Ken Leung, a Chinese metaphysician living in West Kelowna, holds up a Chinese calendar while framed by a Pei Yau on the left and a small poster. The Chinese year 4711, the Year of the Snake, begins today.

By now, New Year's is but a foggy and perhaps painful memory for many westerners. Chinese people, however, are making their own New Year's memories this weekend.
Happy Chinese New Year! Today is the first day of the Year of the Snake.
The Chinese calendar has a 12-year cycle, with each year named after an animal. People born in each of these years are said to have certain characteristics. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be emotional and careful with their money.
"The snake is usually a tough animal. It has a lot of strength," said Ken Leung.
The West Kelowna man has 30 years' experience in metaphysics and is a Tao master.
"Whether the snake is good or bad depends on your own personal chart," he said.
Among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, it's a good year for the monkey, rat and dragon, but not for the snake and pig.
"The dragon and dog will recover from their bad year last year, and the snake and pig will both have to have a conservative attitude to deal with this year," Leung said.
"The rabbit will be happy but busy, and the ox will have good help. The horse will need help finding direction, and the tiger will have to look after its health. It will be a reforming year for sheep people, and rooster people should take it easy."
Some upheaval appears likely. Leung says it's a big year for illegal immigration, big migration and large-scale demonstrations. It also signals the weakness of government and the strength of people.
"The real estate market and the stock market are still supporting the world's economy, but there could be a thunderstorm against the financial markets after Nov. 14," he said.
The Year of the Snake symbolizes change and is a good year for moving, changing jobs and travelling, said Leung. He says if you don't experience any of these things, you could deal with issues in your family.
"In the family, the father will gain money. The mother will have to defend her health. The oldest boy will have to defend the legal problems. The oldest daughter will do good in learning," he said.
"The youngest daughter will have to defend her health. The middle daughter will have a romantic relationship. The middle son will do well with money, and the youngest son will have good luck and money."
Westerners are preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb. 14, but followers of the Chinese calendar will have to wait a bit longer. On the Chinese calender, it will be 14 days after today, on Feb. 24.