The Snake Personality

Philosopher, theologian, political wizard, wily financier--the Snake person is the deepest thinker and enigma of the Chinese cycle. He is endowed with an inborn wisdom of his very own; a mystic in his own right. Graceful and soft-spoken, he loves good books, food, music, the theater; he will gravitate toward all the finer things in life. The most beautiful women and powerful men tend to be born under this sign. So if you are one of the Snake people, you are in good company.

A person of this sign generally relies on his own judgment and does not communicate well with others. He can be deeply religious or psychic, or on the other hand, totally hedonistic. Either way, he trusts his own vibrations rather than outside advice. More often than not -- he will be right!

Like the Dragon, the Snake is a Karmic sign. His life ends in triumph or tragedy as his past actions dictate. And although he will deny it, he is very superstitious behind his sophisticated front. People born under other signs may defer payment to the next life (if one so chooses to believe), but the Snake seems destined to pay his dues before he leaves. Perhaps this is also of his own choosing, as a person born under this sign is unusually intense and will seek to settle scores, consciously or unconsciously, in everything he does.

A native of the Snake year is not likely to be bothered by money problems. He is fortunate to have what he needs. Should funds be low, he is extremely well-equipped to remedy the situation. However, a Snake person should not gamble; he will come out poorer in the end. In the event that he does suffer sizable losses, it probably will not happen a second time; the Snake learns fast. He can recoup with amazing speed and as a rule is prudent and shrewd in business

A Snake who experiences poverty or extreme deprivation in his youth may never get over it. He could then be fanatical about accumulating wealth and turn into a covetous and miserly man.

By nature, the Snake person is a skeptical being, but unlike the Tiger, he tends to keep his suspicions to himself. He treasures his privacy and will have many a dark secret locked up within him.

Elegant in speech, dress and manners, the Snake person does not like indulging in useless small talk or frivolities. He can be quite generous with money, but is known to be ruthless when he wants to attain an important objective. He has no qualms about eliminating anyone who stands in his way.

Some Snakes may have a slow or lazy way of speaking but this does not reflect in any way their speed of deduction or action. It's just that they like to ponder things, to assess and formulate their views properly. Generally speaking, Snakes tend to be very careful about what they say.

It is never safe to draw a line and predict that this is how far the Snake will go. His computer-like brain never stops plotting and he can be viciously unrelenting. Remember, he is one of the most tenacious signs of the Chinese zodiac.

In his relationships with others, he is possessive, and very demanding. And yet at the same time, he views his associates with a certain distrust. He will never forgive anyone who breaks a promise. He is also prone to being neurotic, even paranoid, where his pet fears and suspicions are concerned.

When the Snake's anger is roused, his hatred can be limitless. His antagonism is silent and deep-rooted. An icy hostility will express his displeasure instead of a volley of hot words. The more lethal types will like to crush their enemies totally. There is no foretelling the Snake's movements. His mind is calculation itself and he has the staying power to wait until the time is ripe for his revenge. For those luckless souls who incur his wrath, self-exile to Siberia may not seem like such a bad prospect.

The Snake lady is the original femme fatale. Her cool, serene and classic beauty will mesmerize people. She is confident and collected and although she oftentimes lolls around, giving the impression of indolence and love of ease, she is far from slothful. Her brain is never at rest.

Despite being finely tuned and high strung by nature, Snake people of both sexes are characterized by beautiful complexions. The Snake-born is usually not ridden with pimples or blemishes even when he or she does not give particular care to their skin. It seems that tension tends to affect the Snake's digestive and nervous systems more than his epidermis. Underneath their flawless good looks, a good many of these natives succumb easily to stomach ulcers or nervous breakdowns from containing all that stress internally. Ms. Snake will opt for well-cut clothes, fluid and classical in design. She loves jewelry and chooses her accessories with care. If she can afford it, she will buy the real thing: diamonds, pearls, emeralds and rubies of the best quality. Besides being beautiful baubles, jewels are an excellent form of investment. No cheap gold plating or imitations for her, please. She is definitely not a peasant and she would rather go without if she cannot have the real thing. You won't find her decked out in worthless junk.

