Many people turn to Western astrology, but Chinese astrology offers a rich cultural perspective with its own wisdom and guidance. Unlike the Gregorian New Year on January 1, the Chinese New Year’s date is based on the lunar calendar and changes each year. So February 17 marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, also known as the Red Horse Year, and concludes on February 5, 2027.

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Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. It’s a time for family reunions, honoring traditions, and embracing fresh beginnings.

Grandmaster JinBodhi, who founded Bodhi Meditation, shared a video explaining what to expect, including which signs will experience luck or struggles. According to JinBodhi, the fire element will be especially strong: intense, fast-moving, and at times overwhelming.

The overall theme of the year is movement, shifts, and trials. Everyone experiences ups and downs in cycles, and no one completely escapes a challenging year. The advice is to stay grounded, act with good intentions, and move carefully.

For people whose natural element is fire, the year can actually be supportive, as long as they don’t overdo things; the key is moderation.

Don’t be greedy or reckless, and trust that careful, sincere actions will help you get through the year safely, even during periods of turbulence.

How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

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The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to an animal. Follow these steps to discover your sign:

Look Up Your Birth Year

Use the chart below to match your birth year with the corresponding zodiac sign. Remember that the Chinese New Year’s date changes annually, so if you were born in January or February, check whether your birthdate falls before or after the Chinese New Year of your birth year.

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Zodiac Chart:

• Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
• Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
• Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
• Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
• Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
• Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
• Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
• Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
• Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
• Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
• Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
• Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Lucky Zodiac Signs in 2026

• Tiger: The Tiger will have excellent luck this year, with promising growth and recognition in their career-possibly even a promotion. Financially, it’s a lucky year, but stay cautious with spending and investments. Your love life is also expected to thrive thanks to this positive energy. Stay disciplined amid the good fortune.
• Pig: After the Year of the Snake, the Pig will see more good fortune this year. You’re likely to experience career development, including recognition and support. There may be opportunities for a raise, but remain cautious of small financial leaks. High attraction with the opposite sex makes this a good year to find love if you’re single.
• Dog: Excellent luck for Dogs. This is a smooth year, with likely recognition at work from superiors. It’s a good year for spirituality and finances, with positive romance in the first half of the year. Take care of your health, as you may notice low energy.
• Rooster: Above-average luck makes this a favorable year. It’s good for careers, especially with superiors who appreciate you. Problems will be resolved. Financially, income should be steady and stable. Romantic and platonic relationships will be strong. Make sure to rest when needed and cherish your marriage, career, and emotions.
• Goat: Excellent fortune in career, wealth, and relationships. Stay grateful and be cautious with spending. Romantic prospects are strong. Respect your partner if you already have one.
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Signs with a Little Less Luck in 2026

Weaker luck doesn’t mean disaster - more like obstacles, emotional strain, or instability.

• Horse: People born in the Year of the Horse may experience slightly weaker luck due to shifting celestial energies. There may be trouble, punishment, disputes, or clashes. Stay cautious with your heart, emotions, and career. Don’t rush into anything. Try not to get caught up in pressure, and remember life is full of ups and downs.
• Rat: Some turbulence and unstable energy. Stay practical with finances and don’t act on impulse-whether in your career, relationships, or investments. Keep up with your good deeds.
• Ox: Expect some unstable periods, especially in interpersonal relationships. Stay cautious of people with ill intentions and manage relationships carefully. Don’t be greedy, overthink, or invest recklessly. Be careful about jumping into a bad relationship with someone you think you know. Seek safety this year.
• Rabbit: Life may become unpredictable, with plans disrupted and many ups and downs. Start exercising to help manage the stress. There may be challenges in career and finances, but try not to get too emotional. Stay humble, optimistic, and cautious. Interpersonal relationships remain strong, so seek support from family and friends if you need an emotional release. Romantically, it should be a good year, with increased happiness in marriage.

Signs with Average Luck

• Dragon: The Dragon has neither particularly good nor bad luck. Be cautious in your career and seek stability. Focus on your job, don’t be greedy, and work on understanding relationships. It may not be the best year to find love, but stay present and kind.
• ​Snake: Signs with average fortune are often the best. Don’t seek risk or weakness, and avoid greed. Maintain peace, work diligently, and you will see rewards. It’s a very lucky year for love.
• Monkey: There are no major challenges or opportunities in your career, and things should remain steady. Try not to be petty; learn and grow through experience. You’ll need to work harder if you want increased financial gains. Emotions should remain smooth, and health should be good. There may be challenges finding love in the first half of the year, but better opportunities appear in the second half. Put effort into increasing your charm.

© Svetlana Repnitskaya