Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

A TIME OF GLOBAL SHIFT TOWARDS AUTOCRACY, FROUGHT WITH TYRANNY OF SOCIAL MEDIA, CONTROLLING INFLUENCE OF ALGORITHMS, AND THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF CONTENTIOUS DIVISIONS . . .

This is a story about stories. Most people strive to be the hero in their own story. Each has the right to determine and pursue how this should manifest. Sadly, this may be complicated during a time when we are at risk of losing personal freedoms and benefits.

Following elections held in 2024 in 40% of the world’s countries, many voters opted for candidates with far-right, autocratic agendas.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

So, what exactly is an Autocrat?

Autocrats do not act in the service of their constituents. Autocrats operate in the service of their own enrichment and a goal of amassing more personal power.

An Autocrat is a bully expanded to global proportions with no empathy or regard for the impact they have on others; and the greater good. Autocrats have existed since the beginning of time. They have been known under a variety of titles; Emperor, King, Caesar, Czar, Fuhrer, Supreme leader, Dictator, Despot, Ayatollah, to name a few. Many claim their power and position came through divine authority. Historically autocrats inherited their positions through family succession or violent overthrow. Now with the global shift they usually gain their position and power through elections. Unfortunately, we can now add such titles as President, Premier, Prime Minister and any other elected officials that engage in corrupt self-serving practices, and put their interest above those of the people they represent. Amazingly, a vast number of the voters were persuaded to vote against their own better interests. This at a time that seemed to be moving towards social and political reform and greater justice. A time with many working heroically to solve global problems; and there are many. Everything we have lost with this shift towards autocracy, remains to be seen. But there is much in the world that needs improvement. There are wars that are causing death, displacement and suffering to millions that need to end. There are physical disasters caused by climate change. There is food insecurity suffered by too many. There is disparity in the earning and amassing of monetary resources that allows a few very rich and powerful to control an un-proportional share of monetary resources.

The irony is that there is enough land and resources available in the world to resolve all these issues if they were more fairly distributed. Unfortunately, they have been hijacked and horded by greedy, profit motivated, callous individuals and corporate interests. This process often facilitated by cronyism and malevolent autocrats.

Though they may hold offices of public service, autocrats are the antithesis of public service!

A quick look at the Four Pillars natal chart of a current autocrat offers insights into the Autocrat personality and supports the belief that evil is done by persons with unresolved inner conflicts:

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake
Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

Born in a Fire Dog Year – the positive side of Fire Dog is usually bright, warm and engaging. If certain mitigating factors exist (such as excessive Earth) this can turn towards the dark side. The individual may experience a great deal of anxiety that is often projected towards anyone who does not demonstrate absolute loyalty. There is also an obsession with receiving reassurance of loyalty and adoration from all those in close proximity. This need for approval can be magnified in a public setting.

The three Empty Branches – in this chart are a significant part of this chart. Empty Branches represent challenges in life, sometimes a result of past karma. Three in a natal chart is rare.

The Horse Empty Branch – in the Month Pillars indicates a difficult childhood with harsh treatment from parents who were busy with their own priorities and ignored childhood needs. They may also have had their own very a harsh view of life, which was passed on to the offspring.

The Sheep Empty Branch – in the Day Pillars indicates a strong desire to build a positive family but an inability to bond in such a way that a spousal relationship to succeed. Add to this the trauma of an abusive childhood and the individual is incapable of succeeding as husband or parent. Most of the difficulties being the result of this individual’s inability to trust or be trusted. The inner pain often results in a lack of empathy for others. The Horse Empty Branch -in the Hour Pillars can be an indicator of sleep deprivation. There is an inability to quiet one’s mind enough for deep restful sleep. This chronic state of sleep deprivation can result in psychosis that may show up as hyper vigilance, a mistrust of others and enhanced aggressive behavior aimed at destroying perceived enemies.

This is a very strong Earth Chart – Earth Element can be a force in bringing about transformation. This can be for betterment or detriment and will depend on the individual’s choices. Along with power, there is a seriousness and heaviness to having this much Earth. Instead of being an agent of positive change the individual has a need to control and subjugate everything within reach. This much Earth can also indicate an inability to see the world through any lens but one’s own. There can be an obsession with remaking the world in accordance with one’s own view.

Very Strong Fire Element – Indicates a robust public presence that supports the personal agenda and enhances the Self-element Earth especially through electronic means.

Zero Water Element – Water is Wealth Element in this chart and represents rewards in life. Lack of Wealth Element can result in an obsession to accumulate what is perceived as rewards, such as sexual encounters, amassing large amounts of money and achieving great success in all aspects that matter. Anything that can be a source of personal pride or the admiration of others. Regardless of how many or how much, there is no way to fill the emptiness inside. No amount of success or amassed fortune can satisfy this individual. This can lead to further resentment of others and a sense of victimhood. They use their perceived victimhood as a rationale for committing atrocious acts and violating norms.

