goodbye wood snake, hello fire horse: lunar new year reflections

The Fire Horse is arriving this lunar new year! According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, February 16, 2026 marks the end of the Wood Snake Year. Professor Jonathan H. X. Lee, of San Francisco State University says, "...the snake is an auspicious sign for inner work, whether it’s releasing unrealistic expectations of loved ones or getting rid of bad habits..." That means the Year of the Snake shakes things up, encourages change and helps you grow and I am ready for it to end.

"The twelve zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. According to legend, the Jade Emperor held a contest to decide which animals would be lucky enough to be included in the calendar. The winner of the race – the rat – received the first year of the 12-year cycle, and so on." Wikipedia

Last year was very 'snaky' for me it forced some big changes; it was hard! I went through health struggles, family and friend shake ups and loss.

All of these troubles forced me to reevaluate… everything.

First, I had to get honest with myself and found some uncomfortable truths; I wasn't taking my health seriously, often ignore my intuition and I'm on the clingy side when I get scared. Also an old, deep dark secret (not so much now) fear came up: I'm afraid to be alone.

When life gets hard, I start to think ALL of my family, friends, partner and everyone will suddenly leave and I’ll end up being a dog lady. Sorry cat owners, I like them but I have allergies.

Last year had me shopping for more dogs and hiding out. Struggling to get my body back online, losing friends and feeling distance from family left me feeling adrift. I spent several tearful weeks with my very shitty inner voice yelling ‘fix it before we’re alone forever’.

I wanted to follow my old pattern:

1. Spiral into shame.

2. Assign myself 100% blame.

3. Attempt to make myself more palatable.

4. Shrink.

I repeated my old pattern to avoid loss, loneliness and pain. Newsflash: it didn’t work. Each time I tried to 'fix' myself, I was even more weird and less myself. I wanted connection so badly. This Snake Year, instead of imposing my inner weirdo on the world, I sat and waited it out. 

I sat with loss and sadness. I hated it and thought loneliness would drown me. Slowly I started to feel better. The shedding started and I allowed myself to be OK with loss. A few friends faded away and I'm more accepting of my family as is. I became more me and the way I interact with my good friends, in my relationship and with family is a little better.

The year of the snake was painful AND made me grow. I shed some unwanted fear and left behind some space. I have more room for old friends and being myself. I'm a (little) less weird.

On February 17, the Year of the Fire Horse starts to bring energy and creativity.

A curious, fiery foal along the Camino Primitivo. Grado, Asturias, Spain

That sounds really great with one exception: this lunar new year brings the Fire Horse. The Horse will run with whatever energy we carry forward. I'm bringing more of myself and letting go of that which doesn't serve me.

I'm ready for the energy, creativity and maybe some adventure in the year of the Fire Horse!...Almost.

I'm a rooster! What's your Chinese zodiac? Write in the comments below.