In Feng Shui and the I Ching there’s a kind of esoteric game of Rock, Paper, Scissors between the five elements of wood, water, fire, earth and metal. The rules of this energetic “game” are as follows:

• Earth nourishes metal by creating minerals in the soil.

• Earth destroys water by drying it.

• Metal nourishes water through condensation.

• Metal destroys wood by chopping into it.

• Water nourishes wood by helping it grow.

• Water destroys fire by putting out flames.

• Wood nourishes fire by helping it to grow and giving it a path.

• Wood destroys earth by draining it of it’s minerals.

• Fire nourishes earth by turning into ashes and feeding into the ground.

• Fire destroys metal by melting it.

February 19th ushers in the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Fire Horse— a major, elemental sea change from the last two wood-dominated years: The Year of the Wood Dragon (2024) and The Year of the Wood Snake (2025). The wood element brought us tremendous change and growth since 2024, forcing many of us to embody the phrase, “Necessity is the mother of invention” as we innovated, adapted and evolved in real time— and on a nearly constant basis!

And, while all of that personal, professional, and spiritual introspection and expansion was super, duper important and definitely transformed us, our lives, our businesses, and the broader world, I think it’s safe to say we’re all a bit fatigued in particular by the wood element’s special “brand of fun”: death, grief, loss, poverty, illness, ghosts, sadness and disease.

Yay

What’s more: all of the wood element from the last two years has crushed the earth element, which rules over financial stability, currency, real estate, health, the stock market, the economy, the job market, and a multitude of professions and businesses. In contrast, the fire element of this coming Horse Year nourishes the earth element— as outlined in the bullet points above— bringing with it some desperately-needed money and health vitality, not to mention some coveted consistency.

Said another way? Things in the Fire Horse Year are finally going to be stable enough to build on some of our wins and actually make some linear progress, instead of just constantly adjusting and adapting to the breakneck sinusoidal undulations of the Wood Dragon and Wood Snake which, more often than not, felt like the tide coming in to wash our sand castle away just as we started to make progress on building it.

But, despite this symbiotic relationship between the fire and earth elements, this coming Fire Horse Year is not going to be a snooze fest. In fact, it’s going to be exciting as hell, giving us all permission to say what we mean, mean what we say, and finally make progress on our spiritual, personal, and professional goals in a sustainable, meaningful, and totally authentic way— if we’re brave enough to seize the moment!

The Fire Horse Year acknowledges what the last two Wood element years have done to us, but asks us the crucial, existential question we need to answer before we enter its hot gates on February 19th, 2026: “Do you want to keep licking those wounds, feeling sorry for yourself and bleeding out on the ground, or do you want to cowboy the f*ck up?”

As a Pig in the Chinese Zodiac, I’m more than ready to get my back in the saddle after experiencing a “Po”, i.e. “clash” year, with my opposing animal: Snake.

So, you might be wondering, how will these shifts affect you in 2026, based on your Chinese Animal (aka Chinese Zodiac Sign)? What Flower Essences can you leverage to amplify the good while mitigating the bad? Any crystals that can be of assistance? Any tarot cards that “speak” to your animal’s unique vantage point in this Fire Horse Year?

Well, let’s take a look…

Rat

Rats are born in: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

Fire Horse Preview: Rat’s are very detail oriented, clever, and shrewd and, as someone that’s married to a Rat, I can vouch for these wonderful character attributes. Rat’s natural adaptability and resourcefulness will be super useful during this dynamic and fast-paced Fire Horse Year, but they will need to get over their propensity to dig into the details, do research, and spend lots of time contemplating options before pulling the trigger. Instead, the Fire Horse invites Rats to listen to their gut, reminding them that they also have incredible powers of intuition in addition to their analytical capabilities. While Rat will be generally healthy and vital in the Horse Year, it’s prudent for them to establish some simple stress management practices to prevent potential burnout— or related minor illnesses and issues like insomnia— this year.

Recommended Flower Essence: Orange Glow, made of nasturtium, is an ideal TOTEM Flower Essence for any Rat in the Fire Horse Year. It offers a grounding reminder to “be” instead of “do”, getting Rats out of the details and into the business of life— and living it to the fullest!

