February 17, 2026 through February 5, 2027 is the lunar year of the Fire Horse. The heavenly stem “丙” corresponds with the sun, and thus emanates with a bold radiance. Paired with the earthly branch “午” for Horse, corresponding with yang Fire and the zenith of solar energy, there’s a great deal of scorching, volatility, restlessness, but also, wild and free liberation.

The is the sign of the stampeding horse, fast and unrestrained, independent, fierce, but magnificent to behold. Fire Horse years are years of radical change, upheaval, transformative events that were a “long time coming,” which is to say earlier events in the years leading up to this moment set the stage for this blaze.

The last time we had a Fire Horse year was 1966, the launch of China’s Cultural Revolution. That was the last time in most of our collective lifetimes that we had a Fire Horse year. Before that, 1906 was a Fire Horse year, the year of a Persian revolution, the Russian Peasants’ Uprising, and a year of radical political reform in terms of gender and democracy.

Fire forces are at their peak this lunar year, which amplifies all the corresponding aspects we associate with Fire: expansion, asserting, the Mars force, heat, seeing red, passion, ambition, youthful energies and their ideologies dominating, innovation, technology, theater, politics, strength of the military (compared to, say, if it were a Wood year, it’d be agriculture, or in a Metal year, education, in a Water year, law and policy, etc.)

Also, crazy that I’ve been blogging here for now well over 12 years that I have a blog post on natal years from the last Year of the Horse in 2014, here.

2026 Chinese Zodiac Horoscopes

Rat. As a water sign, Rat helps tame the heat of Fire Horse, so they’re going to be some of our more prominent leaders and allies. But the year’s stampeding may leave Rat scampering. When you’re smaller, dispel tensions with charm and wit, not force. Let your size work to your advantage. Also, with so much going on, manage stress and energy depletion. Nourish, hydrate. Environmental instabilities seem to be pulling you into change, rather than you changing on your own accord, at your own pace. May be a year of sudden shifts, but it’s okay. They’ll turn out to be strategic pivots. Water sign in a year of Fire horse may cause disruptions to sleep and strains on your nervous system. Mind your heart and blood pressure.

Ox. The pace is too fast for steady Ox, but you are the calm amidst the chaos that your people rely on. Leverage your key traits and you’ll thrive. Small losses; long-term gains. Focus on the big picture, Ox. Plus, a lot of the fiery spirit of the horse energies going on will actually turn out to nourish you. While the positive side for you brings productivity, take care not to over-work yourself. Prioritize your digestive health and mindfully monitor your fatigue and exhaustion.

Tiger. Great momentum and opportunities abound for the Tiger as Wood feeds Fire. Advancements to come, but tame that temper of yours. You’re favored by the gods in 2026. Avoid rash decisions. Choose your battles carefully. Harness the fire; don’t waste it. Optimal year for leadership, executing ambitious visions, and following your passions. Do your best to make this a growth year. Watch that liver and avoid burn-out, both emotionally and also in terms of internal Qi; cooling food therapy may prove helpful. Overall, a year of high momentum for you.

Rabbit. You’re the talk of the town, which is not bad, but not always good. Don’t let the frenetic forces scorch your gentle nature. It’s kind of an energy-drain sort of year for you, my dear. Safeguard your innate Wood environment with Water this 2026. Stay behind the scenes rather than taking the spotlight. Other years will be more auspicious for the spotlight. Don’t become other people’s emotional support animal. You’ve got to maintain your personal boundaries. Emotional misunderstandings are a key risk. Genius creativity from prominent Rabbits can be expected this year. With the exhausting Fire prevailing, be mindful of skin or allergy flare-ups, and prioritize nourishing your immune system. Overall, this is not a year for major changes. Stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. 😉

Dragon. A year of breakthroughs and turning points for you. Dragons fly high this fiery year. Auspicious for advancements. Seize the moment to make great strides. Be a force for good. Protect the less lucky. You could coast if you wanted to, but instead, leverage what you’ve got to restore balance and harmony to the world around you. We are in desperate need of a hero, and it just might be you. But note: while Fire supports Earth, it triggers hidden tensions. I assure you when all is said and done, you’ll reflect back on how good it actually was, though in the moment, it’s going to feel intense and stressful. It’s also really, really political for you this year…

Snake. It’s said to be a good year for the Snake: be visible but don’t meddle. You earned the glory, so reap it, but don’t go looking for trouble. Don’t let other people’s drama become your problem. Keep your nose clean and you’ll enjoy peace and prosperity. Psst… this is a great year for your visibility. Seize every opportunity to be seen. In terms of personal health, take care not to overheat, with all that Fire on Fire this lunar year. The environmental forces can cause higher risk of inflammation, heart or blood issues, and too much internal heat that can trigger allergic reactions. Maintain internal Qi balance throughout the year.

Horse. It’s your natal year, so take precautions; don’t let the fiery winds blow your luck away. Wear red, keep talismans close by, and stay out of the line of fire. Be risk-averse. Prioritize your health and well-being. Both gifts and liabilities amplified in 2026. While natal years are considered unstable times for the Horse, it doesn’t have to be. Know that the ground will be shaky, so be light on your feet. Be swift and agile in all your movements, but of course, look before you leap. Since this is your year of the sitting Tai Sui, it’s going to be a year of major personal milestones. An identity shift will be felt.

