~ Anjie Cho
0
Share on bsky
What’s your zodiac animal?
And what does that mean for you?
Happy new year dear friends! How has 2026 been for you so far? I find that most of us are wintering, unearthing a bit of space to sit in the introspective darkness. Wintertime and the turning of the year, invite us to review and reflect on the last twelve months.
As a feng shui expert, many people ask me what to consider at this time, between the solstice and the Lunar (Eastern) New Year.
In case you didn’t know, every year, millions around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, which falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
In 2026, this very special day falls on Monday, February 17.
The Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring festival, celebrating all that the commencement of spring represents: fresh beginnings and new growth, like a sprout emerging from the soil. The Lunar New Year also marks transitions, such as the symbolic transition from the subtle indirect yin wood Snake energy to the bold and powerful qi (life force energy) of the yang fire Horse.
So, back to this question, what can we consider at the tail of the Snake year before the official shift into the Horse year?
There is a mythical tale of a great race that determined the order of the Eastern zodiac. The story goes that the snake curled around the horse’s leg and hitched a ride (undetected) during the race. Just before crossing the finish line, the snake unfurled and came in sixth place (the Horse secured the seventh spot). In doing so, the snake also startled the horse. This story points to the possibly unknown and surprising connections that we can consider at this time.
There’s much that can be carried over from the year of the Snake that accompanies us into the year of the Horse.
Therefore, in this potent time of transition, it’s recommended to contemplate what was shed and what was reborn last year, and even in these last few weeks. The Snake has the qualities of wisdom, rebirth and letting go, as the snake sheds its skin. The horse brings in speed, success, and fiery passion. So we have this unique opportunity to learn from the snake and access the strength of the horse to give those teachings legs.
You may already know that you have an Eastern zodiac animal that’s connected to your birth year and that each has a different relationship to the Horse. Below, I’ve shared a compilation of all twelve zodiac animals, their corresponding years*, and a mindful aspiration for the Year of the Yang Fire Horse.
The qi of the Fire Horse year is like that of a thoroughbred. There’s the potential to just run around the track mindlessly in circles. But, if we wish, we can choose to guide this Horse year with courage and wisdom. It just takes a bit of mindfulness!
Before we dive into each animal, a feng shui Lunar New Year tip for every zodiac animal:
>> Carry the good luck amulet for the year of the Horse. This year the auspicious zodiac animal is the Ram, so it’s recommended you have a three-dimensional representation of a Ram on you at all times. The Ram is a good luck charm offering protection and auspicious qi for the year of the Horse. You can make your own, or I also sell handmade amulets.
And now our list of every eastern zodiac animal, their corresponding years*, and a mindful aspiration to contemplate in this Year of the Yang Fire Horse.
*Please note, if your birthday falls between January 1 and February 3, your zodiac animal is the preceding year.
Rat 子
*1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Mindful aspiration: This year is considered a challenging one for the Rat. Your invitation is to take care of yourself, and keep it simple. Move one step at a time and keep things straight, honest, and direct.
Ox 丑
*1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Mindful aspiration: The Ox has a difficult year in 2026. Take it easy and don’t feel like you have to rush, do what you do best—slow and steady. Slow down when you need to, and look to your community for support.
Tiger 寅
*1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Mindful aspiration: Things will grow and flourish, as the Tiger is in harmony with the Horse. Feed your heart and body with the things that bring you joy and raise you up up up!
Rabbit 卯
*1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Mindful aspiration: The tender Rabbit energy can hang out well with the Horse this year. Remember that you can connect with all your senses to guide you. Keep those eyes and ears open.
Dragon 辰
*1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Mindful aspiration: The Dragon can learn from the herd mentality of horses. Learn to connect and rely on community, there is strength and joy in friendships, and you don’t always have to be the leader.
Snake 巳
*1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Mindful aspiration: You’re coming out of a challenging year, but you have the strength of the Horse available to you. Receive support, offer gratitude, and remember to honor the rebirth that this year offers.
Horse 午
*1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Mindful aspiration: A Horse in a Horse year is a challenge. Remember to check in with your herd, take care of yourself, and use your powerful courage to look at the mirror that’s offered to you this year.
Ram 未
*1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Mindful aspiration: This is your lucky year to shine! Do your thing and follow the flow, see what precious gifts arise this year. Also be sure to share your auspicious qi with those that can benefit from your generosity.
Monkey 申
*1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Mindful aspiration: This year invites you to harness the flurry of energy and ride the wave. See where it takes you and don’t be afraid to commit if something great arises.
Rooster 酉
*1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Mindful aspiration: This is a year to share your cheer with the community. Connect with others and let others take the lead sometimes. The greatest innovations often arise from collaboration.
Dog 戌
*1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Mindful aspiration: This is a lucky year for the Dog. Do what you do best and continue to serve the world with your loyalty and kindness. It’s much needed.
Pig 亥
*1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Mindful aspiration: This year is a welcome relief from the Snake year. Be sure to take care of yourself. Balance fun with a bit of discipline and you’ll benefit greatly from the Horse’s energy.
Now that you’ve learned a little bit about what your zodiac animal is and what it means for you in the year of the Horse, I’d recommend you look up your friends and family as well.
Happy Lunar New Year! ~ Anjie Cho
>> Just for fun? Check back on the 2025 Year of the Yin Wood Snake article to see if the mindful aspirations for your Zodiac animal came to pass!
“How to wrap The Year of the Snake (rough year) into the Year of the Horse (new beginnings).”
More wisdom: “This is the Horse energy: forward motion born out of your courage to surrender.”
First image via Saadat Khan, second by Thought Catalog:
author: Anjie Cho
Image: Elephant Journal
Editor: Molly Murphy
Read 3 comments and reply