Stellune
The Snake is the sixth animal of the Chinese zodiac and the zodiac’s deep thinker. Snakes are calm, wise and intuitive: they see beneath the surface and plan quietly.
The Snake personality
Snakes are private, elegant and thoughtful. They notice what others miss and prefer to act once they’re sure. Their calm can hide strong feelings and a sharp mind.
Strengths: wisdom, intuition, focus, charm.
Blind spots: secrecy, suspicion, and holding grudges longer than they should.
Snake years
You’re a Snake if you were born in one of these years, on or after that year’s Chinese New Year:
| Year | Element | New Year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Water Snake | 14 February 1953 |
| 1965 | Wood Snake | 2 February 1965 |
| 1977 | Fire Snake | 18 February 1977 |
| 1989 | Earth Snake | 6 February 1989 |
| 2001 | Metal Snake | 24 January 2001 |
| 2013 | Water Snake | 10 February 2013 |
| 2025 | Wood Snake | 29 January 2025 |
The next Snake year is 2037, a Fire Snake, starting on 15 February 2037. Born in January or February? Check with the Chinese zodiac calculator.
The five kinds of Snake
Each Snake year also has an element, which colours the Snake’s nature. The Snake’s own fixed element is Fire.
- Wood Snake: the warmest Snake: thoughtful, artistic and good with people.
- Fire Snake: the most ambitious and magnetic Snake, a born persuader.
- Earth Snake: the steadiest Snake, calm, reliable and practical.
- Metal Snake: independent and determined, with strong self-belief.
- Water Snake: the most intuitive Snake, imaginative and quietly influential.
Snake compatibility
| Kind of match | Animals |
|---|---|
| Best friends (same trine) | Ox, Rooster |
| Secret friend | Monkey |
| Opposite (clash) | Pig |
| Tricky pairing | Tiger |
The Ox and Rooster share your values and pace. The Monkey is your quiet, steady ally. The Pig is your opposite: lots of spark, and lots of friction. Check any pairing with the Chinese zodiac compatibility calculator.
The Snake at work and in love
Snakes thrive where depth and judgement count: research, strategy, finance, psychology, medicine, writing and anything investigative. In love, Snakes are devoted and intense. They take time to trust, and need a partner who’s honest, discreet and doesn’t play games.
The Snake in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Fire Horse year is a neutral year for the Snake: steady, with no strong pull either way, so what you put in is what you get out. The 2027 Fire Goat year, which begins on 6 February 2027, is a neutral year for the Snake: steady, with no strong pull either way, so what you put in is what you get out.
Questions people ask
What years are the Snake in the Chinese zodiac?
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 and 2037, each counted from that year’s Chinese New Year.
Who is the Snake most compatible with?
The Ox and Rooster (its trine partners) and the Monkey (its secret friend).
Which animal does the Snake clash with?
The Pig, which sits opposite the Snake on the zodiac wheel. A clash means different needs and pace, not a match that can’t work.
What is the Snake's element?
Each Snake year has its own element, and the Snake’s fixed element is Fire.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.