U.S. Forecast 2026
NEWS BEFORE THE NEWS
U.S. PREDICTIONS FOR 2026
Three methods will be used to describe the trends for the United States in 2026: major transits in the heavens during the year, significant transits to the President’s horoscope and his Diurnal-Planet-for-a-Year direction (DPY)*.
*This new direction method is fully explained in my book Your Cosmic Oracle.
HEAVENLY TRANSITS
Here is a brief review of previous transits leading up to 2026.
The first Jupiter/Saturn square after the 2020 conjunction peaked 6/15/25. An important theme of the Jupiter/Saturn cycle is the consolidation of government power. This has been taking place as Trump champions the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 agenda. The conservative MAGA movement has downsized government, removed restrictive business regulations, restored border security and in the process is deporting all illegal immigrants. Lawyers, judges, legislators, and business leaders (Jupiter) opposing Trump have been cowed silent. A streamlining of government policy and strict adherence to the party line is paving the way for unfettered leadership. Across borders, tariffs have taken center stage as a pressure tool to restructure trade more conducive to American interests. The Jupiter/Saturn cycle also speaks to great national instability events: the political division in the country; the grinding Russian-Ukraine war; the Hamas/Israeli war, a new Syrian regime, and the destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities. The Jupiter/Saturn square indicates turbulence in world affairs as nations realign their interests and compete with one another for best position and dominance. This has propelled Russia to form alliances with North Korea, China, Iran, and India. An Economic Partnership of 15 countries led by China is realigning trade alliances.
The second hard angle planet combination in 2025 was a square between Jupiter and Neptune. As mentioned last year: “Liberals reeling from the severe election loss and the onslaught of sweeping Trump reforms will mount a strategy of resistance resulting in only mixed results. Peace treaties and détente likely involving Ukraine and Russia, and the Hamas-Israeli conflict will develop along with relief and rebuilding plans.”
GRAND CYCLES IN 2026
Numerous sextiles and trines (60 and 120-degree) grace 2026. Some astrologers attribute the trines and sextiles to the beginning of a `golden age`. Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are all involved in ‘easy’ or harmonious aspects implying scientific, innovative, medical, and technological improvements that meld together gracefully. Advances in these fields powered by AI will form the backdrop of the changes brought by Saturn/Neptune and Jupiter/Pluto. 2026 ushers in a new cycle of Saturn and Neptune with the conjunction (Feb. 20). Jupiter and Pluto are in opposition (Jul. 20). Both of these cycles carry significant ramifications.
Saturn and Neptune last joined in conjunction during 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell. Walls and structures are represented by Saturn. Neptune dissolves. And so the Soviets withdrew from the drawn-out catastrophe of Afghanistan and slowly descended into complete (Soviet Union) collapse in 1992. A cycle before (1952-53) also highlighted the end of another Russian regime; this time it was Soviet Stalinism. Is Russia again in for a surprise loss due to its stagnant invasion of Ukraine? Iran too may be asking for trouble with its strong talk, weakened position, and widespread public unrest. Maduro will come to an end and plans can be made (Saturn) for the development of the country’s vast oil reserves (Neptune). The ramifications of Maduro’s end will also raise questions about our economic/industrial intentions in South America
The Saturn/Neptune conjunction broadly implies that crimes, nebulous information, misinformation and mysteries – like UFOs, and the reinterpretation of Trump’s role in the January 6 storming of the Capital, and the obvious Epstein file cover-up – will be realistically scrutinized. The pharmaceutical industry faces further price restrictions. A re-emphasis on oil production and pollution policies is not out of the question. Essentially, the public will grow skeptical and suspicious of cover-ups and untruthful embellishments meant to distract from reality. Conventional norms, regulations and laws, will be ignored and slowly thawed through propaganda and misinterpretation. Science and accepted practices will, likewise, suffer at the hands of conspiracy theories, untruths, and disbelief. The rule of law further dwindles, obscured by utopian ideas and repeated slogans touting economic prosperity for all. Yet the slide into hyper-minority rule continues through America’s system of wealth-protecting tax advantages. Billionaires rule. Oh, the trappings of American democracy still exist because people, rich and poor, disagree about a lot of things. But the elite, the wealthy class, fund the policies that become law. History teaches that when a majority is ruled by a minority the masses rise up. Tax the rich then becomes popular. Conservatives rose up and voted Trump president in 2016 fearing a growing wave of migrants and impractical liberal policies were ruining what it once meant to be an American,. The divide between conservative and liberal – and the ultra-wealthy and masses – will continue to widen until snapping. Saturn limits, so the liberals (Neptune), like the communists, will need to reorganize or face further decline.
