FENG Shui master Joseph-Chau Kam Shing. Photograph courtesy of Marco Polo
LIFE

Riding into Year of the Fire Horse: 2026 Zodiac Guide

Pauline Joyce Pascual

As the Year of the Horse approaches, renowned Feng Shui Master Joseph Chau Kam Shing shared his outlook on what 2026 holds for each Chinese zodiac sign during his annual forecast at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

According to Chau, the year carries dynamic and shifting energies, with some signs enjoying strong support from auspicious stars while others must navigate clashes with Tai Sui, financial fluctuations, or emotional challenges. He emphasized that luck in 2026 will largely depend on preparation, discipline and the ability to act wisely at the right time.

FENG Shui master Joseph-Chau Kam Shing.

Rat

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Zodiac’s Nature: Charming, resourceful, hardworking, intelligent, determined, bright, sociable and highly ambitious.

2026 may feel unstable for Rats, as clashes with Tai Sui bring fluctuating luck and workplace challenges. Misunderstandings, setbacks, or even betrayal are possible, so patience and careful decision-making are essential.

Financially, it may be easy to lose money through overspending or poor planning, so tightening your budget and securing income sources early will help. Fortunately, helpful stars can reduce misfortune, allowing work to progress more smoothly and giving you the authority to solve problems and grow professionally. 

Love energy is strong; singles may consider marriage, while married Rats must remain honest and avoid temptation. Health and safety require attention, particularly avoiding exhaustion and risky situations.

Ox

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Zodiac’s Nature: Patient, hardworking, reliable, courageous, loyal, intelligent, helpful, self-confident, conventional and excellent at organizing. A natural-born leader who works systematically, takes responsibility for the family and respects authority, though sometimes too stubborn.

Although Oxen face a Tai Sui conflict, strong lucky stars help transform problems into opportunities. This can be a productive year filled with inspiration, creative ideas and career progress if you know when to push forward and when to hold back. 

Financially, income is generally stable and may come from several sources, but poor spending habits could still cause losses, so discipline is key. Romance energy is lively; singles may find meaningful connections and married Oxen can enjoy harmony if they avoid unnecessary arguments. Health is moderate, with recovery likely if illness occurs, but digestive issues mean diet and lifestyle should be monitored carefully.

Tiger

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Zodiac’s Nature: Rebellious and dynamic yet loyal. A natural leader — daring, passionate, courageous and energetic. Tigers are self-assured, quick-tempered, considerate and freedom-loving.

Tigers benefit from a favorable alliance this year, bringing hidden support and strong career potential. With the influence of leadership and promotion energy, hard work can lead to recognition, advancement, or higher status. Progress at work should feel steady, but humility is important to avoid jealousy or conflict. Financial prospects improve, especially through effort-based income, and this can be a good time for property investments if handled wisely. 

Romance luck is positive, making it a suitable year for commitment or meeting someone special. To maintain good health, focus on balanced nutrition, light exercise and road safety.

Rabbit

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Zodiac’s Nature: Clever, peace-loving, generous, intuitive, occasionally egotistical and sensitive. Rabbits are intelligent in business and full of creative ideas but prone to mood swings and occasional indifference.

Rabbits enter a harmonious and uplifting year, with lucky stars clearing past obstacles and restoring motivation. Work feels more focused and productive, making it a good time to set new goals, explore opportunities and move confidently forward. 

Financial luck improves alongside career progress, though Rabbits should avoid acting as guarantors or taking on others’ financial risks. Love life is joyful and supportive, with strong potential for romance or deeper family harmony. Health is generally stable; maintain emotional balance, exercise regularly and watch for stress-related issues or minor injuries.

Dragon

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Zodiac’s Nature: Independent, enthusiastic, mystical, intuitive, shrewd, successful and daring. Dragons are fortunate and materialistic, though they can be stubborn, impulsive, proud and quick-tempered — yet always attractive and captivating.

Dragons experience a noticeable improvement in overall luck, with smoother career progress and stronger problem-solving energy. Effort and persistence will pay off, and this year offers real opportunities for advancement. 

Financial gains are likely, especially through work or business, but saving money may still be challenging, so careful budgeting and thorough contract reviews are important to avoid scams or traps. 

Romantic prospects may feel weaker, with emotional distance or misunderstandings possible, so patience and calm communication are essential. Health needs attention, particularly regarding accidents, water safety and travel risks, making preventive checkups and stress management beneficial.

Snake

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Zodiac’s Nature: Philosophical, deep-thinking, wise, calm, intelligent, mysterious, charming, emotionally sensitive and intuitive. Snakes are self-regulated and thoughtful in their approach.

