Copyright Stella Woods
(January 2013)

The new moon in Aquarius on the 10^th February marks the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Black Snake or Water Snake. Those born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001 are all born in the Year of the Snake.

In Eastern philosophy, the Snake is considered to be wise and beautiful, beneficial and sensual. Snakes are determined types with high ambitions, intelligence and drive, and a talent for making and managing money. Snakes will often occupy top positions in the world of business, because they know how to handle clients and land big deals. Snakes possess natural authority, well-developed intuition and a certain style and elegance. Their negative traits include extravagance and a tendency to laziness.

With Saturn in Scorpio throughout 2013, the Water Snake reinforces Scorpionic themes such as; renewal, recycling, reinventing, rejuvenating, restarting, researching and rebirth. This year we’ll be keen to overhaul what doesn’t work and implement what does. There is a resilient, determined nature to 2013 that will help us keep plugging away at problems until we get a result. Whether you want to kick a bad habit, lose weight, opt for a major lifestyle change, overhaul your finances, change careers, lobby for a cause you believe in, or follow your passions where they take you, this is the year to do it!

To welcome in the Year of the Water Snake, it’s a good idea to declutter your home, office or shop. Remove anything that is broken or that you don't like or never use. Get rid of unwanted possessions hidden in drawers or cupboards by selling them or giving them away. These things energetically and emotionally drag you down and keep you from moving forward. You will be amazed how good you will feel when you remove all this 'old stuff' from your life.

2013 will be a year when Snakes can really shine, both personally and professionally and overcome any recent setbacks or obstacles. For the rest of us, the Year of the Snake is a chance to develop our intuition and wisdom. The Snake is the sixth of the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac.