2026 zodiac fortune predictions mak lingling
Illustration: Mak Lingling / Time Out Hong Kong
Illustration: Mak Lingling / Time Out Hong Kong

Year of the Horse 2026: Fortune predictions for your Chinese zodiac sign

Fortune telling master Mak Lingling is here with the low-down for the new lunar year

Catharina Cheung
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One of our favourite things to do at the beginning of every Chinese New Year is to check our fortunes for the year ahead. Bookstores, newsstands, and even convenience stores will be selling almanacs that predict how the year will look for individuals – look out for bright red tomes, usually featuring a sage-looking Asian with arms akimbo – but these books can be hard to peruse, especially if you don’t know Chinese.

Fret not, we’ve asked fortune telling and feng shui master Mak Lingling to break down the fortunes of each zodiac sign for us. Read on to find out what lies in store for you in the Year of the Horse!

Time Out Hong Kong thanks master Mak Lingling for her insights in this article.

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2026 predictions by Chinese zodiac signs

Horse zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Since the animal corresponding to each year’s zodiac is always in opposition to the Tai Sui star, Horses can expect a turbulent year with some hurdles to overcome. It’s best to be prepared for this year to bring changes. For example, 25 year olds may go through break ups (or on the other hand, could get married); while 37 year olds may see changes in their career or welcome additional family members.

On the other hand, career prospects look good with opportunities to show off leadership skills. Horses working in big corporations, the government, law enforcement, or managerial positions in particular will flourish during this year.

What you can do: In general, Horses should tread lightly this year. Traditionally auspicious events like weddings, births, buying property, or starting businesses can help boost fortunes in Tai Sui opposition years. Be prudent in investments, take extra care of your health, be cautious with interpersonal relations, and try not to get sucked into any unnecessary drama both in and out of the workplace. 

Lucky ornaments: Sheep-shaped ornaments to be kept close to you (such as bag charms, keychains, or jewellery pendants). In the home, bronze ornaments placed in the south and northwest positions can ward off health issues.

Goat zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Within the zodiac, the Goat and the Horse get along well, so Goats should have pretty smooth sailing this year. However, this only rings true for a portion of this zodiac animal: about 70 percent of Goats will have stable progress, while the other 30 percent might encounter more turbulence. You will find it easy to encounter new opportunities for collaborations – these new ventures will start off exciting and brimming with ideas, but when it comes to the actual execution, hurdles may crop up even for what seem to be simple issues. 

Luckily, the presence of the sun in this zodiac indicates that Goats working in male-oriented industries such as men’s fashion, automobiles, audiovisual tech, or even model-making will enjoy monetary fortune. This is also a good year to break into overseas markets. Creativity also flows freely for Goats during this time, so those working in the arts, media, advertising, or other creative industries should seize the opportunities for inspiration. 

What you can do: Interpersonal relationships should flourish this year, so go out and meet new friends and connections; just be careful not to get caught in the middle of other’s squabbles. This is also a year that calls for being active, so travel abroad for leisure more or tap into overseas markets in business. Changing furniture pieces in the home can boost fortunes.

Lucky ornaments: Sunstone ornaments can further lift your luck this year.

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Monkey zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Under a double whammy of unlucky stars in the Year of the Snake, Monkeys have had a rough go of it, but things will stabilise and take a turn for the better in the upcoming year of fresh starts. Careers are looking good thanks to the presence of the Man Cheong star, which bodes well for studies and examinations, so you can look forward to benefiting from a clear mind and sharpened logic. This is a good year to take on some courses, whether work-related or purely for your own enjoyment.

Travelling will also prove beneficial for Horses, so students can consider studying abroad, employees should take opportunities for work travel, and business owners can consider tapping into overseas markets. There’s also a good chance of meeting someone while abroad, or someone who’s not from your place of residence, which could blossom into a romance.

What you can do: Keep an eye on your romantic relationships this year. Male Monkeys in particular will be prone to feeling lonesome, thereby making your partners feel misunderstood. The health of family members, particularly in the elderly, will also need more taking care of. Advance financially through logical and professional means, instead of taking outside advice on investments or by gambling. 

Lucky ornaments: Bronze ornaments, particularly in a gourd shape, placed in the southern or northwestern positions, or near the head of the bed, can help alleviate health concerns in the home. Olivine or peridot shaped like a pagoda can also boost mental clarity and studies.

Rooster zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

It looks like a good year to crow about: overall fortunes will hold steady, you will meet many helping hands, and relationships will blossom. A cluster of lucky stars points towards single Roosters finding serious partners, and those in relationships ready to move to the next stage. In fact, charisma levels might be so off the charts that married Roosters should take care not to overstep and end up in a messy three-sided affair!

