The first stretch of my digital nomad journeys began in Harlem in 2022. I did three long term rentals on 112th 117th, and 124th streets. One night, I went to pick up the keys for my third rental on 124th. The building was gray with a bright red door and stood directly across the street from Marcus Garvey Park.

As the woman showed me around, she confessed, “This is actually my sister’s place.” We were standing in the spacious living room as she handed me the keys. “My sister couldn’t be here because her boyfriend just proposed to her!”

That was April 30th, the night of a partial solar eclipse in the sign of Taurus. I mentioned this to the woman and told her those kinds of surprises are known to happen around eclipses.

Eclipses are considered points of fate and destiny that can trigger a life-changing chain of events. However, I like this memory because it shows that we all have vastly different experiences during eclipses. While one woman was getting a ring from the man she loved, I was getting a set of keys to a 30-day rental in a city and neighborhood I loved. And other people were sleeping.

Eclipses are generally common occurrences. They happen about four times a year. Some people mistakenly think eclipses are rare because it is rare to witness an eclipse, especially the show-stopping total solar eclipse when the Moon completely covers the Sun and creates darkness during the day. But eclipses happen regularly, even if we’re not in a location where we can look up at the sky and observe them.

Our first eclipse of 2026 is a new moon in the sign of Aquarius. This will be the first eclipse in Aquarius since 2009/2018. (Hit reply if you’re curious why I’ve listed two dates.) This time around is unique because now Pluto is in Aquarius, which will give us a new flavor of depth, power, and transformation.

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Many people have encountered the idea of an “usher” at events or places where someone guides you to your seat. But we can also usher in a new paradigm by introducing into the culture, new ideas, new methods, and new ways of coexisting. More than just showing us to our seats, ushers can show us the way to a better collective destiny. Ushers are often forerunners and trailblazers who prepare the way for others who journey after them.

I spoke about this kind of energy in my posts about 1-1-1 and the universal 1 year. We are all collectively experiencing a universal 1 year in numerology, and 1 holds the energy of the pioneer and the leader. The leadership of 1 is specifically about being the first person to do something and allowing others to learn by your example. Or it’s being the first person to take a journey so that others can follow in your footsteps.

Harriet Tubman is a great example of a trailblazer who ushered many enslaved Black Americans into freedom. She first had the profound, visionary courage to take the journey herself, and in leading by example, she showed many others the way.

But with a new moon eclipse in Aquarius, especially while Pluto is also in Aquarius, this is less about the single hero. Instead, we might consider and be shown how each of us has a unique role to play. Leveraging Aquarius energy for change means we are ushering each other through the wilderness of collective transformation.

And I remind us now that transforming “the world” truly does begin with transforming ourselves internally. Take, for example, choosing to believe that change is possible. That is an internal condition that facilitates external actions. I talk extensively in my upcoming book about the need for self-reflection and self-awareness. Starting with that kind of basic, internal work makes it more likely that we will choose external work that truly aligns with our personality and leverages our unique talents.

With this New Moon eclipse in Aquarius aligning with the North Node that’s still at the end of Pisces, we are truly in a time of transition, fading out an old path or old paradigm and ushering in something more compelling. It will not appear all at once, but we will build on this new start in the years to come. So let’s be very intentional and responsible with how we show up to this moment.

This is not the season to assume you’ve got it all figured out or that you already know everything and have all the answers. Challenge all old ways of thinking, feeling, doing, and being. Stretch yourself to open your mind, defy expectations including your own, and imagine as creatively as you possibly can. The more that we can collectively do this, the more likely we will set ourselves on a trajectory that is truly a new one and not just a refried version of the status quo.

All of this applies to your personal life, personal dreams and visions as well. Those still matter a great deal, even as we talk about collective Aquarian energy. The balance to Aquarius is Leo—the sign of shining your individual light. Find your voice in the chorus of voices, and we all elevate our harmony.

On Valentine’s Day, I’m hosting an intimate gathering for Large Refill members to explore how the Aquarius and Virgo eclipses in February and March apply to your personal situation. Register to join us!

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LARGE REFILLS are now available! Get more out of your Refills with live sessions. Our first session is on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. We’re focusing on the upcoming eclipses in Aquarius and Virgo, and how they’re interacting with your personal astrology. The session also includes live readings, journaling, and meditation. Upgrade your Refill here.

Medium Refills are coming soon!

The title of this week’s Refill comes from the song “Ushers of The New World” by Santigold. Although she’s a Libra, her style and music are generally very Aquarian. She is a life path 3, so maybe her quirky flavor is also that creative expression shining through. Enjoy!

Sincerely,