Snakes in the Grass
I was reminded that we are still in the Chinese year of the Wood Snake when my dog was bitten by an adder just a few weeks ago. Sometimes, when we are well into a year-long aspect it is easy to forget that it is still ongoing so it’s good to be reminded, but maybe not quite so dramatically!!!!! Also it’s good to remind oneself that once a period is over, it is not done and forgotten – it has left its mark and has been absorbed into the collective ‘story’.
Snake years are times of re-evaluation and embracing new perspectives that will contribute to our own personal growth. Snakes are associated with wisdom, transformation, healing and rebirth, because of their ability to renew themselves by shedding their skin and starting anew.
Snakes are highly revered in Chinese culture, often regarded as ‘little dragons’. The ‘Wood’ part of the year of the Wood Snake symbolises growth, creativity and a connection with nature and the cycle of life. Spiritually, wood links with the importance of grounding, thereby allowing nurturing by nature.
Snakes are highly adaptable creatures within their environment. They can slither up trees and reveal themselves from places you might least expect. They also have an amazing ability to conceal themselves on the ground. In The Jungle Book Kaa, the rock python, was one of the wisest animals in the jungle. He could make himself look like a dead branch or a rotten piece of wood to catch out his unsuspecting prey.
Some snakes, such as the adder, contain poisonous venom, released when the snake sinks its fangs into its prey. But non-venomous snakes such as the python can kill with just a ‘hug’. Indeed Kaa rather thought of poisonous snakes as cowards, whereas he had to use his wisdom and behave in a much wilier manner.
Snakes have no eyelids, so they approach their live meals without blinking. Because of their limited vision, they will sometimes weave their heads from side to side in what may appear to be a hypnotising fashion. However, this is really just a way for snakes to gauge distance. Much was made though in the Jungle Book of Kaa’s ability to hypnotise young Mowgli to try and get him to do his bidding.
Snakes are at their most vulnerable and, therefore, their most dangerous just before and just after shedding their skin when they are temporarily blind. They then become more defensive and more aggressive.
At the NewMoon of February 17th, 2026, we make way for the year of the Horse. So hopefully by then we will have learned much from the snake’s abilities, as we look around and see his influence within our lives. I think we can indeed see many instances of snake like energy within political circles, particularly here in the UK. But we can learn much from the snake, not least the ability for self-growth, the shedding of skins and learning how to live in new ways.
2026 is the year of the Fire Horse – a very different energy. The Fire Horse symbolises freedom, adventure and passion. Imagine a horse galloping freely through the countryside, feeling the wind blow through his mane and on his skin. Those born in the year of the Horse are known for their energetic and independent personalities. They tend to embrace bold challenges, fuelled by a desire for growth and change. The horse is about freedom, action, and doing things ‘your way’. The New Moon chart for the beginning of this year-long period almost echoes the above. Set for London, all the planets except one sit above the horizon – the horse wants to be ‘seen’ and does not conceal himself. The New Moon squares Uranus, and Mars sits on an Aquarian Midheaven – bold, non-conformist changes beckon. Saturn and Neptune are conjunct at 0 Aries, ready for a brand new paradigm. Best we practice our riding skills.