Welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon
Photo by zhang kaiyv
This February, we’re celebrating Lunar New Year and flying into the Year of the Wood Dragon. This is a gradual shift in energy that begins in the fall, so you may have been feeling this for a while now as we’ve started to transition out of the Year of the Water Rabbit.
Each of the Chinese zodiac animals has a unique relationship with the Dragon, so depending on your zodiac animal, the energy of 2024 may be more harmonious or more challenging. There is a Chinese saying that the animal assigned to your birth year is “the animal that hides in your heart.” In this post, we’ll be focusing on how the Year of the Dragon impacts you based on your birth year animal. Keep in mind, though, that this astrological system, which is called BaZi or Four Pillars, is quite complex, and there is also an animal that corresponds to your month, day, and hour of birth. If you’re really interested in this topic, we would encourage you to work with an expert to learn more.
Our goal in sharing an overview of the year ahead is to inspire you and have some fun. Remember that even if this year presents a more challenging energy for you, challenges can be great catalysts for growth and learning.
Overall, you can expect the Year of the Wood Dragon to embody qualities of both the wood element and the Dragon. Wood is all about growth and new beginnings, and it also embodies the qualities of compassion and flexibility. The Dragon is a bold, dynamic, benevolent creature, and together these energies combine to create a very diplomatic, cooperative energy. This year we have an opportunity to soar, create, collaborate, and find a sense of community.
What this means for each zodiac animal in 2024
Below, you’ll find a description of each of the zodiac animals, what’s in store for each one based on the energy of this year, and a tip to make the most of 2024.
*Please note: if your birthday is between January 1st and February 5th, your animal sign may be the animal of the preceding year. If you were born on February 3rd, 4th, or 5th, we would recommend finding your natal chart online or consulting a Chinese almanac.
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Rat 子
Resourceful, likes to be busy, can sniff out opportunities
Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats are best friends with Dragons, Monkeys, and Oxen. The Rat and the Dragon both like to get things done, and when they come together, good things can happen. (Real life example: Anjie is a Dragon and Laura is a Rat, so you can see how these two energies have the potential to be great collaborators!)
Overall energy of 2024: Very good
What to focus on this year: Think about something you’ve been wanting to start or launch. This year, you have the energy of the Dragon to support you and push you along!
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Ox 丑
Steady eddy, hard-working and reliable, plows through problems calmly
Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Oxen are great friends with the Snake, Rooster, and Rat. The Ox and the Dragon are also a good match. Both animals are stubborn and have a great work ethic, and they have a great deal of respect for one another.
Overall energy of 2024: Pretty good
What to focus on this year: Be yourself. You don’t have to do a lot or change what you’re doing. Instead, focus on building on your existing skill set — the world needs your gifts.
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Tiger 寅
Dynamic, self-reliant tigers leap forward with creative ideas
Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
The Tiger’s best friends are the Horse, Dog, and Pig. The combination of Tiger and Dragon can sometimes be a little volatile. They are both bold, dynamic animals, and they both like to be right. However, they can work well together when they find common ground in their shared compassionate natures.
Overall energy of 2024: So-so
What to focus on this year: Do what you do best: get out in the world, find adventure, and use your creative energy. Also, find joy in connecting with others.
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Rabbit 卯
Easy-going, sensitive, and sociable, the Rabbit hops along with grace
Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Rabbits are very delicate and sensitive, always in tune with others’ emotions and what’s happening around them. They are friends with the Ram, Pig, and Dog. The Rabbit and Dragon have a challenging relationship because they are quite different on the surface. However, they do get along when they need to. When there was a great race to determine the order of the zodiac animals, the reason the Rabbit came in fourth and the Dragon came in 5th is because the Dragon helped the Rabbit to cross the river.
Overall energy of 2024: Challenging
What to focus on this year: Remember that both Rabbits and Dragons are capable of seeing the bigger picture, just in different ways. The Dragon sees the big picture from a bird’s-eye view, while the Rabbit sees the big picture by being aware of all of their senses. This year, use your innate grace to weather any challenges, and know that there are many gifts and teachings to be had even in our most difficult times.
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Dragon 辰
Energetic, strong dragons fly through life with purpose.
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Dragons best friends are Monkeys, Roosters, and Rats. While it may sound like good luck to be a Dragon in a Dragon year, this is actually a challenging position. Because of this, we would recommend taking some energetic precautions. You can participate in the Golden Cicada ritual to help smooth out this year’s rough edges. If you’d like to join us for a live Golden Cicada ritual, we will be hosting one on February 10th! It’s also recommended that you carry a three-dimensional charm of the Rooster, the best friend of the Dragon, for good luck and protection.
