forecasts
Opportunities await the bold in the Year of the Wood Dragon
Though Japan welcomed the dragon on Jan. 1, Chinese New Year isn’t for another month
2024 marks the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac, with the year predicted to be a good time for fresh starts. | AI-GENERATED IMAGE / THE JAPAN TIMES
BY KATHRYN WORTLEY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Jan 2, 2024
Represented by the only mythical — and the most powerful — creature of the 12-animal Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon is considered special.
The legendary magical beast is symbolic of authority, honor and dignity, particularly in China, where it has represented imperial power since ancient times. In Japan, it also plays a role in the religions of Shintoism and Buddhism.
As the luckiest and 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 overall energy of a dragon year is vital and competitive, with people feeling a strong urge to gain respect and achievement,” says Hong Kong-based Chinese and Western astrologer Jupiter Lai.
People will feel a strong urge to gain respect for themselves in 2024, according to astrologist Jupiter Lai.
The upcoming Year of the Dragon, though, may bring even more gusto due to the alignment of three key energies, according to astrologers.
Following the Chinese calendar, which rotates in 60-year cycles based on 12 earthly branches — each represented by an animal year — and five heavenly stems — wood, fire, earth, metal and water — Feb. 10 marks the start of the Year of the Wood Dragon (though Japan starts its zodiac from Jan. 1). The dragon’s transformative power combines with the nurturing wood element, offering opportunities for evolution, improvement and abundance.
Add to this duo the timing of the new moon on Feb. 9, which “creates a cycle of expansion,” and people can enjoy “a triple dose of positive influence” in 2024, says Hawaii-based astrologer Cathryn Moe.
Indeed, the year ahead presents a time for fresh starts and the laying of foundations for long-term accomplishments, according to scholars of East Asia.
For those born in 1964 (turning 60 years old), 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, say astrologists.
The World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The shrine is one of the three great sites of Benzaiten, a Japanese goddess who has long been associated with the dragon. | KYODO
As February approaches, people can expect a dramatic shift in pace as the relaxation and contemplation manifested in 2023’s Year of the 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,” says Moe. “You will experience your own personal growth and refreshing renewal. Add to this the confidence, allure and dynamic energy of the dragon and you 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.
“Yang wood is akin to a tall and robust tree planted on the mountain, signifying a period of growth and accomplishment,” says Lai, adding that 2024 is “an opportune time to cultivate leadership abilities.”
Moe agrees, noting that “courageous leaders who take chances may find themselves with more opportunities than expected.” Moreover, the “bigger-than-life qualities” of the dragon’s personality could lift the spirits of all, making 2024 “a transformative year for many.”
Astrologer Cathryn Moe says a triple dose of positive influence lies ahead in February.
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, she adds. The tree’s deep roots “will enable people to weather the changes they may create or find themselves in while negotiating.”
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.
“Engineering applications, fashion designers, environmental sciences and sustainability will all receive the attention, confidence and support of the Year of the Dragon,” says Moe.
Astrologers predict that the Wood Dragon year will bring some kind of positive change and opportunity for every individual. In particular favor will be those born in the years of the monkey and rat due to their affinity with water, a connection shared with the dragon. People born in the years of the rooster, snake, dragon and boar (called pig in some countries) will also benefit, but those born in the year of the dog could find 2024 troublesome as the dog clashes with the dragon.
With the dragon appreciating vibrant colors that accentuate its dynamism, such as red, orange and purple, Moe suggests people surround themselves with candles, clothing, furniture and art in these hues to “invigorate their environment and keep their year on track.”
On a global scale, Lai foresees trouble as well as growth because earth is the element associated with the branch in 2024. Although earth symbolizes stability and nourishment, which can have a positive influence as it did during the Year of the Metal Ox in 2021, earth and wood are not entirely compatible.
“Wood can have a detrimental effect on earth,” says Lai, adding that the combination of the pair “implies the possibility of instability in the realms of economy and politics” in 2024.
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