丙午年 2026 Year of the Fire Horse: Predictions & Possibilities

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©2026 Kenneth S. Cohen

Calendars, whether written or represented by solstice markers and stone circles, are probably as old as humanity. Although today we think of calendars as ways of remembering holidays and other important dates as well as organizing or allocating time, they also have many other important uses. Calendars mark times for planting, harvesting, sailing (tides), healing, and blessing. The original time keepers are the sun, moon and stars, and calendrical systems are determined by their movements.

The traditional Chinese calendar is based on the moon and is thus called the “Lunar Calendar”. The Lunar New Year is the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2026, the Lunar or Chinese New Year begins with the new moon on February 17. The celebration lasts two weeks and ends with the full moon, called the Festival of Heaven or Lantern Festival on March 3. The year of the horse ends on Feb 5, 2027, followed the next day by the start of the Year of the Goat (AKA Ram or Sheep).

 Qualities of the Horse Year

Each year is represented by an animal, twelve in total: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, and Pig (or boar). This year is the Year of the Horse. The horse belongs to the fire element, meaning high energy: a year of passion, bold action, adventure, opportunity, action, movement, vitality, and enthusiasm. There is a Chinese saying Ma Dao Cheng Gong, When the horse arrives, there is success. A good year to get things done, but also a caution to not act impulsively, consider words and actions carefully, no rash decisions. Fire energy may be a portent of aggression and war. It may also lead to volatility, the possibility of sudden changes, whether economic, political, or environmental.

 “Elements” of the Year

Let’s talk about the elements of the year in Chinese Five Elements (Wu Xing) Theory. Although I will use the popular term “five elements” you should know that “Five Phases” is a more accurate translation. The word Xing, translated “Element”, really means to move. The five phases are moving forces. But Xing is also a picture of a crossroads, nodes of intersection where for example a north-south road crosses an east-west road. In ancient Chinese cosmology, the Five “Elements” are categories of intersecting, mutually interdependent, and corresponding phenomena. Fire for example represents summer, red, the south, the heart, the small intestine, and the planet mars, as well as many other related phenomena.

Now back to the characteristics of the year. Each year is represented by an animal and an element. In other words, if you were born in the year of the horse, it is important to know if you are a water horse, a fire horse, a metal horse, an earth horse, or a wood horse.

2026 is a Fire Horse Year. However, each animal in itself also relates to an element. The Horse belongs to the Fire category. Hence, this is a Fire Fire Year. The first element “fire” is called the “heavenly stem” 天干and represents spirituality. The second element, this year also fire, is called the “earthly branch” 地支and symbolizes the physical/earthly realm, especially the environment and economy.

Elements may be either in harmony or conflict. In this Fire Horse year, the elements are neither in harmony nor conflict; rather they reinforce each other. We must be very careful that the fire not burn or rage out of control, whether in the personal, social, environmental, or political realm. Of all the years in China’s 60-year cycle (12 animals X 5 elements), the Fire Horse is the most yang. For personal and social harmony, balance your fire-like tendencies with the gentle, soft, feminine power of water. Enjoy the energy of the horse, but recognize the power of inaction and meditative tranquility. Emulate the supple and subtle strength of water by practicing gentle, flowing movements such as Tai Chi. And cultivate grounding earth energy by spending more time in nature.

And because fire represents the heart, this is a year to take extra care of your cardiovascular health and everything that affects it, especially diet, exercise, and emotions. Fire also represents inflammation, and, according to the Ben Cao Gang Mu, the great compendium of Chinese herbal medicine, one of the best substances to control both inflammation and fire is tea. The text says, 茶苦而寒， 陰中之陰 ，沉也 ，降也， 最能 降火，火為百病 ，火降則上清矣。”Tea is bitter, cold, yin within yin, sinking and descending, most suitable for reducing fire. Fire is the essence of the myriad diseases. When fire drops, clarity rises.”

Inflammatory conditions may have a tendency to worsen in a fire-fire year. This includes arthritis, gum disease, asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, bronchitis, colitis, allergies, and heart disease. If you have a condition that ends in “itis” it indicates a state of inflammation. Depression and obesity are also directly linked with inflammation and pro-inflammatory chemicals in the blood.

Wisdom from the Yi Jing (also spelled I Ching)

The great Song Dynasty (960-1126) Diviner and Yi Jing Master, Shao Yong 邵雍 in his book 皇極經世 relates various time periods to chapters or “hexagrams” in the Yi Jing, the ancient Classic of Change.

