In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign has its own set of favorable and unfavorable traits, elements, directions, colors, and even times. The snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, is often revered for its wisdom, mystery, and elegance. However, like all signs, the snake is not exempt from encountering challenges, bad luck, or misfortunes during certain periods, in specific situations, or when influenced by incompatible elements. Understanding what is unlucky for the snake is crucial for those seeking to avoid pitfalls and cultivate better energy throughout the year.
This article explores in detail what brings misfortune to the snake, touching on aspects like unlucky numbers, directions, colors, relationships, elements, career choices, and more. It is rooted in Chinese metaphysical theory, traditional customs, and modern astrological insights. Whether you were born in the Year of the Snake or have a strong snake influence in your BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny), these insights can help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Unlucky Numbers for the Snake
In Chinese numerology, numbers carry symbolic meanings, and certain ones are considered unfavorable for specific zodiac signs. For the snake, the most unlucky numbers are:
4: This number sounds similar to the word “death” in Chinese, and it tends to carry a negative vibration for the snake, who thrives on control and harmony.
7: Often associated with betrayal or spiritual confusion, seven tends to disrupt the snake’s path, particularly in career and emotional matters.
Avoiding these numbers in major decisions, such as choosing phone numbers, license plates, or house addresses, may help minimize negative influences in a snake’s life.
Unlucky Colors for the Snake
Colors are essential in feng shui and Chinese astrology. They affect energy flow and can either enhance or diminish one’s fortune. For the snake, the most unlucky colors are:
Black: While it can symbolize sophistication, for the snake it may invite isolation or depressive energy.
Gray: This neutral tone can blunt the snake’s natural charisma and weaken its ability to attract prosperity.
Dark green: Although green can promote growth in general, dark green may dull the snake’s inner light and affect health negatively.
To avoid attracting bad luck, snakes should minimize the use of these colors in their clothing, décor, or accessories during inauspicious years or months.
Unlucky Directions for the Snake
In Chinese astrology and feng shui, directions are associated with different energies and elements. The snake’s unlucky directions include:
North: This direction is governed by the water element, which conflicts with the snake’s fire element, leading to emotional turbulence and career challenges.
Northwest: Often linked with authority and leadership, this direction can create tension for the snake, especially when dealing with superiors or elders.
Snakes should avoid facing these directions during important meetings, when setting up beds or work desks, or during rituals to maintain positive chi.
Unlucky Months for the Snake
Each Chinese zodiac sign has certain months during which luck tends to decline. For the snake, the most unlucky months are:
Tiger Month (February): The tiger is the snake’s nemesis in the Chinese zodiac, and during this month, snakes may experience betrayal, emotional instability, or sudden loss.
Pig Month (November): The pig and the snake have conflicting energies. This month can bring hidden enemies, illness, or financial drain.
Monkey Month (August): Though they share some traits, the monkey’s trickster nature often clashes with the snake’s calculated approach, leading to frustration or miscommunication.
Extra caution and humility are recommended during these months. It’s best for snakes to avoid major life decisions such as launching a business, relocating, or entering new relationships.
Unlucky Zodiac Matches for the Snake
Compatibility between zodiac signs is a cornerstone of Chinese astrology. Some signs naturally harmonize with the snake, while others create disharmony. The least compatible zodiac signs for the snake are:
Tiger: The tiger’s brash and headstrong nature threatens the snake’s need for peace and subtlety. This match often leads to power struggles.
Pig: The pig’s honesty and simplicity are often misunderstood by the snake, whose complexity can lead to mistrust or resentment.
Monkey: The monkey and snake may initially feel drawn to each other, but both are cunning and secretive, often resulting in manipulation and rivalry.
Avoiding intimate or business partnerships with these signs can help the snake avoid emotional pain and betrayal.
Unlucky Elements for the Snake
In the Five Element Theory (Wu Xing), each zodiac sign corresponds with an element. The snake is naturally aligned with the fire element. Therefore, elements that weaken or clash with fire are generally considered unlucky:
Water: This element puts out fire. When a snake person is surrounded by too much water energy—be it people, décor, or timing—it can lead to indecisiveness, emotional coldness, or health issues.
Metal: While not a direct enemy, metal controls wood (which supports fire), thus indirectly draining the snake’s resources. Metal-heavy environments or people may disrupt a snake’s growth.
For better harmony, the snake should balance its environment with supporting elements like wood and earth while minimizing water and metal influence.
Unlucky Years for the Snake
In Chinese astrology, a person’s zodiac year (Ben Ming Nian) is considered a time of upheaval and vulnerability. For the snake, every 12 years (e.g., 2025 if born in 2013) marks a Ben Ming Nian, which is inherently unlucky unless precautions are taken.
During this year, snakes may suffer from:
- Financial losses
- Emotional instability
- Career setbacks
- Health complications
It’s recommended to wear red talismans, avoid major changes, and seek spiritual protection to reduce the negative impact of the zodiac year.
Unlucky Feng Shui Arrangements for the Snake
Feng shui aligns spatial arrangements with elemental energies. For the snake, certain setups can bring bad luck:
Sleeping with the head pointed north: This places the snake in conflict with the water element.
Having mirrors facing the bed: Mirrors can disturb the snake’s peaceful sleep and amplify negative thoughts.
Clutter in the southeast: The southeast is the snake’s auspicious direction. When this area is messy, it disrupts the snake’s inner harmony and flow of prosperity.
Maintaining a clean, fire-energized environment enhances the snake’s natural strengths and wards off misfortune.
How to Neutralize Unluckiness for the Snake
Understanding what is unlucky for the snake is only part of the equation. The next step is proactive protection and realignment. Here are some practical remedies:
Wear lucky colors: Red, yellow, and light green can boost luck.
Use protective charms: Jade pendants, red strings, or talismans featuring the rooster (a compatible sign) offer spiritual shielding.
Practice mindfulness: Meditation, qi gong, or other grounding practices reduce anxiety and enhance clarity.
Limit interactions with unlucky signs: Avoid long-term entanglements with tigers, pigs, or monkeys when possible.
Conclusion
Despite its cunning nature and magnetic appeal, the snake must tread carefully through life’s many energetic landscapes. From incompatible zodiac signs to unfavorable numbers and elements, understanding what is unlucky for the snake empowers individuals to make wiser choices, protect their peace, and flourish even during challenging times.
By navigating around these potential misfortunes, the snake can rise in grace and wisdom, transforming obstacles into opportunities. True fortune lies not in avoiding all misfortune, but in knowing how to flow with it—and the snake, being among the wisest of signs, is well-equipped for such a dance.
Related Topics
- A Deep Dive into Year of the Tiger Lucky Animals
- 10 Things Good About the Year of the Rabbit
- Lucky Colors for Dragon 2025
