The Lunar New Year is almost here!
Say farewell to the Year of the Wood Dragon because the Year of the Wood Snake is upon us, officially beginning when the new moon enters Aquarius at 4:36 a.m. PT on Jan. 29, 2025.
While every Lunar New Year prompts joyous gatherings and festivities, this year marks an especially exciting year to celebrate since the last time it was a Wood Snake year was in 1965. The year of the Snake, meanwhile, comes every 12 years.
These calculations are according to the Chinese calendar, which is based on a 60-year cycle made of the 60 possible combinations of the five elements and the 12 animal signs (comparable to Western astrology’s zodiac signs based on constellations relative to Earth).
“Each of these 60 pillars contains unique qualities and characteristics that can provide us with insights into a particular year,” Chinese metaphysics consultant Vicki Iskandar tells PEOPLE exclusively. The “Wood” in the Wood Snake is categorized as Yin Wood, which differs from last year.
2024’s Wood Dragon was Yang Wood, which is symbolized by “a sturdy tree” and associated with a “rigid, divisive and often angry nature,” explains Iskandar. 2025’s Yin Wood is associated with “flowers, leaves and grass,” she says, and described as “easygoing, flexible and diplomatic.”
A Yang year will always be followed by a Yin year. The order of the elements — which follows the cycle of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in the Chinese Five Elements theory — starts with Yang Wood followed by Yin Wood, and so on.
The Wood Snake has Yin Wood in the heavenly frequency and Yin Fire in the Snake, making it “quick and full of surprises,” says Iskandar. “Yin Wood is artistic, imaginative, and curious… Yin Fire illustrates how ideas, inspiration, and trends can form in an instant and spread quickly.”
Combine the qualities of Yin Wood and Yin Fire in the Wood Snake year and Iskandar predicts “a highly creative, collaborative and exciting year — but also unpredictable and surprising, too.” She adds, “This is a year to explore, get inspired, and share your light.”
The year of the Wood Snake is likely to benefit everyone in different ways. According to Iskandar, “It will have many of us on the move, while some of us may finally have the chance to take a break after a challenging Dragon year.”
Read on below for what to expect in the Wood Snake year for your animal sign, based on Vicki Iskandar’s predictions!
Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
Chinese Zodiac Snake.
For those born during the year of the Snake, get excited! When the year falls in the animal sign of your birth year (known as the Grand Duke Jupiter return which happens every 12 years), Iskandar says it’s “usually a year of turning points,” noting snakes specifically “thrive” in times of change.
“Be prepared to grab life-changing opportunities coming your way,” she puts forth. “Challenges will also abound, but you have the positive mindset needed to rise above them. Keep that positive mindset and your Snake return year can be one of the best years of your life.”
You might even achieve “major milestones,” Iskandar predicts, noting to “hold your cards close to the heart until you’re ready” as you “aim high” in an attempt to reach your dreams. “You move fast as a Snake, so remember to practice mindfulness and stay present at all times.”
As a Yin Fire sign, Iskandar says “your energy can be up and down.” She suggests, “Slow down and rest when needed to restore the Fire within, especially in February, May, August and November when life becomes even more fast-paced.”
Horse (1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Chinese Zodiac Horse.
If you’re born during the year of the Horse, you’re in for a treat as the Peach Blossom (star of romance and attraction) to the Snake. Buckle up for a year of love!
“The Wood Snake will offer more opportunities for the single Horse to meet more people, while the married or partnered Horse will enjoy a sweeter relationship and spend more quality time with their loved ones,” says Iskandar.
The year’s energy will affect non-romantic relationships, too. “The naturally charismatic Horse will gain even more popularity and visibility this year, which the Horse can also leverage into their career,” she explains.
“Those in public life or in sales will find the Peach Blossom effect beneficial in their public appearances or presentations as it will be easy for them to stand out among their peers,” Iskandar puts forth, noting that the horse is an “exuberant, fun-loving Yang Fire sign.”
