The 2025 Lunar New Year, according to the soli-lunar calendar, begins with the new Moon on January 29th at 4:36 am PST (12:36 UTC). This year the Sun and new Moon meet in the zodiacal sign of Aquarius. The Lunar New Year celebrations begin all over the world on this day, the first day of the second new moon after the Winter Solstice and continue for 15 days, until the time of the next full moon.
Traditional celebrations include fireworks, feasts, dances, parades and ceremonies honoring ancestors and deities. According to custom, lucky money is tucked into red envelops to be distributed and gifts are exchanged as family members travel to be together. The culmination arrives on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival when families spill into the streets, visiting with each other and carrying lighted lanterns.
The 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar relates to the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The reason these animals are called “zodiacal” is because they are believed to influence individuals’ personalities, relationships and even fortunes with certain traits when they are born during the year an animal governs.
Also, moving in 12-year cycles, each calendar year is said to be characterized by the zodiacal animal governing it. This way everyone collectively works with those unique energies until the next Lunar New year.
This is the Year of the Snake. To give you some idea of its crafty nature, one legend recounts the reason for Snake being 6th in the order of 12 animals in the cycle. There are many versions but, in this one, all the creatures on earth were invited to participate in a swimming race. The first 12 animals to cross a fast-flowing river and reach the finish line would each have a year named after them, based on the order in which they arrived. The Snake knew it was not a good swimmer and did not stand a chance on its own resources. And so, it hid itself in the hoof of Horse, jumping out just ahead of Horse as they neared the shore and so won the 6th position.
Snakes symbolize wisdom, knowledge and intuition. They are also associated with good luck, prosperity and longevity. A complex and mysterious creature, Snake has intelligent charm and creativity but can also hold the shadow of secretive or cunning ruthlessness. In some legends they are also considered guardians of sacred places and divine messengers. People born during Snake years (2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929) tend to be sensitive, powerful and creative.
Each of the 12 animals is additionally symbolized by one of the five elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water or Wood (in that order). According to the traditional Chinese calendar, the Year of the Wood Snake people have (and will) include those born Feb. 2, 1965 – Jan. 20, 1966, Jan. 29, 2025 – Feb. 16, 2026 and Jan. 26, 2085 – Feb. 13, 2086. The next Year of the Snake will be a Fire Snake beginning Feb. 15, 2037.
The element of Wood most especially aligns with growth, like a plant in the springtime – just think of how the snake can quickly shed the skin of the past. The yang Wood element is a pine tree but this is a Yin Wood year which is represented by bamboo. Snake is a Yin animal and, like bamboo, is flexible and able to bend.
Those born in the years of the Wood Snake are often seen as tactful, using diplomacy with a keen sense of justice and fairness. They are able to adapt to different situations, often easily finding solutions to complex problems.
Leaving the action-packed, outgoing energy of the Year of the Dragon (2024), we enter the rhythm of the Snake year (2025), which tends to be more contemplative. Collectively and individually, we have the opportunity to move away from old beliefs or habits that no longer serve.
Of all earth’s creatures, the Snake is the best equipped to hear the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Snake has wisdom and a healing influence leading a shift toward a more spiritual perspective where quiet, transformational progress is possible. We wish each of you the very best in finding and embodying these energies in your own way in the coming year.