2026, The Year of the Horse: Movement after Transformation
While the start of the new year does land on the 1st of January, the Chinese zodiac follows a different rhythm. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, but it doesn’t officially begin until February 17th, meaning we are still in a position of transition between what has been and what is about to come. This moment matters; it gives us a moment to reflect on what 2025 has given us, what needed to happen and now to prepare and be excited for the upcoming year.
Looking back at 2025, it was the Year of the Snake, and for some it was not gentle. But the pain of this year wasn’t punishment; it was necessary contraction. While the year of the snake is known for its wisdom and intelligence, it’s centred around shedding old skins, release and necessary endings. This year forced many people to confront what had been invisibly keeping them small. People and relationships that drained more than they gave, environments that no longer aligned, and versions of themselves that didn’t fit. Staying became more painful than leaving.
The snake energy forces honesty; it tightens until what no longer fits comes off. This year exposed uncomfortable but necessary truths and created endings for some that will not have been chosen willingly, but everyone needs a little push in the right direction. The emotions would have been high, the grief in letting go. But this loss wasn’t meaningless but about intentional clearing. You cannot grow while clinging onto a skin that doesn’t belong to you anymore. Things were broken away to make space for rebirth and alignment, preparing you for the forward moving energy of the year of the horse in 2026. No good can come if there isn’t any room for it.
Now moving onto 2026, which we all must do, it’s the Year of the Horse. The energy it brings is completely different; this is a year of momentum, action and moving forward. You move and rise with confidence, doors will open, and you will be finally walking in the direction that feels right. The horse’s energy signifies boldness, freedom, strength and independence; it favours courage over hesitation. This isn’t a year for waiting and standing still, to be scared, but a year to say yes, to take opportunities now that you are free from whatever has been holding you back. The horse runs towards what it wants, not away.
Adding to this, 2026 is a fire horse year, which intensifies everything. Fire brings passion, confidence and speed. It will fuel your ambition; this is a powerful combination that you need to act on. The year of a fire horse is rare, coming every 60 years, so don’t miss your opportunity. However, this same energy can lead to burnout if not aware. Don’t run too fast only to burn out before the year is through. This is a risk the Chinese zodiac says may loom larger than usual in 2026.
As we edge closer to February and the official beginning of the Year of the Horse, there is no rush. If the past year felt difficult, it’s because there was something that didn’t positively serve you anymore; you needed to make room for what is about to come.
Last year we shed; this year we run.
Written by Isabelle Haughton.