Therefore, exuberant, Iskandar says it’s important for the Horse to “be mindful of their boundaries and take care not to overindulge… especially during the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September and December.” Also, start looking ahead!
“This is also a year to start getting ready for the year of the Fire Horse in 2026,” she shares. “Big life changes are in store for you in your Horse return year. Visualize your ideal situations and start laying the foundation needed to achieve your goals.”
Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Chinese Zodiac Sheep.
The Snake will ignite wanderlust for those born during the year of the Sheep. Getaways and relaxation are upon you.
“As a Yin Earth sign, the Sheep appreciates material comfort and prefers to stay in the comfort zone, but far away beaches and dreamy cities beckon in 2025,” Iskandar says. “Go ahead and plan those much-deserved vacations… it’s now time to give yourself a break.”
Don’t be alarmed by the possibility of feeling “overwhelmed with a heavy workload” in April, July and October. Rest assured that March, May and June are “lovely months for a getaway,” she says. “This will be your passport to wellness and make self-care your number one priority this year.”
Iskandar adds, “Your secret friend the Horse will present you with an amazing 2026… and you want to start striving for optimal health now to fully take advantage of what’s coming.”
Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
Chinese Zodiac Monkey.
While good luck was on your side in 2024, Monkey, Iskandar says 2025 may be “an even better year” because the Snake is your secret friend (the Yin to its Yang).
“The secret friend relationship is a unique aspect in Chinese astrology that’s even more beneficial and karmic than a trine with an ally, though the Monkey and the Snake also tend to push each other to the limit as travel stars,” she says.
“Take all challenges in stride as they’re designed to help the Monkey reach their highest potential,” Iskandar continues. “As the year’s favored sign, the Monkey will attract attention, support and opportunities from potential and existing allies.”
Take note of April, May and December because they “are good months for collaborations,” she explains. While the Monkey is “swift and doesn’t hesitate to act,” she points out that it’s important to “keep your awareness high” during the months of February, May, August and November.
Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Chinese Zodiac Rooster.
Those born during the year of the Rooster were quite popular in 2024 as the Dragon’s secret friend. As an ally of the Snake, Iskandar says to expect “another year of growth and harmony” in 2025.
“Focus on growing your influence even further, whether it’s gaining followers on social media or strengthening your reputation in your field,” she says. “Be discerning with who you choose to collaborate, though, especially during February, June and November.”
As a Yin Metal sign associated with Venus and a Peach Blossom star, Iskandar points out that the Rooster “easily attracts attention and admiration.” She explains, “There will be some who will be envious of your success, so stay focused and don’t let petty annoyances such as gossip bother you.”
Above all, Iskandar concludes, “Keep your frequency high, and good luck will continue to follow you.”
Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Chinese Zodiac Dog.
Things are looking up for those born during the Year of the Dog! “2024 was a heavy year full of major changes as the Dragon’s opposing sign,” Iskandar says.
“But the resilient Dog has the intuitive intelligence to adapt and turn challenges into opportunities,” she explains. “This year, the pressure will ease and the Dog will be given a chance to rebuild and upgrade.”
“Focus on building a solid foundation that will help you create your dream life,” Iskandar suggests. “Be open to support and assistance from loved ones and strangers alike. As a Yang Earth sign, the Dog has the patience to take it one small step at a time, but quantum leaps are also possible!”
She concludes, “Manage your time and energy well, however, especially during the months of April and July when the workload gets heavier.”
Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Pig.
Those born during the year of the Pig should get ready for a transformative year full of breakthroughs as the sign opposite the Snake. “Major life changes are inevitable in a clash year,” Iskandar says of when the animal sign of your birth year opposes the sign of the year.
“Initiate your own changes especially if you’ve been considering moving into a new environment, starting a family or changing your career,” she puts forth. “Think big changes and get excited!”
The Pig is the travel star to the Snake and vice versa, so you’ll likely find yourself “constantly on the move, especially in May, September, and November,” says Iskandar. “Travels can be life-changing, so choose your adventures rather than let unexpected troubles disrupt your life.”
