What’s your zodiac animal? And what does that mean for you?

On the second new moon after the winter solstice, millions around the world celebrate a holiday known as the Lunar New Year. This year, the momentous occasion falls on January 29th when we say goodbye to the fierce Dragon and usher in the energy of the Yin Wood Snake. The Lunar New Year symbolizes transitions, fresh, new beginnings, and reminds us that even within the coldest, darkest depths of winter, there is the promise of spring.

“Each moment is an opportunity to make a fresh start.” ~ Pema Chödrön

Connection to the calendar, seasons, and cycles of the natural world—outside and inside of us—presents opportunities to celebrate transitions. We’re encouraged to find freshness in each moment, honor the impermanence, and be present with endings and beginnings. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, encourages us to embrace this time as an invitation to make a fresh start, as Pema Chödrön so skillfully reminds us. We can walk over the threshold to welcome new growth, like the seeds that will soon unfurl in the forthcoming spring.

Along with the Lunar New Year comes a shift in qi. Qi is the life force energy that flows through all living things, including objects, flora and fauna, and space. In 2025, the qi of the Dragon year, fierce and bold, flows into the more subtle and meandering qi of the wise Snake. In addition, you may know already that you have an eastern zodiac animal that’s connected to your birth year and that each has a different relationship to the Snake. Below, I’ve shared a compilation of all twelve zodiac animals, their corresponding years*, and a mindful aspiration for the Year of the Yin Wood Snake.

Before we get going on the twelve, here are three essential feng shui Lunar New Year tips for every zodiac animal:

>> Shed your skin like the Snake, and let go of nine items that you no longer need. Ideally you can gift, donate, upcycle or compost these items. Bonus points if you gift something of value with unattached generosity.

>> The windows are the eyes of the home. Mindfully clean all your windows with the intention of clearing away accumulated debris so you can begin to see things as they truly are. Clean them with a non-toxic cleaner (like vinegar and water).

>> Finally, equip yourself a good luck charm for the year of the Snake. This year it’s recommended you carry a three-dimensional representation of a Monkey on you at all times. The Monkey will offer you protection and auspicious qi for the year of the Snake. You can make your own, or I also sell handmade amulets.

And now our list of every eastern zodiac animal, their corresponding years*, and a mindful aspiration to contemplate in this Year of the Yin Wood Snake.

*Please note, if your birthday is between Jan 1st and Feb 4th, your zodiac animal is the preceding year.

Rat 子
*1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Mindful aspiration: The rat’s luck continues to flow this year (as it was excellent in the Dragon year). Use your good fortune to grow, innovate and create meaningful changes for yourself and others.

Ox 丑
*1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Mindful aspiration: It’s a year of harmony for the Ox. The Ox (along with the Rooster) are in tune with the Snake’s qi. Open up and be vulnerable. Invite and receive loving support to nourish you inside and out.

Tiger 寅
*1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Mindful aspiration: 2025 will be a challenging year for the Tiger. Make friends with your most challenging (shadow) parts of yourself, and within that will be the medicine to heal.

Rabbit 卯
*1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Mindful aspiration: The Snake brings some relief from the tumultuous Dragon year. Tap into your deep grounded wisdom to call in beauty and grace. And remember that your tender sensitive nature is your superpower.

Dragon 辰
*1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Mindful aspiration: Enjoy the greater flow and ease that comes in with the Snake year. Rest up and give yourself permission to relax. Lean into the idea of non-doing, at least some of the time.

Snake 巳
*1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Mindful aspiration: When it’s “your year”, it means that you will meet with challenges and there’s an invitation to look in the mirror. With the challenges, be sure to call in your best friends and helpful people for support. Focus on your self-care this year.

Horse 午
*1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Mindful aspiration: Your usual direct way of charging forward will not be as successful this year. Learn from the Snake, enjoy the indirect, scenic route and try out some aimless wandering.

Ram 未
*1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Mindful aspiration: This year will feel grounded and supportive for you as long as you keep your feet on the ground. You’re also invited to generously share your peaceful qi with others.

Monkey 申
*1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Mindful aspiration: The Monkey has a year of prosperity and creativity ahead. The qi is incredibly supportive for you. Be sure to share your good cheer and invite some friends along with you as you swing from tree to tree with joy and freedom.

Rooster 酉
*1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Mindful aspiration: The Rooster and the Snake (along with the Ox) creates a harmony, therefore you have a super lucky year. It’s a great year to take a leap and be bold!

Dog 戌
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Mindful aspiration: The Dragon year was not easy on the loyal Dog, so this Snake year will give you the space you need to recoup your qi. Take long walks and let yourself receive nourishment from the natural world.

Pig 亥
*1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Mindful aspiration: The Pig and the Snake clash, so it will indeed be a challenging year. Don’t try to burn the candle from both ends, nor to indulge yourself. Instead, use this year to let go, pare down, and focus on what’s truly essential.

Now that you’ve learned a little bit about what your zodiac animal is and what it means for you in the year of the Snake, I’d recommend you look up your friends and family as well.

Happy Lunar New Year!

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