Guides
2026, the Bing-Wu (丙午) year of the Horse
In Zi Wei Dou Shu a year matters through two things: its heavenly stem, which transforms four stars, and its earthly branch, which marks the palace the year passes through in each chart.
| Stem and branch | Bing-Wu (丙午) |
|---|---|
| Animal and element | Horse · Fire |
| Lunar New Year | February 17, 2026 |
| Last day | February 5, 2027 |
| Start of Spring | February 4, 2026 |
The four transformations of 2026
The stem Bing sends the four transformations to these stars. Find them in your chart: the palaces they sit in are where this year’s themes gather.
- Tian Tong · Prosperity
- Prosperity (Hua Lu) marks where things flow easily: opportunity, goodwill and resources.
- Tian Ji · Authority
- Authority (Hua Quan) marks where you take charge: responsibility, drive and influence.
- Scholar · Recognition
- Recognition (Hua Ke) marks where grace and reputation gather: learning, credibility, helpful people.
- Lian Zhen · Obstruction
- Obstruction (Hua Ji) marks a recurring point of friction, not a misfortune: where patience and practice turn it into depth.
The palace of the year
The branch of 2026 is Wu. Whichever of your twelve palaces sits on Wu is the year’s palace: the part of life that tends to come forward this year.
Born in January or February?
Zi Wei Dou Shu changes year at Lunar New Year, February 17, 2026. Bazi changes at Start of Spring, February 4, 2026. Between the two, the systems place a birth in different years.