Welcome to the Year of the Wood Snake (乙巳 | Yi Si)
As we enter the year of the Wood Snake, it’s important to clear up some common confusion regarding the calendar systems used in astrology.
Astrology operates on two separate calendar systems:
The Lunar Calendar – This tracks the moon’s orbit around the Earth and is used to determine Chinese New Year celebrations and mostly farming activity
The Solar Calendar – This is based on the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and marks key astrological transitions. Prayer used this calandar
For 2025, the transition to the Year of the Wood Snake (Yi Si) happens on February 3rd, not during Chinese New Year (Lunar Calendar) and certainly not on January 1st, which is purely a Gregorian construct with no astrological significance.
For New Readers
If you’re new to my newsletter and forecasts, let me clarify: the guidance provided here is based on your DayMaster, not your animal sign.
Why not the animal sign? It’s a long story, but in essence, I find DayMaster analysis to be far more accurate and meaningful than the 12 animal sign-based forecasts often popularized in mainstream astrology.
To get started, visit www.typingastro.com and print out your BaZi chart. Locate your DayMaster (your Day Pillar in the chart), as it forms the foundation of all personal forecasts. The good news? Your DayMaster never changes, so this is a one-time activity that sets you up for life.
Note: Your hour of birth is not required for this step. While it does provide additional details for advanced analysis, it’s not necessary to determine your DayMaster.
Why Focus on DayMaster?
The DayMaster provides a deeper and more personalized insight into your energy, potential, and interactions with the yearly elements. It’s the core of who you are, making it a more reliable foundation for guidance and forecasting.
If you haven’t already, go ahead and print your chart to get started. This year promises opportunities and growth tailored to your unique DayMaster, and I’m excited to guide you on this journey!
Jia Wood (甲) IW | FR
“Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM)”
This combination highlights the theme of sharing opportunities and the importance of collaboration. In the business and career world, the idea of teamwork is a buzzworthy phrase, but its execution often reveals its challenges. No one person can carry the full responsibility required to achieve success—assembling a team with diverse skills and ambitions is essential to making the most of available opportunities.
Key Challenges in Teamwork
Sharing the Rewards
The critical question is: How will the results be distributed? Every member must bring their unique skills to the table, contributing meaningfully to the task at hand. However, challenges arise when some individuals fail to pull their weight, leading to resentment and disruption within the group.The “Bad Apple” Effect
A few bad apples can spoil the entire harvest. If certain team members don’t carry their responsibilities, it risks not only short-term success but also long-term collaboration.
How to Foster Effective Collaboration
Clear Role Distribution
Clearly define each member’s role and responsibilities from the outset. When everyone knows what they’re accountable for, it reduces confusion and ensures contributions are equitable.Transparent Profit Sharing
Transparency is key. Establish a clear and fair system for distributing profits or rewards, ensuring that contributions align with the benefits received. This fosters trust and long-term cooperation.Accountability Measures
Implement systems to monitor performance and hold each member accountable. This helps address issues early and ensures that everyone is carrying their weight.
Final Thought
The Jia Wood (甲) IW | FR combination emphasizes the power of teamwork, but also the importance of structure, fairness, and accountability. By fostering clear communication, transparency, and trust, you can build a team that thrives on collaboration and ensures long-term success for everyone involved.
Yi Wood (乙) DW | RW
Turning Competition into Motivation
This combination is often interpreted as “losing money to your competition,” but I encourage you to view it differently. Instead of focusing on the literal sense, shift your perspective: what are your competitors doing that’s working?
If they’re encroaching on your market space, it’s an opportunity to reflect. Ask yourself:
What gaps are they addressing that the market demands?
Why aren’t you offering similar services or features to meet those needs?
A Lesson from the Race Track
Think of this as a 100-meter sprint. Everyone starts at the same line, but when the gun goes off, the best-trained and most prepared runners will surge ahead. There’s no point in complaining about why someone is faster than you. Instead, focus on the possible reasons:
Are your skills or offerings lacking?
Have you trained and prepared as well as your competitors?
Stop lamenting, and start treating your competitors as worthy rivals who push you to raise your game. Let them inspire you to react faster, innovate better, and thrive beyond their performance.
How to Use Competition to Thrive
Observe and Analyze
Pay close attention to what your competitors are doing—what are they excelling at? Use their actions as a benchmark to identify areas where you can improve or innovate.Train and Execute
Just as an athlete trains to improve their performance, focus on refining your skills and offerings. Ensure you’re faster, smarter, and more responsive than your competition.Stay Motivated
View competition as a motivator, not an obstacle. Let their success fuel your drive to push boundaries and achieve even greater results.
