The energy of time is never static. Based on the analysis of the annual pillars, the next five years promise significant shifts in elemental dominance, from the intense Wood-Fire phase to the gradual ingress of Metal and the eventual closing of the Fire vault. Here’s your cosmic forecast from 2025 to 2030.

2025: Yisi Year (乙巳年) — The Pure Wood-Fire Ignition

The year 2025 is characterized by Yi Wood (乙木) producing Si Fire (巳火). Notably, the Yi Wood has no strong rooting in the Earthly Branches this year. This makes Fire the strongest element, followed by Wood.

This configuration creates a pure, unidirectional generation cycle (Wood → Fire), which is far more straightforward and potent than years plagued by clash and conflict. The energy is purely Wood-Fire, uncontaminated by the complex energy of the four storage vaults (辰, 丑, 未, 戌).

However, if your natal chart or current luck pillar contains elements like Chou Earth (丑土), You Metal (酉金), or Shen Metal (申金), the Si Fire can easily be influenced or “betrayed,” preventing you from fully experiencing its vibrant, motivating energy.

2026: Bingwu Year (丙午年) — The Peak of Fire

2026 brings an even more intense Fire energy. The combination of Bing Fire (丙火) atop Wu Fire (午火) creates a massively powerful, dry Fire year—the strongest in recent and coming years.

Wu Fire (午) is also the禄 lu (strength base) for Ji Earth (己土), meaning a robust, hidden Earth energy is also present.

• For those who favor Fire: This year will feel exceptionally supportive, especially for those needing warmth in their chart.
• For those who favor Earth: The hidden Earth energy will also be beneficial.
• For those who dislike Fire: Prepare for a challenging, potentially overwhelming period.
• Key Interactions: A chart with many Zi Water (子水) branches will experience Zi-Wu clash (子午冲), which can counteract some of the intense Fire. A chart with Yin Wood (寅木) will further fuel the Fire, making it even stronger.

2027: Dingwei Year (丁未年) — Fire-Earth and the Closing Wood Vault

On the surface, 2027 is a Fire (Ding) and Dry Earth (Wei) year. However, Wei Earth (未土) is also the tomb vault for Wood. This year signals the point where the robust Wood energy from previous years begins to weaken and be stored away, similar to the 2015 Yiwei year.

While the Wood vault is present, Wood does not appear on the surface (the Heavenly Stem). The Wood energy this year is even weaker than in a Jiachen (甲辰) year. This year primarily benefits those who favor Fire and Earth.

2028: Wushen Year (戊申年) — The Ingress of Metal

2028 marks a pivotal shift. Following the storage of Wood in 2027, this year begins the ingress of Metal energy. Wu Earth (戊土) on top of Shen Metal (申金) creates a pure Earth-generating-Metal flow.

Shen Metal also contains latent Water energy. This year will feel excellent for those who favor Earth and Metal.

Notably: If your natal chart or luck pillar contains Zi Water (子水) or Chen Earth (辰土), the Wushen year will activate a very strong Water energy for you, previewing the upcoming Water phase.

2029: Jiyou Year (己酉年) — The Pure Metal Essence

Similar to 2028, 2029 is another pure Earth (Ji) - Metal (You) year. The You Metal here is one of the four cardinal energies (子、午、卯、酉), making it a purer, more concentrated Metal force compared to the Water-tinged Shen Metal of 2028.

This results in an even purer Earth-Metal quality than the previous year. It’s another strong year for those who favor these elements.

2030: Gengxu Year (庚戌年) — The Closing of the Fire Vault

2030 is a year of strong Earth and Metal, but its defining feature is the closing of the Fire tomb vault (戌). The Fire energy that dominated the mid-2020s officially begins to be stored away in the second half of this year, mirroring the 2018 Wuxu year.

Once this Xu Earth (戌) vault closes, Wood and Fire energy will become notably weak in the subsequent years, closing a significant chapter of elemental influence.

The Big Picture

The next five years chart a clear cosmic journey: from the peak of pure, generative Wood-Fire energy, through a transition where Wood is stored and Metal gains strength, finally culminating in the vaulting of Fire itself. Understanding this macro-cycle allows you to align your strategies—whether in career, projects, or personal growth—with the prevailing cosmic currents.

TL;DR: 2025-26: Pure Fire dominance. 2027: Fire-Earth, Wood stored. 2028-29: Earth-Metal ascent. 2030: Metal strong, Fire vaulted. Align your actions with the elemental tide.

P.S. Your personal experience will be uniquely filtered through your natal chart. Find your favorable elements to see where your luck lies!