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Jill Lander

Chinese astrology is based on the three theories: the contrasting yin and yang; the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood; and the 12 animals of the zodiac.
Snake month: May 5 – June 4
Elements: Yin metal and fire
This is a Snake month and these slippery creatures are concerned with truth. This is a very profound month of 2025 – the Snake month within the Snake year – especially for those who are born with a Snake, Pig, Tiger or Monkey in their birth chart. It’s a month of change and turmoil, but also progress. Power struggles may easily arise – the month getting off to a bumpy start – but improvements are expected in the latter half of 2025.

In mythology, the Snake is often associated with the healing of the physical body and shifting to a more spiritual outlook. A great deal of progress can be made this month with the right mindset and motivation – try to start each day with positive thoughts.
Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. This could be taken metaphorically to mean that a Snake person need not fear in of providing for their family, or it could indicate that a Snake parent would be willing to sacrifice their possessions to pay for their family’s food. The Snake personality places great value on their material wealth to be able to provide well.
The energy of this Snake month is the most entertaining of the elemental Snake energies and holds the potential to make positive changes. The combination of the wood and metal Snake of the month and year of 2025 increases our power to reflect and decide truly what we wish to achieve going into the second quarter of 2025.
How Snake-like are you?
Those born in the Year of the Snake are often wise, intelligent, intuitive, creative and introspective. Those born under this sign are usually refined and attractive, and don’t become flustered easily. Snakes are also contemplative and private, and rarely show outward emotion; they can be reticent in the business environment. While they’re not great communicators, they can become expressive when they set their minds on achieving their goals.
However, as real snakes are feared for their venomous bites, those born in the Year of the Snake can be cunning, deceptive, and jealous. This can lead to them being misunderstood or missing opportunities due to indecision.

Ideal careers for those born in the Snake month include beauticians and hairdressers, scientists, jewellers, spiritual leaders, sociologists and dietitians.
Famous Snakes include Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, Oprah Winfrey, Prince George, Mahatma and Indira Gandhi, Bob Dylan, Chris Martin, Robert Downey Jr., Brad Pitt, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Shania Twain, Kanye West, Pierce Brosnan, J.K. Rowling, Mao Zedong, Pablo Picasso, John F. Kennedy and Buzz Aldrin.
How compatible are Snakes with other signs?
Snakes have very few friends because they are not outwardly emotional or open creatures. The friends they do make generally last a lifetime, even though peers may find it hard to relate to the Snake because they can appear withdrawn and secretive. However, in moderation, Snakes like social functions where they can gossip about the latest scandal or the newest news. If you stab a Snake in the back, it’s likely you’ll never be forgiven. In addition, you should prepare yourself for retaliation – the Snake always gets the last word.
The Snake is Compatible with the Dragon, Ox and Rooster. These are the thinkers and visionaries of the Chinese zodiac and are purposeful, confident and resolute, with great capabilities and strong personalities. The Ox benefits from the Snake’s charm and diplomacy and the Rooster’s flamboyance, while the Snake benefits from the Ox and the Rooster’s balance of energy. The Rooster’s forthrightness is balanced by the Snake’s temperament and the stable approach of the Ox

The fundamental incompatibility between the Snake and the Pig makes this a challenging pairing. The Snake loves to bask in the sun and do as little as possible to get by, whereas the Pig loves to explore and needs space to exist. This can lead to some frustrations and potential misunderstandings.
What does May 2025 hold for your astrological Sign?
These generic forecasts carry different nuances depending on whether this animal rules your year, month, day or hour.
√ Lucky
∞ Neutral luck
X Not so lucky
The Snake is the astrological friend to the Rooster, Ox and Dragon. Challenges occur with those born in Pig years.
√ Rat – you’re vulnerable to being misunderstood

Overall, this a positive month for Rats to enjoy “completion luck” – any delays from last month suddenly get moving. This makes you efficient and effective. However, make sure you complete all outstanding tasks before beginning new ones to maximise your energy. Although you have a great month personally you are vulnerable to being misunderstood. With clear goals and a proactive approach, you should be able to achieve all you set out to do in the Snake month.
√ Ox – maintain your focus

