The Year of the Wooden Snake 2025 Chinese Calendar

TERI GARCIA, SENIOR MASTER OF FENG SHUI

You’re reading a preview of the March/April 2025 issue of 55+ Wellness Magazine. For the full version, packed with even more insights, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit MA25

2025 is an important year in the Chinese Zodiac—the Year of the Wooden Snake. Each year in the Chinese calendar brings its own unique energy and symbolism, influencing everything from career opportunities to relationships. Understanding the traits of the Snake and the Wood element can help you navigate this dynamic year.

The Chinese 10,000-Year Calendar is a lunar and solar almanac that follows a different structure than the Western Gregorian calendar. It is based on a 60-year cycle, which combines the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) with the 5 Chinese Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). When you multiply the 12 animals by the 5 elements, you get 60 distinct year combinations, each with its own unique energy. Your birth year will correspond to one of these animal-element combinations of the Chinese Zodiac, shaping your character and destiny.

Last year, 2024, was the Year of the Wooden Dragon. Now, 2025 will be the Year of the Wooden Snake, the last of which occurred 60 years ago, in 1965. The Snake, like all Chinese Zodiac animals, returns every 60 years, which means that many grandchildren share their Chinese Zodiac sign with their 60-year-old grandparent. This generational overlap can result in shared traits and characteristics between grandparents and grandchildren, often more so than with other family members.

THE YEAR OF THE WOODEN SNAKE 乙巳

The Wooden Snake year starts with the Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025, for most people, but some consider, it begins on February 3rd, with the Spring Festival. The exact date varies depending on which method you follow for determining the start of the Chinese year.

The Snake is a symbol of flexibility and intuition. It is a creature that prefers to stay out of the spotlight, quietly pursuing its own path without interference. The Snake values a peaceful environment, avoiding cold and noisy places. Its nature is calm and cool, but don’t be deceived—if the Snake feels threatened, it will strike swiftly, using its venomous bite to protect itself.

WHAT ENERGY DOES THE WOODEN SNAKE BRING IN 2025?

To understand the energy of the Wooden Snake year, it's essential to look beyond just the Snake's traits. You can use various methods, such as the Flying Stars or the Yearly Chinese 4-Pillar Horoscope, to analyze the year's energy more accurately. By combining the Snake's inherent characteristics with the strong influence of these powerful methods, 2025 brings a year focused on healthcare, careful financial planning, and balanced action.

Based on these analyses, certain locations will be more favourable for prosperity in 2025. The Southeast, South, and Southwest are areas of opportunity, particularly for career advancements, financial gains, and successful business transactions. These regions are especially lucky during the summer months (May, June, and July), this could align with the summer season in the Costa del Sol, Spain, and parts of the world like East Asia and Africa.

On the other hand, Northern, Northwestern, and Western countries (including Scandinavia, the USA, and Europe) may face challenges, particularly related to seeded misinformation, which is expected to be fuelled by the media’s own efforts to gain power and influence, resulting in the spread of fake news that impacts industries and societies.

Avoid travelling to the Middle East, Turkey, Ukraine, or Egypt in 2025, as these regions may face outbreaks of illness, especially in the autumn and winter. Opt instead for the Southeast, Southwest, or South, where travel experiences may be more pleasant. Romance and celebrations are also more likely to blossom in the East.

It’s also wise to avoid the West and Northwest, where misinformation could create travel disruptions. Remember to double-check all your travel details and give yourself plenty of time to avoid any mishaps.

FENG SHUI TIPS FOR 2025

In Feng Shui, the energies of the year affect various aspects of our lives, and adjusting your home or workspace can help you align with the prevailing chi. For the Year of the Wooden Snake, the Wood element will be especially influential. To enhance this energy, you can:

● INCREASE GREENERY IN YOUR HOME: Wood is nourished by plants, so adding houseplants to the East and Southeast corners of your home can help attract prosperity and good health.

● AVOID CLUTTER: Snakes are associated with the idea of stillness and focus, so clearing any clutter in your home or office will create a more productive and harmonious space. A tidy space will help you feel grounded and peaceful."

If your home has a front door facing the Northeast, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid negative energy, particularly related to sickness. A simple remedy is to use white decor for purity and protection in this area. If you're unsure, consider consulting an expert in Feng Shui to ensure your home is properly aligned with the year’s energies. The best rooms for you to sleep, spend more time and work in are the Southeast and Southwest rooms as they have more career and money energy.

INDUSTRIES TO WATCH IN 2025

Industries poised for success in 2025, particularly those related to the Fire and Wood elements, include film, photography, solar energy, electronics, and businesses that use real fire in their operations, such as restaurants, bakeries, crematoriums and foundries. Agriculture, fashion, textiles, wooden furniture, and book publishing will also see growth.

On the other hand, investments in the stock market, diamonds, and gold are expected to underperform, with a potential decline in value by the end of the year.

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE YEAR OF THE WOODEN SNAKE?

It’s also said that people born in the years of the Monkey, Rooster, and Ox, are the most compatible with the Snake. Conversely, those born in the Year of the Rat may face challenges in relationships during this year so they must remember not to mess around otherwise they could face grave consequences.

People born in the following years may face specific challenges during the Year of the Wooden Snake. To minimize negative energy, it’s recommended to avoid certain situations, such as visiting hospitals, attending funerals or walking through dark alleys, as they could attract negative yin energy in such places. Wearing red clothing or undergarments is believed to help ward off any bad luck.

● Earth Pig (1959, 2019)

● Metal Tiger (1950, 2010)

● Metal Snake (1941, 2001)

● Water Monkey (1992)

● Water Pig (1983)

● Wood Tiger (1974)

To get a more precise understanding of your personal fortune, it's important to consult your Four Pillars of Destiny—a Chinese astrological system that considers your full birth chart to reveal your life’s most beneficial elements. If Fire or Wood is prominent in your Four Pillars, the Year of the Wooden Snake could bring great fortune and joy.

As the Year of the Wooden Snake unfolds, it’s a time for introspection, growth, and strategic planning. By aligning yourself with the right energies—whether through Feng Shui adjustments, mindful career choices, or understanding your personal horoscope—you can make the most of this unique year. Whether you’re looking for prosperity, love, or balance, 2025 offers plenty of opportunities for those who are prepared.

ABOUT TERI GARCIA

My name is Teri García, qualified Chue Style Feng Shui Consultant for over 20 years, with a master's title in Feng Shui, Ba Zi, Date Selection and Spiritual Feng Shui.

I believe well-being and health should be at the centre of any Feng Shui design project. When the building is healthy, all those who spend time in it will be too. My interests also extend to urban design and natural environments.

I help my clients make the most of their properties to bring about positive life changes, whether residential, commercial, or corporate, in the United Kingdom, Spain, and across Europe.

You’re reading a preview of the March/April 2025 issue of 55+ Wellness Magazine. For the full version, packed with even more insights, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit MA25