As a 33 year old, on the cusp of 34, writing this… I almost feel naïve in saying that the days go by slowly, but the years go by quickly. 2025 proved that in more ways than one—and I am sure that as the years go by, this philosophy will prove itself even more.
2025 is the year of the wood snake according to the Chinese calendar. Technically, this (personally horrendous) year does not end until the year of the fire horse begins which is on February 17, 2026. The snake year is known for shedding the old to make room for new. It is also very prone to loss. I am a firm Catholic who believes that God controls everything… including the cosmos. That is why this year has gotten me to firmly believe that our fate (which is also God’s plan) is written in the stars. Let me elaborate on this…
The majority of the snake year, I was (and still am) 33. That is the age that Jesus was crucified. Your 33rd year on earth is often referred to as the “Jesus Year” with significant milestones including spiritual rebirth, purpose and calling, trials and growth, and (my personal favorite) ego death. Sounds familiar, right? The year of the wood snake encompasses a transformative renewal.
It just so happens that my dad died a few days after the snake year started. So the year of the snake just so happened to be my “Jesus Year.” To me, that is God’s way of telling me that I am in the right place at the right time. I’m on his path. It’s comforting— even though, I must admit that my number one fear in this world is a snake; that’s the little Catholic girl in me reading Genesis hearing the story of Adam and Eve for the first time.
That brings me to another point that I actually heard Pope Leo XIV elaborate on the other day. He warns us about idolatry of nature in saying that we are called to be attentive stewards of the natural world who must avoid temptation to become “slaves or worshippers of nature.” I refuse to be a slave or worshipper of anything or anyone but God. Pope Leo XIV goes on to elaborate on the earth being our “common home” in which its citizens must have true care for.—caring both for each other and the planet earth as we are all beautiful creations of God.
Even as a child, I always loved hearing about astrology and my faith certainly is not impacted by my checking of horoscopes every now and then. Perhaps this blog post is catalyzed by my Catholic guilt because how much I do allow myself to continue to look at Co-Star on occasion. But at the same time, I only feel as if my faith has gotten stronger since my dad died which has even involved me confessing to a priest about my interest in this “astrological realm”, if you will. But there was something else Pop Leo XIV preached regarding the idolatry of nature that brought me way more comfort than the realization that my Jesus Year and the year of the snake were one in the same for me. The Pope said, “It’s about a balanced approach that honors both The Creator and the creation.” My astrological curiosity will not grow. However, my Catholic faith will. And to me, that’s balance.
For many reasons, I am ready for the year of the fire horse, 2026. Bold beginnings, courage, and overcoming obstacles are often seen during fire horse years. Before I knew about this Chinese calendar year, I had already planned on getting certified in HubSpot, Google Analytics, and Google Ads in early 2026 in order to up my marketing game and become more employable through the data side of my industry. As of the last week, I have focused on taking courses in order to get certified in that trifecta of marketing data programs. By the way, you should totally check out the new email sign up on my website. It’s a pillar for my learning of marketing automation systems.
All of this to say…
I pray that the snake has cleared the path for the horse that moves everyone forward into this new year, and know that with prayer and God holding your hand and my hand, everything will turn out in the best of ways.
Cheers to 2026, y’all! And happy creating 😁
Taylor