The Year of the Wooden Snake ushers in an exciting new chapter in 2025, bringing transformation and renewal. This year encourages letting go of the past and embracing new opportunities.
At the “Transformative Beginnings: Unlocking Wisdom, Wealth, & Wellness” event at Shangri-La Plaza in Manila, Feng Shui expert Venus Wang shared how the year’s unique astrological elements can impact personal and professional growth.
In Chinese astrology, 2025 combines Yin Wood energy with the Snake zodiac. Yin Wood represents adaptability and resilience, like a flower thriving in various environments, while the Snake brings transformation, passion, and occasional volatility. Wang also warned of possible challenges from the interaction of these elements.
“So whatever you’ve been enjoying for the past few years, your comfort zone, your day-in, day-out work, probably is not going to be enough. So this year itself, you have to embrace diversity,” said Wang. “This year, you have to stand out. There’s no more of a comfort zone. This year, you have to make sure that you keep up with the trend so that otherwise, you may be made redundant.”
The year 2025 continues Feng Shui’s Period Nine, a 20-year cycle dominated by fire energy, which began in 2024. Wang noted that industries associated with fire, such as technology, digital marketing, and entertainment, will flourish.
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“For those aligned with fire energy, the next 20 years are full of potential. But even if the fire doesn’t complement your personal chart, there are ways to adapt—finding protective elements like water to balance the energy,” Wang explained.
Wang’s presentation included actionable advice for navigating the year ahead. She encouraged attendees to focus on three areas: zodiac insights, environment optimization, and health and wellness.
For the zodiac insights, it is important to understand the interaction between individual birth charts and the Wooden Snake year.
“Your zodiac sign influences various aspects of your life, from relationships to career opportunities,” Wang stated.
On the other hand, for environmental optimization, Feng Shui enhancements for homes and workplaces can promote prosperity.
“The energy of your surroundings is a vital factor,” she emphasized.
While for health and wellness, Wang shared that with fire dominating the year, she advised vigilance over heart and respiratory health.
“Stay calm, practice mindfulness, and make time for self-care,” she urged, suggesting yoga and herbal teas as remedies to counter fiery imbalances.
Aside from the Feng Shui forecast, Shangri-La Plaza also prepares a series of activities for the Chinese New Year.
From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, the mall hosted the Lunar Lucky Fair at the Grand Atrium where mallgoers can find treats like mooncakes and tikoy and trinkets like lucky charms and mystic knots.