水Chinese zodiac · Water element
Water Snake 1953 · 2013 · 2073 · 癸巳 (guǐ sì)
Water Snakes are wise and intuitive like every Snake, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yin Water
- Animal: Snake
- Element: Water 水
- Every 60 years
Year of the Water Snake dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | 14 Feb 1953 – 2 Feb 1954 | 癸巳 (guǐ sì) |
| 2013 | 10 Feb 2013 – 30 Jan 2014 | 癸巳 (guǐ sì) |
| 2073 | 7 Feb 2073 – 26 Jan 2074 | 癸巳 (guǐ sì) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
What makes the Water Snake different
At heart this is still a Snake: wise, intuitive and elegant. Water is the element of wisdom. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Water tempers Fire
Water controls Fire, the Snake’s native element. The year element reins the sign in, giving Water Snakes more self-discipline than others of their sign, along with a touch of inner tension.
Water Snake strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Intuitive and perceptive
- Flexible and diplomatic
- Wise and perceptive
- Calm and composed
Watch out for
- Indecisive under pressure
- Can be overly sensitive
- Secretive
- Slow to forgive
Water Snake in love
Water deepens the sign’s emotional side, bringing empathy and a need for real connection. Snakes are deep, loyal and selective.
Water Snake career and money
Water favors communication, persuasion and roles that need a feel for people. Snakes do well in work that rewards analysis, patience and discretion.
- Science and research
- Finance and investment
- Psychology and analysis
- Art, design and fashion
The other types of Snake
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Water Snake with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Snake guide.
The Water years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Water Snake year is preceded by the Water Dragon. Water is linked with winter, the color black and blue and the north. Read more about the five elements.
Water Snake questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Water Snake?
The Year of the Water Snake falls in 1953, 2013 and 2073. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 14 Feb 1953 – 2 Feb 1954; 10 Feb 2013 – 30 Jan 2014; 7 Feb 2073 – 26 Jan 2074.
What is the Water Snake personality?
Water Snakes are wise and intuitive like every Snake, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Who is the Water Snake compatible with?
Like all Snakes, the Water Snake is most compatible with the Ox, Rooster and Monkey, and finds the Pig and Tiger more challenging.
How is the Water Snake different from other Snakes?
Water controls Fire, the Snake’s native element. The year element reins the sign in, giving Water Snakes more self-discipline than others of their sign, along with a touch of inner tension.
Check your exact sign
Enter your date of birth to confirm your Chinese zodiac animal and element, plus your star sign and life path number.