Wood Horse. You’re the more idealistic, high-concept, principled, visionary one of the bunch. Your natal year (ben ming nian, 本命年) may leave you reeling, like you’re being pushed faster than your little legs can go. Wood feeds Fire, so that leaves you feeling a bit like a sacrificial lamb for some purported greater good. Cultivate boundaries and don’t let the fire scorch your ground. Remember: Opportunities benefit you; they’re not a chance for you to grind for someone else’s advancement. So critique so-called opportunities with care. Is it really for you? Or is someone just trying to sell you the idea of working harder for them?

Fire Horse. So…much…fire… both your strengths and your flaws are amplified. Both success and failure are fleeting. Resist the temptation to be impulsive. This year may leave you feeling intense. But that intensity can become power when regulated and directed. They say that a Double Fire ben ming nian doesn’t bode well, but I’d push back on that and tell them no, Fire on Fire, with the kind of determination you’ve got, just means you’ll burn brighter. To do so, cultivate discipline and harness control. You don’t need more fuel for your fire; you need your passion and drive to be directed at a Project. Find your 2026 Project.

Earth Horse. You’re the grounded, reliable, and stable one of the herd. Earth Horse is the work horse. While the heat is causing others to swirl, Fire feeds Earth, and so there’s a chance your natal year turns out to be… not so bad. You’re cultivating your strengths. You’re building your vision. Things are stabilizing for you. You can’t really complain, can you. Oh, well, wait, there is that pesky thing about how everyone relies on you and so you’re shouldering all the heavy-duty responsibilities. Competence is often rewarded with more work. That’s kinda the theme for you this year.

Metal Horse. What’s the personality of a Metal Horse? Just think: litigator, but a principled, highly-disciplined, and justice-oriented one. Fire subdues Metal, so the pace of progress might slow a bit during your natal year. Maybe just try to avoid anything corresponding with Fire, and instead, fortify yourself with Earth energy. When it gets challenging this year, instead of trying to be strong, opt for agility. It’s not your year to be a sword; instead, be a bell… Resonate with people, rather than tryin’ to cut them down.

Water Horse. The Water Horse is perceptive, intuitive, and wise. You’re the free spirit, the old soul, the sage amongst the five Horse types. But Fire evaporates Water, and Water puts out Fire. Everything around you feels draining and you’re over-stimulated, but you know what, you can be a lot too. Not everything’s gotta be that deep. Fortify your surroundings with the elemental Metal and lean in to Wood for an ally. One of your gifts is social intelligence, whether you realize it or not. Leverage that.

Sheep (or Goat). A good year for collaborations and cultivating relationships. Fire generates  Earth, so we see stability, improvements in resource access for you, and strengthened interpersonal connections. Creative initiatives achieve fruition. Leverage the good auspices for high-potential ventures. Also focus on relationship-building. Theme in 2026 for you is Harvest: gathering and securing. Fire Horse years are good for the Sheep’s prosperity and stability. Auspicious for the Sheep in creative fields. Generally a time of constructive, gentle change. A good year for refining your skill sets and maintaining steady progress. Keep on keeping on.

Monkey. It’s equal parts opportunity and challenge for the Monkey as Fire controls Metal. Be adaptable to changes and save more than you spend. Stay nimble, be ready for anything, and you’ll win. 2026 themes: competition in professional and social arenas and a need to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Don’t make any impulsive decisions this year, especially when it comes to signing contracts, investments, or believing authority figures. Instead, trust your instincts. Be agile and ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. In terms of physical health, be mindful of respiratory and stress-induced issues.

Rooster. Don’t let ruptures catch you off guard; prepare and take precautions. The intensity may be overwhelming, so be disciplined and stay vigilant. Shore up assets, avoid conflict, manage your reputation. Relationships may sustain more friction than usual. People sure are ruffling your feathers! But if I may be real with you, Rooster babe, I think you’re part of the problem. Self-reflection, meditation, and maybe some therapy will do you good. Be tactful in the way you communicate. Think twice, heck, three even four times through what you want to say before you say it. Don’t blurt anything out in the heat of passion. Stay in control. Stay intentional. Don’t be reckless and be self-aware enough to catch yourself from being reckless. May be a year that exacerbates throat and lung issues.

Dog. You’re sipping tea while the world is on fire, but good for you for staying grounded and level-headed, as Fire strengthens Earth. Maintain your boundaries; don’t take on more work than you need to. Be of service, but don’t be the sacrifice. Some prominent Dogs will come to our collective rescue. Always there when the rest of us need them the most, we can count on the Dog to dial down the temperature when it gets too intense. It’s a year of stable income, stable accumulation of resources, and deepening interpersonal bonds. Don’t go out forcing changes or drastic movements. Let it be. Coast with the natural flow and you’ll find yourself divinely protected.

