolve, in a different way, like with equally courageous acts had also been acquired by the father through his own story.

We will see and we are seeing all these to coexist around us and within us. This need for acceptance of the inevitable or the resistance of the passing of a baton that has served its purpose, failed or succeeded in various ways, from generation to generation. The resignations, the dethronements at many levels, the adverse or even interesting coexistences.

Also, what is happening with the old way of thinking, the established order, or thought and ideology and the potential for a new one? What forces and powers existed through an existing model of evolution that are tested, and what forces and powers arise from a new one that are have not been tested yet? What Cronus reigned was split into three. Three worlds were recognized instead of one unified, whole one. The sky and all its creation (physically and mentally whatever is visible in our world, whatever we see and can conceive — Zeus), the ocean and the seas (physically and emotionally, whatever is fertile, outside the natural environment of man that carries also the unknown, difficulty, turbulence, wonder, inspiration, imagination, artificial, glamour, calmness, vastness and wonder, ecstasy and mystery, anything that can dissolve boundaries or bridge, or also sweep away, fragment, create and destroy — Poseidon), and the underworld (whatever is below the surface — underground, wealth — death — destruction — metaphysical — whatever we do not control or repress, but transforms us and provokes intensity).

Everything is creation. Sometimes the creative process can create distorted things, or really healing and good things. What do I mean by this, in relation to the Saturn–Neptune conjunction? It is a moment when we perceive that there is a part of the world (ours), of reality, which we did not perceive as separate, and now another consciousness of power (creation) begins to dominate, which either occupies space, or attempts to coexist, to move together. A force that is indeed our own creation and acquired and with which we inevitably identified, but it surpassed us and is now an independent nature–existence. How do we perceive this? How does it change our identity, our stamp in the now, but also in relation to what we were or defined until today? A transcendence is occurring whose seed is planted now. The seed of what we have created, what we have built, and how we owe to perceive it as something that needs and ought to change in the present for tomorrow. It is a matter of perspective and mentality. To see the need of the now, with the consciousness of a common past, a common starting point, where we all meet in some way.

Other themes of the conjunction through the mythological prism: What is now outdated as idea, as opinion, as expression, and does not go somewhere creatively, either in dialogue or to open the mind to an out-of-the-box thinking. To pose questions to us in that which we consider ‘given’, not because we really believe it, but because it suits us, or we have arranged our safe reality around it, and do not want to dedicate time to see it differently or even learn something from it. This is about prejudices and false outdated notions.

Thus, since Saturn met Neptune in this conjunction, and would meet him whether he wanted to or not, and necessarily will surpass him, we also have such a relationship between that which is established and experienced within us, in our world as creation or as our narrative, and that which attempts to loosen it, or dissolve it or give it a new form.

How are we present through our absence? How are we absent through our presence? A technique that is necessary for the actor or artist who embodies a role because it is part of the nature of their profession, while in real life this is an existential issue, and an issue of identity and roles that we are called to express in various circumstances, and put ourselves in other people’s shoes. Learn to walk again that way.

It may also manifest as the realization or the fear that AI technology, the network, may abolish the status or efforts of years that have been invested in certain professions. It may become a substitute for creation. Or potentially steal authentic identity in the creative process. That too is a kind of dissolution or loss.

We therefore have the mythological relationship of father toward son, who before even realizing what his children would become, wanted to “devour” them, or was so ego centrically absorbed with what they may potentially become, that focused so much on controlling them, and neglected things that were perhaps of a most important priority. How then does the previous generation meet the new? The previous concept of structuring, of controlling creation, with the new era and new ways and skills.

Where and in what way do we all meet within this?

It is a moment of reconciliation, and acceptance. Acceptance of the totality and of vicious cycles. Which includes discernment and purification from acquired elements that do not belong to us or attempt to alter us. How do we restrain or control this flow of new beginning, existence or way? How do we meet something inevitable? What kinds of prejudices will this meeting engage with? What have we inherited and what do we exchange? What is the portion of responsibility that corresponds to us? What do we avoid, and what do we glamourise? What sacrifice do we make for the whole or a holistic perception of the course and future evolution in our area of interest? An fresh approach is favored with the early degrees. We will start learning something again, step by step. What were our dreams and ideals in 1989 and what are they today?

