The Tail Whips The Hardest: Transitioning This Lunar New Year

“The tail whips the hardest.”

This is a saying my friend and colleague, Raechel—an acupuncturist at The Desert Canary—recently shared with me about the energy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments.

It resonates as we approach the end of the lunar year.

For those who follow the Gregorian calendar, the start of 2025 has certainly been a jarring one, to say the least. But according to the lunar calendar, we are actually nearing the tail-end of the Yang Wood Dragon year.

The energy of this year has been as intense as its name suggests. With the Wood element fueling fire and Yang signifying outward action, this has been a year marked by movement, transformation, and heat—sometimes literally. The fires in LA have felt like a visceral reflection of the year’s relentless energy.

But the Lunar New Year, arriving on January 29th, signals a shift.

Personally, I’m embracing a season of hibernation, rest, and reflection. I’m holding off on any major projects until after January 29th. Listening to my body, I feel it urging me to slow down, rest, and trust that I’ll emerge with renewed energy when the time is right.

Welcoming the Yin Wood Snake

Gratefully, TCM is all about balance, so while last year was marked by movement, heat, and chaotic energy, this coming year is a Yin year—the Year of the Yin Wood Snake.

In Chinese astrology, the Snake embodies wisdom, intuition, and the grace to navigate challenges. Paired with the Wood element, this year emphasizes growth, adaptability, and resilience—a time for shedding old habits, aligning with deeper truths, and creating space for personal transformation.

In contrast to the fiery Yang Wood Dragon year, the Wood Snake year encourages more deliberate, thoughtful action. Much like a snake sheds its skin, this is a time for letting go of outdated habits and making space for new opportunities to grow.

Where the Dragon roared, the Snake whispers. The mighty dragon exerts a powerful, sometimes overwhelming force, while the Snake’s power is quieter and more subtle. The energy of the Wood Snake encourages us to focus on cycles of renewal, restoring balance, and recognizing that we thrive when we are in harmony with ourselves and the world around us.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Year of the Wood Snake

As we step into this year of renewal, preparing our environments can help set the tone. My friend, Susan Domelsmith-Cabral of Clear Space Feng Shui, offers practical advice for creating a home that reflects the Wood Snake’s fresh, transformative energy:

3 Ways to Refresh Your Space

• Clear the Path for Positive Energy

  Wipe down your front door and ensure it opens fully and smoothly to invite good energy into your home.

• Declutter Daily Spaces

  Organize drawers and areas you interact with regularly, making it easy to access what you need without distraction or overwhelm.

• Refresh Your Kitchen

  Clean out your refrigerator, discarding expired items and wiping down shelves. Then, restock with fresh, nourishing foods to start the year in abundance.

Clear Space Feng Shui also offers energetic space clearing to refresh the aura of your home. Start your Lunar New Year with an energy-clearing service to revitalize your space!

Book now: Clear Space Feng Shui Energy Clearing