The presence of the Tai Yum star indicates female helping hands, so workers with female managers can stand to benefit from professional progression, as can Roosters in female-oriented industries such as fashion, beauty, or jewellery. 

What you can do: Inauspicious stars also mean complications in relationships and finance. Keep clear financial records, be cautious of overspending, and logically analyse problems whether they’re matters of the heart or wallet to prevent worsening fortunes.

Lucky ornaments: A citrine bracelet can boost sluggish monetary fortunes.

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Dog zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Cosmically speaking, the zodiacs of the Dog and the Horse have always gotten along well, so Dogs should have pretty smooth sailing this year. That said, the tides of fate do not remain that nice to all under this zodiac sign – about 80 percent of Dogs should progress through the coming 12 months smoothly, while the others are likely to encounter a bumpy ride with more twists and turns. Either way, the signs point towards good career prospects – just do your work well and you’ll be recognised with progression opportunities. This particularly rings true for those in artistic or creative industries. 

The same rings true for monetary fortunes – even if your income remains similar to last year, you’ll find it easier to save up in the Year of the Horse. On the other hand, things don’t bode so well for interpersonal relationships, and there’s an aura of loneliness over Dogs this year.

What you can do: You will tend to be more anxious and suspicious, which leaks over into relationships, so keep communicating openly to clear up misunderstandings. Avoid going to quiet areas where you’ll be by yourself – so no solo hikes to abandoned villages – as this will negatively affect your fortunes. Keep a closer eye than usual on contracts and legal documents, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

Lucky ornaments: Black obsidian can help raise positive energy when you get stuck in negativity.

Pig zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

After a year of ups and downs, Pigs can look forward to feeling more calm and settled in the Year of the Horse, with two lucky stars that signal progression and plenty of helping hands along the way. Employees look set to perform well in the workplace with satisfactory changes in position and salary on the horizon, while business owners will be able to tap into new streams of income. 

Last year was a ‘gateway’ year in relationships for a lot of Pigs, who would have gone through a lot of changes. If you got married last year, the auspicious energy carries on into the year ahead, and it might be a good idea to consider having children. If you ended a relationship last year, the Year of the Horse could bring new romantic developments for a fresh start. This won’t be a time of fiery passion and love at first sight; instead, you might find someone through introductions or expanded social circles, who you become friends with first. Don’t rush things.

What you can do: Financial situations may have improved from last year, but Pigs will find their expenditure increased even if it’s not on purpose. Money comes and goes, so since a little excess spending will happen anyway, it’s actually better for you to proactively splurge on little treats that make you happy or are beneficial to your health.

Lucky ornaments: A yellow jade ornament shaped like a prosperity bowl will help retain control over your finances.

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Rat zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

A clash in the stars means Rats will encounter the most changes this year out of all the 12 zodiac signs. This is the time to be cautious in all endeavours – traditionally auspicious events like weddings, births, buying property, or setting up businesses can counteract this negative energy, but if you don’t have any of these big life plans on the horizon, then prepare for some turbulence in careers, love life, family, or other arenas. In general, keep your head down, don’t make big life-changing decisions, and try to tide the year over with an “anything goes” attitude.

Luckily, a lucky star means Rats’ careers will at least see progression. In particular, if you work in law enforcement such as the police force, customs, or firefighting, you will have the chance to flex your leadership skills, while those employed in large corporations, government departments, or in management positions will also shine. 

What you can do: Relationships, both romantic and interpersonal, could suffer this year as you are more likely to offend people – be extra aware of your speech and actions. There’s a heightened risk of losing money so don’t engage in risky investments. You may also encounter some nasty scares while travelling, so stay away from high-risk outdoors activities and buy travel insurance.

Lucky ornaments: Keep accessories shaped like monkeys or dragons close for a much-needed boost. An amethyst sphere will also help in career prospects.

Ox zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

A clash in the stars brings an insidious energy into the Year of the Horse, and Ox signs will find interpersonal relationships becoming poorer such as being backstabbed by acquaintances, as well as suffer a host of annoyances such as minor health issues and problems in the home like noisy surroundings and leaks. In general, things are going to threaten your peace and affect your mood this year. Traditionally auspicious events like weddings, births, buying property, or setting up businesses can mitigate this negative energy, but if none of these are in your plans, then be prepared for some rough patches.

Thankfully, career prospects look good for Oxen, particularly for those in white collar jobs, creative industries, managerial roles, or large corporations, who can look forward to more responsibilities and progression. You will also meet helping hands this year, so even though there will be hurdles to overcome, at least you’re not hacking it alone.

What you can do: Business owners in particular should be aware that revenue streams and profits can fluctuate wildly month-to-month, so save up for those rainy days. Voluntary movements or changes can help shift fortunes for the better, so if you have plans to move, renovate, or redecorate, this is a good year to do so.

