Fire Horse year signals fast change, bold moves needed

THE return of the Year of the Fire Horse, which appears once every 60 years, is expected to bring intense momentum, rapid transformation and heightened pressure across careers, finances and relationships.

Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics founder Datuk Joey Yap said the Fire Horse carries a much stronger surge of energy that accelerates change and magnifies its impact on people and industries alike.

"The Fire Horse returns after 60 years, this time with an even higher upsurge of energy that accelerates changes and magnifies their impact," he told Sinar Daily.

In Chinese metaphysics, the Horse symbolises movement, speed and visibility, while the Fire element represents heat, light and innovation.

Combined, the Fire Horse year pushes people to act quickly, adapt and take calculated risks instead of remaining stagnant.

Yap said the year will not affect everyone the same way, but no one will escape its influence.

"What these mean for you will vary by your individual circumstances, but everyone will have to respond to them in one way or another," he said.

He said hesitation could cost people valuable opportunities this year as situations evolve rapidly.

"Be quick. Be decisive. Get ready already. Opportunities pop up and vanish when you hesitate.

"When you seize this year’s challenges instead of shirking from them, you make your own luck for a decade longer," he added.

Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics founder Datuk Joey Yap

Careers under pressure from Fire energy

Yap said Fire energy will expose both weaknesses and potential within existing structures, especially in the working world.

"Fire brings heat and light to every aspect of life this year, creating pressure points and revealing the flaws and strengths of existing structures, as well as transforming their nascent potential into something suitable and durable for the future," he said.

He added that many careers are already being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

"Many careers are already affected by AI being applied at scale, directly and indirectly. Many more will be changed by automation and swings in consumer spending patterns," he said.

He explained that Fire represents technology and energy-related industries.

"Generally, Fire represents the technology and energy sectors. Think AI, data centres, the power they consume, and even the land and water for cooling they require," he added.

Financial volatility peaks

On finances, Yap said the Fire Horse year will intensify market volatility.

"Finance is governed by Metal energy. We say Metal is forged by Fire and this year it faces a very intense and overbearing type of heat," he said.

He believes blockchain adoption will further transform banking and financial services.

"Changes affecting the banking and finance industry will likely broaden and deepen as the adoption of blockchain technology transforms the financial products and services available," he said.

For individuals, he warned that emotional decisions could be costly.

"In terms of personal finances, the financial markets will continue their volatile trend, which climax in the Year of the Fire Horse," he said.

Relationships face emotional heat

Yap said personal relationships will also feel the pressure as this year turns up the heat on every relationship, putting bonds to the test.

"All relationships will be tested in a high-heat environment this year. It will be easier for someone to light your fuse or spark a dispute.

"Restraint and research are encouraged. Depending on your Chinese zodiac animal sign, you might be more or less susceptible to this," he said.