Which Zodiac Signs Are Most Affected in the Year of the Snake, and Why?

As each Chinese New Year approaches, Feng Shui practitioners share predictions about the fortunes of each zodiac sign for the coming year. Some create videos outlining blessings and challenges, while others write detailed books with extensive forecasts. But how credible are these predictions, and what theories underpin them?

The Temporal Energy Fields of the Chinese Year and Zodiac Signs

From a Feng Shui perspective, each Chinese year symbolizes a unique shift in temporal energy fields, represented by its zodiac sign. According to the principles of the Five Elements and the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (for a detailed explanation, refer to my previous blog), the zodiac sign of the current year interacts differently with other zodiac signs. These interactions can manifest as harmony, transformation, or conflict within energy fields.

While these predictions have a solid theoretical foundation, they only suggest a higher probability of influence on certain zodiac signs. This does not mean these influences will definitely occur, and even when they do, the outcomes—whether positive or negative—depend largely on the individual. Why is this the case?

The Role of Personal Energy Fields and Zodiac Signs

An individual’s energy field is shaped by the temporal energy field present at the moment of their birth, which can be described as their "energy DNA." In fact, this “energy DNA” is believed to exist within the human body’s meridian system, as understood in traditional Chinese medicine. This unique "energy DNA" is fixed at birth and serves as the essence of their vital life energy, carrying key information about their personal fate.

In Feng Shui consulting—such as analyzing the Feng Shui of a home—the process always begins with understanding the energy of the individuals living in the space. To do this, Feng Shui masters first analyze each person’s "energy DNA" using Ba Zi (Eight Characters) as the initial step in the procedure.

Ba Zi is a fortune-telling method used to analyze a person’s “energy DNA.” It is based on four time-based units: year, month, day, and hour. Each unit is represented by two Chinese characters—one denoting a Heavenly Stem and the other an Earthly Branch—totaling eight characters. This is the origin of the term "Eight Characters."

For babies born this year, the Year unit consists of the Heavenly Stem Yi and the Earthly Branch Si, together forming Yi-Si. This combination corresponds to the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac, with Yi symbolizing Wood and Si symbolizing Fire.

Examples of Zodiac Signs Interacting with Each Other

• For People Born in the Year of the Pig

A male born in the Year of the Pig, whose personal dominant energy (energy DNA) is Metal, may experience a unique interaction with the Snake year. While the Pig and Snake typically clash in zodiac theory, often suggesting inauspiciousness, in this specific case, his energy DNA —dominated by Metal according to the Five Elements — interacts differently. The "Fire" element represented by the Snake year could, therefore, symbolize career advancement or professional promotion for him.

• For People Born in the Year of the Monkey

A person whose zodiac sign is the Monkey is associated with the element of Metal. According to the Five Elements’ Harmonious Interaction theory, Metal (Monkey) and Fire (Snake) can combine to transform into Water. This combination leads to the belief that the Year of the Snake is favorable for those born under the Monkey sign. However, challenges may arise if Water is an unfavorable element in their overall energy field. In such cases, the Year of the Snake may not bring good fortune, and individuals should proceed with caution, avoiding major life changes.

Which Zodiac Signs Might Be Most Affected in the Year of the Snake?

In 2025, the Year of the Snake, certain zodiac signs are more likely to experience significant influences. However, the specific outcomes depend on an individual’s complete Ba Zi, not just simple zodiac interactions. From the perspective of the Five Elements, the following signs may experience significant influences this year:

• Signs harmonious with the Snake: Rooster (酉), Ox (丑), Monkey (申)

• Signs conflicting with the Snake: Pig (亥), Tiger (寅)

Whether the relationship is harmonious or conflicting, it signals a potential shift in energy. People with these zodiac signs are more likely to experience changes in 2025. However, as the examples above illustrate, harmony doesn’t always mean favorable outcomes, and conflict doesn’t necessarily mean negative ones. The key is to stay attentive to important aspects of life during the year.

A Rational Perspective on Zodiac Predictions

This blog aims to highlight that Feng Shui and Ba Zi are profound and intricate disciplines, with the zodiac being just one of their more visible folkloric expressions. Blind belief in superficial labels of auspiciousness or inauspiciousness should be avoided.

I hope this brief blog helps you understand that the impact of the Year of the Snake on other zodiac signs is not as definitive as some online Feng Shui practitioners suggest. Instead, these predictions simply indicate that certain zodiac signs are more likely to be influenced during this year. Whether the impact is positive or negative depends on a detailed analysis of an individual’s Ba Zi.