Chinese Astrology: 2013 Horoscopes Year of the Snake

Eastern Astrology: The Chinese Lunar New Year and Calendar

2013 is the Year of the Snake (Black Water Snake) - from February 10th.

The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The exact date can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar takes 60 years and comprises five cycles of 12 years--12 animal signs and 5 elements.

The Chinese Lunar New Year differs to that of the Roman New Year because the Chinese calendar is based on the phases of the moon, whereas the Gregorian calendar, on which the Roman New Year is based, is an arithmetic calendar.

Each of the 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to see him before he departed earth. Only 12 came so he rewarded those 12 by naming a year in the Chinese lunar calendar after them, in the order they arrived to see him.

As with western astrology where it's believed that the Sun's position at the time of an individual's birth determines certain personality traits that a person will posses, it's thought that each animal represented in the Chinese lunar calendar bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules."

In 2009, the year of the ox, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on January 26. In 2010, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on February 14, 2010, and in 2011, it fell on February 3, 2011. In 2012, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on January 23rd, 2012, and is the year of the dragon. In 2013, Chinese New year falls on February 10th, 2013.

The Snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac.

It is a dynamic, charismatic, worldly, perceptive, and subtle sign. Snake is very aware of what is going on around it. Tendencies towards vengefulness, holding grudges, and suspicion may be heightened in the year of the Snake, 2013. The Snake favors mysticism, introspection, spirituality, strategy, inner development, and patience.

The Year of the Snake 2013 is a Yin Water year, and it's a year for reflection and strategy. Water favors communications, transportation, and learning, and the Snake is an intelligent sign.

Caution and moderation were advised in 2009, the Year of the Ox, flexibility and the ability to deal with change were considered essential qualities in 2010, and the ability to make compromises and to negotiate were important in 2011. In 2012, adventurousness and boldness were favored.

In a Snake year, it will be important to avoid behaviors that are excessively stubborn and unyielding, as well as overly emotional or clinging. It's a strong year for inner development, emotional renewal, metamorphosis, elimination, and recycling.

The last Water Snake year was 1953.

Chinese Zodiac Animals - Signs

In terms of how each Chinese Zodiac sign will fare in the Year of the Snake, a major consideration is how compatible your sign is with the Snake sign:

Snakes are most compatible with Rooster and Ox (the Snake, Rooster, and Ox form a harmonious triangle of affinity - they are purposeful and determined), and these are the signs that are expected to fare the best in 2013.

Snakes are most incompatible with Pig (their opposite sign) and to a lesser degree with Tiger and Snake, and these are the signs that are expected to find 2013 the most challenging.

Another important consideration is your Element. The year 2013 is a Yin Water year. Factor this into your analysis.

Water is friendly or compatible with Metal and Wood. Water nourishes Wood, and Metal nourishes Water.

Water is controlled by Earth and Water puts out Fire, so Earth and Fire are incompatible with (destructive/hostile) to Water.

If you are Wood, a Water year such as this one (2013) strengthens your character and heightens your creativity. It should be a good year in a general sense.

If you are Metal, 2013 should be a good, exciting year, generally speaking.

If you are Fire, 2013 may be more difficult for you (water puts out fire!).

If you are Earth, a Water year is also expected to be problematic (water is controlled by earth).

If you are Water, a Water year (2013) is expected to be status quo. You should feel relatively comfortable in 2013, but may not make huge advances in your life.

Yin Water is attracted to Yang Metal, so relationships can be very good for Yang Metal people in 2013. Because Dog is the romance star of Snake, love can be attracted or enhanced for Dogs in 2013.

Snake Year 2013 for Love (General): The Year of the Snake favors developing love slowly but surely, loyalty, and steadfastness. 2013 is a Water year, which favors communications and intelligence. Those who are passionate but not overanxious are likely to be most desirable this year.

2013 is a Water year, but Snake is Fire, so generally speaking, the year is not an especially lucky or fortunate one.

Don't know your Chinese Zodiac Sign and/or Element? Find out here: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction

Please note that the year of your birth is not the only factor involved in your horoscope for any given year. Your month, day, and hour also have associated elements and animals. As such, the following are generalizations based on your year of birth alone.

