3l/Atlas July 1st, 2025-March 2026
Despite many of you asking me what I thought about it, I felt rather reluctant to speak about 3l/Atlas for 2 reasons:
1. because this cosmic event never happened before and never will again, it is difficult to reach definite conclusions on its meaning and
2. comets in general don't exactly have the best of reputations in Astrology. In general, these erratic cosmic entities tend to announce extreme weather disturbances, natural disasters, excessively hot weather, droughts, hurricanes, tsunamis, epidemics, food scarcity, as well as unpredictable history-making events, riots, wars, the fall of powerful people, their abdication, and in some cases, even the death or murder of high dignitaries.
Considering the huge transition the world has been going through in 2025 with ALL the planets starting to change signs, I just didn't feel great speaking about another layer of intensity.
But then, on the other hand, maybe the darkness has become so dark that extreme measures need to happen for the light to shine through and finally shift the outmoded, corrupted old, for good.
Composed of ice (Water), dust (Earth) and frozen gases (Air), and only visible when they come close to the Sun (Fire), comets are connected to ALL the elements. Their orbit can be either elongated, making them return at fixed intervals, or hyperbolic offering them a one and only chance to visit our Solar System.
3l/Atlas is of the latter kind. It was first observed on July 1st 2025 in Rio Hurtado, Chile, and will forever leave our system in March 2026.
Its trajectory is most unique as it literally crosses our Solar System in a pretty straight line meaning that it is not affected in the least by our Sun's gravitational pull.
3l/Atlas closely approached the planet Mars on October 3rd, then our Sun on October 29th, Venus on November 3rd, the Earth, today, December 19th, and will zoom by Jupiter on March 16, 2026 before existing our system forever.
Oddly, its tail points directly towards our Sun instead of away from it. It travels in a retrograde motion at an unusually high speed, is estimated to be 3 billion years older than our Solar System -which makes it the most ancient comet we ever saw, and shines with extreme brilliance. Despite some advancing the theory that this is a cloaked spaceship, I don't agree. But for sure, we are looking at an interstellar visitor coming from another planetary system, which is exciting but can also cause a little bit of trepidation.
So, what does the chart of its discovery reveal?
During the 9 months (!!!) of its journey through our solar system, disruptions come unannounced, shaking things up. Major geopolitical shifts are happening. We are being forced to confront truths about ourselves, about the world, that we may have been avoiding or had been blinded to.
Recognizing with clarity what is no longer useful in our lives, we are given a chance to sweep it away.
And we should remember that endings always lead to new beginnings.
The collective consciousness is being inspired by new paradigms and we could see the rise of dynamic, more ethical military, political, and religious leaders.
It is incredibly important that we learn to differentiate what is real from what is not, and somehow reconcile conflicting perspectives. We could feel the weight of mental agitation, be the recipient of verbal explosions, fanatical opinions, temper tantrums or people who don't accept defeat with any kind of dignity, which of course does not encourage trust. We could have to deal with confidential, potentially dangerous information, execute secret plans or carry out undercover projects. Yet need to be extra careful when confronted with plotting, irritable people especially if they are involved in dishonest activities or show signs of devious behavior. Hasty decisions should be avoided altogether as their long-term consequences could prove disastrous.
We could be shocked by the intensity of our own feelings. Emotions are so strong, they could result in disruptive outbursts. But because we are also able to understand our reactions with both our intuition and logic, they lead to a powerful regeneration. Sharp insights into the inner nature of things, a profound understanding of the underlying causes of present circumstances, clarity with regard to unconscious habits or automatic responses carried over from our past, our family or our social conditioning, and a need to deepen our life to make it more rewarding, can transform us dramatically, bringing a whole new level of growth and evolution. A physical move could radically transform our lifestyle.
An exacerbated need for independence and freedom could lead to unexpected separations. A family crisis could reach a breaking point. Our relationships in general are a source of much self-discovery and deep learning experiences. We could suddenly see those we thought were our friends in a surprising new light. Limiting bonds are being severed allowing new people and situations to enter our lives. It is wise to follow our instincts and withdraw from situations or individuals who affect us negatively. Reflecting on our life helps us find ways to give a concrete form to our dreams and reach levels of purer awareness.
But if we feel depressed and stagnant, it may be that we are allowing ourselves to stay enslaved in a dull routine, have fallen prey to a lack of emotional flexibility, sudden mood swings, extreme attitudes, subconscious inhibitions, insecurities, poor planning, uncertainty, or cling to past disappointments, failures, or toxic relationships. A low sense of self-esteem could give us the impression that life is hard, leading to pessimism, loneliness, and anxiety. Added responsibilities could prove confining. Financial challenges could create worry. Our domestic and professional obligations could cause conflicts. We could show signs of restlessness and be disoriented by the disruption of the order we were familiar with. Even if we are unable to pinpoint exactly what is wrong, we definitely feel that something is off.
Once this comet will be gone, it will be much more difficult to implement change. 3l/Atlas encourages us to resolutely clear the old, get rid of bad habits, and free ourselves from unhealthy routines. This could be mirrored by the need to renovate our home, lay new rugs, paint the walls anew, or change the furniture. And once we become actively involved in transforming our lives, we shall find that we attract exciting, dynamic, unconventional people whose originality supports the full expression of our own truth.
Even if shifts are sudden, activities fluctuate daily, reactions are unpredictable, domestic circumstances seem unusual, and events evolve very quickly leading to completely unforeseen new circumstances, during those 9 months, reassessing situations and people in the light of high moral standards, and persevering with patience and cheerful dignity helps us navigate successfully the tumultuous waters of change. A past situation could re-emerge, inviting us to examine it in a new light and maybe gain a whole new perspective. Travel, and study are favored. Generosity, discretion, moderation, and tolerance bring lucky breaks. An abundance of opportunities supported by a strong sense of justice, responsibility, and straightforward actions, encourage us to experience our feelings in a new way, initiate new projects, particularly endeavors of a humanitarian nature, and come up with innovative lucrative ideas. Practical religious, philosophical discussions, and original concepts help us improve the strength and integrity of our character.
Let us take full advantage of the winds of freedom from the known brought by this comet, and remember that if guided by clarity and wisdom, the decisions we make now have the potential to greatly impact our future for the better.
Wishing you all a wonderful end of year and the happiest, most prosperous 2026.
Michelle Karén
Astrologer, Shaman, Conference Speaker
Author of Astrology for Enlightenment (Simon & Schuster NY)
Founder of the Llankay, Munay, Yachay School of Shamanic Studies
www.MichelleKaren.com
www.YouTube.com/c/MichelleKaren.com