Are you ready for the Year of the Horse
What will the Lunar New Year have in store for us?
According to the lunar calendar, the years are divided into a cycle of 12 zodiac animals - the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
In 2026, 17 February marks the transition from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse.
In the story of the zodiac race held by the Jade Emperor, the speedy horse was considered a top contender. For much of the race it was running neck and neck with the dragon. However, near the finish line, the horse was startled by the snake, which coiled around its leg and leapt across the finish line first, taking sixth place - leaving the horse in seventh place. Because the horse wasn't prepared for the unexpected, its hesitation cost it dearly.
People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be high-spirited, active and energetic. Their enthusiasm and cheerful personalities make them likeable and fun to be around. People who are born in the year of the horse are happiest when they are the centre of attention.
Symbolically, the horse represents rapid change, fresh opportunities, personal growth and a faster pace of life.
What does the Year of the Horse hold in store for us?
Lunar astrology is fairly complex and there's a lot of variables. In simple terms, 2026 is a Fire Horse year - that means that Fire is the dominant element in the zodiac year of the horse.
It's been 60 years since we last had a Fire Horse. Fire brings intensity, urgency, and passion. This is a time for decisive action. That can be motivating it can also be very unsettling. Rapid change is rarely comfortable for everyone. There will undoubtedly be moments of conflict in both your personal life and the wider world.
Self-care is going to be critical as we try and navigate the highs and lows of the year ahead - ensuring that you're taking time-out to rest and recuperate so that the Fire Horse doesn't leave you burnt out and exhausted.
It's also important that we don't fear change, or become victims of it. We all have agency in a Fire Horse year. Channel your energy. Take action. Seize opportunities.