Helpful Crystal: Jasper! This smooth crystal is known as the “supreme nurturer”, and can help Rats ground their energy and focus on their overall health in the hectic but fun Fire Horse Year. Jasper is also a protective stone that absorbs negative vibes while promoting physical and energetic restoration.

Ox

Oxen are born in: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Wood Snake Preview: The Ox is steady, patient and consistent, though they can also be prone to resisting change as the cherish convention, tradition and history. Because of this tendency, the Fire Horse Year will be a bit of a mixed bag for Ox as they work to orient themselves to the Fire Horse’s restless and impulsive energy. To thrive this year, Ox will need to step outside of their comfort zone and embrace new ideas and concepts to thrive at work and in love. Cheat code for Ox in the Fire Horse Year? Play, have fun, and get out of your routine wherever and whenever possible.

Recommended Flower Essence: Our Fairy Dust TOTEM Flower Essence, made of made of wild pansies, is ideal for Ox in the Fire Horse Year. This flower essence facilitates a connection to the whismy, asymmetry and synchronicities available in the Fairy Realm, as well as help to connect Ox the magic of the natural world, a place where they feel more than comfortable.

Helpful Crystal: Clear Quartz! This crystal will help Ox to release negative energy while also stimulating new energy and inspiration. Clear Quartz is a great way for Ox to connect with the spiritual realms and infuse their days with a bit of unseen magic in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Tiger

Tigers are born in: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

The Tiger has a mixture of traits and can be aggressive, courageous, candid and sensitive— all at the same time! Tigers are a a Chinese symbol of power, often associated with conquerors, emperors and kings. In the Year of the Fire Horse, Tigers are going to feel more than at home: embracing the vibe to take bold moves and engage in fearless exploration, particularly in professional and creative endeavors! Tigers’ confidence and courage will be at all time highs in the Fire Horse Year, so they should embrace the moment— but also take small, pragmatic steps to make sure they’re not getting out over their skis.

Recommended Flower Essence: Our Dragon Lady TOTEM Flower Essence, made of snapdragon flowers, is ideal for Tigers in this Horse Year. It’s energy encourages Tigers to balance their natural— and charismatic— assertiveness without its more negative traits, like hostility or aggression.

Helpful Crystal: Carnelian! A stabilizing stone, Carnelian can restore Tiger’s vitality and motivation, as well as stimulate innovation and creativity. It will gives Tiger extra courage, discernment about positive life choices, and dispels apathy that has taken hold in the last two wood element years.

Rabbit

Rabbits are born in: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035

Rabbits are considered the luckiest of all of the signs in the Chinese Zodiac. They are talented and articulate, and affectionate with those they trust— though they can be prone to anxiety and fear. Given this, Rabbit will need to find new ways to chill the eff out in the Fire Horse Year— otherwise they’re going to give everyone around them chest pain! To this end, it’s a great year for Rabbits to stay heads down on independent projects, avoid unnecessary conflict, and focus on creative work like writing, art, interior design, and crafts like ceramics and candle-making.

Recommended Flower Essence: TOTEM’s Day Dream Flower Essence offers Rabbit a much-needed break from the rough realities exposed by the Fire Horse Year, also acting to soften any harsh edges to give them a pocket of gentle, dreamy energy. Day Dream also offers Rabbit help in balancing the fast pace of the Fire Horse Year with their own longing for slower, easier and less frenetic days.

Helpful Crystal: Pyrite! Pyrite is the ultimate protective stone, arming the owner with the ability to be cloaked and hidden, remaining unbothered by negativity or potential conflict— making it the perfect crystal for Rabbit in the Fire Horse Year.

Dragon

Dragons are born in: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036

The most famous of the Chinese Zodiac animals, the Dragon is revolutionary, iconoclastic and innovative. If Dragons can temper their ambition with some essential emotional intelligence, they are going to have a banger of a Fire Horse Year! Dragons interested in harnessing this incredible, auspicious energy should focus on novel, creative and/or spiritual projects, perhaps finally sitting down to write a book, create a new business, or launch a new innovative tool with the Fire Horse puts some serious wind in their sails.

Recommended Flower Essence: Muse TOTEM Flower Essence, made of Mexican Torch Sunflower, is ideal for Dragons in the Fire Horse Year. Muse energetically ignites creativity and inspiration and clears writer’s block, connecting Dragons with their own Muse.

