The Snake in the Year of the Wood Snake 2025
Snake Pic by @elliespinelli
Who is a Snake?
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Month*: May
Hour: 09:00 am – 11.00am
Day: you’ll need a Chinese Calendar.
* Caution: the start of the Chinese month can be as early as the 4th & as late as the 9th, depending on the year. I can let you know this too.
What is a Snake?
The Snake is yin Fire and sits between the Horse and the Dragon, possibly the most powerful pair of animals in the Zodiac and certainly among the most difficult stools to fall among. So a typical weakness of the Snake is indecision. Next to that is lack of commitment and finally a propensity for sudden and uncharacteristic dishonesty. The Snake is the prisoner who breaks at the threat of torture; a reasonable decision if you know you’re going to give in anyway btw.
There are perhaps old souls and younger souls. The younger Snake often has a vivid imagination and an inconsistent relationship with the truth; the older Snake may treat Truth as sacred. And Snakes being of Candle Flame Fire, can be easily discouraged. Sometimes they should be actually. Some Snakes stick long term with an inappropriate choice so as to put off making any choice at all.
The most written about Snakes in the third decade of the 21st century are apt to include Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. Xi, born in 1953, the year of the Snake in the Grass and appointed at a time when the internal tensions in China – between efficiency and self-expression, between industrial wealth and rural poverty and between cohesion and corruption – had never been so stark. Never question his sincerity – he means what he says – but he is likely, like his near-twin Tony Blair, to believe that the more he is opposed by those whose beliefs conflict with his own, the more right he must be. For both of these, dictatorship – that is tianming the Mandate of Heaven – is the preferable regime because the Snake can so often not tell the difference between their viewpoint and the absolute. Is this the mark of the young soul?
Older souls may include left-wing totem Bernie Sanders. Born a Metal Snake in 1941, his bluntness is typical of the mature or balanced Snake. A spade for him is not a manually-operated digging instrument but a damn spade. Perhaps too truthful for his own good – at least career-wise.
Truth is the defining issue for the Snake. They can vary between the life-long seeker after truth and the fibber but it is truth that runs them.
Typically, squeezed between the two, the choice for the Snake is between opposites: the extroversion of the Horse and the subtlety of the Dragon, instinct and logic, process and end product, long and short term, relationship and freedom, employment or entrepreneurship. In the face of this dilemma, a balanced Snake will often develop sufficient charm to get through without having to make the hard decisions. In Dragon times Snakes are reckoned to find their Teacher.
Typically the Snake of either gender is not the decision maker in relationship. When they marry a Pig this is doubly so; the power of the Pig’s uncertain yin Water may precisely match the delicate yin Fire of the Snake, often making for stand-offs and provisional decisions. Those decisions the Snake has not made may include the one to be committed to the relationship. The partner of the Snake (best choice probably Ox or Rooster though Monkey lady and Snake man works well) would be well-advised to drag at least this minimum communication from the Snake early on. Interestingly Snakes can despite all this be among the best makers and keepers of relationship of all 60 Animals. But they sure can make it hard for themselves.
One of the advantages of being between the autocratic Dragon and the unruly Horse is that the Snake has her ego in check. Many would consider her wise because what she has to say is well-considered and she never says too much. The Snake can be a brilliant collaborator, especially with the Ox and the Rooster who are in a sense similar to her neighbours: the Rooster is blatant (much like the irrepressible Horse, both are, like it or not, pure) and the Ox determined (like the heads-down Dragon) while the Snake anchors them to each other. There may be moments of doubt when the Snake’s loyalty wavers. At such times, the Snake asks searching questions which should have been settled long ago and then usually re-commits. The high- minded Brutus was probably a Snake. Not Judas though. To know this, grants the Snake both power and integrity. Snakes who know this about themselves earn undying trust.
The Snake can also work with the Dragon in what is called the House of Magic#. Only she can subordinate her ego to the extent that the Dragon demands while also keeping up. An ideal Snake vocation is high-level p.a. Usually (and wisely) the Snake opts to be No 2 rather than Big Chief.
The Snake often has the intellectual and visual gifts of Fire. She makes a good critic as her judgement is sound and she is not out to destroy egos. She will generally have natural and effortless style too.
