Mine is the wisdom of the ages.
I hold the key to the mysteries of life.
Casting my seeds on fertile ground
I nurture them with constancy and purpose.
My sights are fixed.
My gaze unchanging.
Unyielding, inexorable and deep
I advance with steady, unslackened gait,
The solid earth beneath me.
 
I AM THE SNAKE. ¹

¹The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau

According to the Chinese zodiac, the year 2001 will have characteristics much like the mysterious Snake described above. Find out more about what you can expect in this possibly troublesome year in our articles on the Year of the Snake and on The Animal That Hides in Your Heart:  Your Animal Sign.

A time for reflecting, planning, and searching for answers, the Year of the Snake is historically never a peaceful year perhaps because the Snake is the strongest negative force in the cycle, following the Dragon, the strongest positive one. Many disasters beginning in the Year of the Dragon will culminate in this year, often resulting from excesses committed during the Dragon's reign.

With the departure of the powerful Dragon, the Snake slithers into the lunar year bringing with it scandals, political intrigue, and unexpected upsets. Ever the troublemaker, this year the Snake will cause many controversies concerning morality. Under the influence of the sly and winding Snake, people will be more conniving so expect extra efforts to be required to reach solutions and compromises as you will have to overcome more than the usual mutual distrust. Thus this year be especially cautious of subterfuge in all aspects of life. The Snake is subtle and sneaky so beware and be warned!

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