Snakes may find 2026 demanding at first, with setbacks and unexpected obstacles slowing progress. Staying calm, cautious and cooperative will help prevent small mistakes from becoming major issues. Over time, perseverance brings improvement, as supportive energy helps clear obstacles and reveal worthwhile opportunities. 

Wealth potential exists, but contracts and agreements must be reviewed carefully, and building emergency savings is wise. Romance is active, offering many encounters, though emotional impulsiveness or online relationships could lead to disappointment or loss if handled carelessly. Health requires attention to diet, stress levels and cardiovascular or eye-related concerns.

Horse

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Zodiac’s Nature: Cheerful, charming, loyal, friendly, hardworking, independent, energetic, confident and sometimes self-centered.

Horses directly offend Tai Sui this year, bringing emotional strain, workplace pressure and fluctuating stability. Even so, strong leadership energy can help you overcome setbacks and still pursue important goals successfully. 

Financial prospects improve, making this a potentially good year for investments or property decisions, provided you avoid greed and carefully review agreements. 

Relationships may feel sensitive, with mood swings or misunderstandings causing tension, so patience and open communication are crucial. Health and safety are major priorities, as there is a heightened risk of accidents or medical issues, making preventive care and caution essential.

Goat

1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Zodiac’s Nature: Honest, sincere, kind, helpful, creative, peaceful, intelligent and artistic. Goats are generous and good-natured, though sometimes indecisive, undisciplined, or overly passive.

Goats enjoy one of the most supportive years, thanks to strong compatibility with the year’s energy. Career opportunities, promotions, business ventures, or positive changes are likely if you stay organized and forward-thinking. Financial prospects are strong, with stable income and potential investment gains, though risky speculation should still be avoided. Social and romantic luck is also favorable, helping singles meet potential partners and strengthening existing relationships when communication remains clear. Health is generally stable, but attention to diet, posture and road safety will help maintain overall well-being.

Monkey

1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Zodiac’s Nature: Lively, quick-witted, intelligent, inventive and independent. Monkeys are fast learners with strong memory and social skills, but they can also be self-centered and prone to laziness. They are good problem-solvers, though sometimes impulsive.

Monkeys may face a demanding year with heavy workloads and slower rewards. Competition and sudden changes can create pressure, so flexibility, persistence and a proactive mindset are necessary to move forward. Travel or a change of environment could help improve momentum. 

Financial luck is weaker, making it important to avoid loans, debt, or ambitious risks while focusing instead on steady income and careful spending. 

Romantic prospects are subdued, requiring genuine effort to maintain emotional connection. Health may feel strained due to stress or overwork, so rest, regular checkups and safety awareness are important.

Rooster

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Zodiac’s Nature: Courageous, honest, hardworking, resourceful, capable and confident. Roosters are strong communicators, systematic workers and loyal to family, often managing finances well. They can be dramatic but are usually respected.

Roosters experience a mixed year in which progress may come with delays or complications. Calm observation, adaptability and thoughtful timing will help turn setbacks into eventual success. Financial luck fluctuates; avoid speculative ventures and instead rely on innovation, creativity and steady planning to build results over time. Romance energy is surprisingly strong, increasing charm and attraction, though married Roosters must avoid temptation or emotional distractions. Health depends largely on lifestyle habits, so proper rest, hygiene and care for the respiratory system are recommended.

Dog

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Zodiac’s Nature: Honest, loyal, responsible, sensitive and morally upright. Dogs have a strong sense of justice and are practical and realistic, often guarded and defensive yet trustworthy and generous. Though calm on the outside, they rarely feel fully at ease.

Dogs benefit from supportive alliances this year, helping dissolve obstacles and restore smoother career flow. With discipline and realistic pacing, they can build a stronger reputation and possibly reach important milestones. 

Financially, income is stable, especially through work or business, but risky ventures or misplaced trust could lead to losses, so contracts should be reviewed carefully. 

Romantic energy is weaker, so emotional patience and communication are needed to avoid misunderstandings or distance. Health is less stable, making caution against accidents, injuries and poor diet especially important.

Pig

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Zodiac’s Nature: Courageous, sensitive, indulgent, cheerful, generous, tolerant and peace-loving, though not always skilled at managing money. Loyal and supportive, they make excellent friends.

Pigs experience a year of mixed fortune that improves over time. Early obstacles, disputes, or stress may arise, but supportive energy later brings fresh opportunities and the chance for success — especially through better cooperation and relationships. Income may increase compared to last year, yet overspending or greed could still cause financial strain, so careful budgeting is necessary. 

Love life feels warm and emotionally fulfilling, though patience and thoughtful communication are needed to avoid conflict. Health may feel strained due to fatigue or stress, so rest, self-care and caution against accidents are essential.