Perhaps you think that the Chinese philosophy of naming each year after an animal has no meaning, you might be right? On the other hand perhaps there is something in it. This ancient tradition is based on a 12 year cycle. Apparently the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven and earth, held a "Great Race" across the river and the first 12 animals to reach the palace had a year named in their honour. 17 February 2026 marks the start of the Year of the Horse, sometimes known as Fire Horse, replacing the Year of the Snake who slithers off, having shed its skin for another 11 years before returning.
Symbolically how might we interpret this in relation to leadership? Snakes as we know shed their skin. Shedding skin reveals what is beneath and the true colours of a person. It is no secret that leadership within governments globally has been and still is in chaos, shedding light on individual leadership abilities and characteristics, revealing true colours. Then what? As leaders are left with the light truly shining on them, the horse takes over.
What are the characteristics of a horse? Power, resilience, depth, wisdom, sound judgement, courage and freedom. Applying these characteristics to leadership, I believe we are already seeing leaders who are surfacing from the chaos to show these characteristics by speaking their truth, not hesitating to challenge those who are not living up to the word, who are not making decisions in the interests of those they lead. We see some leaders going against the narrative and sticking their heads above the parapet to speak out about issues that many are afraid to address and even ignore in the hope the issue will go away. Unlikely as the snake has shown those issues by bringing them to light for all to see, should you choose.
Combine the power, grace and freedom of the horse with fire and what happens? Probably does not require spelling out! Fire doesn't hold back it destroys, but at the same time creates ground for something new like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. What is not serving the greater good will likely crash and burn enabling innovation, creation and building of new systems that match the needs of countries, societies and communities, enabling equality, joy and freedom for all.
2026, may turn out to be a difficult year for many as chaos escalates and the familiar systems crumble, but keep focused to the new that will come through. Be positive, share joy and kindness with others, not neglecting yourself and take responsibility for your own leadership rather than waiting for others or expecting government to deliver. Those who lead will have the power of a horse, be courageous, kind and resilient in bringing in abundance for everyone through truth, courage, sound judgement and wisdom.
Buckle up this is going to be a very exciting year.
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