From the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse

A Ritual for the New Year

I’ve always appreciated astrology and other frameworks that help us make meaning of our inner and outer worlds. In Chinese astrology, we’re moving from the Year of the Snake into the Year of the Horse. And while astrology isn’t for everyone, I really love the symbolism of this transition. There’s something about this year’s transition that feels empowering, which is one of my core values.

The Snake symbolizes transformation gained from wisdom. It represents a period of introspection and healing. And what does a snake do? It sheds it’s old skin, as uncomfortable as it may be. The Snake invites us to break free from stubborn patterns, stories, and beliefs that no longer fit who we are becoming. 

The Snake moves slowly, belly to the ground, embodying thoughtful, deliberate change. It asks us to sit with awareness and, at times, discomfort.

Maybe some of us spent the past year doing exactly that. Reflecting. Integrating. Letting go in ways that were not always easy.

And so here we are now entering into the Year of the Horse. A different energy.

Horse energy is about movement and momentum. It is change making, pattern breaking energy that carries us forward, sometimes faster than we expect. We are being called to live what we’ve learned. To take what has been integrated and allow it to move through our lives in visible, embodied ways.

There’s an opportunity here to step into the realm of possibility. To honor our creativity, our ability to create. And to honor our energy, body, time, attention with care and respect. 

A question worth sitting with is this: 

”Do you believe life is happening to you, or do you believe you get to participate in shaping the life you want?”

This question points us toward awareness of our internal locus of control, the recognition that while we cannot control everything, we do have agency in how we respond, choose, and move forward.

Maybe this year instead of setting resolutions, consider this reflection - 

Write down the patterns you’re ready to leave behind.

This might include beliefs, habits, fears, roles, or stories (maybe ones you’ve inherited, absorbed, or outgrown) that no longer serve you.

Now imagine giving them up to the elements. Either burning them in fire, burying them, or placing them in a body of water to alchemize into something new. 

Next, write a list of what you’re stepping into. 

Courage. Creativity. Movement. New projects. Aligned relationships. Vitality.

Place this list somewhere you’ll see it as a daily reminder of the direction you’re stepping into. 

Sometimes it’s simply enough to acknowledge what’s been completed and to discern how you want to move forward, grounded in your internal locus of control, as you step into a new year.