Year of the Snake

Happy New Year!

Few Chinese Horoscope books contain overall prognostications for the year. In my large collection of these books, one of the few that does is the first edition of Theodora Lau's The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, published in 1979. Unfortunately, in the later editions of this book, her overall predictions for each year have been removed.

To provide my friends with this interesting information, here is Ms. Lau's overall forecast for the Year of the Snake, plus her predictions for how individuals will fare this year, given the animal that represents their birth year. (To determine what animal you are, see my table of animals for birth dates.)

The Year of the Snake 

February 10, 20013 – January 30, 2014

            A year for reflection, planning and searching answers. A good time for shrewd dealings, political affairs and coups d'etat. People will be more likely to scheme and ponder over matters before acting on them. An auspicious year for commerce and industry. Solutions and compromises can be arrived at, but not without some mutual distrust at first. The Snake likes to resolve his differences one way or another. If he fails and things cannot be peacefully settled, then he will declare war.

Looking back into history, we find that the year of the Snake has never been tranquil. Perhaps this is because it is the strongest negative force in the cycle and it follows the Dragon year, which is the strongest positive one. Many disasters which had their beginning in the year of the Dragon tend to culminate in he year of the Snake. These two signs are very closely related and the calamities of the Snake years often resulted from excesses committed during the Dragon's reign.

This will be a lively time for romance, courtship and scandals of all sorts. A good year to pursue he arts. Fashion will become more elegant and fluid; music and the theater will blossom; and people will strive for a more sophisticated life. Notable contributions will also be made by science and technology.

The venerable wisdom of the Snake will be evident in many facets of our life, particularly in those requiring decisions. Although everything may look refreshingly quiet on the surface, the year of the Snake is always unpredictable. The Snake's cool and collected front hides the deep and mysterious ways of his nature, It should be noted that once the Snake uncoils to strike, he moves like lightning and nothing can stop him. Similarly, changes that occur during the Snake's year can be as sudden and devastating.

Tread lightly and be more cautious this year. Gambling and speculation is strictly taboo. The consequences will be over-whelming The Snake is not merciful.

Whatever else happens, the Snake will give us faith in our convictions and coerce us to act and to act forcefully during his reign. This is not a year for fence-sitters.

How you will fare in the Year of the Snake

Rat              A mixed year. The Rat has to be very careful in making investments or important decisions. A big illness or some loss of money will cast gloom over him. His luck will turn for the better toward the end of the year and he may be able to recoup some losses.

Ox               Good times predicted for the Ox person. He will find it easy to make money. Things are all within his reach this year. On the darker side, he may suffer from a misunderstanding with some associate or find that some friend betrays his confidence. All his problems can be resolved if he is open to discussion.

Tiger           A fair year for the Tiger. No large losses or gains foreseen and his life could be tranquil if he is cautious enough not to get caught up in the affairs of others. His progress will be steady and his illnesses minor. Most of his disappointments will cone from persons of the opposite sex.

Rabbit        Not much tangible progress for the Rabbit during this year. He may have to travel or be faced with difficulties from several directions. A change of residence or career is also indicated as he tries to consolidate or better his current position. He could also find less time to spend with his family or be faced with many unplanned expenses.

Dragon        A lucky year for the Dragon’s business endeavors. His plans still go smoothly although he meets minor opposition. He may have some personal or romantic problems as home life and love life are neglected by him.

Snake          A fair year for the Snake although he may feel that his achievements are not up to expectations. It is a year for him to bide his time and not make sudden changes. Patience and a cool head are essential if he is to keep himself out of trouble. Business misunderstanding, romantic problems or a slight injury to the body are foreseen. His gains are modest but he is going to be more concerned with securing his position or retaining control.

Horse         A busy, involved year that brings taxing demands on the Horse's time and energy. Difficulties come from partners or friends and delays are caused by unseen obstacles. He will find support in his family but cannot expect a great deal of achievement in spite of all his efforts.

Sheep          A good year as the Sheep regains power, position and popularity. New and influential people help him and he will travel or receive some additional income. Bad tidings may delay his progress temporarily but his goals will be accomplished in the end.

Monkey      A moderately happy year as the Monkey receives assistance from friends or support from his superiors. Good times are in store although there are some disputes at home. A year in which he must hold his tongue and avoid confrontation at all costs.

Rooster      Still a fortunate year for the Rooster, as some progress is indicated and he is lucky enough to retain his good position. No large monetary gains foreseen this year, although he will be able to curtail his losses to an admirable degree. Freak accidents or malicious rumors are also likely this year and he should not take long or unnecessary journeys.

Dog             A very good year. The Dog will still have to work hard but he will receive due recognition of his efforts. He will be lucky to his business investments and will have the support of the right people. A year for him to take things easy and enjoy his family life more. He will also benefit a lot from good advice or tips given to him at this time.

Boar            A hectic and uneasy time for the Boar, although moderate success can be expected. He will be occupied with travel, aggressive speculation and joint ventures. He will also receive some sad news and have problems with the opposite sex. Setbacks will result mainly from overspending or extravagance.

From: The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau, First Edition, 1979