The Snake energy brings on a shift in fortune, bringing a feeling of renewal. Life begins to take on a smooth path and you may see rainbows after any minor storms – take advantage of making progress. Maintain your focus when you’re out and about and be especially vigilant about jaywalking.
X Tiger – avoid bottling up emotions

Draw on loved ones for support as they will be your best allies this month when your energy dips a little. Avoid bottling up emotions and keeping worries to yourself as this can affect the potential luck you have available for some unexpected opportunities. Make wellness a priority – a balanced lifestyle will prevent fatigue setting in. Maintain a comfortable pace and avoid stressing over things that maybe out of your control, as this never sits well with Tiger energy. You benefit from rest and relaxation, so avoid working too late and playing catch up as this will only prove counterproductive.
∞ Rabbit – avoid making significant changes

If possible, avoid travelling this month as your energy appears unstable, increasing the potential for accidents which, if out of your zone, could prove very inconvenient and costly. Taking life in a lower gear will serve you better to improve your abilities to be able to achieve your goals and dreams. Avoid making significant changes to prevent creating complications and delays. Lie low and stay vigilant to avoid getting involved in unnecessary dramas. The good news is that you benefit from heavenly luck, which indicates you may by chance meet with someone who could be valuable in opening doors for your future.
∞ Dragon – this month brings relief

Remain open-minded and be ready to embrace new opportunities. This is your harmony month when you may come into contact with some who could change the course of your life in a romantic way (if you’re looking for love). This month brings relief after any previous challenges. Tasks may feel significantly smoother, allowing you to make steady progress. Humility improves your luck further and attracts helpful and influential individuals and prevents any jealousy.
∞ Snake – be kind and gentle with yourself

In your astrological month, you may be caught off guard and feel irritable due to unstable weather and a lack of sleep – both of which can lead to frequent arguments. You luck and progress this month very much depend on your emotional well-being so be kind and gentle with yourself and others. Consider cultivating good habits to boost your physical and mental wellness. Be cautious about personal safety, especially on roads. Prioritise communication and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
√ Horse – avoid risky activities

Focus on your health – especially if it’s already fragile – as you’re susceptible to minor illness. Avoid risky activities to prevent injuries. By maintaining a strong personal focus you may look forward to a great month of business, attracting new clients and focusing on team spirit, growth and expansion. This is an efficient month for Horses when you’ll come out the winner. It’s also a good month to upskill on any management courses to enhance your leadership approach.
∞ Sheep – focus on your inner desires

This is rather a slow month when you may be feeling demotivated and lacking in drive. Harmony is the key to success so be aware that negative emotions can affect your luck. As your personal vibration may be low it’s advisable to avoid visiting yin areas, such as hospitals, or attending funerals. Make the best of the month by focusing on your inner desires and energy to forge ahead and remove any emotional or physical blocks.
√ Monkey – pay attention to potential partners

The Snake is the Monkey’s astrological friend so you’re entering a particularly lucky month when investments appear high in your astrological rating. You will be popular and at the heart of any social gathering. Pay attention to potential partners during any networking event as there are new opportunities headed your way. Financial luck appears to flourish with the presence of helpful individuals, mentors and benefactors. Keep an eye out for promising collaboration. Seize the moment – it could lead to significant success.
√ Rooster – focus on long-term investments

It’s a mixed bag of luck for Roosters this month. The Snake is an astrological friend that’ll bring some fortune your way, but you should also prepare to encounter some obstacles. Be mindful of potential errors due to external distractions. A small oversight could lead to a significant setback. Watch your expenditure to minimise financial losses. Generally, your income should be stable and if you do have any spare cash to invest it would be wise to focus on long-term investments that offer greater returns. Property investment is sound and may be seriously considered for this month. Adopt an approachable attitude to get ahead of any competition.
X Dog – romance is in the air

Be prepared for some criticism or to be the scapegoat this month. It pays to express your concerns should this arise in your day-to-day working conditions, rather than suppressing any negative thoughts. Remain hydrated and limit sugary drinks and caffeine to maintain a clear mindset. The good news is that romance is in the air and harmony goes a long way to rebalancing your energy.
X Pig – remain dedicated to yourself and others

In your astrological clash month, hard work and due diligence will pay off so remain dedicated to yourself and others who depend on your expertise. Frustrations may occur over financial arrangements and you may well feel like you’re on a short fuse. Open communication is the key to forging stronger ties and reducing friction, which will only lead to confusion. Pay attention to the elderly and seek medical check ups if you feel any discomfort.


