What witches and wizards of all backgrounds should keep in mind about the Year of the Snake

In Harry Potter, there are many claims that snakes are a symbol of dark or dangerous things. Rita Skeeter memorably plays up the sinister connection to imply that people who associates with snakes have sinister purposes. On the other hand, the Lunar New Year has brought in the Year of the Snake and we should be happy about this.

Renewal and Regeneration

The arrival of the new year is commemorated in many cultures, whether with the Chinese New Year, the Korean Seollal or others. It is a time of feasting and celebration and it is a good time to look at what the year signifies.

Kimmy Yam of NBCNews reports that, "though the snake may get a bad rap across many Western cultures, the animal is actually a celebrated and revered sign across the Eastern hemisphere." She goes on to say that "Its year is expected to be one of positive transformation as people slither into new beginnings - if they're willing to move on."

Professor Jonathan H.X. Lee says that the snake is "most commonly associated with intelligence, resilience and love." People born in the Year of the Snake "are thought to do 'whatever it takes to accomplish a goal...because they can think outside the box, and they will endure and they will persevere." I think those are great things to keep in mind when looking forward to this period of shedding toxicity...shedding the ego,, letting go of the past." It's encouraging to think that "This is the year where that kind of growth...is very much possible."

Yam later says that this is a time for "returning to one's natural state or true nature" in one culture, while others suggest "becoming a more polished person" or "letting go for growth." We all have the capacity for change and improvement, no matter what year we are in currently. But think about ways in which you can be true to yourself and give yourself room to grow.

How can you honor the ways that you love others and yourself? How can you become the more polished person that the snake represents? Resilience is a trait that always serves a person well and you might consider ways to develop more of that. Look for ways to tie these things to the traits that you represent as a member of your house.

Happy Lunar New Year and may this time be one of shedding bad things so you can shine in your better self.