On the other hand the Snake has a love-hate relationship with the Monkey. Both have hands-on and logical ability and both attract occasional tussles but where the Monkey welcomes an opportunity for mischief, the Snake treats dispute as a regrettable evil. When a Tiger appears in such a form as a Tiger-born person or a Tiger month (February), this misunderstanding can turn nasty. In a Dog year like 2018 it was plainish sailing, in an Ox Year such as 2021 – when the Monkey was for the second consecutive year, favoured – more complex. If there are Monkeys in your friend group, seek them out and try to find common ground. They may save you when the chips are down; it still won’t be their priority though.
The Snake is opposed to the Pig and as both are members of the informal group sometimes called the Four Terminals#, they can impede each other’s movement. Snakes may develop mobility issues in a Pig year and vice versa.
The Snake prefers a short menu and yes/no questions. In a Rat year their yin Fire may be baffled by the width of choice represented by yang Water. It’s possible that the Snake’s dreams will come true only for her to sprint in the opposite direction. Deep communication often has to be wrenched from the Snake and in the Water years of Rat and Pig there is little support for the tight-lipped. In the Ox year that follows, expect just enough Water but not too much. This makes scope for the restricted level of communication the Snake prefers.
Final health note: Snakes have a complex relationship with Fire. They are not usually sun-worshippers but often their skin needs just a little regular sun and without it they may fall prey to easily avoided ailments such as vitamin D deficiency. Caution!
# These terms are the brain children of the man who first introduced me to the Chinese Zodiac, Derek Walters, still the only Western authority respected to any degree in Asia. I sometimes tell my students that of the many thousands of books written on Chinese Astrology in the West, 99% are either nonsense or derived from Derek’s The Complete Guide to Chinese Astrology. Or both.
2025, Breezes, Hurricanes, Twisters,
The outlook for the Year of the Wood Snake.
Note: There are four (or five) Pillars in your ba zi, each with a different nuance. It is as unlikely that they are all ill-starred as it is that they are all blessed by any given year. Examine the portents for each and perhaps use that as an indication of how to respond.
Snake
Tai Sui Yik Ma, Yeung Yan Yum San
Poked Restless Poor Timing Bonding issues
The Snake is among the most creative of the Zodiac Animals, generally gifted with sound memory, wit and analytical skills. The Snake’s concern is often with truth, its maintenance, attribution and in some cases its distortion. This may be because she can confuse creativity and falsity.
This is your year, one when you may technically be “poked” (that is distracted) because your home position in the South East faces into the tai sui (or Great Year) the most powerful adverse energy of any year. So avoid sabotaging yourself by facing directly in that direction (SE3 – SSE around 155º). If the door by which you leave the house or office is here, use another – though there are some tricks to get round that. This applies to us all by the way but more to some animals than others.
Taking the opportunity to travel (not South East), as the Yik Ma Star indicates, is appropriate – November probably best for this, if you can wait that long. That is the Pig Month of course and the Yik Ma calculation relates to the Pig to whom you are directly opposed on the calendar, the compass and the clock. So home or abroad, protect yourself. This is a year of deception. If you are not keen to travel, place a large stone at NW3 (around 330º NNW) the Pig location. Be very aware of the possibilities of scams and deceptions while away from home. A Rabbit amulet might help – but we cross a line here between the technical and the magical.
Second: watch for the so-called Fire Penalty. This distraction is reckoned to occur when Snakes are confronted simultaneously with Tiger and Monkey and makes for interference: triangular relationships, unrequested intervention, gazumping and blockage. Obviously this is endemic in 2025 and sharpest in the relative months, so best not to buy property for instance in February, May or August.
The Fire Penalty may manifest as some kind of family falling out. As Bob Dylan wrote “to live outside the law, you must be honest”. Keep your nose clean and judge as little as you can manage. You may have to draw deep on resources of grace.
At such times and in such places (North East and South West) you may find that you need to put more attention on your closest relationship(s). The solution is the Pig – who brings objectivity, often not your strength – – so November may be surprisingly supportive, also Pig days and the hours prior to midnight and equally surprisingly, Pigs themselves. Very much a Pig year for you.
