By Qineng Tan, L.Ac., Ph.D. and Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
Chinese New Year 2025: Year of the Wood Snake
The Lunar New Year begins on January 29, 2025, and with it comes the Year of the Snake! As we transition from the dynamic Year of the Dragon 2024 to the mysterious and intuitive Snake Year, we can expect a shift in energy. While the Dragon represents bold and external action, the Snake encourages introspection, wisdom, and transformation. Expect changes on the horizon, for the world at large, and for you, as an individual, in the Snake Year.
Chinese Zodiac 2025
The Chinese Zodiac, like the Western Zodiac, cycles through twelve animals, with each animal representing one year in a twelve-year cycle. In addition, the Chinese astrological system incorporates the five elements—Wood, Water, Metal, Earth, and Fire—which rotate alongside the zodiac animals. 2025 will be the Year of the Wood Snake, emphasizing growth, creativity, and flexibility.
Every 12 years, there will be the return of an animal sign, but it is a 60 year cycle before the sign appears with the same element. Thus, the last time that it was the year of the Wood Snake was in 1965.
The Snake is associated with intuition, mystery, and wisdom. People born under the Snake sign are often seen as deep thinkers, strategic planners, and naturally charming. The Wood element enhances the Snake’s ability to adapt and brings a softer, more nurturing quality to its otherwise intense and focused energy. This makes 2025 a year to cultivate patience, pursue self-improvement, and seek balance in all areas of life.
What Is My Chinese Zodiac Sign?
To find your Chinese zodiac sign, look for your birth year below (if your birthday falls in January or February, double-check as the Lunar New Year varies):
Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Goat: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Pig: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Year of the Snake Horoscope
While the Dragon inspires bold moves, the Snake is known for its ability to pause and evaluate before acting. In 2025, you may find yourself encouraged to slow down, assess long-term goals, and focus on inner growth. The Snake’s association with transformation means this year could bring opportunities for personal or professional reinvention.
Top 3 Personality Traits of the Snake
People born in the year of the snake might seem casual and nonchalant, but under the surface, they are always thinking deeply and taking things quite seriously. They are great at making detailed plans, setting goals, and solving problems. On the negative side, the Snake may tend to gossip, gathering information about people and using it to manipulate the situation.
- Strategic and Thoughtful: Snakes take the time to think through problems and are deliberate in their actions, relying on their sharp intuition to make decisions. In fact, it may be difficult for the Snake to stop over-thinking.
- Charming but Reserved: While Snakes are social, they can be guarded about revealing their true selves. The snake is quite independent, and can hide in stillness for long periods of time before moving quickly to act. If the snake has a weakness, it may be that it can be suspicious of others and therefore rely on its own judgement too much.
- Resilient and Mysterious: Snakes possess a quiet strength and are drawn to uncovering life’s deeper truths.
Best Wellness Tips for 2025
The Snake’s introspective energy is an excellent reminder to care for both your mental and physical health. This year may be the perfect time to explore practices that promote mindfulness, such as meditation or acupuncture. Strengthen your resilience by supporting your immune system and prioritizing balance in all aspects of life.
Chinese New Year Traditions: Preparing for the Year of the Snake
The Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and preparation. Traditional activities include:
- Cleaning Your Home: A thorough cleaning before the New Year sweeps away bad luck and makes room for positive energy.
- Wearing Lucky Colors: The Snake’s lucky colors include green, black, and yellow. Incorporating these hues into your wardrobe or home décor can enhance harmony and luck.
- Giving Red Envelopes: Red envelopes filled with money symbolize good fortune and are a beloved tradition of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Feng Shui for 2025
To align with the Snake’s energy, focus on creating a serene and organized environment. Declutter your space and add natural elements like plants or wood accents to harness the creative energy of the Wood Snake. Incorporating calming symbols, such as the Snake itself, can further enhance a sense of peace and protection.
Bringing in new house plants is a wonderful way to welcome new energy and prosperity into your home. Great choices as lucky plants for 2025 include:
- Bamboo plant
- Lemon tree or orange tree
- Succulents with round, full leaves
- Jade plants
- Basil plants
Acupuncture & TCM for the Year of the Snake
The Snake’s connection to transformation and healing aligns closely with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the Snake symbolizes regeneration, as snakes shed their skin to grow. This year is an ideal time to focus on preventive care and balance through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mindful living.
Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, boosting your immunity, or resetting your body’s energy, acupuncture can be an invaluable tool in 2025.
Happy New Year from Art of Wellness
As we move into the Year of the Snake, it’s time to nurture your inner wisdom and embrace the opportunity for personal growth. From all of us at Art of Wellness, we wish you health, happiness, and harmony in 2025.
“岁岁平安!” — Peace and safety year after year!
