2026 Marks the Rare Year of the Fire Horse

The unique zodiac pairing only occurs once every 60 years, bringing intensity and drama

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Lunar New Year 2026 will usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare zodiac combination that only happens once every 60 years. The Fire Horse is associated with increased intensity, ambition, and dynamic energy, and has historically coincided with periods of social and political tension.

Why it matters

The Year of the Fire Horse is a significant event in the Chinese zodiac calendar, as it represents a unique and powerful astrological pairing that shapes the energy and events of the coming year. Understanding the symbolism and historical significance of the Fire Horse can provide insight into the potential trends and themes that may emerge in 2026.

The details

The Chinese zodiac cycles through 12 animals and 5 elements, with each new year associated with a specific animal-element combination. The horse appears every 12 years, but the specific pairing of the horse and the fire element only occurs once in a 60-year cycle. In Chinese culture, the horse is associated with qualities like strength, endurance, and success, while fire is linked to intensity and momentum. Experts say the Fire Horse can amplify these traits, leading to a more dramatic, fast-paced, and action-oriented year collectively.

  • The Year of the Fire Horse runs from February 17, 2026 to February 6, 2027.
  • Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, falls between late January and mid-February each year.

The players

Jonathan H. X. Lee

A professor of Asian studies at San Francisco State University.

Helen Ye Plehn

A spiritual author who has commented on the significance of the Fire Horse year.

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What they’re saying

“The horse's energy is associated with yang energy, which is active, dynamic, and life-generating, and speaks to ambition and vitality.”

— Jonathan H. X. Lee, Professor of Asian Studies (firstcoastnews.com)

“Fire years tend to feel more dramatic, fast-moving, and action-oriented collectively.”

— Helen Ye Plehn, Spiritual Author (firstcoastnews.com)

What’s next

Lunar New Year celebrations and festivities will continue throughout the Year of the Fire Horse, with communities around the world celebrating the unique astrological pairing.

The takeaway

The Year of the Fire Horse is a rare and significant event in the Chinese zodiac, representing a powerful combination of the horse's energy and the fire element's intensity. Understanding the symbolism and historical significance of this pairing can provide insight into the potential trends and themes that may emerge in 2026, a year that is likely to be marked by increased drama, ambition, and dynamic energy.