What the Year of the Fire Horse Means for Each of the Signs, According to Feng Shui Experts

From an ancient race to a living system of belief, the Chinese Zodiac reveals how we read time, character, and how to face the year ahead. In 2026, the arrival of the Fire Horse marks a year defined by intensity and momentum.

Before the Chinese Zodiac became a familiar shorthand for luck, personality, or the year you were born, it was first a tale woven from movement and memory, an origin story still told in murmured versions across East and Southeast Asia. In that mythic contest decreed by the Jade Emperor, there was more to the race than the finish line. Each animal crossed rivers and marshes, negotiated currents and alliances, and revealed something elemental about how beings learn to navigate the world. The ox lent strength to the rat, the tiger fought through tides, and the dragon hovered, rained blessings, and then pressed on. Finishing the race was incidental, and what endured were gestures of ingenuity, collaboration, and patience.

In the Philippine archipelago, this story has long slipped beyond its place of origin, folding itself into a culture already fluent in syncretism. It evolved to take shape in the rhythms of everyday life, from feng shui consultations to red envelopes passed between godparents and children, and turning to calendar predictions each year. And with over centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange, the Zodiac stopped feeling foreign.

What the annual cycle and the animals within it echo are traits Filipinos also understand: resourcefulness, or diskarte, in knowing which forces to yield to; tiyaga, the resolve to push forward through uncertainty; and malasakit as our instinct for empathy. These are not merely symbolic adjectives, but experiences that shape community rituals, harvest calendars, and life.

As the new lunar year unfolds, the current Year of the Fire Horse stands as an invitation to reflect on how we attune to the world, and what we choose to carry forward. The predictions that follow are not meant to dictate outcomes, but to offer a lens through which to approach the year ahead with greater intention.

In Chinese metaphysics, each year is shaped by a combination of one of the 12 Zodiac animals and one of the five elements, forming a 60-year cycle. The Fire Horse, last seen in 1966, officially begins on February 17, 2026, with the Lunar New Year. The pairing is known for intensity, speed, and heightened activity, qualities that feng shui experts Patrick Lim Fernandez and Johnson Chua would describe as powerful but demanding.

Fernandez explains that the Fire Horse sets the overall “conditions” of the year, much like a climate. “The easiest way to understand it is through the idea of weather,” he says. “Yang Fire is like the sun: it’s very intense. It brings heat, passion, creativity, and growth, but it also illuminates everything. Issues won’t stay hidden this year. Things that have been avoided or kept in the background will be brought to the surface, and that naturally leads to more confrontation.”

He adds that the Horse amplifies this intensity through movement. “The Horse is fast-moving and independent. It’s always running toward a goal. This isn’t a year for staying still or waiting things out. There’s a strong push to act, to move, to do something. But the challenge is that this kind of energy can be unsustainable.”

“Fire means passion, determination, and drive,” Chua explains. “But when there’s too much of it, it turns into aggression, impatience, and emotional reaction. That’s why 2026 can be very productive for people who know what they’re doing, but very destructive for those who don’t have direction.”

So, for Chua, the defining word for 2026 is clarity. “The Horse keeps running,” he continues. “If you’re not clear about your path and your target goal, you’ll just keep moving without getting anywhere. This year will reward people who know what they want, and why.”

Fernandez, on the other hand, emphasizes balance: “Harness the radiant energetic fire with courage, but temper your impulsiveness with wisdom,” he advises. “There’s going to be this very bright, intense, energetic yang fire… and because it’s going to be hot, it’s not for the faint of heart. Try to find the right balance in all four aspects: career, health, money, relationships. That’s what’s going to be key for this year and for life in general.”

Below, Fernandez and Chua break down what the Year of the Fire Horse may hold for each Chinese Zodiac sign.

The Rat

For Rats, 2026 may feel like pushing through headwinds. Fernandez describes it as “a little bit harder to get through things in different aspects.” But he reframes that friction as something useful: a year of intentional renewal. In other words, change is the point, and if you work with it, it can propel you forward.

It’s also a year to reconnect. Rats have a strong energy for gathering: rekindling bonds with old friends and family, especially over meals.