Helpful Crystal: Ametrine! Ametrine is a combination of amethyst and citrine and will serve as Tiger’s go-to manifestation stone in the Fire Horse Year. Ametrine tends to create magical events and occurrences around where it is located in the house, so Tigers would also do well to research the optimal location in Feng Shui!

Snake

Snakes are born in: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037

Snakes are elegant, diplomatic and subtle and are, therefore, very excited about getting a break from the intensity that comes along with being the “main character” in 2025! And it couldn’t come at a better time: the individualistic, bombastic Fire Horse isn’t really Snake’s vibe in any case, serving as a great excuse for them to close their circle around core friends and family— and focus on self-care and fulfilling hobbies like gardening, cooking, jewelry-making, and reorganizing the home.

Recommended Flower Essence: TOTEM’s Self-Defense Flower Essence, made of Yarrow, will help Snakes achieve their goal of laying low— and staying out of the spotlight— during this Fire Horse Year! Self-Defense will also ensure that Snake’s energy body is protected, enabling them to heal and recover after an intense Snake Year.

Helpful Crystal: Smokey quartz is a great pick for Snakes in the Fire Horse Year, taking the edge off and supporting their desire to just be left alone for a minute! Smokey Quartz neutralizes negative vibrations and is detoxifying on all levels, dispersing fear, lifting depression and abating negativity in a gentle way.

Horse

Horses are born in: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038

Horses are known for their independent, adventurous and outspoken spirits, and that will be on full display as they take center stage during their animal’s Fire Horse Year. Luckily, the New Year it will also bring Horses unusual levels of charisma and magnetism to fuel their adventures— they just need to be sure to take breaks and pace themselves so they don’t get injured, sick, or totally burned out. Horses should pursue innovative, entrepreneurial and/or more public roles in 2026, but should also build in a plan to take regular breaks and receive self-care guidance from professionals in Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, herbalism and energy medicine.

The biggest no-no for Horses in their animal’s year? Becoming so self-righteous that their missives, protests and calls to action come across as haughty, self-important and out of touch. Horses will benefit from regular “touch grass” moments that serve to humble and reconnect them with the wonderful people in their lives.

Recommended Flower Essence: With so much going on and so many demands on Horse’s time in 2026, TOTEM’s Thyme is on my Side Flower Essence might just be the ticket. This flower essence supports time “havingness”, stretching the day and mitigating time scarcity. Thyme is on my Side supports over-scheduled, over-worked, and burned-out individuals, making it the ideal flower essence for the Horse in their animal’s year.

Helpful Crystal: Amethyst! This crystal is calming, peace-creating, and very supportive of restful meditation and sleep, crucial must-haves for Horses “off to the races” in their animal’s year!

Goat

Goats are born in: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039

Goats are generally gentle, quiet folks that prefer to live their lives in relative anonymous freedom. They are very creative, compassionate and amicable, and luckily for them: The Year of the Fire Horse is going to bring incredible opportunities for creative breakthroughs, social expansion and personal awakening! The only downside? Goats may need to step more into the spotlight— and take charge— than they typically find comfortable, but at least they’ll do so with positive (and lucrative) outcomes! Look for new work and business opportunities, as well as opportunities to think outside of the box in almost every area of your life!

Recommended Flower Essence: Tiger Lily TOTEM Flower Essence supports creativity and collaboration, two core focus areas for Goats in the Fire Horse Year. This flower essences says “go for it!”, energetically promoting positive social interaction, collaboration and creativity for Goats as they step into the spotlight and start receiving the accolades they deserve.

Helpful Crystal: Ruby! Ruby will serve Goat as an intensely protective stone that also restores vitality and energy levels. It’s also a key abundance stone, helping to support Goat’s confidence as they start to receive the kind of compensation they’ve likely deserved for some time.

Monkey

Monkeys are born in: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040

My dog, Argos, is a mischievous Fire Monkey— and regularly brings the trademark enthusiasm, humor and magic to the daily shenanigans in our house. Monkeys are great influencers, quick-witted and humorous, but they can also be easily distracted or discouraged, so concrete goals, organization and focus are going to be crucial in the dynamic, fast-paced Fire Horse Year! Monkeys will be at their best this year if they can stay playful and joyful in their work and obligations, and this year also offers them a unique opportunity for spiritual— and psychic— growth!

