
I've waited nearly 60 years to welcome new Wood Snakes into the fold (I'm the last group of Wood Snakes, born in 1965), and 2025 is the year. And with the 2025 Lunar New Year bringing a new batch of Wood Snakes, you may be wondering what type of energy they bring to the world.
Sure, you've probably heard about the year of the snake, which happens every 12 years because there are 12 zodiac animals that cycle through in Chinese astrology year after year. And just like the Chinese zodiac cycles through the animals, it also cycles through the five elements — earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.
The energy of Wood Snake that permeates the entire year will bring about some universal trends both for individuals and for humanity as a whole. How everyone experiences and manages these energies will vary depending on their individual Chinese zodiac sign and element.
General energies surrounding the Snake include intuition, thoughtfulness, and adaptability. Meanwhile, the wood element brings with it the energies of new beginnings, transformation, growth, and creativity. So with the unique combo of these two aspects of Chinese astrology, these are some of the energies and experiences that could arise during the year of the Wood Snake.
It's a Time of Transformation & Growth
Now is the time to explore things that lie beneath the surface. Whether you've been thinking about making changes or realize it's time to let go of old things that no longer serve you, the energy of this year will bring these issues to the surface and encourage you to make the changes necessary to grow. Like a snake shedding its old skin, this is the year to emerge as a new, better, wiser version of yourself.
Related: 10 Traditions That Invite Good Luck & Good Vibes for Lunar New Year
Strategic Thinking Will Be Key
During the energy of this year, it's prudent to carefully think through decisions rather than rushing in all willy-nilly. That's not to say you shouldn't follow your heart — you're probably filled with intuitive energy right about now, and it's great to follow your intuition. But give it a think before you make a leap to be sure you're choosing things that are right for you. Calculated risks are the name of the game.
You May Be Feeling Especially Creative
With creative energy playing a key role in everyone's life during the year of the Wood Snake, this is a period where you may see some serious innovation in a lot of aspects of life, and it's also a time where you may find that innovative solutions to your own issues come to you more easily.
Focus on Learning New Things
The energy of the Wood Snake encourages you to learn new things and develop new skills. Opportunities for skills development and learning may be more prevalent in your life this year, and saying yes to them can help in your personal growth and transformation.
It's the Year of the Breakthrough
With all of the above factors, many people can expect to have breakthroughs this year. Apply all that learning and innovation to long-held issues you've wanted to resolve. With the energy of a Wood Snake year, the time has never been better to move past old hurts and habits that no longer serve you.
Find Ways to Get Out of Your Head
While we've already cautioned you to think things through, be sure you don't get so stuck in thinking things through that you stagnate. This year, practices to help you focus on the moment and stop overthinking will be invaluable to spur growth.
You May Find Yourself Wanting More Me Time
The Snake brings with it the energy of isolation. That's not to say you should be a total loner, but you can definitely capitalize on the desire for some alone time by turning inward and finding ways to nourish yourself. Try journaling as a form of self-care and to help you determine the direction you want to go. It's important you find a way to balance your desire for time to yourself with spending time with others.
Make the Most of Year of Wood Snake Opportunities
While growth and change can be scary, they can also be exhilarating and improve your life. So lean into the Wood Snake energy in 2025, and by the time Lunar New Year 2026 rolls around, you could be in a whole new (& better) place.