Neptune ends its 165-year cycle in Pisces, unravelling mysteries — your star sign’s horoscope

The mighty, aquatic Neptune stations direct on December 10.

Neptune is the planet of dreams, idealism, shimmering possibilities – but also illusions – and went into his annual five-month retrograde on July 4.

At that time, he had just entered the Fire sign of the hot and arid Aries, and sure enough, we experienced a heatwave. Yet from October 22, he reversed back into the Water sign of Pisces, which he co-rules, for one final visit in our lifetimes – and the rain has been relentless.

But here’s the thing: Neptune takes 165 years to complete his full cycle, and we now enter the final eight weeks of this, which ends on January 26, 2026. Symbolically, this is a very potent period.

Neptune’s influence this year has likely seen energy at a premium from April, but since the end of October we may have found ourselves going over old ground. Many of us may have been retracing our steps around past experiences, relationships, or situations, feeling wistful if not highly sentimental.

Like all planets, Neptune has fantastic qualities but also more testing ones, and some of these have been especially prominent of late: lack of boundaries, deception, distortion, erosion, disillusionment, addiction, and escapism.

Then again, Neptune’s positive manifestations give us a unique opportunity to come to terms with what we can no longer directly affect, but which may still work on us at a deeper psychological level. Where we have released old patterns, relationships or hurts, we are marshalling his power wisely.

Cast your mind back to 2012, when Neptune entered Pisces for the longer haul. Where has his sensitivity been amplified in your life, or where have you felt unsure or confused? This is what will finally conclude in January next year.

Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio will be especially inspired over the coming months, but here’s a flavour of what the next eight weeks will hold for each sign…

Aries

March 21 to April 20

If you have had a role working behind the scenes in a large institution such as a hospital, corporation, or governmental body since 2012, or if you have developed as a healer, therapist or carer, this is likely to have been Neptune’s influence. But if you have also felt unseen at times, something could now draw to a close between now and January, opening the way for an exciting new beginning.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

You may have been mulling over your long-term plan very carefully. If this has felt elusive or out of reach, you may have experienced some disillusionment. But don’t be too hard on yourself, Taurus, you have been refining what truly works for you and setting a higher bar. Friends who inspire and who are imaginative can really appeal now – and those who don’t will naturally drift away.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Using your imagination and instincts has been a major feature of the last 13 years, particularly around your work. Your creativity has likely blossomed during that time, but if you have also encountered confusing or uncertain workplace dynamics, that would be no surprise. However, a combination of your flair and your effort can bring a significant breakthrough by mid-February.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Your desire to explore has been enhanced, and your dreams have likely been even more vivid. Love travel? Anywhere that has allowed you to immerse yourself in completely different places and spaces will have appealed – and more opportunities are possible now. But you may have felt unclear of late about a contract or a vehicle issue. Clarity will dawn by the end of January.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

You may have found it easier to lower your defences in recent months, or conversely, craved deeper and more meaningful bonds. If someone has been unfair or dishonest around shared finances, a legacy or an inheritance issue, this may have felt deeply wounding. If so, next year will bring a true sense of liberation and rebirth for many Lions.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

You have likely been both mesmerised and disenchanted in close ties since 2012, Virgo, but what you have learned – especially during this very last Neptune retrograde in Pisces – is where you need to assert boundaries and when to trust your instincts and allow good things to flow. Celebrate this growing refinement through to January.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Blending your work ethic, sense of duty and sensitivity has been a major theme over the last couple of years. But there have probably been moments when you have thought, ‘Am I doing too much?’ – and the resounding answer is yes. Recently, however, you have become far more attuned to not pushing yourself so hard and recognising that your wellbeing must come first.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Your passion for the strands of life that excite you can be supercharged now. Dare to be different, and all the hard work you have put in can come to fruition by mid-February next year. Whether it’s a hobby, the arts, music, a business, your children’s talents (if you have them), or a developing love tie – momentum is building.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Whenever you’ve experienced knock-backs, you’ve often prided yourself on dusting yourself down and going bravely again. But Neptune – along with Saturn – has been nudging you over the last couple of years, and especially recently, to let a gentler side of yourself shine through. This may have felt confusing at times, but you now know you can simply be.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Whether through your blog, social media, photography or writing, your flair for expressing ideas has been brilliantly heightened by Neptune. However, there may also have been occasions when people got the wrong impression. You’ve gained valuable insights from this, allowing you to communicate with more nuances – and it’s giving you greater influence.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

What you value – including your self-worth – has likely shifted considerably since Neptune settled in Pisces in 2012. This process has intensified over the last couple of years. Over the next eight weeks, you can really gauge how far you’ve evolved – and you should be proud. Your generosity is a wonderful trait, but firmer personal financial foundations are essential.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

You can be sublimely talented, but sometimes life – and people – can distract you from what truly inspires you. Neptune and Saturn have nudged you over the last couple of years to blend the mesmeric with the practical. This can all return to you in the next eight weeks, after a retrograde period when you may have felt as though you were treading water.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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