I’d like to share some reflections on the year that lies ahead of us, with a special focus on how we can help to stabilise some very volatile energy, both as individuals and in our communities.
I have found, over many years, that Chinese Metaphysics is exceptionally helpful for navigating the energy of our time.
As we move toward the Chinese New Year, which starts in early February, I want to offer some context for the Fire Horse Year that’s coming. I don’t use these systems to predict events, but as a way to understand the energy patterns we’re already starting to experience and how we can meet them well.
Fire Horse years occur every 60 years. They come with speed, intensity, visibility, and momentum. Collectively, they tend to amplify what is already present: strong leadership impulses, rapid change, heightened emotion, and a reduced tolerance for delay or ambiguity.
When things are stable, this energy can bring breakthroughs. When systems are already strained — as many are now in Europe and the US — it can increase the risk of flashpoints, polarisation, and miscalculation.
This means that how we respond matters more than usual.
The main Fire Horse patterns to be aware of
Across all personal profiles, Fire Horse energy tends to:
- Speed things up (decisions, reactions, narratives)
- Reward boldness more than caution
- Favour visibility over reflection
- Reduce patience for complexity and nuance
This can be creative and energising — but it also makes conflict easier to ignite if fear, resentment or instability are already present.
Historically, Fire Horse years don’t create long, slow breakdowns. They create moments of pressure — spikes where things can either escalate quickly or be stabilised by a mature response.
Where the risks lie right now
In Western societies especially, we’re seeing:
- Weakened trust in institutions
- Heightened emotional reactivity
- A sense that familiar structures are less reliable
- Growing all-or-nothing thinking
Fire Horse energy doesn’t cause these conditions — but it can expose them. The greatest risk is a quiet erosion driven by speed, fear and loss of grounding.
What helps de-escalate Fire Horse years
Looking at past Fire Horse cycles, escalation slows when:
- Clear boundaries and limits are held calmly (not emotionally)
- Decisions are made early and proportionately, not late and reactive
- Quiet, private conversations continue even when public rhetoric heats up
- Daily life — food, family, work, culture — remains prioritised
Fire calms when it meets structure, rhythm, and reality.
What we can do as individuals and families
You don’t need to “fix the world” to be stabilising. What helps most:
- Slowing your own pace where you can
- Reducing exposure to media that thrives on outrage
- Keeping routines, meals, sleep, and body care steady
- Speaking plainly rather than dramatically
- Making fewer, more intentional commitments
Grounded people absorb and transform chaos.
What we can do as a community
Communities help stabilise Fire Horse energy by:
- Staying connected without becoming ideological
- Valuing elders, experience, and long-term perspective
- Creating spaces for reflection, learning and shared humanity
- Separating preparedness from panic
- Remembering that disagreement doesn’t require dehumanisation
Fire Horse years ask us to choose maturity rather than choosing sides.
Some final thoughts
Preparation, grounding and stability are key responses to over-emotional and manipulative situations. They aren’t boring, passive or irresponsible. Quite the opposite.
In years like this, the most powerful contribution is to hold steady when others feel pulled to rush or react. I believe our community is a great place to focus on being mature, grounded and stable, whatever is going on in the world.
