Happy Chinese New Year!
We’re officially galloping into the Year of the Horse — a year associated with movement, momentum, courage, and change.
If the last year felt like molting, shedding, or slowly outgrowing an old version of yourself… good. The Horse doesn’t like stagnation. This is a year that rewards forward motion, even if the path isn’t perfectly mapped out.
The Energy of the Horse (in Plain English)
In Chinese astrology, the Horse is associated with freedom, vitality, speed, independence, and big energy.
Horse years tend to feel faster. Things move. Decisions get made. Momentum builds — sometimes whether we feel ready or not.
This is a year less about overthinking and more about trusting your legs and starting to run.
Horse Traits: Strengths & Shadow Sides
Horse Strengths
- Energetic and driven
- Charismatic and socially magnetic
- Courageous and action-oriented
- Optimistic, even in uncertainty
- Natural leaders who inspire movement
Horse Challenges
- Can burn out by going too fast
- Restlessness and impatience
- Difficulty slowing down or asking for help
- Tendency to bolt when things feel confining
Famous Horses (Yes, Really)
Some well-known “Horse” personalities include Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Neil Armstrong, and Denzel Washington.
The common thread? Presence plus propulsion. Horses don’t just think — they move.
What the Year of the Horse Brings
Broadly speaking, Horse years favor action over perfection, initiative over hesitation, growth through movement, honest conversations, and personal freedom.
This is a good year to start something you’ve been circling for too long, change routines that feel stale or constricting, and say yes to opportunities that require courage.
The Year of the Horse is a high-energy year. In Chinese medicine terms, this puts extra demand on the systems responsible for smooth flow, decision-making, and stress regulation — especially the Liver and Gallbladder.
When supported, these systems help us feel motivated, clear-headed, and decisive. When overloaded, we may notice tension, irritability, poor sleep, headaches, or digestive issues.
This year supports:
- Consistent movement (walking, strength training, Tai Chi, Qi Gong)
- Clear routines that reduce decision fatigue
- Stress regulation and nervous system support
- Prioritizing sleep and recovery — not as an afterthought, but as strategy
Think of health this year not as doing more, but as supporting momentum without burning out.
What to Watch Out For This Year
Because Horse energy is fast and fiery, the main pitfalls include overcommitting, burning the candle at both ends, confusing motion with progress, and skipping recovery.
In Chinese medicine terms, this is a year to support Liver and Gallbladder balance. When these systems are stressed, frustration, tension, and poor sleep tend to follow.
Translation: Move boldly — but don’t forget to recover.
A Simple Horse-Year Guideline
Ask yourself regularly:
- Am I moving toward freedom or just staying busy?
- What am I ready to shed that no longer fits?
- Where could I apply steady momentum instead of force?
The Horse doesn’t sprint nonstop. It alternates powerful movement with rest.
The Big Picture
The Year of the Horse invites us to shed old skin, step into momentum, trust our instincts, and move with courage rather than fear.
It’s a year that rewards those willing to show up, take a risk, and stay in motion — even if the path curves.
So loosen the reins just enough, take a deep breath, and let yourself move forward.
Here’s to a year of strength, flow, and forward motion.
— Ted Ray, L.Ac.
Peninsula Acupuncture
Ted Ray
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