We are celebrating the ending of 2025 and welcoming 2026. It was a tumultuous year in many ways. Tumultuous years can help to discern those things that are of significance and importance in our beliefs and values. This is in keeping with what the year has been according to Chinese Astrology. In Chinese astrology the signs are the animals, and they change every year with a total number of 12 animals. The element changes every two years that characterize the power and focus of the year.
This past year was the year of the wood Snake has been working its magic for us. The Snake is associated with the Spleen no matter the element. Snakes by their nature can perceive rejection or approval from others. They tend to be self-critical or tending toward perfectionism. This past year has been the wood element, and the first order of business has been making wise choices. The wood in Chinese medicine is related to the liver and gallbladder which have to do with decision making. The element has to do with spring and hope and making future plans and structures. Future is the key word. That is why it is so important to shed the skin of the snake to help to create the choices that bring you to the present. Being able to live within one’s imperfections is a part of the superpower of the snake. You can’t speak your truth until you discern it. We have waded through the muck to be able to let go all this year.
On February 17th, the second new moon since the winter solstice, we move from the work of the wood snake, to the fire horse. The organ associated with the Horse is the heart and the fire is also associated with the heart. This is a year all about the transformation of the heart. The love for self and others are a given task and now that the letting go is done- we are ready. We can choose love over hate and caring over indifference. The horse no matter the element is about momentum, movement and speed. She/he wants to gallop in a full-fledged way. Horses are passionate and by their very nature want to run with it. Relationships will be in the forefront this year in a way where we bring our full heart forward. While the wood snake needs time to figure out what to hold onto and how to proceed; when we move to fire you speed up everything. The horse is about freedom and autonomy and love. Think about how you would like to be in all your relationships this year and commit to it.
On this same day as the beginning of the Chinese New Year, is the new moon in Aquarius and a solar eclipse. I will be doing my usual new moon meditation and if you can come, please do. It will be a powerful day.
