Which Years Are the Years of the Snake
The Snake is born every 12 years, corresponding to the "Si" (巳) branch in the Chinese zodiac. According to *Yuan Hai Zi Ping*, it says, "Si represents the snake, with fire hidden inside, repeating endlessly."20th Century: 1941 (Xin Si Year, White Wax Gold), 1953 (Gui Si Year, Long Flowing Water), 1965 (Yi Si Year, Buddha's Lamp Fire), 1977 (Ding Si Year, Sandy Earth), 1989 (Ji Si Year, Big Forest Wood)
21st Century: 2001 (Xin Si Year, White Wax Gold), 2013 (Gui Si Year, Long Flowing Water), 2025 (Yi Si Year, Buddha's Lamp Fire)
Although these years have different "Nayin" (hidden elements), they all carry the "Si" fire characteristics (such as sensitivity and resilience). The differences come from the heavenly stems, which bring subtle variations (for example, a Snake with a Metal destiny is more decisive, while a Water destiny Snake is more flexible).
Who Can Balance the Snake
"Balancing" does not mean "conquering or suppressing," but rather having an energy that can counterbalance the Snake's impatience and stubbornness, making them more restrained. These people are those born in the Year of the Pig, Tiger, and Monkey.People born in the Year of the Pig: Clash with Control People born in the Year of the Pig (Hai Water) clash with the Snake (Si Fire) through "Si-Hai Clash." Water overcomes Fire (Si Fire contains Bing Fire), which can help the Snake's fiery nature (like impatience and suspicion) to be calmed down. In their interactions, the Pig's broad-mindedness (water's inclusiveness) can ease the Snake's gloominess. Although the Snake may appear uncooperative on the surface, they may subconsciously accept the Pig's advice (e.g., adopting the Pig's conservative investment plan).
However, "clash" can also lead to friction, so communication is essential (e.g., the Snake should avoid cold wars, and the Pig should avoid direct criticism). Using the "Water Overcomes Fire" balance, this can transform into "Water and Fire Complement Each Other" harmony.
People born in the Year of the Tiger: Harm with Transformation People born in the Year of the Tiger (Yin Wood) and the Snake (Si Fire) have a "Si-Yin Harm." While Wood nourishes Fire, if it becomes too strong, it will burn. The Tiger's assertiveness (wood's growth) can help the Snake's controlling nature (fire's possessiveness) to be more balanced. In the workplace, the Tiger's authority (e.g., leadership) can make the Snake follow instructions; in the family, the Tiger's straightforwardness (e.g., "this is my way") can break the Snake's indirectness (e.g., going around the bush to ask for something). However, "harm" can lead to arguments, so the Tiger should be less dominant, and the Snake should be more flexible. Using the "Wood Nourishes Fire" energy, this can become mutual achievement (e.g., Tiger takes care of the outside, Snake handles the inside).
People born in the Year of the Monkey: Union with Control People born in the Year of the Monkey (Shen Metal) and the Snake (Si Fire) have a "Si-Shen Union." Metal and Fire complement each other, but "Metal can control Fire." The Monkey's intelligence (metal's sharpness) can soften the Snake's stubbornness (fire's irritability). Although they are naturally compatible (due to the Union energy), the Monkey's flexibility (e.g., adapting to changes) can counterbalance the Snake's rigidity (e.g., sticking to plans). For instance, when the Snake insists on "following the plan," the Monkey's comment, "let’s try a different way," can make the Snake change their mind. This "Union with Control" is most beneficial for long-term relationships, reducing conflicts and increasing complementarity.
Guidelines for Getting Along and Warnings
When getting along with people born in the Year of the Pig: Avoid discussing money (water overcoming fire can lead to financial disputes), and instead talk about interests (e.g., travel, food); the Snake should be less suspicious, and the Pig should be less procrastinating. Use the "Fire Warms Water, Water Moistens Fire" balance to turn clashes into "motivation" (e.g., encouraging each other to improve).
When getting along with people born in the Year of the Tiger: In the workplace, clarify roles (e.g., Tiger sets direction, Snake handles details), and at home, take turns being in charge (e.g., this week listen to the Tiger, next week listen to the Snake). The Snake should respond to the Tiger's efforts with "the passion of fire," and the Tiger should use "the inclusiveness of wood" to accept the Snake's sensitivity.
When getting along with people born in the Year of the Monkey: Use the "Union" energy to collaborate (e.g., starting a business together), where the Snake provides strategy, and the Monkey handles execution. Avoid competing for victory (both Metal and Fire are competitive), and instead praise each other (e.g., "that move is really clever"). Use the "Metal and Fire Generate Each Other" energy to amplify strengths.
*Zhouyi* says, "Yang and Yin complement each other, and all things mature." What is meant by "balancing" is simply the "mutual adjustment" of energy — the Pig's water makes the fire not too fierce, the Tiger's wood makes the fire not too dry, and the Monkey's metal makes the fire not too reckless.
You, born in the Year of the Snake, don't need to feel anxious about being "balanced." These people are actually your "benefactors" who help you find the right balance for your fiery nature.
Although Snakes born in different years have different traits (e.g., 1977 Snakes are steady, 1989 Snakes are lively), the core of getting along is the same: accepting differences and using the balancing effect.
May you, in your interactions with people born in the Year of the Pig, Tiger, and Monkey, keep your fire's enthusiasm while using others' support to temper your sharpness, making every relationship like "Metal and Fire Interact" — warm but not scorching. This is the wisdom of getting along.
