KUNG FU HOROSCOPES: YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE

by Wilson Sun (with Gigi Oh and Gene Ching)

At 22:04:01 on February 4, 2026, the solar term Lichun (Start of Spring 立春) begins, marking the start of the Year of the Horse. This lasts until 09:45 on February 4, 2027, when the Horse ends and the Year of the Ram begins. The Lunar New Year is conventionally celebrated on February 17, 2026. According to Feng Shui theory, the defining feature of 2026 is the element Fire (火). When fire is strong, it must burn. As a result, fires around the world may increase, wars may break out more frequently, and people’s emotions may become restless. Impulsiveness, riots, and a rush for quick success may spread rapidly like wildfire. Enthusiasm will be intense but difficult to sustain, and short-term, profit-driven behavior will be especially prominent. Of course, the advantage of strong fire is that new ideas and cultures flourish. Passionate scenes appear one after another, and new things emerge endlessly. This is a year that is both shocking and exciting, full of rapid change. The younger generation will be swept up by certain trends, becoming energized and throwing themselves into new reforms.

A year dominated by fire is also an excellent time for artistic innovation. With the emergence of AI, technological transformation begins to show its superiority, sparking global innovation and continuous prosperity. Emerging industries will grow like bamboo shoots after spring rain. The elderly may deeply feel that an era of being left behind has arrived. Innovation and transformation will make everyone realize the urgency of keeping pace with the world. The dramatic changes of this year are hard to predict—like a distant bonfire that can suddenly turn into a raging blaze across the sky. The saying “water and fire are merciless (shui huo wu qing 水火無情)” refers precisely to the speed and intensity of such change.

Do not be anxious. Do not panic. Only by facing reality, enriching oneself, and strengthening positive energy can one adapt to the arrival of this new era.

FIRE AND ENERGY

Fire symbolizes the rise of new energy. Humanity’s demand for energy is more urgent than ever. Rapid development of new energy sources will lay a solid foundation for the future AI era. Whoever gains an early advantage in this field will be able to lead the new global trend.

Fire gives rise to new thinking, new actions, and new situations—but this does not mean abandoning tradition. On the contrary, new technologies will draw ever closer to traditional culture. The essence of traditional culture will become more widely known and serve humanity better, which is itself a great merit.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES

The emergence of fire also signifies major psychological changes. Impatience and anxiety are key characteristics—people want to get rich quickly, fulfill desires quickly, and change their situation immediately. This can lead to extreme behavior and heightened aggressiveness, an inevitable product of historical progress.

Only by thinking calmly, restraining oneself, managing one’s behavior, and using reason to overcome emotion can one safely pass through this transitional period. Fire also represents thought and awareness—upright thoughts and righteous actions are the correct guiding principles.

LEARNING AND INNOVATION

Twenty-twenty-six is a year of learning and self-improvement. There will be more opportunities and methods to study various disciplines and enrich oneself. This is the key to remaining undefeated. Many outstanding individuals who influence the world—so-called “benefactors” or “noble helpers (gui ren 貴人)”—will emerge, guiding global prosperity and continuously bringing fresh ideas. This is a year of innovation. New technologies will be dazzling, and the world will change rapidly.

CLIMATE AND HEALTH

Twenty-twenty-six has abundant fire and insufficient water, indicating the likelihood of droughts. Water storage and conservation are extremely important, and water-management infrastructure is urgent.
On a personal level, this is a time to nurture the kidneys. There may be an increase in joint, spinal, urinary, and reproductive system diseases. Natural therapies will be more effective. When fire becomes excessive, things reverse—cardiovascular diseases may increase. Good daily routines and a calm mindset are essential for prevention.

ECONOMY

The global economy resembles fire: it flourishes when fanned by wind and weakens when the wind stops. Economic uncertainty will become increasingly obvious, with rapid and unpredictable changes. Therefore, investment and entrepreneurship require extra caution—steady progress is best.


Although volatility may cause psychological unease, the overall economic trend is positive. Southeast Asia will experience rapid growth, and southern countries of the world may rise unexpectedly.

GLOBAL SITUATION (FENG SHUI PERSPECTIVE)

From a Feng Shui viewpoint, the Northwest (Qian sector 乾位) hosts an inauspicious star this year. This suggests frequent shocks to global leadership and a high risk of conflict—making 2026 an extremely unsettled year.

HEALTH GUIDANCE

Health concerns mainly involve the relationship between fire and water in the Five Elements. Excessive fire and deficient water create extreme imbalance. Natural health practices focus on restoring balance between water and fire. Avoid excessive excitement—it harms the cardiovascular system. Avoid excessive fear—it damages the kidneys (“fear injures the kidneys”). Fear and shock can lead to kidney, bladder, dental, bone, and joint diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the seven emotions (joy, anger, sorrow, worry, sadness, fear, and shock) can cause illness. Such conditions are not easily controlled by medication alone; emotional regulation is vital.

Meditation, Tai Chi, gentle exercise, dance, music, and singing can greatly improve mood and are highly effective for psychosomatic illnesses.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

Foods that benefit the cardiovascular system: hawthorn (山楂), tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Foods that protect the kidneys: black beans, black rice, black sesame, and black fungus (黑木耳). Morning sunlight exposure, quiet sitting before bed, and soaking feet in warm water can all significantly improve health.

HOME FENG SHUI

In 2026, kidney, bone, dental, and reproductive system illnesses will peak. Special attention should be paid to keeping the center of the home clean and dry. Avoid stagnant water and bad odors, or these illnesses may become unavoidable and resistant to medication.

Auspicious and Inauspicious Directions (Feng Shui): One Major Auspicious Direction: Southeast (東南方) Brings strong wealth luck. Homes or company entrances facing Southeast gain favorable timing. Beneficial for marketing, PR, import/export, trade, healthcare, insurance, and finance. The eldest daughter in a family enjoys good fortune. Women over 40 play a key role in companies. Especially favorable for those born in the Dragon and Snake years

Two Major Inauspicious Directions: South and Northwest (南方,西北方)

South: Inauspicious star affects health. South-facing doors or homes may cause cardiovascular problems. Professional Feng Shui remedies are recommended. Those born under the sign of the horse, second daughters, and women aged 20–40 should be especially cautious

Northwest: Prone to impulsive misjudgment, obstacles, strange events, swelling issues. Homes facing this direction need early Feng Shui adjustment. Low efficiency, repeated efforts, lung, head, and colon illnesses. Particularly affects fathers, senior men, leaders, and men over 60. Avoid anger. Those born under the signs of the dog and the pig should pay special attention to health.