From the Snake to the Horse

2025 felt like a whirlwind. But here’s the good thing … those moments of chaos propelled me to examine belief systems, thought processes, and behaviors. Eventually, I realized what still resonated as well as what didn’t. It suddenly became clear where I was in and out of alignment. 

Maybe you, too, experienced unexpected emotions, found old patterns resurfacing, or noticed relationships or situations that no longer felt “right.” If so, you’re exactly where you should be. According to Chinese astrology, this year—the Year of the Wood Snake—is meant to help us shed old identities so we can move forward with stronger intuition, open to new directions and possibilities. During 2025, cycles are completing and necessary endings are finally occurring, signaling we cannot go backwards. We’re ready to grow into our new skin.

2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, projects a totally different vibe. Instead of encouraging us to release whatever’s been holding us back, this new year’s energy urges us forward toward our goals and aspirations. There’s a renewed sense of clarity and confidence that we’re ready to begin our next chapter.

But before we can gallop head, we must first shed our skins and let go. As difficult as this may be, it’s necessary to create space—not just in our schedules—but also in our minds and energy fields. At first this concept might sound cold and heartless, but it’s not. Releasing people, places, or situations that hold us back liberates, allowing new paths to appear. Besides, clinging to what we’ve outgrown inhibits growth. Only by going within and surrendering the shadows, low-vibrational relationships, and limiting stories do we create clean canvases for beautiful encounters, relationships, and inspirations.

So how can we shed in preparation for the upcoming year?

When we pause, quiet our minds, and allow the soft voice—our intuition—to speak, we discover what our soul needs. Whether through an “aha” moment or a slow and methodical inner knowing, our next steps become clear. Still, this it can be difficult. We worry what others may think if we release what we’ve always held so closely. Our desire is not to hurt anyone. We’re just trying to evolve and be true to our soul’s journey.

Faith in the unknown helps us choose the path that calls. Believing in ourselves and trusting our internal voice (the one that whispers, not shouts), guides us forward to unimagined futures, experiences we’d never had encountered if we lacked the courage to say, “yes.”

This past year, I shed multiple skins in several areas of life. It became clear I was doing too much, and so I simplified. With additional space in my calendar and head, a sense of ease appeared, something I hadn’t really felt before. Along the same theme, I cut back on exercising. Perhaps less is more, at least for me at this stage of life. My current focus is to be more present with movement and conscious of my structural alignment. Don't get me wrong ... I still love my workouts, but they no longer drive my days.

Still, there's been an even bigger letting go. As a mother of a thirty-one-year-old and a twenty-nine-year-old, I finally came to grips with how my role has changed with our adult sons. Yes, I’m still their mom, but what they need from me is different from what they required five, ten, fifteen years ago. It just took me a while to realize that.

I have no idea what 2026 will bring, but I’m trying my best to shed so I can gallop ahead. Plus, I have to admit ... I kinda like the image of a horse charging into new territory. There’s an exhilaration that accompanies this vision.

Consider shedding some skin to prepare for a spectacular ride in 2026!