The Chinese New Year is on Saturday, February 10th. Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon following the Winter Solstice. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of a long-awaited spring.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon which is also the year 4797.
The Chinese Zodiac dates to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago and is rooted in a system of zoolatry (or animal worship). As the legend goes, the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals in the Kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his palace first would win his favor. The Rat was first because he tricked the Ox who was second, then the tiger, a rabbit whose tail had been bitten by a wolf, and a dragon saved him. As the rabbit got away, he accidentally crossed the finish line and then the dragon followed, so dragon years are powerful and vital, then the snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Feng Shui originated in China as did the Chinese philosophy of the five-element theory. Each of the years in the Chinese calendar are not only named for one of the twelve animals, but they also refer to one of the five elements- water, earth, fire, metal, and wood.
So, what does the Year of the Wood Dragon have in store for us? In Chinese culture, the highly revered dragon is the only mythological creature in the Eastern zodiac rather than an actual animal. And when it is the year of the Dragon, we can access all of Puff’s (remember Puff the Magic Dragon) legendary magic and then some. Dragons symbolize courage, tenacity, and intelligence. This year will symbolize fearlessness and a good year to start fresh and take risks. It is predicted to be a lucky year to build a solid foundation or something new with long-term potential. The last time we had a wood dragon was in 1964 the same year that the Beatles took America by storm and President Johnson signed the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law.
Wood Dragon years combine the dragon’s characteristics with the nurturing wood element. The combination is expected to bring growth, progress, and abundance. The wood element is expansive, which amplifies the Dragons go-get-em influence.
Some themes we can expect to rise up during this year are:
- Power and Authority – shifts in leadership.
- Innovation – pushing boundaries of innovation
- Drama – what is more dramatic than a fire-breathing dragon? Life can imitate a Broadway play this year.
- Ambition – if you are a passionate ambitious person, this is your year.
- Transformation and renewal – 2024 is the year when complete renewal is possible. We may burn away old habits and transform every aspect of our lives down to the grown level.
- Celebration – Joy is the great unifier in 2024 and we can all use a dose of this uplifting energy.
The challenges to expect this year as you work towards your goals could be anger, drama, inflexibility, abuse of power, and burnout.
The Year of the Wood Dragon is expected to be a trailblazing year full of fresh starts, passion, abundance, and great luck.
Happy New Year!
Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer–Creating a Meaningful Life.
Leave a Reply