Fire Snake (丁巳): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Fire Snake, 丁巳, is fire upon fire, the Snake's own element doubled. The tradition reads it as passionate, confident and magnetic, with a quick temper to watch.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 丁巳
Years: 1917, 1977, 2037
Character
丁巳 sets 丁, yin fire, the candle, over 巳, the Snake's own yin fire. Doubled fire is the tradition's image of a concentrated flame: intensity focused rather than spread.
People born in a Fire Snake year are read as charismatic, ambitious and perceptive, with strong feelings and the will to pursue what they want. They inspire and persuade. The tradition's shadow for the Fire Snake is a flame that can scorch — jealousy, suspicion or a temper that flares quickly — and a pride that finds it hard to back down.
In love and at work
In love the Fire Snake is read as passionate, loyal and intense, needing trust to feel safe. At work it excels in leadership, persuasion, the arts and any field that rewards drive and insight. The tradition suggests the Fire Snake name its jealousy before it grows.
A question to take with you
What would let you feel secure enough to stop guarding what you love?
Updated October 28, 2026