MIAMI – Many Blessings as we welcome the Year of the Snake! The Lunar New Year, celebrated widely across China and other parts of Asia, is one of the most significant traditional holidays with origins spanning over 3,000 years. Rooted in astronomical observations, mythology, and religious traditions, it remains a time of renewal, family reunions, and spiritual reflection. While it has evolved into a largely secular celebration, it retains deep ties to Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and ancient folk religions.
The holiday is often called the Spring Festival in China, marking the transition from winter to spring. This period represents renewal, making it an auspicious time for house cleaning, decorating with red banners inscribed with auspicious couplets, and purchasing new clothes. These customs signify the sweeping away of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.
One well-known legend surrounding the Lunar New Year is the tale of Nian, a mythical beast that terrorized villages. According to folklore, an elderly wise man used firecrackers, loud noises, and red decorations to scare the creature away. As a result, red lanterns, firecrackers, and red paper cuttings remain central to Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck and protection from evil spirits. Additionally, dragon dances, another enduring tradition, are performed to chase away malevolent forces and welcome prosperity.
One of the most revered figures associated with the Lunar New Year is the Kitchen God or Zao Jun. In Chinese folk religion, he serves as a household deity responsible for monitoring the virtues and misdeeds of families. As the New Year approaches, families traditionally make offerings of wine and sweet treats, such as glutinous rice or honey, to ensure he delivers a favorable report to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity of the heavens. Some households even burn an effigy of the Kitchen God, symbolizing his journey to the heavens, after which a new image is placed above the stove to oversee the home for the coming year.
Other deities play an essential role in New Year observances as well. The God of Wealth, known as Cai Shen, is honored during the festival, with many seeking his blessings for financial prosperity in the coming year. Temples dedicated to Taoist and Buddhist deities see an influx of worshippers offering incense and prayers, hoping for good fortune, health, and success in the months ahead.
Traditionally, the Chinese have followed a lunisolar calendar, which synchronizes lunar cycles with solar movements. The calendar’s origins date back to the legendary Xia dynasty (2070–1600 BCE) and were refined during the Shang dynasty (1600–1050 BCE). Even though modern China adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1912, traditional festivals, including the Lunar New Year, continue to be observed according to the old system.
The heart of the Lunar New Year celebration is family. Millions of people travel across countries and continents to reunite with loved ones, making it the largest annual human migration. The Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is a highlight, where families share symbolic dishes that promise prosperity and longevity. A whole fish, symbolizing abundance, dumplings representing wealth, and glutinous rice cakes signifying rising success are just a few examples of traditional holiday foods.
The fifteenth and final day of the celebrations concludes with the Lantern Festival. On this night, people light lanterns, children parade them through neighborhoods, and families gather to enjoy tangyuan—sweet rice dumplings that symbolize unity and harmony.
As China has urbanized and modernized, the Lunar New Year has adapted while preserving its core traditions. One of the most anticipated events is the New Year’s Gala, a variety show broadcast by CCTV since 1983. Featuring music, dance, and comedic performances, it remains the most-watched television program in the world, attracting an audience of nearly a billion people annually.
While the holiday is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, it is celebrated in many other Asian countries, each with unique variations. In Vietnam, it is known as Tết and features distinctive customs such as ancestor worship and the preparation of traditional foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes). In South Korea, Seollal is observed with ancestral rites and folk games. Across the world, cities with large Chinese communities, such as San Francisco, New York, and Sydney, host parades, dragon dances, and other festivities that highlight the holiday’s cultural significance.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has excellent opportunities to explore the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival online and in person. They also have resources for kids to learn more as well as virtual tours.
This year we welcome the return of the Wood Snake. The Year of the Wood Snake occurs every 60 years, as the Chinese zodiac cycles through 12 animal signs and five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water).
Our friend and Dianic Witch, Susan Levitt, shared Pagan connections with Spring Festival:
We Pagans follow both the solar calendar with the solar holidays of Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice. Plus the cross-quarter holidays between the equinoxes and solstices of Imbolc, Beltane, Samhain, and Lughnasadh. Or a form of these holidays, depending on your tradition.