The Pig is a Yin Water sign — so symbolically, Water puts out the Snake’s Fire. Therefore, she notes you can “rest assured you’ll be able to handle whatever surprises the Snake throws at you.”
Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Chinese Zodiac Rat.
In 2024, people born during the year of the Rat had support from their ally the Dragon. But guess what? The Snake will offer you the chance to “take further the relationships and alliances made last year,” Iskandar says.
“Opportunities may arise from these alliances, especially during the months of April and August. Plan well and success can be yours,” she advises. “Do your research before committing to a project or signing a contract, though, and fortify your online accounts to protect your assets.”
This year will be fast-paced, so Iskandar says to “focus on solidifying your foundation” whether it’s your “knowledge, skills, career, business or your assets and investments.” She adds, “You want to be well prepared for challenges coming your way in 2026 when the Horse opposes your sign.”
Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
Chinese Zodiac Ox.
You will benefit from the Grand Duke’s full support as an ally of the Snake, Ox, so prepare for a year at ease. This is the opposite of the year of the Dragon, who pushed you to your limits with heavy responsibilities and a heavy workload last year.
“The Snake offers the Ox opportunities to engage in creative projects and productive collaborations with new and existing allies,” says Iskandar. “The Snake will also bring excitement and compel the Ox to be more physically active.”
Although the humble and unassuming Ox as a Yin Earth sign doesn’t seek the spotlight, she says they may find themselves “under the spotlight often” in the year of the Snake, especially in May and June. Do not over-exhaust yourself, especially in February, July and November.
It’s important to “take little breaks to treat yourself and replenish your energy,” adds Iskandar. “There’s no need to hustle, you’ve done the work and it’s now time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)
Chinese Zodiac Tiger.
Tiger, be cautious in 2025 because the Snake squares you in the zodiac wheel. “As travel stars, both the animals are quick and thrive in a fast-changing environment,” Iskandar points out.
“They may not always agree and could find themselves on a collision course, she says. “This is a year to think before you speak and look before you leap as conflicts and mishaps can easily arise. Practice mindfulness and awareness, especially in February, May, August and November.”
The eager Tiger as a Yang Wood sign “enjoys pushing boundaries… Yin Fire in the Snake may burn out the Tiger, Iskandar says. “Check in often with your energy level, rest when needed and work off excess energy with physical activities.”
Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)
Chinese Zodiac Rabbit.
The Rabbit will feel at home in 2025, even if you’re out exploring the world! As a Yin Wood sign, Iskandar says the curious, peace-loving Rabbit “is very much aligned” with the energy of the Wood Snake year.
“Travels will feel more meaningful and profound this year with the Snake, the travel star to the Rabbit, enriching every experience,” she notes. “Keep your pen and paper handy as inspiration can strike anytime. Stay safe by practicing situational awareness while traveling.”
As a Peach Blossom star, Iskandar says the Rabbit “loves company” and “will easily meet and make new friends in their travels.” She adds, “Opportunities may come from new and existing allies, while friends and family make life sweeter.”
Above all, Iskandar concludes, “Be discerning with your trust and mind your boundaries… especially in the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September and December.”
Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Chinese Zodiac Dragon.
You can step out of the spotlight, Dragon, now that the Snake has taken over. However, your moment to shine isn’t quite over.
“2025 will offer the Dragon many opportunities to celebrate and continue the milestones achieved in 2024,” Iskandar puts forth. “As a Yang Earth sign, the Dragon is resilient and commanding but can be resistant to change and only makes a move when necessary.”
Even if the Snake throws a surprise or two to disrupt the status quo in May and November, she says the Dragon “has the strength and endurance to withstand any challenge.” She suggests, “Pay attention to work-life balance, especially in July and October.”
At that time, expect a “heavy workload” and “personal responsibilities” that may impact your health. “February and September are the best months to take a well-deserved vacation,” Iskandar adds.
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