In the Chinese Zodiac, each of the 12 animals offer unique qualities and gifts. Last year was the year of the dragon, which embodies the qualities of strength and power. This year we transitioned to the snake – a mysterious animal that encourages you to look inward and use the power of your intuition.
In shamanic times, New Year’s Day is the first day of spring, which is the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year it was on January 29th, 2025.
The year of the snake archetype is an excellent year for personal evolution and starting new projects. This snake embodies the qualities of introspection and looking inward. In nature, snakes tend to avoid contact with other creatures for the most part, unless they’re hunting. Unlike many other creatures in the forest, they’re quiet creatures who don’t call for attention or make their presence known. Instead, they spend much of their time alone, slithering quietly along the forest floor. The snake reminds you to reflect and tap into your inner truths. This means that the coming year invites you to be thoughtful and deliberate in your actions and decisions. The snake embodies the qualities of growth and transformation but encourages you to use thinking and problem solving to navigate decisions and progress through the world.
In addition to introspection the snake also shows us how to shed old patterns and embrace new opportunities. Snakes are known for routinely shedding their skin. Although humans are unable to perform this unique physical act, you can still harness the snake’s potent energy of transformation. Just as a snake lets go of its skin, you to can shed old layers of yourself that no longer serve. As you begin the year of the snake, try to reflect on old habits that don’t serve you. Are there any defeating thought patterns you experience? Or do you have any unhealthy habits you’d like to let go of? And then be mindful of what you bring in.
When you channel the lessons of the snake to let go of old habits and patterns, you create space to embrace new opportunities. Therefore, the year of the snake is a great time to focus on growth and transformation in a thoughtful and intentional way.