Transformation in the Year of the Snake.
Photographs: Fiona L Smith / Pexels
Text: Fiona L Smith
At the end of January, the Chinese celebrated their New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Snake, bringing the snake’s qualities of adaptability, renewal, and transformation. There’s also a turning point in Nature’s calendar now, as the Celtic festival of Imbolc marked a shift away from the dark days of winter back towards the light.
The symbolism of the snake
In Chinese culture, the snake symbolises transformation, wisdom and a deep connection to our intuition. Known for its ability to shed its skin, the snake reminds us of the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve us and creating space for growth and renewal. For internationals living in Denmark, this symbolism can be particularly poignant; moving country and creating a life somewhere new requires us to shed old identities, adapt to a new environment and culture, and embrace the unknown.
Shedding an ‘old skin’ can mean letting go of roles or labels we identified within our lives before we moved here. Perhaps back home, you were the family organiser, the dependable friend and party host and respected professional. If some of that has changed, you may be feeling unmoored or even bereft. If you gave up a job you loved or left family, community and familiar places behind, it’s natural to feel a sense of loss. And everyday tasks can suddenly feel more complicated - it’s not so easy to pick up the phone and get something done or sort a problem when there’s a new language, culture and organisational system to navigate, so our mental load can also dramatically increase when in a new place.
Releasing an ‘old skin’ deserves attention, time, and acknowledgement. Finding supportive ways to process how we’re feeling, whether through journalling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking professional support, allows us to honour what was meaningful while also making room for new experiences. The snake’s process of shedding its skin isn’t without discomfort, and neither is ours. As we shed these layers, we’re left feeling tender and vulnerable, but we can also open to new potential, growth, and transformation.
Imbolc and the energy of Spring
Imbolc - celebrated on 1 February, marked the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Now the earth begins to stir, with snowdrops emerging and daylight hours slowly lengthening. Energetically, it’s a season of hope and potential, and it’s a time to plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically. We’re nearly there!
What aspects of life do you want to nurture – friendship, community, career…health? What old patterns or beliefs are you ready to release? By aligning with the energy of Spring, we can create momentum for meaningful change, even when February starts with yet more dull days!
"In Chinese culture, the snake symbolises transformation, wisdom and a deep connection to our intuition."
Tuning into the wisdom of the body
In a practical sense, this means learning to tune into our internal rhythm and voices. The body holds immense wisdom and communicates through sensations, emotions, and physical cues. However, our busy daily lives, juggling cultural adjustments, work pressures, and family responsibilities make it all too easy to keep pushing through, be busy, and ignore the warning signs that we might need to adjust course or slow down.
Practices like somatic awareness, breathwork, or mindful movement can help us reconnect with our bodies and better understand the messages it’s trying to send – for example, a tight chest might signal unspoken grief or anxiety. At the same time, a sense of lightness and openness might indicate joy or alignment. By cultivating a deeper awareness, we can make choices that support our well-being and deepen our connection to ourselves and others.
To make February the true beginning of your year, here are five tips to draw on the wisdom of the snake, the energy of Imbolc, and the inner wisdom of the body:
Embrace letting go
Take time to reflect on what isn’t working for you. This might be habits, limiting beliefs, or even a relationship dynamic that feels draining or toxic. Write down what you want to let go of and symbolically release it – perhaps by burning the paper (you can also safely do this in a tin can if you live in an apartment) or burying it in the earth.
Honour what was left or lost
Give yourself time to honour or grieve what you left behind or lost when you moved country. It can be really helpful to write about the people, friendships and places you miss, noticing the feelings that arise as you write. Music can also help – play a song that you love and let your body express in movement the things that are difficult to put into words. When we give ourselves permission to feel and process, it’s not only healing but also makes more space for what we want to create now. February is also a wonderful time to plant vegetable or flower seeds indoors to symbolise new growth and beginnings.
Cultivate connections
Building a community begins with reaching out and being brave. Getting to know other internationals can be a really good way to start feeling at home here. You can join a local expat group (many returning Danes also do this) or find groups for Internationals on Facebook where ‘in real life’ events and meet-ups are shared. Can you prioritise at least one social opportunity every week to cultivate friendship and a sense of community?
Move with the seasons
Incorporate daily movement that reflects the shift in energy – with Imbolc and the promise of Spring in the air, it’s time to up the tempo! This could mean taking brisk walks, trying a new dance class, practising vinyasa yoga, or (re)starting to run – in the gym, with a club, or with a ‘Couch to 5k’ App for company.
Tune in and listen
Dedicate a little time each day to tuning inwards. This could be as simple as doing a five-minute body scan, noticing areas of tension or ease. We can’t heal what we don’t feel! Learning to slow down and listen really can guide you towards what you need most – both in your life and for this transformative Year of the Snake.