All signs point to a major shift in the current programming. (Image: VCG via Getty Images)
In 2026, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, will occur between February 17 and March 3.
It signifies the start of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, determined by the first new moon of the lunar calendar, and is broadly regarded as a fortunate time globally, representing fresh beginnings and a clean slate.
Millions across the globe mark the occasion, and this year, the Chinese New Year’s arrival on February 17 aligns with a solar eclipse and a new moon in Aquarius – all indicators suggesting a significant transformation in the existing order.
What lies ahead for you in 2026?
2026 is the Year of the Horse and according to China Highlights, this carries profound meaning: “In Chinese culture, the Horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolises vitality, speed, and perseverance.
People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.”, reports the Mirror.
Read more: Misfortune and bad luck is ahead on Chinese New Year if you do common things
Read more: Chinese New Year 2026 is here and year of Horse has special meaning
The Chinese New Year commences on February 17 this year (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Speaking to British Vogue, Susan Gu, an acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at HVN, explained: “In Eastern culture, the horse represents action, freedom, speed and breakthrough. A Horse year isn’t about running the fastest, but about running the longest. The Horse isn’t afraid of slowness. It’s afraid of stillness.”
Gu reveals the Year of the Horse represents a period in life characterised by bold advancement, “without the fear of obstacles”, and emphasises the importance of “motion rather than standing still”.
According to Chinese astrology, the horse embodies confidence, responsibility and agreeability, though those born during these years (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026) resist being controlled by others.
People born in Horse years are clever and physically capable, possess an appetite for mental and physical challenges, and whilst being resolute, they can also be readily influenced and demonstrate signs of restlessness.
Those born in the Year of the Horse, during their zodiac year, may encounter remarkable peaks and troughs in romance, wellbeing, and career matters.
They have the potential to accomplish significant progress in a Horse year through determination, and maintaining equilibrium in self-care represents a crucial theme for their zodiac year. Stable financial circumstances can also be anticipated, which consequently guarantee sustained prosperity.
Chinese astrology suggests that horses have a tendency towards becoming disinterested quickly – whether in relationships or employment – and are prone to abandoning endeavours midway once their initial enthusiasm has faded. Conversely, the horse is regarded as a symbol of wealth and achievement.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (Image: AP)
2026 is actually the Year of the Fire Horse
2026 is actually the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, specifically the Year of the Fire Horse, an occurrence that happens just once every 60 years.
Considered a potent and rare alignment in Chinese astrology, the Year of the Fire Horse carries tremendous ‘double fire’ energy, heralding significant upheaval, rapid transformation and passionate action. This year’s fire element delivers passion, drive and intensity.
Pan Wang, associate professor of Chinese and Asian Studies at UNSW, discussed the intertwined symbolism of fire and the horse in Chinese astrology, telling SBS News: “If you put these together, it’s like a double fire. That will certainly symbolise vitality, passion, this full energy and high speed, courage.”
The Year of the Fire Horse will draw to a close on February 5, 2027, making way for the Year of the Fire Goat (or Ram).
Whilst the Year of the Wood Snake in 2025 delivered considerable introspective energy, shedding of old ‘skins’ and a substantial cycle of ‘letting go’, release and transformation, the Year of the Fire Horse represents daring change, increased social opportunities and powerful creative self-expression.
According to chinesenewyear.net, “The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements-Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth – to each year, in addition to the zodiacs. So Horses born in different years will have different personalities.”
The Year of the Fire Horse occurs only once every 60 years (Image: -M-I-S-H-A- via Getty Images)
The Horse’s fortune is linked with the numbers 2 and 7, the colours purple, red, and pink, the flowers Iris, Jasmine, Calla Lily, and the southeast direction. Blue and black shades should be sidestepped, numbers 1 and 6 are deemed unlucky as are the north and northwest directions. Those born in the zodiac year of the Horse should also steer clear of rodent pets.
For those born in the years of the Horse, Dog, Tiger, Snake, Goat, and Rabbit – there’s positive news. You can look forward to luck and all things favourable in 2026. Unexpected financial windfalls, accomplishments, and good fortune may also be in store.
However, ‘luck’ is largely reliant on timing and personal effort, so for those born in Rat and Ox years, whilst 2026 may present some hurdles, it could ultimately lead to growth and success when paired with personal determination.
In Chinese astrology, each year alternates between two types of energies – Yin (soft, gentle) and Yang (determined and active), and 2026 is a Yang year in its entirety.
The Lunar New Year provides the perfect opportunity to let go of that which no longer benefits you and embark on a brand-new, fresh start – and we could all use a bit of that, truth be told.