The year 2025 is here! Now is a great time to check in with this year’s Chinese Zodiac.
Every year, there’s a specific animal — with their own unique characteristics and traits — said to affect how the year plays out for everyone, while also representing those born that year. In 2025, we welcome the year of the Snake a symbol both praised and misunderstood by many.
If someone says you have Snake-like traits, take it as a compliment — you’re someone who is believed to have the capacity to let go of past burdens, adapt to new circumstances, and evolve into a stronger and wiser person.
SNAKES IN CHINESE ASTROLOGY
In some cultures, like when it comes to Chinese astrology, people who are born in the year of the Snake are viewed as resilient, mysterious, perceptive, and wise.
One of the most fascinating traits of real Snakes is their ability to shed, which is a great representation of growth and renewal. Snakes are often seen as a powerful metaphor for transformation: If someone says you have Snake-like traits, take it as a compliment — you’re someone who is believed to have the capacity to let go of past burdens, adapt to new circumstances, and evolve into a stronger and wiser person.
Real Snakes are seen as adaptive as they have the ability to survive in a variety of environments, from deserts to forests. They are flexible when it comes to finding creative solutions to fit their needs and are often careful when making decisions. This is why they say that people born in the year of the Snake have a great sense of inner strength and control.
A symbol of both strength and renewal, Snakes in Chinese astrology have very positive characteristics. So why is it that many people are afraid whenever they encounter the real thing?
WHY PEOPLE FEAR SNAKES (AND SHOULDN’T)
Unfortunately, Snakes aren’t always seen in a positive light. Throughout history, Snakes were often seen as villains, symbolizing betrayal and evil in many cultures. Some think that Snakes are automatically dangerous, even taking them as symbolic of a curse.
In truth, most Snakes actually prefer to avoid interacting with people as much as possible. They aren’t as dangerous as people think, unless they are threatened and forced to defend themselves — just like any other animal.
One thing is for sure: The idea that snakes will actively try to pursue humans and strike them without any provocation is completely unfounded.
In truth, they will most often run away if they chance upon a human. It is only when they feel cornered or threatened that they have no choice but to stand their ground.
The idea that snakes will actively try to pursue humans and strike them without any provocation is completely unfounded.
WHY WE NEED SNAKES
The saying, “The only good Snake is a dead Snake,” is just not true. It’s important to understand the essential role of Snakes in our ecosystem.
Just like other predators, they play a crucial role in controlling certain animal populations and contributing to the balance of our ecology. This then keeps our crops safe while also helping to minimize the spread of diseases if other animals start to increase in number.
You might hate the idea of encountering a Snake, but imagine the inconvenience of having too many Rats living near your home because there are no Snakes to keep their numbers in check. Rats are more likely to enter your home than Snakes in search of food, too, and they bring with them the risk of leptospirosis.
Snakes seem scary because of how they’ve always been portrayed in mainstream media, but not having them around is realistically scarier. Try to remember that next time you encounter a slithering ally on the ground.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO SNAKE CONSERVATION IN 2025
By gaining a better understanding of these creatures, we can see them not as something to fear, but as important members of our natural world.
The year of the Snake presents a wonderful chance to get involved in Snake conservation and help spread awareness about these amazing animals. It’s a time to rethink our perspectives and embrace how they actually are — just beings who want to live out in the wild, and not evil in the slightest.
Similar to what’s believed in Chinese astrology, Snakes are also a positive symbol in our world. In keeping with the New Year, let’s develop a new perspective about them and help others understand these oft-misunderstood Reptiles.
From learning more about the essential roles they play to supporting local conservation initiatives, let us all do our part to encourage a more positive view on these amazing creatures. It’s time we displayed strength and growth — just like Snakes — by rethinking how we treat them!
