YEAR OF THE METAL SNAKE "Snake Sleeping in Winter". 2001

On January 24th, 2001, we entered the year of the ‘wise’ Metal Snake. The wise and philosophical sign of the Snake can be a somewhat detached and cold period of stoicism. A cautious time when even the most outgoing personalities are not comfortable with crowds. The focus turns to more quiet times and family life.  After the dramas of the Year of the Dragon, Snake Years come as a watershed period - restoring order and bringing comparative peace.  Duplicity, however,  is in the air and it is wise to read the fine print carefully. Treachery, political machinations, and conspiracy will be afoot.

I normally don't find these forecasts to be terribly accurate but this one certainly seems to have tuned into my political situation at work

 2001 is called the year of the "Snake Sleeping in Winter". The image is one of a snake which builds up sufficient resources to last out the winter in comfort. Although success can come, it is dependent upon sufficient work being done to ensure that success.  This is a year for preparation. In this particular snake year there is the association with deep winter, with potential hardship and difficulties to overcome. This is a year, therefore, in which your eyes should be fixed on your goals, but not so firmly fixed as to be blind to any short-term difficulties that lie in the path of your goals.

One of the few times when this is right on the money.  Though I don't think any of us were anticipating that the economy would be tipped into a recession because of a terrorist attack.

It is important be faithful to friends and family this year. Your network of support  may be a significant asset in difficult times. Be prepared to be more than a fair weather friend and to walk the extra mile when someone is in need. That said, remember that there is also a danger of excessive behavior - so keep a balance, and check to make sure you're not being taken for a ride. The snake, or serpent, has long been associated with the sun, and has been worshipped in both eastern and western cultures. Because he sheds his skin, the snake symbolizes death and rebirth, life perpetually renewed and everlasting. This is akin to the rising and setting of the sun. The snake's silence, stealth, slithering physique, his cunning and quickness, and the deadly venom he darts, all seem to make him a creature of mystery and supernatural power. His attraction to music— music which can lure him into captivity—and the ability of some species of snake to inflate a protective hood also seem to give the snake a special mystique which has been felt by many people for many ages.

In China and Japan, and in the Oriental zodiac, the serpent is a creature totally distinct from the dragon. Within the zodiac, in fact, the serpent and the dragon represent not only different signs and years, but entirely opposite characteristics. The dragon (Year 2000) symbolizes the positive, benevolent, constructive forces of the universe; the snake (Year 2001), those which are negative, malevolent, and destructive. The snake represents deceit and cunning, and, together with the tiger, the lizard, the centipede, and the three-legged toad, makes up the group called the Five Poisons! Don’t let the reputation of the snake discourage you.  Great progress can be made during the year of the snake - move slow, plan accordingly and watch your step.  It is a year for caution and keep your eye on the path - so there is no miss-step.

 

SNAKE IN THE YEAR OF SNAKE You will make wonderful progress in your work and professional life, and a lot of it is due not only to your skills and abilities but also to the moral and practical support you will get from your colleagues, friends and partner. And, what is more, you are going to enjoy it all at a much slower pace than the hectic recent months you'd had. As a result, it will be an excellent year for serious decision-making. Romantically, you will be able to strike a perfect balance between commitment and freedom and you can look forward to wonderful progress in your relationship, whether married or single. Some legal matters will need to be settled before the year is all that old, and a chat to an accountant or similar may be necessary. A word of warning: keep watch on your precious belongings!

PIG IN THE YEAR OF SNAKE You will have every reason to feel confident about developments in a personal relationship in the coming 12 months - and there will be a chance of romantic journeys. You could be in some minor trouble with authorities around June or July, but it will eventually work out to your advantage. Money problems begin to fade in the early months and will start to settle on a much more even keel. It will be a very positive year for Pigs regarding love and romance; you will be radiating special vibrations of attraction. You will experience one of several life-changing events - many of you will get married or divorced, start a family, buy a house, make a career change or start a business. Your physical limits are going to be revealed to you, which is a good thing, because you are going to have to be much more realistic about your health - including your diet and exercise regime.