By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Jan 29 — This year, the Chinese community ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake: a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and renewal in Chinese astrology.
As the joyful anticipation of Chinese New Year is marked with colourful lanterns, lively lion dances, and much-awaited festive delicacies, it’s the perfect time to delve into the fascinating world of Chinese astrology and uncover how ancient beliefs continue to shape and reflect the community’s culture and values.
While both the Chinese and Western zodiacs offer valuable insights into personality and fortune, each provides unique perspectives rich in meaning and tradition.
The Chinese zodiac, with its deep roots in tradition, follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by animals. These animals are more than symbols, as they embody unique characteristics and are connected to the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — and the principles of yin and yang, forming a rich narrative that holds profound cultural significance.
In contrast, the Western zodiac presents a celestial framework that maps the positions of the sun, moon, and planets at the moment of birth. The system comprises 12 signs, each corresponding to a monthly cycle and representing traits tied to four elements: fire, earth, air, and water.
“The Chinese zodiac follows the lunar and solar calendars, and the year of birth determines the animal sign. There are five types of each zodiac. For example, in the case of the Snake zodiac, there are the Wood Snake, Water Snake, Fire Snake, Earth Snake, and Metal Snake,” said Good Feng Shui Holdings Sdn Bhd founder and geomantic researcher Kenny Hoo to Selangor Journal.
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Kwang Hua Private High School students perform a dragon dance at Ban Siew Keng temple near Rawang on January 18, 2025.[/caption]
He explained that the key differences between the Chinese and Western zodiacs lie in their cycles, focus, and calendars. The Chinese zodiac is structured around a 12-year and a broader 60-year cycle, whereas the Western zodiac operates on a 12-month cycle based on constellations.
The Chinese zodiac places a strong emphasis on animal traits and fortunes that are connected to the five elements and the balance of yin and yang. As for the Western zodiac, it focuses on celestial positions and the influence of astrological houses. Additionally, the Chinese zodiac is linked to a lunar-solar calendar, while the Western zodiac follows a solar calendar.
The 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
According to Hoo, each of these animals is tied to a specific year, reflecting their distinct personalities, annual fortune, compatibility, and traits.
“This cycle also overlaps with other traditional Chinese time-keeping systems like the ‘stem branch system’, which adds layers of complexity to the animal-year designations by combining each animal year with one of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water),” he said.
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Workers clean Tian Hock Kung temple in Klang on January 7, 2025, ahead of Chinese New Year on January 29.[/caption]
ESG in Malaysian businesses
Each animal in the Chinese zodiac is generally thought to embody specific characteristics. However, one’s fortune lies in the interaction between various elements.
Hoo said that for this year, the Year of the Wood Snake combines two powerful forces, creating a unique energy that will impact all individuals and businesses.
He said businesses in Malaysia should prioritise sustainability, with the green economy expected to grow, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.
“With Wood’s connection to nature, environmental consciousness and sustainability, ESG compliance will become the focal point, especially in industries like healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, property, infrastructures and technology,” he said.
Hoo said the energy of the Wood Snake will support sectors like education, technology, agriculture, tourism, property, and sustainability, and emphasised that Malaysia should embrace innovation and digital transformation to stay competitive.
Meanwhile, industries focused on exports and international partnerships are expected to grow, benefiting from Wood’s strong influence on networking and connections.
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A shopping mall worker straightens up a Chinese New Year decorations display at Central i-City, Shah Alam, on January 8, 2025.[/caption]
Embrace self-improvement
As the Year of the Wood Snake unfolds, Hoo encouraged Malaysians to embrace self-improvement, lifelong learning, and skill-building to align with its growth-oriented energy.
Hoo said career opportunities will favour those who are adaptable, strategic, and open to new ideas. He emphasises the importance of nurturing strong relationships and fostering community values, which will be the main highlights this year.
“By remaining patient and focused, we can embrace the life-changing opportunities that 2025 promises,” he said.
He said this year is set for transformation and strategic growth, offering individuals and businesses a chance to thrive.
“By applying good feng shui principles, individuals and businesses can harness this energy to succeed in a dynamic environment,” he said.
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People seen choosing their favourite traditional treats at a market along Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, on January 4, 2025, ahead of Chinese New Year on January 29.[/caption]
Key to 2025-2027 success
The Year of the Wood Snake in 2025 will be a year of growth, transformation, and strategic opportunities for Malaysia as a whole. However, Hoo cautioned challenges may arise as the natural desire for rapid growth could lead to indecision or hesitation.
“Over-expansion or excessive optimism could lead to a strain on resources,” he said, highlighting the importance of balancing ambition with practicality.
He said teamwork and relationship-building will provide individuals and industries with a fair opportunity to excel from 2025 through 2027.
As the country embraces the energy of the Wood Snake, Hoo encourages Malaysians to navigate these transformative times with adaptability and a focus on community values, ensuring a prosperous year ahead.
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Shop owners help customers choose red clothing, a sign of prosperity, ahead of Chinese New Year, at Bazar Rakyat Seri Kembangan on January 7, 2025.[/caption]
Prosperous year for Malaysia, Southeast Asia
To harmonise with the transformative energy of the Wood Snake, Hoo also recommends individuals and businesses in Southeast Asia adopt several feng shui practices.
He said enhancing Wood energy by incorporating green plants and wooden elements can stimulate growth, while activating Fire energy with warm lighting in major areas will boost motivation.
“Malaysia, as part of Southeast Asia, will benefit a lot in 2025 as the Snake is associated with the Southeast Asia sector. Focusing the business expansions within Southeast Asia will be smoother and faster,” he said.
Additionally, he suggested that mindful planning, such as using vision boards to align goals — can help increase a collaborative environment.
“The Snake symbolises wisdom, strategy, and transformation. Understanding its true energy helps harness its strengths for success in 2025,” he said.
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A customer chooses lucky bamboo plants, which are synonymous with Chinese New Year, at a market along Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, on January 4, 2025.[/caption]
