From the lofty heights of the mythical Dragon flying in the sky, we’re brought crashing down to earth with the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac: the sly and skilful Snake. When the Jade Emperor held his great race to determine the animals of the zodiac, the Snake curled up in the Horse’s hoof and hid there while the Horse crossed the river. Just as they were about to reach the finish line, the Snake emerged from the hoof, scared the Horse half to death, and sneakily nabbed sixth place. This is how the Snake became the sixth animal in the zodiac. It’s also why horses will always stomp on snakes when they see them!
Years of the Snake
If you were born in the year 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025 then you belong to the sign of the Snake. It’s important to note that the Chinese zodiac follows the Chinese lunar calendar, which begins in late-January or early-February. For example, Chinese New Year fell on February 6th in 1989, so anyone born before that date actually belongs to the Year of the Dragon and not the Year of the Snake. In short, you’ve just been given a new set of wings!
Lucky Signs and Symbols
Snake people should be wary of the numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Two, eight, and nine are sure to herald good tidings, but one, six, and seven will only bring you woe! Black, red, and yellow are your lucky colours, while disaster comes in the colours brown, white, and gold.
Characteristics of the Snake
Throughout the world, the Snake has a somewhat maligned reputation as a thief, a snitch, and a downright villain. Even in Chinese culture, it is widely considered to be the most enigmatic animal in the zodiac. Yet those born under the sign of the Snake are said to be intuitive, sensitive, highly intelligent, humorous, persistent, artistic, sympathetic, wise, persuasive, and passionate. That being said, those bitten by the Snake won’t soon forget it! Snake people are known for being jealous, suspicious, materialistic, easily stressed, devious, and private.
Romantic Compatibility
The Snake’s difficult and deceitful nature means, when it comes to romance, they tend to turn people off. They should look to forge a romantic attachment with the Dragon or the Rooster, but can form an amicable relationship with the Ox and an average one with the Dog. When it comes to the Rat, the Horse, and the Monkey, they’re better off just as friends, whilst they should steer clear of the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Sheep, the Pig, and even other Snakes!
Job Prospects
With their creativity, astuteness, and diligence, Snakes are perfectly suited for careers in science, analytics, painting, pottery, creative writing, astrology, and sociology.
How to Manage Your Relationship with the Snake
Unfortunately, it seems that the Snake’s reputation precedes it, because they rarely have many, if any, close friends. This is in part due to their own secretive nature, as they keep their feelings hidden and are very picky when choosing their friends. They are not the type to forgive and forget, meaning they will cut off anyone who breaches their friendship in any way.
Once you have established a close relationship with the Snake, however, they will be willing to share all of their happiest and darkest thoughts with you. They guard their chosen friends much like one would protect valuable possessions, so be aware that they might become jealous or obsessive at times.
The Elemental Cycle
As we mentioned in our introductory article, the 12-year animal cycle is part of a much wider 60-year elemental cycle, meaning that each year of the zodiac is also assigned an element. People born in 1965 or 2025 belong to the Year of the Wood Snake, making them more orderly and intelligent, with a refined taste and an enhanced ability to appreciate the arts. The Fire Snakes, who were born in 1977, are known for being smart, insightful, communicative, and active, with a fondness for being in the limelight.
Anyone born in 1929 or 1989 is an Earth Snake, meaning they are exceedingly calm and have incredible self-control, although they struggle with remaining steadfast and completing tasks. Those born in 1941 or 2001 are Metal Snakes, who are renowned for being determined, courageous, confident, and able; in other words, they are born leaders! Finally, the Water Snakes of 1953 and 2013 have a clever, creative, lively, and outgoing disposition, although they can be prone to sentimentality.
So remember, there’s no need to be afraid of a Snake in the grass!