This is the year of the Wood Serpent, represented by Yi (Wood) over Si (Fire).  This represents a flow of Yin Wood to Yin Fire.   Yin Wood energies can be found in grass, shrubs and also represents growth, the environment .....etc,  Si can be thought of as weak Fire from small flames, etc.  But there is also hidden Yang Fire (eg. Sun, nuclear reactions) in Si. With Yi stoking these energies, Si can be the impetus towards uprisings, revolutions.  Radiating in nature, it represents the emanating nature of these optimistic energies.  Thus, with small Wood feeding the small Fire, the energies in 2025 can be said to be growing optimism in short order. 

The hidden Fire in Si is that of an inferno, blazing away. It also represents the Heart, Blood and Eyes.  Si is storage of Metal and also contains Earth.  The Yang metal represents weapons.  Thus, with Yi feeding Si, the hidden danger is the exposure of a weapon. The likely events are conflicts that arise due to nuclear accidents or solar flares causing electrical blackouts. Among all the chatter, as the clash occurs, perhaps the necessary energies that need to be communicated can be absorbed and hopefully retained.

Yi represents the Yin of Wood.  In nature, that would be grass, shrubs, flowers, etc..  As Wood is basically growth, that can be represented by the permeance of grasslands, moss, lichen, algae.  Yi also represents the Liver and limbs. With Yin Wood being more yielding, compared to Yang Wood, the energies show flexible growth.

Together, Yi and Si show flexible growth towards subtle optimism.

To gain better insights, we look back 60, 120 and 180 years ago for events that may help us to understand the effects of this Qi combination.

CONFLICTS / PACTS / INDEPENDENCE

1965 : The US and South Vietnam began a 31/2 year of aerial bombardment campaign against North Vietnam, Some 200 Alabama State Troopers attack 525 civil rights demonstrators in Selma, AL as they attempt to march to the state capitol in Montgomery.  Known as Bloody Sunday, Martin Luther King Jr. stops at the site to hold a prayer service and return to Selma.  The Indo-Pakistani war begins, large student demonstration in Morocco.  West German parliament extends the stature of limitations on Nazi war crimes, Civil war in Dominican Republic, Battle of Dong-Yin between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China.  Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and Republic of Korea signed in Tokyo, 

Singapore expelled from Federation of Malaysia after breakdown in PAP-UMNO relations.  Lee Kuan Yew assumes role of Prime Minister of Singapore.  Racial rioting in Los Angeles, CA results in 34 deaths and $40m in property damage.  Gambia, Maldives and Singapore admitted to the United Nations. Indonesian army crushes alleged communist coup attempt, tens of thousands of protesters picket the White House to end the war in Vietnam.  Charles de Gaulle re-elected as French President.  Glasnost Meeting in Moscow is the first spontaneous political demonstration, and for civil rights in the Soviet Union.  Race Relations Act becomes the first legislation to address racial discrimination in the UK.

United Nations adopts the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.  Ferdinand Marcos becomes the President of the Philippines. Aborigines given the vote in Queensland, Australia.

1905 : Simultaneous uprising in 6 cities in Argentina, Grand duke Sergei Alexandrovich, Governor -General of Moscow assassinated, Jane Stanford (co-founder of Stanford University) fatally poisoned in Hawaii, Russia’s committee of Ministers grant religious freedom to subjects of the Russian Empire, Tsar Nicholas II creates the Duma to represent the people,  Battle of Mukdien begins in Machuria in the Russo-Japanese war, Theriso revolt begins in Crete demanding unification with Greece.  A violent strike by the Teamsters Union begins in Chicago, German General Lothar von Trotha orders extermination of Nama people in German colony Sudwestafrika (Namibia).  Norwegian Parliament (Storting) declares dissolution of union between Norway and Sweden, giving Norway full independence.  Mutiny on the Russian Potemkin.

France’s Chamber of Deputies passes a bill for separation of church and state, Japanese expedition takes control of Russian island of Sakhalin after a short battle, Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-Sen forms first chapter of Tongmengchui (union of all secret societies) to bring down the Manchu dynasty, Sequoyah Constitutional Convention in Muskogee in US Indian Territory approves constitution for proposed state of Sequoyah, seeking admission as the only Native American majority state in the US. Ultimately rejected by President Roosevelt with white ruled Oklahoma Territory creating the 46th State in the US.   Russian Revolution of 1905 caused the October Manifesto creating Russia’s first constitution granting limited powers to the Duma.

Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan established. Millennial old examination system for civil service abolished in Qing dynasty China.  Treaty of Portsmouth ends Russo-Japanese war ceding Sakhalin to Japan.

1845 :  US Congress approves annexation of Texas, Florida admitted as 27th state, US Congress passes legislation overriding a presidential veto, New Zealand was open with Flagstaff war.  Aberdeen Act passed by the Parliament of the UK empowering the Royal Navy to search Brazilian ships as part of the abolition of slave trade from Africa.  Battle of Vuelta de Obligado between Argentina and the Anglo-French fleet, first Anglo-Sikh war between the East India Company and the Sikh army,  term “manifest destiny” used by editor John O’Sullivan to justify expansion of the US westward, “for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions”.

