What the Year of the Wood Snake means for you

Next week marks the start of the Year of the Wood Snake, according to the Lunar horoscopes, and many people across the world are excited to see what a new year brings them.

The snake is often associated with evil and terror, but in Asian cultures, the animal is also associated with harvest, procreation, new beginnings, and good fortune.

The added element of the wood is usually associated with growth and looking ahead to the future, and when paired with the snake's strategic nature can ensure it will find a way to succeed through anything.

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Read on to learn more about the Year of the Wood Snake and all of the other Chinese Zodiac signs.

What are the Lunar zodiac signs?

There are 12 animal signs in the Lunar cycle in the following order – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig

Legend says that the order of the twelve signs was dictated by a race. In the most widespread version of the story, the Jade Emperor, also known as the Emperor of Heaven, was said to call a race to determine which of the animals would become symbols of the zodiac, with the twelve that arrived first being selected.

The Rat got up very early the morning of the race, but because he was so small he couldn't make much progress – that is, until, it enlisted the help of the Ox. The Rat asked the Ox to carry him to the finish line, and the straightforward Ox obliged, thinking he would be first. At the last second, the rat slid forward, claiming first place, with the Ox in second.

The Tiger and the Rabbit competed for third place, with the Rabbit even making headway by hopping across the river on stones, but he fell into the water mid way. This allowed the Tiger to get ahead, while the Rabbit held onto a floating log, eventually coming fourth.

The rest of the animals had various trials and tribulations that resulted in their ranking, the story of which varies according to region.

The 12 signs are also paired with one of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – which creates a cycle made up of 60 years before it repeats again.

Why is it the Year of the Wood Snake?

This year's element, like last year's, is Wood. Last year was the year of the Wood Dragon, which places individuals as creative, loyal and inquisitive.

But this year, though we are expected to face some challenges, the cunning and strategic nature of the snake is sure to help us through it for a better future.

While each animal already has a fixed associated element, so does each year. There are five different elements.

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Metal signifies strength and willpower, Water signs are responsive and persuasive, Fire signs are passionate, Wood is associated with creativity, and Earth signs are grounded and focused.

Monkeys and Roosters are associated with metal, Tiger and Rabbit with wood, Rat and Pig with Water, Snake and Horse with fire, and the Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog with earth. The perpetual elements are more telling of one's personality, but the yearly element helps individuals navigate their lives over time.

Yearly elements can be discerned by looking at the last number of your birth year, as seen below:

0 or 1: Metal

2 or 3: Water

4 or 5: Wood

6 or 7: Fire

8 or 9: Earth

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So, what is your horoscope for this year?

Rat

Born in: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Rats will be enjoying a stable 2025, with their characteristic quick and different ways of thinking leading to successful decisions that pay off, especially in the career realm. Be sure to foster great relationships with colleagues, friends, and family this year.

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Ox

Born in: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Oxen can also expect stability and progress in career, owing to their diligent and resilient nature. Like the rat, they must develop harmonious relationships with colleagues and superiors to ensure success this year.

Tiger

Born in: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Tigers will find they need to put their head down and work hard through this year, which may provide them with some challenges. In order to manage finances efficiently and seize opportunities whenever they can, they must maintain a positive mindset throughout this adversity.

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Rabbit

Born in: 1938, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Rabbits are in luck, with everything falling into place for them this year! Their efforts and resilience will pay off in the form of financial stability, given they maintain their reserved spending habits.

Dragon

Born in: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Dragons will also have a great year, with the fruits of their labour evident in the realms of finance and family.

Snake

Born in: 1928, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

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Despite it being their year, Snakes may be facing some challenges in career and finances in 2025. They'll be able to slither through it if they maintain their optimism and avoid negative influences, as well as prioritising their health.

Horse

Born in: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Horses will be having one of their greatest years yet in 2025, with luck in both career and relationships. Their natural charisma will help culminate success in both the workplace and in their personal lives.

Goat

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

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The Goat will excel with their finances this year without much effort – lucky them! This will build a solid foundation that can help them explore further professional endavours.

Monkey

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

Monkeys will be having a stable year all around, with their adaptable cheeky nature getting them out of any potential challenges in their work and love lives. They will also have a good year monetarily, with new connections helping increase their wealth.

Rooster

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

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Roosters will have a good 2025, though it hasn't come without a lot of hard work. Their persevering nature has set the foundation for career growth, financial gain, better relationships, and more.

Dog

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

Dogs will be continuously surprised this year, but their steadfast nature ensures that their career and relationships will prosper, with nothing to worry about.

Pig

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

Pigs need to prepare for some interpersonal challenges this year, but their level-headed and solution-finding nature can help them navigate delicate obstacles and confrontations to keep relationships balanced.

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