The following are descriptions of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese zodiac signs, with a brief forecast or horoscope for 2013:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don't always plan for the future.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Rat: When it comes to the Rat's social life this year, Rats who make an effort to be open and willing will enjoy success. Friends tend to be supportive overall. This is also true for love relationships. Love, however, is not expected to fare as well as friendships for Rats in 2013. It will be important for Rats to avoid talking too much about things about people that are better left private. Money matters should be good, although not spectacular. Rats should avoid taking risks with money this year. Career is likely to be status quo - some minor challenges are likely, but nothing the Rat can't handle.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
Negative: Stubborn and bigoted. Ox people aren't often flexible.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Ox: Authority figures can look upon the Ox with special affection this year, and thus the Ox should find that career matters flow well in 2013, the year of the Snake. Many people will be attracted to the Ox this year, and love opportunities are strong. To make themselves even more attractive, the Ox need to open up, share emotions, and avoid being too rooted or fixed in their ways. Money opportunities are good but not fabulous, and it would be wise to focus on good money management, saving, and budgeting in order to stay in a good place financially.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren't good at taking orders from others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Tiger: Tigers and Snakes have a difficult relationship, and as such, Tigers might find 2013, the year of the Snake, a rather challenging one. There can be difficulties with reputation, and it will be important for Tigers to manage their tempers. Tigers should be vigilant and conservative with their money, employing patience and tackling projects one at a time, slowly but surely. Tigers should also be patient with lovers and friends, toning down the drama, as this year does not favor impetuousness. Educational pursuits should go quite well. 2013 should be used as a time to catch your breath and prepare, as 2014 will give Tigers plenty of opportunities to strut their stuff.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don't like conflict.
Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Rabbit: Rabbits should do fairly well in 2013, the year of the Snake. Money should be good, and career should be fine as long as Rabbits stay on top of communications - it's especially important to stay in touch this year. Rabbits can appear aloof sometimes, and this is not a bad quality in a Snake year, but if Rabbits communicate more frequently and more openly, this will contribute greatly to their success. Love relationships are likely to be challenging, but the effort put forth will be worth the results. Spirits may not run especially high this year, which can affect health in small ways, so Rabbits should take special care of themselves in order to find ways to build happiness and enjoyment.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don't like routine.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Dragon: This year of the Snake is good for building rather than initiating. Dragons can quite easily gain support from others in 2013, and social relationships generally fare well. With lovers and friends, Dragons should try to avoid stirring up too much drama. Dragons might attract many admirers this year, but whether these relationships last is in question. Relationships in place can be nicely built upon. Money matters are generally strong, particularly when money earned is in the communications or import/export business. Risky investments are not recommended in the year of the Snake. Dragons should remember the keyword "build" in most areas of life.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem with depending on others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Snake: This is a year of new beginnings for Snakes--the start of a new twelve-year cycle. The choices Snakes make this year will be defining ones for years to come. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that Snakes are not expected to fare especially well in Snake years. There is a need to keep arguments to a minimum, particularly at work. Social relationships can suffer from speaking too quickly or too much, leading to a vicious spiral and some hard feelings. However, this can be tamed if Snakes, who are clever, watch for this tendency. Keep things status quo without pushing matters when it comes to love.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Horse: As this is the year before his/her own year, 2013 can bring the Snake some challenges, but never insurmountable ones. [Note, 2014 will be the Year of the Horse]. For the Horse, 2013 is a year for review and taking stock rather than one that favors bold new beginnings. Snake is a Fire sign, and so is Horse, but 2013 is a Water year, and Water can put out the Fire of the Horse at times, suggesting less enthusiasm at times. Overall, the year is expected to be average, with ups and downs, nothing very significant in either direction. Money requires a conservative approach, but is overall favorable. Health may need special attention. Overall, it's good, but emotions can be a little difficult. Horses may need to work on building motivation this year. Opportunities for romance are there for singles, but may not last long.

Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don't like disagreements.
Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Goat: The earthy Goats do not share a special affinity with the Water Snake, and thus 2013 is expected to be quite average. It will be important to tame emotionalism when it comes to love - playing hard to get will bring more success! Nevertheless, taking action is important as well, or opportunities will easily slip by. Be available but not overanxious. A foreigner might be in the cards when it comes to love for single Goats. Success in career and with finances requires drawing upon intelligence and strategy rather than bold new moves, which suits Goat's temperament just fine. Health is good if Goats become more active, but inactive Goats should ease into new health routines, taking things one step at a time.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Monkey: Monkeys are not quite as comfortable in a Snake year as they may have been last year, a Dragon year. Relationships tend to be status quo to good. Some will have on-again, off-again love relationships this year, but opportunities are there. Reputation matters can be tricky, and monkeys should watch for slander and tame arrogance that might lead to misunderstandings. With money, avoid too-good-to-be-true situations. Monkeys should be vigilant with their money in 2013, and watch for minor disputes. Career can be good if Monkeys are humble, although competition may be stiff.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Rooster: The Rooster should enjoy good career or work opportunities and moderate success. There may be a heavier work load, but overall, it's a supportive environment. The Snake and Rooster have a good relationship, and thus love is expected to go well for Roosters in 2013. Love should be stable and some Roosters will fall in love, or more deeply in love. Roosters are resilient creatures, and Snake years highly favor this quality. The only potentially difficult area is health, so that Roosters should be more vigilant with checkups and they should heed safety precautions in general. 2013 is unlikely to be as exciting as last year, but overall quite stable and successful.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others' problems, and to fight for a good cause.
Negative: Cynical, worried, and tactless. These people don't always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Dog: Dogs may have had a challenging year in 2012. While the Snake year is unlikely to be spectacular, it's an improvement overall. Career should be strong, but it's important for Dogs not to be too hasty with their communications. Money should be good, but not especially great, and vigilance is important. Dogs should save and protect their money, but keep working hard to realize increases. Big changes can occur in love this year. For example, some Dogs can marry or enter into a partnership, and others can separate. Dogs should avoid working too hard this year, so much so that they neglect their health. Dogs need more fresh air and exercise this year.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying "no" -- to people, and to food!
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2013 for the Pig: The good-natured Pig can have some difficulties in a Snake year, as Snake and Pig are opposing signs. 2013 may bring some challenges. However, students should enjoy some success, as learning and communications should go well. Competition in business can be stiff this year, but Pigs should just keep plugging away. Pigs can have trouble saying no to people, but should definitely avoid lending too much money or valuables this year. Love can be difficult this year. Travel is good this year, as well as contact with foreigners.

See also: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction and Chinese Astrology: More than the Twelve Animals. If you don't know your Chinese zodiac animal or element, both of these articles will help you to determine it.