Feng shui expert Patrick Fernandez gives an overview of what to expect this 2025, also known as the year of the Wood Snake.
The Lunar New Year is fast approaching, and preparations have already begun for those who celebrate. Each year is represented by a new zodiac animal, 2025 being the year of the Wood Snake specifically. Feng shui expert Patrick Fernandez of the Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony recently gave an enlightening talk with members of the media, highlighting some key forecasts for the year ahead, as well as what each animal sign from the Chinese zodiac can expect.
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So without further ado, let’s see what this year has to offer for everyone looking forward to a fresh start.
What To Learn From The Snake
Fernandez began his talk with an anecdote about how the snake ended up snagging sixth place in the Jade Emperor’s race to determine the order of the Chinese Zodiac. According to some versions of the legend, the ever clever serpent entwined itself on the leg of its horse companion, and just when the horse was about to reach the finish line, released itself and slithered ahead—which is why it precedes the equine in the calendar.
Just like its representative animal, this 2025 will require everyone to work through others, placing extra emphasis on networking. Similarly, one will need to be flexible and adaptable like the snake this year, able to pivot when needed and strategize ahead (as the snake represents long thinking). Patience is a virtue, Fernandez details: like the snake, people must be patient enough to see their plans through.
“We may not get there exactly when we need to, but then, if you have patience, especially with all of these other forces, it will get you to where you need to go,” Fernandez explains during his talk.
A Good Year For Water And Metal Industries
The associated industries of the water and metal elements are set to enjoy a good year this 2025. Water industries include hospitality, travel, supermarkets, trading, analytics, and anything that has to do with aquatics and hygiene, to name a few. Meanwhile, the metal element encompasses the banking, automobile, machinery, jewelry, and beauty industries, among others.
The property industry will not be faring as well as those mentioned, according to Fernandez, though it can yield good outcomes if one strategically invests in the right places.
“In general, we don’t see property as one of the hot markets for this year, and we’re seeing that with a lot of the macroeconomic reports as well for the Philippines,” he elaborates.
12 Zodiacs
Fernandez went on to give brief yet elucidating information on what the year has in store for each zodiac sign. Here they are arranged in order:
Rat
Those born in the year of the Rat should look into diversifying their income streams. They may come across some difficult obstacles along the way, but the important thing is making them work to their benefit, rather than letting them get in the way.
Ox
It’s a good year for creativity in all life aspects for those born under the Ox sign. Fernandez advises Ox signs to discern if they should be talking or listening more in certain conversations, and warns them to be careful, as they are more susceptible to injuries this year. He recommends donating blood or undergoing a blood test as a way to preemptively prevent this in the coming months.
Tiger
Those born in the year of the Tiger can expect a fruitful year for strategic planning, not just for this year, but for the years ahead. However, Fernandez cautions Tigers to look after their mental health, as it can be placed in a precarious position throughout the year—so self-care is a must.
Rabbit
2025 will present ample opportunities for skill development and stacking to those born under the year of the rabbit. Fernandez advises those with big decisions to make, whether personal or professional, to seek counsel in those they trust before committing to a choice. He also urges Rabbits to spend as much time as they can with their loved ones, or to check in on them regularly.
Dragon
Single individuals under the Dragon sign may find 2025 to be the year they find their special someone, according to Fernandez. In general, this year will present the perfect opportunity for Dragons to nurture all kinds of relationships. It’s also a good time for them to surpass the goals they set for themselves. That said, they should also be mindful of their social battery—or the amount of available energy they can expend for others—so they don’t tire themselves out.
Snake
It’s the Snake’s year this 2025, and those born under the sign will be able to better spotlight their work and maximize their existing platforms; this is particularly great news for content creators, or those working under the media and entertainment industries. Fernandez advises Snakes to avoid second-guessing their decisions, and to instead trust their gut instincts—more often than not, this will yield optimal outcomes.
Horse
Those born with the Horse sign will have multiple income streams this year. Fernandez recommends that they accomplish their tasks during the day, rather than the evenings, for better results. Horses will also be able to absorb information quicker, which will help them learn new skills or pursue knowledge-based endeavors.
Goat
Goat signs would do well to avoid conflicts this year, and should also do their research across all endeavors to prevent themselves from falling into the trap of misinformation (something they’re more susceptible to in 2025). Fernandez also recommends keeping and cherishing key friendships that have been built over the years.
Monkey
Seeking mentorship from the women around them—be it bosses, mothers, sisters, or friends—will be a key to success for those born under the year of the Monkey. There will also be plenty of exciting opportunities coming from people Monkeys haven’t met yet.
Rooster
Fernandez states that Rooster signs will be rewarded for all their hard work this year. 2025 is also the time to hone their leadership style, which means learning what works for them and improving it. However, he cautions Roosters to manage their irritations, as they’ll be more prone to getting annoyed with pet peeves and the actions of those around them.
Dog
This year, those born under the year of the Dog will be able to strengthen and expand their social horizons. However, while they’ll be presented with many new opportunities, they first need to let go of their existing grudges to actually reap the benefits. Fernandez also warns Dog signs to be mindful of their finances this year, especially when it comes to impulse purchases.
Pig
Last but not least is the Pig: those born under this sign need to prepare for some challenges, as it’s the “clashing” sign of the Snake. Fernandez recommends Pig signs to do charitable or kind acts in order to balance out the negative energy (qi) that comes with this relationship. Despite that, 2025 is a good year to travel, whether it’s short or long trips—but individuals should still watch their money outflow.
What It Takes To Get Lucky
Fernandez ended his talk with some enlightening final words on how to “achieve” luck for the year. While some signs may be inherently luckier than others this 2025, this doesn’t mean that good fortune will befall them automatically—likewise, those who expect challenges can still work to create their ideal year.
“So think about this as a race. There’s an end goal. You may be further down the finish line with all the good energies, but if you don’t run, you won’t get to your end goal,” he shares. “The person who is further back, but is putting in more effort, may get further. If you combine all these good energies that are particular to you, plus all your effort, this should result in a lucky year.”
For more in-depth and personalized feng shui advice, you may book an appointment with Patrick Fernandez at the Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony, located at New World Makati Hotel. The shop is open from Monday to Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Banner photo from Museums Victoria via Unsplash.