ADVANCEMENT / PROGRESS

1965 : Ranger 8 crashes into the Moon, Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov leaves his Voskhod 2 spacecraft for 12 min, becoming the first person to ‘walk in space’, US’ first 2-person space crew launched with Gemini 3, US launches first space nuclear reactor -SNAP-10A, Intelsat 1 communications satellite launched, US spacecraft Mariner 1 flies by Mars returning the first images of the red planet. Mont Blanc tunnel opened between France and Italy.

Social Security Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson, establishing Medicare and Medicaid.  Gemini 5 launches – first test of fuel cells and first 1-week space flight. The largest tanker ship Tokyo Maru is launched in Yokohama, Japan.  France launches its first satellite Asteri-1.  Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 performs first controlled rendezvous in orbit.

1905 : Prince Morrow begins movement for sex education in the US, founding the Society of Sanitary and Moral Prophylaxis, Albert Einstein submits paper “On a heuristic viewpoint concerning the production and transformation of light”, Simplon tunnel through the Alps opened to railway traffic.  Largest ocean liner SS Amerika launched, China’s Empress Dowager CiXi abolishes further use of executions of the nations’ 3 most cruel torture execution methods : lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), gibbeting (similar to crucifixion) and desecration of a dying person.

France institutes first government assistance program for elderly and disabled persons.  A dirigible is introduced to New York City, Roald Amundsen makes a breakthrough of the ‘Northwest Passage’, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.  Albert Einstein submits paper “Does the inertia of a Body depend upon its energy content”, putting forward  E=mc2”  . 

1845 : Stephen Perry patents the rubber band in the UK, anesthesia is used for the first time for childbirth.

ACCIDENTS / NATURAL DISASTERS

1965 :  >400 killed/missing after an earthquake triggered a series of dam failures in La Ligua, Chile.  Coal mine explosion in Fukuoka, Japan kills 274, mining accident in Kakanj, Bosnia & Herzegovina results in 128 deaths.  USAF Boeing C-135 Stratolifter just after takeoff at MCAS El Toro, Orange County, CA,   Explosion at AR missile plant kills53.  Avalanche buries a dam construction site at Saas-Fee, Switzerland killing 90 workers. Taal volcano erupts in the Philippines, killing hundreds.

1905 : French ship Anjou wrecked off coast of uninhabited Auckland island (290 miles from New Zealand), 6 of 11 crew on British Royal Navy submarine HMS A5 killed by a pair of explosions caused by gasoline fumes in Ireland, Grover shoe factory disaster kills 58 employees in Brockton, MA, coal mine explosion in Zeigler, IL kills 50, Kangra earthquake hits the Kangra valley killing 20,000 in India.  Hundreds of people are killed in Spain when a dam collapsed near Madrid, tornado in Snyder, OK kills 97. Coal mine explosion in Russia kills 500, Danish navy ship  Georg Stage accidentally sunk after colliding with English steamship Ancona, killing 22 teenage recruits. Flooding in Guanajunto, Mexico kills hundreds, National Colliery disaster in Wattstown, Wales – 1 survivor.

60 killed in explosion on USS Bennington in San Diego harbor, 8.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Mongolia, building collapses in Albany, NY killing 14 employees, Japanese ferry  Kinjo Maro sank killing 160, after colliding with HMS Baralong. Mataafa storm buffets Great Lakes region.

1845 : An earthquake destroys part of Mexico City, Great Fire of Pittsburgh destroys much of the city, Yarmouth suspension bridge collapses leaving ~ 80 dead, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror embark to seek the Northwest Passage, never to be seen again. Theater fire in Canton, China kills 1670. Tornado in Montville destroys 2 large factories, killing 200 people, Potato blight breaks out in Ireland, beginning the Great Famine.

ECONOMY / ENTERTAINMENT[JC1] 

1965 :  My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins win Oscars at the 37th Academy Awards, Pianist Vladimir Horowitz performs at Carnegie Hall after a 12-year absence, Scottish race driver Jim Clark wins the Indy 500 and Formula 1. Sci-fi show Thunderbirds debuts on ITV in the UK.  A Charlie Brown Christmas the first  Peanuts television special debuts on CBS.

1905 : Mata Hari introduces her exotic dance act in the Musee Guimet, Paris. Toastmasters International founded in Bloomington, IL. Las Vegas, NV is founded.

1845 : New York Herald – first newspaper to mention game of baseball.

HEALTH / PENALTIES

Fire in nature, Si being also a travelling star will see more activities in travel. 

Si combines with Yin (Tiger) and Shen (Monkey) to create a FIRE penalty, which is a strong energy frame and can lead to explosions and disasters.   The particular months to be extra cautious are February (Yin month) and August (Shen month), when these energies come together more prominently. People with Yin or Shen in their 4 Pillars should also take care, as their energies may also be affected by the penalty.   

