The Year of the Snake (February 10, 2013 – January 30, 2014)–Symbol of a Second Chance
Happy New Year –Chinese Style–is still around the corner. According to Chinese Buddhism, before the Buddha entered Nirvana only twelve animals came to pay homage. So the Buddha honored them by naming a twelve-year cycle after them. The Snake, the most complex and “unsettling” force among the twelve, was the sixth animal to pay its respect to the Buddha. This year is the year of the black (water) snake.
The Snake year has never been tranquil, due to the missteps and excesses rooted in the previous Dragon year (see my earlier post, “Happy New Year”–The Year of the Dragon). As the Dragon (2012) exits, the Snake begins to uncoil. Both predator and prey, the snake must keep its eyes open, with a wakeful knowing, an omniscient awareness. We must be alert, like snakes. Feelings will become more intense, so analysis is essential, and opportunities to “see” more, notice more, and fine-tune decision-making will arise.
We are invited this year to slough off old ways of thinking and develop a second skin. Prepare for letting go of old habits, roles and responses, and opening the way for rejuvenation, like a snake shedding its skin. A source of spiritual healing, a medicine for the soul, 2013 is believed to restore balance in the midst of chaos and disharmony. Yin must follow Yang for the universe to be in balance. The Dragon Yang, as the cycle’s most powerful positive force, must be balanced by the cycle’s most powerful negative force, the Snake Yin. Snakes are the symbol of a “second chance” in life. 
The Snake seeks protection in the security of safe places. This is not a year to take risks but for cautious preparation and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for us to achieve what we want. Reflect, ponder and plan.
Saving money and being thrifty should be top priorities for all of us, in order to gain the greatest benefits the Year of the Snake has to offer. In the Chinese zodiac the snake is wise but it is also unforgiving. Understand this to prepare for the Year of the Snake and you will not be surprised by the challenges and opportunities in store for you!
Kim
Hi Diana,
Thanks for explaining what the year of the snake has in store! I like that it brings new beginnings.
Kim
joanne
Very interesting blog. The snake has been the symbol of so many religious and universal thoughts through the years. People are usually afraid of them. The fact that it sheds its skin seems very appropriate to the idea of change, renewing, second chance, and yet the snake was the tempter in Genesis. Poor Eve, if she had only had refused its ideas and remained dumb, but happy; but then since the Bible and the Koran were written and made Holy by MEN what chance did she have?
Joanne
Sylvia
Hi Diana!
Thanks for sharing this, I enjoyed reading it! Cheers to the year of the Snake… to better planning and careful attention to detail!
Best to you and Doug
Sylvia
Cathy
Hi, Diana:
A very Happy New Year to you and your family.
Tom (my husband) and I are both born on the year of the snake so I sent him your blog on it. It’s fascinating! Very detailed account of our snake year. We have been warned!
Tom’s mother (raised in Japan) was very interested and knowledgeable about these animal years and used to tell me a lot about them, even in terms of seclection of marriage partners and which will be a good match, relying on character traits. I’m sure all your Chinese readers will also tell you that this was the same for their people too. Tom and I are the same animal year so I don’t know what that means but we are still married after 48 years!!
Collin
Great read Diana!!! time to shed some bad habits.