Business production will enter a low with the Saturn/Neptune conjunction. The stock market will likewise experience a significant downturn with the cooling of hiring and business expansion.
Inflation continues to be an underlying issue as 2025 ends. The stock market and economy in general have weathered the price increases but consumers on limited income have felt the dripping drain. Jupiter/Neptune played a role lifting prices but the primary planetary inflation cycle is Saturn/Neptune. The Saturn/Neptune cycle points to rising prices 2026-2034. The 9.28-year inflation cycle is also a factor as it will peak next in 2030 during the next Saturn/Neptune phasing! President Trump and the Trump administration that follows will hold in their hands the super inflationary pens of 2026-2034.
The liberal section of the country faces a challenge to break their social depression and despair. Moderates will flounder as extremists push unrealistic visions and proposals. This cycle solidifies and increases the far left progressives and socialists of the Democratic Party. Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim democratic socialist, running for mayor of New York City wins the election and galvanizes the socialistic movement. This historic win, plus Gavin Newsome’s push for national recognition, is a sign that the left will more strongly oppose the right wing mentality in 2026 and beyond. The question is whether they will be successful in light of the Saturn/Neptune conjunction or just lay the foundation for what is to come.
The Jupiter/Pluto aspect is one of power; more precisely power struggles with a survival level focus. Rapid progress in AI, robotics, medicine, space exploration, and the like is made. This is a cycle of forced transformations made through effort and conflict. It started in November 2020 when Jupiter and Pluto joined during their 12.5-year synodic cycle resulting in Joe Biden being elected president. Four fumbling years later the right rose up and Trump was there to stoke their disgust and anger. Behind the scenes though, the wealthy upper class (Jupiter) wielded the real influence through social media feed, propaganda, and subterfuge of the highest order (Pluto). They bought Trump and handed him their blueprints for a new world order. A wild card of the first order, Trump may be more than the elites called for but he produces results for the country, the rich in particular. The drama that is unfolding will be class act in 2026 with a head-on collision between the warring tribes during the mid-term elections.
Jupiter is midway through its cycle with Pluto. The opposition peaks July 20, 2026. This cycle points to great transitions and historic turning points. A major theme is conspiratorial populism and the rise of extremists. We witness this on the political left and right. The Democratic Party is finding new footing among young voters on the far left of their platform. This wing of the party will lead a challenge to the Republicans. President Trump is at the height of his power but tides of opposition are mounting against him. This first was noticeable in October 2025 during the No Kings nationwide protests attended by 7 million people. 2026 is a year of massive protests, riots, and mounting political violence. Powerful leaders and their families face danger of death or removal from their positions. Retributions continue.
A particularly strong ecological disaster is likely. The year may account for extreme loss of life and financial devastation.
The scope and rate of deportations takes a new and exaggerated turn.
Extreme economic adjustments will need to be made due to rising prices, tariffs, unavailability of services, war, and recession fears.
PRESIDENT TRUMP
Trump begins his second presidency during a Pluto year (DPY direction), signaling power, control and transformation. With his birthday in June 2024 he has resurrected himself and once again taken the reigns of leadership promising to dismantle (Pluto) liberal agendas and transform America to a beacon of conservative authoritarianism.
The liberal agenda advocating and assisting immigration, pushing anti-Americanism ideas by reinterpreting history, peddling anti-capitalism, opposition to law enforcement and ICE, spreading radical gender ideology, and assaulting traditional family values, religion, and morality is being torn down by Trump’s MAGA. To insure a complete and continued legacy of Trump’s policies and the elites that support him, the branches of government have been consolidated, trimmed of all disbelievers. Media, law enforcement, education, art and history centers, data collection bureaus – you name it – have been pressured to comply. Conservatives rejoice while liberals wail; but wait, the true patriots have not yet risen in force. Jupiter next joins Pluto in 2033 starting a new cycle of cleansing.
America has not experienced such widespread consolidation of government functions under one party since FDR in the 1930s and 1940s. The first time one party galvanized America was after 1816 when the Republican Party (early Democrat party) shattered the Federalist Party and ushered in an era of nationalism based on the philosophies of Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. Trump’s policies and those of conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation will now fundamentally change the scope and practice of government. In the first four months of his presidency the old ways of doing business in Washington have been tossed aside. A new approach, sweeping by design and intended to shake out entrenched institutions and liberal government employees, will largely be in place by the end of April.