Recommended Flower Essence: Our Astral Travel TOTEM Flower Essence will offer Monkeys the novelty and stimulation they need with minimal downside in the Fire Horse Year, supporting their spiritual adventures— like astral travel and the ability to access other states of consciousness!

Helpful Crystal: Selenite! Selenite is ideal for Monkeys in the Fire Horse Year, serving as a calming stone that instils deep peace and is excellent for meditation or spiritual work.

Rooster

Roosters are born in: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041

The Rooster is a hard-working, self-starting pioneer, but they can also be a bit confrontational, eccentric, or downright aggressive— just like the real-life animal! The Fire Horse Year offers the disciplined, sometimes rigid Rooster an incredible opportunity for exploration and reinvention, giving Rooster the opportunity to transform themselves professionally, personally, and physically! Roosters should embrace all things new and different, finding new and novel ways to bring fresh inspiration into their lives.

Recommended Flower Essence: Our AEAEA TOTEM Flower Essence, made of cypress, supports personal alchemy and transformation, aiding Roosters in their year of reinvention!

Helpful Crystal: Herkimer Diamond! These sparkly, clear, high-vibration little crystals have the requisite “zing” to put a spring in the step of Roosters in this Fire Horse Year, supporting their transformation and giving a much-needed boost to keep on keeping on!

Dog

Dogs are born in: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042

Both loyal and honest, the Dog works well with others— but can, at times, become fixated on the social structures and hierarchies and, most importantly, where Dog happens to be in them! Dog will shine in the Fire Horse Year, which serves as a trustworthy, principled energetic partner that will bring new and exciting opportunities and personal growth— especially in romantic relationships! While the Fire Horse Year will feel fast for Dogs, they’ll love connecting with worthy friends and romantic partners, feeling at ease in social dynamics.

Recommended Flower Essence: Our Sexy Time TOTEM Flower Essence, made of the very sexy hibiscus flower, is ideal for Dogs looking for love in this Fire Horse Year! If nothing else, it’ll help Dogs let down their hair (or ears, or whatever) and reconnect to the good feelings of being in a body here on planet earth.

Helpful Crystal: Rose Quartz! Dogs really do have an incredible opportunity to make strides in relationships in 2026, so Rose Quartz’s energetic gift of emotional openness, restoring trust and harmony across close relationships.

Pig

Pigs are born in: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043

Yep, I’m a Pig. And yes, we like to smell stuff, root around in the dirt for treats, and eat yummy food while laying around. Good thing that Pigs are clever and good at working smarter— and not harder. Otherwise, we’d never get anything done!

And Pigs are coming off of a “clash” year with their opposing animal, Snake, so the Fire Horse Year is going to feel like a vacation for us Piglets when compared to 2025! Not only do Pigs get a break from cosmic suck of last year, but we also get a unique opportunity to start doing what we love the most: making money and spending that paycheck on delicious, sensual goodies and self-care treatments.

What’s more: Fire Horse Years celebrate the outspoken, blunt nature of the Pig, rewarding us for our honesty instead of punishing us for it, making it an optimal time to publish books, podcast, and generally just speak our minds.

Recommended Flower Essence: Our TOTEM Newly Minted Flower Essence is a perfect fit for the Pig in the Fire Horse Year, offering a connection to abundance energy and our inherent manifestation capacity!

Helpful Crystal: Citrine! Yep, Pigs— we’re finally getting an opportunity to secure the bag this year after an abysmal financial and legal quagmire in the Wood Snake Year of 2025, and there’s no better crystal for this focus than Citrine: the official merchant’s stone!

If nothing else, I recommend you check out this previous post about what unique plant medicines we used to make our TOTEM Fire Horse Flower Essence Blend— and why they are optimal for 2026’s incredible energy.

With the Fire Horse, things are definitely warming up across business, romance and spiritual development, so if nothing else (and no matter what your Chinese animal is), consider taking bold action: start your own business, ask out the man or woman of your dreams, publish your memoir— or just change your hairstyle or wardrobe!

The Horse wants you to get moving along with the business of life— and going for what you really want. So, you know— go do it!

And, if you liked this post and want to see our detailed economic and social predictions post for The Fire Horse Year— like the one we did here for the Wood Dragon Year— please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Paid subscribers are the ONLY legitimate excuse for the insane amount of time I spend on this Substack shit, and I appreciate the hell out of you guys!

-Rachel