The sixty-year period from 1984-2043 is represented by hexagram #50 Ding, “The Cauldron”, pointing to a time of immense change and transformation and the importance of having stable structures, good nourishment, and developing an interior, meditative practice. The cauldron is both an external vessel for cooking and a secret name for the place of interior alchemy and transformation, generally located in the lower abdomen.

The ten-year period 2024-2033 is ruled by #44 Gou “Encountering” representing yang (patriarchy) suppresses the yin (feminine and women). Negative forces are on the rise.

The hexagram specific for 2026, year of the Fire Horse, is #13 Tong Ren 天火同人卦 “Fellowship and Harmony with People”. This hexagram represents the sky above fire (which also implies the sun) and is generally considered a good omen, stressing the importance of accomplishing great works through unity. However, there is a hidden meaning, and my interpretation is strongly influenced by Wang Sixun 王思迅 of Taiwan, in his brilliant lecture delivered at his 樂易講堂 Delight in the Yi Jing Lecture Hall. If you speak Chinese and would like to view the original, it is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iLgFnpEDbE&t=412s 

According to Professor Wang, Tong Ren can imply exclusiveness and friction between different groups, the “in group” and the “out group”. Allow me to offer a personal example. Years ago, I had a conversation with a well- known peace advocate and teacher of theology. When I suggested the importance of interfaith dialogue as a foundation for peace, she shocked me by saying, “Well, that’s not easy. We all just want to be with our own kind.” “Is that also true for you?” I asked. She replied imperatively, “Yes, of course, white people with white people, people of color with people of color, Americans with Americans.” Further conversation confirmed her hierarchical thinking and low opinion of anyone she considered “other”. This attitude is to me the seed of profiling, misunderstanding, prejudice, racism, and, ultimately, war.

This theme of exclusivity is also implied in the commentaries on the individual sections or “lines” of the Tong Ren hexagram, especially starting from line 3. That is, as we progress through the more detailed explanations, there an increasing sense of lack of confidence and trust between groups, hidden weapons of war, and defending oneself from a high position on a fortified wall.

Professor Wang notes that chapter 13 and 14 are traditionally paired in the sense that the succeeding chapter in a sequence expands the meaning of the first. Chapter 14 is Da You 大有 Great Possessions. The two images from the previous chapter are reversed. Instead of the sky above fire, fire is above the sky, symbolizing a harmonious unity of clarity and strength, without the exclusivity or negative implications of Chapter 13.

If we look at the ancient form of the character “You” which derives from a time when shamanism was the principal religion, the word is a picture of a hand holding a piece of flesh or meat, offered in sacrifice and as a symbol of shared nourishment and wealth. Interestingly during the Han Dynasty, the word for flesh and moon were drawn almost exactly the same, so there is a deliberate pun. “You” shows a hand briefly covering the moon, reminding us that life is change, the moon darkens and brightens, do not become attached to what you assume are possessions. Very simply, chapter 14 tells us that real fellowship and harmony (Chapter 13) can only come about if we are generous, treat objects we caretake as only temporary gifts, and accept the reality of change.

Preview for next year: According to Shao Yong’s text, 2027 will be represented by hexagram #19 Lin “Approach”.

Lucky and Unlucky Forces

大利東西  East and West are lucky this year in terms of health, wealth, and opportunity —  good directions to face, to travel, and for home renovation.

三煞在北 San Sha "Three Killing Forces" in the North. For every year, there is a direction of bad luck (called the San Sha), including disasters, financial loss, loss of reputation, worry, misunderstanding, and conflicts. This year the killing forces are in the north. That means it is best not to travel north, or do home renovation in the north side of your home or office, or disturb the ground by digging holes in the north side of your property. The latter would disturb the Lords of the Soil (Tu Di Gong and his wife, Tu Di Po), who influence prosperity and the well-being of ancestral spirits. It is best not to sit with your back to the north, thus facing south, but fine to sit facing north. If you have a choice, don’t spend much time in the northern portion of a home or office. Do not buy or move into a house this year with a north facing main door. If you already have a north facing door, be sure to close it gently with minimal noise this year, in order not to disturb or awaken negative forces. You can help prevent adverse influences from the san sha by keeping the north portion of your home especially clean, orderly, and quiet.

五黃在南 Wu Huang "The Five Yellow Sick Forces" This year illness is associated with the south direction. It is best not to travel to the southern part of your country or state/province or disturb the ground, dig or do home renovation in the south area of your home or business. For example, this is not the year to create a garden on the south side of your property. If possible, avoid spending much time in the south section of your home.

太歲在南 Tai Sui the Great Year Star, also called Grand Duke of Jupiter, is a spirit that is different each year, appointed to oversee the energies of the year and the world’s affairs. The Tai Sui spirit this year is Ming Dynasty General Wen Zhe, a historical figure noted for positive economic policies, diplomacy, and leadership based on virtue. Perhaps you agree that these are qualities much needed today!

