The Year of the Green Yin Snake
Would you like to know what this year will bring? Fortune or misfortune? Opportunity or blight? Fires or floods? I’d like to know, too.
The answers we get by examining the four-thousand-year-old Chinese calendar of the animals are not exactly what will happen, but rather how to survive what could happen. This year our teacher, whose subject is “How to use the energy that is most available”, is the Green Yin Snake: a survivor and a thriver on every continent and in every climate, even though it is small and venom-less.
TL;DR - Act, but strategically and not often, and with as much charm as possible.
The great paradox of The Snake is that it is beautiful, sexy, and valued, but only when it is dead. The Snake wants little but a warm rock, an occasional, delicious meal, and to be left alone. This year is about quietly moving inward, finding your own peace, and choosing your own sunny rock to transform toward peace.
The Snake begins this teaching with its body, starting with a unique head, then moving to a sameness of the body. The beginning of the year is emphasized both by the intriguing head of the snake and by the green/spring phase associated with this year. It doubles down on the actual beginning of the year (or the beginning of any project) as the moment with the most energy.* (See note.) Once we get past the summer solstice, there will be a feeling of long sameness, where it is hard to tell one moment from the next. This is in direct contrast to last year’s Dragon year, where you never knew what you were going to get.
Each animal year is also connected to one of five phases that change every other year. This year is the Spring (or the Wood or the Wind or the Green or the Young). This flavoring energy will be usable through the lens of the Snake. Our young snakes emerge from their nest** so we can expect a strong feeling of community, of coming together in the beginning of the year. The snakes - and the people - will eventually disperse, setting up distinct territories that don’t overlap, except to mate. Like last year, there will be an awkwardness to actions because the year continues in youth (greenness). Try to forgive and accept change in your relationships and in everyone’s clumsiness.
To further complicate matters, each animal is associated with specific phases. The Snake is associated with Yin Fire; it is the “wait and find out” animal of the Chinese zodiac. Combined with the Spring Wind of this year, the Wind and the Fire will whip up rumors, disguise words and meanings, and reveal many false actors. None of that is real. Look beyond the dust, beyond the internet, beyond the crypto currency and the stock market, and see what is actually happening. Do not confuse creativity for honesty. Wait like a snake, be still, and use all your senses. Camouflage yourself or appear lazy until the moment when action is demanded.
SUCCESS: How will we set ourselves up for success? The Snake is famous for its wit, charm, and words. Snakes move with grace using a variety of dance moves, but they have to move sideways to get places, unless within striking distance. We will also have more success if we approach things from the side, trying different movements, only being direct when very, very close. The scales of the snake reduce friction as they slither; be as smooth as possible in interactions and words. The snake’s temperature matches its environment.*** If things start cold, they need time to warm up and acclimate. Give that extra needed time. It will take longer and add warming. Do you really want to do something? Blend into the environment patiently, loyally, paying attention, move sideways, and when something gets close - strike! Use what you have: quips and verbal gymnastics, or a good scare.
Sneaking up on things will be especially hard because snakes are sensitively perceptive – to heat, to smells, and to vibrations. It will be an intensely emotional year. The combination of sensitivity and emotionality will allow for the Snake to be strategic. However, this can become a desire to manipulate others or to feel manipulated oneself. Getting support under you will allow intuition to feel useful and creativity to flow gently out of you for betterment. Sometimes the thoughtful or anxious nature of the Snake can turn inward nastily. Reframe this as Wu Wei (best smallest action) by laying in the sun, waiting for the right moment to use your energy. Loyalty is valued this year. When a snake gets hold of something, (a branch, a meal, or a sexual partner), they don’t let go until it is over.
Snakes are very smart, very aware, and project a façade. This can make them creative, unknowable, and multi-faceted actors, but also contemptuous if they think everyone is faking it or manipulating situations. Beware depression, cynicism, and picking apart to find the faults. It is easier to tear something down than make it. Our simple Green Snake, the non-venomous potential of creativity and creation, takes this knowledge and skill, and perceives the true rhythms of plain life.
BEAUTY: Snakes are associated with luxury and high fashion. Name brands and visual beauty will help fill the desire for constant external validation. However, to make snakeskin items, the snake is dead. Instead of fleeting praise, beauty from the inside out will actually make you feel good. The Yin, or internal nature of the both the year and the snake, reinforces success originating from within. In the western world, the snake is the symbol for internal medicine. Take your supplements and your medicines, stay hydrated, and moisturize (especially your feet).