Chua similarly advises Rats to resist impulsiveness this year, particularly when it comes to major decisions. He suggests focusing on what already exists, strengthening foundations rather than chasing new directions, while leaning on trusted support instead of carrying everything alone.

Watch out for: bigger money outflows and emotional heaviness that can come from the people around you. Fernandez’s advice is practical: if you’re going to spend, try to spend on something that gives you a return: an asset or investment, not an expense.

The Ox

The Ox has solid tailwinds in career, prosperity, and financial growth, supported by benefactors and a strong leadership/charisma energy. If you’re leading a team, building a business, or carrying responsibility at home, this is a year to “put your unique leadership style” into action: people are more likely to follow.

Chua echoes this leadership theme, noting that Oxen are well-supported by relationship and authority stars in 2026. However, he cautions against taking on problems simply because they are nearby, reminding Oxen to be selective about where they invest their time and energy.

Watch out for: being pulled into quarrels that aren’t yours. Fernandez says Oxen may get “dragged into” conflicts, plus feel environmental pressure when plans don’t go in a smooth line. His fix: focus on what you can control, and keep a Plan B.

The Tiger

Tigers get what Fernandez calls scattered chi: active energy, but dispersed. This is a year that rewards adaptability. Don’t let decisions linger; move, adjust, and move again. The new year demands clearer planning for Tigers, Chua agrees.

Watch out for: financial setbacks from excessive risk-taking. “Be a little bit more conservative,” he says, especially if you’re tempted to spread yourself too thin. He also flags a higher chance of injury (avoid high-risk activities if possible), and a gossip/slander energy: people may talk, but Fernandez advises focusing on your own conscience and not being bogged down by other people’s perceptions.

The Rabbit

For Rabbits, the theme is stability with meaning. There’s a “financial stability star,” which Fernandez frames as a chance to turn this year’s fortune into lasting security: save well, plan long, and think beyond the next 12 months.

Rabbits also get a bright emotional counterweight: the “sky happiness star.” “You’ll actually be able to witness joy,” he says, an encouragement to celebrate others genuinely, without comparison. Chua also ranks the Rabbit among the most supported signs of the year, highlighting strong networking and helpful-people energy.

Watch out for: unnecessary complications (“simplify whenever possible”) and a temptation energy Fernandez calls the “salty pool star,” where you may be drawn to people or things that glitter but aren’t good for you. His advice: protect what matters versus what glitters.

The Dragon

Dragons get a helpful softening energy through a “resolution” or “grace” star: problems can feel less heavy than expected. Fernandez’s advice is to choose your battles, because you might waste energy fighting something that wasn’t really a problem.

There’s also an instability pattern: highs and lows across the year. During high periods, avoid overconfidence; during low periods, keep perspective. Chua adds that emotional withdrawal may be a concern for Dragons in 2026, particularly amid political or interpersonal tension.

Watch out for: conflict with elders or authority figures (“respect your elders”), and an emotional distance energy that can make you feel withdrawn. Fernandez recommends aiming for human connection over purely digital connection, especially with your closest people.

The Snake

Snakes get strong growth potential. Fernandez describes an abundance star that’s earned through merit and virtue: doing the right thing, the right way. There’s also a “surpassing path” energy: if you set bold goals, you may exceed them.

Chua, however, characterizes 2026 as a higher-effort year for Snakes. He advises against multitasking and encourages focusing on one priority at a time to avoid burnout, particularly as health may be more vulnerable.

Watch out for: a sickness/immune-system vulnerability and a frustration/disorganization tendency: scatterbrain, distraction, and losing focus. Fernandez says the solution is simple: stay organized, protect your immune health, and avoid getting pulled in too many directions.

The Horse

If you’re a Horse, 2026 is your spotlight year: Fernandez calls it a year of highs. With visibility comes accountability and pressure, especially self-imposed. “You’ll put more pressure on yourself,” he says. The key is to use the platform without letting it overwhelm you.

Horses also benefit from a general/leadership star, suited for leading with order through chaos: being the calm, rational voice when things get messy. Money-wise, Horses get a treasure vault pattern: wealth through steady accumulation, not one-time windfalls. “Look for the small wins,” he says.

