What to expect in 2026, the year of the Fire Horse

It’s that time again… Fast approaching is the year of the Fire Horse, a very powerful animal. So let’s try to get ready as best as we can. Last year, we shed our skins and the veil fell during the year of the snake. A lot of people woke up from their daze. We are no longer believing everything we are told. The government does not want our best and a few of us have finally awakened to that.

Following the teachings of Lao Tsu, who was weary of any form of government, we now more than ever need to rely on our own judgement and intuition to survive trying times.

This year, the Fire Horse will bring about truth, resistance and justice. What will it exactly mean? If you are fearful, the horse will feel it. You will be best to trust and have confidence in yourself, to be able to lead with vigor and accuracy. The previous Fire Horse year was 1966, a year of chaos but social and political progress (Vietnam protests, civil rights actions), a coup d’etat (Nigeria), Vietnam war, many plane crashes, etc.

The lunar new year starts on February 17, but cures would have to be in place 2 weeks before ideally. The 2026 annual Flying Star chart takes effect from February 4, 2026 (Li Chun) and lasts until February 3, 2027, as the Chinese solar new year starts.

In 2026, the number 1 White Star occupies the center palace, which sets the overall tone of the year as one focused on opportunities, connection, reputation, and steady forward movement rather than conflict. This is excellent news to build from! The Center distributes the energy around the home; a great way to have positive Chi all around your house is therefore to take care of the center of your home this year.

Below is a detailed description of each sector, the star residing there, what it influences, and the appropriate cures or enhancements, including the reasoning behind them.

POSITIVE AREAS IN 2026

• CENTER – Star 1 (Water)

Theme: Victory, career progress, relationships, networking, overall harmony

With Water Star 1 residing at the heart of the home, the overall Chi is supported in a gentle yet powerful way. This star brings clarity in communication, harmony in relationships, and forward movement in one’s career and life path. It is a naturally auspicious influence and does not require any cures or corrections (unless you have a toilet in the center area, in which case I would advise to leave undisturbed and perhaps to place some large rocks at the bottom of the toilet seat).

To nourish this energy, I recommend subtle expressions of Water and Metal — soft lighting, refined metallic accents, or understated touches of blue or black. A very small, quiet water feature may be introduced if it feels appropriate to the space (not a bedroom or a toilet or bathroom or laundry room), though it is not essential. Above all, the center of the home should remain open, clean, and free of clutter, as congestion here can mute the benefits that would otherwise radiate throughout the entire house.

Strong Fire tones, excessive red, or heavy Wood elements are best avoided in this area. Fire drains Water, and too much of it can diminish the positive influence of this star.

• EAST – Star 8 (Earth)

Theme: Wealth, income stability, assets, material security 

Star 8 remains a strong wealth star in 2026. When activated correctly, it supports financial growth, property matters, and steady income.

Enhance this sector with Earth and Metal elements such as crystals, ceramics, stone objects, neutral earth tones, or metal décor. This is a good location for a safe, financial documents, or a work desk related to income.

Avoid Water features here, as Water weakens Earth and can dilute wealth energy.

• SOUTHEAST – Star 9 (Fire)

Theme: Future wealth, happiness, celebrations, long-term success

Star 9 represents growth, joy, and future prosperity. It is especially favorable for recognition, romance, and projects with long-term payoff.

Enhance this area with Fire and Wood elements such as warm lighting, candles, plants, or red and purple accents. This sector benefits from activity and positive energy.

Avoid excessive Metal or large Water features, as these suppress Fire and weaken the potential of this star.

•  NORTH – Star 6 (Metal)

Theme: Authority, leadership, career advancement, helpful people

 Star 6 is supportive and brings opportunities, promotions, and assistance from influential people.

Enhance with Metal and Earth elements such as metallic objects, white or gold colors, and structured, orderly décor. This is a good location for an office or workspace.

Avoid Water features here, as Water weakens Metal and can reduce the star’s effectiveness.

• NORTHEAST – Star 4 (Wood)

Theme: Romance, academic success, creativity, writing

Star 4 is beneficial for students, artists, writers, and those seeking relationship harmony.

Enhance with Wood and gentle Water elements such as plants, books, writing tools, or a small vase of water. This is a good area for a study or creative workspace.

Avoid Metal décor, as Metal cuts Wood and weakens the positive effects of this star.

NEGATIVE AREAS IN 2026

• SOUTH – Star 5 (Earth)

Theme: Misfortune, obstacles, accidents, financial and emotional disruption 

Star 5 is the most challenging influence in 2026 and must be handled carefully. The primary strategy here is to suppress, not activate.

The most effective cure is the salt water cure. This consists of a glass or jar filled with coarse salt, six metal coins, and water. It should be placed quietly in the South and left undisturbed. The salt absorbs negative Earth energy while the Metal drains it.

Additional cures include heavy metal objects, metal gourds, or six-coin arrangements. The South should be kept calm, quiet, and free of renovation, drilling, or loud activity.

Avoid Fire colors, bright lights, candles, red décor, or Earth elements like crystals and ceramics, as these strengthen the negative star.

•  SOUTHWEST – Star 7 (Metal)

Theme: Theft, loss, betrayal, arguments, gossip

Star 7 is aggressive and associated with conflict and loss. The goal is to weaken Metal energy.

Water is the primary cure. Use still water such as a bowl or vase, dark blue or black colors, or imagery related to calm water. The atmosphere should be quiet and controlled. 

Avoid Metal décor, wind chimes, sharp objects, or excessive noise, as these activate the negative qualities of this star.

• WEST – Star 3 (Wood)

Theme: Arguments, disputes, legal trouble, misunderstandings

Star 3 brings quarrels and tension if left unchecked. Fire is used to control Wood energy.

Introduce warm lighting, subtle red accents, or soft Fire tones. The purpose is to calm argumentative energy, not to overstimulate it.

Avoid Water features, blue or black colors, and large plants, as Water nourishes Wood and increases conflict potential.

• NORTHWEST – Star 2 (Earth)

Theme: Illness, fatigue, low vitality

Star 2 is associated with health challenges, especially when this sector is frequently used or contains a bedroom. 

Metal is the appropriate cure, as it drains Earth energy. Suitable items include metal gourds, metal bowls, six-coin sets, or metallic décor in white or gold tones.

Avoid Fire colors, candles, and Earth elements such as pottery or crystals. Also avoid renovation or excessive activity in this area.

In a nutshell:

• All cures and enhancements should ideally be placed after February 4, 2026.

• Negative sectors (South, Southwest, West, Northwest) should be kept calm and quiet. Avoid renovations in these sectors.

• Enhancements in the positive sectors (East, Southeast, North, Center and Northeast) should be subtle and balanced; overactivation can backfire.