The fire element adds intensity, passion, and action.
Speaking of passion and action, the Fire Horse image is one of my husband Paul’s Icelandic Horse photos (the black and white photo above) with the fire and embellishments added by Chat GPT.
Yang Fire specifically brings bold energy and outward momentum.
The Fire Horse symbolizes freedom, movement, courage, independence, and passion.
Key energetic themes for 2026 are:
- Action and Drive
- Independence and Confidence
- Adventurous Spirit
- Transformation and Change
The combination of the element of fire and this Chinese Zodiac animal has not occurred for 60 years, so it is a somewhat rare astrological event.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, it can be fun to consider certain aspects to see what resonates and what does not.
When I was growing up, Chinese New Year was a fun time of family celebration: special and delicious food, plus the joy of Hong Paos, aka red packets (with money inside).
As an adult, I still appreciate these traditions. In addition, starting the New Year in February feels like a kind of “back-up” start to the conventional New Year that begins on January 1. While some may say dates are arbitrary, I find them helpful in creating structure for myself. I may, at times, have an erratic relationship with structure. Perhaps a future blog post topic? Let me know if that might be of interest to you.
January 1 is the start of the Gregorian (or regular) calendar year, but as I age, it seems to come more quickly each time. So, having a “back-up” New Year is a comfort for me. It feels like a second chance to start with a little more ease, as it has been over a month since the busy holiday period in December passed. There is also space from the many extra deadlines that come at the end of a calendar year.
Tao te Ching Banners
Besides these fond memories of Chinese New Year and creating new traditions, this year, I am excited to finally have my beautiful Tao te Ching banners on display.
I first encountered these beautiful banners in November 2023 during the Eastside Art Crawl in Vancouver. The artist, Jean Kares, had her studio in the same building where Paul had just moved in at Eastside Atelier. I was mesmerized by the energy of the banners, and I felt an instant connection with their creator, Jean. The reason for the connection became apparent when she let me know she was a Tai-Chi teacher and that one of my Qigong teachers, John Weiss, had taken a class with her. At the time, Tai-Chi was still on my bucket list, so I was interested in Jean’s Tai-Chi classes as well.
While I have had the beautiful banners all this time, I have not been able to display them until now. Here they are in their temporary home until the end of March, on marvellous Mayne Island. Here is my January blog post if you are curious about my time on Mayne.
Stepping into Fire Horse energy this year, I already feel these themes at play:
Action and Drive
Motivated by my love of learning, which is also one of my top VIA Strengths, I am enrolled in some exciting courses and mentorship programs, including the Meaning and Purpose in Life Trainer Certificate, The Coaching Laboratory, Finish What Matters, and the AI for Coaches Mentorship. These rich learning and professional development opportunities feed my deep curiosity and hunger for knowledge, as well as offer amazing connections with incredible teachers and peers.
Independence and Confidence
In January, I attended a workshop with the amazing coach, Michael Bungay Stanier, and he helped me set my 2026 intention as “Intentional Beingness and Stepping Up.” The way I am living this is by saying yes to invitations for speaking opportunities and facilitating more workshops.
Here is what I have done and have planned virtually and in person so far for the first few months of 2026:
“Coaching Beats Podcast” interviews – February 16 to 18
“Date Your Health Summit” – February 15
Body-Centred Coaching Masterclass – April 22
Learning Lab Workshop prior to the WCCDA Conference in Vancouver – April 23
Fierce Kindness Community Workshop – May 7
Student Workshop for Cornerstone College in Vancouver – Date TBC
In addition to these learning opportunities reflecting my Action and Drive themes and Stepping Up, I have always been independent, and these experiences help me cultivate greater confidence.
Adventurous Spirit
Curiosity is a superpower, and I am enjoying satisfying my curiosity in all these tangible ways.
Curiosity motivates me to be adventurous, as I am excited to try new things. Being on Mayne Island and living in a rural setting with a winter population of 1,500 people has been a fun adventure and has expanded my adventurous spirit.
In addition to beautiful hikes around the island, Paul and I joined the ukulele club, toured a small cidery, enjoyed bake sales, markets, and farm stands, island-hopped in the Gulf Islands, learned to chop wood for the woodstove fireplace, and survived power outages. I attended an Apple Wassail, joined a Qigong/Tai-Chi class, started leading in-person Qigong classes again, and tried African drumming. There are more activities to try, and I will let you know what else we experience during our last month here.
Transformation and Change
All of the experiences I am creating, the wonderful people I am meeting, and my deeper connections with myself and nature are leading me toward transformation and change in my life and career in this Year of the Fire Horse.
A Reflection for You
I wonder what themes from this Year of the Fire Horse you might wish to bring into your own life and career.
As a reminder, Yang Fire specifically brings bold energy and outward momentum.
The Fire Horse symbolizes freedom, movement, courage, independence, and passion.
Key energetic themes for 2026 are:
- Action and Drive
- Independence and Confidence
- Adventurous Spirit
- Transformation and Change
Which symbols and themes of the Fire Horse appeal to you?
How might you strengthen, cultivate, or embody these energies this year?
I invite you to share your reflections with a trusted person in your life.
Sharing is caring! If this blog sparked an idea or a favourite nugget of knowledge for you, I invite you to share it with me and others.
If you are curious about taking your life and career to the next level and would like to explore how we might partner to support you in exploring any of these themes, book a Brief Consult with me today.
