Bing Wu丙午馬年 The Year of the Fire Horse - Bazi General Predictions for 2026

Author: Dr. Edward Tsang (Registered TCM Herbalist & Acupuncturist) Editor: Edmund Chin

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new year, we welcome the Year of the Horse, Bing Wu. I wish you the blessing of the noble people, good health, abundant wealth, continuous advancement, and all the best. The following is a Bazi analysis of the first day for the Year of the Horse Bing Wu, for your reference:

The first day of the Fire horse Bing Wu year falls on February 17th,while the first day (Lichun) falls on February 4th, at 4:16 AM. This means that the Lichun begins before the New Year.

The Lichun Four Pillars: Year Bing Wu, Month Geng Yin, Day Ji You, Hour Bing Yin.

The Lichun (Beginning of Spring) Day is Ji You, the Year Pillar is Bing Wu, the Beginning of Spring Month is Geng Yin, and the Hour Pillar is Bing Yin. The Lichun Day Four Pillar, with Ji Earth sitting on You Metal, the God of Food, indicates that the Year of the Horse will continue to be turbulent. Ji Earth is typically in a deadly position in the Yin month, but the Year Pillar Bing Wu, with its strong Fire element, forms a Yin-Wu Fire formation, and the Hour Pillar Bing Yin also creates a strong Fire element, which nourishes Ji Earth. The Yin Wood Official Star, transformed into a Seal, does not suppress Ji Earth, but rather nourishes it. The strong Fire element in the current year drains away Ji Earth, leading to numerous explosions around the world, particularly in the Middle East and the Africa.

In the month pillar, the Geng Metal Stem lacks foundational support and is further suppressed by the dominant Fire element. This elemental imbalance signals continued decline in the fortunes of the United States and Europe, both of which are represented by Geng Metal. The strong Seal element further restrains Geng Metal’s Hurting Officer, leaving these nations without strategic leverage or future backing.

Additionally, the Jia Wood Official Star directly clashes with Geng Metal, reinforcing the dominance of Wood and the weakness of Metal. This dynamic reflects the intensifying struggle between the United States and the rising powers of China, East Asia, and the Global South. With Eastern Wood on the rise and Metal in retreat, the outcome points toward an inevitable weakening of Western influence.

At the Beginning of Spring, the four pillars lack water—an element traditionally associated with wealth during this seasonal transition. The wealth star, represented by water, is situated in northern China and Russia. As global demand for water, energy, and natural resources intensifies, nations around the world are expected to seek cooperation and development opportunities with China. These interactions are rooted in subtle, hidden combinations within the elemental chart.

Russia, emerging from the after math of war, faces the task of rebuilding its national strength. Its vast natural resources will be unlocked, generating wealth—though potentially at the cost of certain national interests in exchange for essential support.

The annual official star forms a covert and conditional combination with the Beginning of Spring, transforming temporarily into a seal that lends support. These formations are unstable and subject to change, indicating that shifting circumstances and unexpected developments may arise throughout the year.

With Geng Metal in a weakened state and suppressed by a dominant seal element, European and American countries find themselves in a precarious position. Europe and the European Union may be compelled to seek assistance from China, pursuing solutions and business partnerships. Russia, likewise, stands to benefit from China's support, with its national fortunes poised to rise.

U.S. sanctions against China are proving ineffective, countered by China's strategic responses. The annual Ping Fire subtly contains Sin Metal, signaling that China and other southern nations will gain wealth through these counter measures and shifting global dynamics.

The prosperous Bing Fire element this year fosters collaboration and wealth generation among China and other southern nations, serving as a counter balance to the United States. The fire element is notably strong, while the metal element remains weak. This imbalance—where weakened metal fails to restrain vigorous wood—places metal in a state of decline.

In the Year of the Horse, this elemental tension may manifest in increased risks of traffic accidents, aviation incidents, clerical errors, financial misconduct, disorientation, and economic instability. Western economies, particularly the United States, are expected to face continued decline. Despite efforts to intensify sanctions against China, these measures are unlikely to succeed.

