Happy Chinese Lunar New Year – Welcome the year of the snake!

The year of the snake

The Chinese lunar new year starts on the first day of the first moon of the lunar calendar. This is why the date varies each year. 2025 brings in the year of the Yin Green Wood Snake starting on January 29^th. Celebrations continue through the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar until the full moon arrives on February 12th.

 

The most well-known aspect of the Chinese lunar new year is the animal from the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac contains 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Follow this link to read about the great race that explains how these animals earned their places in the Chinese zodiac. Each year also associates with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. Additionally, each year is a yin or a yang year.

 

The snake Chinese zodiac symbol

Snakes symbolize intuition, transformation, and patience. The snake is associated with the month of May. May is the beginning of the summer and warm, flourishing energy. The snake is also associated with the time 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. on the Chinese organ clock. Check out my blog on the Chinese organ body clock to learn more about this fascinating aspect of Chinese medicine. The 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. time period is “spleen time”. The spleen helps digestion, and specifically with the assimilation of nutrients from food to build energy in the body. “Spleen time” is an ideal time to work and tackle your most difficult tasks.

 

The wood element

Wood is the element associated with this Chinese lunar new year. The color of the wood element is green, and this is why the year is called the green snake. Wood is also associated with the spring, which is a time of change, action, and transformation. This is an important year to take action and follow through on plans. When we do not activate our wood element energy, the wood can express itself internally instead, resulting in frustration and depression.

 

The yin nature of the year

This year is a yin year. Yin and yang are one of the most fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine. Yin is nurturing, cooling energy. Yang is warming, quick energy. Yin and yang complement each other. Chinese medicine defines yin and yang in comparison with one another. Since this year will have more yin energy, engaging in more quiet activities and resting more will balance the active energy of the wood element.

 

Connection with the digestive system

As mentioned earlier, the snake has a connection with the spleen as well as the digestive system. Since this is a wood year, the emotions of anger and frustration associated with the wood element more easily arise. This can result in issues like indigestion, reflux, decreased appetite, and slow digestion. It is important to be aware of this and manage these emotions, so they do not disrupt the digestive system. It is important to note that we digest information as well, which includes things like news, TV programs, and social media. Be mindful about the types of information you take in, especially before bed.

 

Focus on healthy movement in 2025

Exercise is important in 2025, and snake energy benefits from balanced movement. Strive for at least 30 minutes of movement exercise several times per week. This could include strength training, cardiovascular workouts, walking in the woods, yoga, and qigong. If you have not heard of qigong, you can read more about it in my blog Enhance your vitality with qigong. Certainly, movement is very important to support and smooth the wood element energy. Additionally, keep in mind that balance is key. Balance movement and activity with rest and regularity. Eating and sleeping at regular times can help achieve this balance.

 

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