Auspicious Dates and Places for the month of the Fire Rooster 2026 in the Year of the Fire Horse

 

A 1 month                                      is typically one of (deep) communication
A Rooster Month                        promotes display
Where not to be this month: South West, East (& South all year)
Where to be this month:         tai chi South East
Favoured Animals:                    Snake, Ox, Dragon
Especially challenged:             Rabbit, Dog, Rooster herself

Forging: this Fire Rooster Month.

Rooster is Metal and therefore interested in precision, accuracy and perspective. She tends to have great insight but a short attention span. Hence the Rooster Month of September (from just after midnight on the morning of the 8^th) can bring rededication to purpose (which may not last) as we pick up the tools we discarded at the end of July. The lesson that may loom is persistence. This month don’t as they say, let the perfect prevent the acceptable, as the intermittently perfectionist Rooster might.

The Metal of the Rooster is of course Yin, meaning that presentation is important as well as awareness of subtle change. The Rooster is often associated with jewellery, fashion and cosmetics but this may simply be a gender-filtered awareness of the importance of how things look. That sensibility will be valuable over the next few weeks.

This Rooster is of course the Fire variant and so, internally conflicted. Something burns within. Fire inside Metal makes for inconsistency; the Metal melts but does not set. Circumstances, like molten Metal may turn out any shape as the Rooster notoriously flits from one thing to another. That tendency will affect us all. The Yang Earth Dog of October brings concentration but that’s for then.

In relationship the Rooster is rarely constant. Thanks to the Rooster a 1 month may be solitary for some and adventure for others – gay & bi Rabbits, Tigers and those with dominant Wood principally.

Beware martyrs. It will not be news that major conflicts often erupt during August, the Monkey Month of the self-serving Hungry Ghosts who tend, living or otherwise, to be at the bottom of these things. Not in September; assuming World War Three has not broken out yet, it’s not going to this month. Expect further inflammation of the Middle East – as in the Fire Rooster Year of 1957 when Fire Rooster Anthony Eden showed the world that the British Imperium was over by trying and failing to bully Egypt out of Suez. So often the years that are etched in our hearts appear in the Four Pillars of our ba zi.

Fire Roosters can pacify or provoke, they can express themselves clumsily and cause offence by mistake and they can choose to charm. They are notably jealous – Snow White’s stepmother is the archetype. And their times of power like this month can prove fractious. But that’s probably the worst of it. The powder keg that is the world in September 2026 will not be ignited just yet.

Weather warning: a Fire Horse year features Fire then Water then Fire then Water. You may have noticed. A 1 Month is of the Water Element. But the Fire is not yet gone. Do not be surprised by great heat as late as October. And floods meanwhile.

The Gua of the month is 1, the same as the 1 of the year. Things return to their plotted place, children to school, most of us to our desks, politicians to parliament. In all sorts of senses we can breathe again.

Hexagram tip: The Rooster is the flirt of the Zodiac and this month’s Hexagram Number 31 Xian Connection is very much about physical connection. The lines 1 to 6 work their way up the body from toes to head. Like a dream, such a Hexagram may speak of opportunity, a lack or a longing. It’s not too early to consider which.

Location tip: More on this elsewhere but the tai chi and South East of your space are likely to be more helpful than last month, these are the locations that will receive most attention. Use that as you will. South and South West not so welcoming. Some of the committed relationships that Kun in the South West represents may dissolve while misbehaviour is likely to be exposed by the bright light of the South sector. Best behave.

Gua tip: A 1 lo shu (ie magic square) Month in a 1 gua year speaks of consolidation, return and emphasis. Leaders at centres of power will be especially eloquent empowered by this Star’s Water. Expect debate and deep emotion home and away. Some flummery too. Football of course hasn’t come yet. Perhaps the Lionesses will balance the books.
Richard Ashworth © 2026

On Wednesday September 9^th we examine the ramifications of the Hexagram for this Fire Rooster Month: Xian Hexagram 31, Lake over Mountain: Connection which speaks of all manner of connection but especially the intimate. And yet what is centrally about is containment and self-discipline.

You can visit the highlights of this and every monthly session on my YouTube Channel. You may not have the stamina for all sixty four Hexagrams but you can join us live via Zoom for a year by contacting: Sheilaashworthfengshui@gmail.com.

The Lo Shu or Magic Square for the Fire Rooster Month 2026

S
 9      5       7
8      1       3
 4      6       2

The kua central to this month’s lo shu (above) is 1, Water, typically representing communication, the 2^nd Son and the Abyss. Kan, the Water is synonymous with danger. The 5 wu huang or “Five Yellow” generally considered hazardous, has landed South to double up the hazard there. And I’ve shaded the East yellow so you know that the san sha or “Three Killings” shares that space. Steer clear of both unless you know exactly what you’re doing as well as the South West (7). The South East (1) is the location to populate and activate.