The dominance of fire, coupled with a deficiency in water, further suppresses the Geng Metal element, signaling challenges in the financial sector. The U.S. dollar is likely to face mounting constraints, with the global trend of de-dollarisation gaining momentum and contributing to further depreciation.

Health-wise, the intense fire energy may lead to dryness, heat-related conditions, and inflammation. Flu and pneumonia are expected to remain widespread, while outbreaks of plague and rodent-borne diseases may occur. Additionally, the year may be marked by frequent natural disasters, including fires and earthquakes.

This year’s wealth element is notably weak, unstable, and largely absent, signaling a challenging financial landscape. The ongoing clash between metal and wood elements is expected to disrupt the financial sector, creating turbulence and uncertainty. Investors are advised to proceed with caution, as the overall investment climate in the Year of the Horse appears unfavorable.

Industries such as finance, banking, hardware, lumber, and paper are likely to face headwinds. Additionally, the scarcity of water energy this year will negatively affect transportation and aquatic product sectors, contributing to further declines.

The strong fire element this year enhances Saturn’s influence. Despite global instability, sectors tied to local goods, construction, and real estate may encounter trials but are expected to transition steadily. Meanwhile, the presence of strong food and injury stars subtly supports the tourism industry, potentially leading to a surge in travel and leisure activities.

However, with earth restraining water, caution remains essential—particularly in industries dependent on fluidity, adaptability, and resource flow.

The official star in this year is conjunct into the first day of the year, and official means management. In this Bing Wu year, the government and management will use high-pressure tactics to suppress the lower classes and the public, leading to widespread resentment. Due to the lack of water in this year, leaders of various countries lack the wisdom and emotional intelligence needed to handle conflicts between countries. The injury star is impacted, and leaders and people of various countries fail to use wisdom to manage differences and are unable to resolve difficult situations, leading to conflicts. Due to the lack of water and the strong fire star, financial resources will be greatly depleted. Water generates wood, leading to foreign trade. Market competition is fierce, and expansion of business activities is necessary. Because metal is weak and cannot generate water, some heads of state lack wisdom and rationality, making poor decisions and plunging their countries into dire straits.

This year’s wealth foundation is disrupted by the Jia-Geng elemental clash, undermining conditions for investment and income generation. Financial prospects in the Year of the Horse appear challenging, marked by a weak financial star and mental sluggishness. Mercury’s restrained influence hampers communication, leading to inhibited expression, slow performance, and limited freedom of speech.

Some Southeast Asian nations, unable to openly challenge the United States’ assertive behavior, are gravitating toward China in search of strategic solutions—symbolically aligning with the northern water element. However, the dominance of fire and earth this year suppresses water, intensifying global competition over land and water resources, and contributing to environmental issues such as water pollution.

The United States continues to build alliances to counter China’s rise, but the prevailing fire and wood energies weaken metal—an element that symbolically “dies” in the Year of the Horse—rendering these efforts ineffective. Industries tied to local products, construction, real estate, and tourism will face trials under the weight of strong earth energy.

Metal, (metallic rare earth elements) which generates water and thus wealth, is in high demand. This drives growth in sectors such as electronic component manufacturing, healthcare, cultural industries, and pharmaceuticals. Yet, the four pillars of the Beginning of Spring lack water, further weakening metal. Western Europe and the United States face shortages in metal and chemical raw materials, eroding their competitive edge.

Meanwhile, real estate is gradually transitioning toward a more commercialized model, and China is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in high-tech innovation and exports.

The annual water flow will flow smoothly toward Southeast Asia. Mercury energizes Jupiter, Zhen, and Xun, ushering in favorable development and wealth for Southeast Asian nations. This celestial alignment supports growth and prosperity in the region. Meanwhile, strong Wood energy clashes with Metal in Europe and America, symbolizing a decline in Western influence. As Wood flourishes and Metal weakens, countries led by the United States lose strategic clarity, acting impulsively and without cohesive direction. This disarray fuels a collective Western effort to contain China, yet with Metal defeated and Wood ascendant, these attempts are ultimately ineffective.

