The Year of the Horse

In 2026, Lunar New Year’s Day will fall on February 17, marking the end of the Year of the Wood Snake and the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. The horse is the 7th animal of the Chinese zodiac and fire is the 4th element.

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals paired with one of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire or earth. These elements complement and clash with one another, and it is this interplay that is believed to promote harmony, balance and order in the natural world.

The fact that there are five elements and twelve zodiac signs dictates that any given combination occurs every 60 years. The last Year of the Fire Horse, for example, was 1966. The last Year of the Horse, in 2014, was the Year of the Wood Horse; 2002 was the Year of the Water Horse; 1990 was the Year of the Metal Horse, and 1978 was the Year of the Earth Horse.

In many Asian cultures, fire is represented by the color red, so the coming year is also being referred to as the Year of the Red Horse. It will be followed by the Year of the Fire or Red Sheep in 2027, and these two consecutive “red” years – which come around every 60 years and are known among the superstitious as the “Red Horse and Red Sheep Calamity” bringing much disruption or even warfare, but the Year of the Fire Horse is also expected to bring groundbreaking progress, innovations and rapid changes. The essence of the Fire Horse year is dynamic action guided by mindfulness. It’s a time to pursue dreams boldly, but not recklessly.

The last years of these two consecutive signs was in 1966 and 1967. The years 1966-1967 marked major cultural shifts, space race milestones, and political turmoil, with 1966 seeing the rise of the Black Power movement and the beginning of the Cultural Revolution in China, while 1967 featured the beginning of the counter-culture movement in the US," the first Super Bowl, the Six-Day War, Thurgood Marshall becoming the first Black Supreme Court Justice, and the first human heart transplant. Both years were defined by the escalating Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and counter-culture movements challenging the status quo. 

What of those born in the Year of the Fire Horse? Fire is a symbol of light and warmth, while the horse represents intelligence, courage and diligence. Fire horses are said to be strong-willed, proactive and lively. They are confident and enthusiastic at work and are capable of handling various problems simultaneously. These live wires thrive on challenges and succeed in the face of adversity.

The Year of the Fire Horse 2026 brings boldness and change, urging us to lead our lives with courage while staying centered. Let the Fire Horse guide your growth this year—move boldly but stay grounded.

What will the Year of the Fire Horse bring you? Look up your horoscope here.

(To be continued)

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