Chinese astrology is deeply rooted in the moon’s cycles. The Chinese New Year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2025, this falls on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake.
Each year is characterized by one of 12 animals and one of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This unique pairing influences the energies and themes of the year. The snake, associated with wisdom, transformation, and intuition, coupled with the nurturing and flexible qualities of wood, sets the stage for a year of personal growth and renewal.
Drawing of a Peruvian Cross (created using the Four Gates Mandala Stencil) with a snake at the center and the same snake pattern motif around the border.
This is a fun mandala pattern to draw and color.
Shedding Old Skin: A Metaphor for Growth
Snakes are symbols of transformation; they shed their skin when they outgrow it. This powerful act reminds us to reflect on what we have outgrown in our own lives. It could be habits that no longer serve us, limiting beliefs, or unhelpful patterns in relationships—whether with food, money, ourselves, or others.
Take a moment to reflect:
- What have you outgrown?
- What are you ready to release?
- How will it feel to let go of this burden?
As we release these old layers, we create space for something new—a fresh perspective, new opportunities, or a renewed sense of self.
The seed of life forms the basis for this mandala, surrounded by the same snake motif as the first mandala shown above. That snake was so fun to draw and color, I had to make another one! At the center are the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth, and the sun and moon. The outer petals have the symbol and colors of the six chakras: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third-eye. The violet colored petals represents the seventh chakra, the crown.
Awakening the Snake Within
In Kundalini yoga, the snake is a metaphor for untapped energy lying dormant at the root chakra, located at the base of the spine. When this energy awakens, it travels up through the body’s energy centers (chakras), revitalizing and empowering us. This awakening can be initiated through practices such as breath work, yoga, meditation, or, in this case, through creativity.
- What dream or desire lies dormant within you?
- How can you awaken this energy and bring your vision to life?
Creating Your Year of the Snake Mandala
To celebrate the spirit and energies of the Year of the Snake, engage in a creative practice by making a mandala. Mandalas are circular, meditative designs that symbolize the universe and self. As you create your mandala, use it as an opportunity to set intentions and connect with the transformative energy of the snake.
Steps to Begin:
- Set an Intention: Reflect on what you want to bring into your life this year. Choose a word, phrase, or theme to guide your creation.
- Clear a Space: Find a quiet, comfortable area where you can focus and be present.
- Choose Your Materials: Gather paper, pens, markers, or any tools that inspire you. Incorporate symbols of snakes, wood, and nature to align with the year’s energy.
- Begin with the Center: Start with a central design that represents your core intention.
- Expand Outward: Add layers of shapes, patterns, and symbols, allowing the process to flow naturally.
Inviting Transformation
Creating your mandala is more than an artistic endeavor—it is a tool for self-reflection and transformation. Each line and shape represents your journey, growth, and potential. Use this mandala as a guide throughout the year to remind yourself of the energies you want to cultivate and the dreams you wish to awaken.
As we enter the Year of the Wood Snake, let us embrace its lessons of growth, renewal, and intuition. By shedding what no longer serves us and awakening the energy within, we can step into a year of possibility and transformation.
This post is part of the Traveling by Moonlight blog series, where we pause during each new and full moon to honor the lunar energies and channel them into our mandala art.
See you at the next lunation!
(((soul hugs)))
Kathryn Costa
Instigator of Soulful and Creative Living
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