2026 : Year of the Fire Horse
2026 brings with it the energies of the Fire Horse, represented by Bing (Fire) over Wu (Fire). As both are Yang Fire, the energies very strong. Fire represents joy, optimism, generosity and confidence which spread and radiate. Yang Fire (powerful and hot) on top shows up everywhere, whereas the Yang Fire at the bottom is where inner drive foments. The Yang Fire is further fueled during the months of February and September when it forms a FIRE triangle with Yin (Tiger) and Wu (Dog) respectively. During the summer months when there are Fire elements present, the spread of optimism, confidence and generosity will be extensive.
Thus, in a nutshell, the year can be characterized by strong and vibrant activities, driven by radiant generosity. These affect the internal / subtler developments of the mind/psyche of individuals as well as of society, governments, nations, states…..in fact, all of humankind.
CONFLICTS
There will be less ‘new’ conflicts this year, as optimism spreads generally. However, the positive energies will meet with resistance from ‘authoritarian’ dogma, which will lead to conflicts. The potential for the positive energies to prevail is there though.
Historically, this particular combination also occurred 60 years ago in 1966. The US began bombing Hanoi and Haiphong in the Vietnam War, while Israeli and Syrian jets clash over the Jordan River. The first battle of the South African Air Force and Police with SWAPO (South African West Africa People’s Organization) triggered the South African Border War that lasted till 1989. In 1846, the Mexican-American war raged on, the first Anglo-Sikh war ended with the Treaty of Lahore. Kashmir is ceded to the British East India Company, and Koh-I-Noor diamond surrendered to Queen Victoria.
These conflicts appear to have arisen out of radiating energies of Bing Fire expanding the emotional temperament of the Wu Fire, and meeting with established norms and dogmas.
Of particular concern in 2026 are the simmering tensions between North Korea and the US, as well as the long-standing tiff with Iran. If the so-called principled actions of the US/World are brought against these countries (seen as more emotional and unstable), then we could very well see major conflicts develop. Also at odds, is the Israeli-Hamas conflict. All parties involved should exercise genuine care for the other side’s views in order to resolve these issues.
In the political arena though, there were more of such in the past.
1966 : Syrian coup d’etat, Coup in Ghana, demonstrations in US against the Vietnam war, peace negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia, Cultural Revolution in China, France leaves NATO
1906 : Fundamental laws in first state duma in Russia, Cuba requests assistance from US to control rebellion,
1846 : California Republic declares independence from Mexico, US annexes Republic of Texas, finalized by TX President, Krakow uprising, NZ constitution act, Great Britain acquires Labuan from Sultanate of Brunei, Iowa admitted as 29th state.
With the ‘generous’ energies prevalent, conflicts could potentially come to conclusions, while political activities trend towards progress. The recent struggles of the US Congress is the most visible with their failure to work out deals. Issues will rise to the resolved. There is thus, more hope and positive thinking where progress may be made. It is a year where real compromises can occur, and rationalization rather than impulsiveness, will lead to more desirable outcomes.
ADVANCEMENT / PROGRESS
With the strong Yang Fire prevalent this year, we will see the spread of optimism and confidence permeating through all sectors of societies in the world. In the fields of science and technology, this could manifest in the widespread adoption of EVs, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neural networks, Bio-engineering, space tourism. History shows that these energies can also be directed towards progress, from personal to all of humankind.
A quick review of the last 180 years shows the following ;
1966 : The Soviet space probe Venera 3 crashes on Venus, the first spacecraft to land on another planet’s surface. NASA spacecraft Gemini 8 conducts first docking in space with an Agena target vehicle. Luna 10, Soviet space probe is the first to orbit around the Moon. An artificial heart is installed in the chest of Marcel DeRudder in a Houston, TX hospital. Gemini 10 sets world altitude record of 474 miles. Lunar Orbiter 2 launched.
1906 : HMS Dreadnought launched, sparking a naval race between Britain and Germany. First unassisted heavier than air takeoff with monoplane in France. Xerox is founded. RMS Lusitania launched in Glasgow as world’s largest ship, followed by RMS Mauretania in Sept. Finland becomes the first nation to adopt universal suffrage. First powered flight in Europe by Alberto Santos-Dumont in Bagatelle, France. SOS adopted internationally as distress signal. BCG vaccine developed.
1846 : Kerosene refined from coal, bitumen or oil shale. Patent for sewing machine using lockstitch design. Neptune and its moon Triton discovered.
With these energies present again, we can expect that the conditions are ripe for some advances in technology, society, the political arena and on a personal level as well. Perhaps we may see widespread use of more fuel-efficient technologies, utilization of the human genome in personal healthcare, and the continual rise of AI in every-day applications.
ACCIDENTS / NATURAL DISASTERS
Not without challenges, Bing over Wu lends a lot of energies towards events related to Fire. A quick review of accidents/disasters over the last 180 years show that in ;
1966 : ANA 60 plunges into Tokyo Bay, killing 133. Great Fire of Iloilo, Philippines, Canadian Pacific Airlines Flight 402 crashes in Tokyo, killing 64. BOAC Flight 911 crashes from severe clear air turbulence, killing all 124. A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Xingtai, China injuring 38,000 and leaving 8,000 dead. A 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Tashkent destroyed the city. A North American XB-70 Valkyrie strategic bomber is destroyed in a mid-air collision with an F-104 Starfighter chase plane during a photo shoot. F5 tornado destroyed Topeka, KS with damages exceeding $100 million. Braniff International Airways flight 250 crashes in Fall City, NE killing all 42 on board. Varto earthquake (6.8) in eastern Turkey, killed ~3000 people. Britannia Airways flight 105 crashes in Yugoslavia. West Coast airlines flight 956 crashes in Wemme, OR. A fire on board USS Oriskany killed 44 crewman. Flood of Arno river in Florence, Italy destroyed millions of masterpieces of art and rare books. TABSO flight 101 crashes near Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, killing all 82 on board.
