2026: Year of the Fire Horse for the 12 Animal Signs

The Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse arrives on February 17, 2026 as the moon turns new in Aquarius at 4:01am Pacific Time (8:01pm in China). Celebrations for the new year start from the evening before, with families gathering together for the family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. These new year’s festivities culminate with the Lantern Festival on the following full moon, which this year falls on March 3rd.

Read on below for what the year of the Fire Horse holds for the animal sign of your birth year. You can check out my Year of the Fire Horse: Part 1 for astrological and elemental insights on the year ahead.

*If your birthday falls between January 1 to February 3, read the previous year’s animal sign. While the date for the lunar new year varies each year according to the new moon that falls between January 20 to February 18, the astrological or solar new year begins on February 3rd or 4th each year according to the solar calendar, which is the calendar used by Chinese metaphysics practitioners for natal chart and Feng Shui calculations. In 2026, the astrological new year starts on February 4 at 04:02am China Standard Time (or February 3, 12:02pm Pacific Time) when the Sun enters 15° Aquarius. A baby born before this time will still have the Wood Snake in the year pillar of the natal chart, while those born after will have the Fire Horse their natal charts. You can calculate your chart here.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Welcome to your Horse return year! Also called the Grand Duke Jupiter return or Tai Sui year, the Horse return, which happens every 12 years, is the most transformative year for those born in the year of the Horse. As a Yang Fire sign, the Horse is bold and full of energy, and with Yang Fire shining brightly in the heavenly stem of the year and in the Horse, this is the year to put yourself out there. Your light is shining bright and you’re more visible than ever.  

As one of the Peach Blossom stars in Chinese astrology, the Horse is sociable, passionate, and affectionate. They’re natural charmers and performers who thrive in the spotlight. Many actors and chefs were born in the year of the Horse, including Adam Sandler, Kiefer Sutherland, Salma Hayek, Margot Robbie, Gordon Ramsay, Suzanne Goin, and Rocco DiSpirito. This year, the Horse will get many opportunities to share their bright light and show off their charisma in a big way. This is the year to follow your passion and show off your gifts. The Grand Duke will bring support as well as challenges designed to help you cross major milestones. Picture yourself on a horse galloping with joy, heart open toward light. Let your purpose guide you on your path. Events happening in 2026 will be leading you into new heights.


The Horse has enjoyed a rise in popularity and status in 2025 with star 6 of power and authority visiting the South palace where the Horse resides in the Bagua map. With annual star 5 of misfortune visiting the South palace in 2026, however, discretion is key. As one of the signs that form a self-punishment penalty when there’s more than one of them, the Horse will need to be conscious of self-destructive and self-sabotaging behaviors. If you have the Horse in your day or year pillar, be mindful of excess and practice restraint in 2026, especially in June, the month of the Horse. Recognize when to step back before something becomes too much of a good thing. As a Peach Blossom star, the Horse knows how to play and have fun! Be discerning with your boundaries and in matters of the heart.

Those born in 1966, Fire Horse year, will experience a once-in-a-lifetime double return from Yang Fire in the heavenly stem of their birth year and in the Horse, which usually coincides with the second Saturn return. This can be a pivotal year full of breakthroughs and new beginnings. Be open to different paths. The more you step up and lead from the heart, the more opportunities will present themselves in this game-changing year.

Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

As the Horse’s secret friend, the Sheep (also called the Goat or the Ram) is the darling of the Chinese zodiac in the year of the Horse. Everyone wants to be your friend! 2026 can be one of your best years – this is the year to reach higher for your dreams and think bigger. The Horse brings harmony and ease. As a Yin Earth sign, the Sheep likes their comfort and routines, but venture out of your comfort zone and you may find that each step you take opens a new door with support coming from unexpected corners. Seize the opportunities - reach out and form new alliances and partnerships with your allies. With hostile star 7 visiting the SW palace where the Sheep resides in the Bagua map, however, be discerning with who you partner with, read your contracts carefully, and do your due diligence before you commit.

