Today in China (Feb 4th), and actually beginning yesterday (Feb 3rd) in the United States, is the start of Spring according to the Chinese calendar. And while the Chinese don’t celebrate the New Year officially until the 10th, the Year of the Black Water Snake has begun!
First, let me know say that I actually don’t read my own horoscope. It’s something fun I used to do when I was a teenager—you know, to see when I might fall in love and things of that nature. I don’t talk about astrology in my current coaching or consulting work, but…
Ever since living in China, studying about Chinese culture and language, celebrating its holidays and traditions alongside people for whom this is as important and real as our holidays, I’ve been intrigued with the Chinese horoscope system!
So, what does it mean for you to now be living and working in the Year of the Snake?
Well, it may not be of interest to you. But, as you know, I love to dig in and try to better understand the philosophies, histories, and perspectives of Eastern cultures, and how we can use this information to improve our health, our well-being, our prosperity, and our overall performance!
JUST FOR FUN: Read on if you’d like to learn a bit about the meaning of a Snake year, as well as what it might mean for you personally (depending on your Chinese zodiac animal sign).
HINT: I’m a Rat (born in 1972) and it’s predicted to be a year of rebirth and renewal for me. How perfect, given I just published a book called Refuel, Recharge, and Re-energize, am continually developing myself personally and professionally, and am exploring new and different ways to reach more people!
Why is this year called the Black Water Snake year?
All things that are dark, quiet, down low, inside, passive, cooler, slower, etc, are Yin (instead of Yang). Nighttime and the moon are Yin. Water, which flows down to the lowest point, is Yin. And the color Black (dark, the color of nighttime) is considered Yin and also associated with Water in the Chinese Five Element system.
The Snake is also considered a Yin animal in the Chinese Animal Zodiac system.
Hence, we have entered the year of the Black Water Snake.
Did you ever think you’d say to yourself: “Be the Snake… Be the Snake…”?
How to Embrace the Energy of the Snake…
Snakes move gracefully, slowly, steadily, but sometimes they do rise and strike quickly. They are strong and capable of eating things much bigger than their own body size, and they live in a huge range of habitats and weather conditions.
The phrase “biting off more than you can chew” does not apply to snakes. So, by going with the flow in a snake-like way, you may be able in 2013 to accomplish great things.
To live and work in a Snake-like way is to truly be in the flow. It means moving methodically, and considering your options mindfully. If you act too spontaneously or take on too much at one time, you could get burned out or ruin your chances of doing really great work this year.
Approach your bigger picture vision and your goals one step at a time, breaking down each project into smaller and smaller pieces, and acknowledging each positive step forward you make toward the finish line.
But, snakes can and do bite. So, be aware and cautious. When moving into a new contractual relationship (buying real estate, working with a new vendor, etc), take the time to read the fine print and make sure your needs and desires are represented and not compromised.
Snakes also represent health and healing—just look at the old and new symbols used by the American Medical Association. It is said that the mythological view of the Snake even went beyond the healing of the physical body to a spiritual view of positive transformation.
If you’re ready and open to it, perhaps the Snake energy of 2013 will help you move beyond any blockages at a physical, emotionally, mental or spiritual level, to create your life and grow your business in the way you’ve long envisioned.
In this year of the Snake—and every year—energy can move slowly or quickly, it can flow freely or get stuck. And since EVERYTHING is energy, keep in mind that these principles of energy apply to everything: love, money, health, business, and more.
I’ll soon be announcing a new offering that will support you in free-ing up your energy to bring more of what you want (love, money, health, business) into your life so you can perform at a more optimal level. So, keep your eyes open for that announcement toward the end of February. Be the Snake… Be the Snake!
What can you take away from this new knowledge about the Year of the Snake and Snake Energy? If you move forward mindfully, in a steady and peaceful way, keeping your eye on the prize and being true to your vision, you’ll reach the end of 2013 with more of your goals met than if you had burst out of the gate and pushed too hard to try and get things done.
Wondering what 2013 has in store for you personally? It can be fun and sometimes truly helpful to look at your situation through another lens. That’s why it’s so incredibly empowering and transformative to work with me as your coach!
Snakes also shed their skin. So, if this too is a year of transformation for you, then you can let go of old habits, ways of thinking, activities and (perhaps) people just like you are shedding a layer of your skin.
JUST FOR FUN: If you’re curious to see what Chinese astrology has to say about the year ahead for you (or your colleagues or your kids), check out the links below (and ignore the silly ads!).
NOTE: If you don’t know your Chinese astrological animal sign, then you can click here and scroll down to see the corresponding years.
Here’s to a year of quiet, solid, positive growth in our lives and in our businesses!
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