This year is a Universal ‘1’ Year, a year of new beginnings after the ‘9’ Universal Year of endings in 2025. Until 16 February 2026, we are in the Chinese Year of the quiet, Yin Wood Snake, reinforcing the theme of endings, completion, letting go and, ‘shedding old skin.’

Chinese New Year 2026

The Chinese New Year commences with the new moon which occurs between 21 January and 20 February, according to the lunar calendar. With the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Aquarius on 17 February 2026, we ring in the Lunar Chinese Year of the Yang Fire Horse, until 5 February 2027.

The last time this occurred was in 1966-1967. Previous Horse years have been 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, and 1942). If you were born in one of these years, this could be an important year for you.

Fire Horse energy

Fire is Yang energy, it is active, assertive, bold, hot, forceful, impulsive and passionate. The horse is free, untamed, liberated and unrestrained. This dynamic energy ignites intense and rapid change, rebellion, movement, and progress, often after a period of stagnation. Yang Fire is an outward projection, burning off the dross.

If you want to change your career, this year is good for commencing something new, as long as you plan the shift properly. Be mindful of not ‘burning out.’ Your relationships may have more excitement, but there may also be arguments. Take care not to be ‘hot-headed.’

This Fire Horse Year therefore encourages us to have strength of purpose and take risks, get out of the (un)comfort zone, leave what no longer serves you, and to follow your heart.

All in all, it looks like this year is a turning point, with some wild and spirited times ahead.

What does the 2026 Year of the Horse mean for your sign:

  • Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, and 1948): This sign is opposite the Horse on the zodiac wheel, so it could be a difficult year; avoid conflict.
  • Ox (2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, and 1949): This sign clashes with the Horse too, and may need to focus more to retain stability due to challenges. 
  • Tiger (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, and 1950): This is a good year for the Tiger, as an ally of the Horse. Breakthroughs in career and new opportunities, especially for leadership, arise this year.
  • Rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, and 1951): Be cautious and careful this year around making long-term decisions. Pace yourself. 
  • Dragon (2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952): This is a transformative year which can turn obstacles into growth with planning, work on co-operating with others. 
  • Snake (2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, and 1941): This is a year to focus on health and stress management; practice mindfulness to prevent burnout.
  • Goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, and 1943): This is a very favourable year for productivity and advancements, so go with the flow. 
  • Monkey (2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, and 1944): This is a year for resilience and strategy to move through quick change. Be clear with finances, and opportunities for wealth can arise. 
  • Rooster (2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, and 1945): This is a year for opening new doors through accepting new opportunities as they arise. 
  • Dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, and 1946): This is a good year for the Dog, as an ally of the Horse. Stability, new alliances and career opportunities are highly possible.
  • Pig (2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, and 1947): This is a year of ‘slow and steady wins the race’ to make progress and grow, financially and career-wise. Be mindful of health; pace yourself.