Feng Shui & Chinese Astrology – What You May Not Know

Year of the Fire Horse – 4724
February 17, 2026 – February 5, 2027

Chinese Astrology

Every Lunar New Year I write a newsletter about the tendencies for the coming year, and a thumbnail predication for each of the twelve signs. Next year’s lunar new year will begin on February 17, 2026, and will be represented by the Fire Horse. As I have been contemplating the new year, I thought it would be interesting to explore the whole topic of Chinese astrology.

The Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. The order of animals restarts after going through the cycle of 12 animals starting with the rat and ending with the pig. Unlike the Western zodiac system, which is based on months named for constellations, the Chinese zodiac changes its animal sign with each year.

The legend of how the order of the 12 nominals came to be is on my website. Evidence of the 12-animal cycle traces back to the Shang dynasty (1766–1121 BC) with carvings on oracle bones. The system was firmly established by the latter half of the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), similar in time to Western astrology.

The Five Elements

You may know from my yearly predications that in addition to the cycle of animals, there is also a corresponding system of elements. Ancient Chinese cosmology developed the five basic elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. These elements underlie the universe according to Chinese philosophy and their cycles explain change in the cosmos.

This cycle of elements intersects with the cycle of 12 zodiac signs, thus yielding specific combinations – such as, wood snake or metal monkey. Hence the 12 animal sign coupled with each of the 5 elements creates a sixty year cycle. These elements correlate with the cardinal directions, seasons, colors, musical tones, and bodily organs. If you’ve had acupuncture you may also be familiar with the 5 elements.

The 60 Year Cycle

Rather than a cause for celebration, one should be extra cautious when their birth year sign cycles around again. That is because each year in a 60-year cycle is guarded by a different celestial deity, or Tai Sui. Every twelve years when you return to your birth animal. Beliefs hold that you are in a clashing position with the Tai Sui. However it is possible to perform certain rituals or take certain talismanic precautions to try to curb any bad luck. Of course I offer this ritual to my clients. I do not consider myself an expert in Chinese astrology, but, I offer brief readings along with 9 Stat Ki Numerology to my clients.

Asian countries neighboring China have adopted the Chinese mythology of the zodiac. The Chinese model is used in North & South Korea, Cambodia, and Singapore. Sometimes variations of the list of animals occurred in the process of translation from China to other regions. For example, in some parts of Thailand, an elephant replaced the pig. Also, a naga (mythical humanoid and serpentine being) replaced the dragon. In Japan a boar replaced the pig. The system moved to a solar rather than lunar calendar. In Vietnam the sheep, ox, and rabbit are replaced by the goat, buffalo, and cat, respectively.

Soon after the first of the year, I will post my 2026 year of the Fire Horse predictions. In the meantime we still have 3 months of the Wood Snake year. If you are looking for any direction during this time period, please call for a reading of your 9 Star Ki Numerology and Chinese Astrology.

As we approach the close of 2025, may your days be auspicious.
Sending you and yours every blessing for a loving Thanksgiving Holiday.
Judith / Sacred Currents