Introduction: The Chinese zodiac year is not necessarily a time of misfortune. Its core lies in the "fuyin" (a type of negative energy) caused by the overlap of the Earthly Branches, which can lead to fluctuations in energy. During favorable times, one can take advantage of the situation for breakthroughs, while during difficult times, there may be obstacles. For those born in 1989 who are 36 years old in their zodiac year, the so-called "great disaster" is actually a test during a period of life transition. Due to the "critical energy field" of Chen and Si combined with career and family responsibilities, it may cause decision-making difficulties, but it is not an insurmountable disaster.

Is the Chinese zodiac year really a time of misfortune?

“Yin and Yang make up the Dao, and what follows is goodness, and what completes it is nature.” The dialectical thinking from the Book of Changes ("Zhouyi") can help dispel the myth that the Chinese zodiac year is inevitably a time of misfortune. The fear of the Chinese zodiac year comes from the traditional belief of "meeting the Tai Sui," but in reality, the "fuyin" (negative energy) formed by the overlap of the Earthly Branches and the current year has both "helpful" and "interfering" properties.

From the perspective of fate theory, the book "Yuanhai Ziping" says, "When fuyin meets good fortune, it becomes even better; when it meets misfortune, it becomes worse." The direction of the luck in the Chinese zodiac year mainly depends on how well the birth chart aligns with the energy field of the current year.

If the key element (yong shen) in the birth chart is strong, and the current year has three harmonies or six harmonies, such as a rat meeting a ox (six harmony), or a monkey (three harmony), it can instead use the energy of "the same year and destiny" to break through career bottlenecks and gain financial growth. Even if the energy fluctuation causes minor setbacks, they are often short-term adjustments rather than "misfortune in all aspects."

The so-called "misfortune" is more often the result of psychological suggestion and real-life pressure. During the Chinese zodiac year, people tend to feel anxious due to traditional beliefs, leading to hesitation in decisions and reluctance in actions, attributing ordinary mistakes to "the influence of the Chinese zodiac year."

The solution can start with small habits: each morning, sort out the day's goals to reduce confusion; when making decisions, consult trusted people to avoid being biased; wear a zodiac accessory that matches your birth year, such as a monkey-shaped ornament for those born in the Year of the Snake, to balance the energy field. These practices can reduce the impact of fluctuations and make it easier to grasp opportunities during favorable times.

What does the "great disaster" at age 36 mean for those born in the Year of the Snake?

For those born in 1989, the Chinese zodiac year at age 36 (2025) is called the "great disaster," but this is not a natural disaster. It is a dual test of "age transition" and "energy field fluctuations."

The Earthly Branch for the Year of the Snake is Si, and 2025 is the Year of the Snake (Yi Si). The combination of the "fuyin" energy field and the "middle-aged transitional phase" of 36 years old leads to the concentration of career bottlenecks, family responsibilities, and conflicts in self-perception, which are metaphorically described as the "great disaster" in folk traditions.

From the perspective of the zodiac energy field, the Year of the Snake (Si) has a "critical mutual generation" relationship with the Year of the Dragon (Chen), and a "sixth conflict" with the Year of the Tiger (Hu) and a "sixth harm" with the Year of the Pig (Zhu). Therefore, during the age of 36, there may be conflicts in interpersonal relationships and careers.

In terms of career, there may be career bottlenecks or changes in collaboration, and in family life, there may be the need to balance the care of elderly parents and the education of children. Under multiple pressures, fatigue may easily appear. However, this "disaster" is essentially a catalyst for growth — as the Analects of Confucius states, "At thirty, one establishes oneself; at forty, one is free from doubt." The trials at 36 are precisely the transition from "establishment" to "freedom from doubt," and the problems exposed are actually the key to breaking through oneself.

To resolve this, it is necessary to focus on both the adjustment of fate and mindset: in interpersonal relationships, spend more time with people whose zodiac signs are compatible (such as monkeys and oxen) or those with harmonious relationships (such as monkeys), for example, collaborating with colleagues born in the Year of the Ox or seeking advice from elders born in the Year of the Monkey, to use the positive energy of these individuals to neutralize conflicts and harms;

Develop the habit of "reviewing the day before going to bed," sorting out daily gains and losses rather than dwelling on regrets; set aside fixed time each week for solitude, clarifying the priorities between career and family, avoiding blind busyness.

It should be clear that the key to resolving the "great disaster" lies in "stability" — do not blindly follow trends for transformation, nor ignore health exhaustion. Finding a balance between responsibility and self is already passing the so-called "karmic test." When the mind is calm, the path is wide, and when the year is peaceful, blessings come.
The interpretation of the Chinese zodiac year and the prediction of the "great disaster" have never been a definitive fate, but rather a summary of life's patterns. There is no need to exaggerate anxiety because of the concept of the Chinese zodiac year, nor to fear the rumors of the "great disaster." Ultimately, all fortunes depend on one's character and actions.

As the Analects of Confucius says, "A gentleman focuses on the root; once the root is established, the way arises." By maintaining "steadfast decision-making" during the Chinese zodiac year and grasping "balance and trade-offs" at 36, one can naturally move forward steadily amidst fluctuations. Those so-called "misfortunes" and "disasters" will eventually become nourishment for self-cultivation, allowing future life to be more composed.

May those born in 1989, who are snakes, be able to accept responsibilities calmly and capture opportunities keenly in their 36th year. Grow through the ups and downs of the Chinese zodiac year, and become more determined through the accumulation of time. In the future, when things go smoothly, move forward with momentum, and when faced with adversity, remain calm and self-satisfied, enjoying long-lasting blessings and longevity.