As a new year approaches, many people are interested in understanding their destiny, feng shui, and especially their ruling star and term. With the year 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, on the horizon, knowing which star will influence you can help you best prepare to welcome good fortune and neutralize bad luck. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to answer the question: What are the ruling stars in 2026 and how to check the star and term for each age most accurately.

What is a ruling star and what does it signify?

In Eastern astrology, the Nine Luminaries System is used to interpret a person's fate in a given year. Each year, every individual is influenced by one of these nine stars, which rotate in a 9-year cycle. These nine stars are divided into three main groups with different meanings:

• Auspicious Stars (Cát tinh): Includes Thái Dương (The Sun), Thái Âm (The Moon), and Mộc Đức (Jupiter). When under the influence of these stars, you often encounter good luck, favorable conditions in work, abundant wealth, good health, and family peace.
• Inauspicious Stars (Hung tinh): Includes La Hầu (Rahu), Kế Đô (Ketu), and Thái Bạch (Venus). These are stars that carry negative energy, potentially causing difficulties, obstacles in health, finances, gossip, and relationships.
• Neutral Stars (Trung tinh): Includes Vân Hớn (Mars), Thổ Tú (Saturn), and Thủy Diệu (Mercury). These stars bring a mix of good and bad. Whether you experience luck or risk depends largely on your own merits and actions during the year.

What is the zodiac animal and element for 2026?

The year 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse (Bính Ngọ). According to the Five Elements theory, people born in 2026 belong to the Water element, specifically Thiên Hà Thủy (Milky Way Water). Understanding the energy of the Fire Horse year gives us a better overview of the general impacts on the destiny of all ages.

How to calculate the ruling star for 2026 most accurately?

To determine your ruling star for 2026, you need to use your lunar age (also known as East Asian age reckoning) and your gender. The lunar age is calculated using a simple formula:

Lunar Age = (Year 2026 - Year of Birth) + 1

For example, if you were born in 1990, your lunar age in 2026 will be: (2026 - 1990) + 1 = 37 years old. Once you have your lunar age, you can use the tables below to find your ruling star and term.

Lookup table for ruling stars and terms in 2026 for males and females?

Below is a detailed summary table of the ruling stars and major terms for the year 2026 (Fire Horse) for both males and females, based on common birth years.

Lookup Table for MALES in 2026

• Born in 2002 (Nhâm Ngọ): 25 lunar years old - Star Thổ Tú (Saturn), Term Ngũ Mộ
• Born in 1993 (Quý Dậu): 34 lunar years old - Star Thái Âm (The Moon), Term Diêm Vương
• Born in 1984 (Giáp Tý): 43 lunar years old - Star Mộc Đức (Jupiter), Term Huỳnh Tuyền
• Born in 1975 (Ất Mão): 52 lunar years old - Star Vân Hớn (Mars), Term Thiên La
• Born in 1966 (Bính Ngọ): 61 lunar years old - Star Thủy Diệu (Mercury), Term Thiên Tinh
• Born in 1957 (Đinh Dậu): 70 lunar years old - Star Thái Bạch (Venus), Term Toán Tận

Lookup Table for FEMALES in 2026

• Born in 2002 (Nhâm Ngọ): 25 lunar years old - Star Vân Hớn (Mars), Term Ngũ Mộ
• Born in 1993 (Quý Dậu): 34 lunar years old - Star Thái Bạch (Venus), Term Thiên La
• Born in 1984 (Giáp Tý): 43 lunar years old - Star Thủy Diệu (Mercury), Term Toán Tận
• Born in 1975 (Ất Mão): 52 lunar years old - Star La Hầu (Rahu), Term Diêm Vương
• Born in 1966 (Bính Ngọ): 61 lunar years old - Star Mộc Đức (Jupiter), Term Tam Kheo
• Born in 1957 (Đinh Dậu): 70 lunar years old - Star Thái Âm (The Moon), Term Huỳnh Tuyền

Which are the best and worst stars in 2026?

Based on the Nine Luminaries system, we can identify the best and worst stars of the year:

• The Best Stars: Thái Dương (especially good for men, bringing wealth and career advancement), Thái Âm (especially good for women, bringing prosperity and family happiness), and Mộc Đức (bringing luck in love and career).
• The Worst Stars: La Hầu (prone to gossip, legal issues, and eye/ear ailments), Kế Đô (often brings sorrow, mourning, and is particularly bad for women), and Thái Bạch (considered the worst star for finances, causing significant monetary loss). A common saying is "La Hầu for men, Kế Đô for women" to indicate the severe impact of these two stars.

What to do when encountering a bad ruling star in 2026?

If you encounter a bad ruling star, you shouldn't be overly panicked or worried. Instead, view it as a reminder to live more cautiously and with better planning. Here are some remedies that many people apply:

• Perform a star-pacifying ritual: This is a traditional spiritual ceremony conducted at the beginning of the year or monthly to pray for divine protection and lessen the negative impacts of the bad star. Each star has a specific worship day and altar setup.
• Do more good deeds: Actively engage in charity, help those in need, and practice life release... These are ways to accumulate merits, which can help improve one's destiny and mitigate misfortunes.
• Be cautious in all matters: Be more careful with travel, business investments, signing contracts, and pay close attention to your health. Avoid arguments and conflicts to limit gossip and disputes.
• Use feng shui items: Wearing jewelry or placing feng shui items that are compatible with your element in your home or workplace is also a way to enhance positive energy and protect yourself.

In conclusion, checking one's ruling star at the beginning of the year is a beautiful cultural tradition that helps us reflect and set a direction for the new year. Whether you encounter a good or bad star, the most important thing is your own effort, living a virtuous life, and always maintaining an optimistic spirit. Wishing you and your family a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling Year of the Fire Horse 2026!