Final Thought
This month marks the start of the 2025 race. Your competitors are already making their moves—are you watching their actions and learning from their execution? Use this energy not to complain or compare but to grow and thrive. Your success depends on your ability to adapt, react, and rise above.
Bing Fire (丙) EG | IR
Turning Crazy Ideas into Groundbreaking Innovations
If I were to tell you that you could learn to ski in a tropical country without a single flake of snow, you’d probably think I’m crazy. Under normal circumstances, that would be the logical reaction. Yet today, many countries have installed technology-based slopes that mimic snow, allowing athletes to train for the Winter Olympics in places far from the cold.
Every breakthrough starts with a crazy idea—and often, the person behind it is met with laughter or skepticism. The key difference is that they don’t let discouragement stop them.
Take the inspiring story of Apple, for example. When they introduced a phone with no physical keyboard, it seemed absurd, especially in an era when Blackberry was dominating with full-keyboard phones. But look at us now—would you even consider using a phone with tactile keys?
Key Lessons from Bing Fire Energy
Embrace Bold Ideas
Even if your ideas seem unconventional or unrealistic, don’t dismiss them outright. Innovation begins when someone dares to think beyond the limits of "normal."Prototype and Take Action
A groundbreaking idea remains just a dream unless you act on it. Start small—prototype your concept and test its feasibility. You’ll never know how far it can go unless you try.Learn from Failure
The cost of not trying is often greater than the pain of failure. Even if your idea doesn’t work out, the lessons you learn will prepare you for your next opportunity.
Final Thought
The Bing Fire energy embodies creativity, inspiration, and daring action. Let your ideas shine like fire, illuminating possibilities that others might dismiss as impossible. Remember, the world’s greatest innovations often start with someone crazy enough to try.
Ding Fire (丁) HO | DR
The Power of Feedback and Communication
Have you ever seen a coach screaming at their team during a sporting event? At first glance, it might seem chaotic or unnecessary—especially since modern technology could easily transmit instructions through wireless communication. Yet, the act of screaming often carries a unique intensity and emotional connection that technology simply can’t replicate.
Feedback, when timely and constructive, is one of the most important elements for progress and growth. The challenge lies in distinguishing between distracting noise and vital, actionable information. In every situation, there are individuals who dominate conversations with meaningless chatter, adding little value to the group.
How to Foster Effective Feedback and Communication
Filter the Noise
Recognize and separate the voices that add value from those that are just creating distractions. Not every loud voice carries meaningful input—learn to focus on what truly matters.Establish Order
Create an environment where everyone gets a chance to speak. Allowing one person to talk at a time ensures clarity and prevents the chaos of overlapping voices. This structure encourages thoughtful contributions and helps improve the overall quality of discussions.Encourage Open and Honest Dialogue
Feedback is most effective when shared without hidden agendas. Establish a culture of civilized arguments, where differing opinions are respected and debated constructively. This approach fosters synergy and enables the group to reach better decisions.
Final Thought
The Ding Fire energy highlights the importance of communication and feedback in achieving progress. Whether it’s on the field, in the office, or in life, the key is to ensure that conversations are productive and voices are heard without descending into chaos. By fostering clear, honest, and respectful communication, you can create an environment where every piece of feedback leads to growth and collective success.
Wu Earth (戊) FR | 7K
Strength in Defense and Collective Sacrifice
American Football (or what the rest of the world might call rugby) is a fascinating showcase of brute force, especially during the initial lineup where both sides form a wall of sheer power. The goal is simple: don’t let the other side cross over. In this context, defense becomes just as crucial, if not more so, than offense.
This strategy is much like life—while you can’t always prevent others from attacking or challenging you, you can fortify your position by gathering the right people around you. The key lies in building a team with a shared purpose where everyone is willing to sacrifice for the common goal.
Key Lessons from Wu Earth Energy
Fortify Your Defense
Life’s challenges are inevitable, but your ability to protect yourself and your goals depends on the strength of your “meat shield”—the people and resources you surround yourself with. A strong defense ensures that attacks are less effective.Balance Aggression with Strategy
While being aggressive may seem like the best option, it’s important to remember the cost of sacrifice. Overextending yourself or your team without considering the long-term impact could leave you unable to recover from the losses.Align Ambition with Support
Your ambitions should align with the support system you’ve built. A mismatch between your goals and the resources or people available could lead to unnecessary setbacks. Success lies in recognizing what you have and planning accordingly.
Final Thought
The Wu Earth energy emphasizes the importance of collective effort and calculated sacrifice. Just as in football, having a strong defense and a team with a shared purpose can make the difference between victory and defeat. Focus on gathering support, strategizing wisely, and ensuring your ambitions are grounded in the strength of your team. In doing so, you’ll not only defend effectively but also position yourself to sprint forward when the opportunity arises.
