The Year of The Wood Snake 2025

The Lunar New Year is this week, kicking off on January 29, 2025, and we’re slithering into the Year of the Snake. Warmest New Year’s to everyone, no matter what, hope springs eternal.

What is the Chinese and Tibetan New Year?

Lunar New Year, often called Tibetan/ Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a massive celebration marking the start of the new year in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It’s been around for about 3,500 years— such a longstanding tradition. This festival bids farewell to winter and welcomes a fresh spring, renewing start. Folks clean their homes to sweep away the stagnant energy, decorate, cook and bake, use a lot of red and gold symbology, and feast with family. Tibetans will have their annual ritual bath, clean their homes and belongings and make elaborate shrine offerings and family celebrations. It’s a time of renewal, optimism, and hope.

What is the Snake Symbology?

In Chinese culture, the snake is a bit of a mixed blessing. On one hand, it’s linked to the yin—think of receptive, darkness and feminine earth energy. Many ancient stories paint snakes as conniving and seductive. The snake, as we know in Christianity, represents temptation, deceit, evil and carnal sexuality.  Snakes in Tibetan culture often refer to the mythical Nagas, klu or klu-mo powerful but temperamental water spirits and get very angry and retributive when the earth and water are disturbed or polluted. But in Chinese symbology, snakes are seen as “little dragons,” symbolizing good luck, rebirth, and royalty.  There is the ancient “The Legend of the White Snake,“ classic story highlighting the snake’s ties to sensuality, love, marriage and happiness. Also, snakes are often paired with turtles (luck and fortune) and cranes as symbols of longevity.

Why 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake

The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle, each year linked to an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2025 is the Snake’s turn. Each year also aligns with one of five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. For 2025, it’s Wood. So, we’ve got the Year of the Wood Snake. Wood This combo suggests a year brimming with growth and a dash of passion, danger, shedding of the skin transformation and new life.

“In Chinese and Tibetan philosophy, “Wood” symbolizes growth, new beginnings, vitality, flexibility, and the energy of spring; it represents the potential for expansion, creativity, and movement, often associated with qualities like warmth, generosity, and cooperation, much like a growing tree reaching towards the sky”

Born in the Year of the Snake? Here’s What It Means

If you’re a Snake sign, you’re likely resilient, courageous, and a social butterfly. You’re the friend who keeps the group together and tackles challenges head-on. But sometimes, you might feel a bit lost under pressure, distracted and need to get back on track. Snakes are known for their exceedingly sharp minds and quick decision-making skills, making them natural leaders. Just watch out—some folks might find you mysterious and indeed with hidden fangs laden with poison, you can be a tad intimidating!

Dos and Don’ts for the Year of the Snake

• Avoid Hurting the Earth or Water, especially Snakes and Reptiles: Harming snakes this year is a big no-no. It’s believed to bring bad luck. Instead, show them some respect to attract good karma. Make offerings to the Nagas or Tibetan Water spirits.

• Travel East, Not West: Traditionally, heading east is seen as more auspicious for Wood Snake folks. So, maybe plan that trip to the East Coast?

  

Lucky Colors to Wear or Keep On Your Body in 2025

• Red: A classic good luck charm, red is thought to ward off evil spirits. Plus, it’s associated with Fire, balancing out the Wood energy.

• Green: Symbolizing growth and harmony, green enhances the Wood element’s positive vibes.

• Gold: Representing wealth and prosperity, adding a touch of gold to your wardrobe or decor could invite some financial luck.

I offer some gemstone colored bracelets that I make here.

It is important to connect with receptive, feminine earth energy this year, like walking on the earth barefoot. Go to places where there are very dark skies and stargaze, drink up the yin energy of the earth and sky. If you have the privilege to do so, create a nurturing home to recharge and renew, free from inner- outer- and secret “poisons” like: toxic news, toxic social media and so on.

I will be devoting 50% of my time to self care, meditation and retreat and 50% to social activism, and being a voice for people and climate change (to appease the Nagas!). Meditation and self care will fortify us to face whatever environmental and social challenges appear. Please, never give up and never lose hope. People are powerful, resilient and have endured the best and worst of times. Use your voice, use your power. My Tibetan teacher often said:

“Don’t underestimate your power. One person can harm the whole world and one person can heal it.” Tsoknyi Rinpoche

So, as we gear up for the Year of the Snake, let’s embrace the change, reflect on our aspirations and  journey, and slither smoothly into a year full of new possibilities.

CHECK THE PREDICTIONS FOR 2025 FOR YOUR ANIMAL YEAR

Happy Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake 2025, wellness to all!

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References:

https://www.termatree.com/blogs/termatree/tibetan-year-of-the-wood-snake-2025-what-can-this-mean-for-you

https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/01/23/lunar-new-year-chinese-2025-year-of-the-snake.html

Image: https://multimedia.scmp.com/infographics/news/china/article/3295411/year-of-snake-2025/index.html