Chinese New Year by Times Colonist

Glacier Media

It’s almost time to bid farewell to the dragon as the year of the snake is coming around the corner.

Jan. 29 will mark the first day of the Lunar New Year celebrating the snake, the sixth zodiac of the lunar calendar.

The snake is said to have finished sixth in “the Great Race,” held by the Jade Emperor, ruler of all gods within Chinese mythology, to select the 12 zodiac animals.

There’s nothing like knowing what may be in store for you when Lunar New Year comes around this Wednesday.

The year will bring strong travel opportunities and many benefactors. However, being directly affected by Tai Sui, the presiding god of the year, gambling and speculative activities should avoided. Snakes should also pay close attention to their health.

2025 YEAR OF THE SNAKE

WORK : Snakes are great in industries that involve active roles such as politics, law, logistics, tourism, trade, legal professions and notaries.

It isn’t usually anyone’s favourite animal but is known as the “little dragon” in Chinese culture.

During the race, the snake comes after the dragon by sneaking up on the horse startling it right before it reaches the finish line, claiming its spot before the horse. Snakes are described as cautious and introverted observers with cool and mysterious behaviour, according to a Chinese New Year website. While they are suspicious and

stable, but they should make sure to favour steady income over speculative gains.

WEALTH: Snakes may be financially

RELATIONSHIPS: Romantic relationships this year will be stable and long-lasting with strong social connections, but there won’t be other significant romantic opportunities.

insecure by nature, the few close people around them will find them sensitive, full of wisdom and passionate.

Their strengths include self-respect and steadfastness where other people’s opinions won’t sway their decisions.

Their weakness lies in being emotionally detached, which can lead to them being cold or selfish.

This year will be the year of the Wood Snake. Wood snakes will have a challenging year, but there will be “strong opportunities for career and financial growth as

HEALTH: Snakes will have minor, but frequent times of falling ill. Regular exercise and rest will be needed this year. Be cautious of accidents such as falls or traffic-related injuries.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE IN

2025

long as they balance the year with joyful events.”

Snakes are encouraged to wear red clothing or jewelry to keep away misfortune and avoid wearing pink and purple, according to the website.

It also mentions the best careers for those born in the year of the snake are being an investment advisor, artist, stylist, social media influencer and psychologist. Meanwhile, the worst careers are being an attorney, police, researcher, doctor or analyst.

Paul Ng, a practicing Chinese geomancer and philosopher, also known as a feng shui master, shared his general yearly predictions and horoscopes for the Year of the Snake, which begins on Jan. 29.

HOROSCOPE

YEAR OF THE HORSE

A strong social and romantic outlook is in store for horses this year with increased creativity and fame greater than money.

WORK : Horses are inclined to work in careers in public relations, human resources and entertainment industries. Creative fields are also very beneficial.

WEALTH : Horses are financially stable and better at maintaining their wealth than acquiring it this year.

RELATIONSHIPS: Good romantic prospects and strong social ties are in store this year for the horse. Those who are single should consider marriage while married couples will enjoy more affection this year.

HEALTH : In general, horses are expected to have good health and a clear mind this year.

YEAR OF THE GOAT

Goats have a strong intuition when it comes to design and planning. However, they should be more mindful of the health of elderly family members.

WORK : Goats are suitable for design-related work, cemetery and funeral services, philosophy and religion. However, those born in the year of the sheep should expect significant effort will be needed in their career.

WEALTH : It will be a financially stable year for Goats with a focus on legitimate income.

RELATIONSHIPS: Stable and long-lasting romantic relationships are in store for 2025, but no other significant romantic opportunities.

HEALTH : Good overall health, but avoid overexertion.

HOROSCOPE

YEAR OF THE MONKEY

2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944

Monkeys will have mixed influences from those born in the year of the snake and tiger. There will be frequent chances and you will need to rely on yourself more than on others.

WORK : Monkeys will find themselves in careers such as public relations and research fields, all the while solving problems independently.

WEALTH : Money will be gained through hard work this year, through stable and legitimate income.

RELATIONSHIPS: Relationships will be stable this year but there will be an increase in time spent alone.

