Year of the Wood Snake for the 12 Animal Signs

The Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake arrives on January 29, 2025 as the Moon turns new in Aquarius at 4:36AM Pacific Time (or 8:36PM in China). We’re in for an exciting, fast-paced 2025 with the Snake, the most fascinating and surprising sign in the Chinese zodiac. Whereas the Dragon empowers, the Snake inspires. This is a year to create, share your light, inspire, and be inspired. Many of us will be on the move and going on adventures - such is the nature of the Snake as a travel star.

Read on below for insights on what the year of the Wood Snake holds for the animal sign of your birth year. You can check out my earlier post on Navigating 2025: Year of the Wood Snake for guidance from the five elements in the year ahead.

*If your birthday falls between January 1 to February 3, read the previous year’s animal sign. While the date for the lunar new year varies each year according to the new moon that falls between January 20 to February 18, the astrological new year begins on February 4th each year (or on February 3rd occasionally) according to the solar calendar, which is the calendar used by Chinese astrologers to calculate a person’s natal chart. In 2025, the astrological new year starts on February 3 at 10:10pm China Standard Time (or 6:10am Pacific Time) as the Sun enters 15° Aquarius. A baby born before this time will still be considered a Wood Dragon, while those born after will have the Wood Snake as the year animal sign in their natal charts. Keep in mind that these are very general insights of the animal signs, as you can have up to four animal signs and four heavenly stems (the Yin or Yang manifestation of the five elements) in your birth chart. You can calculate your chart here.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Your year is finally here! You have been anticipating and preparing for the Snake to return, and what an exciting year it will be for you! The Snake is the most interesting and dynamic sign in Chinese astrology. As a Yin Fire sign, the Snake is the light in the dark who can easily inspire others. This is a year to make an impact and grow your influence as your light will shine brighter and brighter. As a travel star, the Snake loves to shake it up and thrives in times of change. New horizons are waiting – just remember to practice mindfulness in your actions and movements, and rest when needed to restore your vitality, especially in February, May, August, and November, when life becomes even more fast-paced.

The year one encounters the animal sign of their birth year (also called the Grand Duke Jupiter return), which happens every 12 years, is usually a life-changing one. The Grand Duke Jupiter visiting your sign presents you with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as well as challenges along the way designed to get you out of your comfort zone. 2025 can be your most successful year with major milestones achieved, or this can also be a year of unexpected change. A positive mindset can make a big difference in shaping your Snake Return year. Step it up and be bold and proactive in initiating your own change, especially in September and January 2026, when you have the support of not only the Grand Duke but also your zodiac allies the Rooster and the Ox in the months, while August offers protection from secret friend the Monkey. With star 1 of wisdom and future prosperity occupying the Southeast palace where the Snake resides in the Bagua map, invest in tools and activities that will set in motion long-term prosperity. 

Those born in 1965 will experience a “double return” year from Yin Wood in the heavenly frequency of the year and the Snake, which usually coincides with the second Saturn return in Western astrology. Many people may enter a new phase in their personal life or career. Some may retire, while others achieve a career high or even start a new career or a side gig that’s more aligned with their purpose. This is a power year for you! Put yourself in the driver’s seat and make your moves, or the universe may make them for you.

Horse (1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

It’s a lovely social year ahead for the Horse as the Peach Blossom to the Snake. Peach Blossoms are stars of romance and attraction, and the charismatic Horse will gain even more popularity and attention from this special relationship with the Snake. The Horse will be highly visible and it will be easy for the Horse to make a positive impression, which makes 2025 a great year to meet more people for those who are single, while those already partnered may deepen their relationships. The Peach Blossom effect will also help the Horse gain a competitive advantage in sales pitches and presentations in business settings. Since Peach Blossoms love to have fun, and especially the Horse as an exuberant Yang Fire sign, take care not to overindulge especially during the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September, and December. The Horse will also enjoy a rise in their career with star 6 of power and authority visiting the South palace where the Horse is located in the Bagua map. The Wood Snake year is also a time of preparation ahead of your Horse Return year - visualize where you’d like to be in 2026, the year of the Fire Horse, and start taking the steps needed to manifest those visions.

Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

As the travel star to the Sheep (also called the Goat or the Ram), the Snake offers opportunities for the Sheep to travel, whether for business or pleasure. As a Yin Earth sign, the Sheep may prefer to stay in the comfort zone, but with adventures very much on the horizon this year, now’s the time to plan those much-deserved vacations. The Dragon, a fellow Earth sign, may have presented heavy responsibilities in 2024. There will still be obligations to fulfill during the months of April, July, and October, but the pressure will ease, and with star 8 of outgoing prosperity visiting the Southwest sector where the Sheep is located in the Bagua chart, rewards come from hard work. Remember to check in within and prioritize your health. Treat yourself kindly and give yourself a break when you need to return to your center. The Wood Snake year is a time to be strategic - start laying the foundation for the success and stability that you’ve been craving as 2026, the year of the Horse, your secret friend, is poised to be one of your best years. The more prepared you are, the better it will be!