But you can still play; makeovers will be all the rage as snakes shed their skin every couple months. Things that peel will be fashionable: press-on nails, pimple patches, waxing, eyelash add-ons, and, in your home, stick-and-peel wallpaper. The more patterned, the better; like the sensual snake, the sexier, the better!
HEALTH: Because it is a Yin Wind, with the Snake’s nature of Yin Fire, expect sudden illnesses that go up to the brain. Be careful of fevers, high blood pressure, stroke, and tremors. Make sure that if you have any of these tendencies that you spend time grounding, especially with rocks, and stay a comfortable temperature. The snake eats erratically, so digestive illnesses of extremes - gluttony and starvation - will be common. Allow rest between meals. Being smart, aware, and lonely will increase anxiety and depression. Left alone, the Snake will consume itself. Shared connections with others and creative expressions of art activate the brain into clarity and purpose.
Snakes have all the moves and are very strong – slithering, striking, swimming, and even soaring through the air. Let your movement be varied; you, too, will do well to dance, spar, swim, and run. Mix up your transport: bike, walk, ski. Be ecstatic and surprising in your exercise, then get plenty of rest and sun. Snakes are super planners, aware of their surroundings, and have good timing – movement will serve you well.
TRANSFORMATION: There is potential to transform, slowly revealing a deeper, more beautiful inside: a new skin. But it is still a snake. Last year, complete, immediate transformation was possible. This year, the transformation becomes into oneself. This is a deep, introspective transformation that brings out elements that were under the skin and can now surface. Do not be fooled by external miracles in people or institutions, even with their new look. Be like a snake: sense with more than your eyes.
You and I are feeling the changes. We feel the earth changing and the sky changing. How do we take care and be our best under these uncertain, changing stars as we go from the limitless possibility of the Dragon to a grounded, hidden quiet of the Snake? Act, but strategically and not often, and with as much charm as possible. We especially need the calm of the Yin Snake and the Yin Year, as we are in the middle of the Chinese cycle. The Snake is sixth out of twelve animals in the cycle. As with middle age, living through the Snake’s year we are both more complicated and more compromised. Next year will be a different teacher – the Fire Yang Horse. It will be the most unpredictable. Spend the Snake year learning to sense and wait; it will prepare you best. Remember your strength, be aware of the boundaries and vibrations while ignoring the false, hide yourself as necessary, find all the beautiful sunny rocks, and strike only when close.
NOTES
* The green snake is a non-venomous, rattle-less snake. Each of the different year phases are associated with different snakes.
** Snakes can be born from eggs or live.
*** Ectothermic.
Year of the Yin Black Rabbit
Welcome, my dears.
Are you here for some insights into the coming year?
Ah… maybe you don’t believe in such things. Well, this year… maybe you should. For this is the Year of the Water Rabbit. And our Rabbit, she lives in the moon. And you can believe what you like, but if the whole ocean moves with the tides, which are pushed and pulled by the moon, it is likely that you, too, will be pushed and pulled by these celestial energies.
What happens to each fish, each piece of kelp, each of us, is unique and depends on where we were before and what we bring to the moment. This is not about telling the future, for the future will unfold all by itself. And it is not about directing the wave; the wave is going where it is going. This is an opportunity to look at the map, watch the tides or follow the stars charting a gentle course so you can ride the wave. And it is always easier to ride the wave than to fight the wave.
Let me introduce you to this year’s host. The Water Rabbit comes from the East Asian calendar which is divided into twelve increments. Each year in the cycle is associated with an animal teacher whose unique set of qualities directs the quality of the tides. We are in the fourth year of the cycle – the Year of the Rabbit. Everything you know, actually know, about rabbits can guide you. Rabbits are reserved, social, gentle, and lucky. They are associated with Spring and green - and greens! - and extended family. They are intuitive, sensitive, and bounce when safer opportunities arise.
There are some things that you may not know about the Rabbit. As I said before, she lives in the Moon with the Moon Goddess and so is associated with all things Yin and feminine. She is a second-in-command: neatening her nest and smoothing out friendships with small gifts and quiet supports that show appropriate reciprocity. She does not spend her days imagining good conduct; she acts, or does what needs to be done, sometimes discretely, maybe even a little sneakily. Our Rabbit is skilled and the year should be full of doing small things with great love.
