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When Mao Shuting became pregnant in May, her family was overjoyed - the baby will be born in the year of snake. Like most Chinese, they believe that this is auspicious. Mao and a pianist attend a special yoga course for pregnant women twice a month together with some other 10 expectant mothers. She believes it will help them prepare for the delivery of their "snake babies." "I was told baby born in the year of snake is gifted with artistic talent. My baby is going to be a Pisces, and Pisces are very artistic. My husband and I both work in the art industry, so I think it is such a blessing for us to have this snake baby." The snake, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, is regarded as a symbol of insight and wisdom. Babies born in the year of the snake are also said to be influential. Dong Yilin is one of China's most famous fortune tellers. He practices on the basis of China's ancient scripture Yijing. The Yijing is also known as Zhouyi, and is one of the oldest of the Chinese classic texts. Yijing origins can be traced back about 4,000 years. Dong believes that people born in the year of snake are very determined and resolute about success. "People who are born in the year of snake are very good at putting aside worries and moving on with life. For example, if we encounter some bad things like breaking up with friends, having problems at work or suffering a big loss in personal wealth, it might take a year for other people to recover, but it could take just one month for those who are born in the year of snake to get over it soon find their way to go for the next period." | 
