2025 has started off with a bang, and I don’t know about you, but I’ll take any excuse I can get for another reset. January 29th was Chinese New Year—the annual Spring Festival celebrated at the second new moon after the winter solstice (for those of us who follow western astrology, this is always at the New Moon in Aquarius). This year’s festival welcomed us to the Year of the Snake. Just as a snake sheds its skin, the Year of the Snake is all about transformation. This is a year where risk is rewarded and mindset shifts make a huge difference. Those who are afraid to make a big leap may get left behind.
Those born in a Snake year are accustomed to a life of constant transformation. Think: the many eras of Snake superstar Taylor Swift. But despite this, Snakes aren’t in for their best year ever. This is because one’s own zodiac year is their Ben Ming Nian, or a year traditionally believed to bring bad luck. That being said, Snakes are still in for major milestones and some big life changes. No one sheds their skin quite like the Snake.
But if the Snake isn’t having the best year ever, then who is? That distinction goes to two zodiac signs who share the Snake’s work ethic and patience, the fellow strategists of the Chinese Zodiac: The Rooster and the Ox.
As the animal that arrived second to the Jade Emperor’s Palace (behind only the Rat who tricked the Ox by hitching a ride on his back), the Ox is known for being honest and steadfast. Oxes are humble and earnest, hiding from the spotlight and always keeping their heads down to work instead. Oxes are resilient and know how to get through even the toughest of times. During the Year of the Snake, the Ox’s slow and steady hard work will finally pay off. All the incremental changes that the Ox has made over the years are celebrated. Oxes are calm and gentle and make brilliant leaders for our current turbulent times.