The lunar new year is here, marking the start of a new cycle for the Chinese zodiac. The year of the fire horse in the Chinese zodiac commences on Feb. 17, the same time as the annual solar eclipse in Aquarius.
This is the first time this particular combination of Chinese zodiac sign and element has rolled around in 60 years, and the hype is real.
The year of the fire horse follows the year of the snake, and the energy couldn’t be more different, feng shui expert and architect Anjie Cho tells TODAY.com.
“If we want to compare them, the snake is much more subtle. It’s indirect. Horses are direct without ulterior motives. Snakes move in a serpentine pattern, where a horse just moves forward. I think people want to move forward and are really attracted to this energy right now,” Cho says.
Here’s what to know about the moment in Chinese astrology and why it’s so anticipated.
Why Is 2026 the Year of the Fire Horse?
Chinese astrology cycles through 12 signs, represented by different animals. At the same time, there are also five elements: Water, wood, fire, earth and metal.
The animals change each year; the elements change every two years.
Each sign and element is associated with a different meaning. According to Chinese spiritual author Helen Ye Plehn, the horse is “known for freedom, enthusiasm, intelligence, and a strong drive for movement and progress.”
“People born under this sign tend to be social, adventurous, and self-directed, though they can resist restriction or routine. At their best, they inspire others through optimism and bold forward motion,” she says.
Fire, meanwhile, represents visibility, passion, momentum, and transformation.
“It intensifies whatever sign it touches, bringing courage, leadership energy, and emotional intensity. Fire years tend to feel more dramatic, fast-moving, and action-oriented collectively,” she says.
The year of the fire horse spans from Feb. 17, 2026 to Feb. 6, 2027, the first date of the fire goat.
What Personality Traits Are Associated with the Fire Horse?
Those born under the sign of the horse are considered straightforward, strong, powerful, motivated, confident, graceful and energetic.
Plehn describes the fire horse as someone who is “bold, charismatic, and fiercely independent.”
“This combination creates someone who is passionate, expressive, and often ahead of their time — but also prone to impatience or impulsive decisions. Fire amplifies the Horse’s natural dynamism, making this one of the most magnetic and high-energy zodiac expressions,” Plehn says.
Horses, Cho says, are already associated with the fire element in Chinese astrology. This added fire only makes the association more extreme.
“Things will come to surface. We’ll have more clarity. We’ll have the capacity to see more. That, in tandem with the direct energy of the horse, is a powerful combination,” she says.
What Does the Collective Need to Know About the Fire Horse?
Cho compares the fire horse to a young thoroughbred — and says this year, we’re all given a choice in how to respond to its overwhelming energy.
“We have the capacity to go around in a circle over and over and over again, not knowing what we’re doing,” she says, like a horse with blinders on. “Or, we can harness this energy in a really mindful way.”
She also asks us to consider how we can “harness the energy” rather than let it drag us. She likens the motion to “stepping off the race track.”
“I think it’s going to be really easy for people to just jump on the energy, then get burnt out from the on fire,” she says. “What are the ways that we can harness this horse instead? Do you want to ride the energy? Do you want to walk alongside it? Do you want to have it bring something across the finish line for you?”
Cho also points out another element of horses: Their need for companionship. “There is a sense of seeking out the support of your community, rather than just relying on yourself,” she says.
The Signs in the Chinese Zodiac Having the Luckiest and Most Challenging Years
Cho says the Chinese zodiac impacts people born that year, but also the collective can pick up on the energy.
“Each person, depending on what year you’re born, have a different compatibility with with the horse,” Cho says.
Cho says the signs having the most difficult years are those born in the years of the ox, the rat — and, indeed, the horse.
“It’s not going to be easy, because it’s almost like you’re finally going to see yourself in the mirror,” Cho says of other horse signs facing themselves this year. “It’s the invitation to start to look at yourself.”
The people having the luckiest year are natives to the year of the goat. Cho recommends carrying around a goat amulet or spending time with people born under that sign.
How Each Sign Can Harness the Fire Horse’s Energy
Each sign in the western zodiac will also be impacted by the year of the fire horse. As you explore the intersections of the two systems, read on for your horoscope.
Aries
A major crossroads is headed your way, bringing you to a more aligned point of independence where it will be far easier to stand up for what you want, what you believe in, and what you actually feel most driven to accomplish daily. For most Rams, that means you have to be the bigger person in many arguments and become more structured in your approach in all aspects of your life. You might have to decide between your needs and what others want from you now. The only way through is to bet on yourself.
