The Year of the Water Snake 4711

The Year of the Water Snake 4711
February 10th, 2013 – January 30, 2014

The following information is compiled from a large group of resources. Most notable among these: “A Versatile Snake Akin to a Dragon” – the 2013 calendar of H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun and Khadro Crystal Chu Rinpoche and the “Classic Chinese Almanac – Year of the Water Snake – Gui Si – 2013” by Dr. Edgar Sung.

Chinese Zodiac

For those of us less familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, it is made up of 12 animal signs and 5 elements. Together they create a 60 year cycle. This is the year of the Water Snake. Ancient lore says, Buddha invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebrations.  However, only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward, Buddha named a year after each one of them. They run in the order that the animals arrived to celebrate with Buddha. It started with the Rat and ended with the last guest, the Pig.

5 Elements

The 5 Elements (which you can read about at sacredcurrents.com/about-feng-shui/about-elements/) are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. The natural element for the Snake is Fire. Since the Snake is in the Water element this year, we immediately know there will be related troubles. More conflicts, more floods & fires, more natural and man-made disasters. Meanwhile, the economy will meander its way slowly towards improvement.

The Snake

Yet this year should less intense then 2012 as the Snake is considered a ‘small dragon’. Snakes are passionate creatures and good at finding ways to fulfill those passions. With their innate inner strength they provide the resources needed when they’re needed.

The Snake is flexible and we look forward to countries and individuals finding ways to work together without turning into dragons. The travel industry, technology, construction, research and the automotive business are a few of the areas that will thrive this year. While the entertainment business, clothing and electronics will not fare well to name a few. Real estate will go up and back down depending on locale.

It is always fun to name a few famous Snakes. Picasso, JFK, Oprah, Lincoln, Bob Dylan, James Joyce and Martin Luther King Jr. are some of the intriguing people born in a Snake year.

It is a good idea for all of us to ‘clear house’ both physically and metaphorically. In other words clean up outstanding debts, issues and generally complete things before the lunar New Year. All signs will do well to perform the ‘Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell’ ritual, along with ‘Welcoming in the Wealth God’ and ‘Changing the Chi of the Environment’.

Chinese Philosophy

Flying Star Feng Shui

According to Flying Star Feng Shui, for every environment the Northeast sector is where wealth (the 8 star) is coming from in 2013 and the Southwest and East are the source of negativity, so try to stay away from renovations in these sectors. In addition a ‘Salt Cure’ will help to mitigate any ill effects from the Five Yellow Star in the Tai Chi which can be the cause of instability and illness this year. Traveling North and South is preferable to East and West.

Chinese New Year

Two very traditional symbols for the Chinese New Year are Kum Quats or Orange Trees symbolizing wealth and Red Envelops which are exchanged with small amounts of money for good luck (called Hong Bao.)

Zodiac Animals

Each zodiac animal has its own qualities that are consistent year to year. Yet, every sign will be influenced by the Snake’s energy this year. Below are some insights for each zodiac animal in 2013. Please note that fortunes can be mitigated or enhanced with feng shui, rituals, meditations and transcendental adjustments and that each person has their own karma to consider. A personal, in depth reading will reveal more specifics for each month. Remember that, even the luckiest signs (the Monkey, Ox and Rooster this year), has its cautions, as does the unluckiest (the Pig and Tiger) have their bright spots.

Please Note: All of the transcendental adjustments suggested below are available in H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun’s Year of the Snake Almanac available at the Lin Yun Temple website.

Individual adjustments can be acquired through Sacred Currents by sending 9 Red Envelops with $27 and a self addressed white envelope to:

Sacred Currents
11 East 88th Street 7D
NYC, NY 10128

The “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell” requires cinnabar. Please include and an additional $9 ($36 total) if you wanted it sent with the ritual.

A 3-dimensional, Monkey, Ox and Rooster (the luck animals for the year depending on your year of birth – see below) can also be acquired through Sacred Currents. Send $9 for each animal ordered and $5 for priority postage (regardless of the number of animals you order.) Again, send your address and check to the address above.

INSIGHTS FOR THE 12 CHINESE ANIMALS:

RAT – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

As the Rat is an adaptable creature who can get along with most any sign but they are particularly compatible with the Snake. This year is a real improvement over the last and you can expect good fortune in your career, finances and relationships. Intimacy can be enjoyed if you let yourself trust and be open. Financial opportunities are particularly good in the first part of the year. Creativity too can find outlets. You are cautioned to not get overly exhausted at work, nor to be too impressed by your own success. Both can lead to feeling isolated and incur jealousy from others.

OX – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

The Ox is a hard worker and this year those efforts should pay off in every area of your life. The Ox is in the ‘3 Harmony’ position with the Snake and Rooster which will offer support for your endeavors. Use the Snake’s charms to help you be more communicative to co-workers and family, as there will be those that are envious of your good fortune. Some may even try to undermine your recognition and success. An unexpected windfall may find you. Use rational thinking to help you make focused plans, both in your professional and personal life.

