Chinese astrology and Feng Shui expert Vicki Iskandar tells PEOPLE what the Year of the Snake means for each Chinese zodiac sign

The Lunar New Year is almost here!

Say farewell to the Year of the Wood Dragon because the Year of the Wood Snake is upon us, officially beginning when the new moon enters Aquarius at 4:36 a.m. PT on Jan. 29, 2025.

While every Lunar New Year prompts joyous gatherings and festivities, this year marks an especially exciting year to celebrate since the last time it was a Wood Snake year was in 1965. The year of the Snake, meanwhile, comes every 12 years.

These calculations are according to the Chinese calendar, which is based on a 60-year cycle made of the 60 possible combinations of the five elements and the 12 animal signs (comparable to Western astrology’s zodiac signs based on constellations relative to Earth).

“Each of these 60 pillars contains unique qualities and characteristics that can provide us with insights into a particular year,” Chinese astrology and Feng Shui expert Vicki Iskandar tells PEOPLE exclusively. The “Wood” in the Wood Snake is categorized as Yin Wood, which differs from last year.

2024’s Wood Dragon was Yang Wood, which is symbolized by “a sturdy tree” and associated with a “rigid, divisive and often angry nature,” explains Iskandar. 2025’s Yin Wood is associated with “flowers, leaves and grass,” she says, and described as “easygoing, flexible and diplomatic.”

What the Year of the Dragon Means for You, According to Your Chinese Zodiac Sign


A Yang year will always be followed by a Yin year. The order of the elements — which follows the cycle of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in the Chinese Five Elements theory — starts with Yang Wood followed by Yin Wood, and so on.

The Wood Snake has Yin Wood in the heavenly frequency and Yin Fire in the Snake, making it “quick and full of surprises,” says Iskandar. “Yin Wood is artistic, imaginative, and curious… Yin Fire illustrates how ideas, inspiration, and trends can form in an instant and spread quickly.”

Combine the qualities of Yin Wood and Yin Fire in the Wood Snake year and she predicts “a highly creative, collaborative and exciting year — but also unpredictable and surprising, too.” Iskandar, who is also author of The Chinese Five Elements Oracle, adds, “This is a year to explore, get inspired, and share your light.”

The year of the Wood Snake is likely to benefit everyone in different ways. “It will have many of us on the move, while some of us may finally have the chance to take a break after a challenging Dragon year,” says Iskandar.

Read on below for what to expect in the Wood Snake year for your animal sign, based on Vicki Iskandar’s predictions!

Snake’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
For those born during the year of the Snake, get excited! When the year falls in the animal sign of your birth year (known as the Grand Duke Jupiter return which happens every 12 years), Iskandar says it’s “usually a year of turning points,” noting snakes specifically “thrive” in times of change.

“Be prepared to grab life-changing opportunities coming your way,” she puts forth. “Challenges will also abound, but you have the positive mindset needed to rise above them. Keep that positive mindset and your Snake return year can be one of the best years of your life.”

You might even achieve “major milestones,” Iskandar predicts, noting to “hold your cards close to the heart until you’re ready” as you “aim high” in an attempt to reach your dreams. “You move fast as a Snake, so remember to practice mindfulness and stay present at all times.”

As a Yin Fire sign, Iskandar says “your energy can be up and down.” She suggests, “Slow down and rest when needed to restore the Fire within, especially in February, May, August and November when life becomes even more fast-paced.”

Horse’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
If you’re born during the year of the Horse, you’re in for a treat as the Peach Blossom (star of romance and attraction) to the Snake. Buckle up for a year of love!

“The Wood Snake will offer more opportunities for the single Horse to meet more people, while the married or partnered Horse will enjoy a sweeter relationship and spend more quality time with their loved ones,” says Iskandar.

The year’s energy will affect non-romantic relationships, too. “The naturally charismatic Horse will gain even more popularity and visibility this year, which the Horse can also leverage into their career,” she explains.

“Those in public life or in sales will find the Peach Blossom effect beneficial in their public appearances or presentations as it will be easy for them to stand out among their peers,” Iskandar puts forth, noting that the horse is an “exuberant, fun-loving Yang Fire sign.”

Therefore, exuberant, Iskandar says it’s important for the Horse to “be mindful of their boundaries and take care not to overindulge… especially during the Peach Blossom months of March, June, September and December.” Also, start looking ahead!

“This is also a year to start getting ready for the year of the Fire Horse in 2026,” she shares. “Big life changes are in store for you in your Horse return year. Visualize your ideal situations and start laying the foundation needed to achieve your goals.”

Sheep’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)


The Snake will ignite wanderlust for those born during the year of the Sheep. Getaways and relaxation are upon you.

“As a Yin Earth sign, the Sheep appreciates material comfort and prefers to stay in the comfort zone, but far away beaches and dreamy cities beckon in 2025,” Iskandar says. “Go ahead and plan those much-deserved vacations… it’s now time to give yourself a break.”

Don’t be alarmed by the possibility of feeling “overwhelmed with a heavy workload” in April, July and October. Rest assured that March, May and June are “lovely months for a getaway,” she says. “This will be your passport to wellness and make self-care your number one priority this year.”

Iskandar adds, “Your secret friend the Horse will present you with an amazing 2026… and you want to start striving for optimal health now to fully take advantage of what’s coming.”

Monkey’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

While good luck was on your side in 2024, Monkey, Iskandar says 2025 may be “an even better year” because the Snake is your secret friend (the Yin to its Yang).

“The secret friend relationship is a unique aspect in Chinese astrology that’s even more beneficial and karmic than a trine with an ally, though the Monkey and the Snake also tend to push each other to the limit as travel stars,” she says.

“Take all challenges in stride as they’re designed to help the Monkey reach their highest potential,” Iskandar continues. “As the year’s favored sign, the Monkey will attract attention, support and opportunities from potential and existing allies.”

Take note of April, May and December because they “are good months for collaborations,” she explains. While the Monkey is “swift and doesn’t hesitate to act,” she points out that it’s important to “keep your awareness high” during the months of February, May, August and November.

Rat’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)



In 2024, people born during the year of the Rat had support from their ally the Dragon. But guess what? The Snake will offer you the chance to “take further the relationships and alliances made last year,” Iskandar says.

“Opportunities may arise from these alliances, especially during the months of April and August. Plan well and success can be yours,” she advises. “Do your research before committing to a project or signing a contract, though, and fortify your online accounts to protect your assets.”

This year will be fast-paced, so Iskandar says to “focus on solidifying your foundation” whether it’s your “knowledge, skills, career, business or your assets and investments.” She adds, “You want to be well prepared for challenges coming your way in 2026 when the Horse opposes your sign.”

Ox’s 2025 Lunar New Year Horoscope (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
You will benefit from the Grand Duke’s full support as an ally of the Snake, Ox, so prepare for a year at ease. This is the opposite of the year of the Dragon, who pushed you to your limits with heavy responsibilities and a heavy workload last year.

“The Snake offers the Ox opportunities to engage in creative projects and productive collaborations with new and existing allies,” says Iskandar. “The Snake will also bring excitement and compel the Ox to be more physically active.”

Although the humble and unassuming Ox as a Yin Earth sign doesn’t seek the spotlight, she says they may find themselves “under the spotlight often” in the year of the Snake, especially in May and June. Do not over-exhaust yourself, especially in February, July and November.

It’s important to “take little breaks to treat yourself and replenish your energy,” adds Iskandar. “There’s no need to hustle, you’ve done the work and it’s now time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”