Taurus
You’ll be caught in certain patterns of the past, and quickly realize what actually needs to be corrected and healed. Certain relationship dramas was brought to the surface for cleansing by the current cosmic energy. Unresolved issues of your past could have popped up in a major way with the intensity of the month, giving you a fuller perspective on your life — even bringing you a connection that taught you about your own power. Remember, at the end of the day, you can embrace autonomy and create the life you desire without having to let go of relationships.
Gemini
Discovering what you love and focusing on friendships might serve your soul best. Even though you prefer a soulmate, it can be one of those things that plays a longer course these days. This can be a meeting point for many and a wake-up call your heart truly needs. The caveat is that this month’s upcoming Mercury retrograde is making you super reflective about the past, which could mean that you are revisiting old relationships and partnerships. It will take you a while to discover who you would like to move forward with, as your heart beats for many people.
Cancer
There is so much on your plate that it’s daunting to even think about in one sitting. Your sign is so responsible that it often leads you to want to take care of the entire family, or everyone at your circle, at once. You might be in charge of your finances and the financial wellness of everyone around you. Ask yourself where the illusion is here, and where can other people bring a little more maturity to the table? You might have to show some tough love this year if you’ve been supporting someone, either by helping with living expenses or by sending them extra spending money.
Leo
For some members of the Lion tribe who are in relationships, a long-term romantic connection is taking center stage. This is particularly important for those considering opening a family business or connecting love and financial prosperity in some capacity. Couples may have to make some pretty off-the-beaten-track decisions that make no sense to the outside world — except to them. Single Lions may even consider moving in with their partner to save money (as well as for love), or moving to a less expensive place together to improve their quality of life (as a team) in the future.
Virgo
You’ve done a lot of good deeds for so many people that it’s time for some good to be returned to you. It’s nice to feel appreciated by the world around you. After all, you’ve put in many years of hard work and dedication to get to this point. You are heading towards a spiritual shift in your own personal power. Finding your voice and trusting your intuition is where you will find the most empowering results. This can be a mind, body, and spiritual awakening that really has you embracing your talents to the next level.
Libra
Personal relationships can pretty much survive it all if you know what you signed up for. This is wonderful for those partnerships looking to add to their family in some capacity. You are going through a creative birthing process in general. This month can bring you closer to your partner if you team up on an artistic venture. The cycles throughout the month can pose challenges. The lesson here is to have a fun and exciting project that can build a positive, thrilling bond in your relationship. The couple that plays together stays together.
Scorpio
Finances require your watchful eye. You might need to really focus on your spending habits and make sure you maintain a steady routine for long-term savings. With such an impulsive need to buy and shop, it’s important to be extremely on top of your lustful desires and aware of personal patterns. Money can be extremely good one day and require you to really penny pinch the next. This financial cycle will be the theme until next year, as the idea is that there is greater empowerment these days in your ability to save and invest properly on all levels.
Sagittarius
There’s a steady feeling of embracing nature and spirituality that can actually bring a very special partnership your way. You might have felt stuck in a rut and need to explore the world in a totally different way, and that is just where this person will be. They are feeling the same way and are in the same place as you! Let the solar forces at play help you to find someone who deserves your amazingness. Be patient through the beginning of the year, even if it can feel lonely at times. You are right where you need to be!
Capricorn
Trusting the cosmic vibes this year is what it’s all about. There is a ton to be grateful for, even if you feel lonely at times. For those seeking love, this is the perfect year to let yourself have the upper hand and seek someone out you wouldn’t normally be drawn to. Your tastes are changing, mainly because of past heartbreak. Now, know what you are looking for by identifying a dating scenario you definitely do not want to revisit. The cycles this year are off the chain when it comes to finding your destiny.
Aquarius
You are being asked to let go of any preconceived notions about love. This means that if you are with someone now and they are testing your patience, you have only a few chances to understand before really deciding for the years to come. It doesn’t mean you have to be exact and ready, but you will face some important lessons in long-standing romantic connections that will either make you or break you. The cosmic cycles of the month also add to this path of destiny, giving you some unexpected results as the truth comes out that can deepen partnerships.
Pisces
Work opportunities are meant to take you towards your goals. You might be splitting your time between your day job and a more spiritually fulfilling life outside of work. There is a strong boundary between your career and play this month, which means that you’ll need to revisit certain areas of your personal life even as you are determined to keep all the bills paid. Growing from the inside out is a major theme for your sign in the upcoming weeks, as you will be shown an alternative way of life and work that will guide you towards a better place.
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