Today starts the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese astronomical calendar!
There are a LOT of websites out there that explain the various zodiac signs and meanings behind each year. Google AI puts it succinctly: “2026 is known as a ‘bingwu year,’ which is commonly translated as the Year of the Fire Horse. In China’s traditional Five Elements system, bing represents the sun, the most yang form of energy in terms of yin-yang theory, and is associated with the colour red.”
I’ve struggled to find the best, most accurate way to describe it; is it the astronomical calendar? The Chinese zodiac calendar?
This website describes it this way: “February 17, 2026 launches the Lunar year of the Yang Fire Horse.
“Lunar New Year begins on the second new moon following Winter Solstice, when the Sun and New Moon are conjunct in Aquarius, along with a powerful Solar Eclipse this year.”
This website indicates that it’s also the Fire Horse year in the traditional Japanese calendar.
They all seem to suggest a year full of movement and action … change … freedom!
This is an interesting write-up in Vogue (!): “In simple terms, think: rapid change, fresh opportunities, personal growth, and a faster pace of life.”
Learn more about the horoscope aspect of the Year of the Horse here: “According to Chinese astrology, Horse is confident, agreeable, and responsible, although they also tend to dislike being reined in by others. They’re fit and intelligent, adoring physical and mental exertion; they’re decisive but also easily swayed and impatient.”
The Year of the Fire Horse starts today, Feb. 17, and it ends Feb. 20, 2027, when the Year of the Goat begins.
(Pic above: Flash, our very own Fire Horse in Spring Creek Basin!)
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 