Of note, those who have the Metal Sheep in the day or year, which is 1991, will be the most favored by the Fire Horse as the matching pillar to the Fire Horse, the Yin to the Fire Horse’s Yang. In Chinese astrology, the 12 animal signs pair up into 6 Yin and Yang duos of “secret friends”, who mutually support and protect each other. Each of the 10 heavenly frequencies also has a match, with Yin Metal in the Metal Sheep pairing up with Yang Fire in the Fire Horse. If that’s you, this is a year to kick it up a notch. The Fire Horse offers growth and support in your personal and professional partnerships.

*The secret friend of the animal sign of the year can serve as a symbol of protection during the year - an ancient tradition I love that is still in practice today. In 2026, no matter what sign you are, it's a good idea to carry a charm or an image of the Sheep or the Goat as a symbol of protection. It can be a pendant, a key chain, or even a plush toy. If you have the Metal Sheep card from my oracle deck, The Chinese Five Elements Oracle, you can carry it with you or put it on your desk.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

The Monkey enjoyed the special secret friend status in 2025, with the Snake providing support and guidance. Keep nurturing the connections that you gained in the previous year and invest in solidifying your reputation. As a travel star, the Monkey thrives in a fast-paced environment, and the year of the Horse will offer the Monkey opportunities to amplify your resources and offerings. Before you charge forward, take time to look back and clear what no longer serves. As a Yang Metal sign, the Monkey is sharp and can quickly let go. The more you unburden yourself from unnecessary attachments, the faster you can progress on your path.

With star 7 in the Southwest palace where the Monkey resides along with the Sheep in the Bagua map, however, be discerning with your privacy. Protect your assets and avoid unnecessary sharing of sensitive information.

Rooster / Bird (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Rooster has been quickly moving up the path since 2024 after a pivotal 2023. The year of the Horse will add a dose of sweetness as the Rooster continues to rise. As the Peach Blossom star to the Rooster, the Horse will help the Rooster get noticed. And they will love the attention! As a Yin Metal sign ruled by Venus, the Rooster like a shiny jewelry is refined and loves all that glitters (this is why I prefer to call the Rooster the Bird in my oracle deck and social media posts - it’s a very feminine sign who behaves like the Yin Metal archetype of the Diva.)

If you’re building up a career which requires you to step out and put yourself in the public eye, this is a fantastic year to market and promote yourself as you can easily gain more popularity in 2026. If you’re single and looking, this is also the year to make more efforts to meet others. If you’re already in a relationship, this is a year to deepen your commitment. Practice discernment in affairs of the heart, however. As a fellow Peach Blossom star, the Rooster has a side clash relationship with the Horse, and with annual star 3 of conflicts in the West palace where the Rooster resides in the Bagua chart, be mindful of excess and be impeccable with your words to avoid gossips and arguments.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

After a quiet year of rebuilding, the Dog will get to take bigger, bolder steps in 2026, with ally the Horse encouraging and cheerleading the Dog all the way. As a Yang Earth sign ruled by Saturn, the loyal Dog is resilient and prefers to take the slow and steady approach, but the Horse will energize the Dog with the confidence to get out of the comfort zone. This is a year to take a big leap of faith! Nothing can stop you once you let go your self-doubts and self-limiting beliefs.

The Horse will also present the Dog with plenty of opportunities to meet and collaborate with others on the same path. Find your allies and create the community that you’ve been dreaming of. You will enjoy doing the work and being part of your community, but with annual star 2 of illness visiting the Northwest sector where the Dog is located in the Bagua map, pay special attention to your health. Prioritize your well-being and slow down when you need to find your ground.  

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

2025 was a year of milestones for the Pig despite major challenges as the sign opposite the Snake. As a travel star, the Pig moves fast, but surprises and disruptions thrown by the Snake have taught the Pig to move more mindfully and practice patience, which will be helpful for the Pig in 2026 as the Horse ushers the Pig into a new chapter. This is a year to explore new opportunities and create new foundations.

