The lunar, or Chinese, new year is January 29th, and 2025 is the year of the wood snake in Chinese astrology. This is a traditional classification system based on the Chinese calendar that assigns an animal and its attributes to each year. The 12-part cycle corresponds to lunar years, rather than months. The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animals and their elements. Their mythology states that the Jade Emperor set up a running race for all animals to take part in. The first 12 to reach the finish line were rewarded with a position in the lunar calendar.
In Chinese astrology, the 12 zodiac animals are each affiliated with an element — metal, wood, water, fire, earth — as they move around the zodiac cycle. When an animal reappears after 12 years its elemental affiliation will shift to a new element.
In 2024, the energy was wood dragon, which lived up to its reputation with big announcements and high-flying promises competing for our attention. Optimism ran high, often to the point of being unrealistic. In 2025, energy shifts to the wood snake. While the dragon and snake may look similar, the snake does not fly. Its entire body lies on the ground, feeling every vibration, every footstep, every pin drop. The snake’s energy is grounded, practical, and cautious.
In this zodiac system, wood as an element represents vitality and creativity, as well as steadiness, honesty, generosity, and calmness. The snake represents wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition, and creativity. Snakes are also associated with good luck, prosperity, fertility, and longevity. In some legends, snakes are considered divine messengers and guardians of sacred places. They are also revered for their ability to shed their skin and renew themselves, symbolizing transformation and rebirth.
Each year holds different elements, which gives it a different essence and meaning. The wood snake is a charming, intelligent, and creative sign, but also secretive, cunning, and sometimes ruthless. The wood element adds a layer of creativity, flexibility, and growth to the snake’s traits, making it an ideal year to focus on planning and transformation.
At the beginning of 2025, the world is still under the rulership of the outgoing wood dragon, and so a high-action period with plenty of activity is expected. Snake years are times when the world stops to think. Mythology recognizes the snake as a creature of healing, which influences the physical body to shift to a more spiritual outlook. A great deal of quiet progress can be made in 2025 with the help of this energy.
In a snake year, the energy is quieter and more thoughtful. Businesses may become more cautious about hiring or expanding. People may spend less, preferring to stay home. Snake years often coincide with a down stock market, though there have been exceptions, like 1989 and 2013, when the market rose considerably.
The ouroboros symbol of the snake eating its tail represents a closed loop, signifying endings and new beginnings. This theme is echoed in Western astrology, where Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all move into new signs, suggesting that seemingly insignificant changes that happen in 2025 may have great repercussions in a few years.
This is a year of reflection, recalibration, and renewal, offering a mix of calm energy and intellectual challenges. The snake’s intuitive wisdom, paired with the nurturing wood element, creates a time to refine your long-term goals and strengthen personal and professional relationships.
If we combine the Chinese astrology prediction with the tarot card for 2025, The Hermit, we can see a united message. This is likely going to be a year where we, and the world, hold our breath. It could be a period of playing things close to the vest, being mindful of our actions, and being introspective, as well as a time of growth and study. Key themes for this wood snake year are transformation, strategic growth, and deepening connections. By aligning with its energy, you can make 2025 a transformative and prosperous year. Whether you’re seeking success, stability, or self-discovery, the wisdom of the wood snake is here to guide you.
Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.