Three Calamities: Meaning and the Distinction of First, Middle, and Last Phases, 2026 Fire‑Horse Year Affected Signs and Ways to Relieve Them

Three Calamities are a three‑year period that recurs every nine years, considered a time when extra caution and self‑care are needed in life. The three years are divided into the first year, the middle year, and the last year, each with its own points of attention. In the 2026 Fire‑Horse year, the signs affected by the Three Calamities are Rat, Dragon, and Monkey, and traditional recommendations for easing the influence include nurturing habits, generous giving, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Three Calamities refer to three periods of misfortune that return every twelve years in Korean birth‑chart practice, divided into the first year, the middle year, and the last year, lasting three years in total. In the 2026 Fire‑Horse year, the signs affected by the Three Calamities are Rat, Dragon, and Monkey, and the sign that experiences the first year of the cycle is the Monkey, which is the 'first year' phase.

Basic Concept of the Three Calamities

The term literally means 'three disasters' and originates from a traditional belief that dividing a person's life into twelve‑year cycles creates clashes of yearly, monthly, and daily energies that bring misfortune. The signs that fall under the Three Calamities are determined by the three‑harmonious relationship among the earthly branches, and years when the Three Calamities are present are considered to require special caution.

Among the twelve earthly branches, three animals that form a harmonious trio are grouped together and experience the Three Calamities sequentially for three years. For example, the Monkey, Rat, and Dragon form one such group, and each sign is believed to face misfortune in turn over a three‑year span.

Meaning and Differences of the First, Middle, and Last Phases

First Phase (Entry)

This is the year when the Three Calamities first begin, and the affected sign experiences the full onset of misfortune energy. In the 2026 Fire‑Horse year, the Monkey sign is in the first phase, and it is advised to pay special attention to new environmental changes or unexpected events.

Middle Phase (Peak)

This is the year when the Three Calamities' energy is at its strongest, considered the peak of misfortune. In 2026, the Rat sign is in the middle phase, and tradition advises extra caution in health, relationships, financial matters, and other areas.

Last Phase (Exit)

This is the year when the Three Calamities are winding down, a concluding stage after the first and middle phases. However, the energy does not disappear entirely, so it is advised not to let one's guard down until the end. In the 2026 Fire‑Horse year, the Dragon sign is in the last phase.

Details of the 2026 Fire‑Horse Year Affected Signs

The year 2026 is the Fire‑Horse year, symbolized by a red horse; its heavenly stem is fire and its earthly branch is horse. The signs subject to the Three Calamities this year are as follows.

• First Phase – Monkey: the opening year of the Three Calamities, caution needed for change and new beginnings
• Middle Phase – Rat: the peak year of the Three Calamities, watch for conflicts and losses
• Last Phase – Dragon: the concluding stage of the Three Calamities, do not become complacent

Signs not listed above are not directly affected by the Three Calamities in 2026, so they can generally expect a relatively calm energy, though individual birth‑chart configurations may still bring other influences.

Ways to Ease the Three Calamities and Precautions

Traditional ways to ease the Three Calamities include performing good deeds, visiting temples or shrines to pray, carrying or attaching a protective talisman, and wearing red underwear or accessories.

Practical Life Advice During the Three Calamities

• Review major decisions or investments carefully and avoid rushing.
• Pay attention to health and keep up with regular medical check‑ups.
• Be cautious with words and actions in relationships to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
• Engaging in charitable work or volunteering is believed to help purify the mind.

However, the Three Calamities should be understood not as absolute bad luck or a curse, but as a signal to be more careful and reflect on oneself within the natural cycle. Birth‑chart analysis is a tool for self‑understanding and reference, not a substitute for personal choice and effort.

A Balanced View of the Three Calamities

The Three Calamities are a traditional folk belief and part of birth‑chart theory, but rather than blaming all misfortune on them, it is better to use them as a reminder to examine one's own actions and surroundings. In particular, medical, legal, or financial matters should rely on professional advice rather than birth‑chart interpretation.

Just because a year is marked by the Three Calamities does not mean one should be overly fearful or passively follow destiny. Instead, living more diligently and cautiously during this period can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.