As a Yin Water sign ruled by Mercury, the Pig is comfortable jumping into the unknown, but 2026’s strong Yang Fire may present sensory overload to the already sensitive Pig. Everything around you may feel too bright and too loud. Use your smarts and intuitive intelligence to navigate through the blinding light. Balance the Yang with Yin: seek comfort in the quiet and the dark, and contain the light by being discerning with what you allow in your sphere of light. What sounds too good to be true probably is. With annual star 2 visiting the Northwest palace where the Pig resides in the Bagua map (shared with the Dog), remember to slow down and rest to recharge. Embrace the Yin as your source of strength and refuge.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Prepare yourself for a transformative year full of turning points! As the sign opposite the Horse, the Rat will be presented with major challenges from the Grand Duke. Accept those challenges and they may just lead you to one breakthrough after another.  As a Yang Water sign, the Rat is forceful and fearless but also adept at going with the flow. Change is inevitable in a clash year, but since Water puts out Fire, believe that you can rise above any challenge thrown at you, because you can and you will!

There is simply too much Fire in 2026 and the world will need a lot of Water to put out its fires. You may be the person called on to manage a crisis in an organization. Or you may finally realize that something is no longer working in your life and it’s time to make a major change. Step up and take your role as the problem solver – what awaits you in 2026 will challenge you to the core, and you may find yourself making some the toughest decisions in your life, but you will come out of it on top even if you have to experience some lows at times during the year, especially in June, the month of the Horse. Focus on the long term and keep your eyes on the horizon.

With star 6 of power and authority visiting the North palace where the Rat resides in the Bagua map, you have the power and capabilities to steer your own ship. Return to your center to connect to the spirit within whenever you need guidance from the heavenly realm. Mindfulness practices such as meditation will help strengthen and calm your spirit.  

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox was blessed with support from the Snake as an ally in 2025. The fast-paced Snake inspired the usually slow and steady Ox to be more creative, active, and adventurous. In 2026, the Horse will get the Ox to go out, socialize, and enjoy life even more. As the Peach Blossom star to the Ox, the Horse may present the Ox with opportunities for romance. With star 4 of romance, creativity and academic studies also visiting the Northeast palace where the Ox resides in the Bagua map, this is a year the single Ox can meet the love of their life, and for the committed Ox, a romantic year to spend more quality time with his or her partner. As a star of attraction, the Peach Blossom also heightens one’s visibility and popularity and helps bring positive impressions in a professional situation, which is especially helpful to those who have a very public facing job or in sales. The humble Ox may not feel comfortable in the spotlight, but the world needs your bright light. Step out and embrace the light!

For the entrepreneurial and self-employed Ox, this is the year you can gain a wider audience. Use your creativity and resourcefulness in marketing your offerings, but remember to stay true to who you are. The more authentic and original you are, the more your audience will notice you. Others may envy and copy you – don’t let competitiveness bother you. Stay focused on your own growth and be impeccable with your words. How you present yourself will also influence your clash year, which is coming up in 2027, the year of the Fire Sheep. Visualize where you’d like to be in 2027, and start taking the steps to solidify your presence in the year of the Horse.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

The Tiger can relax a bit after an extremely fast-paced 2025. As a travel star, the Tiger is always quick to jump at opportunities, but the Snake year has taught the Tiger to look first before taking a leap. As a Yang Wood sign, the Tiger is always reaching for growth, but he can also be stubborn and polarizing. The Horse as an ally of the Tiger will help the Tiger expand, while Yang Fire in the Horse fuels the heart with compassion. This is a year to forge long lasting connections with your allies and make an impact in causes you believe in. A natural leader, the Tiger can easily convince others to join their causes.

