Cyprus Mail 27 January 2025 - by Alix Norman
The last Year of the Snake was 2013 – and we all know what that brought!
Are you a Blunt-Nosed Viper or a Cyprus Whip-snake?
Perhaps you’re one of the island’s rarer species: the Coin Snake, Dwarf Snake, or Worm Snake (an elusive ophidian that lives quietly underground).
Either way, there’s one criterion that will determine whether you’re any type of snake – and exactly what type you might be. Your year of birth.
On January 29, we’re leaving the Year of the Dragon and entering (you guessed it) the Year of the Snake.
‘What’s that mean?’ I hear you ask. ‘Because I’d quite like to be a Blunt-Nosed Viper.’ Well, this is Chinese astrology, and it’s not quite that specific…
The Chinese calendar has 12 zodiac signs – all based on animals. But they’re not the 12 months – instead, they represent years. So, depending on your year of birth, you could be a confident Rooster (born in 1957, 1969, 1981 or 1993), a dependable Ox (1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997), or a courageous Tiger (1962, 1974, 1986 or 1998). Or any other of the 12 animals, including the quick-witted Rat, gentle Rabbit, charismatic Dragon, wise Snake, energetic Horse, creative Goat, clever Monkey, conscientious Dog or generous Pig!
Each sign has unique traits that shape both the personalities of those born in that year, as well as the year itself. President Nikos Christodoulides, for instance, is an Ox – a sign that’s believed to be diligent and dependable. George Michael was a Rabbit – gentle and creative. And 1974 was the Year of the Tiger – a time associated with turmoil, transformation and bold initiatives.
2025 will be the Year of the Snake. And anyone born in 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 or 2013 will be celebrating their Zodiac year…
“Those born in the Year of the Snake are wise, intuitive, and strategic,” says Larnaca-based Feng Shui consultant Freda Yannitsas, who uses the Chinese zodiac in her work. “They’re our deep thinkers; people who approach challenges with patience and planning. But they’re also highly resourceful and resilient: they excel in situations that require adaptability.”
Snakes can also be impatient and perfectionistic, problem-solving strategists who like to maintain control.
“That’s me to a T!” says Katerina Andreou, born in 1977. “I’m definitely resourceful and resilient. And I certainly like to take control!”
As the founder of recruitment agency HR Innovate, she suggests the Snake traits serve her well. “Matching the right person to the right job – that requires huge amounts of strategy and adaptability. Being born in the Year of the Snake is obviously working for me!”
Born in 1989, Maria Nicolaides is a financial analyst in Limassol. “I’ve always been someone who prefers to think things through before acting. Planning and strategy are key to how I approach life, both at work and personally. I reckon I’m fairly snake-ish!”
And Nicosia software developer Alex Vassiliou, born in 2001, suggests he too shares some of these traits. “It’s impossible that everyone born in the same year can have identical personalities. But my friends would say I’m definitely the problem-solver!”
However, it’s not just about people. Countries, too, can have Chinese horoscopes.
Born into independence on August 16, 1960, Cyprus is a Rat: the first of the 12 Zodiac signs. Rats are seen as ingenious and intelligent – good at building connections and quick to seize opportunities.
It’s a sign we share with both France and Australia. Meanwhile, the United States is a curious Monkey; India is a community-minded Pig; South Africa is a Dog, celebrated for its strong sense of loyalty; and The People’s Republic of China is an Ox, which embodies strength and perseverance.
Germany is a Goat (resilience and innovation). And the UK is a Rabbit, lauded for its diplomacy, calmness, and cultural refinement; whether or not that holds true in the current age is a matter of some debate.
Interestingly, the Cyprus Mail (founded in 1945) is a Rooster – a sign known for its strong communication skills. Laiki Bank was an Ox, associated with steadfastness and an ability to endure hardship (hmmm).
Even cities can have horoscopes: Melbourne is known for its creativity and vibrant arts scene, and embodies the Goat’s love for beauty and harmony. Saint Petersburg, a Rabbit, reflects the elegance and sensitivity of its sign through its graceful architecture and rich cultural heritage.
But what about the year as a whole? What will the Year of the Snake bring for Cyprus?
Snake years have a history of transformation and revelation. The last Year of the Snake was 2013 – and we all know what that brought. Back in 1977, high-level agreements between President Makarios III and Rauf Denktash laid the groundwork for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. And in 1953, the Enosis movement gained momentum, sparking widespread political activism. Snake years, it seems, are rarely uneventful for Cyprus.
As January 29 ushers in the Chinese New Year, communities gather to celebrate the promise of the coming months. Ancestors are honoured, gifts are swapped and fireworks light the skies. And we say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon (bold, high-energy ambition; dynamic change and big risks) and welcome a different energy…
“The Years of the Snake are transformational for people of all nations,” explains Freda. “They’re a time to reflect and plan; to adapt to sweeping changes, and make calculated moves to set the stage for long-term growth and stability.
“2025 in particular will be an age of transparency; a time to discard what no longer serves us. We will see,” she adds, “much coming into the light. 2025 is a year in which all that was once hidden will be revealed…”
Under the guidance of the Snake, it seems we might be shedding old skins and embracing transformation. And for every person who says ‘what a load of tosh’, there’ll be another who wonders if the 2000-year-old Chinese zodiac might just have something valuable to offer…
As you navigate the coming year, will you choose to embody the cunning of the Blunt-Nosed Viper or the adaptability of the Cyprus Whip Snake?
2025 will be all about finding your wise inner serpent.