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

The Year of the Wood Snake can be one of the best years for the Monkey! As the secret friend of the Snake, the Monkey is the most favored sign of 2025. As an ally of the Dragon, the Monkey enjoyed support from their peers in 2024 and will continue to gain support and recognition in 2025. This is a year to solidify your partnerships and expand your networks as alliances are key to your growth, and others will see you as an important ally. The secret friend relationship is a unique aspect in Chinese astrology that’s even more beneficial than a trine with an ally, though the interaction between the Monkey and the Snake can be challenging and ever-shifting. As a fellow travel star, the Monkey also squares the Snake in the zodiac wheel, which can manifest as tough love or a blessing in disguise. Success can be yours with star 8 in the Southwest sector where the Monkey resides in the Bagua chart (shared with the Sheep), but there’s little gain without pain. You thrive in a fast-paced environment and 2025 will fly by for you – slow down every now and then to catch your breath. Be extra mindful during the travel star months of February, May, August, and November.

Those born in 1980 with the Metal Monkey pillar in their birth year will enjoy a double secret friend protection in 2025 as Yang Metal in the heavenly frequency of the Metal Monkey pairs up with Yin Wood, its other half. In Chinese astrology, the 12 animal signs pair up into 6 Yin and Yang duos of “secret friends”, who mutually support and protect each other. Each of the 10 heavenly stems also has a match. When a Yang heavenly stem meets its Yin other half, the result is balance and harmony. In 2024, the Earth Rooster is the Yin to the Wood Dragon’s Yang, and in 2025, the Metal Monkey is the Yang to the Wood Snake’s Yin.

*The secret friend of the animal sign of the year can serve as a symbol of protection during the year - an ancient tradition I love that is still in practice today. In 2025, no matter what sign you are, it's a good idea to carry a charm or an image of the Monkey as a symbol of protection. It can be a pendant, a key chain, or even a plush toy. If you have the Metal Monkey card from my oracle deck, The Chinese Five Elements Oracle, you can carry it with you or put it on your desk or in your car.

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Rooster was blessed with the Dragon’s secret friend protection and support in 2024. As an ally of the Snake, the Rooster can expect to continue their good luck in 2025. Keep up with the momentum and nurture the projects and partnerships you’ve gained in 2024. Be open to collaborative opportunities with new and existing allies. Your influence is growing! As a Yin Metal sign associated with Venus and a Peach Blossom star, the Rooster loves the finer things in life and can easily charm others. This year you’ll get to have fun doing your work and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Star 4 of romance and creativity in the West palace where the Rooster resides in the Bagua chart brings sweetness to relationships and increases the Rooster’s popularity even further. Those who are single may get more opportunities to meet potential partners during the year, but practice discernment if you’re already partnered as the star can also cause affairs, especially during the months of February, June, and November, when its effect is amplified.

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

The Dog can take a big sigh of relief in 2025 now that the Snake has taken over. As the Dragon’s opposing sign, the Dog faced heavy pressure and unexpected disruptions in 2024. As a Yang Earth sign, the Dog has the patience and strength to rise above any challenge and the intuitive intelligence to turn the lessons learned into useful resources. This year, auspicious stars will present the Dog with opportunities to rebuild and upgrade, but do take it one step at a time. Use your keen intuition in choosing the right opportunities and work methodically. Manage your time and energy by staying focused on your priorities, especially during the months of April and July when the work load gets heavier. With star 3 of conflicts visiting the Northwest sector where the Dog is located in the Bagua map, be conscious of your emotions. Letting go of petty annoyances will free up your precious time.

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

It’s a year of big changes and breakthroughs for the Pig as the sign opposite the Snake. Expect a transformative, pivotal year whenever the animal sign of your birth year opposes the Grand Duke Jupiter. Change is inevitable in a clash year - if you’ve been considering changing your job, your place of residence, or your status (for example, through marriage or divorce or pregnancy), this is the year to make them. Initiate those changes yourself and take the driver’s seat so you can better anticipate and manage whatever challenge the universe may throw at you. Go with the flow instead of going against it.

