What to expect in the year of the Wood Snake

HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the world settles into 2025, many look to astrology for guidance on what the year ahead may bring.

This year, the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac coincides with a period of transformation, wisdom and adaptability.

Western astrologer Alice Inoue, host of Following Journeys, explained how both Western and Eastern astrology align and what people can expect in the months ahead.

While some may assume that Western and Chinese astrology offer conflicting forecasts, Inoue believes they complement each other.

“The way I like to describe it is, there are many ways to climb the same mountain to get to the top – and from the top, we have the same view,” she explained. “In the same way, both of these disciplines arrive at the same answer, just described a little differently. For the last 20 years, I’ve done a public annual forecast. The base of the presentation is Western, but I include the animal year forecast and it always matches!”

The Chinese Zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal.

Inoue said the Snake is associated with wisdom, transformation, mystery and deep intuition.

“Think about how Snakes shed their skin… letting go of the old, and easily embracing the new. Unlike this past year of the action-driven Dragon of 2024, the Snake invites us to slow down, assess, and move with precision.”

This year, the Snake is also influenced by the element Wood, which brings an added layer of growth, creativity, and flexibility.

“The Chinese Zodiac is influenced by one of the five elements, and every year takes on a different animal and a different element, adding a new dimension to the energy of the year,” Inoue explains. “This year, it’s ‘Wood,’ and the element wood is about growth, creativity, and flexibility. Think of a tree. This Wood year brings an expansive outward-facing energy.”

With global shifts happening in government and technology, Inoue encourages people to approach 2025 with a mindset of adaptability.

“No matter what is going on in the world, as we are seeing the intersection of government and technology bringing great changes, causing a lot of chaos, you need to keep steadfast like the snake and be adaptable like wood and create your life in the way you want it to be.”

How to Prepare for the Year Ahead

To align with the energy of the Wood Snake, Inoue suggests a focus on letting go and trusting intuition.

“Let go as much as you can of the past—from clutter to old habits and unnecessary thoughts,” she advises. “Trust your intuition and strengthen it by tuning out all the unnecessary noise so you can actually hear your inner wisdom. And be open. Be really open. Whether you like what’s happening or not, if you can’t change it, don’t waste your energy on fighting it.”

What to Watch Out For in 2025

While the year offers opportunities for growth and transformation, Inoue warns against one common pitfall: overthinking.

“Watch out for overthinking things leading to more stress and anxiety,” she said. “Think of this year as an opportunity to shed old skins and grow yourself in a way that is strategic, like the snake.”

For those looking for a deeper dive into the astrology of 2025, Inoue has a two-hour forecast available on her website, Following Journeys.