Hi all! Lunar New Year (also referred to as Chinese New Year) was on February 17, and I totally forgot about it. It’s the year of the Fire Horse!

The thing is, lots of people I know wished me a happy Lunar New Year; and it just never occurred to me to post about it. Whoops!

The reason why I want to is because I’m carrying that theme of optimism with me I had from the traditional Western New Year (January 1) through the Lunar New Year (February 17 this year).

The reason to be excited? A Fire Horse year hasn’t appeared in 60 years, and I’m not the only one who’s optimistic about it. According to Chinese spiritual author Helen Ye Plehn, the horse is “known for freedom, enthusiasm, intelligence, and a strong drive for movement and progress” (Stardust, 2026). After the years we’ve been through, it’s hard not to thirst for this kind of energy. As for fire, she says, “It intensifies whatever sign it touches, bringing courage, leadership energy, and emotional intensity. Fire years tend to feel more dramatic, fast-moving, and action-oriented collectively” (Stardust, 2026).

It’s been rough for millions of people out there for a variety of reasons. My home country, the US, has been a dumpster fire for a while now. Every day the news gets crazier and more harrowing. It’s high time the pendulum swung the other way, and it’s my big hope that the Fire Horse sends us in the right direction, and that it’s a great Lunar New Year for all.

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Stardust, L. (2026, February 17). The year of the Fire Horse is here for the 1st time in 60 years! what it means for you. TODAY.com.