This year was challenging for many. The world experienced multiple natural and man-made disasters including earthquakes, floods, draught, wildfires, tsunamis, wars and catastrophic accidents. As any other year, 2025 too has been a reminder about the fragility of human life on this planet. However, the brand-new year 2026 is just a few days away, offering us the opportunity to pull ourselves out of the gloom of the past and face the future with fortitude instead of fear. Indeed, from tough times emerge tough lessons, personal growth and learning opportunities. In the words of the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, ‘change is the only constant.’ We have to keep moving and evolving because the only thing constant is change.

It is fascinating how the New Year is welcomed across the world, each culture adding its own symbolism and meaning. In Denmark, people famously shatter old dinner plates and stand on chairs before leaping into the New Year at midnight, a lively ritual meant to break bad habits and leave misfortune behind. Estonia celebrates abundance by eating seven, nine or twelve meals in a single day, numbers believed to invite prosperity throughout the coming year.

Ireland observes a deeply emotional custom, where bread is struck against walls to drive away evil spirits, followed by a special meal in remembrance of departed loved ones. Doors are left unlatched and an empty place is set at the table, honouring those no longer present. In South Africa, though now less common, the tradition reflects a dramatic ‘out with the old, in with the new’ spirit. The symbolic message behind these traditions is to ‘throw out old baggage’ and usher in humanity’s shared hope for renewal.

The Stars and Zoroastrian View of Astrology

As the year draws to a close, astrologers everywhere grow busy peering into the future. For many, astrology remains an engaging subject, fascinating and often entertaining. But when it begins to dictate everyday decisions, relationships and life choices, its charm fades. Astrology is believed to have originated in ancient Babylon, in present-day Iraq, with cuneiform tablets revealing horoscope charts dating back to the fifth century BCE and earlier. Essentially a divination practice, astrology suggests that the positions of the sun, moon and planets influence human life and events.

Ancient Zoroastrian texts reveal that early Zoroastrians and the Magi used astrology primarily to track time, date historical events and anticipate cyclical changes such as seasons and climate patterns affecting entire communities. Since Zoroastrian philosophy recognizes free will and a person’s individual and complete responsibility for her/ his thought, word and deed, it automatically rejects any suggestion that a person’s choice of thoughts, words and deeds were a result of movements of astral bodies in the skies. However, astrology may be used to indicate potential rather than absolute fated destiny, or perhaps favourable and unfavourable timing to undertake a venture.

There are no direct references to astrology in surviving Zoroastrian scriptures. However, astrology played a prominent role in Middle Persian (eighth to tenth century CE) non-scriptural Zoroastrian religious texts such as the Bundahishn (The Zoroastrian Book of Genesis or Creation) and Jamasp Namah (the Book of Jamasp or the Jamaspi). These texts are based on earlier (now extinct) religious texts. The role of astrology in Zoroastrianism is mostly cultural and not religious.

While the Zoroastrian calendar incorporated the zodiac, its primary purpose was to mark the equinoxes and solstices rather than predict individual destinies. The Zoroastrian year traditionally began with the spring equinox, around March 21, resulting in a remarkably accurate calendar. Some scholars suggest that this equinox-based system was naturally self-adjusting, reducing the need for fixed intercalary or leap days. Over time, the zodiac found its place within Zoroastrian cosmology and broader interpretations of the world, reflecting an era when the distinction between astronomy and astrology was minimal, if it existed at all.

Ultimately, our destiny unfolds in the direction of our deepest focus. When we consciously choose thoughts that are uplifting, beautiful and inspiring, we shape the course of our lives. Life is always moving forward, and optimism becomes a powerful guide. By nurturing positive intent and clearly envisioning our goals, we actively participate in creating the future we seek to live.

Focus on Happiness

While the Oxford Dictionary defines happiness as a feeling of contentment or pleasure, each of us must discover what truly makes us happy. Often, happiness lies in life’s simplest joys. Scientific research shows that happiness supports better health by reducing stress, strengthening immunity, protecting the heart and even increasing longevity. At its core, happiness is what we wish for ourselves and for those we love. Contrary to popular belief, success does not create happiness; rather, happiness fuels success in every area of life. Meaningful relationships, both old and new, play a vital role in sustaining happiness and human connection. Happier individuals tend to foster peace, compassion and harmony, choosing love over conflict.

In the Zoroastrian religion too, the emphasis is on Ushta or happiness and happiness stems from leading a positive, productive and purposeful life. Furthermore, making others happy can make us even more happy.

The time to be Happy is NOW! Life should not be spent waiting for the perfect moment. If you are unhappy with your work, the time to change is now. Life is brief, and dreams should not be postponed. If your dream is to learn ball-room dancing, the time to learn it is now and not when your knees will start to buckle! Take that swim, climb that mountain! Express love freely and speak up when something feels wrong. Move forward without regrets or resentment. Carry no regrets or resentments to your final destination.

Instill Hope! Adversity never goes away, but most adverse situations end. Most storms of life we face will end too. We may lose a loved one. We may lose a job. But, one thing we cannot afford to lose is hope… for a better tomorrow! Changing our wall or desk calendar from 2025 to 2026 will not magically change things. We must do the things that light fires of joy or enthusiasm in our hearts despite the gloom that may surround us. Life doesn’t wait for anyone, so why waste our precious time and other resources doing things we don’t feel passionate about?

Most Importantly, Prioritize Self-Care. It’s good to be caring. But care for your own self before anything or anyone else. During times of crisis, family and friends may turn to you for strength and guidance. However, you can offer meaningful support only when you are physically, mentally and emotionally well. We are human, not superhuman, and need rest, renewal and nourishment. Without refuelling, we cannot function effectively. As you step into 2026, remember the familiar flight instruction: secure your own oxygen mask first before helping others. Self-care is not selfish; it is essential!

Happy New Year 2026!