Another year is upon us, and for the Chinese calendar that means it's the Year of the Horse!
Did you know that in addition to changing signs every year, the calendar also changes elements?
There are twelve animals in the Chinese astrological calendar: Dragon, Snake, Chicken, Rat, Ox, Pig, Monkey, Horse, Tiger, Rabbit, Goat, and Dog. 2025 was the Year of the Snake, while 2027 will be the Year of the Goat.
The calendar has five elements too, which also cycle every couple of years. The elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Sure is sounding a lot like Avatar: The Last Airbender, huh? Avatar also is influenced from Chinese astrology and mythology, so it makes sense.
The elements represent different things as well. Wood (Mu) typically represents growth while Fire (Huo) represents passion and energy. The 12 animals and 5 elements combine so that the calendar cycles fully every 60 years. Wow!
You may be wondering what the implication for the year then is, considering the animal and element. As 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, people born this year will live up to the freedom, diligence and intelligence characteristic to the Horse, while being driven by Fire's passion and high energy.
Of course, it's not all about Horses. The year will of course effect everyone, and people born under different animals and elements can expect different things. For instance, those born under the Year of the Rat or Ox are predicted to have hectic years and should aim for stability, while Goats, Monkeys, Snakes, and Dragons are expected to find prosperity and growth. Gee, lucky them! Take your horoscope with a pinch of salt but at least you won't be surprised, right?
Want to learn more about your particular horoscope? Click here, opens a new window to find out more about the interactions you might have this year, and with those around you.
But don't worry Horses, you're in good company this year. Fellow Year of the Horse celebrities include Kobe Bryant, Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sir Isaac Newton. Eureka!
Happy Year of the Horse and good luck everyone!
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