2013 Year of the Snake... What Will It Bring?!

2013 is the Year of the Snake, the Year of the Water Snake to be more precise. So what does it mean? Each of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac has unique characteristics and each year corresponds to one animal. 2013 corresponds to the Snake.

In addition to the twelve year cycle corresponding to each of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac, there are Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) which are associated with their own "life force" or "chi".

This energy blends with the corresponding animal, to determine that year's fortune. In 2013, the corresponding element is Water.

The Snake has been a symbol of determination and persistence. The Snake is blessed with extraordinary inner strength and is considered one of the most perceptive and intense animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

Water represents flow and therefore flexibility and fluidity. Water at the same time can also be very powerful, as in the power of a flood or surging water.

These characteristics of Water combined with the Snake's determination and tenacity could mean a more flexible Snake offering plenty of opportunities for change, or an even more powerful and determined one, making for a very unpredictable year, but one to be embraced and certainly not to be underestimated.

So a Year of the Water Snake heralds a year of resilience which will require discipline to achieve your goals. Planning and cautiousness will be very very important.

Water's characteristic color is Black, so you might also hear 2013 referred to as the Year of the Black Snake.

Babies born in the Year of the Snake

If you are born in the Year of the Snake, you will assume the characteristics of the Snake: Snakes are determined, wise and intense. Snakes are inclined towards physical beauty.

To be born in the Year of the Snake, babies will have to be born from February 10, 2013 until the end of the 2013 lunar year on January 30, 2014. If the baby is born on or before February 9, 2013, he or she will be a Dragon Baby, if born on or after January 31, 2014, the baby will be a Horse Baby.

The next Year of the Water Snake will be in another 60 years.

Get ready for an exciting year and...