This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which this year is called the "Year of the Snake."

The year of the Wood Snake is upon us, and with it, the invitation to slither into the spirit of the dead-shedding totem of power, resilience, and personal evolution. The Snake is synonymous with Yin energy — feminine cunning,

Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.