This is the story of one autocrat. The information is fairly consistent, though, with patterns that can be observed in many autocrats and authoritarian leaders!

Like most bullies they operate from dysregulated mental states with origins in unresolved early life trauma. Like most bullies they attempt to cope with personal challenges and inner pain, through aggression and the subjugation of those they have power and influence over.

The world would be better served if they were in a psychiatrist’s office in place of a governmental office. How did we get here? How have so many been fooled into electing such individuals?

The simple answer is technology!

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

Technology can be a wonderful thing. It has connected us in ways that were never possible before. The challenge is that technology is controlled by a very small group of super rich individuals, and creates endemic manipulation and control excesses.

Through technology personal data is collected, warehoused and converted to algorithms used to manipulate every aspect of human activity; including elections; and mostly very effective at grabbing our attention at every opportunity.

The manipulation of information has been used for a multitude of devious purposes, but technology is also double edge sword and can be used as a force to reverse the damage and right the wrongs.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake
Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

THE YIN AND THE YANG

The contrast that encourages needed change

There is always a rise and fall of energy. The Qi goes up; the Qi comes down. The pendulum swings to one side and then to the other. For every darkness there is a light ready to emerge. For every evil there is goodness that can mitigate it.

There is much happening in the world that is cause for concern; there always has been. Situations are always in flux. Disturbing and dire events offer contrast that can accelerate long awaited positive changes.

Even though technology has been an obedient servant of the dark side it can just as quickly become the instrument that brings the light and promotes positive change.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

The reversal of lies and false promises!

The thing about lies and false promises is that they are not sustainable. When actions are inconsistent with lies told as truths and promises that are not delivered, truth emerges. Truths can rapidly spread as quickly as lies and misinformation, through technology.

Although elections have swung things to the right, they have been won by very small margins; indicating that half the voting population may not be in favor of the results, policies and agenda of the winners.

Things are likely to swing back as more disappointing truths are revealed and shared through technology.

The Snake offers strategies based on Higher Wisdom. The Wood Element promotes new beginnings that can have a profound effect!

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

To benefit from the gifts of the Wood Snake, requires a combination of increased mindfulness and more selfcare. Take personal actions to mitigate the influences that provide distraction without benefit. 


Turn over a new leaf!

Be mindful of how you interact with your phone. Only keep the most essential apps you need. Many apps have the ability to see all the data in your phone including financial transactions. 

Try actual conversations instead of texting. Using a landline keeps conversations more private.

Make it a point to avoid the demands to our attention that are constantly coming through devices. Focus instead on involvement with loved ones, friends and community. Family dinners do a lot to strengthen bonding.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

Build strong local communities in real time instead of cyber time. Reach out to other communities to promote common interests. Strong communities can be the antidote to evil intent.

Interact with individuals with different viewpoints with kindness, even if they appear to be unkind. Become an excellent listener. If they say something that is disagreeable or offensive, listen more deeply and avoid being reactive. 

The contentious divisions created by the powers that be, only serve them. We need a greater recognition of human similarities and the ability to work together in spite of differences. There is much good work that can be accomplished working together.

Vote every day with the dollars you spend; services you subscribe to, social media memberships and sites you visit. Avoid the ones controlled by people who demonstrate objectionable behavior.


It will make a difference!

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

Self-care is an essential component during challenging times! It is highly recommended during this Wood Snake Year!

Clean air, pure water, nourishing food and good sleep habits support strong mind, body spirit. Spiritual practice such as yoga, tai qi, qi gong, meditation, etc., that help you center yourself can keep less than positive occurrences from tipping you off balance.

If things become overwhelming find someone to talk it out with. It could be a trusted friend or a professional.

Be part of the change!

Be mindful of your inner process and address any troubling issues. Healing begins within and can spread outward to loved ones, communities, localities, nations, the world and out into the cosmos.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake

There are good people and forces operating on many levels to bring about the changes that need to happen. Some quite visible, many unseen.
Maintain your vision of a better world and participate in positive actions when you can.

This round of elections, throughout the world, was won with very small margins. Approximately half the voters voted for the other choice.

Be the hero of your own story in every way you can and choose! Appreciate the love and blessings in your life and address the Coming pitfalls as positively as you can. Know, that the change is gonna come!

YASHA JAMPOLSKY – Is a Four Pillars Astrology expert, Healer, Educator and Consultant practicing in the New York City area. Now offering worldwide Four Pillars Astrology Life Readings through teleconferencing, as well as ongoing life coaching programs and educational classes. (Four Pillar Astrology-AKA Ziping Astrology, Batzhi)

He has appeared on national Radio and Television and has been a contributing writer for local and national publications. His innovative approach has made Four Pillars Astrology accessible to many more interested clients and students. During his five-year tenure as director of one of the foremost Feng Shui Schools in the Northeast, he authored the first English language Feng Shui Glossary.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook During the Year of the Wood Snake