Should we trust our Chinese zodiac forecasts? I followed my sign’s 2026 advice for a day & here’s how it went.

Every year when malls start to put up signs of Chinese zodiac predictions for the Lunar New Year, I can’t help but take a look.

I’ve never been one to take what astrologers or feng shui masters say very seriously, but I’ve also won’t say no to any extra luck.

After my sign’s “fortunes” in 2025 were unfortunately quite accurate — it was a tumultuous year indeed — I was relieved to find that they looked much more optimistic this year.

Eager to have a great 2026, I decided to follow some of the advice for my zodiac animal for a day, and find out how much change it would bring.

Good friends, good times

One of the things highlighted in my zodiac forecasts was something I already wanted to do more this year: build strong relationships.

Having just joined Mothership for less than a year, there were many people in the office I wanted to get to know better.

So I asked two colleagues to hang out together, and we went to Wingstop (#02-04) at Funan for a meal.

Looking to try something new, we opted for the restaurant’s limited-edition combo set, launched in line with Singapore Art Week. At S$15.50, each set comes with eight pieces of boneless wings in two flavours, voodoo fries, ranch sauce, and a drink.

We ordered two sets with a total of four different flavours for the wings: kecap manis, hot honey rub, lemon pepper, and garlic parmesan.

It was lovely spending time here with my colleagues, chatting amid the gentle buzz of other diners, and studying the colourful art on the walls.

This art installation was created as part of Funan’s signature campaign to celebrate Singapore Art Week 2026 now until Feb. 22, titled “Creative Intersections — HOBBYHORSE: Rhythm and Forms of Play”.

Many of the mall’s participating stores have integrated the horse motif into their artworks and store decor as part of this art-meets-retail campaign.

Wingstop itself was no exception, having been transformed into a magical land, by Singapore illustrator Clio Chuang, with art featuring a horse traveller who shares his journeys through different planets.

Thanks to the creative set-up, we felt as though we were part of the travels too, looking out of the “windows” into different fantastical worlds.

The experience was even sweeter because we could bring a piece of it back home. 

With each purchase of the limited edition combo, the staff will give you a token to insert in a machine at the front of Wingstop to redeem a sticker. 

There are several whimsical designs of the horse traveller to collect, and which one you get depends on your luck at the machine.

If you’d like to get the combo and stickers, they will be available until Feb. 22. 

Calm amid change

Our bellies satisfied, we walked around the mall to digest.

I suggested we check out The Green Collective (#02-18), as I wanted to take a look at their scented candles.

As 2026 is a fire horse year, which is considered unpredictable, some of my zodiac forecasts also warned about dealing with sudden changes.

The best approach is to remain tranquil, and not allow outside turbulence to break your calm, one advised.

Though I’ve never used a scented candle myself, I’ve been curious just how good it can be for relaxing and focus, as family and friends have told me.

The Green Collective has such a wide range of candles, it wasn’t easy to choose one.

Eventually, I settled on the bamboo crystal candle by the Slow Scent Company, which combines bamboo, cucumber, melon, and pine to create a refreshing scent of a lush forest. The vegan soy candle was also topped with a gorgeous green aventurine crystal. 

Once I read the label that these elements bring calmness, abundance, and luck, I was sold.

Keeping to The Green Collective’s mindful and sustainable purpose, the store went green for their part in Funan’s “Creative Intersections”.

Saurabh Mangla, who runs local furniture maker and retailer ipse ipsa ipsum, put together an art installation displayed at the store front.

It’s a conjoined horse silhouette made entirely from discarded plastic, and not even binders were used to hold them together.

Getting physical

Having warmed up my body walking, it was a good time for what I had planned next: a game of tennis.

Working out was a great way to check a few boxes of my zodiac advice at once. It can help me take care of my health, relieve stress, and bond with others.

I had only recently found out that Funan had an indoor racquet sports court, designed for playing tennis and pickleball. 

At Ace Club Tennis (#04-19 to 21), you can book the court for a game with your family and friends, a solo practice session, or a lesson with their professional coaches.

The kind staff, who were also the coaches, set up the tennis ball machine for me, and I practiced hitting each ball it threw at me.

After a while, I wanted to rally with someone, and one of the coaches asked if I wanted to play pickleball.

As I had never played pickleball before, I wasn’t sure, but in the spirit of embracing change and new beginnings, I decided to give it a go.

It turned out to be very fun and not too hard, also thanks to the patient and encouraging coach. I completely get the pickleball craze now.

Ace Club Tennis’ artwork for “Creative Intersections” is an eye-catching one.

Multi-disciplinary artist Veronyka Lau integrated textile, yarn, and tennis balls in bold hues for this installation, symbolising the elastic and enduring human body.

For more good health

Besides keeping active, I’m also trying to up my hydration this year as another healthy habit.

We stopped by Hydro Flask (#02-K09) to look for a tumbler to use in the office, and I was quickly drawn to one in hot pink.

At 24 ounces, or 710ml, this insulated tumbler will make it easier for me to drink more water in the office without requiring frequent refills.

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind designs, Hydro Flask at Funan is having a lucky draw where you can win a bottle with a limited edition Cultural Rhythms design by local artist Jesvin Yeo.

You get one raffle entry with any in-store purchase now until Dec. 31, 2026, and winners will be selected monthly.

There will be a new bottle design up for grabs each month, based on a total of four weaving patterns engraved on the bottles.          

While you’re at the store, do also check out the art by Yeo, made specially for Hydro Flask for “Creative Intersections”. I was amazed to learn that the rattan-like structures were made from defective Hydro Flask bottles.

Wild horse adventures at Funan

After following the advice for my zodiac animal for a day, it’s hard to say if I believe or trust it more.

What I can say for sure is that spending time with friends, moving my body and slowing down a little are habits worth keeping, zodiacs’ recommendation or not. 

I had fun with this experiment, especially surrounded by the creative art around the mall.

In total, 15 brands at Funan are participating in “Creative Intersections”, working together with 24 artists.

A few other spots around the mall also feature installations that match the campaign’s nod to the playful hobby horse — perfect to also welcome the Year of the Horse.

Funan’s iconic Kinetic Wall has been transformed as well to showcase a quirky animation. 

We caught it when we entered the mall, and were captivated by how the horse shifted bodies, including one with wings!

Do also keep an eye out for six unique horse sculptures — four displayed at Basement 2 entrance, and the others in front of the Kinetic Wall. 

They were crafted by six different artists using different materials, each inspired by Funan’s Passion themes of taste, craft, chic, fit, tech, and play.

If you’re unconvinced about zodiac forecasts, how about putting your fortunes to the test at a game? A majestic horse has taken over the Grand Stairs on the mall’s first floor, with a puzzling number of horseshoes spread around the stairs.

How many horseshoes can you spot? The first 200 shoppers to guess the correct number will stand to win 2,000 STAR$ (worth S$2) weekly from now to Feb. 22, while stocks last. 

There will be a QR code at the stairs that you can scan to submit your answers via a Google Form.

LNY shopping at Funan

Lastly, don’t miss this opportunity to get more huat for your buck while doing your Lunar New Year shopping at Funan. 

From now till Feb. 22, if you spend S$250 eCapitavoucher at participating retail stores (excluding supermarkets), you will receive S$20 eCapitavoucher cashback. 

You can find out more information about the campaign here.

This branded article by Funan made this writer excited to try more new things this year.

Cover photo by Mothership