Trump’s 79th year (June 2025 – June 2026) is a Venus year. He will enjoy widespread support in his party and achieve goals with relative ease. Money continues to role in to the Trump family fortune during this year. Wealthy friends, heads of state, corporate leaders, and industrial/technological mega-owners join him in big money deals benefiting their interests and those of America. Monthly cycles will at times upend the success promised by Venus but overall his policies will prevail. Major peace undertakings will take place with some being successful, but not Ukraine. There will be beneficial financial and trade agreements but tariffs continue to slowly suffocate the middle and lower class and threaten to undermine the economy.
Trump’s Venus-year will be generally good to him. His base support remains strong, billionaires love him, strongmen cling to him, and business dealings, however under the table some of it appears, will favor the U.S. and allies. Trump had best make good this year for his upcoming 80th – a Saturn-year – is froth with hindrance, lack of quick progress, and legal roadblocks. Support among his base, already showing cracks in late 2025 with the resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and voter disapproval near 60%, will dwindle considerably in 2026. Congressional support is likely to splinter and legal hurdles, likely in May, will stall his total rise to power.
Major transiting cycles to Saturn in Trump’s chart mirror the way his 80th-year unfolds in a series of restrictions and consolidations. Jupiter joined his Saturn in mid-October 2025 when Venezuelan drug boats were first destroyed. Jupiter retrograded over Saturn 12/10 and the policy to kill all narcotic laden vessels leaving the country continued along with the capture of illicit oil tankers. An air embargo over Venezuela was declared and international sea lanes closed to sanctioned vessels. An executive order given in December 2025 during the retrograde cycle to Saturn institutes a national standard for AI rather than the patchwork of State laws. This streamlining is necessary but appears to be a Silicon Valley creation endorsed by Trump. Nevertheless, it is likely not to hold. The cycle to Saturn also plays out as major plans to reorganize and downsize military regional commands from eleven to eight, eliminating many commanders in the process. The third and final aspect peaks in May 2026; expect more stringent maneuvers and restrictions. Farmers and those suffering from tariffs and low income face a difficult year while Trump is hampered by court rulings and loses some support in Congress and among moderate Republicans but new initiatives in June near the 20th allows him to gain strength and support.
January 2026 is a huge month with a series of important victories for Trump and America.
A major attack on Venezuela may come in February or early March. Maduro is gone.
Trump is vulnerable to being influenced and acts spontaneously based more on emotional response than reason near March 29. This will lead to confusion, whimsical decisions and actions that have unknown consequences. Regrouping by mid-April Trump makes broad and powerful decisions for the rest of the month into early May resulting in great accomplishments.
By mid-May tariffs, frustrations, and restrictions – or a doubling down of efforts – leads to greater cohesiveness among supporters and renewed plans for forward momentum. The new initiatives developed at this time and vigorously pursued near June 20 will likely meet with general approval and turn out well.
Surprise and unconventional developments take place near July 24 with Trump triumphant near the 31st issuing new plans.
Early August is difficult for the Trump administration; they may be fearful of the coming elections and use this time for a media blitz ad campaign and coercive maneuvers to gain an upper hand during the elections. Pluto is working in Trump’s life now. Pluto is deep working and corrupting; the aim is to destroy, dismantle, and transform. Information is the target; the bulls-eye is the election. Alter public opinion and mindset now and the election can be swayed. Some underhanded, necessary action is taken again near October 15 to avert political misfortune.
The 2026 congressional election will be critical. The Republicans need to keep congressional control or Trump’s agenda will face serious restrictions and he another round of impeachment calls. The election will be difficult and very divisive. Saturn retrograde is in square to Trump’s Mercury at the time – a diminished voice and representation. Furthermore, a triple transit to his Mars (two weekly and one monthly) take place in November signaling threat and stimulating his fighting instinct. Don’t bet against him; Trump has done well under Mars. The Republicans, therefore, are likely to still hold the reins of power once the diminished vote is counted.
Trump’s successor must also win the White House in 2028 to not only carry on the legacy of ‘the ‘great MAGA leader’ but to keep him safe as well. No presidency has been as blatantly corrupt as the current one. If the Democrats gain congressional leverage, they will use it against him. Uranus governs Trump’s 82nd year in my Diurnal Planet for a Year direction. Uranus has time and again allowed him to escape difficult situations and suddenly surprise all to win big. 2028 may be no different.