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Snake 巳
Intellectual snakes slide through life with wisdom and grace.
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The Snake is best friends with the Rooster, Monkey, and Ox. Snakes and Dragons also have an affinity for each other. Snakes are very courageous and quiet, and the Dragon respects them.
Overall energy of 2024: Pretty good
What to focus on this year: Use your wisdom and discernment to cultivate wisdom and success. Harness the Dragon energy, and see how it can work for you as a Snake.
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Horse 午
Strong, active horses will gallop by, looking for adventure.
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Horses are best friends with Tigers, Dogs, and Rams. The active, fiery Horse and the Dragon generally get along quite well. Like Dragons, Horses are happy to take on new opportunities and strive for success, although a Horse will probably move through life more quickly and impulsively than a Dragon.
Overall energy of 2024: Pretty good
What to focus on this year: Take a page from the Dragon’s book. You can get to your destination by being bold and adventurous, but remember to be patient. Prioritize mindfulness before you gallop off.
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Ram 未
Gentle and kind, but under that soft, woolly exterior is strong determination.
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
The Ram is also sometimes called the Sheep or the Goat. The Ram’s best friends are the Pig, Horse, and Rabbit. Rams and Dragons have a neutral relationship — it’s not particularly challenging or particularly beneficial. The Dragon can have a hard time understanding the Ram’s sensitive nature, but they both have a benevolent, protective qi, and they appreciate this about each other.
Overall energy for 2024: Neutral
What to focus on this year: The Ram is very determined once they’ve set their mind to something, so you really have the opportunity to sway this year in either direction. Harness the big, bold energy of the dragon to explore new ideas, and choose to carve a path that challenges you or creates more ease.
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Monkey 申
Clever, curious monkeys will charm others with their ap-peel.
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Monkeys are friends with Dragons, Rats, and especially Snakes. The Monkey and the Dragon are both very energetic and smart, in different ways. Dragons are very wise and stalwart, while Monkeys are incredibly clever — and the Dragon loves the Monkey’s quick wits. The Monkey is also more understanding of the Dragon’s intensity than some of the other zodiac animals.
Overall energy for 2024: Very good
What to focus on this year: Think about how you want to ride this Dragon wave of prosperity and energy, and use your clever Monkey ways. As a Monkey, you’re great at staying nimble and pivoting, so remember to do that when needed.
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Rooster 酉
Articulate, astute roosters strut with confidence
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
The Rooster is friends with the Snake and the Ox, and is also the secret best friend of the Dragon. Roosters and Dragons are both bold protectors that can handle difficult situations. While the Dragon does this in a more benevolent way, the Rooster is more gregarious and showy. The Dragon finds this charming, so embrace your natural tendency this year to use your voice, have fun, and express yourself with confidence.
Overall energy of 2024: Excellent
What to focus on this year: You’re a good luck charm this year, so enjoy spending time with your friends! The connections and community you create this year will serve you well.
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Dog 戌
Loyal dogs look out for others and they are dogged protectors
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Dogs are great friends with Rabbits, Horses, and Tigers. The Dog is the animal that clashes with the Dragon; they approach life very differently and don’t tend to understand each other very well. Before you start to worry, remember that you also have three other pillars — your birth year animal is only one part of your chart. We would also recommend that you practice the Golden Cicada ritual. You can also carry a Rooster charm with you, or find a Rooster buddy!
Overall energy for 2024: So-so
What to focus on this year: Look at this year as a chance to examine what’s not working, and use the Dragon’s energy to see all sides and challenge your perceptions. The Dragon sees things very differently from the Dog, so this can be a powerful opportunity for growth. This will probably be a year of change for you, but change is not a bad thing. If you are thoughtful and seek counsel from mentors, you can find success through challenges.
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Pig 亥
Good-natured and trust-worthy, Pigs are always there to help ‘snout’
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
The Pig, also known as the Boar, is friends with the Rabbit, Ram, and Tiger. Dragons and Pigs get along fairly well. They’re both straightforward, and they value authenticity.
Overall energy of 2024: Good
What to focus on this year: In addition to being hard workers, Pigs are very fun-loving! Your work is paying off, and it’s a great year to use what you’ve learned over the years to find more success. Be yourself and enjoy yourself!
We hope this forecast helps you better understand the energy coming your way in 2024, and we hope to see you at our live online workshop on February 10th!