17/02/2026
HAPPY LUNAR YEAR OF THE YANG FIRE HORSE
We are finally emerging from the Yin depths of winger and moving towards the emergence of yang Spring energy. This week there is still a biting cold but buds are emerging and spring flowers too.
The year of the Yang Fire Horse is a powerful turning point. We are shedding the skin of the Year of the Snake and can now move or even gallop forward into new possibilities. It's the time to take decisive action with clear intentions. Shedding the snake skin is about letting go of parts of us that no longer fit, that we have outgrown.
We can then embrace the horse's sense of freedom and vitality. This is a good year to commit to new goals, with courage and focussed effort.
The fire element is about joy and lively energy, related to the Heart and Small Intestine organs in East Asian medicine. As well as the physiological functions of these organs in relation to Qi and our vital energy, the Heart houses the Shen spirit - the seat of consciousness. The Small intestine is responsible for separating the pure from the impure - not only in relation to digestion but also to do with clarifying what is important and what isn't in our lives.
The upward rising lively Yang Fire energy needs to be balanced so that we stay grounded. To manage anxiety and stress that is so common now - we each need to find our own way to keep this balance. For me it is the bracing cold water of the Ladies pond on Hampstead heath (Water is yin and balances Fire Yang), singing in a choir overlooking the pond , creating community and more recently crocheting!
Qi gong/Tai chi/yoga and walks in nature are also nourishing activities.
In my own life recently, I have had to contend with some challenging times - with sudden and unexpected changes to my practice location. Even though this has been a shock and a big upheaval, I can also see it being another example of shedding skins and moving away from situations that no longer serve us. It can take some time to feel this - especially when one still feels in the grip of adjusting to a new situation. I do feel that soon, I will feel unburdened and free to move on to new opportunities. I also feel blessed that I have found somewhere nearby to practice that means that I can offer continuity of care to my patients.
