Often the closing of one year and beginning of another elicits reflection. If you’re noticing that 2025 is bringing closure in a variety of facets of your life, there’s a reason for that. Now, I’m not one who puts a lot of weight into astrology, but 2025 was a big shift for not only myself, but also many of my patients. And it’s possible that Chinese Zodiac, coupled with numerology, factored into these shifts. So let’s have some fun and examine these transitions from different perspectives.
The Year of the Snake (2025) carried yin-water energy, an influence traditionally associated with rest, introspection and deep inner processing. Yin energy moves slowly and quietly, asking us to listen rather than act and to observe rather than rush forward. For many people, 2025 felt like a year of reassessment – a time to pause, review long-standing patterns and gently let go of what was no longer aligned.
Rather than dramatic endings or sudden changes, the Snake year often worked in subtle ways. Old habits, relationships, beliefs or expectations may have gradually lost their hold. Many people experienced a natural desire to simplify their lives, reduce commitments or create stronger emotional boundaries. Others found themselves needing more rest, solitude or time away from overstimulation, even if they couldn’t quite explain why. This was definitely how I felt and I saw it in many of my patients too..
From an East Asian Medicine (EAM) perspective, yin-water energy supports the kidneys, which store jing (our vital essence) and the spleen, which governs digestion, nourishment and the processing of experiences, both physical and emotional. Strengthening these systems often shows up as greater emotional clarity, improved resilience and a deeper understanding of personal limits. For some, this year eased long-standing stagnation or brought clarity around what truly mattered. For others, it simply offered space to breathe, reflect and restore. Although the Snake year may have felt slow or even frustrating at times, it laid important foundations. The internal work done in 2025 becomes the quiet strength that supports the momentum of the year ahead.
Numerologically speaking, 2025 is a 9 year (2+0+2+5 = 9), which is a karmic completion year. It’s all about endings and completions. In the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2025 is also the year of the snake, which marks the shedding of old skin. It’s all about releasing what no longer serves you, what has expired, or you’ve outgrown. Both symbolize the closing of cycles and old identities in career, relationships, karmic patterns, and life lessons. This year has been about stripping down to your most authentic self. The shedding and closure is medicine.
The lessons of the Snake year includes shedding and simplifying by letting go of what no longer fits, be it old roles, outdated habits, emotional heaviness, clutter or relationships that pull you off center. The Snake is slow, intuitive, and observant. It has asked us to tune inward, to honor our instincts and to lean into subtle wisdom rather than outward noise. From relationships to routines, many people felt the urge to cleanse, reset or restructure their inner world. The Snake year was filled with quiet transformations, gentle breakthroughs and internal evolution.
The Year of the Fire Horse begins on February 17, 2026 and brings with it strong yang fire energy. Fire Horse years occur only once every 60 years, making them particularly potent. The Horse is associated with freedom, movement, independence and forward momentum. Combined with fire, this energy is bold, passionate and action oriented.
In contrast to the inward nature of the Snake, the Fire Horse year tends to feel faster, louder and more energized. It often supports taking initiative, starting new projects, making courageous decisions and speaking more honestly about desires and needs. Career changes, creative pursuits, entrepreneurial ideas, travel and new relationships are all highlighted under this influence.
While this surge of energy can feel exciting and motivating, it also comes with challenges. Fire Horse energy doesn’t naturally pause. It thrives on motion, which can make it harder to slow down, switch off or rest deeply. Without balance, this intensity may tip into restlessness, overcommitment or burnout.
In EAM, Fire Horse energy strongly affects the heart and small intestine systems. The heart governs mental clarity, emotional balance, circulation, joy, and sleep. The small intestine supports digestion and discernment or the ability to sort what nourishes us from what does not. When these systems are balanced, fire energy brings warmth, confidence, enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. When overstimulated, it may show up as anxiety, poor sleep, palpitations, digestive discomfort or that familiar “wired but tired” feeling.
Looking forward into 2026, numerologically, it’s a Universal 1 Year (2+0+2+6 = 10 = 1+0 = 1). The beginning of a new nine year cycle. A first breath after a long exhale. The opening of a doorway to something new. Life begins to gather movement and momentum. You will feel more direction as you cross this threshold into a new story. Let your actions reflect the new version of you that is emerging and allow space for your inner voice to guide the new ideas that are arriving with liveliness.
The Fire Horse year is rare, powerful, passionate, and electric. As already mentioned, this year will be full of movement, momentum, expansion, inspiration, independence and authenticity. This can lead to big emotions and big passion. Things can get fiery.
During a fast-paced Fire Horse year, maintaining balance becomes essential. The goal isn’t to suppress momentum or avoid opportunities, but to anchor yang fire with enough yin support so energy remains sustainable. Simple daily rituals can make a meaningful difference. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, gentle stretching, journaling or quiet, phone-free time can help calm the nervous system. Movement should feel grounding rather than depleting, so think long walks, Pilates, yoga, swimming, tai chi or qigong rather than constant high intensity exercise.
Diet also plays a role in managing excess fire. Lighter, cooling foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, soups and herbal teas can help offset stress and overstimulation. Being mindful of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and late-night eating supports better sleep and steadier energy levels. Prioritizing sleep is one of the most effective ways to protect heart yin during this time.
Equally important is learning when to pause. The Fire Horse year can create many opportunities, but not every invitation needs an immediate yes. Creating space before making commitments allows for clearer decisions and helps prevent emotional or physical exhaustion.
As we honor the closing energy of the Snake and prepare for the ignition of the Fire Horse, remember this, transformation begins quietly, but momentum carries you forward. So here’s to a transformational 2026. Get ready for a year of powerful creation, but don’t forget to always make time for rest and healing.