SECTION 01What is Samjae (三災)?
Samjae (三災) literally means "Three Disasters" — water (水災), fire (火災), and wind (風災). In East Asian astrology, these three calamities are said to visit every person in a 12-year cycle, lasting three consecutive years. During this period, increased challenges in health, finances, and relationships are expected.
Samjae is determined by your birth year zodiac sign, not your full birth chart. Because of this, everyone born in the same zodiac year experiences Samjae at the same time. The 12 zodiac signs are divided into 4 groups of three, each experiencing Samjae during a specific 3-year window.
The Four Samjae Groups
Pig · Rabbit · Goat (亥·卯·未) → Samjae during Snake · Horse · Goat years (巳·午·未)
Tiger · Horse · Dog (寅·午·戌) → Samjae during Monkey · Rooster · Dog years (申·酉·戌)
Monkey · Rat · Dragon (申·子·辰) → Samjae during Tiger · Rabbit · Dragon years (寅·卯·辰)
Snake · Rooster · Ox (巳·酉·丑) → Samjae during Pig · Rat · Ox years (亥·子·丑)
Samjae is not purely negative. Traditional astrology views it as a "period of change and transition" — an opportunity to clear out the old and prepare for new directions.
SECTION 022026 Samjae — Which Signs Are Affected?
2026 is the Year of the Horse (丙午). The Horse (午) is the second year of the Samjae cycle for the Pig·Rabbit·Goat group — making 2026 the peak year (Nul-samjae).
Currently in Samjae 2026: Pig · Rabbit · Goat signs
| 2026 Samjae Sign | Birth Years | Samjae Type | Next Samjae |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pig (亥) | 1959 · 1971 · 1983 · 1995 · 2007 · 2019 | Peak Year | 2037 (Entry) |
| Rabbit (卯) | 1963 · 1975 · 1987 · 1999 · 2011 · 2023 | Peak Year | 2037 (Entry) |
| Goat (未) | 1967 · 1979 · 1991 · 2003 · 2015 | Peak Year | 2037 (Entry) |
SECTION 03Entry · Peak · Exit Year — What's the Difference?
Each of the three Samjae years has distinct characteristics and areas of concern. Knowing which type you're in helps you respond appropriately.
| Type | Meaning | Characteristics | Key Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Deul) | Challenges "enter" | Sudden changes, unexpected events more likely | Delay major decisions (investment, surgery, relocation). Get a health check. |
| Peak (Nul) | Challenges "settle" | Relatively quiet year; difficulties are suppressed | Use this window to strengthen foundations without becoming complacent |
| Exit (Nal) | Challenges "depart" | Final hurdle; end is visible but not guaranteed | Wrap up loose ends, final health check. Avoid rushing into new beginnings. |
The 2026 Peak Year (Nul-samjae)
2026's peak year is the most stable of the three Samjae years. Rather than dramatic shocks, you may experience gradual fatigue, minor relationship friction, or small financial setbacks.
Used wisely, this year is an opportunity for consolidation. Reduce excessive spending, build healthy habits, and tidy your relationships — and you'll sail through the 2027 exit year with much less difficulty.
SECTION 04All Signs Samjae Reference Table (2024–2030)
A complete overview of Samjae periods for all 12 zodiac signs.
| Group | Signs | Samjae Period | Entry → Peak → Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 亥·卯·未 | Pig · Rabbit · Goat | 2025 · 2026 · 2027 | Snake(E) → Horse(P) → Goat(X) |
| 寅·午·戌 | Tiger · Horse · Dog | 2028 · 2029 · 2030 | Monkey(E) → Rooster(P) → Dog(X) |
| 申·子·辰 | Monkey · Rat · Dragon | 2022 · 2023 · 2024 | Tiger(E) → Rabbit(P) → Dragon(X) |
| 巳·酉·丑 | Snake · Rooster · Ox | 2019 · 2020 · 2021 | Pig(E) → Rat(P) → Ox(X) |
Each group repeats on a 12-year cycle. Example: The Pig·Rabbit·Goat group's next Samjae after 2025–2027 will be 2037–2039.
SECTION 05Navigating Samjae — Traditional & Practical Approaches
Traditional Folk Remedies
Samjae talisman (부적): A yellow protective talisman hung above the door or carried on the person — a folk-belief practice to ward off the three disasters.
Samjae ritual (굿): A shaman-led ceremony to clear away Samjae energy. Can provide psychological relief and peace of mind.
Temple prayer: Buddhist ceremonies and prayers for Samjae dissolution (삼재소멸) offered at temples.
Practical Life Guidelines During Samjae
① Prioritize your health: Health issues are more likely during Samjae. Don't skip regular check-ups and avoid overworking or heavy drinking.
② Think twice before major decisions: Loans, investments, starting a business, job changes, or moving should be either postponed until after Samjae or approached with extra care and counsel.
③ Minimize conflict: Emotional arguments tend to escalate during Samjae. Practice patience and avoid unnecessary disputes.
④ Conservative financial management: Avoid impulse purchases, co-signing loans, and high-risk investments. Focus on savings and building an emergency fund.
⑤ Acts of goodwill: Volunteering, charitable giving, and kind acts are believed to offset negative energy.
Excessive fear of Samjae can lead to psychological paralysis and worse decision-making. The wisest approach is to stay alert without becoming anxious.
SECTION 06Samjae & Your Birth Chart — Why Individuals Differ
Samjae is determined by zodiac sign (birth year), but the actual intensity and areas affected vary enormously based on your full birth chart. Two people born in the same Pig year may have vastly different experiences during Samjae, depending on the rest of their charts.
| Chart Condition | Samjae Impact |
|---|---|
| Samjae branch in Day/Month pillar | Samjae energy directly affects personal life and relationships |
| Many clashes (冲·刑) in chart | Higher risk of conflicts and accidents during Samjae |
| Major luck cycle (Daewoon) also unfavorable | Compounding effect — especially challenging period requiring extra vigilance |
| Major luck cycle (Daewoon) favorable | Daewoon's positive energy can offset Samjae — relatively manageable |
| Many benefactors (貴人) in chart | Help from others appears even during Samjae, allowing crises to be averted |
A full Saju analysis combining your birth chart and major luck cycle provides far more accurate insight than zodiac-based Samjae alone.