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Horoscopes

What’s your luck like for May 2025, the Snake month? Chinese horoscopes for wealth, health, love and work in a generally positive month

The Chinese Zodiac is generally positive for May 2025. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

The green tree python, also known as the emerald green python. Photo: Shutterstock

Oprah Winfrey appears during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in November 2024. Photo: AP Photo

Snake decorations ahead of Lunar New Year in Hanoi, Vietnam, in January. Photo: AFP 

Rats have good luck but could face misunderstandings this month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Ox will enjoy a smooth month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Tigers are advised to take it easy this month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Rabbits should take it easy to enjoy some luck this month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dragons are in for a good month – if they can stay open-minded. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Snakes need to focus on their emotional well-being. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

This month, Horses need to focus on their health and business. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

For Sheep, focusing on inner desires will get you through the month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Monkeys are in for a particularly lucky month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Roosters are in for a good month – if they can avoid distractions. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Dogs could enjoy some romance, but should be ready to encounter criticism. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Pigs should focus on hard work and communication this month. Illustration: SCMP Graphics

Zodiac jewellery is enjoying a resurgence: how jewellery brands like Van Cleef & Arpels are tapping into astrology to provide relief from daily stressors – and Rihanna and Hailey Bieber are loving it

A-list style icons like Rihanna have a penchant for zodiac jewellery too. Photo: Handout

Elhanati Star Sign Poetry rings. Photo: Handout

Goossens Astro pendant. Photo: Handout

Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque collection. Photo: Handout

Hailey Bieber wearing her Sagittarius pendant by Los Angeles-based jeweller Anita Ko. Photo: @haileybieber/Instagram

Elhanati’s Star Sign Poetry collection celebrates the cosmos. Photo: Handout

Gold and diamond handcrafted Cancer necklace from Elhanati. Photo: Handout

Chinese horoscopes for the Year of the Wood Snake 2025: predictions for health, wealth, work and love, plus the Wood Snake’s effect on the 5 elements of the Chinese zodiac

What to expect in the Year of the Wood Snake 2025. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Workers set up a snake-shaped lantern at Laomendong, in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, in December 2024, ahead of the Lunar New Year. Photo: Getty Images

In Chinese astrology, the Snake represents wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition and creativity. Photo: Austin Zhang

Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996 and 2008. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Ox years include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Rabbit years include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Dragon years include 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Snake years include 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2013. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Horse years include 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Goat years include 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 and 2015. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Monkey years include 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 and 2016. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Rooster years include 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 and 2017. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Dog years include 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Pig years include 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007. Photo: SCMP Graphics

How the qipao has inspired red-carpet looks over the years: designers from Carolina Herrera to Tom Ford have dressed the likes of Taylor Swift, Rita Ora and Gong Li in twists on the Chinese classic

Rita Ora, Fan Binging and Taylor Swift have all worn qipaos or qipao inspired dresses over the years. Photos: Getty Images; @bingbing_fan/Instagram; Getty Images

Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Photo: Handout

A modern qipao-inspired outfit by Shiatzy Chen. Photo: Handout

Movie idols Tony Leung and Gong Li arrive for the screening of 2046 at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. Photo: AP

Taylor Swift wears a Chinese-inspired Zuhair Murad gown at the 2012 Grammys. Photo: Getty Images

Actress Zhang Ziyi attends the 2015 Met Gala wearing a custom Carolina Herrera dress inspired by the qipao. Photo: FilmMagic

