Opportunities await the bold in the Year of the Wood DragonThough Japan welcomed the dragon on Jan. 1, Chinese New Year isn't for another month
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/01/02/lifestyle/year-of-the-dragon/
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.”
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.
Powerful protectorAccording to Chinese legend, the dragon came in fifth place in the Jade Emperor’s race to determine the order of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, placing the dragon after the rat, ox, tiger and rabbit in the calendar cycle. Given the dragon’s superior abilities, the emperor was astounded and demanded to know what happened. The dragon replied that he had temporarily left the race to put out a fire he had seen in a nearby village.
The story marked the start of ancient tales of the courageous and kind-hearted dragon who sought to protect and serve humankind.
Shinagawa Shrine is one of Tokyo's three Shinagawa Shrine is one of Tokyo's three "dragon shrines." | KATHRYN WORTLEY
Dragons in East Asia have been long held to live in water and to summon the rains, according to scholars of the region. Japanese ideas about dragons are a blend of traditions imported from India and the East Asia continent, as well as local myth. They are based on the dragon as a supporter of a plentiful harvest.
Most Japanese dragons are associated with water, manifested frequently by the decorative stone or metal dragons at temizuya (purification fountains) at shrines and temples throughout the country. They are also considered to be a positive influence and can be seen in other parts of shrines and temples, too.
In 2024, Tokyo’s three “dragon shrines” were expected to be especially popular among visitors taking part in hatsumōde (the first shrine visit of the new year) according to astrologists. Shinagawa Shrine, Mabashi Inari Shrine in Koenji and the inari shrine adjacent to Koenji Temple were so named because dragon motifs are wrapped around the torii gates that mark their entrances.
Also expected to attract more attention than usual are the three great sites of Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of things that flow, including water, wisdom, fortune and knowledge. The veneration of Benzaiten has long been associated with the dragon, as she was originally a river goddess, and she is even sometimes depicted riding a white dragon. The three sites — Daigan Temple and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima, Enoshima Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture and Hogon Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine in Shiga Prefecture — are located close to the sea due to its power and are said to be worth a visit in 2024.
Period nine
The dragon is one of four celestial creatures, along with the tiger, turtle and phoenix, that acts as a guardian of the environment in feng shui, the Chinese philosophical system. When placed together, the dragon and phoenix represent eternal happiness and longevity, which makes the pair auspicious decorations on wedding presents, says feng shui practitioner Jodi Brunner, adding that 2024 is a “good year for weddings.”
Feng shui practitioner Jodi Brunner says 2024 will be a good year for weddings.
Feng shui practitioner Jodi Brunner says 2024 will be a good year for weddings. |
More specifically, 2024 is a critical year in feng shui as the earth transitions from period eight (2004–23), which was associated with abundance, to period nine (2024–43). Characterized by passion, transformation and enlightenment, the next 20 years are said to bring rapid changes and offer potential for growth as well as greater visibility for individuals and causes.
Starting on Feb. 4, 2024, period nine will not come again until the 23rd century as part of a 180-year cycle based on the solar calendar. The last one was from 1844 to 1863, a time marked by the conflict over slavery in the United States and the arrival of the Black Ships that resulted in Japan’s opening up to the world for the first time in some 200 years.
Period nine is associated with star nine, the only one of the nine stars in feng shui that is linked with fire rather than earth, metal, water or wood. It may therefore be markedly different, bringing strong, active and competitive energy that may even seem chaotic. There might be opportunities to break away from the old and foster the new, as well as to change direction quickly.
“Star nine represents the sun, the source of all light, so period nine is a time for seeing things as they are,” says Brunner. Add to this phenomenon the connection between star nine and the eyes, and people may have their eyes opened.
“In period nine, enlightening experiences will move us to follow a higher path. This means the ability to see things the way they are. Things hidden in the darkness will also come to light, but we will not gain true wisdom until period one (from 2044 to 2063),” she says.
Astrologists also expect strong yang energy, represented by active environments, bright colors and lively spaces, due to star nine’s connection with fire, a yang element.
“Just like real flames, fire is pushy; it pushes us to run away, it pushes us to perform,” Brunner says. “Actors, presenters and politicians have a special place in period nine because fire can make them famous.”
People might see many innovations in period nine, particularly in technology involving the sun and fire, such as solar power, as well as advances in fuel, energy production, the transmission of energy and the way people travel.
Enoshima Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture is said to be worth a visit in 2024 due to its association with the dragon.
Enoshima Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture is said to be worth a visit in 2024 due to its association with the dragon. | KATHRYN WORTLEY
A broad range of careers might also be auspicious. Due to the perception that fire shines as it burns, work involving the presentation of the exterior such as in fashion, beauty, design and entertainment could bring success. People will also experience a greater mind-body connection, so jobs related to spiritual things, ranging from counselors to yoga instructors, may receive greater attention.
Each period is also connected to a member of a family. Period eight’s link was the youngest son, which manifested in the rise of young people succeeding on the internet, says Brunner. In period nine, the wife of the middle son is most important, which she says will result in middle-aged women “taking the stage, moving into positions of authority like never before.”
Due to middle-aged women’s role in caring for children and aging parents, people might also become more focused on family matters than in period eight.
Ultimately, though, astrologists say the mood of 2024 will be growth and development, driven by the Year of the Wood Dragon urging pursuit of dreams and period nine’s push for people to perform to the best of their abilities.
