PLANETARY NEWS JANUARY 2026 from Komilla Sutton

SUN TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN JANUARY

January is a relatively quiet month, though a few areas of stress remain.

The key news for January is:

The Sun will combust Mars, Mercury and Venus throughout the month, so many of the signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra and Scorpio) feel under the weather and life seems to have burnt them out. It is important to use this time to bring balance back to your life. Think lifestyle choices, food, relaxation, and exercise. Venus being in combustion can bring challenging issues in relationships for all of us.

Four planets gather in Sagittarius and then in Capricorn. All the drama of January is taking place in these signs. The New Moon in Capricorn on 18 January means five planets are in Capricorn. In the video below, I speak about how it affects all the signs. So do view it.

Mars is exalted in Capricorn from 15 January 2026, but it is also combust. We may not be able to enjoy its strength till the end of the month. We get to experience his strength in February. Mars is creating Ruchaka Mahapurusha Yoga for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Scorpio. Mars strength is especially beneficial for Cancer, Leo and Pisces.

Jupiter is in Gemini, and Mercury is in Sagittarius until 15 January. Creating a parivartana yoga as they exchange signs. It is especially beneficial for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius and Pisces – giving opportunities and good luck by being open to change.

The Stressful Days of January are:

8 January – Sun, Mars, Venus conjunction in Sagittarius. A triple conjunction can create unexpected problems with those in authority, as well as general aggressive feelings and anger.

18 January – New Moon in Capricorn, five planets in Capricorn plus Mars Mercury conjunction – can be a very stressful day, we can feel anger directed at us, and our thoughts are full of restlessness. Best ot keep it simple, do not stress yourself out. Allow the planetary energy to pass.

28 January – Mercury-Venus conjunction in Capricorn. Two friendly planets get into a dispute, which may not be as difficult as the other conjunctions. Just watch for feeling unnecessarily aggravated and avoid taking it out on others. Relationship issues may come up, but not a day to sort them out.

SUN TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN JANUARY
and how the planets in January impact you...

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JANUARY 2026 PANCHANGA

All times listed are UTC (Coordinated Universal Time.)
All times for festivals are for India.
Mean nodes are used.

As we start the month of January...

• We have four planets in Sagittarius (Mercury, Venus, Sun and Mars) aspected by Jupiter in Gemini, Saturn in Pisces and Ketu in Leo
• Jupiter is still Vargottama (until 4 January 2026) and in its own Nakshatra Punarvarsu (until 18 June 2026)
• Sun, Venus and Mars are going to be within the same degree for several days. Mercury, Venus and Mars are combust throughout January
• War between Venus and Mars, Mercury and Mars, Mercury and Venus as they progress more or less at the same speed (but these conjunctions are almost exactly aspected by transiting Jupiter)