On another level, how does ideology or knowledge, the reality that we have structured or that is established, meet the fresher or more spontaneous ideas, actions and opinions that are not easily placed within a framework that we understand? Should we attempt to tame them, let go of the tendency of control them, or recognise the dynamic and creative expressions in the now as the very prime step of a new way of identifying with the world? How are intellectual rights defined or defended, or rights in general? How does complexity, confusion, gets simplified and regulated, in all procedures, and affect autonomy and a chance of a survival. All these fringe situations of existence in our world. What possibilities exist for a new beginning? Do we observe something in these sectors? What feelings does this cause? Turbulence, anger, concessions, contribution, sacrifice, the need to distance and preserve, a sense of loss, wear and tear, inspiration, motivation? This conjunction says something in relation to how we cannot repeat the same thing, the same pattern in the same way.

How can we encounter occasions and episodes around us that will want to sway us out of our own established way. Ethics is important. Non-profit work and initiatives or works and creations that we invested time in with no reward may start to bloom. Our way of life, and of managing it. Of course, this may have light versions, creative versions, and not at all easy, urgent or painful versions.

Now we make a new beginning in this sector, and we will observe many manifestations of these tendencies, opposing or conflictual ideologies and forces, perspectives, which may be connected by a common starting point.

Many examples: Whoever expresses themselves differently from what is expected or who does not easily fit into boxes, to undergo intense criticism, to be devalued, sidelined or excluded. This has already started more visibly since 2023–24 when Pluto entered Aquarius, but now it may begin to happen in a much more raw and direct way (Aries). Yet, it may start to also see the consequences of these trends, which will bring awareness of what needs to be controlled and defended.

The filter of Aries says, come forward with directness, but it is important to know if this directness arises from something you avoid (Pisces) or from something you have essentially completed, believe in and want to move forward with. As well as not to forget while in this process, what you wish to establish as value, what you give form to, and not simply to take initiative or counter-fight for reasons of pure self-interest, competitiveness, to just win or grab something momentarily.

Therefore, the meeting of the two planets is somewhat complex, as to our way of thinking, where we must stand. The two energies coexist also within us, spiritually and materially, but we may also encounter them in situations and in others. So, if we do something creative, we have a road, a course, a work or express some opinion that others do not understand, it is because it needs to encounter or break a mold with some occasion in the now. This may start gaining ground, it may be spiritual, creative, contributing and pioneering. It may bridge worlds or realms of activity. It may dissolve or uproot pathologies and reorganize them with the purpose of change in people’s autonomy levels. To lead gradually also to more clarity, as it overturns, or clarifies prejudices. The old must meet the new or also the illusion of the narrative.

Who are we without the story that suits us to reproduce in order to monopolize a position, to keep things under control somewhere? What will come out of this? This is long cycle, the slower planet wins, Neptune.  The meeting is multidimensional. It may mean contact with younger people or the new generations, new things, events and tools that are handed to us, and ways of expression and creative expression. The marriage of the old with the new.

A new beginning, or also a more structured contact with our younger self, with our children. Our children are not only our biological children, they are also our creations, our desires and those things that are important and motivate us, of an existential nature. Does something limit us or sensitize something in the way we are, we create, we express ourselves, we exist, within a whole? Does something feels like it has lost its meaning or allure?

The beginning of any cycle, is premature and calls for improvisation, but it is based on something that pre-exists and has been in the works for a long time. Also, we may have a job or a duty — the “must” — and an occupation that we love and inspires us, what happens there? How do the two coexist in parallel? Can they merge? Can we show something from both? Will we leave one to pursue the other?

Neptune is slower in orbit, which surpasses that of Saturn, therefore it overturns the mythological framework of generations. At this moment we have something that penetrates and transcends the boundaries of reality, and entangles or weaves generations, timelines, stories, mentalities, memories, experiences, emotions, vibrations, the thread of time that diffuses and like the trident of Poseidon stirs the seas or calms and pacifies them. Our inner world, an element that we have not yet tamed, contains intuition, escape, imagination, emotions, -is in full potential to try new things, or may be afraid to, with Saturn’s co-presence.

Neptune in Aries is like creating while you walk on the street. Like listening to music, and an inspiring idea comes to you. Like dancing improvisationally. Like falling in love with childlike spontaneity, like feeling or intuiting something for the first time. Like dreaming with open eyes. Like creating experientially, with whatever you’ve got, the real you. Like being disappointed momentarily, and then inspired momentarily. Being impressed, and being disappointed by other’s initiatives. Up and down. You learn to regulate your expectations and sensitivities at each moment. Each moment may sweep you into sadness, each trigger may bring out a fanatic in you, but also fill you with awe and inspiration. Take you to the heavens. We see it everywhere, from the news, to our lives, our emotions and our everyday life. The power of image, of sensation, of impression, bit size clips of news that feed sensations and create impressions. With Saturn, it is also a moment for self-discipline, simplify, the investment of our time, and to organize or limit, the seduction and absorption of that is available to us, to a more coherent experience. It is a beginning, not to repeat cyclically pathologies of our family, personal, national, or collective histories, or to use these histories in order to contribute in some way, more directly, and more holistically to the new reality.

