Chinese Zodiac Reflections

The Year of the Fire Horse, which begins in February 2026, brings a shift from the inward, refining energy of the Snake into a time of forward movement, vitality, and expressive spirit. In Chinese philosophy, the Horse is closely connected to the Fire element and the Heart, which governs circulation, joy, and the Shen — our spirit and inner light. Where the Snake encouraged introspection and quiet transformation, the Horse invites practitioners to step forward with confidence, allowing the strength cultivated within to move outward into clear, purposeful action. For those practising Tai Chi and Qigong, this is a year to embody the practice more fully — not just refining internal awareness, but allowing that awareness to guide fluid, confident movement through space.

The Fire Horse also symbolizes freedom, momentum, and wholehearted engagement with life. Its energy supports greater circulation of Qi throughout the body, encouraging openness through the chest, smooth coordination between upper and lower body, and a renewed sense of aliveness. In Tai Chi, this may be experienced through more decisive weight shifts, grounded stepping, and a clearer expression of intent. In Qigong, practitioners may feel drawn toward movements that expand and circulate energy, awakening the Heart centre and strengthening the connection between breath, posture, and spirit. The Horse reminds us that true power arises not from force, but from balance, alignment, and the willingness to move forward from a stable root.

Most importantly, the Year of the Fire Horse represents the natural continuation of the transformation begun in the Year of the Snake. Having shed what no longer serves us, we now carry forward greater clarity, resilience, and inner strength. Tai Chi and Qigong provide the ideal foundation for this transition, helping practitioners remain calm, centred, and rooted even as life moves forward with renewed energy. This is a year to trust the body, open the Heart, and allow the steady cultivation of Qi to support both personal growth and vibrant wellbeing.

Our TQSpirit design expresses: The Fire Horse rising within the Yin–Yang field, surrounded by flame and motion, which conveys exactly what the Year of the Fire Horse represents: balanced power emerging from cultivated stillness. The presence of Yin and Yang behind the Horse reinforces an essential Tai Chi Qigong truth — forward movement must remain rooted in equilibrium. This ensures the Horse’s Fire does not scatter, but circulates with purpose and harmony.

Step into the Year of the Fire Horse with us, and discover how Tai Chi and Qigong can help you move forward with balance, vitality, and spirit.

REFUND POLICY AS OF SEPTEMBER 2026

All Zoom or In-Person Students were required to read and sign a waiver prior to taking your first class, whether the waiver is on-line or on paper when you register. The refund policy is always been available upon request. (updated July 26 2026)

- All requests for a refund must be submitted in writing by email and is effective the date of the correspondence.
- A pro-rated refund will be given for withdrawals up to the start of the third class of the program. To receive a refund you must withdraw by sending us an email, to taichispirit@shaw.ca, prior to the start of the fourth class. The classes you did attend will be charged out at the $20.00 drop-in charge plus a $15.00 administration fee. Your refund will be the balance at pro-rated fees. You will be e-transfered or mailed the refund. Refunds will not be given after the 3^rd class unless it is for medical reasons.
- Single Day Events or Workshops: To receive a refund you must withdraw by emailing, in-person, or by phone more than seven (7) days before the first day of the program.
- Medical Refunds will be given if you are sick or unable to attend the remainder of a program for medical reasons. Written confirmation is required. Please contact the TQSpirit so another person can take your place. No refunds will be given for individual missed classes.
- Instructor Absence Policy: If the instructor is unable to teach a scheduled class, whether advance notice is possible or the absence is unexpected, TQSpirit will make every reasonable effort to provide a suitable substitute instructor. If a suitable substitute cannot be arranged, the class will be cancelled and a replacement class will be added to the end of the current session whenever possible. For an ongoing class that continues from one seasonal session to the next—Autumn to Winter, Winter to Spring, or Spring into Summer—the replacement class may instead be added to the following session. Students will be notified as soon as reasonably possible. Because the missed class will be replaced, no refund or credit will be provided.
- Bad Weather Policy: The safety of our students and instructors is always important. When severe weather or unsafe travel conditions are expected to significantly affect attendance, TQSpirit reserves the right to move an in-person class to Live-On-Zoom. Students will be notified of the change as early as reasonably possible. When a class is moved to Zoom, the class will proceed at its regularly scheduled time and will be considered fully delivered. Credits, refunds, or make-up classes will not be provided to students who are unable to attend the Zoom class.
- Drop-Ins Policy: Policies differ depending on the class and the Location. Some classes do not have drop-ins or 4 packs. If you drop in and want to continue taking classes with North Shore Tai Chi and Health Qigong after your first drop-in, we will be happy to provide you with a quote for the balance of fees owed, pro-rated.
  1. If you purchase a 4-pack, it must be used during that current session: September-December, January-March, April-June or July. All 4-packs must be used within 6 weeks from the start of your first class.
  2. A 4-pack can only be used at the location of the original class.
  3. A 4-pack is not transferable to another session or for use by a different person or transferable to another location.
  4. Any portion of a 4-pack not used within the current session will be forfeited and cannot be used at the start of the next session.
  5. Single drop-ins are for first-time students only, not regularly-attending students.
  6. 4-packs are not available for Tai Chi classes after the start of the first month of a new “session” of classes. 4-packs in Tai Chi are meant to be used consequtively if possible. After your first 4-pack is used tai chi students must pay for the balance of classes, pro-rated.

Chinese Zodiac Reflections

Year of the Fire Horse – 2026