What money, love and health prospects await in the Year of the Fire Horse?
Feng shui was never a shopping list.
The ancient Chinese understood that qi (pronounced "chee")—the invisible breath or flowing energy that animates mountains, bends rivers, and fills the lungs of sleeping emperors—cannot be bribed with brass frogs or pacified with crystals.
Wind and Water, as the sages named it, is the patient observation of how the world breathes. It is the art of reading landscape as one reads scripture: knowing where dragon veins pulse beneath soil, where water should curve to gather fortune rather than rush away with it, and why a doorway aligned with the Pole Star invites celestial order into the affairs of men.
This was never mysticism for the credulous. It was cosmology engineered into stone, river and empire.
The world’s biggest palace complex—the 74-hectare Forbidden City in Beijing—does not rest on its axis by accident. Its planners raised Jingshan Hill to shield the Son of Heaven from harsh northern winds while shaping the Golden Water River into a curved sash of contained energy. Vietnam’s serene former imperial capital, Hue, bows to Ngu Binh Mountain not in superstition but in respect for geography’s ancient contract.
The former royal capitals of Japan and Korea—Kyoto and Seoul—were laid out with reference to the Four Guardian Deities, their avenues aligned like compass needles seeking harmony.
Even modern commerce has quietly observed these principles. British-owned HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters was designed with a hollowed ground floor to allow the harbor’s breath to pass through steel and glass, guarded by its iconic bronze lions. In Singapore, the great observation wheel was adjusted inward—an acknowledgment that prosperity, like water, must be gently guided toward the hand that cups it.
This is feng shui in its classical form: humble before nature, rigorous in calculation, unconcerned with shortcuts.
The charlatans came later. They sold forms without essence, talismans without tradition, promising instant harmony to those too impatient to study the slow grammar of wind and water. A 5,000-year lineage—once aligned with stars and seasons—was reduced to retail therapy for anxious mass consumers.
But the true masters never left.
Recently, I interviewed—separately—two respected practitioners: Jean Yu Chua (referred by an executive of Newport Resort) and Johnson Chua (introduced by FFCCCII vice president Reynold Siy). Outside their shops in the world's oldest Chinatown Binondo, markets fluctuate and geopolitics convulse. Inside, they speak of the coming Fire Horse as meteorologists might speak of a powerful weather system: with respect, not fear.
What defines the Fire Horse year?
Jean explains that the Year of the Fire Horse brings strong action, speed, and unpredictability. With double fire and the absence of water, people may grow more aggressive, less patient, less inclined to listen calmly. It is a year of breakthroughs and rapid progress—but also impulsive decisions and emotional volatility.
Johnson adds that fire symbolizes creativity and passion. It generates opportunities and heightens feeling. Yet when emotion rises unchecked, critical thinking often falls. This imbalance may influence economic volatility and personal instability.
Unlike the Wood Dragon’s strategic patience in 2024, the Horse does not wait. It does not negotiate with hesitation. It moves.
Destiny is not delivered. It is cultivated. Feng shui may read the winds, but we must still steer the sail. I believe the ultimate determinants of our future are our discipline, effort, prudence, and faith.
What career and financial prospects?
Both practitioners agree that certain signs will ride the Fire Horse’s momentum with remarkable ease.
Jean identifies those most poised for career breakthroughs and entrepreneurial ventures: the Horse, which rides the year’s energy naturally and thrives in leadership; the Tiger, which benefits from bold action and rapid opportunities; the Dog, which gains support and sudden openings through teamwork; the Sheep, whose creativity and networking yield new growth; and the Monkey, for whom this is a year of exploration and fruitful searching.
“These signs align well with the Fire Horse’s speed, courage, and transformative energy,” she explains. “It is easier for them to take risks, innovate, and push forward.”
For other signs facing more instability, her strategic advice is clear: stay grounded, plan carefully, and avoid rushing into decisions.
