From the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse

Wow. What a year. How did your year go? Although many celebrated the New Year on 31st Dec/ 1st January, many don’t feel the New Year starts until February or even March. Chinese New Year is February 17th this year – moving from the year of the Wood Snake to the year of the Fire Horse.

In many spiritual and cultural traditions, each year carries a distinct energy. You don’t need to know astrology or spirituality in depth to notice and feel the energetic changes. It could feel like a shift in your own energy, in the pace you want to take, in where your focus naturally lies, your mood, your decision-making and much more. 

Your friendship group(s) may have changed or be changing, what you do for work may be changing, or you’re at least feeling the ill-fitting skin of what you currently do, hobbies and interests may be shifting, how you feel about the world may also be evolving.

If the last year felt like slowing down, looking inward, or letting go of things that no longer fit — that’s very much in line with Snake energy. The year ahead, the Fire Horse energy, may feel more about action, change, and stepping into new opportunities.

It’s been a big year for change.  And with change often comes uncertainty — so staying calm and grounded is key. As you know. 

What the Year of the Snake represents

Snake energy is often linked with transformation and inner work. As your inner world changes, the outer world shifts too. And it’s not just you experiencing this energy – everyone is impacted whether they feel it or not. 

Snake energy years are often linked to:

  • Quiet growth behind the scenes
  • Learning to trust intuition
  • Deep personal change
  • Letting go of old patterns
  • Healing emotional wounds

People rolling with these changes are feeling like things are tough – but not in the same way as those who battle these shifts. People not facing what needs to be shed are getting angry, sad or both. You can feel it in the air!

The “last surge” of Snake energy

Sometimes, before a big energetic shift fully happens, the outgoing energy can have one final push. And the harder you fight it, the harder it feels.  You might notice this showing up as people holding tightly to things they know, even if those things aren’t working anymore. Some days it can feel like the world is going mad on an individual and global scale. I feel you. 

For those flowing with what’s happening it can feel like witnessing a parallel universe (more about that in other posts). People fighting the energy may be:

  • Staying in, or forcing, situations that clearly feel finished
  • Arguing harder for old beliefs or ways of doing things
  • Resisting change even when change is already happening
  • Fear showing up as control, blame, or defensiveness
  • A strong need for things to “stay the same”

This isn’t because people are failing or doing something wrong. Change can feel scary, especially if someone isn’t ready to let go yet. People often cling to what makes them feel safe – the known way of being. But nothing can stay the same forever. 

Snake energy is all about shedding.
But shedding isn’t always comfortable.

Just like a snake has to rub against surfaces to release old skin, people sometimes push, resist, or react emotionally when they’re close to a big internal shift.

You might notice this:

  • In workplaces
  • In families
  • In friendships
  • In the wider world

And you might even notice it in yourself in small ways — and that’s normal too.

The important thing to remember is: Not everyone sheds at the same time. 

As we move toward Horse energy — movement, action, forward momentum — some people will run toward change, and others will dig their heels in. Don’t get dragged into that! That is their battle. Your job is to be a beacon of how things can be.

Stay calm.

Both are part of the process of collective change.

What the Year of the Horse brings

Giddy up folks! Horse energy is very different and coming in on February 17th 2026. Things may shift pretty quickly for some of you. Horse energy is often connected to:

  • Taking action
  • Trying new things
  • Travel or change in direction
  • Speaking up or showing up more fully as you
  • Feeling a stronger push to move forward

For some people this feels exciting. For others — especially sensitive or intuitive people — it can feel fast or overwhelming.

Both responses are completely normal.

If you’ve let go of what you needed to, then this will feel a lot easier. If you’re still clinging on to the old then this may feel like a different type of experience. The whole sad and angry thing – that is a good sign.

Why energy shifts can feel unsettling

When life speeds up, our nervous system can react as if something is wrong — even when positive things are happening. It can even set you into a fight or flight reaction. Stay connected to your body during this time and listen to what your body needs – different foods, more hydration, more rest before a season of action. 

You might notice:

  • Feeling restless
  • Feeling pressure to “figure life out” quickly
  • Big decisions appearing suddenly
  • More noise or intensity in the world around you

This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It usually just means things are changing.

When things feel fast, come back to physical grounding:

  • Walking outside
  • Sitting with your feet on the floor
  • Slow breathing
  • Stretching or gentle movement

This helps signal safety to your nervous system.

If a decision needs to be made, choose alignment over speed. You don’t need to rush decisions.

Ask yourself: “Does this feel right for me?” If yes — move forward when ready. If no — it’s okay to pause.

As chaos rises, root deeper

As the world feels louder and more chaotic, simplify:

  • Less scrolling
  • Less news overload
  • More quiet time
  • More time in nature
  • Appreciate the small things
  • Stay aligned with your own vision
  • Slooooooow down

If you’re someone who is comfortable with change, it can be frustrating watching others fight it. But you need to do your own thing. You can sow seeds of thoughts for people but everyone will approach this shift in their own way. 

It’s frustrating, but dealing with other people at this time might look like:

  • Not trying to force people to change faster than they’re ready
  • Holding your boundaries even when it’s uncomfortable 
  • Staying focused on your own path
  • Remembering everyone has their own timing

Sometimes the kindest thing you can do — for yourself and others — is allow people their process without taking it on as your responsibility.

The shift from Snake to Horse isn’t about rushing. It’s about moving forward with what you’ve learned. You don’t have to chase opportunities. You don’t have to force change. You can move steadily, calmly, and in a way that feels right for you.

It’s time to enjoy life a little more. Joy raises your vibration. Even more important when it feels like the world is going mad and there’s a lot of darkness rising.

Root deep beautiful souls.

Love and light