Fortune Forecast for the Year of the Dragon in Chinese Zodiac.

Pack away those bunny ears and turn up the heat because it’s time to bid farewell to the Rabbit and usher in the Year of the Dragon – the solitary mythical creature among the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Alongside indulging in auspicious meals and exchanging blessings, the Lunar New Year, landing on February 10 this time around, beckons many to gaze into the stars and unveil the fortunes awaiting them in the upcoming months.

While most are acquainted with the fundamentals – the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle encompassing a unique animal for each year, running as Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – there’s more beneath the surface. Your zodiac affiliation is determined by your birth year, implying those born in 2024 will be under the Dragon sign, while 2025 births will fall under Snakes, and so forth. But this merely scratches the surface. Devotees of the system recognize that a year’s characterization extends beyond its animal emblem, involving a multifaceted sexagenary cycle comprised of 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches.

2024 ushers in the Year of the Wood Dragon. Annually, a heavenly stem (aligned with one of the five elements, categorized into yin or yang) converges with an earthly branch (corresponding to one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals). This year unites the heavenly stem “Jia” – representing yang wood – with the earthly branch “Chen,” signifying the Dragon, hence designating 2024 as the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to adherents, insights into the forthcoming months can be gleaned by understanding the symbolism of these elements and their interactions. “Jia symbolizes wood and the Dragon is a very earthy creature,” explains Thierry Chow, a consultant in Hong Kong blending traditional Chinese geomancy with modern design. “The relationship between the two elements tells us a lot about the year. In the five elements, we say wood restricts earth. That means, in 2024, industries in the wood category would likely suppress those in the earth category.” Industries with a pronounced wood presence, such as culture, publishing, and floristry, are expected to flourish more than earth-based sectors like property development and mining.

Regardless of the heavenly stem with which the Dragon aligns, this revered creature remains a favored zodiac symbol, particularly in Asia. “It’s believed that the Dragon represents strong and great leadership. A lot of people are looking to have Dragon babies this year,” notes Chow.

In addition to the significance of the Year of the Wood Dragon, 2024 marks a transition from the eighth to the ninth period of Xuan Kong flying star, marking a new chapter globally. “The number nine star represents feminine energy – so ladies are going to take over in a lot of the areas. It also represents technology, art and design as well as spirituality,” says Chow. These stars could also guide travel plans, with Chow suggesting exploration of destinations in the southwest, northwest, and east, whether within one’s city or beyond borders.

On an individual level, fortunes are believed to hinge on the positions of the Tai Shui – celestial deities thought to orbit parallel to and in the opposite direction of Jupiter. Consulting a Chinese geomancy expert involves analyzing one’s birth chart, comprising various elements based on the positions of different stars at the time of birth, to discern how they interact with the prevailing year. These insights inform major decisions for the year ahead, such as marriage or business ventures. While individual experiences may vary, aligning one’s zodiac sign with the Tai Sui can offer a general outlook for the year. Those whose signs clash with Tai Sui, also known as the Grand Duke of Jupiter, may encounter more disruptions and changes than usual.

Chow advises those affected to remember the cyclical nature of the calendar. “I believe for every yang, there is always the yin, too. So don’t worry too much and just be mindful of how the world may shift, and it’ll help you with what you’re doing anyway,” she suggests. To mitigate clashes, offerings can be made at Chinese temples to appease Tai Sui. While Chow recommends temple visits for all to cultivate positive energy, she especially encourages individuals born in the Year of the Dragon, Ox, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Horse to seek additional blessings this year.