Johnson similarly identifies Rabbit, Sheep, Ox, Dragon, and Dog as enjoying strong career momentum. “These signs will encounter significant financial opportunities and career growth,” he says. “It is best to expand networks, build resources, and gain support from mentors.”
Yet even the fortunate must exercise caution. “Be more conservative with high-risk investments,” he advises. “Opportunities are present, but prudence protects gains.”
Signs requiring greater vigilance include Pig, Horse, and Rat. “There may be instability and conflicts. Maintain a positive perspective and never allow negative emotions to control decisions.”
Which industries will flourish?
Both experts agree that fire-related sectors are favored. Food businesses may see explosive growth and fierce competition. Technology and digital services gain momentum. Logistics, trading, and creative industries may accelerate.
However, water-related industries—communication, finance, investment—face greater instability. Agriculture could struggle with dryness. The absence of water and metal elements suggests systems and safeguards must be strengthened to prevent overheating, both economically and emotionally.
Opportunity abounds, but discipline must match ambition.
How about love and relationships?
The Fire Horse arrives with uncommon romantic intensity.
Jean explains: “Fire Horse energy brings strong passion, fast emotions, and powerful attraction. Because the Horse is a Peach Blossom symbol, this year adds extra joy, romance, and social luck. It supports meeting new people, building connections, and strengthening emotional support in relationships.”
Yet she offers a necessary caution: “The fiery energy means couples must stay alert for third-party issues, misunderstandings, or unnecessary arguments.”
The signs carrying the strongest relationship luck, she notes, are Rabbit, Sheep, Tiger, Horse and Dog. “They carry love stars that boost their aura, making it easier to attract new friends or stabilize existing relationships.”
For other signs, her counsel is simple: stay calm, communicate clearly, and avoid impulsive reactions.
Johnson echoes this balance. “The Fire Horse year is very passionate. It is good for those seeking love and romance. Attraction is stronger. Emotional expression is heightened.”
But he warns: “Passion must be balanced. Hyper-emotion can affect critical thinking. Be wary of temptation to avoid creating love problems.”
His advice is practical: maintain a balanced lifestyle. Balance time between work, self and family. Communicate consistently to build trust.
The signs most favored for enhancing love this year are Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Sheep, Rooster and Dog.
For others: “Do not dwell too much in conflict. Avoid allowing small issues to become big problems.”
Fire can warm a home—or burn it. The difference lies in control.
What about health considerations?
With fire dominant and metal and water weakened, the body’s vulnerabilities shift.
Jean is precise: “Fire Horse energy is double fire, bringing stronger heat, intensity, and emotional pressure. For health, this relates to the eyes, liver, blood circulation, and the heart. It is important to stay calm, avoid emotional overload, and keep a regular check-up routine. Too much stress may lead to anxiety or mood imbalance—emotional management is essential.”
She names the signs requiring extra caution: Snake, Pig, Ox, Rat, Monkey and Dog. “They may feel the fire pressure more strongly and should watch both physical and mental resilience.”
Johnson adds that excessive fire may manifest as anxiety, impatience, irritability, insomnia, or elevated blood pressure. Mental health vigilance is as important as physical care.
Both agree that hydration, moderated diet, sufficient sleep, breathing exercises and calm physical activity are simple but powerful correctives.
When the external climate intensifies, internal balance becomes non-negotiable.
***
After these interviews—their explanations less prophecy than meteorology—am reminded of something fundamental.
Destiny is not delivered. It is cultivated.
Feng shui may read the winds, but we must still steer the sail. I believe the ultimate determinants of our future are our discipline, effort, prudence, and faith.
The Fire Horse arrives only once every sixty years. Its hooves do not trample—they spark.
Fire destroys.
Fire purifies.
Fire illuminates.
The difference lies not in the element—but in the hands that wield it.
As Feb. 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year approaches, may we harness passion without surrendering prudence, move swiftly without abandoning wisdom, and burn brightly without burning out.
The Horse will run.
The question is: are we prepared to run with it?
