Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year following the lunar calendar. The Chinese zodiac assigns each year to one of twelve animals. This tradition originates from an ancient Chinese poem that recounts 12 mythical animals descending from heaven to usher in spring and a new harvest. February 10 th, 2024, we embrace the Year of the Dragon. Alongside the animal zodiac, the Chinese New Year also associates each year with one of the five elements—Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water. In 2024, Wood takes the center stage, making it the Year of the Wood Dragon.
The Dragon is a powerful and auspicious creature in Chinese mythology, representing courage, creativity, and innovation. 2024 promises to be year full of possibilities and opportunities.
As the luckiest and the most auspicious of the 12 animals, the Dragon is thought to signify unprecedented opportunities. In a Dragon year, people are said to be able to harness the creature’s intelligence, leadership and abilities to pursue their dreams with creativity, passion, courage and confidence. The Dragons transformative power combines with the returning Wood element, offering opportunities for evolution, improvement and abundance. Add to this duo the timing of the New moon on February 9 th, which “creates a cycle of expansion” and people can enjoy a triple dose of positive influence in 2024. The year ahead presents a time for fresh starts and the laying of foundations for long-term accomplishments. Astrologists say that for those born in 1964 , which was the previous Year of the Wood Dragon, the desire for progress will be even stronger, as they harness their affinity with the energy of 2024.
As February approaches, people can expect a dramatic shift in pace as the relaxation and contemplation manifested in 2023’s Year of Rabbit, the most tender of the 12 animals, fades away. Competence will be the dominant feeling in 2024, which may inspire people to move forward in their professional and personal lives by starting new projects, exploring opportunities and creating value for themselves and others.
Wood symbolizes Spring and is about expansion and getting stronger. Some of us will experience our own personal growth and refreshing renewal. Add to this the confidence, allure and dynamic energy of the Dragon and we are headed for success.
This environment is accentuated by the Dragon’s association with Yang, the active principle of the Universe in ancient Chinese philosophy characterized by activity, positivity and productivity. The sturdiness of the Yang Wood is beneficial for people who wish to better establish themselves at work, in social situations or as a parent.
Astrologers expect the upcoming year to therefore suit innovators, problem solvers, risk takers and visionary leaders. Entrepreneurs and startups, they say, will be especially favored, while the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency are expected to thrive.
The Dragon is one of four celestial creatures, along with the Tiger, Turtle and Phoenix, that acts as a guardian of the environment in Feng shui, the Chinese philosophical system. When placed together, the Dragon and Phoenix represent eternal happiness and longevity, which makes the pair auspicious decorations on wedding presents, 2024 is a good year for weddings.
More specifically, 2024 is a critical year in Feng Shui as the Earth transitions from period eight (2004-2023), which was associated with abundance, to period nine (2024-2043). Characterized by passion, transformation and enlightenment, next 20 years are said to bring rapid changes and offer potential for growth as well as greater visibility for individuals and causes.
Period nine is associated with Star nine, the only one of the nine stars in Feng shui that is linked with Fire rather than Earth, Metal, Water or Wood. It may therefore be markedly different, bringing strong, active and competitive energy that may even seem chaotic. There might be opportunities to break away from the old and foster the new, as well as to change direction quickly.
Star nine represents the Sun, the source of light, so period enlightening experiences will move us to follow a higher path. Astrologists also expect strong Yang energy, represented by active environments, bright colors and lively spaces. Just like a real flames, fire pushy; it pushes us to run away, it pushes us to perform. People might see many innovations in period nine, particularly in technology involving the sun and fire, such as solar power, as well as advances in fuel, energy production, the transmission of energy and the way people travel.
Each period is also connected to a member of a family. Period eight’s link was the youngest son, which manifested in the rise of young people succeeding on the internet. In period nine, the wife of the middle son is most important, which will result middle-aged women taking the stage, moving into positions of authority like never before.
Ultimately, though, astrologists say the mood of 2024 will be growth and development, driven by the Year of the Wood Dragon urging pursuit of dreams and period nine’s push for people to perform to the best of their abilities.
Have a Good Qi
The year of the Wood Dragon. So many influences to remember. What would you say were the three major components? Growth, Courage, Confidence, Yang?
I think for all of us will be slightly different. It’s depend which direction you will be hitting to.