At the same time as the twelve-year cycle, there is a different cycle of five phases (Wood/Wind, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). Each elemental phase takes two years to complete: a Yang year and a Yin year. Last year was a Yang Water year. This year is a Yin Water year (and then we will move to Wood over two years). Welcome to our Yin Water Rabbit year! Understanding the cultural associations with Water can challenge one’s Western imagination. Water’s depth includes the color black, our primordial energies and resources, and mystery.
Discerning ways to maintain health this year, the Rabbit demands we focus on the whole community. Rabbits are sensitive in their health and naturally susceptible to contagious diseases and to parasites. These are diseases that affect all of us together. Expect lots of little problems in skin (bites, rashes, and fungus), digestion, and cancers. By quickly attending with needed rest, quiet contemplation, gentle food, and appropriate medicinals, we and our loved ones will create the health and the community that is needed this year.
Do not let all the little annoyances keep you jumping all day, for they will exhaust you. The intuitive nature of a Rabbit can get overwhelmed with the psychic static of others around them and make us all a little paranoid. To balance the sensitive nature of the year, cultivate your Qi at sunrise and sunset in a natural setting, maintain your Tiger nap regimen from last year, and find peace as you practice compassion.
Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems. It will be tempting to eat the same thing over and over again. Try to vary your diet: greens are a must, but also reds, or constipation and sugar spikes will rule the year.
Rabbits easily become overheated and dry, though the Yin Water should mitigate this. Bring in water and electrolytes throughout the day, especially if you take pill supplements, as you need enough water to process them.
In relationships or situations where you feel unsupported (jobs, friendships, and partnerships), the need to “bounce” will make itself clear. The inner emotional work will be deep, but the action will be quick. There may be a little spat at the end (those back feet are strong as they kick away!) and there may be some gossip. Rabbits communicate with each other by thumping their feet and listening with their big ears. However, the direct fighting that was effective last year (of the Tiger) will be frowned on. To avoid being misunderstood and to maintain good relations, remember that acknowledging others, giving little gifts, and making clear efforts make a difference.
The family nature of the Rabbits combined with the depth of the Water gives us several opportunities:
- Deep discoveries of our ancestors, opportunities to heal our generational traumas, and nourishment of family support by connecting to distant relatives
- Expanding our own families by having children or just delightfully copulating or snuggling often
- Creating experiences in water or in nature: camping, shoreline walks, star gazing, forest bathing
- Group movement that involves quickness and coordination with lots of rest in between: baseball, weight lifting, track, sparring in martial arts, walking dogs, and even running to catch the bus will be rewarded
- Time for investigation into whatever we are most truly drawn to, especially if these interests are aesthetic, spiritual, or feed our inner creative soul
The years form cycles, so just as winter becomes spring today, on January 22, your year of Tiger’s independence and adventure will become a year of luck on February 4 as the Rabbit connects with community full of generous, peaceful prosperity. Create a warren full of your favorite people, and deep resources that you build up and draw from, and a full heart. Looking ahead: the robust stable platform that you make this year will act as next year’s Dragon launchpad into those things beyond your imagination.
The Rabbit’s prosperity and luck doesn’t need to be fancy: it can be as close and unadorned as the constant Moon. The quiet reflective Rabbit will guide us gently in and through the year, and if you follow the guides, you can put your best (rabbit) foot forward.
I welcome you to the peace and prosperity of an ordinary year – as ordinary and plain as a common rabbit.
(Please share this if so moved, while crediting Elaine Vozar, Licensed Acupuncturist as both the writer and the artist. This writing is one playful interpretation of the coming year, take what works for you and leave the rest. And remember there are no guarantees of success or failure ever.)
Happy 4720! The Year of the Water Tiger.
Today, February 1, marks the first day of the Year of the Black Tiger in Asia! Happy New Year! It is time to wear red, eat delicious New Year foods like long noodles and wintermelon cakes, and figure out what the energies of the year have in store for you. There are three overarching aspects of each year: the Animal, the Element (or Phase, which is often identified by its associated color) and whether it is a Yin or Yang year. This year is the Yang Water Tiger or the Yang Black Tiger Year.
The Nature of the Tiger.