Lucky ornaments: Accessories shaped like snakes or chickens kept close to you can help boost fortunes.

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Tiger zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

In general, the Tiger, Horse, and Dog zodiacs get along well with each other, which bodes well for Tigers in the Year of the Horse. That said, you will find that you’ll have to rely on yourself a lot this year, which can make things harder to bear sometimes. The lucky star that benefits studies and examinations shines on this sign however, so Tigers benefit from clearer minds and sharpened logic, which points towards good professional development too. White-collar workers and those in creative industries in particular can consider taking developmental courses and opportunities for work travel. 

The presence of the White Tiger star indicates female figures who are unreasonable and bad-tempered, which might manifest in a difficult female superior at work. The same inauspicious star also points towards the possibility of injury from animals or insects, so pet owners should pay extra attention to the mood of animal companions – it’s also best not to approach unfamiliar animals. 

What you can do: Exercise restraint this year, especially in your moods, because your patience will be tested. Travelling can help boost fortunes, but be wary of minor accidents, particularly involving vehicles.

Lucky ornaments: A rose quartz ornament on your workspace can boost interpersonal relationships, while smoky quartz can help dispel negative energy.

Rabbit zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

There’s likely to be a breakage in interpersonal bonds this year, arising from misunderstandings and comments between romantic partners, friends, or business partners. This kind of breakage is not out of the blue, but rather the result of accumulated resentment souring the relationship, so focus on communicating well. The presence of the Heavenly Happiness star indicates that this is a good year for Rabbits in relationships to tie the knot and married Rabbits to expand their family, though – not to mention, these kinds of traditionally auspicious events can help minimise negative cosmic energy. Luckily a cluster of lucky stars simultaneously point towards Rabbits maintaining a positive outlook in the face of difficulties, as well as helping hands to offer aid along the way.

Interpersonal relationships can get complicated in the Year of the Horse. You might find yourself the target of harmful gossip, or find yourself entangled in an ambiguous romantic relationship that drags on far too long. 

What you can do: Beware of friction occurring between you and your peers or your subordinates, and communicate clearly especially with old friends and business partners to clear up misunderstandings. 

Lucky ornaments: Dog-shaped accessories can brighten your overall fortunes this year, while rhodochrosite can attract positive romantic energies.

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Dragon zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

The year ahead can be considered fairly stable for Dragons, but with only one major lucky star shining on this zodiac sign, you can expect some difficulties in projects and endeavours especially in the beginning stages, though things will work themselves out in the end. The Tianje star doesn’t spell too well for romance – if you have a partner, then work on communication, compromises, and patience – but with interpersonal relationships it does bode well for clearing up misunderstandings and melting any icy feelings. You might see the mending of an old friendship that fell apart.

Dragon women might feel lonely more often this year; even if you have a partner you might feel like they don’t understand you well enough, so make an effort to communicate more. The cosmos also points towards problems brought about by women, so it’s not a good year to enter into business deals or investments with women. If you have a female superior at work, you might find them more unreasonable this year, so dial up the EQ to deal with these situations.

What you can do: Don’t set your sights too high this year; it’s better to simply adopt a Zen-like outlook and go with the flow. A cluster of inauspicious stars targets household fortunes this year, so look after the health of family members, especially the elderly. Try not to visit the sick, attend funerals, or enter cemeteries this year.

Lucky ornaments: Black obsidian accessories can help negate the heightened risk of minor injuries this year, especially during travels.

Snake zodiac signs

Years of birth: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

After the turbulence of last year, Snakes can now be positive and look at the Year of the Horse as a new start. You can look forward to your career progressing by leaps and bounds, with your efforts getting recognition and opportunities for title raises and pay bumps. However, the stars also point to pressure from foreign environments – there’ll be an adjustment period to a new environment that you find tough to deal with, so take care of your mental health. An inauspicious star also indicates an increase in minor ailments like colds (though thankfully nothing too serious), so work-life balance will be especially important.

Since your focus will mostly be on your career this year, single Snakes may not have the most luck with meeting romantic partners – the best you can do is keep an eye out at work environments. Even when you find someone you’re attracted to, it’s better to take things slow and start establishing a firm foundation as friends first. Snakes who are dating or married should make the extra effort not to neglect their partners.

What you can do: Snakes’ lowered cosmic energy when it comes to health means it’s not a good idea to visit the sick, attend funerals, or spend much time in constantly dark places like bars or nightclubs. Instead, hotels, membership clubhouses, or vacation spots have positive energy that will be more beneficial. 

Lucky ornaments: Clear quartz can help regulate your mood when you get stressed.

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