Astrology · Guide
The Fire Horse year 2026: calendar and symbolism
When the lunar new year begins, what Bing-wu denotes, and why Chinese calendar systems should be distinguished from Western zodiac signs.
Editorial illustration.
In this lesson
The beginning is 17 February
The Hong Kong Observatory labels 2026 Bing-wu, the year of the Horse. The first day of the first lunar month is 17 February. A birth on 1 January 2026 therefore does not automatically belong to the new lunar year.
Stem, branch and different boundaries
Bing is a heavenly stem and Wu an earthly branch associated with the Horse. The combination is commonly called Fire Horse. Systems using solar terms may place the year boundary at the Beginning of Spring. Identify the method before assigning a year sign near a boundary.
A year sign is not a complete personal chart
Do not equate the Horse with a particular Western zodiac sign or with the character of everyone born that year. These are different symbolic systems. Compare their input data and calendar rules rather than mechanically translating one sign into another.
Astrology · Guide
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Solar and lunar eclipses in 2026
The four eclipses of 2026, their types, and the distinction between global peak, local visibility and astrological interpretation.Neptune in Aries: ingresses and returns, 2025–2039
Neptune in Aries: a timeline of its passages through Pisces, Aries and Taurus.Planetary transits in 2026: sign ingresses
Planetary transits in 2026: a calendar of sign changes from Mercury to Pluto, with a worked example comparing a transit to a natal chart degree.