The year’s strong Yang Fire will also energize and stoke the Tiger’s curiosity. The Tiger thrives in the light of the sun. Spend time in nature to soak in the light and work off excess energy with physical exercises. The Horse will compel the Tiger to invest in skills that can take them further along the path. With star 4 of romance, creativity and academic studies in the Northeast palace where the Tiger resides in the Bagua chart (shared with the Ox), relationships, creative projects, and learning new knowledge are areas that will lead to growth for the Tiger in 2026, and the Tiger will enjoy every second spent engaging in these areas.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

2025 was an active year filled with adventures near and far for the Rabbit with the Snake activating the Rabbit’s travel star. As a Yin Wood sign, the visionary, curious Rabbit thrives in a creative environment, and the year of the Horse will provide the Rabbit with opportunities to turn the creative sparks ignited in the year of the Snake into one of a kind solutions and offerings that can help the Rabbit take their craft to the next level. You’re blessed with an open mind that’s able to see all perspectives without getting pulled into a particular view – keep expanding your horizon and share your stories. The world needs your originality and compassionate views!

This is also a year to strengthen the connections you made in the previous years. Success is yours with star 8 in the East sector where the Rabbit resides in the Bagua chart, but you need to put in the work to get results. Star 8 as an Earth star rewards consistency and commitment. And find balance between your work and private life. As a fellow Peach Blossom star, the highly social Rabbit has a side clash relationship (similar to a square in Western astrology) with the equally social Horse. Be mindful of excess and have a clear definition of your boundaries and priorities.   

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Others may see 2025 as a slow, quiet year for the Dragon, because what the Dragon has been building is not visible to the outside world. As a Yang Earth sign ruled by Saturn, the Dragon can stand still like a mountain for a long time but when he moves, everything changes, and in 2026, the Dragon will make a move. Fire energizes the already powerful Dragon, and the spark kindled by Yin Fire in the Snake will transform into a full blaze by the double Yang Fire in the Fire Horse. This is a year to finally take action on plans cultivated in the previous year.

With star 9 of prosperity occupying the Southeast palace where the Dragon resides next to the Snake in the Bagua map, focus on growth and expansion. Luck is with you this year, but do a thorough research before you go for it, and remember to take frequent breaks to avoid burnouts. Mindfulness practices such as Qigong or yoga will help you calm down from the year’s strong Fire.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

The spotlight will continue to shine on the Snake in 2026. After a fast-paced year full of milestones and reinventions that also came with plenty of twists and turns, the Snake can slow down a bit and enjoy the attention. With the Horse activating the Snake’s Peach Blossom star, this is a year to turn on the charm and capitalize on your increasing popularity. Those in a public facing career will find it easy to gain new audiences. As a Yin Fire sign, the Snake naturally inspires others with their light, and your influence will only get bigger in 2026.

As the small light in the dark, the Snake may not be as comfortable in the presence of Yang Fire’s bright light, but remember that every little step you take can make a big difference. Like the flame of a single candle can ignite many others, you may inspire just one person, but that one person may light the inner fire of many others, and 2026’s Yang Fire will amplify the fire you already have in you. Sweet romance is also on the cards with the Horse as your Peach Blossom and star 9 of joy and prosperity visiting the Southeast palace where the Snake resides (shared with the Dragon) in the Bagua map. Keep sharing your stories to spread your light wider. The world is listening to what you have to say.

*The Horse is the Peach Blossom star to those born in the year or day of the Ox, the Snake, and the Rooster. We can all activate our Peach Blossom stars in 2026 on days when they appear even if we don’t have the Horse as our Peach Blossom star. I’ve listed the signs benefiting from Peach Blossom days in my 2026 calendar for the Year of the Fire Horse. This is the only calendar of its kind that combines the day pillar with the day officer, the hexagram of the day, and any moon void times. In addition, each day features compatible and clashing signs for the day, as well as signs whose travel star or Peach Blossom gets activated. I’ve also listed day masters and birth year elements whose nobleman star gets activated. Get your calendar here.

*You can calculate your birth chart here to discover the elements and animal signs of your birth day and hour pillars. For daily insights, connect with me on Instagram, Facebook,or TikTok @5elementsoracle.

© 2026 Vicki Iskandar at www.vickiiskandar.com

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