Rising into the Fire: A New Year of Intention, Shedding, and Transformation

As the sun warms our skies and we step into a fresh calendar year, January invites us to reflect and recalibrate. But in wisdom traditions that follow the lunar cycle, there’s another layer unfolding: between January and February, we’re in a threshold time — a symbolic shedding period before the official New Year energy of the Chinese zodiac fully arrives with the Lunar New Year in mid-February. This in-between is an opportunity to release what no longer serves, to consciously cleanse and prepare for what’s ahead.

In 2026, the Lunar New Year (which begins on 17 February) ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare combination only seen every 60 years. This year blends the Horse’s expansive, courageous spirit with the dynamic heat of Fire — propelling us toward action, passion, and bold transformation. This particular animal + element pairing is part of the ancient Chinese sexagenary cycle, where five elemental forces cycle through each 12-year zodiac period.

Before that flame ignites in February, we find ourselves bridged across time carrying residual energies from the Year of the Snake — which in 2025 symbolised shedding, renewal, and inner transformation. Across cultures, the snake’s ability to shed its skin has been a potent emblem of rebirth and letting go - releasing old layers to make space for growth.

That symbolism carries a timely message for this threshold period between January and February. Although we’re not in a literal Snake year any longer, the archetype remains a powerful mirror: inviting us to intentionally slough off outdated habits, thoughts, relationships, or identities that cloud clarity and drain energy. According to Chinese zodiac interpretations, the Snake year was about renewal and strategic transformation — shedding old skins to embrace inner wisdom and growth.

So how can we work with this transitional phase practically and spiritually?

First, set the intention to let go before you launch forward. Use this liminal space to identify the “old skins” you’ve outgrown — patterns that no longer reflect who you are now. Write them down, speak them aloud, or symbolically release them in a ritual of fire or water. Just as a snake leaves behind its old skin, so too can you leave behind what dims your flame.

Second, cultivate a daily grounding practice — even simple breathwork, journaling, or quiet meditation will anchor you and invite deeper self-awareness. This helps temper the racing Fire Horse energy that comes next. The Horse archetype pushes toward action and expansion, but without grounding and clarity, that energy can feel scattered.

Third, choose intentional goals anchored in meaning, not just momentum. Fire Horse years favour courage, independence, and bold moves — but they also reward discernment. Before charging ahead, ask: What aligns with my deepest purpose? What supports sustainable growth? Let this be a year of strategic courage, not impulsive leaps.

Fourth, practice regular cooling and renewal rituals — water offerings, salt baths, time in nature, or mindful silence. These help balance the bright fire within and maintain emotional resilience. This is especially vital as February’s Fire Horse energy peaks and the pace accelerates.

Finally, weave community and connection into your path. Both snake and horse archetypes represent relational dynamics — one through introspective wisdom, the other through lively engagement with the world. True transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; sharing your vision with trusted companions embeds it more fully into your life.

Let this be the year you walk forward with intention, having shed what weighs you down and ignited what truly matters. Whether you name this your year of flame, insight, renewal, or resilience — begin it with clear intent, grounded ritual, and an open heart.