Tomorrow marks New Year’s Day, and people worldwide are looking to the stars for insights into what 2025 will bring. While many turn to Western astrology, Chinese astrology offers a rich cultural perspective with its own wisdom and guidance.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. It’s a time for family reunions, honoring traditions, and embracing fresh beginnings.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year on January 1, the Chinese New Year’s date is based on the lunar calendar and changes each year. In 2025, the Chinese New Year begins on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake.
The Year of the Wood Snake runs from January 29, 2025, to February 16, 2026. The Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizes traits like intuition and strategy. With the influence of the Wood element, 2025 emphasizes growth and planning.
How to Determine Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year assigned to an animal. Follow these steps to discover your sign:
Look Up Your Birth Year
Use the chart below to match your birth year with the corresponding zodiac sign. Remember that Chinese New Year’s date changes annually, so if you were born in January or February, check if your birthdate falls before or after the Chinese New Year of your birth year.
Zodiac Chart:
- Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
- Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
- Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
- Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
- Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
- Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
- Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
- Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
- Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
- Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
- Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
- Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Lucky Zodiac Signs in 2025
A video by the South China Morning Post breaks down what each zodiac sign can expect.
- Snake (Self-Year): 2025 is a year of career advancements and self-improvement for Snakes. Both active and passive income streams should see positive growth.
- Rat: Rats will reap the rewards of their hard work, with positive changes in networking, career, and wealth.
- Horse: Horses can expect job promotions and a smooth year overall. It’s also an excellent time to pursue further education or certifications.
- Rooster: Known for precision and discipline, Roosters will experience improved networking and personal relationships, along with better financial opportunities.
- Dog: After a challenging 2024, Dogs will find 2025 brings smoother sailing in wealth, love, and family planning.
- Dragon: Bold and ambitious Dragons will thrive financially and may find love or start a family.
- Ox: Stable and steady, Oxen will see growth in creativity, spirituality, networking, and investments.
- Rabbit: After a rough 2024, Rabbits can look forward to career advancements, likely accompanied by a raise or promotion.
Signs with a little less luck in 2025
- Pig: Pigs may encounter difficulties in networking and personal relationships, with financial challenges also possible. However, career prospects remain positive.
- Tiger: Tigers’ bold nature might lead to conflicts, particularly in relationships. Practice patience and avoid gossip or confrontation.
- Goats: With no lucky stars in their chart, Goats must rely on their own decisions to handle challenges. Be cautious, as family matters and accidents could arise.
- Monkey: Monkeys may find themselves navigating a mix of opportunities and conflicts, especially in relationships.