The Snake

1917, 1929,1941, 1963, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001,2013

The snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac. Its intrinsic element is fire. The hour of the snake is said to be between 9.00 am to 11.00 am in the morning. The energy of snake is yang. The compass direction of snake is between 127.5 degrees to 157.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of the east-south-east.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed most lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the snake. The years of the snake are listed in the table above. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but during say, the month of January, chances are, you do not belong to the snake year but instead to the year prior to the snake year which is the year of the dragon. In the same way, you could still be a snake if you are born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

A long time ago, the snake and the frog were very good friends. Then, however, the snake had none, crawling on his belly as the snake dose today. Ironically, the snake was lazy and relied on the frog to catch insects for him; in doing this, the frog also helped the pepole by getting rid of pests, so naturally the people liked the frog and distrusted the snake. Angered by this, the snake began to bite humans and their animals, hurting-even killing-many people. Although the snake was summoned before the Jade Emperor and asked to stop, he was an obstinate animal and he continued. As a punishment, his four legs were taken from him and given to the frog.

Ashamed by his past behaviour, the snake turned his efforts towards helping the people in an attempt to redeem himself. He helped his relative, the dragon to control the rains and he donated his body to be made into medicine after his death. Impressed, the Emperor gave the snake a place just after the dragon in the animal signs. Although this pleased the snake, he couldn't help hating the frog for stealing his legs which is why snakes still try to eat frogs today.

Personality of the people born in Snake year

You are decisive and active, stimulated by thoughtful debate and interesting conversation, although if the conversation becomes repetitive your attention soon wanders. It is unlikely that you will tolerate idle chatter for long, preferring instead to focus on new ideas and intelligent discussion. When you find a particular topic stimulating, you often make unusual and challenging contributions.

You are a good judge of situations and are alert to new possibilities, so when you have an idea you pursue it persistently and energetically. You are often so confident of its success that you fail to listen to constructive advice, but what really disturbs you is the thought of actually being proved wrong. Although you do not easily rake advice you are patient with others when they need your help, and your ability to look at a problem from a variety of angles is appreciated. When faced with a dilemma you are cool and reserved, and it is this clarity of vision that enables you to act decisively. You act with speed and conviction when you are committed to a task, since you believe intensely in what you are doing and rarely waste time or energy on projects lacking in good potential.

However, your life is not all work and competition, and when the opportunity arises you know how to wind down and relax. You can only keep up your energetic approach for so long before you find a means of escape and withdraw into a more private world to pursue your hobbies and enjoy life's luxuries. You make trusting and long term friendships and are a protective and caring friend. Your anger, however, can be quickly aroused, and you will soon retaliate if you think someone has taken advantage of your trust or has hurt those close to you.

Romance

You have a very seductive nature, and when you have resolved to woo someone you plan your moves carefully and do not abandon your quest lightly. You are a humorous and romantic partner who jealously guards important relationships; even if you wander off to flirt with others, you are determined not to lose what you already have. You like the attention and affection that romance offers but do not want to feel trapped, and you also enjoy discovering new friendships, although this may create tensions for the partner left behind.

Sometimes you have one set of rules for yourself and one for your partner-you need space to travel and explore without having to account for your movements, yet you keep a wary eye on your partner’s activities. But when you are romantically involved you are also loving and attentive, stimulating and playful, although it takes time for you to reveal your fears or discuss your weaknesses. Ideally you want a partner to give you freedom, but you also like the security of sharing intimate moments in relaxed and cosy surroundings.

Career

You can read complex situations quickly and then set about resolving them in a quiet, controlled manner. You enjoy working independently since it gives you the freedom to travel and negotiate on your own terms, as well as allowing you to avoid the possibility of your ideas being limited or even taken over by others. You are a logical and organized worker and have the patience needed to acquire new skills. Many people born in the year of the snake are also gifted with a good memory that enables them to carry out projects thoroughly.

You are courageous and determined, able to spot potential trouble and react immediately, but once you have achieved your goal you usually withdraw to gather your thoughts and rest. After relaxing and recuperating you gather your energies once again to prepare for new challenges.

You are suited to a job in public relations, politics, law or catering. You would also make a good astrologer, archaeologist, entrepreneur, psychologist or philosopher.

Snake Associations

Element

Fire :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that affect all life. it is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. The snake is associated with the element of fire, which works in harmony with the element of earth but is overwhelmed by the element of water.

Colour

Red :

The snake is linked to the colour red, which is traditionally associated with fortune. It is linked to happiness and strength, success in projects and prosperity in the family. It is one of the most popular colours at Chinese New Year, when blessings are written on red paper and attached to doors or gates.

Energy

Yang :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yang is hot, heavy and dynamic; a force, which becomes stronger as winter wanes and the summer begins. Although the snake embodies both yin and yang qualities it is associated with good, which has powerful yang qualities linked to relaxation and intuition.

Direction

South-South-East :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The snake is linked to a south-south-easterly direction, which in turn is associated with the late hours of the morning, as the sun is climbing in the sky. This direction is also linked to the early summer, when yang is approaching its peak.

Balancing of energy for the Snake year

Snake year people are advised to observe the following:

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

Plans for the future take shape this year. Place the 3 legged toad in or bedroom or near the entrance of your home.

In the years of the Horse (2002):

A good year when energizing the south with lights, with the phoenix image and with the colour red brings excellent fortune.

In the years of the Sheep (2003):

A good year to activate the luck of the north-west corner with a 6 rod wind chime. This brings powerful friends and patrons into your life.

In the years of the Monkey (2004):

Powerful friends bring opportunities and good fortune. Place crystals in the south-west. Display the Fuk Luk Sau in the north-west.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

An excellent year. Activate the luck of the north-west with a 6 rod wind chime, and the west with a golden deer. Place the Ru yi on your desk to energize career luck.

In the years of the Dog (2006) :

Good romance and travel luck. Place the conch on your desk and the double happiness sign in your bedroom.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

Display paintings of longevity. Place wind chimes in the north-east to control the deadly 5 yellow. Do not sit facing the north, north-west this year as this confronts the Grand Duke. Place a water feature here.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

It is a mixed year for you. Display the gem tree for overall luck.

In the years of the OX(2009) :

Career luck needs a boost. Create a water feature for the north and display a three-legged toad near the front of the door.

In the years of the TIGER(2010) :

The Snake requires protection luck this year. Place a pair of Fu dogs by the door, and display the Dragon Horse inside the home.