The Jan 3 full moon kicks off the new year with a bang. This energizing full moon aligns with Jupiter, helping widen perspective and open possibilities ahead. It’s an excellent time to make your New Year’s resolutions and set your vision on the year ahead.
The full moon peaks at 2:03 am PT and falls in the nakshatra called Ardra, a star of depth, devotion and drive. Called the “star of storms,” Ardra has the ability to stir things up and bring hidden information to the surface.
Like a storm, the light of this full moon also purifies the atmosphere and allows for the release of unexpressed concerns and resentments.
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A special energy is imbued within this full moon, as Jupiter shines nearby, bringing an expansive spotlight on the year ahead. According to Vedic astrology, Jupiter is powerful and nearing peak luminosity on this full moon, forming an alignment called Gajakesari yoga. This auspicious planetary formation signals a year ahead that supports healing, cooperation, and better relationships.
Venus, the goddess of love, is combust on this full moon, meaning that she is burning in the rays of the sun and at a very important point in her cycle. Venus is in a purification process and will soon be reborn as the evening star, with a new lens on love, finances, and self-worth. This is a powerful full moon to step back and look at your patterns around love and money, and how you’d like to transform them in the year to come.
Take heed, willful Mars is also combust and lining up in a planetary war with Venus from Jan 8-10. This rare and volatile alignment could trigger surprising events and conflict, so avoid travel and keep things simple around this time.
The Ardra full moon wields the fierce power of Lord Shiva in the form of Rudra—the destroyer—who is armed with lightning bolts that cut through the darkness of ignorance. Rudra holds the power to dissolve fear and doubt in a single flash of awareness.
This is the ideal moment to say your New Year’s resolutions out loud, write them, or express them in a creative way. Intentions set under this full moon have a strong momentum toward positive change in the year to come.
Learn how to make the most of planetary transits, eclipses, and your important days. Join Kari for the upcoming live 2-hour 2026 predictions class. Includes detailed Vedic horoscopes for all 12 signs. Sign Up for Live Class.
How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart. Book a Vedic astrology reading to learn more.
