Closing the Year of the Snake & Preparing for the Year of the Fire Horse

Time for release, renewal, and to welcome rising energy.

As the Year of the Snake comes to a close, we enter a powerful turning point in the collective energy. The Snake is a symbol of wisdom, healing, introspection, and quiet transformation, and in its year we have been working on shedding old skins gently leaving behind old patterns, stories and beliefs. Allowing us to step into clarity with grace.

As energy shifts into 2026, it ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, one of the most dynamic, rare, and potent energies in the entire 60-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Where the Snake was introspective and soulful, the Fire Horse is bold, creative, and unstoppable. This transition carries both opportunity and intensity and below is a guide to help you work into it with equilibrium and intention.

What We’re Completing: The Lessons of the Snake

The Snake year has been a time of:

1. Shedding & Simplifying

Letting go of what no longer fits, be it old roles, outdated habits, emotional heaviness, clutter, relationships that pull you off centre.

2. Deep Inner Work

The Snake is slow, intuitive, and observant. It has asked us to tune inward, to honour our instincts, and to lean into subtle wisdom rather than outward noise.

3. Energetic Detox & Healing

From relationships to routines, many people felt the urge to cleanse, reset, or restructure their inner world.

4. Quiet Transformation

So much of this year’s growth happened beneath the surface. Quiet breakthroughs. Gentle realignments. Internal evolution.

As we complete this cycle, take a moment to ask yourself:
What have I outgrown? What skin am I ready to shed?

This is the closing ritual of the Snake, for you to release with grace, so you can rise with intention.

What’s Coming: The Energy of the Fire Horse

The Year of the Fire Horse is rare, powerful, passionate, and electric. Fire Horse years are known for:

1. Bold Movement & Acceleration

Where Snake energy furled inward, the Fire Horse charges forward. Expect momentum, expansion, and big leaps.

2. Creativity & Courage

This is a year to start, launch, build, create, and trust your spark. Fire brings inspiration. Horse brings stamina and freedom.

3. Independence & Leadership

The Fire Horse is unapologetically sovereign. This energy brings clarity around personal direction and a fierce desire for authenticity.

4. Big Emotions & Big Passion

Fire intensifies. Horse magnifies. Together they heighten passion, drive, and emotional expression. Balance will be essential.

5. Unpredictability & Breakthroughs

This is change-making, pattern-breaking energy. It pushes you forward, sometimes faster than expected.

Working with exalte, this is your year to expand your sense of possibility, honour your creative spark, and treat your energy body with real reverence.

How to Prepare for the Fire Horse Year

1. Clear Your Space

Cleanse your home, workspace, and digital life. Create spaciousness for new energy to land.

2. Ground Your Nervous System

Bold energy requires a steady foundation. Learn from our balance course how to regulate and ground yourself.   Prioritise breathwork, slow mornings, warm nourishment, and consistent movement.

3. Revisit Your Vision

The Fire Horse wants direction. Clarify your goals, desires, and personal path, even if you take the first step imperfectly.

4. Strengthen Your Boundaries

This year brings fast momentum. Protect your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth.

5. Make Room for Play

The Fire Horse thrives on joy, spontaneity, connection, and creative exploration. Leave space for the unexpected.

Closing Ritual for the Snake & Opening Ceremony for the Fire Horse

Snake closing:
Write down what you’re leaving behind; beliefs, habits, fears. Release it symbolically (burn, tear, or freeze with intention).

Fire Horse opening:
Write a list of what you’re calling in;  passion, courage, movement, new projects, aligned relationships, vitality.

Place this list where you can see it often. Let it guide your steps.

Final Reflection

As we honour 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.

Get ready for a year of powerful creation.