This year the energy of Tai Sui is in the South. Tai Sui likes cleanliness, light, dryness rather than humidity, peace and quiet: thus, keep that part of your space especially clean, well lit (curtains and windows open when the weather is pleasant). Remove flowers plants or water containers from that area, and it is best to not have noisy appliances or devices such as a computer, TV, speakers, or air conditioner in the south area. It is considered auspicious to place a plaque or image of the Tai Sui spirit in the south section of your home or work space. 

In this Horse Year, Tai Sui is predicted to clash with those born in years of the Horse, Rabbit, Rat, and Chicken. If you were born in any of those years, then starting on Chinese New Years Day, take extra safety precautions, avoid arguments and risky behavior, and avert misfortune by engaging in virtuous and charitable activities. Chinese markets, feng shui shops, and some Chinese bookstores sell special Tai Sui ritual paper that may be burned as an offering to Tai Sui. Taoist temples offer more elaborate An Tai Sui 安太歲 (Pacifying Tai Sui) or Bai Tai Sui 拜太歲(Worshipping Tai Sui) rituals. If you were born in a year that puts you at risk of Tai Sui affliction, it is advisable to do the An Tai Sui Ritual on Chinese New Year’s Day and, for extra protection, on the new and full moon throughout the year. When Tai Sui conflicts with your birth year, many people like to keep a Tai Sui talisman card (the size of a credit card) in their wallet. These are available in shops and online.

Directly opposite Tai Sui, in the north is another inauspicious influence, the Year Breaker Star (Sui Po) 歲破. The usual rules apply: keep that area clean and avoid loud noises, construction or renovation in the associated direction.

Preparing for the New Year

 February 10 Worship the Kitchen God (Zao Jun). On this day, a week before the New Year, the spirit of the kitchen and stove reports to the Jade Emperor the good and bad deeds of the members of your household. Incense offerings may be made to his image, and Zao Jun is enticed to report sweet words by making a meal that includes sweet desserts in his honor.

 Now, get ready for a new beginning and the renewal of energy that occurs with the new year. Clean your home, clean and clear your mind of worries and negativity. Remember to send Chinese New Year cards!

 February 16 New Year’s Eve. Families symbolically seal their doors with blessing charms and vertical scrolls of Chinese characters embossed on red paper. Examples include: “May Gold and Jade Fill Your Home,” and “Live Long as the Pine and Crane”.

February 17 元旦 New Year’s Day. At dawn open the front door to welcome the energy of the New Year. Some families set off firecrackers as a way of celebrating and to scare away any lingering negative forces. In the morning, I like to light incense and candles on my altar and drink the best tea while savoring the uplifting taste and aroma. It is traditional to have a festive family meal and to wish a happy near year (bai nian) to friends, teachers, and family, especially older relatives who may have been unable to attend the family celebration.

 Particular foods are believed to enhance good fortune if eaten on New Year’s Day, including chicken (for good fortune), fish (for abundance), noodles (for longevity), and dumplings because they look like ancient gold ingots. Avoid duck, because the word duck (ya), sounds like the word that means to oppress. Also, don’t say the number four in Chinese (si), because it sounds like the word for death. On the other hand, some numbers are especially auspicious: three (san) because it sounds like life (sheng), six (liu) because it sounds like “flowing” (also pronounced liu), and eight (ba) because it sounds like wealth (fa). After the meal, the younger generation is happy to receive the traditional gift of red envelopes (hong bao) with money inside. My Taoist teacher, Dr. Huang, always gave me a red envelope on New Year’s Day and encouraged me to offer the same to my students. We also burned incense and performed special rituals at his Taoist altar.

Adapt to Change: Yes and No!

Be aware of positive and negative influences in the year, take some safety precautions, but also realize that we become less subject to outside forces to the extent that we cultivate self- knowledge, awareness, and inner strength. Astrological predictions are not set in stone; they are only influences.

How should we prepare for a year that could bring fiery change, chaos, volatility, and impulsiveness in social, economic, and geopolitical realms, as well as continued global warming and climate change? Should we assume the worst and simply go with the flow? Absolutely not. During times of chaos and injustice it is all the more important to promote stability, justice, and peace. Keep a realistic yet optimistic attitude, lest indulgence in negativity feed negative or evil spirits, which feed on pessimism. Use meditation, personal care, and your network of good people to remain rooted in virtue, integrity, and a core of strength that can no more be imbalanced than changing winds can imbalance a mountain.