Knowing that the ‘bread and butter’ economy of the kitchen table matter most to the vast number of voters Trump will attempt to address affordability in late 2025-2026. Selling ‘affordability’ to the American public without proof will fail. Trump’s luster of bluster losses its appeal in 2026. Results are what matter. If any success in this direction is to be made it comes in January and June 2026.
2026 is a rather stressful and violent year following a year in which left wing violence surpassed that of the right (the first time this has happened in a decade). Trump will act boldly domestically and internationally. January is favorable for him. February, March, August, October-December are angry months. April looks to be big business deals involving oil and overseas interests. May stifles Trump. Trump’s Mars is at play during most of these months. Mars implies that construction, manufacturing, and the military-industrial complex receive ample support. June is a month of significant initiatives that can benefit American welfare. But all in all, the year is challenging and difficult for President Trump.
Venezuela had better look out. Trump’s Mars line runs right through the country (see relocation map below). The naval buildup in the waters above Venezuela and the destruction of small speed boats leaving the country to distribute their cargo of drugs sends a message to Maduro that your days are numbered. A broader message to hostile South American nations and especially China and Russia proclaims the continent to be in American interest. The Trump administration wants to oust adversarial foreign nations from this resource rich area. South American business is to be cultivated and not ignored, like it has been since the failed Cuban revolution. Trump’s martial cycles will accelerate what has been termed the ‘Donald Doctrine’, the modern equivalent to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine that ushered in the western expansion of the United States. The rare earth business arrangement with Ukraine; enticements for joint Russian and U.S. development in the Artic; support and mutual trade with Saudi Arabia and Qatar; plus his desires for Greenland are evidence that the ‘Donald Doctrine’ is in full swing. His desire to reform Columbia, Cuba, and Mexico are real objectives likely realized. If there’s a business deal or vulnerability to exploit anywhere in the world that could benefit America and, especially, the super-rich/corporate-elite the Trump administration is game.
A constitutional crisis has so far been avoided. Although Trump has ignored or reinterpreted many lower court rulings against his wishes, the administration has yet to openly defy a major court ruling. The Supreme Court will rule on the legitimacy and extent of his tariff executive orders mid-year. This will be a major test if they rule against him but there is little the courts can do to force the president to curtail policies. Ultimately, the matter would be addressed in Congress with impeachment the enforcement tool. The consequences of impeachment in 2026-27 (June-June), if initiated, would likely hinder Trump and limit his executive actions. No such action can be taken until after the congressional elections unless a significant number of Republicans side with Democrats during the year.
I have long spoken of the hot 1930s and 40s and the corresponding rise of worldwide dictatorships and authoritarian governments. Going back many centuries the trend is clear: rising world temperature influences human sentiment toward violence and domination. If we survive the worst impulses of Donald Trump and benefit from the sane policies of the right, America will truly shine. But the challenges are great and the national divide is widening as we near the second civil insurrection. Our institution of government, as enshrined in the Constitution, must hold like sails upon the gale or we the people may succumb to the travails of submission.
It is worth repeating part of what I wrote in 2022 as these conditions continue to unfold.
The Biden interim period between Trump’s two terms is pivotal. To understand, let me take you back in time to the late 1850s. Transiting Neptune was square natal Mars and in opposition with the U.S. Neptune in 1857. There was a bitter divide at the time between Northern “free” states and Southern “slave” states. The abolitionists distrusted adherents of the slave economy and vice versa. Disinformation swelled the controversy amid threats of secession and violence. Viciousness spew from both sides of the great debate: angry arguments and fist fights and ugly newspaper opinion pages were common. The insinuations from the South trigged fear and apprehension – what would an end to slavery and Northern domination mean for Old Dominion? The Northern view, not unlike the Democrats of today, loathed the idea of exclusionism (enslavement) and state’s rights over federal jurisdiction.
The situation is much the same today. Transiting Neptune during the first three months of 2022 was square natal Mars and opposite natal Neptune just like in 1857. The liberal ‘left’ and the conservative ‘right’ can agree on little. Each side distrusts the other. Accusations run rampant concerning what will happen if one side gains popular control over the other. Lies, deceptions, fear – and the insidious unknown – rule the day.
Lincoln was elected. The North had the reins of power. And then there was rebellion. Fort Sumter was bombarded in Charleston harbor by secessionist forces sparking the Civil War just as Uranus joined with natal Uranus in the U.S. horoscope (April 1, 1861).
Trump is elected. The conservatives have the reins of power. And the liberals are broken for now. But the second civil war is brewing. It comes during the next election when Uranus once again joins itself in 2028-29.