Her standard for a mate will be similarly high. She admires power and the influence money can bring. When she cannot wield it herself, then the next best thing is to marry it. At any rate, no matter how rich or powerful her man is, she will be his biggest asset once they are married. And should he not have made the grade yet, but has the potential, then the Snake wife will move heaven and earth to make him successful. She will dress the part, play the perfect hostess, while shrewdly pointing out every opportunity to him along the way. With such guidance, dedication and support, there won't be anywhere for him to go but up.

The philosophical Snake woman is never too concerned about the equality of the sexes. You don't find her agonizing over women's rights. Why should she compete when she can so easily entice men to do her bidding? (While allowing them to think it was their idea.) Her legion of male admirers will fall over each other carrying her suitcases, opening doors, lighting her cigarettes, etc.

So you can't blame her if she seems a bit puzzled by all the fuss made over equal rights for men and women. She has always had the secret notion that girls were born superior, although she has never been so stupid as to spill the beans to those unsuspecting squires that court her so lavishly. Why spoil a perfectly workable arrangement? She will humor the guys so long as they give in to her wishes.

Contrary to common belief, Ms. Snake is not always a raving beauty. If you take her feature by feature, you will find she has some flaws, too. Her nose may be too large or her eyes set too close. No, with her it's the total effect that counts. She has her own formula and when she puts it all together--its magic!

See the girl in the striking black number with the diamond brooch pinned strategically on her bosom? Nine out of ten times, she will be a Snake. This lady loves expensive perfume, too, another subtle but effective ploy that is part of the game. But she knows how to use such dynamite sparingly. Just a touch of it here and there. Enough to give her that clinging aura that makes her so alluring and irresistible.

All Snakes have a sense of humor. Of course, they may have different brands. Some prefer to be dry, others sardonic, scintillating, or even diabolical at times. Nonetheless, it's there. The best time to observe this is when he or she is under duress. In a crisis, the Snake can still crack a joke to lighten the atmosphere. Even when he is weighed down by enormous troubles, the Snake-born will not lose that twinkle.

Orientals sometimes regard the Snake as a supernatural creature with a touch of the sinister. This is because he lives for such a long time and renews himself by shedding his skin for a new one each time he outgrows it. This particular trait symbolizes his ability to be reborn and to emerge from conflict with restored vigor.

By now, you must gather that it will be no mean task dealing with the Snake. What makes it even more tricky is the fact that under all that serenity he is always on guard. His outward calm never betrays his true feelings. He knows and plans his moves well in advance. He has willpower and will maintain his position to the bitter end. He can be very evasive and elusive when he chooses and just when you think you have got a grip on him--he wriggles free. Needless to say, he makes the perfect politician. He can negotiate anything under the sun when he puts his mind to it.

The Chinese believe that a Snake born in the Spring and Summer will be among the most deadly of the lot. Winter Snakes are quiet and docile, as this is the time they hibernate. A Snake born during a hot day will be happier and more contented than one born during bad weather.

Snake people are passionate lovers; they are also reputed to have roving eyes. Actually, this is a false reputation which they have acquired because they are always sensual about anything they undertake. He or she may exhibit the same fervent ardor in chasing a much-coveted business deal as in winning the affections of his or her latest heart throb.

Snake people usually lead dangerous lives full of excitement and intrigue, especially those Snakes who have an insatiable lust for power and the limelight.

The best partners for the Snake will be the dependable Ox, the dauntless Rooster or the illustrious Dragon. He could do well teaming up with the Rat, Rabbit, Sheep and Dog, too.

But the Snake should steer clear of the defiant Tiger, who may not appreciate his discerning ways. The impulsive and equally demanding Horse will make only a mediocre match, while the clever Monkey may challenge the Snake with his own brand of cunning. Two snakes could co-habitate peacefully. The Boar and the Snake will not find much in common; the snake is sleek and sophisticated, the boar too honest and mundane. They have entirely opposite compositions.

In times of confusion and trouble, the Snake person is a pillar of strength because he maintains his presence of mind. The Snake can deal with bad news and misfortune with great aplomb. He has a profound sense of responsibility and an unsinkable constancy of purpose. It will be this constancy of purpose coupled with his natural hypnotic charisma that could carry him to the highest realms of power.