Year of the water snake

MANILA, Philippines - In Western culture the snake is a feared animal – slithery, poisonous, deadly, sometimes even symbolizing an evil force. In the East the snake takes a more spiritual or mystical form and is revered for its wisdom, serenity and beauty. In Chinese astrology, the Snake is characterized as patient, silent, dangerous, alert and powerful. These attributes will be evident in the events and developments that will rule our lives this year.

The past year of the Dragon was characterized by excitement, intensity and dramatic turn of events. The Middle East continued to be plagued by political turmoil. The unity of the European Union was threatened by an acute economic crisis. The United States’ core values were shaken with several mass shootings in its schools.

In the Philippines, we experienced an exciting turn-around in our economy as well as a worrisome territorial stalemate with China.

As we move on to the year of the Water Snake which begins on Feb. 10 and runs until Jan. 30, 2014, we will witness steadier times with world developments moving at a more regular and predictable pace. However, while the prevailing Water element will provide a calming influence on our lives, the powerful nature of the Snake could induce some unexpected dramatic events.

On personal matters, 2013 will be a perfect time to reconnect with our inner selves, take stock of what we have accomplished and built upon, and move on towards a new chapter in our lives and our community.

Background on Chinese Astrology

While some people may be cynical about horoscopes and astrology, the Chinese have developed theirs based on the lunar calendar with logical references to cyclical and natural phenomena. In many ways it is therefore scientifically based.

The lunar calendar, the oldest chronological record in the world, can be traced back to 2637 BC when Emperor Huang Ti introduced its use during the 61st year of his reign.

The moon was regarded by the ancient Chinese as having a profound influence on man. Being the closest heavenly body to the Earth, its gravitational pull causes the ebb and flow of tides. The Chinese believe that the four phases of the moon have their own functions and significance.

Under this lunar system, each month is composed of the four phases of the moon beginning with the new moon. Twelve months comprise the lunar year, and twelve years make up one cycle.

The years in each cycle are named after twelve animals. Legend has it that before the Lord Buddha departed from the Earth, he summoned all the animals to come to him. Only twelve animals appeared before him to bid farewell. First to arrive was the Rat, then the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep (Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Pig (Boar). In gratitude, he named a year after each one of them beginning with the Rat. He also proclaimed that all those born during that year would inherit the characteristics of that animal.

The Five Elements

We often wonder why individuals born under a similar animal sign sometimes exhibit varying personality traits. Aside from the characteristics of the animal ruling the year of birth, there are five elements which exercise a profound influence on one’s life. These are the elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth.

A person born in a year controlled by the Metal element is motivated by strong feelings and will pursue his objectives with intensity. He is success-oriented and is constantly guided by strong impulses which will be felt by those he comes in contact with.

A person born under the Water element is basically ruled by sympathetic vibrations and is able to communicate feelings and ideas positively. Like his element, he is able to wear away the strongest rocks of resistance by his silent but constant efforts.

Persons born under the Wood element have high morals and a good deal of self-confidence. Their expansive and cooperative nature enables them to take on major roles and undertake large projects. A person born in a year controlled by Fire will most likely stand out in a crowd. He is ambitious, passionate and forceful. Although he is immensely loving and kind, he can be quick tempered and can flare up at the slightest provocation.

People born under the Earth element are generally functional and practical. They make excellent managers and will run businesses efficiently. They are intelligent and display objectivity in supervising other.

General Prospects for 2012

The year of the Snake begins next Sunday, Feb. 10, and for many of us it will be a time of prosperity. The Snake is known for its wisdom and astuteness, whose deep thinking and quick reflexes make it quite adaptable to change. Business enterprises will therefore be generally prosperous – a banner year for commerce and industry particularly in this side of the globe.

In particular, because the Snake has a close affinity for arts and culture, the creative industry – including performing arts, design, architecture, fashion, visual arts, media arts and literature – will flourish. We will be enthralled by outstanding stage productions, groundbreaking exhibitions and landmark designs that will push the boundaries of creativity. Industries involved in science and technology will also do very well in 2013, bolstered by innovations in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry and medicine.

Looking back at past years of the Snake, we take note that they have been marked by powerful turn of events. Many of these developments had far-reaching effects on certain parts of the world. The Russian Revolution in 1917 ousted the tsarist monarchy and led to the subsequent creation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down, leading to the gradual collapse of Communist regimes in Eastern Europe. It was also during that year when President George H.W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev had their first summit, which paved the way for the thawing of the Cold War. It was during a Snake year that Nelson Mandela and President P. W. Botha met and decided to end apartheid in South Africa.

In the Philippines, certain factions of the military staged a failed but bloody coup d’etat against the government of President Cory Aquino in December of 1989. In the United States, the world watched in shock as terrorists staged the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in September 2001. These dramatic events were results of the powerful undercurrents that govern the year of the Snake. The Snake represents the strongest negative force in the Chinese astrological cycle and follows the year of the Dragon which has the strongest positive force. Major developments which began in the year of the Dragon will therefore culminate this year.

The conflict in Syria will come to a peaceful end as will some other global discords, particularly in South America and the Middle East. On the other hand, the year will also be a period when certain repressed or aggrieved sectors of society will scheme and plot for dramatic changes and reforms through non-peaceful means.

On a more positive note, the year of the Snake will witness some great human achievements on many fronts. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Mt. Everest and became the first man, together Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, to reach its summit. A breakthrough in medicine will discover the cure for a major disease. New ICT inventions will have far-reaching effects on our lives.

2013 will also have a huge impact on our personal lives. Because the Snake is known for its innate wisdom, it will be a propitious time for introspection, self-discovery, and learning. Many of us will gravitate towards further education and go into all sorts of self-improvement programs. It will also be a busy year for Cupid as romance and courtship bode well in the year of the Snake. Lucky colors this year are black and red. Colors to avoid are white and brown.