Happy Chinese New Year!  The Year of the Snake

By Kim Boomhower, LMBT

The 2013 Chinese lunar year begins on Sunday, February 10th. In the Chinese zodiac, those born in the years 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and this year are born in the sign of the Snake. In the Chinese zodiac, each animal sign is paired with one of the five elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Wood, and Water). This is the year of the graceful Water Snake. The last year of the Water Snake was 1953. Let’s take a look at some Snake characteristics, and then we’ll see how the Water element comes in to enhance it.

Those born under the sign of the Snake are wise philosophers and stealthy sages. Attractive, refined, intellectual, and spiritually aware, Snakes tend to lean toward aesthetic interests such as music, art, and design. Typically gifted with deep intuition, they gracefully carry themselves with insight, compassion, subtlety and discretion. Contemplative and private, the Snake is not outwardly emotional. Extremely cunning, the Snake will plot and scheme to make things turn out exactly as they want. Snakes tend to have a little difficulty communicating with others and have a tendency to become possessive.

The intuitive, deep and placid Water element creates a Snake that is sensitive, calm, reflective, and generally able to refrain from excesses. Water Snakes can be led by their pacifist and humanistic leanings, and have a warm, good-hearted character. Though they are helpful, sympathetic and tolerant, Water Snakes can be taken advantage of if perceived as too passive. They possess wisdom and moderation which is based on deep inner reflection.

A Brief Synopsis of the Water Snake Year

The Snake is said to be the yin to the Dragon’s yang. 2012 was the year of the tumultuous Dragon, and we can again expect a bit of a roller coaster ride in 2013 that brings both highs and lows. With the Water element bringing in more inner reflection, many of these ups and downs may be experienced from within.

The year of the Water Snake will bring with it many opportunities for career and relationship aspects of life to flourish and grow, and friendships will be more important than ever. Taking the time this year to slow down and nourish your relationships is vital. Water is an element that shapes us. It provides calm and serenity, and, like a river, it can forge within us new paths of discovery. Water’s influence on the Snake makes this a good time to try new things, further your education, or even embark on a new career or business venture. Another characteristic of Water is the ability to let go. This year, focus on letting go of any attachments which may be holding you back. Just as the Snake sheds her old skin, by letting go of what is no longer serving us we are able to transform our lives and direct the course of our future. 2013 is the year to take chances, make new discoveries and truly flourish!

Forecasts for 2013

• Snake. Born in: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

The Water Snake energy of 2013 is predicted to have both beneficial, as well as challenging energy for Snake people, especially in career and professional aspects. Although this year is generally a good one to take risks, Snakes will do better to play it safe professionally and financially this year. A better outlook is seen in your health and love relationship areas which should thrive if relationships are tended with awareness and care.

• Rat. Born in: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

As for the Snakes, Rats may find the energy of this year to be a bit challenging. 2013 can still be a successful year for business and career as well as personal relationships because it will bring many opportunities for change. This is a year of continued vitality in health for the Rat.

• Ox. Born in: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

The Water Snake energy is considered to be very good for the Ox, especially with potential wealth opportunities. Oxen should be mindful this year to avoid conflict, be it at home or work. Practicing patience and trying to stay detached from negative energies and experiences will help the Ox have a smooth and happy year in relationships.

• Tiger. Born in: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Tigers will experience vibrant health and enjoyable relationships this year. Nourishing and exciting relationships should abound in the life of the Tiger. However, the Water Snake energy can be slightly challenging for Tigers--patience and caution is the name of the game.

• Rabbit. Born in: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Good energy and vibrant health is predicted for Rabbits this year. A particularly beneficial energy is present that often expresses itself as a big opportunity. With much luck in their professional and personal lives as well, 2013 should be an excellent year for the Rabbit.

• Dragon. Born in: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Being the yang to the Snake’s yin, this year can be both challenging as well as beneficial for Dragons. This will be a particularly important year to nourish and develop personal relationships. In all aspects of life, practicing patience, care and focusing on positive energies and using your inner strength will be the key to a successful year.

• Horse. Born in: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

The Water Snake year should prove to be a good one for the Horse. Horses will find good supportive energy for most of their endeavors, with successes lying in continuing their present paths rather than exploring new ones. There could be some ups and downs in personal relationships so taking care to be sensitive and attentive to those around you will be important.

• Goat. Born in: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Ups and downs, but mostly ups, will be the trend of this year for those born in the year of the Goat. 2013 is a year for exploring and building upon your professional life and creating a stronger financial foundation. Wise Goats will stand strongly on their feet this year and won’t rush too quickly into action. Taking care to avoid conflicts in relationships, and making efforts to control their temper will serve Goats well this year.

• Monkey. Born in: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

A spectacular year is in store for Monkeys. There is an overflow of auspicious luck in career success and financial abundance. In personal relationships, there is a risk of tension, but, by using this tension, the Monkey may be able to considerably improve his or her relationships.

• Rooster. Born in: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

The Water Snake year should be excellent for the Rooster with much success and prosperity predicted to flow in. Being mindful of the need for balance is the key to absolute success this year, be it in business, relationships or with inner development. Roosters will thrive this year by staying calm, connected to their feelings and going with the flow of this Water year.

• Dog. Born in: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

This year should look better for those born under the Dog sign than the previous year. With plenty of opportunities coming their way, the best Dogs can do is stay alert and use these prospects to the best of their abilities. Taking good care of themselves and trying not to react to negative people or events is the wisest strategy this year for the Dog. Financial and career improvements are on the horizon.

• Pig. Born in: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Learning to make the best of all opportunities that come is the key to a successful year for the Pig. 2013 should give Pigs many chances to help others, something Pigs love to do. Being mindful to take care of their own needs and not exhaust themselves is important. Professionally, the Water Snake year should prove to be abundant in career opportunities and wealth. This year’s lesson in relationships is to be cautious and slow to respond when making decisions.