In the Year of the Horse, elemental symbolism plays a key role: water represents oil, and fire represents electricity. These two energy sources will compete intensely, with fire peaking on the fourth and fifth days of the lunar calendar—bringing opportunities for wealth and profit. However, the competition between petrol and electric energy will be fierce and unrelenting.

Despite global volatility, the real estate sector—buoyed by the strong fire element—retains potential for steady growth. While dramatic fluctuations are unlikely, the sector is expected to navigate challenges with resilience.

The Year of the Horse marks the third year of the Ninth 20-Year Cycle, signaling a pivotal shift in global energy dynamics. As the Eight White Great Wealth Star recedes and relinquishes its influence, the Nine Purple Li Fire Star takes its place at the center palace, radiating its presence across all eight directions. Accompanied by Mars and You Bi, this central fire energy illuminates the world stage.

When auspicious, the brilliance of the Nine Purple Star symbolizes splendor, joy, cultural flourishing, and honor. However, when inauspicious, it may manifest as volatility, destruction, and explosive events. Positioned at the heart of the chart, the Nine Purple Fire represents power, dominance, and impulsive force.

Southern Africa stands to benefit significantly from the Ninth Cycle, as the fiery energy of the southern direction uplifts the fortunes of African nations. Additionally, this cycle strongly favors women, enhancing their influence and societal standing. Middle-aged women and female leaders, in particular, are poised to rise in prominence and authority during this transformative period.

This year is marked by a dominant fire element and a weakened water element, creating a significant elemental imbalance. In traditional metaphysics, water symbolizes wealth, while fire governs the information and technology sectors. The ongoing clash between these elements may result in global confusion, the deliberate spread of disinformation, and a surge in misinformation across digital platforms. This tension also increases the likelihood of hazardous incidents, including traffic accidents and other disruptive events.

The strong fire element, coupled with deficient water energy, is associated with a rise in health concerns such as cardiovascular disorders, circulatory system imbalances, eye conditions, kidney and bladder diseases, bone and dental issues, ear and brain ailments. Additionally, romantic entanglements or emotional distress linked to relationships may further impact the heart, liver, and urinary systems, potentially triggering arrhythmia and other stress-related illnesses.

This year, the One White Wealth Star occupies the central palace, creating a dynamic balance between water and fire elements. While the Middle East may initially appear unstable under this configuration, conditions are expected to improve over time. European and American nations—particularly the United States—continue to focus their attention on the region. However, the strong fire element this year reinforces the Earth element, diminishing the likelihood of U.S.A.’s success in its strategic pursuits.

The annual interplay of water and fire energies in the Middle East signals increased vulnerability to serious health and environmental challenges. These include viral outbreaks, natural disasters, disputes, and social unrest. Health risks may rise, with elevated incidences of cancer, eye diseases, urinary and prostate disorders, cardiovascular issues, cerebral congestion, and circulatory system complications. The spread of viruses is also likely to hinder the region’s economic recovery.

Despite these challenges, large-scale water-related infrastructure projects and industries are beginning to emerge, marking a shift toward long-term development and transformation.

The Two Black Sickness Star exerts its influence over the northwest, intensifying disruptive energies across European and American regions. This configuration may foster heightened arrogance and contribute to a climate of conflict, including arguments, bullying, power struggles, brutality, and widespread hostility. The concurrent presence of the Nine Lunar Eclipse and One White Mercury Star further weakens the stability of the northwest.

In the Year of the Horse, this alignment suggests increased risks of respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, unidentified viral outbreaks, chest and lung conditions, and generational tensions—particularly between fathers and sons. Elderly individuals may face elevated health concerns. Notably, there are indications of serious illness affecting a prominent head of state

The Three Green Chi You Star enters the western Tui Palace, where the elemental clash between metal and wood intensifies. This configuration signals rising geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Western nations led by the United States, which may attempt to provoke and impose sanctions on China. However, China is expected to respond assertively, countering these actions with strategic force.

Western regions and countries may experience a surge in disputes, reputational challenges, and widespread instability, including the spread of infectious diseases and natural disasters. The combination of the Three Green Chi You Star with the Tui Palace creates a fire-defeating position, further diminishing the fortunes of these nations.