Ji Earth (己) RW | DO
Discipline and Strategy in Teamwork
One of the sports that perfectly illustrates the importance of reaction and discipline is tug-of-war. It’s a game where nothing moves unless the other side makes a move first. At first glance, it may seem boring, but in reality, it’s a battle of subtle responses and team coordination between two opposing forces.
If you’ve watched Squid Game, you’ll recall how the rope-pulling challenge wasn’t just about brute strength—it required discipline, strategy, and teamwork. Success depends on holding back, staying calm, and resisting the urge to react impulsively.
Key Lessons from Ji Earth Energy
Patience Over Impulsiveness
Victory often lies in the ability to wait for the right moment. Over-excitement or a rush to act can lead to mistakes that undo the team’s progress. Each team member must resist the urge to overreact and stay committed to their role.Team Responsibility
In tug-of-war, every inch of progress can be reversed by one person’s error. Similarly, in life or work, each individual’s contribution matters. If someone fails to pull their weight, the combined strength of the opposing force can quickly render the entire effort futile.Slow and Steady Wins the Game
Inch by inch, progress requires discipline, coordination, and tactical execution. Shortcuts or hasty decisions rarely lead to success and can destabilize the entire team effort.Strong Tactical Planning
Just as in rope-pulling, where the strategy involves leveraging timing and positioning, life and teamwork demand careful planning and disciplined execution. A cohesive team can achieve what seems impossible when everyone is aligned.
Final Thought
The Ji Earth energy emphasizes the importance of discipline, patience, and collective strength. Much like in tug-of-war, success is about holding your ground, staying calm, and working as a unit. Progress comes inch by inch, requiring tactical precision and a steady focus on the goal. Remember: true strength lies in discipline and teamwork, not just raw power.
Geng Metal (庚) IR | IW
Seizing the Moment with Preparedness
Picture yourself in a baseball game, standing on third base. The batter is about to swing—should you run or stay? The outcome hinges on your ability to read the situation and respond instantly when the opportunity presents itself.
Many people fail in such critical moments, not because the opportunity wasn’t there, but because they weren’t prepared to act. Instead, they blame external circumstances for missing their window of action. This lack of preparation becomes even more evident when individuals believe they have endless options, leading them to hop from one job or project to another without building a strong foundation.
Key Lessons from Geng Metal Energy
Prepare to Seize the Moment
Opportunities often arise unexpectedly, and hesitation can cost you the game. Ensure you’re ready to act by honing your skills, building your knowledge, and staying alert to opportunities in your environment.Avoid the “Shiny Object Syndrome”
Constantly chasing the next big thing without focusing on the fundamentals can leave you scattered and ineffective. Build a solid foundation in your field, as this will give you the depth of understanding needed to spot and capitalize on truly valuable opportunities.Set Clear Goals
Without clear annual goals, you risk wasting time on distractions that don’t serve your long-term vision. Focus on what matters and create a roadmap that keeps you aligned with your priorities.Learn to Recognize Opportunity
Strong foundational knowledge is key to identifying good business deals or career moves. Without it, even the best opportunities may pass you by unnoticed. Take the time to develop expertise and understand the value of what’s in front of you.
Final Thought
The Geng Metal energy emphasizes focus, preparedness, and execution. Don’t let yourself be caught off guard when the door of opportunity opens. Instead, ensure you’re ready to act with confidence and clarity. By setting clear goals, avoiding distractions, and building a strong foundation, you’ll position yourself to sprint toward success when the time is right.
Xin Metal (辛) DR | DW
Endurance, Strategy, and Learning from Experience
The Le Mans 24-hour race is the ultimate test of endurance, knowledge, and resource management—for both people and machines. Unlike a sprint race, where wear and tear can be overlooked in the hope the car will survive a short dash, the 24-hour race demands constant assessment of the car’s condition.
Pit stops for refueling, part changes, and maintenance aren’t optional—they are the very activities that separate the winners from the losers. Success hinges on the ability to evaluate damage, manage resources, and adjust strategies in real time.
Key Lessons from Xin Metal Energy
Pace Yourself for the Long Run
Life this year is a marathon, not a sprint. Trying to push forward without addressing critical issues will only lead to burnout. Just like in Le Mans, take time to "pit stop," evaluate your progress, and make the necessary adjustments.Learn from the Past
Many mistakes in life are avoidable—others have already made them for you. Use past experiences and lessons as a guide to navigate your own journey. Incorporate feedback and insights into your plans as events unfold.Focus on Efficiency
Your success this year depends on how well you manage your energy, time, and resources. Don’t waste effort pursuing distractions or directions that pull you away from your goals. Stay focused and deliberate in your actions.Adapt as You Go
Endurance races require constant adjustment. Similarly, this year will test your ability to integrate new information and adapt your plans. Be flexible but stay aligned with your long-term vision.
