New Moon + Lunar New Year

Fire Horse 🔥🐎

Celebrated by more than 1.4 billion people around the world, Tuesday we entered the year of the Fire Horse according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar (based on moon & sun).

This 15-day celebration begins on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice (this year, February 17) and continues until the subsequent full moon (March 3). 


2025 was the year of the snake (I’m hopeful we all shed whatever skin we needed to!) and now we’re entering the year of the Horse. But not just any horse. This year’s horse is a double Fire sign, so get ready to gallop ahead!

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“This year rewards action, 
but not at the cost of common sense.
Take advantage of the momentum,
​but keep your feet on the ground and your ego in check.”

~ Katherine Huang

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Happy New Year!

Last year, I was in the Philippines and Vietnam during the Lunar New Yearcelebrations. It was incredible to experience the energy and be part of the festivities. 🎇 The loss of sleep due to regular eruptions of fireworks? Was real! 🤣

So this year, I’m enjoying learning more about the Year of the Fire Horse. While there are 12 animals associated with the Chinese Zodiac, there hasn’t been a FireHorse since 1966. 

My birth year (1970) is typically considered a Year of the Dog (loyal, honest, and a strong sense of justice). However, my birthdate (January 24) actually places me into the year of the Rooster . . . because the New Year did not begin in 1970 until February 6. The element connected to that Rooster? Earth. 

While the Rooster is traditionally viewed as organized, honest, and observant, the Earth element adds in a layer of stability and practicality. 

Then of course there’s the time of day you are born that further dials things in. 
This introduces your Secret Animal  . . . which is said to govern your private self and true personality. 

My hour of birth makes my Secret Animal the Boar, or Pig. 

How does the Pig (my private self) influence the Rooster (my public self)? 

Well, the Rooster makes me hardworking and organized, and the Pig timing adds a layer of mercy, gentleness, and sincerity. People born in this hour are often more laid-back, compassionate, and prioritize harmony over the Rooster’s typical bluntness. 

Gosh, I love this stuff! 

For me? It’s fun, and useful, to have a lens, or a mapping, for aspects of myself. I can take what resonates, and is helpful, and not stress about anything else. 

I’d love to hear about your Animal, your Element, and your Secret Animal 
Does it feel accurate for you?

For the year of the Fire Horse, here are some affirmations to can help us move forward boldly while staying connected to our integrity. 

Thank you Katherine Huang for the inspiration. 

Embracing Changes & the Unknown:

• I don’t need certainty to take the next step.
• I’m allowed to feel nervous about new directions, and I won’t let that keep me stuck where I don’t belong.
• I choose curiosity over fear, knowing every detour has something to teach me.

Confidence & Courage:

• I choose progress over fear. 
• I trust my instincts and act on them.
• I let go of the need for unanimous approval. My journey is mine to define. 

Grounding & Patience:

• I conserve my energy and use it wisely.
• I choose calm over urgency. 
• I pause before reacting.

Staying grounded and galloping forward,
m