Happy Chinese New Year! What the Year of the Snake Holds in Store

The Chinese Zodiac breaks down into a 12 year cycle with each cycle being represented by a different animal. 2013 is the Year of the Snake, this year in particular being represented by the Black Snake and the water element.

The snake is an important symbol for Chinese mythology and figures widely throughout poetry, literature and the calendar system.  The legend goes that the animals take their place within the cycle according to a race which took place to cross a great river, the snake finished sixth after hiding on the horse’s hoof and scaring him when they got to the other side.

What 2013 holds in General

The snake is generally considered to be thoughtful and wise, can approach problems rationally and logically and is quite insightful. The Water Snake for 2013 is intellectual, determined, likely to be awarded and will achieve what they desire.

The overall trend for this year will be a new found ambition for greatness, a good year for detail work and a need to be protected and safe. Interestingly, the Zodiac warns that legal documents require thorough attention and that the snake despises jumping into any financial deal, both of which our own government have clearly ignored.

On the other hand, historically the year of the Snake hasn’t exactly been great. 1929, the year of the greatest economic crash before the one we are currently in was a year for the slithery one, as was 2001 when the Twin Towers were attacked. Some Chinese couples have reportedly timed pregnancies so that their child would not be born in this year.

The Chinese Zodiac Calendar

If you are a Snake...

Well, it’s good and bad. On one hand, it hasn’t been the greatest year historically, but on the other hand all five elements are in place this year, water, fire, wood, metal and earth which proves to be a good omen.

Those born in the year of the snake endeavour to be successful and take failures quite hard. They are often stylish, fashionable and quite involved in their friend’s lives. Like their scaly friends, they are acute, cunning, proud, vain and can be vicious but on the plus side they believe in new beginnings and can shed old skin to begin a new chapter.

Previous Chinese Snake years have been 1905,1917,1929,1941,1953,1965,1977,1989,2001. Those born in the years would share certain characteristics and traditionally make great Scientists, Sociologists, Potters, Jewellers, Spiritual Leaders and Astrologers.

The good news is you will probably make a lot of money and romance could be on the cards if you get over your aloof nature! An Ancient Chinese piece of wisdom states if there is a snake in the house, you will never starve so technically you can start calling yourself the breadwinner.

All in all, a year to be cautious and perhaps not as celebrated as the Year of the Dragon, but will hopefully a better year for everyone financially. However, watch out for that Black Snake as he is known for bringing anarchy along with him!