 

Remember you have at least four Animals to consider in your own Ba Zi chart (one each for Hour, Day and Month of birth as well as Year) and that it is as unlikely that they’re all suffering this Month as that all are making hay. Each Animal illuminates a particular aspect of life. To know this about yourself may be timely. My 2026 Annual Animal Fortunes have been on the website since January. More detail about each Animal’s immediate future in my monthly Podcast.

Roosters don’t generally like other Roosters whether by date or location. So this is a time to be wary of your exact contemporaries and also of events on the 8^th and 20^th September and October 2^nd. Wood, Fire and Metal Roosters however whether by Year, Month, Day or Hour should find the ground rising smoothly before them in any case.
Dogs have only to wait until the 13^th for a day that suits them close to 100%. If you’re reviewing your feng shui, use the time between now and the 21^st to identify the best place for long term water and place it then. Avoid disputes on the 22^nd.
Pigs may find Rooster times move at a faster than comfortable pace. It may feel as if someone is on your tail on days like the 16^th. But by the 13^th you are likely to have caught up. Keep your attention on those who depend on you.
Rat can find the Rooster exhausting; you’re demanded of rather than empowered. The new moon on the 11^th offers refreshment reinforcement and some kind of reboot. Don’t forget your team. The 17^th may frustrate but the 1^st October sets things straight. Watch your tongue.
Ox and Rooster work well together. The Fire Horse Year may have been exhausting to date but now with the return of Meta and the ebb of Fire your energy perks up. You are most creative on the 19^th and 28^th but look to your laurels on the 18^th.
Tigers: better. A little. You are close to irresistible on the 13^th so use that boost wisely. One thing at a time. Avoid hurry especially on the 16^th. However crowded you feel, dare to flex your muscles on the 22^nd.
Rabbits are in direct conflict with the Month Rooster which often entails letdowns and disappointment. Be philosophical about agreements broken by others. You may be disappointed once or twice: the 20^th is the most hazardous day but 2^nd October looks shifty too. Keep your head. High.
Dragons are especially blessed by the Rooster. You may be ready for the benefit of the doubt after so much heat. Celebrate and capitalize on the 11^th but keep your attention out on the 15^th when an ill wind may blow you good fortune. All in all the 19^th may prove your best day but allow it, don’t chase it.
Snake and Rooster provide mutual support. On the 28^th you may need that support in order to bring long drawn out negotiations to a positive close. On the 21^st October you can call upon your support team with confidence. Not on the 4^th October though when you’re best in familiar surroundings and company.
Horses experience some kind of break up under the Rooster. It’s unlikely to be a surprise and indications should be clear by the 20^th. If the actual nature and participants are a surprise be ready to see the silver lining. Which will be there. Recovery begins on the 21^st when you clear out the stables.
The Sheep may find some things missing this month; first signs on the 12^th when you may feel personally let down. Peak loss on the 5^th October preceded by some reparation on or by the 10^th September. Don’t get mean.
The Monkey can relax, Rooster Yin Metal has your attention skipping from topic to topic but that’s fine for now. Later in the month you’ll tend to focus better. The 15^th is pretty good but by the 28^th you are firing on all eight.

 

In this month’s Podcast out the 2^nd week in September latest, the brilliant Zoe Vita James and I discuss some very difficult houses and the Guest/Host relationship both in the Odyssey and feng shui practice as well as the application of the fu mu gua formula plus the likely implications for each Animal and what we may each do about it.

Helpful
Thursday 10^th September, Fire Pig 8/8, Well, Full (7) *** about plenty
Technically 8/8 marked the most powerful kua of the 8^th Fate; put simply this Fire Pig represents faded power which may not know that it has faded.  Righteous resistance, all for the best. Stock up; defend the vulnerable.
Activity: at Tiger (ENE/NE3 around 65°) for space.
Favours: especially Rabbit, Sheep and Tiger.

Not so much
Saturday 12^th September, Earth Ox 9/2, Willow, Stable (5) *****  stuck.
Earth Ox is double yin Earth, fertile but currently blocked. Daily Officer Stable emphasises that. Only Willow offers movement – at a predictable cost. A little Metal may help – could be correction, could be finance.
Caution: Horse, Sheep.
Activity: at the Snake (SSE/SE3 around 154º) to accept so as to move on.

Helpful
Monday 21^st September, Earth Dog 1/6 Heart, Remove (5) **** very helpful
An auspicious Remove Day. Today is the day to divest – of stuff, ideas, even associates. Heart suggests there may be sentiment involved. The month Hexagram Xian Number 31 refers – this is no time for haste. The best results will follow patience and self-containment.
Activity: at the Tiger NE3/ENE around 65° for further Fire, witnessing, prominence.
Favours: all especially over-eager Tigers, Horses, Dogs, Rabbits.