In which reality are we? Somewhere we have experience, and somewhere we need to untangle it, to become uncomfortable, to give it a fresh breath and perspective.

Some additional themes from the mythological framework: Cronus reigned the golden age, and was also god of harvest and agriculture. Poseidon was god of the seas, oceans and the liquid element, protector of sailors and fishermen. He was tamer of horses and progenitor of the first horse —Pegasus. Pegasus, the winged horse, was associated in the myths both with the sea and with the water vapors created by storms, and with the lightning bolts of Zeus. As also was connected with Medusa whose myth has many versions that present a quite complex entanglement with Poseidon. In some sources, the myth speaks of her rape, elsewhere of consensual union depending on the author). Thus we also have these themes currently, that emerge again, negotiating boundaries. Her Gorgoneion head was used in ancient Greece, as a symbol of protection (called: Acroceramo) in temples and dwellings, and in other objects mainly equipment and armour. What violates, what protects, what is exposed and vulnerable, are also themes either collective or individual of this conjunction. Poseidon as deity was also honored in horse races. We move forward with inner impulse with awareness of the capabilities and experience we have gathered, but we need perhaps to be aware, in which track we are, and which race (as in battle) is truly important, and what is at stake.

According to Pausanias, Poseidon was overseer of the oracle of Delphi, and it was he who gave the purifying water for the founding of each colony. The planets meet at the beginning of Aries, therefore this means that this theme may manifest in some way, in some land, or point of meeting of land and earth, a passage, crossings, isthmuses etc., or river deltas. Or at some point that we all meet and affects all of us (such as a system — internet, satellites etc), our timekeeping, trade or trace territory. Poseidon was also responsible for earthquakes, and for the safety of buildings.

Also, Poseidon in mythology had a connection with epilepsy, and with mental or psychological disorders, those that distort perception of reality, and in other eras had been demonized and led to social exclusion. What creates social exclusion? What do we demonize? What do we conceal, what do we reveal? Saturn symbolizes what society regards as acceptable or recognizes, Neptune relates to issues of social welfare. Where are we today with these matters?

The wandering in the mythology of Poseidon and Cronus is not exhausted here, however we can recognize and see a multitude of their expressions (positive and negative) that informs this conjunction (meeting), in astrology. It is about how we perceive identity, vital space, the coexistence of opposites, the relationship of expectation and reality, dream, visions, creations and their need for crystallization, and how this moves us, and determines our response or our reactions in a new way.

How it may affect, our generation, or relate to collective developments, ideals? The cycle of the two planets lasts approximately 37 years, so as we speak about this, what has more of a collective significance, is what is ending or seems to have completed its course, and with what we will continue in the spirit of sowing. This conjunction may have a public character or will relate to changes and initiatives (of political, social, and local character that receive attention) and affect groups of people.

What unifies and what separates or detaches, what is official and what unofficial, what is made public and what is excluded, as well as what position we take in what unfolds in the world, while we may manage many other personal matters.

While the world seems erratic and chaotic, particularly turbulent, and with heights and lows, how do we protect our energy so that we discern what motivates us, inspires us, and even what we can do in our daily life. Where we dedicate our time, where we feel that we owe something, and where we feel that we have exhausted our purpose or role, is perhaps the most important distillation of experience but also places a high confidence bet, on this cycle that evolves today.

Its themes do not manifest in one day.

When the Sun makes its first conjunction with Neptune and with Saturn in Aries on March 22–25, 2026, the purpose of this great new cycle that is just beginning will be illuminated. At the stage of the waxing crescent of the Saturn–Neptune cycle (2031) is the moment when whatever new things have been fertilized from here onward will begin manifesting their first forms. The changes and initiatives that begin within this first six-year period, has the characteristics of sowing and innovation, like the characteristics of a New Moon phase.

We are at the moment when our creation surpasses us.

At the moment when the new generation does not ask permission.

At the moment when history asks for an account or reckoning.

At the moment when we learn to draw faith from the present, in each moment where a humble initiative may create a small miracle. When a circumstance, a gesture, a coincidence brings us into contact with the totality.

We are in transition or at the threshold where from the need to control we enter into a new form of coexistence/symbiosis, and way that needs to recognize what true life, survival, and creation are met in the present moment.

© Eleni Kostika, 2026