In China, the Lunar New Year is a spring festival that begins on the second new Moon after Winter Solstice, when the Sun and new Moon are conjunct in Aquarius. The new Moon on Jan 29, 2025, at 4:36 AM PST begins the year of the Snake.
Both pagans and the ancient Chinese respect the Snake, and do not view the Snake as the evil creature of a creation myth. Instead, the Snake is a symbol of wisdom, making the Snake year the time to coil up, contemplate, and reflect. The focus is on the inner world, spiritual exploration, and new depths in relationships. Snake year is important to shed your skin, meaning pare down material goods to your best possessions. Snake year is the opportune time for a massive cleaning resulting in less stress, less chaos, and the ability to focus like a cobra.
2025 is the year of the Wood Snake. Our pagan traditions are often based on the four elements of Earth, Air Fire, and Water. The Chinese system is based on the five Taoist elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. The element Wood symbolizes growth, like a plant in springtime. This Wood Snake year offers the unique opportunity to quickly shed skins of the past, creatively express what is in the shadows, and move forward covering much ground. Yang Wood is a pine tree. Yin Wood is bamboo. Snake is a Yin animal that benefits from being flexible like bamboo, and adapting to change.
People born in Snake years (2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929) are sensitive, powerful, and creative souls. They are both intelligent and intuitive, making them naturally strategic. Some Snakes enjoy a quiet spiritual life, while others are more outwardly determined and strive for success. Snakes are often a mix of both, spending part of life engaged in worldly success and the other part engaged in the realm of spirituality. The fields of shamanism, midwifery, and hospice are often attractive to Snakes because of their innate powers of perception and depth of understanding.
Snake loves and appreciates beauty. Therefore, creativity in the arts can flourish. This is the year to support all artists and become an artisan or artist yourself if that has been a life goal. The mystical nature of Snake makes it a fortunate time to learn divination and magical arts. Mystical Snake can be a loner, so gather with others in spiritual and creative activities. Do not hibernate, even during winter. A Wood year is a time to be engaging and grow with others, to become involved in a spiritual community, or to enjoy spiritual practices such as meditation or yoga.
Summer is the strongest season in a Snake year because the Snake’s earthly branch is Fire in Chinese medicine. The best months in Snake year are May, August, September, and January. The element Wood empowers Fire Snake born in 1977 and Wood Snake born in 1965.
Susan also shared “YOUR FORTUNE IN SNAKE YEAR”
Rat (Mouse)
Birth years of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.
The next year of the Rat is 2032.
Rat’s realistic common-sense approach and practicality will be rewarded and bring success this year. So stay steady. Expect a sobering year when Rat must limit the grandiosity of the previous Dragon year and adjust to living more simply. You are naturally good with money, so take care to not overspend or overextend. Your best months are January, April, August, and December. Your best season is winter.
Ox (Buffalo, Cow)
Birth years of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937,1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.
The next year of the Ox is 2033.
There are opportunities to enjoy a very good year because Snake and Ox are highly compatible. A time for renewed power, expansion, and good luck. Anticipate much growth in this Wood year, and no longer being stuck. But Ox must tread lightly and avoid being the subject of gossip, scandal, or secrets. Your best months are January, May, September, and December. Your best season is winter.
Tiger
Birth years of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.
The next year of the Tiger is 2034.
Anticipate opportunities for healing and to create balance after high energy Dragon year 2024. Travel is highlighted, and this Snake year is an outstanding time for a relaxing vacation to unwind. Get organized, but keep your ideas and plans quiet in a Snake year. Your comeback is next year in 2026 Fire Horse. Your best months are February, June, October, and November. Your best season is autumn.
Rabbit (Hare, Cat)
Birth years of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.
The next year of the Rabbit is 2035.
A year to express your artistic creativity, especially in the healing arts. But stay balanced should unexpected events occur, including a change in residence or occupation. Maintain your love of peace and tranquility. Rabbit does best by remaining neutral and not getting wrapped up in Snake-year intrigues. Your best months are March, July, October, and November. Spring is your best season.
