No. 44 - Year of the Fire Horse

Happy Lunar New Year!

Today is not just any Tuesday. Today is the day we honour the culture that nurtured the leaf that creates our cup of calm, and the heat that brings it to life. Today is Chinese New Year!

Now begins the Year of the Fire Horse, a year that promises passion and enthusiasm with twelve months of movement and abundant opportunity. The fire horse asks: do you have the courage to grab its reins and press forward into adventure?

According to the symbolism of the horse in the Chinese zodiac (power, nobility, and ambition) and that of fire (passion, innovation, clarity), this year has the potential to be “a year of especially abundant opportunity.”

In a year of great motion, pausing is perhaps more important than ever. Taking a little time to mindfully steep a cup of tea, check in, and recognize what energy is meant for us or is merely a passing current is always important. Perhaps more so this year than others. What does that mean to you? Where might you run the risk of being swept away?

Being born in the year of the horse (I’ll let you guess which one… hint: pre-1990) I can be plodding in my decision-making. I’m looking forward to getting a little nudge and have decided to embrace the forward motion and let my over-analytical brain take the passenger seat (still with access to the emergency brake, just in case).

My late father was an excellent decision maker, from the standpoint of actually making one. And he never looked back; he took what came and rolled with it. I’m not at his level and I may never be so I wondered if the Fire Horse’s energy would be enough. Then I happened upon a handy decision framework by James Clear author of Atomic Habits. He categorizes decisions according to their longevity and impact in a very relatable way. I modified it to add another category (because of course I did, I love nuance in life nearly as much as in tea):

1. Hat decisions also known as easy decisions of little consequence. One bouquet of flowers or two? Imperial Keemun or Darjeeling for an afternoon tea? Just choose. If it’s not perfect a) it doesn’t matter, and b) it’s ultra easy to change your mind. Hop on the horse and make the decision quickly without even a glance over your shoulder.
2. Hair cut decisions are a little more costly than a hat and one has to live with the outcome a little longer. More consideration goes into these decisions. There may be an element of trust and timing involved (maybe don’t try something radical right before a big event or do and be prepared to do a little extra work if the impact is unintended à la Matthew McConaughey and his decision to shave his head - an interesting listen on the A Little Bit of Optimism podcast). There is more benefit in making the decision and seeing what happens than spending too much time mired in the muddy details. After all, hair grows back.
3. Cut and colour decisions (my addition to the framework). The cost and effort go up and reversal is commensurately more costly and effortful as well. Although my dad would treat this about the same as what colour golf tee to use, I am more comfortable spending some time considering the potential outcomes and how the decision suits current circumstances. Then, I’m on that horse with a nice cup of Black Dragon.
4. Tattoo decisions are essentially permanent and very difficult / painful to reverse. When you pause mid sip and think on it, there are relatively few of these in life. Starting a tea company (check), getting married (check), having children (double-check). These sorts of BIG decisions I don’t anticipate running into this year. Famous last words …

Are you an expert decision maker, quick and ruthlessly bold like our fire horse? Or do you need a nudge like me? Wherever you are, I wish you the most prosperous outcomes and so many great cups of tea.

Speaking of which…

Meet Fire Horse, our homage to tea heritage and the energy that 2026 brings forth. The package logo is designed by our very own Azia-Rae and we are both in love with the tea that emerged under its inspiration. A blend of Lapsang Souchong for the fire element, rooibos and Keemun black for depth, osmanthus and orange for sweet vibrancy, and cacao for an unexpected richness. Reiki-infused with the intention to bring you confidence and instant success with the year’s decisions.

Until next time, may fire energy carry you passionately through 2026.

Steep Calm,

Bree