TIGER – 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

The wonderfully intense vitality of the Tiger will not serve you well this year, as you aren’t one of the Snake’s nearest and dearest. There are some good aspects for business, however beware of obstacles and scoundrels along the path. Take care to avoid augments, be conservative and do not start any new partnerships. Long term investments are OK but don’t take risks. Keep lines of communication open, be patient and don’t stress. Remember these things will all serve you well. It is highly recommended that you do the Golden Cicada Ritual on 3 consecutive days starting with Chinese New Year’s eve and carry an Ox and Rooster for protection.

RABBIT – 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

The graceful and sensitive Rabbit needs to be self preserving this year. Although the Snake and Rabbit get along, the ‘3 Killings’ star is in the East (the Rabbit’s home) this year and thus it is advised that you do not make any major changes – especially in your career. Travel can be good for opening up new opportunities in business and there will be beneficial people in your life. It is a good year to upgrade your knowledge and skills, while remaining low key. Be mindful of your health, get enough rest and keep to a healthy diet. Patience and a regular practice of good deeds will help to built auspicious chi.

DRAGON – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

The intelligent and energetic Dragon will experience good luck this year. Out from under your own year in 2012, the Snake purports opportunities in both work and personal relationships. There are prospects for romance or marriage but female Dragons need to have their radar out in order not be swept away in the wrong direction or with the wrong person. This can be a wish fulfilling year for you but it is important to stay grounded to keep it real. As with many of the signs this year, fortify your chi with enough rest.

SNAKE – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

The Snake is known for its passion and talent and you will need all your resources to ride out this year. Snake is ‘sitting atop of the Year God’ and when any one of the twelve animals is in their own year, they are vulnerable. Building good karma will build insurance. Perform the ‘Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell’ for 3 consecutive days starting on New Year’s Eve (Feb 9th) for protection and to improve your fate. Be cautious in all personal and business endeavors. Take heart in knowing that there are some bright spots for the Snake this year and your sincere efforts will get you far.

HORSE – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

The Horse is a social, optimistic and non-conforming animal. Although there are some good aspects this year, it is best for you to be conservative in money matters. All agreements should be studied carefully before contracting. It is more important to preserve what you have rather than to risk it, as you can’t get away with small mistakes this year. This goes for you health and peace of mind as well. Meditation is good to practice this year. It is recommended that you to do the Golden Cicada on New Year’s eve and carry a Monkey.

RAM – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

The Ram is a sincere realistic and creative animal. This year is very good for business and investments but refrain from new partnerships. Travel can help to expand your career, a new business and your personal development. Take care and be self protective while traveling as there are dangers of thief. Generally you have a high level of natural energy this year which will serve you well. If you overdo however you can get sick more easily, in which case it is important to get the medical help you need. Romantically it is a positive time.

MONKEY – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Versatile Monkeys combine their lively, clever and ambitious personalities to their advantage this year. As you’re the ‘best bud’ of the Snake you’ve got the Midas touch. However you are cautioned to pay close attention to details. With your good fortune this year others are bound to be jealous. In addition, your stamina is not what it can be so take very good care of yourself. Most things can be turned into your favor as you will be supported by lots of helpful people this year. So watch your back and go for it – that goes for your love life too.

ROOSTER – 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

The Rooster is a talkative, perfectionist who is known for directness and hard work. Along with the Ox you are in the ‘3 Harmony’ position with the Snake which means this promises to be a prosperous year. However pay close attention to any legal documents because loss of wealth is also possible. Be conservative in your spending and cautious in your dealings. Protect yourself and your home with the Golden Cicada ritual and the transcendental ritual of sealing your doors. In addition, attending happy occasions mitigates some less fortunate chi that is also possible this year – so don’t forget to celebrate.

DOG – 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Dogs are loyal and likable, intelligent and morally sound. After a tough 2012 year you can look forward to a better 2013. Your partnership/marriage star is high in the heavens and the recognition and wealth you seek are within reach. But remember that all good fortune must be on the foundation of hard work, lest your recognition and wealth will be empty and short lived. The work you do this year will strengthen you in years to come and make the glory all the more satisfying.

PIG – 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

The social and likeable Pig is a pleasure seeker who is also intelligent. Your wealth and career can go well this year however the Pig is in 180 degree conflict with the Snake and thus most of the positive chi will be blocked. You should perform the Golden Cicada ritual on 3 consecutive days starting on Feb 9th – New Years eve. A regular practice of beneficent deeds will help any negative potential to be converted into positive. For every sign there are more difficult years, so take good care of yourself as this may be one of those for you.

Year of the Snake design by Alan Zitko
zitkoroosisl@aol.com

Thumbnail illustrations by The Swimming Paintbrush:
http://www.swimmingpaintbrush.com