Fire Horse galloping in

new dynamics on the horizon

February 17th starts the lunar new year and that means the energetic emergence of spring and new dynamics at play for the upcoming year.

The horse is associated to the heart and the fire phase, and with the upcoming double fire (bing-wu) year, its energetics are amplified. It’s a year in which things will happen, eg. forward movement in all areas. The snake was contemplative, biding time, preparing, shedding old energies, strategizing. The horse builds momentum and actualizes, especially when combined with additional fire. We may see more volatility this year, spontaneous action, big developments (think AI and technology), impulses to travel more and explore, increased social gatherings and interactions, and an overall impetus to express oneself more fully. It’s a great year to begin a new business or any initiatives that you’ve been holding off on (just be wary of volatility and emotionality that might be driving it).

We may see more social upheaval unfortunately, and political tensions, instabilities in economies, environment (floods, storms, earthquakes), etc. in the dynamic of change.

When out of balance, these fire energies can create more tendencies to anxiety, insomnia, conflict and heightened emotions, etc. Be wary of impulsivity, outbursts and ‘heart agitation.’ Take time to offset the fire with contemplative strategies and lifestyle modifications, eg meditation, yoga, nature walks, etc.

From a spiritual perspective we can look at this double fire year as a massive opportunity to burn away that which no longer serves; a sacred fire of sorts. The more one can give to it and surrender, the thinner the ego (and its power over you) becomes.

Common customs in preparation for the new year include a deep clean of the house prior to its arrival, (eg sweeping dust outwards, representing ridding old qi, washing bedding and any places turbidity can get stuck and accumulate); decorating with red which represents yang and repels negative energies, hanging spring couplets on door frames for prosperity and health; preparing foods like dumplings, rice cakes and long noodles symbolizing health and longevity, etc.

As part of my Daoist practice, for the first 12 days of the new lunar year (representing the lunar months) I make daily talismans and drink them with rice wine. Each year I search liquor stores looking for a bottle that might match the energies of the coming year. This year was particularly difficult. I think I visited over a dozen different stores and finally landed on the one depicted below. Technically, this image is not a horse, but a kirin/qilin which is a mythological animal with combined features of many animals. But the red and horse-like physique is close enough for this year :).

Below is also a description of its characteristics as a sake…

Wishing a good year for you all.

rr

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