Boar (or Pig). All things considered, a peaceful year for the boar, though not necessarily a progressive year. Family and finances are stable, but stay proactive about preventive health care and maintain those reserves, especially when it comes to kidney health and hormones; prioritize hormonal balance and health. Stay sheltered, get enough sleep, keep to a routine — that is how you will evade the emotional volatility of the Fire Horse (as Water can be challenged by Fire). Keep yourself out of high-stress environments and instead, focus on personal nourishment. Holistic wellness of mind, body, and spirit should be your priority this year. Keep it simple. It really is best to simplify this year. Avoid excess, get rid of access, and do not over-give.

Analytical Approach

The specific interpretive approach for such forecasts will vary among Ba Zi practitioners, so it helps to explain what one’s approach is. I start with stem and branch analysis for the given lunar year, which in this case, is the Fire Horse (stem = Yang Fire; branch = Horse, in the Fire phase of the Wu Xing cycle).

Then each of the 12 zodiac animals are compared to the Fire Horse pillar for what I call elemental dignities, i.e., do they clash and cause disruptive energies or do they complement, and thus stabilize, etc. There are also four key drivers: Resource, Authority, Output, and Wealth, mapped per Ten Gods analysis (in Ba Zi readings). And finally, you assess the relationship dynamics between that animal’s placement and Tai Sui 太歲.

Now let’s see what’s in store this year per the implications of the I Ching hexagram associated with the Fire Horse. For nerdy background context on the I Ching and the 60-year lunisolar calendar cycle, see here.

Hexagram 45: Gathering Together

YEAR IN FOCUS; DEFINING THEMES. “Fish and dragon gather in assembly. A leader rises among them. Gathering of the people, united now with purpose. Yet strife abounds within the congregation. Have a contingency plan in place. Sharpen the weapons, for the warrior clan invades. Exert efforts to unite resources. Stronger together.”

“Fish and dragon gather in assembly” suggests to me very different groups of people, have-not’s and have’s, banding together. A leader is forged, one who can appeal to both the masses and the elites. Yet the Oracle warns that this solidarity is temporary and fragile, especially if it isn’t nurtured with sensitivity.

This year, changes will be unexpected and sudden, not slow and steady. So have fallback contingency plans at the ready at all times. “Sharpen the weapons” might also suggest war, conflict, and the fight coming to us. Adversaries we’ve been trying to avoid confrontation with are now at our doorstep.

Overall, the Oracle’s advice is to avoid segregation, share information, be open and transparent, and collaborate. We have to cooperate if we want to overcome these consequences we now face from bad acts in years past.

Feb. & Mar. 2026: There is trust, but it will not last. An assembly. If you cry out, there will be laughter.

At first an inciting incident or charismatic words inspire us toward unity, but it’s shallow, performative, and we can’t actually stay united. We let squabbles break us down. There’s also this “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” vibe for folks to pay heed to.

Apr. & May 2026: Ready the bow and arrow. Have faith. It is beneficial to offer a small sacrifice at the ancestral temple.

Don’t wait for the fight to arrive at your front door; stop them at a safe distance, before danger sets in. The spiritualist can interpret this literally and refocus on their faith during this time. Another interpretation of this line is counsel to invest in long-standing, well-established institutions with historical credibility. That which is shiny and new won’t have the lasting power people presume it will.

Jun. & Jul. 2026: An assembly; there is lamenting. (Vices of human nature take hold.) Unfavorable to proceed. Squabbling over the minor points.

People are restless for positive change, but they force it prematurely. And also, united fronts do not last. People can’t seem to focus on the bigger picture and instead, allow the minor differences to drive a wedge between them. In general, June and July are not forecasted to be a good time for advancement; instead, stay where you are and fix the problems where you are.

Aug. & Sep. 2026: Fortune favors the great. A favorable outcome from the assembly. Success when the people can align in purpose.

Finally, some of the good news we’ve been hoping for. If you’re looking for globally auspicious timing, August and September might be it.

Oct. & Nov. 2026: Gathering into position. Outlaws prove to be trustworthy. Supreme good fortune when united and cooperative. Maintain virtue.

The rebels, marginalized groups, and social disrupters become the true changemakers. Suddenly we’re all learning how to be virtuous from them! Stay in alignment with your own code of ethics and be morally consistent.

Dec. 2026 & Jan. 2027: With both hands, the Divine weeps tearfully for the people. A sense of injustice, but no irreparable harm comes to pass.

Yeah… no… you don’t actually need an interpreter for that, do you? =/

Welp, at least the good news is we can recover from whatever damage we do upon ourselves. Repair will be possible.

Taken as a whole, Fire Horse does not like stagnation, is restless for progress, and might end up looking for change in all the wrong places. For many of you this year, sitting on the sidelines, deferring major decision-making, and getting comfortable with ambiguity might be the most strategic move you could make.

Things that look constructed are in a fragile state. Yes, yes, it is time for something new, but not so new that no one knows how the damn thing works! Hint (per the I Ching oracle forecast): Something that worked tried and true for our ancestors will work for us now. We’ll want to look to the past for solutions, and not be too novel or innovative with our solutioning.