From Yin Wood Snake to Yang Fire Horse: a "threshold moment of transition"
This year’s celebrations of the Chinese New Year, in February 2026, welcomes in the Yang Fire Horse, which only occurs every 60 years in the Lunar cosmological cycle. The Yang Fire Horse (Bing Wu) is one of the most powerful signs in the 60-year Chinese zodiac cycle because it represents the absolute peak of Yang energy.
While a standard Horse year occurs every 12 years, the specific pairing of the Horse (a naturally Fire-associated animal) with the Fire element only returns every six decades, bringing a "Double Fire" amplified intensity.
The Fire Horse in Chinese Cosmology
In Chinese cosmology, the Horse is the 7th animal, corresponding to the peak of the day (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) and the height of summer.
The Fire Horse is historically viewed as a period of major upheaval and transformation. Its energy is associated with social rupture, migration, and rebellion against stagnant structures.
The "Fire Horse Woman" Myth: In some East Asian cultures, particularly Japan (Hinoe Uma), there was a historical superstition that women born in this year were "too strong" or independent to be controlled, leading to a dramatic drop in birth rates during the last occurrence in 1966.
The Closing Chapter: Yin Wood Snake and the The New Beginning: Yang Fire Horse
The Snake year has been a period of shedding—like the serpent losing its old skin to allow for new growth.The Lesson: It asked you to look inward, heal old wounds, and clarify what no longer serves your path.
From the introspective, strategic, and quiet energy of the Ying Wood Snake, we shift into the fast-paced, bold, and uncompromising energy of the Yang Fire Horse. Where the Snake was about planning, the Horse is about execution. It favors those who take calculated risks and move with confidence.
The Warning: This "Yang Fire" energy is intense and can lead to burnout or impulsive decisions if not balanced with the wisdom gained during the Snake year. The Fire Horse Year rewards those who act decisively. Procrastination is considered a major disadvantage as the year moves with "galloping" momentum. A great time for new exiting projects and positive changes. With this in mind, it’s important to listen to the wisdom of our body and nourish our Yin energy, by "holding the reins", to avoid the risk of burnout. Because the energy is so high-yang, it can lead to impulsivity and nervous system overload.
Crossing the Threshold from the Snake’s Wisdom to the Horse’s Fire
Standing at the threshold moment of transition is a profound human experience that marks the boundary between the known and the unknown. People all over the world are anticipating this passage from the Yin state into the Yang state with all the opportunities that this Fire Horse will bring, on a personal and collective level.
Crossing the Threshold from the Snake’s Wisdom to the Horse’s Fire marks a massive shift between two opposing energies. from Yin to Yang energy, from quiet introspection to explosive action. In Chinese cosmology, this threshold represents the moment where deep internal work finally meets the light of the outside world.
The Sacred In-Between: stepping into a new version of ourselves
We’ve all felt it—that sudden, quiet vibration in the air when you realize the life you’ve been living is about to end, and the one you’re moving toward hasn't yet begun. This is the threshold moment of transition, a term rooted in the Latin limen, meaning "doorway".
What is a Threshold Moment?
In psychology and anthropology, this is often called liminality—the state of being "betwixt and between". It’s more than just a change; it’s a portal. You are no longer who you were, but you aren't quite yet who you are becoming.
How to Navigate this threshold
The two weeks leading up to the New Year (February 4–17) are considered a "period of grace". Use this threshold to:
Release the Final Layer: Gently commit to any "shedding" you’ve been avoiding, such as ending stagnant habits or relationships. Name what you are leaving behind. Whether it’s a job title or a version of yourself, giving it a "proper goodbye" helps clear the path.
Sacred Oil: Namibian Myrrh. Resin: Myrrh.
Trust the Momentum: The Horse doesn't wait for perfect conditions; it trusts momentum to create clarity as it goes.
Hold the Reins: With so much "Fire" incoming, the motto for 2026 is often "hold the reins"—stay present and intentional so the speed of the year doesn't turn into chaos. Practice the Pause: in a world that demands constant action, allow yourself a "holy pause." Use journaling, meditation, or even a simple cup of tea to sit with the "not knowing".
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The threshold isn't just a bridge; it’s the place where transformation actually happens. It’s the gap where the old stories dissolve and new possibilities take root.
Have a wonderful, joyfull and balanced Fire Horse Year and stay rooted!
With love,
Veronica Nilah