HEALTH : Monkeys will need to pay attention to their health as there may be potential issues with their lungs and kidneys. Those born in the year of the Monkey should avoid overexertion.

2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945

YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

Roosters will have an auspicious year with strong social and financial luck. However, they will be prone to backstabbing and romantic complications.

WORK : Roosters will find themselves benefiting from careers in human relations-related fields, entertainment, creative writing and financial management.

WEALTH : There will be considerable income in 2025, especially for those in the entertainment and banking industries.

RELATIONSHIPS: Strong social and romantic luck is in store for the Rooster, while single individuals should consider looking for a marriage partner. Roosters should be careful of conflicts when it comes to extramarital affairs.

HEALTH : Roosters are healthy in general but they should avoid abuse and overwork.

YEAR OF THE DOG

Dogs are in a harmonious state this year and will enjoy good relationships and romance. They will also have strong analytical abilities and stable careers.

WORK : Marriage-related industries, education and analytical fields are beneficial for those born in the year of the dog.

WEALTH : Dogs’ reputation is greater than their financial gain as wealth will come from interpersonal relationships. It is best to stick to legitimate jobs.

WORK : Rats will benefit from the entertainment industry as well as financial investments.

WEALTH : Rats will have strong financial luck with both legitimate and speculative gains. Rats will find themselves profiting from investments and interpersonal relationships.

RELATIONSHIPS: There is strong romantic luck and a good relationship outlook for 2025. Married individuals will find themselves enjoying harmonious relationships while single individuals may marry this year.

WEALTH : Strong financial luck especially in investments and expansion.

HEALTH : Rats are generally healthy, but should watch out for accidents and injuries. It’s best to pay attention to the road and drive carefully.

Relationships: Dogs may have minor arguments during the year, but overall relationships will be good with patience and tolerance as the key.

HEALTH : Dogs are prone to minor accidents, so remember to take things slow and don’t rush.

YEAR OF THE PIG

2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946 2019, 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947

Pigs are likely to clash with the “Tai Sui” snake this year. Avoid gambling and speculation and try travelling more. Pigs have a strong intuition and a heightened sixth sense.

WORK : Pigs benefit in the creative and spiritual fields such as religion, philosophy and education.

WEALTH : Money coming in and going out will balance out this year. It is best to conserve money and not gamble.

RELATIONSHIPS: There is a potential for disagreements in romantic relationships. Patience and tolerance are important this year.

RELATIONSHIPS: Oxen are prone to arguments with their partners and too much focus on work may lead to neglect in relationships.

HEALTH : Be cautious of overworking and accidents.

YEAR OF THE TIGER

Tigers are likely to clash with the “tai sui” snake and are prone to interpersonal issues and disputes.

2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937 2022, 2010,

YEAR OF THE OX

Oxen will benefit from their relationships with snakes as increased power and strong financial luck are in store. However, there may be mental and physical exhaustion along the way.

WORK : Oxen will benefit from jobs involving management and selfemployment where power will generate wealth.

YEAR OF THE RABBIT

2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939

Rabbits will receive help from benefactors and turn misfortune into fortune while encountering new opportunities.

WORK : Rabbits will benefit in jobs such as education, technology, public relations and human resources.

WEALTH : Their wealth will grow from reputation and stable jobs.

WORK : Tigers will benefit from jobs involving speaking such as teaching, religion, meditation and surgery. They could also find work in the automotive industry favourable.

WEALTH : You may find yourself making money through jobs requiring more speaking and travelling. Overall, good financial prospects.

RELATIONSHIPS: Tigers have stable and longlasting relationships, but they should be wary of arguments.

HEALTH : Tigers are prone to accidents and injuries. Avoid rushing and prioritize safety.

YEAR OF THE DRAGON Dragons and snakes are compatible, therefore they will have better relationships this year compared to last year. However, they should be cautious of health issues.

WORK : Dragons will benefit from working in the medical industry as well as in food, entertainment and celebratory industries.

RELATIONSHIPS: Good interpersonal relationships with respect from others will be a sign of strong romantic luck.

HEALTH : Rabbits are prone to accidents this year, so avoid intense activities. They should enjoy overall good health.