Final Thought
The Xin Metal energy emphasizes strategy, endurance, and adaptability. Like in the Le Mans race, success doesn’t come from reckless speed but from pacing yourself, managing resources, and learning from every moment. Stay focused on your decided goal, make thoughtful adjustments, and avoid wasting effort on paths that lead nowhere. With the right mindset, you’ll finish the race strong.
Ren Water (壬) 7K | EG
Breaking Boundaries with Courage and Innovation
Did you know that the high jump backflip method, known as the Fosbury Flop, is a relatively new technique? Before its invention, athletes used the traditional "scissor" or "straddle" methods, which severely limited the heights they could achieve. When Dick Fosbury first attempted the backflip technique in competition, it was revolutionary—records were broken faster than a cheetah’s dash.
Innovation Requires Courage
Attempting something new can be daunting and risky. Innovation is born when someone becomes unhappy with the current solution and decides to challenge the status quo. By breaking the mold and venturing into uncharted territory, you can gain an edge over traditional methods.
However, breaking the rules requires both courage and foresight. Pioneering a new approach means facing skepticism, resistance, and potential failure. There’s always a cost to innovation—you must be prepared to pay it. Some warned that attempting the Fosbury Flop could "break your neck," yet it redefined the sport forever.
Key Lessons from Ren Water Energy
Dare to Be Different
True progress comes from challenging the norm. Whether it’s in your career, business, or personal life, don’t be afraid to try something unconventional if you believe it has potential to succeed.Assess the Risks
Bold moves come with risks. Carefully evaluate whether the cost of failure is something you can bear. Sometimes, even if you succeed, the victory may feel hollow if the sacrifice outweighs the reward.Plan for Success
Innovation without strategy is a gamble. Ensure that your bold attempts are backed by thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of the value and purpose behind your actions.Balance Vision and Effort
Breaking the mold isn’t just about courage; it’s about knowing when and where to invest your energy. Ensure that the path you’re pursuing is worth the effort and sacrifice it demands.
Final Thought
The Ren Water energy encourages you to challenge the norm and embrace innovation. While the road to something new can be risky and uncertain, it’s also where groundbreaking success happens. Take calculated risks, plan wisely, and ensure your efforts align with a goal that’s truly worth pursuing. Remember, the greatest achievements often come from those brave enough to try what others wouldn’t dare.
Gui Water (癸) DO | HO
Respecting Rules and Taking Responsibility
The loudest presence on a competition field is often the starting gun. Its sharp BANG signals the moment when everything comes alive, commanding attention and respect. Every athlete knows to wait for its sound—it’s the most revered signal that sets the game in motion.
In life, as in competition, rules and regulations exist for a reason. Those who are uninformed or impatient often cross the line prematurely, only to face reprimand. These individuals may call it unfair judgment or ask for a second chance, but the truth is simple: you must respect the rules of the game you’re competing in.
Key Lessons from Gui Water Energy
Respect the Rules
Just like athletes waiting for the starting gun, you must understand and follow the rules of your workplace, industry, or life’s "game." Ignoring the rules may seem liberating at first, but it often leads to setbacks and conflict.Take Responsibility
There’s a local saying: “Those who eat the chili know its spiciness.” If you choose to stand out or push boundaries, be prepared to take full responsibility for your actions. Owning your choices—good or bad—is the hallmark of true maturity and leadership.Know When to Innovate
If you feel confined by the rules, instead of breaking them, consider creating your own space. Like starting your own business or venture, this allows you to hold the starting gun and set the rules. But even in this case, you’ll need to define a structure that others can follow.Discipline Equals Freedom
Success often comes to those who understand the power of discipline. Respecting the process and waiting for the right moment—just like the starting gun—ensures you don’t disqualify yourself before the race even begins.
Final Thought
The Gui Water energy reminds us that rules are not limitations—they are structures that provide clarity and fairness. Whether you’re competing, working, or striving for personal success, understanding and respecting these frameworks is key. If you feel restricted, channel that energy into creating something of your own, where you can set the tone. But no matter your choice, own your actions and stand tall in your responsibilities.
PS : this article took a grand 3 hr to write.
Thank you Sifu Kevin for teaching and sharing. Happy Chinese New Year.
Thank you Sifu Kevin
Really enjoy your sharing
Really inspiring