The Year of the Wood Snake…
Welcome to the year of the Wood Snake
By Jenny McGregor
Happy New Year and a warm welcome to you, our Zen Coaching Community. As we step into 2025, we embrace the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake.
Whether you're reading this at the beginning of the year or at any other moment, know that the message arrives precisely when it is meant to for you. Whilst a New Year can be a great time to welcome in fresh inspiration and to set goals for future days, it also beckons us to recognize the importance of the present moment—the eternal "now." While we celebrate the arrival of the year of the Snake, it's crucial to remember that every moment is an opportunity for renewal and awakening.
In many ancient traditions, spirit animals are seen as sacred guides, carrying unique energy, insights, and protection. I have discovered on my own journey that when I stay open to their presence, the wisdom of these spirit animals always finds me at the right time, nudging me towards growth and deeper understanding. I have seen plenty of snakes in my journeys so let’s dive in to what the Wood Snake has to offer us this new year?
This year is uniquely poised for introspection and transformation, thanks to three converging aspects of the Chinese Zodiac. First, we have the profound symbolism of the snake, a creature that embodies renewal and wisdom. Second, it is a wood year, emphasizing growth and flexibility. Lastly, we are transitioning from "yang" to "yin" energy, inviting us to embrace a softer, more reflective approach to life. So, in this yin year of the Wood Snake, prepare to shed your old skin and welcome the new.
Snakes often get a bad rap, and it’s not hard to see why. Between their large, venomous fangs and slithery, legless bodies, they appear otherworldly. Add in their uncanny ability to strangle and swallow large animals, and you've got a creature that could give even the bravest of us the heebie-jeebies. However, these misunderstood serpents are actually fascinating beings revered as ancient guardians of wisdom, keepers of transformation and the bridge between the seen and unseen. Behind those spooky scales lies a depth of wisdom just waiting to surprise you—who knew that the star of your next horror movie could also be your spiritual guide?
In many ancient traditions, the serpent symbolizes rebirth and transformation. As the serpent sheds its old skin to reveal new layers, we too are encouraged to let go of outdated beliefs, patterns, and fears that no longer serve us. This year invites us to release what holds us back and embrace the new wisdom and power that lie within.
The Wood Snake's energy calls us to delve deep into our inner selves, cultivating self-awareness and aligning with our true essence. Practicing mindfulness, sitting in meditation, truly listening to ourselves with radical acceptance and non-judgement, can aid this process. It is a time to trust our instincts, embrace change, and move gracefully through life's transitions. By doing so, we can step into a more empowered and authentic version of ourselves.
I invite you to embrace this year with open hearts and minds, knowing that every moment is an opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve. The symbol of the snake may represent, fears and insecurities; but as you face these, by allowing your fears to be there, you will find that they transmute into wisdom. May the wisdom of the Wood Snake guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Welcome to the Year of the Wood Snake—an invitation to transformation, intuition, and the beauty of the present moment. Here's to a year of profound growth, insight and empowerment.
