Erkut2 via Pixabay

Recently my social media has been filled with images of flaming steeds like the one above and posts about what what to expect in the Year of the Fire Horse.

The what, now?

On Feb. 17, the Lunar New Year ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse. According to the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with one of 12 animals and five elements which cycle together. Each combination comes around every 60 years; the last Fire Horse year occurred in 1966. Horse years generally express energy, independence, ambition, and forward movement. The “fire” aspect intensifies those qualities. 

The name is thrilling—if a little scary. A Fire Horse year can be a time of “intensity, decisive action and excitement—or chaos.” As someone who’s spent time around horses, I can vouch for the fact that horses definitely call out those qualities! (It seems unfair that I’m entering the Year of the Horse without my own dear Tank. I miss his powerful-yet-peaceful presence.)

Harnessing Fire Horse energy

I love the idea of moving forward. I’m ready to leave behind the stress and loss of the past few years and embrace new adventures and experiences. I’m ready to feel energized rather than drained, excited about experiencing more freedom, and making progress on goals and projects both old and new. I would LOVE to spend the next 12 months full of bold confidence and inspiration. As one post I saw said, “Horse years pull life forward….They are known for clarity after long periods of confusion.” Bring it on!

At the same time, I know myself. Too rapid a pace or taking on too much at once will prove overwhelming. I’m not naturally a “fiery” personality, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I function best when I combine periods of rest and relaxation with more active times.  Still, I hope to harness Fire Horse energy (pun intended) to break free of what’s holding me back and stimulate forward motion. 

Even if you don’t celebrate the traditions of Lunar New Year, it’s still fun to reflect on how the energy and qualities of the Fire Horse might play out over the course of the coming year.

What do you hope the Year of the Fire Horse brings into your life?