ANN/THE STAR – The Year of the Wood Snake is expected to be an exciting time filled with unique energies and various opportunities. As we welcome the Lunar New Year, let’s explore what it has in store for us at the individual level, for businesses and the economy as a whole.
This year’s official transition from Dragon (2024) to Snake (2025) happens on February 3, according to the Chinese astrological Solar calendar, even though according to the Lunar calendar, Chinese New Year starts on January 29.
“Each year’s transition from one Chinese zodiac sign to the next is determined by our planet’s alignment with the sun. It’s remarkable that long ago, our ancestors, with a limited understanding of astronomy before telescopes and space exploration, have been able to identify such celestial patterns,” said astrologer and feng shui consultant Master Kevin Chan of KC BaZi.
While Chinese New Year uses the Lunar calendar (Yin Li) where the calculation is centred around the moon circling the earth, Chinese astrology (Yang Li) uses the Solar calendar where the calculation is centred around the earth circling the sun, he explained.
The Solar calendar which aligns with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, emphasising seasons and agricultural activities, begins around February 4 (Li Chun, or the start of spring).
Its application is essential for agriculture in traditional China, guiding planting and harvesting cycles. It is also linked to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and cultural practices like qi gong, which rely on seasonal rhythms.
The Lunar calendar is based on the Moon’s cycles, with each month corresponding to one complete lunar cycle. It is used for determining traditional festivals like Chinese New Year (Chun Jie), Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie), and Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Jie). This is important for cultural and spiritual aspects, as many rituals are tied to the phases of the Moon.
A common misconception Chan wishes to clarify is that babies born before February 3 this year do not fall under the Snake sign, but still come under the Dragon sign. Only those born on or after February 3 are officially under the Snake sign.
THE BA ZI SIGNIFICANCE
In order to have a more accurate forecast, Chan says it’s necessary to calculate it according to one’s Ba Zi, which is also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, a system in Chinese astrology used to analyse a person’s fate and destiny based on their birth date and time.
“Did you know that each person has not one, but four animal signs? Your Year, Month, Day and Hour are all represented by different animals, and each one plays a unique role in shaping your destiny.
“Most people only know their Year animal sign – thanks to Chinese New Year and zodiac calendars – but they’re missing out on three other Palaces that hold vital information for life’s decisions,” said Chan.
“Skipping the three other Palaces is like reading just the headlines and missing the juicy details in an article,” he said.
The term Ba Zi translates to “Eight Characters”, referring to the eight Chinese characters derived from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches that represent the year, month, day and hour of a person’s birth.
A Ba Zi chart is composed of four pillars, with the Year Pillar representing your public persona (ancestors, family background and early life); Month Pillar representing your career and peers (parents, bosses/mentors, career and prime years); Day Pillar representing your inner world and relationships (self, spouse and personal essence); and Hour Pillar representing your dreams and direct influence (children, subordinates/employees, future and later years).
All this matters because each Palace offers a unique perspective on a different area of your life, from career growth and personal relationships, to long-term goals. Knowing which area you want to focus on allows you to zoom in on the relevant Palace and decode the story your Ba Zi chart is trying to tell, said Chan. To personalise the year’s energy toward your own Ba Zi chart, we use Shen Sha or what is known as the auxiliary star system in the English world, he added.
“Every year, we use an animal sign as the reference point which we call the Tai Sui or Grand Duke, which interestingly, refers to the planet Jupiter that can be observed with the naked eye from earth.
“So for 2024, it was the Dragon while for 2025, it is the Snake. Auspicious and inauspicious stars are then calculated using a certain formula passed on for generations from our forefathers to determine each animal sign’s prospects for the year,” he explained.
If you’re born under the Snake sign, 2025 is your time to shine. As the Tai Sui or Grand Duke of the year, you’ll find yourself stepping into the spotlight.
But remember, with great attention comes great responsibility and you might find you’re the subject of gossip too, said Chan.
“In 2025, the appearance of the Ba Zuo or the Eight Seat star signals a rise in your popularity and influence. This is your golden ticket to enter exclusive circles that were previously out of reach.
“If the Snake sign appears in your Year Palace, it opens doors to prestigious clubs or societies, making you a familiar face in sought-after social circles. And, if it appears in your Month Palace, your career could see a boost as you’re welcomed into management or higher-level corporate networks,” he said. However, fame isn’t all smooth sailing, cautioned Chan. “The Zhi Bei (Back Poking) star warns of whispers behind your back. Ancient wisdom advises staying grounded, humble and low-key, which is always wise counsel for anyone in the spotlight,” he added.
INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Chinese metaphysics uses the yearly birth chart as a compass for forecasting. The chart reflects the interplay of the Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal), which offers insights into the year’s economic outlook.
For 2025, Water and Wood energies dominate, said Chan.
“The water energy represents rapid movement, adaptability and flow. This suggests a fast-paced year where things and people are constantly on the move. The wood energy symbolises growth, expansion and upward momentum. You can expect flourishing opportunities in business and the economy as the wood element supports growth and vitality,” he added.
Each element corresponds to specific industries, and understanding these associations can give you a competitive edge, highlighted Chan. “Water-related industries include logistics, travel, communications and beverages, while wood-related industries comprise education, agriculture, publishing and furniture.
“These sectors are poised for growth in 2025,” he said.
“However, growth often comes with increased competition. With more players entering these industries, barriers to entry will drop, and profit margins may shrink as businesses compete on pricing and quality,” he cautioned.
KEY TRENDS AND TIPS
According to Chan, this is a year of diverse markets and the AI revolution.
“With artificial intelligence (AI) taking over tasks that were once labour-intensive, many industries are now more accessible. While this opens doors for smaller players, it also raises the bar for competition.”
Chan said that standing out will require more than just a good product.
“Your ability to communicate effectively and build trust with your audience will be critical.”
Chan added that it’s also a year of service quality over shortcuts.
“Businesses that prioritise quality and customer service will thrive.
“In contrast, those looking for quick fixes or shortcuts will struggle to keep up, often running out of resources too quickly to sustain growth.”
He said that diligence and optimisation will be priority.
“Success will favour those willing to roll up their sleeves and optimise every aspect of their operations.
“Smart planning and efficient execution will help you navigate the challenges of a competitive market.”
The Year of the Snake promises to be an exciting, dynamic time filled with opportunities for those who adapt and innovate. Whether you’re navigating the bustling business landscape or exploring new ventures, diligence, creativity and a customer- first mindset will set you apart in 2025, said Chan. – Ming Teoh
