I’ve been reflecting on the energy of 2026 as we celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Solar New Year arrives on February 4th, ushering in the Yang Fire Horse. This energy is very different from last year.
The Yin Wood Snake demanded that we release everything that no longer served us. It was as if we were all asked to take off a backpack filled with boulders. As we unpacked those boulders, the Snake revealed something important: we would no longer be carrying that backpack again. For good reason.
If we’re going to ride the Fire Horse, we wouldn’t want to be weighed down by a heavy bag on our backs.
The Horse is filled with spontaneity, unpredictability, adventure, and momentum. The element of Yang Fire mirrors this energy perfectly. The energy of the year feels like a wild forest fire. Navigating it may be tricky.
In the worlds 4 Pillar chart, there is no water support to cool down the fire. This requires each of us to take responsibility for our own emotions, to practice compassion for others, and to resist lashing out when we really want to. Drinking plenty of water this year will be important. If you can spend time around a body of water, please do—it will help you navigate the fires that may burn out of control this year.
Fire is the element that can bring both conflict and joy. Fire needs to be fed.
So, ask yourself this question:
Which fire will I feed this year?
Because whichever one you choose will grow.
Speaking of fire, Saturn joins Neptune in the sign of Aries this month, conjuncting at 0° Aries. This alignment has not occurred in over 5,000 years. The first degree of Aries is the first degree of the zodiac, marking a massive historical turning point and the beginning of a brand-new chapter.
Saturn is in its fall in Aries, bringing a more restrictive energy and greater responsibility for the next 2½ years. Aries, however, is no stranger to hard work and responsibility. Use this energy to your advantage and take action on the projects you want to get moving this year. They may not come to fruition as quickly as you’d like—but keep going anyway.
Neptune has also entered Aries and will remain there until 2040. Neptune represents our dreams, and Aries is the sign of action. This is a time when dreams can truly become reality. On the flip side, the last time Neptune was in Aries coincided with the American Civil War. Can you see the similarities unfolding now?
Meanwhile, Uranus, the planet of expecting the unexpected, goes direct in Taurus on February 3rd. This marks Uranus’ final pass through the last degrees of Taurus—allowing every Taurus to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Taurus hates unexpected change, and Uranus has been shifting the ground beneath you for the last seven years.
The Full Moon in Leo kicked off the month on the 1st, offering us one final opportunity to shed the last skin of the Snake in preparation for the Horse on February 4th.
The New Moon in Aquarius brings a Solar Eclipse and solar eclipses signal major turning points and karmic shifts. Locate **28° Aquarius** in your chart to see which house is being activated. For me, it’s the second house of values and money, making it a powerful time to set financial goals for the year ahead.
This is shaping up to be a truly fascinating month.
If you’d like support navigating this energy and learning how to use the momentum of the year to your advantage, please reach out for a reading.