Fearless forecasts, simple rituals for Year of the Fire Horse

Next week, on Feb. 17, we mark the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.

- razzle-Daza WITH PAT-P

The Year of the Yang Fire Horse 2026 gallops in with a unique intensity. This is a year of momentum rather than moderation, according to the forecast of Patrick Fernandez of Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony.

As I do every year, I asked my dear friend Patrick Fernandez of Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony to share his forecast with my dear readers. Before we dive into his insights, I’d also like to share a few simple rituals that I have practiced through the years to welcome the Chinese New Year:Wear red, a symbol of passion, energy and — of course — luck. I also like to wear new underwear and a new pair of slippers to welcome fresh beginnings.

Celebrate with family and loved ones to strengthen family ties. Eat lots of tikoy, which symbolizes “sticking together” as a family.

Prepare a fruit basket featuring fruits that symbolize prosperity, abundance, good fortune and blessings — such as grapes, mandarin oranges, pomelo, pineapple, mangoes, bananas and dragon fruit.

Place a vase of fresh flowers and coins near a window to attract good fortune.

Give angpao (red envelopes) with some cash to your children as a symbol of blessings and generosity.

That said, nothing beats hard work and good working relationships when it comes to ensuring success.

The Year of the Yang Fire Horse 2026 gallops in with a unique intensity. This is a year of momentum rather than moderation — Fire illuminates and confronts, while the Horse propels events forward. Decisions surface quickly, ideas accelerate and hesitation carries a cost. Fire Horse years reward courage, innovation and visible leadership, but they are unforgiving of weak structures. Anything misaligned, poorly planned or sustained by habit rather than purpose is prone to burnout. Clarity matters more than comfort, and growth favors those willing to engage fully rather than remain cautiously observant.