Not so much
Friday 2^nd October, Earth Rooster 9/2, Mound, Establish (3) **** unhelpful
Mound suggests poor foundations, shifting sands, groups disintegrating; furthermore Establish may mean that today is absolutely not the day to expect to set up shop. Lower sights and see the value in things you might do that were not in today’s plan.
Activity: at Snake around 154º SE3/SSE for best outcome. Caution: Rabbit & Dog.

The Fire Rooster Month
Helpful Locations and not-so- helpful

Note:
Every house is different but certain forces affect us all wherever we are. What follows identifies which areas are better served by those forces (or qi) this month & which worse. That applies to all enclosed spaces. What to do about it depends very much on the individual house where the energies will be individual and may qualify or contradict my suggestions. But…. wherever a wu huang  5 Star is located place a t’ang lung. And wherever there is a 7, exercise caution. Ask if in doubt.

For guidance:
Fire: upwards motion, bright light, arrangements of 9; pointy, triangles, pyramids.
Earth: stillness, crystal, stone, quiet, arrangements of 2 or 8 flat, level shapes
Metal: circular motion, music, arrangements of 6 or 7, circular & globe shapes.
Water: random motion, chatter, emotion, arrangements of 1, the shapeless, still Water.
Wood: constant motion, plants, arrangements of 3 & 4, upright, columnar shapes.

Helpful
South East, Determination: Year Star: 9 Month Star: 9
Rapid promotion, visibility, even celebrity still gathering here but also the clean emotional expression that cuts through everything and makes for transformation.
Put simply: productive and prominent still and much of the year. Occupy.
To strengthen: add Wood such as plants or even cut flowers

Not so much
South West, Accumulation: Year Star:7  Month Star: 7 (Sheep SW1 Sun)
Tetchy, even spiteful, there’s a sharpness about two Yin Metal 7s empowered by the motherly energy of the South West. Caution.
To make useful: Water 3-4 hours on the 13^th 15^th 19^th 2^nd September       
Put simply: touchy.
Note: Directions are from the tai chi (ie heart of the property)

The Fire Rooster Month
Four Point Activation for 2026:

 

 Four Point Activation for 2026:
The simultaneous 4-Point Activation of Dragon Virtue, Sun, Moon and Fortune Virtue at Ox (around 30˚ NE1), Sheep (around 205˚ SW1), Rooster (around 267˚ W2) and Rabbit (around 92˚ E2) respectively, is said to clear any major blockage.

Locations are from the tai chi.

The actual drill:
Put simultaneous attention on these four spots during the designated double hour, moving between them, making noise, cleaning, placing Water, working or whatever. The more energy expended the better. Outcome may relate to energy put in and quality of materials.

Important: Timing:
1. Activation is likely to be most effective on auspicious days. We identify these in the Monthly and Weekly bulletins available by subscription.
2. Equally important is to choose a month that is safe for your particular building; this involves the Great Sun calculation which given the orientation of your building, we can work out for you; it relates to the sitting (or rear) position and it’s a bit fiddly.

Dragon Virtue, burnishes & rescues reputation.
Sun, mends, restores, blesses.
Moon, helps things add up, organizes, tcb.
Fortune Virtue, abundance star.
Locations are measured from the tai chi.

The locations:
Measured from the tai chi.

E3:      Tin Yute. Effortless opportunities.                                      Add:
External best                                                                            Water.
Water: glass vase at least 12” tall with max surface area (ie not a bottle). Change daily or pump

SW1:    Sun. Things fall into place.                                                   Add:
External best.                                                                            Water
Water: glass vase at least 12” tall with max surface area (ie not a bottle). Change daily or pump.

Plus

W2:     Moon. Unblocking.    3+7=10                                             Add: =
Candles for four hours                                                         Fire

NE1:   Dragon Virtue. peak fortune 4+9                                    Add: =
Candles for four hours                                                       Fire.

If in doubt, don’t do the Activation.
Next suitable Date:  07:00-09:00am local time 13^th September.

Richard Ashworth©
www.imperialfengshui.info © 2026
art by @elliespinelli ©

Richard Ashworth is one of the most respected Western Feng Shui Masters.  A good taster of his approach may be found on Audible . You can also see him at work on tv’s Housebusters Most Thursdays and Fridays he is to be found teaching both feng shui and ba zi  one-to-one online (times by mutual arrangement) with students from Seattle to Belgium.
Richard has worked from Lebanon to Bermuda, in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and with stars such as Naomie Harris, Kelly Hoppen and Gillian Anderson. Unusually for a Western Master, he has addressed the Grand Masters at the International Feng Shui Conference in Singapore.

Every month we send (at a modest fee) retainer clients a more comprehensive monthly bulletin than this one, covering in detail right places to be (and when) as well as the most helpful days Animal by Animal and much more from the Chinese calendar.
Subscriptions (and further info): Sheilaashworthfengshui@gmail.com

Richard Ashworth©
www.imperialfengshui.info