This Fire penalty affects the Heart and blood.  Heart problems, strokes problems will possibly increase.  Care should be taken with one’s cardiovascular system, through proper diet and exercise.

For people born in the year of the Pig (Hai) or have this element in their 4 Pillars, they are clashing with Si (Snake) in 2025. Being water and fire in their nature, the clash will indeed be serious, possibly causing disasters related to water and fire.  As both the Pig and Snake are ‘travelling stars’, these events will most likely be related to sea and air travel.  These energies will also enable more travel in 2025, especially for Pig people. Thus, it is good to change jobs, move and travel more for them. 

Snake people are in offense with the Duke of Jupiter (Tai Sui) in 2025, and thus movement (travel, job, residence) is to be expected. Since the Tai Sui is located in the South-East this year, avoid a direct line of travel towards that direction will help smoothen one’s journey.  Those with Yin and Shen in their 4 pillars are also advised that disharmony, irritants, frustrations, worries and sickness energies will be aplenty.  To minimize these negative effects, carrying some Shen (Monkey) energy item will help. 

Harmony

For people born in the years of the Ox (Chou) and Rooster (You), they are in harmony with the Snake, and can expect a smoother year ahead.  For those born in the Snake year, the Shen (Monkey) energy item will also help them to go through the year smoothly. 

People born in the year of the Horse (Wu) can look forward to a more sociable and possibly romantic year.  The ‘Flower of Romance’ is presented to Horse people, offering more opportunities to develop relationships with the opposite sex. 

The Snake is also a benefactor (nobleman) for people born in the years of Yang and Yin Water of the Heavenly Stems (Ren and Gui).  The energy here enables smoother progression than otherwise possible for these people. 

Weather / Diseases

With Yin Wood sitting on top of Fire, the energies are primed for the build-up of subtle optimism.  However, this optimism, if suppressed, could lead to major blow-up as the Yang Fire hidden in Si can be explosive. 

Looking at the flying stars for the year (see below), the Yellow 5 and Sickness 2 are the two areas to be wary of.   Globally, these areas would be the Middle East (2) and North East Asia (5).  On a local level, the center and Northeast of a nation are the areas where there may be outbreaks of infectious diseases too.

Economy

Fire is the basic element that drives the stock market, as it brings forth optimistic energies.  As the stock market goes with emotions a lot of times, the optimistic energies will feed the fervor that has been wanting in the last few years. There should be economic growth in the first 6 months of the year, then a slight waning as the cooler months approach. Overall, the growth should still be better than the last few years.

Industry wise, the Yi-Si energies brings prosperity to the Water and Metal industries.  Transportation, shipping, communications, political, military, auto, banking, high-tech industries will see wealth.  Water industries will be active, as it produces Wood, which then feeds the Fire industries.  The Si Fire will draw out productivity from the Wood industry that include textile, paper, print media, and environment.  The Water industry (shipping, transport, communications) will also see wealth.  The Earth industry is perhaps the only industry that may not do as well.  What with Si Fire, the restaurant, energy, entertainment industries will be active and very competitive.

Flying Stars

The flying star 2 representing sickness is in the center in 2025.  Earth in nature, we expect to see the basic theme change from the Wood focused activities to Earth focused activities.  Industries that will get attention include the real-estate, mining, oil and construction. Earth also affects the abdomen, stomach, hands and fingers.  These areas of the body will be affected by the Yi and Si energies as well.  As Yi feeds Si fire, that is generating.  Yi is wealth energy for Metal, thus, overall, we expect that these industries (politics, military, auto, music, banking, high-tech) will do well in 2025.

Si forms a Metal frame with Chou and You.  Since this is a very strong Metal frame, and metal draws the energies of Earth, we expect to see the influence of 2 diminished somewhat.  Placing a Metal object in the center of the house will help to lessen the negative influences of the energies of 2.  To lessen the ill effects of 2, a string of six metal coins may also be hung in the center of the house.  Robbery/Conflict energies of 3 are found in the Northwest - where the Placing a Fire (Red) object here will help.  The flying star 5 is found in the Northeast – a metal or round object placed there will placate the negative energies present.  To avoid the negative effects of 3 Sha (3 killings) – do not sit with one’s back to the East.  To lessen the effects of the scandalous energies of 7 in the North, place bamboo plants in a glass vase there.

Summary

The Yin Water and Yang Fire this year represents the flow of subversive energies that could smoothen divergent dogma.  It also highlights the dissemination of subtle information which has been simmering through the undercurrents for some time.  The Yellow 5 and Sickness 2 energies are the ones to watch out for from a Feng Shui perspective.

As individuals differ, and every house is different with different energies, depending on when they were constructed and the facing direction, a thorough analysis of the energies there will be required. Similarly, a more detailed analysis of one’s Four Pillars is recommended for personal needs.