LIFESTYLE

What to expect this Year of the Dragon, plus tips to help you prosper

5 February, 2024 . 0

Lunar New Year is just around the corner. Our Chinese zodiac experts share their insight on what the Year of the Dragon will bring, plus how to make the most of it.

As the Year of the Rabbit draws to a close, the dragon takes flight into the spotlight for 2024, according to the Chinese calendar.

So, what can you expect for the rest of this year?

We check in with a Chinese astrologer and a Feng Shui practitioner to find out what lies ahead in the Year of the Dragon.

What does the Year of the Dragon mean in Chinese astrology?

The Chinese zodiac system is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by one of 12 animals.

The dragon is fifth in the cycle.

That means the Year of the Dragon comes around once every 12 years, and the next time the dragon will be the zodiac of the year will be in 2036, Feng Shui Master and Chinese astrologist Edgar Lok Tin Yung explains.

Edgar says the dragon, which is more correctly known as chen in traditional Chinese culture, is seen as an Earth element.

“The Earth element represents beliefs, rules, systems, regulations and religions,” Edgar says.

“In the human body, this element represents the stomach, spleen, pancreas and digestive system.

“During the Year of the Dragon, we will tend to see many more issues related to all of these.”

Personality traits of people born in the Year of the Dragon

There are five different dragon types but, in general, since it’s an Earth element, a dragon is seen as trustworthy, confident and stubborn, Edgar says.

“Wood Dragons born in 1964 and 2024 give pressure to the earth element, which means they can act very quick and are quite untraditional,” he explains.

“Those born in 1952 and 2012 are Water Dragons, and (they) are usually more ambitious as the Earth element controls the Water element.

“Earth Dragons are born in 1988, and are extra stubborn and persistent due to both their ‘stem’ and ‘branch’ being Earth elements.”

While Fire Dragons – those born in 1976 – are resourceful and sometimes indecisive, those with a birth year of 2000 are Metal Dragons, who are typically very communicative and expressive, Edgar says.

What will this Year of the Dragon bring?

For dragons

“Generally speaking, dragons will be likely to face extra work and pressure, especially those born in the year 2000,” Edgar says.

Dragons born in 1964 will need to pay attention to their health, particularly around the arms, legs, digestive system and female reproductive system, while those born in 1988 may feel pressured by a heavy workload during the first half of the year, he adds.

“While dragons born in 1976 may get special treatment from their boss, those born in 2002 and 1952 should lay low and show respect to their bosses or teachers,” Edgar says.

For other Chinese zodiac animals

According to Feng Shui practitioner and consultant Michele Castle, the Year of the Dragon may bring different levels of luck for other zodiac signs:

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020): There will be opportunities for career and financial advancement, with thriving relationships and stable health.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021): Expect a year of steady progress, with likely financial gains and flourishing relationships. Stable health can be achieved with proper care.

Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022): There will be improvements in career and financial aspects; any challenges can be overcome with resilience. Your relationships can also benefit from open communication.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023): It will be a year of positive changes for career, financial prospects and relationships. A balanced lifestyle can lead to robust health.

Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013): Despite challenges, careful planning may lead to success. Financial gains are possible, with relationships thriving with open communication and understanding.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014): Experience a year of positive transformation, with career and financial improvements, and deepened relationships. A balanced approach should lead to stable health.

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): This will be a harmonious year with career and financial improvements. Relationships will prosper, and proper self-care can lead to stable health.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): Adapting to challenges will lead to success. Financial gains are possible, and relationships can benefit from patience and understanding.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): This promises to be a year of positive changes with career and financial improvements, as well as robust health, given a balanced lifestyle.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): Overcome challenges with resilience and have open communication to uphold relationships. Financial gains are possible.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): This year will see you prosper in your career, finances and relationships. Proper self-care can lead to stable health.

How to make the most of the Year of the Dragon

According to Edgar, the following tips apply to all Chinese zodiac signs this year:

Exercise is best done in the morning, especially if sweating is involved.
Try activities such as bushwalking or dancing, but avoid strenuous exercise at night.
Think positively and be sure to socialise with more people.
Be generous to others.
Stay in touch with your parents, your in-laws and elderly people in your life – calling them more often will bring better luck.

Read more on zodiac signs and astrology:

Written by Melissa Hong.