As 2025 draws to a close, we're not only trying to make sense of the last 12 months, but we're also looking for a gauge of what the next year will bring. One of the clearest frameworks people return to at this time of year is the Lunar zodiac, which offers a symbolic lens for understanding shifting moods and cycles. With 2025 ruled by the Year of the Snake and 2026 moving into the Year of the Horse, the transition marks a noticeable shift in pace and energy — from introspection to movement, and from quiet change to forward momentum.
2025 was the Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is traditionally linked with wisdom, intuition and transformation. In the Lunar zodiac, the Snake is seen as intelligent, strategic and observant — a sign that prefers depth and clarity over speed or chaos.
Much like the snake shedding its skin, Snake years symbolise renewal, release and the process of letting go of whatever no longer fits. It’s a period that encourages people to slow down, tune in to their instincts and make intentional decisions.
Because of this, Snake years tend to bring a more reflective and analytical pace. In practice, this might look like:
- Decluttering and simplifying daily routines, or clearing out physical spaces
- Reassessing relationships
- Rethinking work commitments, whether through adjusting boundaries or reconsidering long-term goals
- Turning inward, and spending more time making sense of personal priorities
The general sentiment surrounding a snake year is that people may gravitate toward minimalism, clarity, and thoughtfulness. This doesn’t mean stagnation; progress still unfolds, just in a more deliberate way. Many describe Snake years as an internal reset: a time to process, reorganise and prepare for what comes next.
Recent Snake years: 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Next Snake year: 2037
2026 is the Year of the Horse
The Year of the Horse is traditionally associated with energy, ambition and forward momentum. In the Lunar zodiac, the Horse is seen as confident, expressive and fast-moving — it's a sign that values action over being slow or analytical.
Where the Snake encourages stillness and inner clarity, the Horse brings an entirely different rhythm. Horse years are associated with acceleration, renewed motivation and the urge to move toward something new. It’s a period that inspires people to take initiative, embrace change and follow ideas that may have been forming quietly in the background.
Because of this, Horse years tend to bring a more dynamic, outward-facing pace. In practice, 2026 might look like:
- Starting new projects or finally acting on plans that were forming during the Snake year
- Making bold decisions, whether in career, relationships or lifestyle
- Leaning into social energy, reconnecting with old friends, or expanding networks
- Taking risks or embracing new opportunities, even without having every detail worked out
- Feeling more motivated or driven, with a clearer sense of direction
In other words, things that felt paused or slow in 2025 often pick up speed, and the year tends to favour initiative, experimentation and creative expression. Many describe Horse years as energising: a time to step forward, and embrace the new chapter that’s beginning.
Recent Horse years: 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Feature image by Diego PH, via Unsplash.
