The Chinese zodiac signs, which are also known as the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, are taken from the names of the Chinese New Years. These in turn are named after a set of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. People's Chinese zodiac signs are taken from the Chinese Year of their birth.
Chinese astrology associates both positive and negative characteristics and character traits with typical people born under each Chinese zodiac sign. These characteristics and character traits may not fully apply to any particular person.
Chinese astrology also believes these characteristics and character traits are affected by the five Chinese elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Snake Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Snake usually appear to be placid, but their thoughts and emotions run very deep. Snakes are quiet and unassuming, preferring to work alone. They tend to be noticed for their achievements rather than for any attempt to attract attention.
Snakes are usually very frugal and have the reputation of being hoarders. They are careful about lending money to friends for frivolous reasons. However, Snakes are very sympathetic to those who are truly in need.
Snakes, being loners, usually rely on themselves to get ahead in life. They tend to mistrust the thoughts and opinions of others on important matters. Snakes tend to make decisions based on their own deeply held feelings and intuition, rather than on facts.
Snakes can be deeply amorous in their relationships, but they can be jealous by nature, and they can handle rejection badly.
Snake people often command respect for their accomplishments in their business affairs, and tend to make successful teachers, writers, or philosophers
Snake Character Traits
People born in the Year of the Snake tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful
- Negative traits: loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold
Influence of Western Zodiac Signs on Snakes
Read about how the characteristics and character traits of people born in the Year of the Snake are influenced by the Western Zodiac Sign under which they are born.
Birthstone: Garnet
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated birthstone, that is intended to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
The opal is the birthstone for people born in the Year of the Snake. Opals are associated with guidance, luck, honor, potency, visions, dreams and mind power. Depending on the conditions in which they were formed, opals can be many colors: white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, or black.
Precious Flower: Narcissus
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower, which have a special meaning in Chinese culture.
The passion flower is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Snake. The passion flower is used as a food plant, and due to its sweetness, it is viewed as a delicious treat. The Chinese smoke a herbal mixture including dried passion flower leaves. The Chinese use the passion flower for a number of medical purposes. It is held to be able to cure insomnia, depression, and epilepsy, and is a powerful painkiller.
Dates for Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is the sixth animal in the cycle of 12. It last occurred in 2001, and will occur again in 2013.
Compatibility of Snakes with other Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology uses the character traits associated with each zodiac sign to determine if two people are compatible. Followers of Chinese astrology consider this compatibility before commencing a business or personal relationship.
Typically, Snakes are compatible with Oxen and Roosters, but are incompatible with Pigs.
Snake Horoscope for 2012
Chinese astrological horoscopes make forecasts for both the upcoming Chinese Year, and for people born under each Chinese sign of the zodiac in more detail. For more information, see Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2012 Year of the Dragon.
Sources:
Chinese Astrology - Zodiac Signs
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau, published by Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Chinese Horoscopes - The Snake
Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones
Chinese Astrology and Precious Flowers
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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