Wood Snake (乙巳): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Wood Snake, 乙巳, gives the Snake an artistic streak and a warmer, more trusting side. The tradition reads it as creative, thoughtful and kind.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 乙巳
Years: 1905, 1965, 2025
Character
乙巳 sets 乙, yin wood, the vine, over 巳, the Snake's yin fire, in early summer. Wood feeds fire, so the tradition reads this as a pair in which the stem feeds its branch: a vine giving itself to a slow, steady flame — creativity sustaining insight.
People born in a Wood Snake year are read as intelligent, refined and artistic, with the Snake's depth softened by kindness and a love of beauty. They think carefully and value lasting things. The tradition's shadow for the Wood Snake is giving too much of itself to what it loves, and a reserve that hides how much it cares.
In love and at work
In love the Wood Snake is read as devoted, thoughtful and loyal, a partner who expresses love through careful attention. At work it shines in the arts, writing, research, design and advising. The tradition suggests the Wood Snake let people see its warmth sooner.
A question to take with you
Who would be glad to know how much you care?
Updated October 28, 2026