Zodiac Signs and Feng Shui (2)

From Zodiac Predictions to Traditional Feng Shui Thinking

In this article, we continue the discussion from the previous installment by revisiting the example of the Zodiac Sheep. Using this case, we will examine how a traditional Chinese Feng Shui practitioner approaches zodiac-based predictions, rather than relying on simplified or symbolic interpretations.

If I were to make a general prediction, I might say that people born in the Year of the Sheep are likely to experience a relatively favorable fortune in 2026. Why? According to the Five Elements theory and the Six Combinations (Liu He) relationship among the Earthly Branches, the Earth energy associated with the Sheep combines harmoniously with the Fire energy of the Horse year.

Why the Sheep–Horse Combination Is Often Seen as Favorable

In this specific combination, the Earth energy of the Sheep transforms and merges into Fire. Generally speaking, when two elemental energies combine without conflict and form a single, unified element, this interaction is considered favorable in most cases. The key point is not whether an element becomes stronger or weaker, but whether the interaction creates conflict. When no conflict is present, the outcome is usually viewed as positive, indicating that an individual’s personal energy is not disrupted by external annual influences.

Because of this logic, many Feng Shui practitioners online have already made their predictions for 2026, and almost without exception, they claim that people born in the Year of the Sheep will have favorable fortune in the Year of the Horse.

Why Traditional Chinese Feng Shui Avoids Absolute Conclusions

However, traditional Chinese Feng Shui practitioners would not make such absolute statements. Their interpretations usually involve much deeper layers of analysis, which many readers may not easily understand. As a result, these more complex explanations tend to attract less interest among Western Feng Shui enthusiasts, who often prefer simple and direct conclusions.

Even so, I still believe it is important to introduce authentic Chinese Feng Shui knowledge as clearly and accurately as possible.

This leads to an essential question: for those born in the Year of the Sheep, is the merging of energies truly favorable in all cases?

On the surface, this combination does appear harmonious.

But does “combination” necessarily mean something positive?

The Role of the Eight Characters (Ba Zi)

Each person’s personal energy field consists of eight fundamental energies, known in Feng Shui as the Eight Characters (Ba Zi). Each character represents a specific type of energy that influences different aspects of a person’s life. These eight energies are determined by the time-based energy present at the exact moment of birth.

A person’s birth time is defined by four units: year, month, day, and hour (each hour representing a two-hour period). Each unit of time is expressed through two Chinese characters, resulting in a total of eight characters. For example, people born in the Year of the Horse in 2026 share the same yearly energy unit, known as Bing Wu—a combination of the Heavenly Stem Bing (Fire) and the Earthly Branch Wu (Horse, also Fire), as discussed in the previous article.

Although everyone is composed of these same eight fundamental energies, each person’s overall energy structure is complex and unique. Within this structure, every individual energy plays a particular role and represents a specific aspect of life, such as wealth, career, relationships, or health. Even when the same energy appears in different individuals’ charts, its function and impact may vary greatly depending on its position and interaction with other energies.

Two Different Outcomes for the Same Zodiac Sheep

To illustrate this point, let us look at two examples involving people born in the Year of the Sheep.

Example (1): When the Sheep Represents Wealth

Consider a gentleman whose zodiac sign is Sheep. Let us assume that, in his personal Eight Characters chart, the Sheep represents a specific Earth energy associated with wealth. In this case, the year 2026 may not be favorable for him. This is because the Earth energy represented by the Sheep is transformed into Fire under the influence of the Horse’s strong Fire energy. As a result, the Earth energy that symbolizes his wealth is diminished or converted, suggesting potential financial challenges or instability during the Horse year.

Therefore, despite the general assumption that the Year of the Horse is favorable for those born in the Year of the Sheep, this particular individual may experience an unfavorable outcome.

Example (2): When the Sheep Represents a Restrictive Element

The second example involves a woman who is also born in the Year of the Sheep. In her personal energy configuration, the Earth energy represented by the Sheep functions as a negative or restrictive element—something that requires resolution rather than reinforcement. For her, the year 2026 may present an opportunity for positive change. If she recognizes this shift and is able to act on it, favorable developments may arise in areas such as career, marriage, education, or investment. This is because the Earth energy that operates negatively in her chart is transformed and neutralized by the Horse’s strong Fire energy.

As these two examples show, even people born under the same zodiac sign do not necessarily experience the same fortune in a given Chinese year.

In the next article, I will introduce the Eight Characters (Ba Zi) in greater depth and explain what Chinese Feng Shui practitioners focus on in personal analysis beyond zodiac signs.