When a year is representative of a certain animal (one of twelve of the Chinese zodiac) that means that the energy and experiences of the year will be like that animal. In this coming year, that animal is the tiger. If you can do tiger-y things, you will have more success. Tigers are charismatic, colorful, graceful, sensitive, brave and have a strong moral compass. They don’t back down from a fight and are quick to start fights: they love a good competition. Tigers contain multiple dualities. Their opposing orange and black colored stripes remind us of the constant yin and yang duality of life. They have a duality of movement: meditative stillness and bounding impulsive energy. They have a duality of affection: curious loving and independent elusiveness. They are known for eating children, while at the same time are guardians of children. (This year will be special for kids.) This is a Yang year, so the activeness of the tiger will feel more present.
Folks often think if they were born in the year of the Tiger, it will be their year. (Tigers always think it will be their year because they are very confident.) But too much of a good thing is rough. Unless it is your 60th year (when the cycle restarts, beginning with a reprieve) being a Tiger can be challenging. In a Tiger year, you see so much of yourself everywhere, but no one likes to see someone doing the very thing they try to keep in check. It will be a challenging year for those born in the years of Monkeys and Snakes, and an easier year for those born during years of Horses, Pigs and Dogs.
Nature of Yang Water.
Yin and Yang are opposites that are used to describe everything in the universe. In relationship, they can be constantly divided into one another. This year is a Yang year (next year will be a Yin year). Yang is associated with light, action, strength and beginning. Yet Water is a Yin/Yin-ish substance. The two will balance and enhance one another; Water will be more active and increase. For example, on Earth expect sudden heavy rains and floods. In you, expect more urinary urgency and more tears. Water is the place where we store our deepest fears, our deepest strengths and our deepest knowledge. Expect philosophy, the occult, genetics, meditation, and deep passions to be supported. Water also holds our will power: you’ll be able to get things done, if you are able to seize your opportunities and act quickly. The Yang will bring the Water knowledge in us up to the surface; it will be more available than usual.
These Yang Water energies will influence the Tiger energy. Tigers are normally very aggressive, but they also love water and love to swim. We’ll have a Tiger that has been exercised, making this year a little gentler but also more emotional than most Tiger years.
Introduction and Caveats.
Not every year is the same, not every year works the same, not everything you did last year will work this year.
At its most basic, the cycles (of years, months, days and hours) remind us that every day has its own energy: its own potentials that pushes or pulls on you. This is an exploration of a variety of energetic trends and the changes that occur as they coincide.
These energetics are described by the East Asian lunar calendar. It has been in continual use for the last 4720 years. It contains a twelve animal cycle, a five element cycle, and a yin yang alternation, giving us a 120 year cycle whose symbols and energetics influence macrocosms (Heaven, Humans, and Earth) and microcosms: YOU, your loved ones, and your year. It is based on observations of patterns over millennia of the celestial bodies (stars, planets, etc.) and then widely applied.
I share this because it is a good way for me to think deeply about these things. However, your fortune is yours. How you interact with these energies is yours. I am not guaranteeing anything in particular for you; this year will have a feeling of the unknown running the whole way through. The reason we study and talk about the year is so that we can gain understanding from tendencies and be aware of pitfalls. You can do whatever you want, but not all things will flow as easily and others are also feeling the pull of independence so you may be on your own. The year of the Tiger will present many opportunities, but you will need to think carefully about if they resonate with you and for you. The Tiger is not very forgiving if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Last year was a Metal Ox year. Tigers are the opposite of the Ox: they rebel against traditions, they playfully upset stability and they scatter order. Last year was the perfect year for making good habits. It was a hard slog: we just kept plowing through and plowing through. This year is a Water Tiger year: the perfect year for dream-filled naps that elucidate clear, quick actions - and then you can go back to napping. There is much fortune to be made, but the wheel of fortune can be tricky. As quickly as your fortune turns, it can turn again. Enjoy the playfulness, quirkiness, and quick turns of Black Tiger and the year will speed by. The Ox’s energy from last year built consistency. If you use this skill from last year, you can train and focus this year’s Tiger energy into something amazing. Move quickly! The daily stability of the Ox year will be gone by March. Spontaneity and play are returning!
Health and Health Maintenance.
Both illness and people are in this Tiger energy. People will not show their sickness easily; any illness will involve a fight. This Yang Water Year will bring out Yang Water problems. I have already seen low back pain, urinary problems and edema starting to show up this winter. These become worse with cold, (this is also from the Ox who rules Winter) and are harder to resolve than usual. There will be new diseases in the spring and maybe the start of next winter. The diseases will leave folks exhausted; I expect it will tend to leave more neurological problems in its wake. (Maybe tremors or tetany? Maybe mood disorders or insomnia?) Of course, the diseases will be deadly to some, especially those that are already weak in some way. The best way out is rest, along with meaty or mushroom-y soups (even when you think you are better), in addition to infusions and hydrotherapies. Sprouts will also have health benefits.