Industries such as timber, paper, furniture, finance, transportation, and aquatic products are likely to encounter operational setbacks and increased risk of traffic-related incidents. Additionally, a rise in criminal activity, including robbery, may afflict Western societies under this influence.

The Four Green Academy Star occupies the northeastern Gen Palace, where strong wood energy overcomes the earth element. This star-defeating configuration suggests that natural resources and rare earth elements in the northeastern region—including Mongolia—may be vulnerable to exploitation by foreign powers.

Residents of this area may experience increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal issues and injuries to the limbs. While agricultural yields are expected to be abundant, young boys may face challenges in their academic pursuits.

The Five Yellow Star, a highly inauspicious force, enters the southern Li Palace, where the Li Fire element intensifies its disruptive influence. This alignment poses significant challenges for the southern region and the nation at large, increasing vulnerability to a range of adverse conditions.

Potential risks include epidemics, interpersonal conflicts, acute illnesses, food poisoning, drug-related allergic reactions, and serious accidents. The region may also face heightened occurrences of severe health issues such as urinary tract infections, abdominal disorders, gastrointestinal cancers, gastric bleeding, lung diseases, respiratory complications, and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the threat of plague and wildfires looms larger under this configuration.

The Six White Star, Wu Qu, and Venus converge in the northern Kan Palace, energizing the region’s water element. This alignment brings dynamic movement and heightened vitality to the northern areas of the country. The Ninth Cycle, along with the Five Yellow and the Great Golden Dragon, is especially nourished by water, suggesting a surge in prosperity for China, Russia, and other northern regions during the Year of the Horse.

Globally, many nations are expected to turn to China for development opportunities. When feng shui principles and spatial arrangements are properly applied across regions, they can yield substantial rewards—enhancing prospects for wealth, career advancement, and official recognition.

However, the dominance of water⛆ energy may also give rise to more indulgent behaviors, including an increase in casual relationships and health concerns related to sexual activity.

The Seven Red Po Jun Star occupies the southwest Kun Palace, influencing both the southwest and northwest regions. This palace is a generator of stellar energy, and its inherent fire element invigorates the northwest. However, the presence of the Six White Luck Star simultaneously weakens the prosperous earth energy in this direction.

As a result, individuals in this region and nation may be more susceptible to health concerns such as urinary tract infections, gynecological conditions, spleen deficiency, and sensitivity to cold. There is also an increased risk of injuries caused by metal objects. Socially, the dynamic may shift toward female dominance, with men appearing weakened and incidents of bullying more likely to occur.

The Eight White Great Wealth Star resides in the eastern Zhen Palace. This alignment favors eastern nations—particularly East China—bringing joyful occasions and abundant harvests to the region. However, the presence of the Luck Star also introduces challenges, making the area susceptible to knife-related injuries, accidents, dental issues, theft, marital discord, and harm to the limbs and hands.

With the Annual Great Wealth Star entering this direction, the Year of the Horse is marked by promising financial prospects and official recognition. When the Annual Luck Star intersects with the resident Luck Star, the region is poised to receive support from influential benefactors, paving the way for success in various endeavours.

Mars, represented by the Nine Purple Star, resides in the southeastern Xun Palace. This sector is traditionally associated with celebrations, weddings, and childbirth. In the current year, the southeast region—and the nation as a whole—are influenced by intense, fiery energies, which may lead to heightened tensions and interpersonal conflicts. Interestingly, the presence of sewage systems or toilets 🧻in this area could activate romantic opportunities and relationships.

Please note that there are many different outcomes with various combinations of the positions of the Flying and Current stars, which cannot be covered in this brief analysis. The general information provided is based on traditional Chinese metaphysics and astrology, and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for any specific concerns or decisions.  

Dr. Edward Tsang (Jin Yan) is a qualified and experienced practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture in Melbourne, Australia. He has a deep understanding and skill in various aspects of Chinese metaphysics, such as choosing auspicious dates, analysing compatibility, applying Feng Shui, reading palms and faces, etc. He has solutions to many problems and has clients from many countries.