Watch out for: hidden indolence: fatigue, burnout, backlog accumulation. Listen to your mind and body when you need rest. There may be the pressure of visibility this year, but Chua advises Horses to avoid people-pleasing and emotional reactivity. Practice professionalism and restraint, especially when attention and scrutiny increase.

The Goat/The Sheep

Goats are considered best friends with the Horse, and 2026 offers them smoother flow in partnerships. Fernandez points to a harmony star for collaborations and relationships, plus a saddle star: a role change, promotion, or bigger platform that helps you advance.

Chua also ranks Goat among the year’s stronger signs, but warns against complacency. He encourages Goats to act on opportunities rather than waiting for ideal conditions.

Watch out for: stagnant/sluggish energy (fight through the temptation to freeze), and unexpected betrayals. His advice is to look carefully at your circle and be clear about who you can trust.

The Monkey

Monkeys get movement. Fernandez calls it a sky voyager star: good for travel, change, and being more extroverted. “Sometimes just one simple comment will open up a treasure trove,” he says, encouraging Monkeys to initiate conversations and expand their world.

There’s also an academic intelligence star, making 2026 a good year to learn something new: through formal study or structured self-learning. Chua parallels this forecast, highlighting financial opportunities for Monkeys, particularly through side projects or expansion.

Watch out for: a solitary energy: wanting to be alone. Fernandez stresses the difference between alone and lonely: alone can be healthy, but too much can become isolation. He also notes a theme of caring for elderly loved ones: showing up for their health and emotional wellbeing.

The Rooster

Roosters get a year that favors commitment and clarity. Fernandez highlights a red phoenix energy; it’s a good time to formalize relationships that deserve permanence: romantic commitments or business partnerships.

There’s also a strong female energy in Roosters’ networks, making it a year to reconnect with mothers, sisters, female friends, colleagues, and, for business owners, to consider female clientele and markets. Roosters also receive benefactor luck; people are more willing to help if you ask.

Watch out for: entanglement, being pulled into other people’s drama. Chua flags heightened conflict energy, advising restraint in debates. Discern what’s worth your time, and exit what isn’t.

The Dog

Dogs gain a creativity boost that often comes best through quiet: “deliberate solitude” that produces strong ideas. There’s also a grace/resolution energy where help comes from your own clarity and methodical problem-solving.

Watch out for: overwhelm, wanting to say yes to everything, prioritizing everything, and ending up exhausted. Fernandez’s advice: learn when to say no. He also recommends adopting healthier habits and being proactive; some people may choose to schedule a checkup after early February, when the solar energies shift.

The Pig

Pigs get steady, consistent wins through what Fernandez calls a lunar virtue star: monthly accomplishments. His advice is to work in monthly cycles; set clear, structured goals you can actually hit.

There’s also a jade hall energy supportive of expanding and diversifying assets. But Chua urges Pigs to still closely monitor their finances, warning that small, frequent expenses can quietly accumulate.

Watch out for: money pitfalls and a “robbery” pattern where others may capitalize on your weaknesses, whether materially or emotionally (trust, relationships). Stay sharp with boundaries, and track your spending.

By BIANCA CUSTODIO and GABRIEL YAP. Photographs by MARK NICDAO. Styling by GENO ESPIDOL of QURATOR STUDIO. Artworks by PATRICK CABRAL. Beauty Editor JOYCE OREÑA. Makeup: Noel Inocencio. Makeup Team: Gery Peñaso and Zhiedge using NARS Cosmetics. Models: Teodora Cordial, Ivanna Lagman, Angel Brahms Bernaldez, Erin Hung. Hair Team: Adam McGraw, Jayson Jaime, Jayr Escultero, Milet Cadavos of L’Oréal Professionel Philippines. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Multimedia Artists: Mcaine Carlos, France Ramos, Beatrice Lu. Videographer: Angelo Tantuico. Producer: Mavi Sulangi. Senior Lighting Technician: Villie James Bautista. First Assistant Photographer: Arsan Sulser Hofileña. Second Assistant Photographer: Crisaldo Soco. Photo File Manager: John Philip Nicdao. Driver Assistant: Alex Capongcol. Styling Assistants: Claire Fernando, Jermainne Lagura. Nails: Extraordinail. DJ: Samantha Samonte.