Year of the Snake brings uncomfortable transition before Year of the Horse

Shedding. Releasing. Preparing.

We've been reflecting on the ending of the Year of the Snake and how growth this past 11 months was personal, introspective, patient, and took a lot of courage to release what no longer is true (read the post here and comment!)

As the Year of the Snake gives way to the Year of the Horse on February 17, 2026, your personal growth asks for a shift in rhythm.

Snake energy is quiet and inward... shedding, discerning, refining. It teaches us to listen closely, to move slowly enough to recognize what no longer belongs. Much of 2025 has been about subtle clarity: noticing what feels heavy, outdated, or misaligned, and having the patience to sit with that knowing.

You may be feeling a pull to speak your truth, express your anger, draw boundaries in relationships, or even cry and grieve the letting go process. We are feeling that intensely right now and yes, it's uncomfortable but it makes sense!

The Snake doesn’t rush. It waits until release is necessary. Give yourself time to reflect and to work through these big feelings because we learn that letting go doesn’t need drama—only honesty. What once protected or defined us may no longer fit, and shedding it is not loss but preparation.

The incoming Horse energy brings a different invitation. 2026 asks for motion, courage, and forward momentum but not the frantic kind. The freedom of the Horse is only possible because the Snake did the quiet work first.

What we release in the next few weeks becomes the lightness that allows us to move forward with speed and power.

This transition reminds us that growth is seasonal. First, we shed. Then, we can get clarity. And only then are we ready to move forward... unburdened, aligned, and finally moving toward our pie in the sky.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, bogged down, emotional, irritated... this is an invitation to block off a little time with your go-to tool (nature walk, journaling, meditation, yoga, a trip to the spa, etc.).

Take that time to get clear on what you are releasing right now. It will probably feel uncomfortable but know that it's to prepare you for big things in the Year of the Horse.

Does this resonate with what you're feeling right now? Let us know in the comments below.

With love,

Ming-Wai + Ming-Cee