Embracing the Power of the Fire Horse Year in 2026
Katja is a Grief Counselor & Author whose compassionate and innovative approach to grief, loss, and trauma offers clients hope and renewed purpose. She authored "Dealing with Grief," a practical guide explaining why death remains taboo and how to break free from grief's grip.
As we entered 2026, astrological prophecies predicted that the Year of the Snake would end its shedding season in 2025. With the new Fire Horse season beginning in 2026, we will all be better, faster, and more abundant. I view this situation from a different angle. In September 2025, my brother passed away, quite fittingly, during shedding season. This may sound sarcastic and somewhat disrespectful, but the reality is that death brings a lot of shedding. One might hope the grieving process becomes gentler and more transcendent as we revisit difficult times on the fiery horse of memory.
But again, it is all a matter of perspective. When we grieve, we lose far more than the physical presence of our loved ones. We deeply miss their smiles, the unique ways they communicated with us, the sound of their voices, and the routines we shared.
Perhaps what hurts even more is the loss of our home, now gone, stripping us of our purpose and leaving us with little reason to carry on as we once did. Or the way we carry on family traditions, trying to make them work even when they no longer have real meaning. These losses weigh so heavily on one person, and no matter how much we try to make our lives work now, we struggle. This state of being has a name: secondary losses.
This is a gentle reminder for everyone grieving deeply right now that you are not alone. Your feelings are completely valid. Even in summer, when everything seems lively, warm, and full of activity, your sense of loss can feel overwhelming and heavy. No matter how we see this year, it will always feel like an empty timeline as we desperately try not to drown in our heavy emotions.
Please accept this reminder with gratitude and deepest sympathy. We refer to it as a Fire Horse season, but for those who are grieving, it might not seem like a stallion. It may only feel like a mare.
Be gentle and compassionate with yourself during this difficult time. There’s no need to rush the healing process or to count the days, weeks, or months since you’ve experienced your loss. Give yourself all the time you need to grieve, process, and heal. Allow yourself to truly feel your emotions because your feelings are valid, important, and deserve acknowledgment. Remember, healing isn’t linear, and your journey is unique. Be patient and kind to yourself every step of the way.
Trying to survive a loss isn’t about constructing an illusion that you are still the same person you were before the loss. The truth is, you change in an instant, and what once mattered deeply may no longer hold the same significance. It’s important not to rush into fixing or creating new meanings before you’ve truly had time to process the physical and emotional pain of your loss.
Giving yourself permission to sit in silence and listen to your inner voice can be deeply healing. Ask yourself honestly what you need right now to cope. Be truthful with yourself, and avoid downplaying your feelings to protect others or keep the peace within your family. There’s a reason your inner voice grows more urgent when you feel unable to cope. It’s reaching out for the truth. If the overwhelming noise of grief and processing becomes too much, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Partner with trusted family members or friends, but kindly remind them that this isn’t about giving advice or fixing you. It’s about speaking your thoughts aloud, allowing feelings to surface naturally, and putting them into words.
When you can do this without overthinking, you will often discover the answers you seek. Remember, this process doesn’t mean you are replacing your loved one or delaying your grief. It’s about finding your personal truth and giving yourself space to grieve authentically. Ultimately, this journey leads you to a healthier, more compassionate understanding of your loss, helping you move forward when you are ready, with greater strength and clarity.
It truly doesn’t matter what year it is or how we perceive it. What matters is how you allow yourself to experience and process your personal loss. If those thoughts feel frightening and unfamiliar at first, remind yourself gently that you are worthy of love and understanding, and that everything you do and feel matters profoundly.
Remember, you have gotten through each morning despite the constant pain of grief, and that resilience shows your hidden strength. Trust in your own intuition. It has carried you this far, and it will continue to guide you through the healing process.
We are all in this together, and living with grief is a challenging journey that no one truly wishes to endure. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge the strength it takes to show up for yourself every day, even when the pain feels overwhelming. That ongoing effort deserves compassion and reassurance.
I want you to know that I am keeping each of you close in my thoughts as I mourn the loss of my brother. Please accept my deepest love and heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. Remember, you are not alone in this, and support is always available to help you through.
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Read more from Katja Christine Strube
Katja Christine Strube, Grief Counselor & Author
Katja has dedicated her life to helping others overcome feelings of disconnect and not belonging. After experiencing personal trauma and loss, she found renewed purpose through volunteering with a local Hospice, offering support to clients facing difficult life challenges. Her extensive academic achievements and personal experiences allow her to understand her clients' struggles from multiple perspectives. Her compassion and empathy make her guidance impactful. Through unwavering commitment, she transforms counseling into a healing and empowering experience.
References:
Speaking Grief. Understanding Grief: Secondary losses. (n.d.).
Yang, M. (2026, March 23). Year of the Fire Horse explained: The Chinese zodiac sign that’s all about intensity. The Guardian.
