Lunar New Year 2026: What to Release Now
As we move into Lunar New Year 2026, many people are feeling a noticeable shift—emotionally, energetically, and even physically. This transition marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, a period associated with focus and forward motion.
In this episode of the Mind Body Home podcast, I share why I chose to recommit to the show, what’s evolving within Jade Scott Design, and how a seasonal alignment practice can support us through this moment. Rather than pushing forward blindly, this work invites us to understand the energy we’re stepping into—and to prepare ourselves, and our homes, and be supported by it.
The Lunar New Year marks a shift that is often felt before it’s visible. According to the lunisolar calendar, spring energy begins earlier than our modern calendar suggests. Even when the world outside still looks quiet or dormant, movement has already begun beneath the surface. This particular season is less about action and more about preparation.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese Zodiac, combining two powerful forces: fire, which represents visibility, creativity, and passion. And the horse, which symbolizes power, instinct, and speed. Together, this energy is fast-moving and amplifying. Whatever you carry into this year—wanted or unwanted—has the potential to grow quickly.
This is why simplifying and releasing during this season matters so much. Fire Horse energy doesn’t respond well to excess or scattered focus. It thrives on clarity and direction. Think of the difference between a horse that is spooked and reactive versus one that knows exactly where it’s going and moves with purpose toward the finish line.
Before this energy fully takes hold, we move through the final phase of the Wood Snake, which asks us to shed what no longer fits. More importantly, it asks us to trust the discomfort that comes with outgrowing old patterns. Like a baby going through a growth spurt, this phase can feel uncomfortable—showing up as restlessness, fatigue, or irritability. We don’t rush or quiet a baby through a growth spurt; we comfort, support, and trust the process, knowing that the discomfort is temporary and purposeful. This season asks for the same patience with ourselves.
From a numerology perspective, we’re also moving from a nine-year cycle into a one-year cycle. Nine represents completion and closure. One represents new beginnings and fresh foundations. Across seasonal alignment, numerology, and astrology, the message is the same: before something new can take hold, space must be made.
This is where a seasonal alignment practice becomes especially supportive. When we work with natural cycles instead of against them, we reduce overwhelm and the constant feeling of being behind. Alignment right now might look like simplifying your schedule, reassessing commitments, releasing draining responsibilities, reconnecting with creativity, or tending to your home as a source of support. When your environment feels calm and intentional, it becomes easier to move through change without feeling destabilized.
A gentle reflection for the Lunar New Year season:
Where am I still over-giving or carrying responsibility that isn’t mine?
What part of my creative life have I minimized or treated as optional?
What outdated roles or expectations am I holding onto?
What distractions pull me off course when I need focus the most?
You’re not behind if the answers aren’t immediate. This season is designed for reflection.
By aligning now, you prepare the ground so that when energy accelerates later in the year, you’re not scrambling to catch up. You’re already rooted.
To support this transition, I’m hosting a Lunar New Year workshop focused on Fire Horse energy, seasonal alignment, and a Bagua-inspired vision boarding practice using your home’s floor plan. The gathering is included for members of the Seasonal Alignment Practice, an annual container for women seeking a more sustainable way to balance work, life, and home through seasonal rhythms.
When we release what no longer fits and align ourselves with natural cycles, we create the conditions for support and growth. That’s the heart of seasonal alignment—and it’s work we return to, year after year.
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