As the travel star to the Snake and vice versa, the Pig will also find themselves on the move often. If you don’t have any major moves planned, consider traveling to your bucket list destinations and start planning your dream adventures. As a Yin Water sign, the Pig adapts well to changes and is not afraid of stepping outside the comfort zone, but the Snake may present the Pig with sudden or surprising developments. Be open to what comes your way. The Pig may be as quick as the Snake but this year, take it one step at a time and slow down to recharge as the Wood Snake can exhaust the Pig, especially in May, September, and November. Mindfulness practices can help the Pig manage whatever challenges the Snake throws at them. After all, Water puts out Fire, the element of the Snake, in the Chinese Five Elements theory. With star 3 of conflicts in the Northwest palace where the Pig resides in the Bagua map (shared with the Dog), channel any anger energy into physical activities. Carry a charm or symbol of the Monkey, the Snake’s secret friend, for protection this year.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

It’s a year of opportunities for the Rat! Auspicious stars in the chart offer the Rat a chance for a big break. Take a big leap out of your comfort zone – you can really go for your dreams this year! Keep nurturing the relationships and alliances you made in 2024 as you may find opportunities and supportive resources within your existing networks, especially during the months of April and August. Do your research before committing to a project or a financial commitment, however, and make sure that your assets are well protected, as the Rat can be susceptible to scams with star 7 visiting the North palace, the Rat’s home sector in the Bagua map. The Wood Snake is poised to be a fast-paced year, but try not to get caught in the rush. Take your time building your foundation and keep doing the work so you’re ready to tackle some big challenges coming your way when the Fire Horse year, your clash year, arrives in 2026. A solid foundation will help you turn those challenges into opportunities.

Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Snake offers rewards for a job well done and a chance for the Ox to take little breaks here and there after a busy, non-stop 2024. As a Yin Earth sign, the Ox is resourceful and committed to the work, but heavy obligations presented by fellow Earth sign the Dragon really challenged the Ox’s resilience. The pressure will ease in 2025. The fast-paced Snake as an ally of the slow and steady Ox brings not only much needed support but also excitement. The Snake will compel the Ox to move more, walk more, and travel more - this is a year to be physically active! Yin Fire in the Snake will also stoke the Ox’s imagination. Whereas 2024 was about fulfilling responsibilities and building a solid foundation, 2025 will take the Ox on a creative path. Be on the lookout for collaborative opportunities with your allies – you will enjoy working with them! With star 5 of misfortune visiting the Northeast sector where the Ox resides in the Bagua map, however, take care not to exhaust yourself, especially in February, July, and November. Set aside some alone time to replenish your energy.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

As a fellow travel star, the Tiger loves the fast-paced life as much as the Snake but will need to exercise caution in 2025 as the Snake squares the Tiger in the zodiac wheel. This is a year to look before you leap. As a Yang Wood sign, the Tiger is always reaching for growth, and the Snake year will offer opportunities to venture into new horizons. While Yin Fire in the Snake brings hope and positivity, it may also lead to overoptimism. Know your limit and be discerning with how you choose to spend your time. Manage your schedule so that you don’t have to rush from one place to another. Work off excess energy with physical activities. With star 5 of misfortune visiting the Northeast sector where the Tiger resides next to the Ox in the Bagua map, practice a higher awareness of yourself and your surroundings, especially in February, May, August, and November.

Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

Get ready for adventures and good times, Rabbit! Yin Wood in the heavenly frequency of the year offers support and plenty of company from friends and family, while the Snake as a travel star to the Rabbit brings wanderlust. As a Yin Wood sign, the Rabbit is always curious and eager to learn something new. This year, the world is an open book for the Rabbit. Opportunities come from new and existing alliances. As a Peach Blossom star, the Rabbit is social by nature and skilled in bringing people of all kinds of backgrounds together. The more you expand your sphere, the richer your world becomes, and the more you can make a difference. Auspicious star 9 of joy and current prosperity visits the East palace where the Rabbit is located in the Bagua map, bringing inspiration and joyful times. This is a highly creative and social year for the Rabbit, though be mindful of excess in the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September, and December.

Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

The Grand Duke may have left the Dragon, but don’t expect 2025 to be a quiet year. Although the Snake and the Dragon are not allies, they do make a formidable team and the Dragon will be able to turn lessons learned in 2024 into valuable resources in their portfolio of skills. As a Yang Earth sign, the Dragon has the patience and resilience to stay on purpose despite challenges and adversities. Continue building on the foundation laid in 2024 to achieve bigger milestones this year. The Snake as a Yin Fire sign can be unpredictable and may throw a surprise or two, especially in May and November, but the Dragon will always stand tall like a mountain. Workload may increase in July and October - pay attention to your health. With star 1 of wisdom and future prosperity occupying the Southeast palace where the Dragon resides next to the Snake in the Bagua map, focus on long term growth.

*You can calculate your birth chart here to discover the elements and animal signs of your birth day and hour pillars. For daily insights of the pillar of the day, connect with me on Instagram, Facebook,or TikTok @5elementsoracle.

© 2025 Vicki Iskandar at www.vickiiskandar.com

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