The Centre of New Acropolis Hungary hosted a presentation on the Year of the Yin Wood Snake. In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an image (an imaginary lantern this year) that characterizes the entire year. At the beginning of the programme, the two presenters took the audience on a night walk through a forest with their imaginary lanterns. Following the exercise, they explained that in this actively outward-looking year, it is important to find out what would be the oil in your lantern. It is a matter of self-awareness to know what energizes one in his or her everyday life, because it is this inner fire that will keep one going.

The astrological sign of the Snake also reveals the manner of progress: one evolves by moving in ever-changing, winding cycles, while allowing room for creative processes. This is how one can realize his or her goals in keeping with one’s values. Patient efforts will yield the desired results, especially if one consciously introduces new, progressive habits into one’s life. So, when it gets dark in the woods, these efforts, along with our human relations, will be the oil in our lantern, giving us light and warmth.