To maintain health this year, short bursts of activity, lots of stretching, and even more naps are key. Salt baths will feel good and keep the tendons limber. Take your vitamins and drink plenty of water.
Tigers love to swim - and it is a water year - so anything involving water (swimming, boating, and, of course, outside winter sports in snow or ice) will be popular. Tigers, like our house cats, have whole stretching routines, so make sure you are limber before you play or do short-duration, vigorous exercises. You can also do yoga, qi gong or a martial art – all perfect cat exercises. These will build flexibility and strength.
Napping is also a sport this year – lounging to soak up the sun or curling up in a favorite dark forest, secret spot will have special appeal. After a year of hard Ox work, enjoy your naps.
Emotionally, the heart of the Tiger will be worn on the sleeve – you and others will feel bursts of emotion and have bursts of insight and sometimes want to burst! Try to give some space to others as they figure out their emotions and philosophies. Everyone will need introverted recuperation time. There will be some fear and heaviness. The aspect that has been under represented for the last couple years is fire – wearing red or singing or doing anything with fire will temper weight of these challenges.
Wealth.
As I said before, this is a year of sudden turns of fortune: money will come in quickly and easily. Be careful: it can leave just as quickly. Many will get raises or have more money coming in, but there will still be problems coming up with enough cash. Hold onto some of the extra - if you can - to cover those unexpected expenses.
Conflicts.
Tigers are independent, strongly opinionated creatures. There will be more conflicts this year, especially over territorial dispute, whether we are talking about international borders or between siblings. The conflicts will also be more violent and sudden, and the injuries slower to heal. Your two most successful moves to avoid injury are either to watch for subtle signs of territory and wait to understand the situation, or come out fighting hard and quick to make your victory decisive.
To de-escalate or end these fights, make space for an out, in physical space or time. Even if you won, you won’t want the conflict opportunities to continue, so make space for the other’s exit.
The nature of water is deep and the nature of a tiger is sudden. The conflicts will not be easily resolved with placating or Band-aids. To create long term harmony and resolve, conflict will require understanding and lots of space.
Travel.
Tigers roam across huge territories – on their own. This is a great year for travel, especially over long distances and to exotic places. But it will mostly be solo travel, or just you and your immediate family.
Love.
This is the year for self-love: Do what you want, spend hours grooming your sleek hair, delight in what your body can do and feel. Explore your passions, make time for your interests, and do it in your most beautiful outfit.
As for partnered love, are you looking for passion? Intense sex? Deep, meaningful, philosophical discussions? The occasional date? Do you want to make a baby? (Look out, next year is a Rabbit year…) Romantic travel? A relationship that urges you to transform and grow? Great, this is your year to do all those things. But there is an alone-ness to being a Tiger, with a lot of responsibilities and territory that you have to take care of. Although you may have deep connections that feel like kismet and moments of passion that blow your mind, most of the time you will be on your own. Like glimpsing a tiger, you see a beautiful, magnetic beast. Then it is gone. That is why I list self-love first, because if you invest in yourself, you will come into a partnered love with the resources for it to be pretty awesome.
Overall, this will be a playful, adventurous year that will shake off the doldrums. Move in it carefully, take breaks, and seize true opportunities for an auspicious year.
The Green Dragon 2024
Confucius told his disciples, “Birds, I know can fly; fish, I know can swim; animals, I know, can run... But when it comes to the dragon, I have no means of knowing how it rides the wind and the clouds, ungraspable, and unfathomable.” From The Legend of Lao Tzu
In the early spring, the egg of the green dragon will hatch. But into what?
Something deeply awkward: a combination of epic potential transformation and unbelievable luck that can soar to heart- flamed heights or an explosive belly flop.
How can anything balance the desire to be alone and weird with the desire to light up the skies surprising everyone unpredictable glamour!
Envy, isolation, stubbornness or the lure of sparkly treasure are the downfalls.
Low stamina, tummy aches, and itchy skins are the challenges of having a changeling body.
Play until the weirdest passions dance with a flexible revolutionary grace. Then you tell me, what is a dragon?