Your 2026 Chinese Zodiac guide, according to an expert

Art by Tine Paz-Yap

Chinese New Year can feel like a high-stakes checklist: wear red, avoid haircuts, clean the house (but not on the wrong day). But before you panic over the color of your outfit or your angpao placement, take a breath.

For the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, we asked Feng Shui expert Patrick Fernandez what the energy looks like for each sign, and how to work with it rather than against it. And Fernandez puts it simply,  “When you know the framework, you can make the most of it.” Rather than mysticism, he frames Chinese metaphysics as heightened sensitivity, or an awareness shaped by one’s energetic makeup and environment.

“It’s that lightness you feel,” Fernandez adds. “At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing—how you’re able to arrange everything in an auspicious manner so it feels light for you.”

So take everything with a grain of salt, basically. But also, as Fernandez suggests, bring your umbrella if the forecast suggests rain, or dress for a sunny day.

Rat

If you’re a Rat like me, you might have seen warnings against the “Tai Sui,” or the Grand Duke Jupiter while scrolling on Instagram. This annual star clashes with Rat energy, and while it signals change, you can be strategic about it.

Fernandez calls it “a year of intentional renewal” or change for the Rat. It’s also a good year to reconnect with old colleagues, friends, or family.

Although he warns one thing to watch out for is “large money outflows… If you’re thinking about buying an investment or an asset, something that will appreciate over time, this will be a good year to do that instead. Have an emergency fund of three to six months of living expenses, too.”

Ox

“On the flip side, the Ox are going to be a little luckier money-wise,” Fernandez continues.

For the strong (and often stubborn) Oxen, this year highlights leadership and charisma. “If you’re a leader in your business or in your organization, there are going to be people who listen to you. People will take their lead from you.”

However, Fernandez warns of potential interpersonal friction. “You might be drawn into conflict not of your making, be it with family or friends.” He suggests avoiding any potentially tense situations.

Tiger

Meanwhile, Tigers are encouraged to focus their energies and avoid overextending themselves. “Don’t spread yourself too thin. If you take too many excessive risks, it might backfire. Read the room carefully.”

He also mentions a star that has to do with “scattered energy,” and suggests being “quick in decision making, and not to linger too long.”

It’s also a year to guard against gossip and backstabbing, calling it “the Slander Star.” “Someone from your circle might not have your best interest at heart,” he advises. “Be mindful and try to see who you can trust. Don’t spread gossip as well.”

Rabbit

For the Rabbit, there’s a star for financial stability, and “transforming temporary fortune into long-lasting material security.”

“It’s also a good year for witnessing joy,” Fernandez says, explaining that many people around you will be happy. “In this regard, you can celebrate with and for your loved ones. And then you’re going to multiply your joy even more because you’re genuinely happy for them.”

At the same time, there’s a Temptation Star that may attract people that aren’t the best for you. “Protect what truly matters and don’t look for the shiny object,” Fernandez concludes on the Rabbit.

Dragon

Momentum is the Dragon’s ally in 2026. “All the projects you have, both personally and professionally, you have a momentum that will help make these become successful.” Thus, staying organized and focused is key to navigating the year’s challenges.

He mentions an Instability Star that has many highs and lows. “When things are high, avoid overconfidence, and when things are low, just maintain perspective.”

It’s also a year of conflict, particularly for authority figures or elders. “In short, just respect your elders.”

Snake

For the Snake, there’s a surpassing path. Fernandez explains, “For all the projects you have both personally and professionally, this will help your projects be successful.”

But at the same time there’s a Sickness Star, and the feng shui expert advises to keep your immune system healthy and strong to avoid sickness. “There’s also a Frustration Star, so there’s a tendency you’ll be a bit disorganized or scatterbrained, so just try to keep yourself organized and focused.”

Horse

As the sign of the year, Horses face both visibility and pressure. “It’s a year of highs—high accountability, high visibility, but also high pressure.” This pressure will come more from yourself than anything.

“Set realistic expectations,” Fernandez says. He also says there will be a star for accumulating money, not a windfall, but of steady financial growth. There may also be some burnout and backlogs that accumulate, so it’s good to be conscious of this.

Goat

The best friend of the Horse is the Goat, so this year, goats will benefit from partnerships and collaboration. With an “upward Mobility Star,” “it’s a good year for promotions and advancement.”

“Some people may be comfortable with their goals, but choose advancement over comfort,” Fernandez says. “Get out of your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself!”

At the same time there’s a star that tends toward being sluggish, and Fernandez advises to get up and be productive.

Monkey

Monkeys are encouraged to embrace travel. “If you have the opportunity to travel, do so, especially over water. It’s also a good year to be a little more extroverted.” And speaking of new experiences, there’s also an academic Intelligence Star that’s good for learning and growth of the mind.

He ends his forecast on the Monkey, saying, “It’s a good year to be a little more extroverted… and also to spend time with elderly loved ones for their health and emotional well-being.”

Rooster

Among all 12 signs, the Rooster has the best relationship star. “It’s a good year to formalize relationships or commitments.” Fernandez quotes Chinese classical texts for the Rooster, saying: “Hearts that wander find their destined harbor.”

On the business side, it’s also a good year for partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures that you’ve been hoping to work on. Meanwhile, female relationships will also be prominent, so lean into your female family or friends.

Lastly, there’s an Entanglement Star that may drag roosters in. “Discern if you need to exit gracefully from certain situations so that it won’t complicate your life,” he says.

Dog

For this year, dogs are dominated by a Creative Star. “You’ll be extra creative… This comes from productive, deliberate solitude. So carve time out. You don’t have to sit at your desk; you can walk or zone out to get good ideas.”

This is also a good year for problem-solving, so you’ll be solving your own problems and problems for other people. “Volunteer and help others if you want to lend a helping hand or a listening ear!”

You should also be a little more mindful of your health, rest, nutrition, and movement this year. “Don’t stress yourself too much… This might also be a good year to say no, strategically. If you say yes to everything, you might be overwhelmed.”

Pig

Lastly, for the pig, there’s a star for monthly goals, the “monthly Accomplishment Star.” This means that Pigs can focus on tangible accomplishments and mindful financial growth. “Set smart goals: specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound… Measure the impact.”

It’s also a good year for money, and particularly for expansion of funds. “Diversify assets but be careful with spending, mind your budget a little bit more,” Fernandez says.

On becoming an agent of change

Ultimately, Fernandez emphasizes mindset over fatalism. “If there’s a change you want, you can make it. You become the agent of change rather than the victim of it.”

While these energies may be present, how you frame them will determine whether 2026 feels heavy or light. If it rains, bring an umbrella. But don’t forget you can also choose where you walk.