1906 : Courrieres mine disaster kills ~1000. San Francisco earthquake (est. 7.8) destroys the city, killing >3000, with $350million in damages and leaving ~ 300,000 homeless. Aleutian islands (8.35) and Valparaiso (8.2) earthquakes. A typhoon and tsunami killed ~ 10,000 in Hong Kong. The steamboat Dix sinks enroute from Seattle to Port Blakely, claiming 50. The 7.9 Mansai earthquake in Xinjiang, China kills nearly 300 people.
1846 : The Donner Party, a wagon train of 87 settlers traveling to California is stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains. By the time a relief party reached them 3 months later, only 48 remained, many of whom survived through cannibalism.
Wu Fire is a powerful Fire element and clashes with the strong Zi (Rat) water. With Bing also present, the Fire energies are much stronger. The energies present can trigger serious accidents / disasters related to fire and water. Being an air element, Wu Fire encourages more of such activities, such as air travel. However, when it clashes with Zi, there is potential for accidents, especially during the winter months. When Wu combines with Yin and Xu, a very strong FIRE combination materializes, and this could lead to accidents in the nuclear industry. Extra care should be observed by all parties involved in such technologies or negotiations, especially during the months of February and October.
ECONOMY
Wu Fire also brings with it the Flower of Romance (Peach Blossom), which benefits the entertainment and glamor industries (including fashion, advertising, media, entertainment and beauty). With Bing Fire on top of Wu Fire, the Yang energies are omnipresent thence drawing out lots of related activities.
Fire also drives the stock market, as the energies of Fire lend rise to optimism, very strong optimism in this year. The energies of Fire affect the entertainment, energy, finance and restaurant industries. These industries will see lots of activities, though not necessarily wealth.
With Fire in the forefront, the Metal industries of banking, machinery, engineering, computers and high-technology will be challenged. On a subtler note, the Water industries of shipping, transportation, communications, etc will also see their bottom-line rise, increase in both capital and liquid assets. The two industries that will do well in 2026 will be those of Water and Earth. Earth industries such as real estate, property, mining etc. will see their resources increase with the Fire energies. Water industries will see lots of wealth grow and accumulate.
HEALTH / PENALTIES
The strong Fire energies affect the heart and blood circulation. When Wu clashes with Zi Water (which affects the kidney and immune system) in the winter, this can cause health problems affecting the kidney, sex organs, heart and blood. Strong Wu Fire also attacks Metal (lungs, skin), which suggests the onslaught of airborne diseases that is aided/spread with the strong Fire energies, especially in the autumn.
The sickness star 2 is in the NW while the yellow 5 is in the S, the two areas of any living space/area to be wary of. If one is recovering from illness, do try to recuperate in an area of the house where the 2 or 5 stars are not present.
For those born in the year of the Horse, they face self-penalties (worries, uneasiness…etc.) and are offending the Grand Duke. Those with Fire as an unfavorable element in their 4 Pillars will face the potential of health problems related to their heart and blood. Clashing with strong Zi, those born in the year the Rat will [JC1] also face penalties in offending the Grand Duke. Thus, it is best for those born in the years of the Horse and Rat to travel, change jobs, office, house, etc. Movement allows the energies to not stagnate unto oneself (which affects one’s health easily). Care should be taken to go easy with one’s cardiovascular system, through proper diet and exercise.
The Horse also brings with it the ‘Flower of Romance’ energies for those born in the years of Snake, Rooster and Ox. Those born in these years can anticipate a very sociable year ahead. For those born in the year of the Monkey, they will see more traveling opportunities present themselves.
Since the Tai Sui is located in the South this year, avoiding a direct line of travel towards that direction will help to smoothen one’s journey. To minimize these negative effects, carrying a Wei (Goat) energy item will help.
HARMONY
For people born in the years of the Yin (Tiger) and Xu (Dog), they are in harmony with the Horse, and can expect a smoother year ahead.
The Horse is a benefactor (nobleman) for people born in the years of Yin Metal Heavenly Stem. These are years then end with ‘1’. Eg. 1941, 1961, 1971…..etc. The energy here enables smoother progression than otherwise possible for these people. The Horse also brings with it an ‘Academic’ star for those born on a Yin Wood day.
FLYING STARS
The flying star 1 is in the center in 2026. 1 being Water in nature, we expect to see the basic theme change from the Earth focused activities of last year to Water focused activities. Industries that will get attention include shipping, transportation, communications, etc.
Wu forms a Fire frame with Yin and Xu. Since this is a very strong Fire frame, and Fire clashes with 1 (Water). Placing Wooden objects in the center will help to mitigate this. The Yellow 5 is in the S this year (obstacles, misfortune) – a Metal chime here will lessen its ill effects. To lessen the ill-effects of sickness star 2, a string of six metal coins may be hung in the NW part of the house. Since the Grand Duke is in the South this year, no movement of Earth should occur here. The robbery/conflict energies of 3 are found in the West – a piece of red paper there will dissolve the bad influence. The 3 Sha (3 Killings) is present in the North, so do not sit with one’s back to the North. To lessen the effects of the scandalous energies of 7 in the SW, place bamboo plants in water with a glass vase there.
Summary
The Yang Fires this year represent the strong energies that could bring forth more positive events. It also highlights the resolution of optimism with the emotional nature of the human psyche. The Yellow 5 and Sickness 2 energies are the ones to watch out for from a FengShui perspective, and resting in these areas should be avoided.