2013: What Kind of Year Can You Expect?

The Year of the Water Snake

It's the time of year again that we will look a change in the energy and the start of the Chinese New Year! 

The Chinese New Year is actually two different dates. One, the most popular one that starts the celebrations, is actually the Lunar New Year. This year it is February 10th and it changes every year. The "other" new year is February 4th, which is the Solar New Year and it is the same every year because it is the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

We are welcoming in the Year of the Water Snake. "Hmmm…" you wonder, "doesn't sound very good."

The Snake is one of the twelve Chinese animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig). The Snake is about quiet predictability — very different energy from the Dragon! The fact that this year happens to be a Water Snake (the years cycle through the 5 natural elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, as well as the 12 animals, creating a 60-year cycle), means that this year is also about communication. The Snake represents transformation and healing, imparting wisdom this year in slow, steady progress. One must be disciplined and pay attention to details to get ahead. 

Although mostly feared in the West, in Asia the Snake represents bravery in men and beauty in women.

Since the Snake is naturally a Fire element, the Water aspect of this year can have a dowsing effect on the Fire energy. Politically, the Snake energy can create instability and heightened tensions, at the same time, giving us the opportunity to create growth and positive movement in a more realistic direction. 

The family and home environment is very important to the Snake, so pay careful attention to your Feng Shui. This is an excellent time to have a Feng Shui Consultation. 

The Snake is most compatible with the Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) and is in what we call "Three Harmonies" with the Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) and Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009).

Good friend and expert 4 Pillars Astrologer, Yasha Jampolsky, says of the Year of the Snake:

"Snake times are enigmatic and full of passion. They dictate a cautious approach and carefully measured effort to ensure success. Hold back too much and you can miss the boat. Give in to too many indulgences and you can wind up tumbling down a precipice. Achieve balance and align with the refinement of the Snake and anything can be accomplished with style!"  To read more on Yasha's predications, click here.

If you are interested in learning further about the Year of the Snake and/or how your specific Chinese Animal will fare this year, I urge you to check out this fantastic book by my friend Marina Lighthouse, 2013 Chinese Astrology: Predictions & Feng Shui for 2013. This book is a culmination of master Chinese astrologer's predictions translated into English and then interpreted and presented by Marina Lighthouse for the western world.

Photo courtesy of www.FengShuiShopper.com