2025 is paired with Wood in the sexagenary cycle. More precisely, it is Yin Wood, represented by the heavenly stem 乙 (yǐ). Combined with the earthly branch 巳 (sì), it forms the year 乙巳, commonly called the Wood Snake year.
The sexagenary cycle combines 10 heavenly stems with 12 earthly branches. Their pairings repeat every 60 years, and the element alternates between yang and yin forms. The 2025 pairing is therefore not simply “Wood” by zodiac symbolism; it is specifically Yin Wood.
A common mix-up is to call 2025 a Fire year because the Snake is traditionally associated with fire as an earthly branch. In the year designation, however, the stem supplies the element used in names such as Wood Snake. The previous year, 2024, was Wood Dragon, while 2026 is Fire Horse.