British singer Rita Ora wears a Tom Ford dress, inspired by the Chinese qipao, at the 2015 Met Gala. Photo: Getty Images

Chow Tai Fook celebrated its 95th anniversary with a show-stopping event at Rosewood Beijing, which proved how the brand is revitalising ancient Chinese culture and artistry for 21st-century consumers

Models wearing pieces from Chow Tai Fook’s Palace Museum collection walk down the runway at the brand’s 95th anniversary presentation at Rosewood Beijing. Photos: Handout

Dancers put on an elaborate show at the recent Chow Tai Fook anniversary event at Rosewood Beijing

A model wears several stand-out pieces from Chow Tai Fook’s new Palace Museum Collection

Chow Tai Fook held a gala banquet at Rosewood Beijing to celebrate its 95th anniversary

Bracelets from Chow Tai Fook’s Rouge Collection, released this year as part of the brand’s rejuvenation efforts before its 95th anniversary.

A Chow Tai Fook craftsman demonstrates the traditional gold wiring technique

A craftsman demonstrates how to engrave the three-dimensional feathers of a bird in gold, using hammering techniques

This stand-out pendant from Chow Tai Fook’s Palace Museum Collection features engraved dragons and inlaid jade

Another piece from the Palace Museum Collection by Chow Tai Fook features a cylinder and carries the Chinese symbol for fortune and a miniature guardian lion

Chow Tai Fook’s 95th anniversary gala banquet at Rosewood Beijing featured drum and dance performances to entertain guests

A selection of gold treasures on display at Chow Tai Fook’s Gold Heritage Exhibition in Beijing, including the Double Dragon Playing with Pearl incense burner

A model wears pieces from the Chow Tai Fook Palace Museum Collection

A model wears the stand-out butterfly pendant from the Palace Museum line by Chow Tai Fook

Chow Tai Fook’s Gold Heritage Exhibition in Beijing included several replicas of national treasures found in the Suzhou Museum

Several of Chow Tai Fook’s magnificent gold pieces are adorned with dragons, a symbolic animal in Chinese culture

Some of Chow Tai Fook’s most ornate gold pieces were on display at the Rosewood Beijing gallery

8 of the richest Chinese-Americans in 2025 – net worths, ranked: the founders of tech companies Yahoo, Nvidia, Zoom and Kingston top the list … but which billionaire’s wealth far outstrips the rest?

(From left) Billionaires Jensen Huang, Jerry Yang and Chen Tianqiao are among the world’s wealthiest Chinese-Americans. Photos: Reuters; EPA; Handout

Chen Tianqiao made his pile in the online gaming and entertainment industry. Photo: Handout

Ronnie Chan’s Hang Lung Group is one of the biggest property developers in Hong Kong. Photo: Getty Images

Yahoo co-founders Jerry Yang (right) and David Filo the year before Yang’s departure in 2012. Photo: AP

Zoom founder Eric Yuan’s US visa application was rejected eight times. Photo: Getty Images

David Sun (left) and John Tu, the founders of California-based Kingston Technology. Photo: Getty Images

Jensen Huang, CEO and co-founder of Nvidia, which makes chips used in artificial intelligence technology, pictured in Hanoi last December. Photo: AFP

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Most of the signs are in for a pretty good month, but Tigers, Dogs and Pigs should stay vigilant – famous Snakes include Oprah, Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt and Bob Dylan


Most of the signs are in for a pretty good month, but Tigers, Dogs and Pigs should stay vigilant – famous Snakes include Oprah, Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt and Bob Dylan.


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What’s your luck like for May 2025, the Snake month? Chinese horoscopes for wealth, health, love and work in a generally positive month

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Most of the signs are in for a pretty good month, but Tigers, Dogs and Pigs should stay vigilant – famous Snakes include Oprah, Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt and Bob Dylan

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Snake month: May 5 – June 4

Most of the signs are in for a pretty good month, but Tigers, Dogs and Pigs should stay vigilant – famous Snakes include Oprah, Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt and Bob Dylan

Snake month: May 5 – June 4