As we enter 2026, many people have been talking about the “Fiery Horse and Red Goat”, believing that the world is heading into this once-in-60-years period marked by potential upheaval and major disasters – the “Fiery Horse and Red Goat Calamity” – which has sparked considerable anxiety.
The Fiery Horse and Red Goat: originating from the Song Dynasty
Michael Chiang, an architect and metaphysics expert, explains that 2026 is the Bingwu Year of the Fiery Horse, which together with 2027 – the Dingwei Year of the Red Goat – forms the “Fiery Horse and Red Goat” cycle. Tracing the origins of this concept back to the Southern Song Dynasty, he notes that the scholar Chai Wang once presented an analysis to Emperor Lizong of Song on the first day of a Fiery Horse and Red Goat year, detailing the upheavals that had occurred during such years over the preceding millennium and warning the imperial court to guard against Mongol invasions. However, he was demoted for what was deemed alarmist talk. Later, the Southern Song Dynasty was indeed conquered by the Mongols, and the belief that “Fiery Horse and Red Goat years bring great misfortune” has since spread among the people.
By compiling statistics on historical events during 38 Fiery Horse and Red Goat cycles, Chiang found that widespread chaos occurred in only six of these periods, while two saw bumper harvests. The upheavals in most of these years were mostly related to imperial power transitions or internal reforms, with little bearing on the daily lives of ordinary people. He further criticizes the prevalent hype online around so-called “Fiery Horse and Red Goat Calamity Resolution Kits” and zodiac jade pendants, emphasizing that archaeological findings prove there was no such custom of changing jade pendants to wear each year in ancient times. Such commercial practices are purely profit-driven, and he urges the public to view metaphysics rationally and not follow trends blindly.
No doomsday in sight and extreme heat ahead
Chiang firmly refutes online doomsday rumors and predictions of war involving Taiwan. He states that according to metaphysical calculations, the end of the world will occur in 2424, so there is no need for worry in our lifetime; and based on multi-dimensional analysis, rumors of war in Taiwan are unfounded. However, he cautions that 2026 aligns with the Hexagram of Tongren (Fellowship) and the Hexagram of Shi (The Army), symbolizing factionalism and warfare, meaning the probability of conflicts between the country and its neighboring nations is relatively high – though there is no need for excessive panic.
In terms of natural disasters, drawing on the Earth Mother Hexagram for interpretation, Chiang points out that the Harvest God is depicted without shoes in 2026, foretelling heavy floods in spring and summer, a risk that residents of luxury homes near rivers and streams need to guard against. Due to the overwhelming fire element of the Bingwu year, the summer is likely to see record-breaking high temperatures, and the elderly and patients with high blood pressure should take adequate protective measures. Autumn and winter will be prone to disasters such as fires, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, though their impact will vary by geographical location.
Stay composed and do good deeds
Regarding notable figures and the global landscape, Chiang predicts that 2026 may see the passing of a globally renowned prominent figure. Additionally, he mentions that the world is currently in the “Three Planets Vortex” cycle formed by Pluto, Neptune and Uranus, undergoing unprecedented changes in the global structure not seen in a century, and that the Russia-Ukraine war may not end until 2027.
On the way to avert misfortune, Chiang emphasizes the ancient wisdom that “a family that accumulates good deeds will always be blessed”. He advises the public to perform more good deeds, and for those who feel apprehensive, wearing jade ornaments may bring comfort. He also notes that the 2026 Nine Palaces Flying Stars chart can be used for annual feng shui layout, but cautions that it can only ward off minor daily misfortunes – for major feng shui issues, professional advice should still be sought.
Chiang repeatedly stresses the saying that “every year brings hardships, yet every year we get through them”. He exhorts people not to be overly anxious about the “Fiery Horse and Red Goat” period, but to face changes with a rational mindset, accumulate good karma through kind acts, and calmly navigate this special year.
The above content is a summary of the “Fortune Outlook for the Year of Horse 2026” seminar jointly organized by Members’ Services and District Affairs Committee and Culture Committee of the Chamber.
