What’s your luck like in February 2026, the Metal Tiger month kicking off the Fire Horse year?
A good start to the Lunar New Year for the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Rooster, Dog and Pig – but challenges are in store for the Dragon, Horse, Goat and Monkey
The first month of the 2026 Chinese calendar, from February 4 to March 4, is represented by the Metal Tiger or geng yin.
The Horse is associated with independence and autonomy, passionate ambition, charisma and leadership. It is also restless, impulsive and optimistic, often bordering on risk taking. The Horse is a yang sign: active, assertive and outward moving, belonging to the Fire element regardless of the year’s elemental assignment. This means that even in non-Fire years, Horse energy is dynamic, warm and forward moving.
The year of the Fire Horse will have a strong influence on our energy – you may experience considerable excitement this year due to unexpected changes and events in your life. It is important to remain ready for change and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to get the most out of the year ahead.
You can expect a dynamic and productive time in business. The year of the Fire Horse promises great opportunities for growth and development, so take advantage of these to advance into new positions and achieve success. However, the year will also be unpredictable and will force growth internally, so be prepared to adapt and solve problems quickly. Innovation and new technology will play an important role in business growth, so do stay on top of the latest trends and changes in your industry.
The energy and essence of the Tiger month
The Horse year holds two Tigers in the annual chart for 2026. This will have a huge impact at the start – the presence of the Double Tiger energy suggests an exhilarating year. In Chinese symbolism, it is considered that “one mountain cannot hold two tigers”, indicating a clash of power and egos. Fortunately, the Tiger is an ally of the Horse, which helps mellow any volatility.
Those born in the year of the Tiger are courageous and active: Tigers love a good challenge and are adventurous. They are daring, enthusiastic and generous, with a strong sense of justice and a commitment to helping others for the greater good. They are fiercely independent and possess strong self-esteem. However, they do relish their personal space – boundaries and territory are important to them.
Those born in a Tiger month are best suited to careers as lawyers, social workers, journalists, political advisers, activists or charity workers.
Those born on Tiger days are fearless, restless and impatient, and have magnetic personalities. They walk their talk and prowl their environment with respect for nature. Environmentally astute, they make good campaigners. Tiger parents can be overly protective as their “big cat” sign enhances their awareness of danger.