The Year of the Horse will be full of activity and exploration. The Horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. Unlike last year, where Snake moved cautiously, Horse will take you galloping and flying through the year. With the wind in your face and the wide open world before you, opportunities, freedom and excitement abound. Be aware, though, as you navigate this year to pull back on the reins from time to time and show some restraint to avoid racing wild with no clear direction.

Once again we see the strong influence of balance as a key principle in feng shui by the rotation of the animals: Quiet Rabbit (2011), exhilarating Dragon (2012), cautious Snake (2013) and this year the 'kick up your heels' energy of Horse. This year ushers in chances for travel, adventure, movement, freedom, power and strength, and romance-for those who are looking.

Freedom.  Before horses, distances were great and there was little interaction between people and societies. Horses enabled humans to find freedom from the constraints of their own communities and discover the multiplicity of life and all its powers. This will be a great year to move outside your local community and travel--personally and professionally--and experience life and all its powers. Begin to explore and move in other directions. You are no longer tied to one place; you now have the means to transport yourself to the next city, the next state, across the world and through cyberspace.

Get moving. This year Horse carries its natural element of Fire fueled by the cyclical Wood element. What more could you ask for to get you going, spur you onto new heights, and spark your creative juices. If you've been holding back, letting go, or spinning your wheels, get ready for the ride of your life. Now is the time to make things happen, and you can count on Horse to bring energy, strength, stamina, and perseverance to all your goals and projects this year.

Embrace who you are and where you're going. Just like the wide variety of individual abilities in each type of horse--riding, plowing, jumping, pulling--consider all the unique opportunities available and choose the ones that speak to you: ride toward new adventures, plow through what needs to be done to meet your goals, jump at opportunities, pull others with you. Like Horse who enjoys and needs the support of its herd, get more involved socially and join the party. Or consider the impact Horse has made on civilization and honor "what this civilization has given you or your part to assist civilization within your own environment".(1) Embrace the Horse energies of freedom and independence that a small or significant change could bring to your life.

The past two years have been immersed in intense, emotional water energy. This year Wood Horse brings new beginnings and can take you on unexpected journeys. Trust your intuition and "follow your inner voice like never before"(2). Horse teaches you how to ride into new directions to awaken and discover your own freedom and power, fearlessly.