On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Chinese zodiac ushers in the Year of the Green Wood Snake, marking a fertile time for change, growth and reinvention in both personal and professional realms. Representing wisdom, elegance and transformation, the snake—the sixth animal in the zodiac—symbolizes deep introspection and evolution.

The Year of the Snake is predicted to bring opportunities for personal and professional growth.  Appropriate actions include slowing down, assessing long-term goals, and focusing on inner growth. Consider adopting a year-long ritual of reflection, akin to hibernation, to nurture your reinvention and bring meaningful transformation into the world.

No matter your current phase, cycle or stage in life, taking time for a period of hibernation can be incredibly beneficial. Just as you might immerse yourself fully in the tumult, match that same intentionality in stepping back from it. Hibernation can take many forms—a retreat, a sojourn or a personal journey. Embrace the timeless be-do-have formula (rather than the consumer-driven have-do-be mindset) as you navigate your journey of reinvention and transformation. Regularly ask yourself, Who am I being in this moment? to maintain authenticity and presence as you move through the process.

The wood element in 2025 adds creativity, stability and grounded energy to the snake’s natural characteristics. Wood stands for growth, flexibility and tolerance. At the same time, it also nurtures the element of fire, which represents vitality and change.

While the snake may symbolize evil and treachery in some traditions—the serpent represents the devil and temptation in the Christian Bible, for instance—in Chinese mythology snakes symbolize wisdom and agility.

The independent snake is very good at networking; according to feng shui master Tong Pik-ha. Networking is a game that those born in the Year of the Snake play very well, as they can extract what they want out of a situation and gain respect at the same time.

Snakes are strategists who take a lot into consideration before making decisions, so they tend to have strong foundations, calm in the face of an emergency or unexpected situation.

The upcoming Lunar New Year features a rare phenomenon known as “double spring,” with two occurrences within a single Chinese lunar calendar year. The first occurs on February 3, 2025—the sixth day of the Lunar New Year—while the second takes place on February 4, 2026, just over a week before the Year of the Snake ends on February 16, 2026.

In Chinese tradition, spring represents new life and fresh starts. The number two is considered to be lucky, as reflected in the Chinese proverb that good things come in pairs.

When there are two springs in a year, it amplifies blessings and good fortune, making it particularly auspicious for major decisions. Green snakes imbue this good fortune.

Snakes have sensitive, effective and adaptable personality traits often complemented by considerable intelligence. They are usually amiable and even-tempered, showing a cool and calm exterior punctuated by occasional bouts of perfectly timed energy and passion.

They move elegantly through the social sphere, armed with a wide range of interests and hobbies adding to their intrigue and mystery. The snake energy is often an artistic, taste-making influence. Look for snake influence addressing emergencies; calm, collected, not losing an ounce of their ability to analyze a situation, identifying a workable solution while remaining a dependable presence.

Use the auspicious time of the first of two “new springs” to gather the resources to structure a reinvention and the second spring to manifest transformation.

Begin your journey through the first days of spring in the Year of the Snake by taking time to retreat and reflect on your current reality. Approach your circumstances with curiosity rather than confrontation. Take stock of personal, professional and relational strengths and weaknesses, and set clear, new boundaries. Embrace the snake’s wisdom—channel the classic Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” by strengthening and equipping yourself before stepping forward.

Shedding skin is the snake simplifying to essentials. Apply snake strengths of creativity, stability and grounded energy throughout your sojourn.

The second “new spring” occurs in 2026, six days before the Year of the Horse begins when the Snake appears in a new skin.