Snakes, although on the face it Yin Fire, are actually made up of a cocktail of Earth and Fire with a smidgeon of Metal. It’s this smidge that attracts you to hard facts. Those diverse Elements may take your thinking strange places this year. You are smart and thorough but many of your opinions remain mutually contradictory and will not stand robust examination. On the other hand you will burst if you don’t communicate. If you can be a bit more at ease with paradox this is no problem but it will take considerable courage to put yourself through real scrutiny. Don’t believe your own excuses. Your partner(s) may not in any case. This may apply most to those born between the 5th and 9th of May and again during January, May and August
The Snake, especially those employed in the media, will tend to be the arbiter of what is and what is not valid in 2025. Brave ones will contest the more blatant untruths; others will exploit the confusion. Your Hexagram suggests your most likely course is standing clear of dispute and hoping that eventually stability will emerge. This may as likely be a domestic thing as a commercial one.
Take a stand. Ultimately this will reveal that not everyone is your friend but you will know who the real ones are. That is a risk worth taking this year. As a rule your allies are other Snakes, Monkeys (but watch for mischief and not both together) Roosters and Oxen. Horse too but they may be a bit much: you probably don’t need further Fire, that is attention, or the discomfort that makes for premature movement. This is a year to remember your relationship with the Tao and respect it; broadly that is how you will navigate best. You do know how to do this.
It is good news perhaps that how the world turns this year is almost certain to be less awful than the Snake fears. Hold close those who truly know you. Here Oxen will tend to be most help, Rabbits too.
Think of wealth as Earth element this year; land, riches and security may change hands very little. So increased material assets are unlikely to fall your way right away; opportunities might but that will depend upon whether you are prepared to step up. If there are openings seize them. Again the Ox (January, the North East, yin Earth) is your guide. Consistency and wealth are closely related this year. Stick to your guns. Family are your strength: fall back on those who know you best when you falter.
Strong opinions that will not bear a great deal of scrutiny are a liability in the world of investment. Best not to this year at least. As long as you are gracious it can be an asset to a leader (or rather 2nd-in-command, your best role). You just don’t appear as flexible as you are and you may believe your wise reputation is thus threatened. It isn’t. The world awaits your leadership which from March or so you may show in speech or writing as much as by action. Seek reflection before you open yourself or your opinions to the world. A friendly Pig remains your best resort this year, believe it or not.
The Yeung Yan Star suggests your health may be shaky as this is one way you express uncertainty. This is most threatening of course in your nemesis months of February and November which could bring mild fever. Stay hydrated and make sure that you’d sooner be upright than suffering. Cut your hair regularly and donate blood when possible.
You are may be over-stretched mid-year, mostly if you won’t let go of habits and beliefs that have become redundant. Time you did. If it’s your Day Branch that is a Snake this could undermine your closest relationships. Remember that – however terrifying it may sometimes be – communication can solve anything. If you are not by nature frank, try to be. It’s so much quicker.
If you were born in a Snake Month you may be tempted to change professional direction. If you seek notoriety, commit to a position, order your thoughts without attention to their acceptability and express them. There are intermediaries looking for the sort of clear wise position that is bubbling under your prevarication.
In relationship you probably need to address some of the issues from which you have shied away. Remember that Love is a verb not a noun. And some of the relationships in which you feel like a petitioner are actually if anything the other way round. Male Snakes might seek Monkeys for understanding and indeed vice-versa
Wood is often your best ally. You will find it in Rabbit and Tiger friends and indeed if approached carefully, the Pig. These three are your support system this year. The Wood months are of course February, March & April and Wood activities include writing, planting and nurturing. Your mantra is to give without accounting for reward. You may be astounded at how rewarding this is.
Fire Penalty: February, May, August
Lesson: Grounding learning
Best Months: March, April, September, January.
Worst Months: May, July, November.
Theme: standing up and being counted.
Hexagram: 5 Xu Waiting.
Health: 😒 Wealth: = Relationship: =
Where to find help: other Snakes, Rooster, Ox, Monkey, Pig
Who should I be careful with: Tiger, some Monkeys, some Dragons
This forecast is prepared by comparing your own Chinese year Animal with the Wood Snake of 2025. Your Year Animal is just one of the four that make up your Ba Zi or Four Pillars of Destiny. A fully-drafted ba zi can indicate possible futures and probable pasts as well as moments of decision. Knowing these moments can heal and prevent heartbreak as well make success and happiness more easily achievable. What is a ba zi?
© Richard Ashworth 2025