With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Year of the Snake is almost upon us. And no, I’m not talking about Taylor’s Version of Reputation — although that could be almost upon us, too. No, I am talking about the Year of the Snake based on the Chinese zodiac.
Every year, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, ushers in a new reigning animal representing one of the 12 zodiac signs. So, with the 29 January Chinese New Year this year, we will officially be entering the Year of the Snake.
We spoke to author of Chinese Astrology: The Key to Understanding Yourself, Master Chue Kay Tom CHDS YHH from The Energy Specialist to find out more about what this means for us.
When is the Lunar New Year?
This year, the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, falls on 29 January.
Each year, the Lunar New Year is determined based on the lunar cycle. “Chinese astrology respects the power of the moon and the impact it has on [our lives],” says Tom. “70% of the Earth is water as is 70% of the human body, both being impacted by the Lunar Cycle in the same way. The Lunar New Year is based on the 28-days cycle of the moon and is calculated according to the second new moon after the winter solstice.”
What is the significance of the Year of the Snake?
For 2025, the new zodiac symbol is the Wood Snake.
“Anyone watching the TV programme The Traitors [already in the right headspace] for the year ahead and the authority of the Snake because he too is a master of disguise,” Tom says. “The Snake is very attractive with a beautiful skin and gives a first impression of a soft and quiet demeanour, but he has a very astute nature that is capable of swift action – backed up by the sting in his tongue if you cause any offence. In other words, respect is the priority in the company of this leader as he doesn’t understand compromise.”
As the Year of the Snake is upon us, Tom advises “treading carefully” in every aspect of our lives.
“Wise mantras for 2025 are: act with diplomacy, avoid causing offence and deal with the facts on hand and not those gleamed from gossip,” she says. “2025 is a year for listening to each other’s needs and making the best endeavour to combine in a happy compromise for to over assert your authority is to jeopardise your own stability.”
A year of deception and uncertainty may not sound all that fun — but according to Tom, it does bring some positives, too. “The Snake is determined to instigate change and to put insecurities [in the past],” she says. “To help him do this we need to work together as a team, be prepared to compromise by giving as well as taking, do a good and thorough job in our own field and contribute where we can because every piece of a jigsaw is important.”