Pendleton Gallops into Fire Horse Year

Folks strolling down Emigrant Avenue just east of Main street in downtown Pendleton will have no doubt seen the mural painted by Laurie Harding of a horse dressed in traditional Asian garb in the window of Moe Mart. Like many with roots in the Far East, Moe is heralding in the lunar new year, and February 17th was the day Wood Snake year ended and Fire Horse year began. 

A Brief Primer on East Asian Astrology

A brief primer for readers not familiar the Chinese astrological system (as it’s generally called, though it’s important to note that it’s practiced not just in China and Taiwan, but also in countries throughout the region including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos):  

It’s a twelve year cycle in which each year is designated by one of 11 animals (and one mythical creature, the Dragon) whose characteristics are thought to be prevalent in that year. This is combined with one of five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water. 

Fire Horse years occur every sixty years, and are considered among the most dynamic and intense of the cycle – the last Fire Horse year was 1966, which kicked off China’s cultural revolution. Just like in the west, the horse in the Far East symbolize freedom, movement, and strength. Not surprisingly fire adds passion, intensity & impulsiveness into the mix. So Fire Horse years are considered times of fast-moving, dramatic, and sometimes unpredictable changes. 

2025 was a Wood Snake Year, favoring serpentine energy, behind the scenes influence and quiet power moves. But this year will favor bold decisions, breakthrough ideas and entrepreneurial ventures. 

Of course, this comes at price. Emotion tends to run higher in horse years. Volatility (personal, economic and otherwise) are hallmarks of Fire Horse years, and some may feel restless in relationships and careers. 

Astrological Advice for Fire Horse Year

Most Chinese Astrologers offer the following general advice for the coming year: 

• Channel passion into constructive goals. 
• Take bold steps while avoiding impulsive decisions. 
• Build flexibility into long-term plans.

I’m not much of an astrology guy – Chinese or otherwise – but I can’t help but think that the coming Fire Horse year bodes well for Pendleton. After all, our most recognizable symbol is a bucking mare in heat. 

While certainly wool, whiskey & thriving arts scene would be found on any Family Feud round with the clue Things people associate with Pendleton, the number one slot on the board would definitely go to Rodeo. 

And if high-octane events like bareback riding and barrel races don’t epitomize the aspects of a Fire Horse year, I don’t know what does.

Predictions for Pendleton 

So, with the (hopefully legally-binding) disclaimer “I am not an astrologer nor do I play one on television” here are my for predictions for Pendleton in the year of the Fire Horse:

1. Issues that have been discussed throughout 2025 – especially those that have seen high turnout at City Council meetings, or have otherwise piqued public interest will be resolved. While these resolutions may not please everyone, if past Fire Horse Year resolutions are anything to go by, they’ll be bold. 
2. Pendleton will see expansion and improvement, with increased business traffic downtown throughout the year. Established businesses will expand, and new businesses able to stay in the saddle despite some bucking will thrive and prosper. 
3. The 2026 Round-Up will kick ass and break attendance records. (No pressure, Roundup!)
4. The second year of the Pendleton Street Fair – May 16, 2026 –  will see brighter skies and bigger crowds. (No pressure, Stephanie!)
5. There will be more and better art exhibits, activities and other happenings thanks to the Pendleton Artisan Network.

Fire Horse years can be intense, so don’t skimp on self-care. Get a massage! If yoga, sound healing and other more esoteric forms of self-care are your thing, consider it an ongoing health investment. Make time for yoga classes, singing bowl sessions & other healing modalities at 7-Gen, Muse Studios, or Wellness Wave.

Upcoming Alignment of Planets

Like I wrote a few sentences back, I’m not much for astrology myself. I’m more an astronomy guy, because, you know…science. 

But on that note, according to science there’ll be a rare six-planet alignment, with Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune being visible shortly after sunset on February 28.  

Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that we’ll be able to witness this rare spectacle in Pendleton, thanks not only to ambient city lights, but also due to the prison-break searchlights being shot all night into Pendleton from the Motel Six on I-84. 

More than a few folks have complained that the motel’s floodlights aren’t just unnecessary from a business standpoint but actually a hazard to health and sanity for humans and animals alike (not to mention to people driving on the highway). 

So, in the spirit of aligning the metaphysical realm of astrology and the physical realm of astronomy (and in wrapping this article up with a call to action), concerned citizens looking to take initiative on the issue can call the following numbers:

• Pendleton Motel 6: 541-319-1911
• Oregon Department of Transportation: 541-276-2141
• Pendleton City Manager Rob Corbett: 541-266-0221

彭德爾頓馬年快樂！(Happy Horse Year Pendleton!)