2010: Year of the Tiger -- Snake

SNAKE: 38% (2 favorable and 10 unfavorable months)

If you are a typical Snake, you can be quite at home with tending your own wounds and being your own best friend. That ability could be very useful during a year containing ten unfavorable months. Neither the pace nor style of 2010 is likely to be conducive to your peace of mind. Fortunately Snake's natural element, Fire, has the ability to  control Metal, this year's ruling element. This should allow you to receive your fair share of that famous Tiger luck. The key is to be very Snake-like. Lay low; wait for opportunites; and strike quickly. Do not measure the year in the number of your successes. Rather, focus on one or two big wins. Pick your battles carefully and exit the scene at the first sign of trouble.

Career

Change can be uncomfortable for the Snake, but if you recognize transformations can ultimately be in your favor, it will be easier to adapt. Tiger's influence is not likely to help things go your way career-wise in the short-term. Fortunately, you probably possess keen analytical ability and an uncanny sense of timing. There may be only a few moments of opportunity, but stay alert and be ready to take full advantage so you can make them count. In the meantime, direct your energies to areas in which you have the most expertise. It is advisable to to expand skill sets you perceive will become more valuable as your work environment evolves, as you can expect it to rapidly. Be diplomatic; you can't afford personal conflict on the job.

Relationships

Personal relationships are now likely to be a greater source of comfort and support for Snakes than in a typical year. You probably tend to be independent and usually trust your own judgment above all. However, giving added weight to the advice and wisdom of others in this Tiger year could prove extremely worthwhile. Relations with family and friends are likely to be smooth and joyful, and 2010 should be filled with many opportunities for happy gatherings of loved ones. If you have been lonely, or seeking a partner, taking the initiative is rewarded. It is a favorable time for you to put yourself into new environments and introduce yourself in new social circles. You should be well-received, but you need to make the first move.

Health

Rapid change and uncertainty can take its toll on Snake's nerves in 2010. It will be important for you to attend carefully to both your physical and mental health. Not only is this essential to your well-being but also for you to function at the level required to meet the Tiger's challenges. You may feel pressure to abandon leisure activities you enjoy to meet many stressful demands, but this would be a mistake. In fact, you should enjoin friends to participate with you in activities that bring you balance, even if you are accustomed to doing them alone. Companionship and camaraderie in your extracurricular pursuits will help you to stick to them and also bring you additional satisfaction.

Wealth

Major expenses could present themselves this year, particularly related to dwellings or vehicles. The Snake is typically cautious and deliberate with finances, so if you stick to this approach, unexpected outflows of cash should not be disastrous. The year of the Tiger is not a good time to engage in any uncertain investment schemes, and you should pay close attention to the details of any financial agreements into which you enter. Be conservative and don't rely on luck or chance where money is concerned. Read the fine print and make sure you understand all the implications of commitments you make to avoid unpleasant surprises.