Dragon
Birth years of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012.
Next year of the Dragon is 2024.
Good luck and positive acclaim can continue from the previous Dragon year, especially in your career. However personal relationship issues concerning boundaries and responsibilities must be given attention. Problematic relationships will be healed or ended in this Snake year. So either make amends or fly on. You are the Dragon, whereas Snake is the Little Dragon. Your best months are April, August, September, and December. Spring is your best season.
Snake
Birth years of the Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.
Next year of the Snake is 2025.
This Snake year starts a new 12-year life cycle for you, especially for Snakes who have been hibernating. There will be opportunities for good fortune, especially in the arts. This is your year to focus on your creative interests. Much can be accomplished without risk on your part, finances are stable, and relationships are harmonious. In public maintain a pleasant attitude. Your best months are January, April, May and September. Your best season is summer.
Horse
Birth years of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.
The next year of the Horse is 2026.
If challenged about your independent nature because Snake can be clingy, do not let anyone fence you in. This busy year is exciting but could involve some difficulties from partners, delays in business, and general frustration. Should a new romance develop, it’s likely to be short-lived. So stay strong, and don’t allow anyone to boss you around. Next year is your year 2026 Fire Horse when you start a new 12-year life cycle. Your best months are February, June, July, and October. Your best season is summer.
Sheep (Goat, Ram)
Birth years of the Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.
The next year of the Sheep is 2027.
Enjoy a fun year of travel, interesting communication, and amusing activities. And an elevated interest in the arts. But all these festivities may be beyond Sheep’s budget, giving Sheep too many opportunities to “eat paper.” So watch your finances. It’s fortunate for Sheep to devote time for inner reflection and meditation, especially in a Snake year. Your best months are March, June, July, and November. Your best season is summer. Winter can be hard for Sheep.
Monkey
Birth years of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.
The next year of the Monkey is 2028.
Expect opportunities that Monkeys can work to their advantage. Snake and Monkey are very compatible. Snake wisdom coupled with Monkey guile creates an unbeatable team. If faced with emotional difficulties, friends and family can be supportive, nurturing, and a source of inspiration for you. Your best months are April, May, August, and December. Your best season is autumn.
Phoenix (Rooster, Chicken, Bird)
Birth years of the Phoenix: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.
The next year of the Phoenix is 2029.
Enjoy an interesting and creative year for you because Snake and Phoenix are highly compatible. This is your time to shine, and your self-expression is rewarded. Events seem to go your way so you don’t have to fight for what you want, although there could be some minor complications in business. Your best months are January, April, May, and September. Your best season is autumn.
Dog
Birth years of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.
The next year of the Dog is 2030.
Success is indicated in home and business, as this is a good year of soul searching that leads to satisfying answers. Snake’s influence brings philosophizing, questioning, and debating which Dog enjoys. Your luck will be stronger in the 2026 Horse year. Your best months are February, March, June, and October. Your best season is autumn.
Pig (Boar)
Birth years of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.
The next year of the Pig is 2031.
It could be a year with some setbacks and romantic difficulties because Snake is opposite Pig in the 12-year cycle. Business may be steady but romance could be unrewarding and complicated. And Pig likes simplicity. So avoid getting involved in the difficulties of others. Your best months are February, March, July, and November. Your best seasons are autumn and winter.
About Susan:
Susan Levitt is a Dianic witch. Her coven name is Susan Mermaid. She is a professional tarot card reader, astrologer, and feng shui consultant in San Francisco. She is the author of 5 books published in several languages. Learn more about the Snake in her book Taoist Astrology. You CAN learn to read tarot cards in Snake Year with her book Introduction to Tarot. If you do not have tarot cards, get Susan’s The Complete Tarot Kit which contains two tarot decks with the book. Follow Susan for your daily tarot card on Instagram or on Facebook. Follow her Lunar Astrology Newsletter for new Moon and full Moon updates at www.susanlevitt.com.
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