How to enhance your luck in 2025, the Year of the Wooden Snake
The Chinese New Year is one of the holidays my family and I love celebrating the most. Deeply rooted in our society, Chinese traditions and values welcome everyone, offering a guide – or even a blueprint – to attracting luck, prosperity, and better fortune.
As we approach the coming festivities, I was delighted to chat with acclaimed feng shui expert and dear friend Patrick Fernandez Lim of Yin & Yang Shop in the New World Makati Hotel. Patrick graciously shared a sneak peek into what the Year of the Wooden Snake might bring to our lives.
While snakes are often associated with mishaps or misfortune, Chinese astrology paints a more nuanced picture. Snakes symbolize growth, renewal, cunning and transformation.
Attracting the right kind of luck through collaborations
Patrick explained that, generally, the coming year will favor those who work through others, build connections, and embrace collaborations. However, challenges requiring adaptability may arise, so he advises us to "pivot when needed." For major decisions, Patrick recommends taking your time, thinking carefully, and exercising patience.
The Wooden Snake is particularly favorable for two industries this year, which he categorized under water and metal.
Water industries:
- Hospitality/Travel
- Beverage/Supermarket
- Trading/Logistics
- Sales
- Aquatics
- Hygiene
- Analytics
Metal industries:
- Banking/Finance
- Automobile
- Mining/Machinery
- Jewelry
- Armed Forces
- Skin Care/Beauty Products
- Medical/Dental
Patrick also highlighted the importance of the Feng Shui cycle known as Period 9, which began in 2024 and will last until 2043. This is an auspicious time for building homes or offices and reconnecting with yourself and your spirituality.
Other thriving industries in this cycle include technology (especially AI and sustainable energy), businesses related to communication and entertainment, and those focused on food, events, and politics.
Perhaps this is the sign you've been waiting for to start that dream business, shift careers, or invest in something new!
How will your zodiac animal fare with the Wooden Snake?
Filipinos love fortune-telling and predictions, and many of us know our Chinese zodiac animals. Patrick shared forecasts for each sign:
- Rat: Seek advice and diversify investments but beware of feng shui’s disaster energy, which may hinder progress.
- Ox: Practice patience and choose positivity.
- Tiger: Engage in strategic planning and surround yourself with good influences. Wealth opportunities will come if you prioritize self-care and mental health.
- Rabbit: Strengthen family connections and exercise caution in decision-making.
- Dragon: Manage your social energy to avoid sickness while nurturing relationships.
- Snake: Focus on humility, trust your instincts, and avoid second-guessing your decisions.
- Horse: Expect multiple income streams but manage them through structured learning.
- Goat: Do your research to avoid conflicts and cherish key friendships. Patrick also recommends donating blood and getting tested.
- Monkey: Seek mentorship from women, embrace new relationships, and avoid sketchy investments.
- Rooster: Hard work will be rewarded, but review communications to prevent conflicts.
- Dog: Expand your social circle and let go of grudges. Devise a better shopping plan to curb impulse spending.
- Pig: Be charitable, and travel opportunities will arise. Watch your cash flow, as your efforts will bear fruit this year.
Preparing for prosperity at home
To activate lucky areas in your home, Patrick suggests standing at the center with a compass – your smartphone probably has one – and identifying the directions where luck resides:
- East and Southwest: Money and wealth
- West: Career
- South: Authority and travel
- Southeast: Harmony and relationships
Patrick warns about certain areas to avoid or mitigate:
- Northwest: Conflict
- North: Unexpected loss
- Center: Sickness and backstabbing
- Northeast: Disasters and setbacks
You can activate lucky areas by spending more time there, accenting them with appropriate colors, or placing items that signify movement, such as plants, art, or conversation pieces.
Decluttering and cleaning your home are essential pre-New Year rituals. A tidy, organized home can inspire fresh ideas and strategies for the challenges ahead.
Patrick also suggests getting a haircut, settling financial obligations, shopping for new clothes, stocking your pantry, and ensuring fresh flowers are present in your home. These traditions are not just symbolic but can significantly impact your outlook and well-being.
A feast for the Wooden Snake
After Patrick’s insightful guidance, I had the privilege of sampling the New World Makati Hotel’s offerings for the Chinese New Year, curated by Executive Chef Brandon Ng.
At Jasmine, their celebrated Chinese restaurant, patrons can enjoy an all-you-can-eat dim sum feast from January 28 to 29. The menu includes dishes symbolizing good fortune, such as braised abalone mushrooms with dried oyster and broccoli (wealth and unity), golden pumpkin seafood broth (prosperity and nourishment), and warm taro cream with glutinous rice balls (reunion and sweet beginnings).
Their Nian Gao—or Tikoy—is also a must-try, as this traditional treat represents strong family bonds and prosperity.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, remember that family will always be your greatest source of warmth, love, and happiness. Be grateful for every experience – good or bad – as they bring lessons no other teacher can provide. And above all, it’s helpful to remember: Luck can only take you so far. Hard work and effort will ultimately shape your destiny.
Watch our interview with Feng shui expert Patrick Fernandez and Chef Brandon Ng for a more detailed forecast.
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