What to Expect in the Year of the Snake, According to the Chinese Zodiac

Though the Times Square ball drop may have happened several weeks ago, you can still make the most of a fresh start, thanks to the Chinese New Year. Falling on Wednesday, January 29, the Lunar New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It will also usher in the Year of the Snake, which brings with it a surge of mindful energy and a period in which self-reflection could benefit you more than bold action.

“In 2024, we had the energy of Dragon, and dragons can fly, but the Snake lives on the ground, where it feels every vibration, every tremor, every footstep,” explains Donna Stellhorn, astrologer, feng shui expert, and author of Chinese Astrology: Life, Love, and Luck in Twelve Animal Signs  “In 2025, people will be more intuitive, aware of their surroundings and what’s going on in the world.” Read on to find out how to make the most of the Year of the Snake.

What to Know About the Chinese Zodiac Cycle Basics

Chinese astrology involves a 12-year cycle during which each year is assigned to one of the 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. The 12 animal signs are:

• Rat

• Ox

• Tiger

• Rabbit

• Dragon

• Snake

• Horse

• Sheep

• Monkey

• Rooster

• Dog

• Pig (or Boar)

In addition to being associated with one of the animal signs, each year also corresponds to one of the five basic elements in Chinese cosmology: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The unique combinations of animal signs and elements make up a 60-year cycle. And just like the animal sign of a year sets a particular tone, the element of each year adds another layer in terms of the themes you can expect.

What to Expect During the Year of the Snake

To get a sense of what you can anticipate the Year of the Snake bringing, it can help to consider the sign’s unique characteristics as well as other aspects of this specific Snake year, such as the element it’s associated with, which is Wood, and the fact that it is a Yang year (more on that in a moment).

You’ll be more cautious

Because the Snake lives on the ground, those born under this sign are more aware and mindful of the world around them, and in turn, they’re anything but impulsive or careless. Given these traits, Stellhorn asserts that we’ll be less likely to rush into anything this year. “In fact, most will take a wait and see approach,” she notes.

The Snake’s guarded approach could color how we’re all moving through the world and building momentum on our goals — and that’ll be in a slower, less dynamic way than in 2024. In other words, it’s not a hit-the-gas kind of year.

“In general, people are more cautious during a Snake year,” says Stellhorn. You might be less likely to make major money moves, or you might find that even if you’re able to get a conflict to the negotiation table, you find yourself at an impasse. “Disagreements don’t always get solved [in a Snake year],” says Stellhorn. “This year, there will be a lot of talk, but less action will actually happen as plans get tied up in knots.”

You’ll prioritize self-reflection

Adding to this slower-paced energy is the fact that this Year of the Snake is a Yang year. Whereas Yin offers up lots of go-getter energy, Yang sets more of a hibernation vibe.

“Yang and Yin alternate years,” explains Stellhorn. “2024 was a Yang year, and Yang is about pushing forward and taking action. In contrast, 2025 is a Yin year, a time for retreat, examining the results of our actions, discarding what doesn’t work, and making new plans.”

You may embrace adaptability

One of the Snake’s greatest strengths is their flexibility, a characteristic we’ll all do well to embrace more this year. “As the world goes through so many changes, such as climate change, war, and political upheaval, as well as changes in jobs due to technology, we are reminded to be adaptable,” says Stellhorn. “The Snake encourages us not to be rigid, but to look for alternatives.”

She recommends meditating on what could change in your life and, if those changes should occur, what possible avenues could you take? “The world is changing, but change is constant,” points out Stellhorn. “People have adapted to changes in the past, and they can adapt to changes this year as well.”

Snake energy also encourages us to adopt an optimistic perspective and to be tenacious and resourceful. “The Snake has some serious disadvantages having no limbs, and yet it is still able to move, live, and thrive,” explains Stellhorn. “When people look at their lives, they may see only lack, but the Snake reminds us not to focus on our disadvantages. Instead, people should look for creative ways to achieve goals.”

You can soak up knowledge and pursue personal growth

Your appetite for getting out of your comfort zone and gaining wisdom may also soar over the course of this particular Year of the Snake, thanks to the fact that the element of the year is Wood. “Wood years are all about growth, learning, and collecting information,” says Stellhorn. You might be itching to consume more content and media than ever before or to sign up for classes, download courses, and find new ways of honing various skill sets, she explains.

Chinese Zodiac Signs That Will Be Most Affected

Of course not all 12 Chinese zodiac signs will respond to the tone set by the Year of the Snake the same way. In fact, the slow-paced, self-reflective energy of the year will be especially aggravating for three signs in particular: Rat, Tiger, and Horse. These are the signs who tend to want to move forward no matter what, says Stellhorn, and they could be frustrated once they realize that they can’t move at the same pace they did in 2024 during the Year of the Dragon.

On the flipside, Ox, Rooster, and Monkey will have a more harmonious year ahead as their personalities tend to flow more easily with Snake energy. “They can quickly pick up opportunities and form new, valuable connections,” notes Stellhorn.

As a result of making significant changes over the last couple of years, Dragon and Dog are also set to have an easier time this year and to reap the rewards of recent shifts, explains Stellhorn. And Rabbit and Goat, both of which are considered intuitive like the Snake, could enjoy success if they make moves toward achieving their aspirations, she adds.

The sign that might deal with the greatest challenges over the course of the year is the Pig (or Boar), because it’s the sign that sits opposite the Snake. Because there’s potential for Pigs to feel ignored, they’ll do well to make an extra effort to speak up and express their needs, notes Stellhorn. And thankfully, there’s also reason for the Pig to celebrate, as this is the first of three years of harvest time, she points out, adding, “This means financial opportunities are abundant for them if they are willing to do the work.”

Read the original article on InStyle