Lunar New Year: The Year of the Dragon

What the Year of the Dragon means for you this Lunar New Year
By Kate Ng • Trending Lifestyle Reporter 

Lunar New Year is a major celebration across the world, observed by more than 1.5 billion people every year. The first day of Lunar New Year falls on Saturday 10 February this year, with plenty of festivities set to take place.

This year, 2024, is the Year of the Dragon, which is a mythical, powerful creature that has important significance in Chinese culture.

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Each person is assigned to an animal - each of which have specific attributes, strengths and weaknesses - depending on the lunar year in which you were born.

According to the zodiac cycle, the 12 animals are:

• Rat

• Ox

• Tiger

• Rabbit

• Dragon

• Snake

• Horse

• Goat

• Monkey

• Rooster

• Dog

• Pig

What does the Year of the Dragon hold for us all? We turned to Chinese astrologist and feng shui consultant Janine Lowe, author of Date, Love, Marry, Avoid, to get her predictions for each animal in the Chinese zodiac. 

Will the Year of the Dragon be lucky?

Alongside the animals of the Chinese zodiac are the five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

These elements are set in specific order and cycles through the years as well. Each element also carries specific attributes and is said to affect a person’s destiny.

2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, which Lowe says is a "creative and revolutionary dragon" that may have the power to change your views on life.

She tells Yahoo UK that the Wood Dragon is curious and exploratory, while still being guided by logic. "This Dragon has come to teach us a lesson or two," she says.

It sounds slightly ominous, but don’t let that scare you - the Wood Dragon is "generous" and "amenable", often taking the middle road so as not to offend people.

2024 Zodiac predictions

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

Anyone born in the year of the Rat can look forward to an abundant year filled with positivity and growth energy, says Lowe.

"If you are ready to climb up the career ladder, the universe is ready to present opportunities. Stay vigilant, especially in June."

Dates to look out for: 5 May - 4 June; 7 August - 6 September; 6 December - 4 January

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

This year may be challenging for you, but the Ox is usually characterised by its resilience, which will come in handy. It is also known to have plenty of support from the people around them, so don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones for support.

Lowe advises using this year to sow the seeds for next year, but otherwise "enjoy the year and learn a lot from it".

Dates to look out for: 5 May - 4 June; 6 July - 6 August (ideal holiday dates); 7 September - 7 October

Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Tigers stand to make the most of this year if they take up new skills that will fill them with passion, Lowe predicts. There are also plenty of new experiences that will appeal to your love for adventure.

Dates to look out for: 4 February - 4 march; 5 June to 5 July; 7 November - 5 December

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

If you’re born in the year of the Rabbit, this is a good time to keep up with current trends and be adaptable to change, Lowe says.

"Take this year at a steady pace - not quite as fast as the Hare, but not the slowness of the Tortoise," she adds, referring to the tale of the Tortoise and the Hare. The 'superpower word' for you this year is "Focus".

Dates to look out for: 6 July - 6 August; 7 September - 7 October (ideal resting dates); 7 November - 5 December

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Born in the year of the Dragon and an entrepreneur? This is your year, Lowe says, advising to keep in mind that your 'superpower' is your creativity.

She adds that taking the initiative to "be bold" in most of the dates below will help you enhance your wealth.

Dates to look out for: 7 August - 6 September; 7 September - 7 October; 8 October - 6 November (ideal resting dates); 5 December - 4 January

Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

Anyone born in the year of the Snake may find their sense of intuition in "overdrive" this year, Lowe says. It could be a particularly good year for love if you are single.

"There is someone out there who would like to be your love interest.. Especially between May and June and September and October."

Dates to look out for: 5 May - 5 June; 7 September - 7 October; 7 November - 5 December (ideal holiday dates)

Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

"Carpe diem" or "seize the day" are your 'superpower' words for 2024, if you’re born in the year of the Horse. There’s plenty in store for you, from passion to adventure - June and September are going to be particularly good months for igniting the former.

Dates to look out for: 7 August - 6 September; 6 December - 4 January (ideal resting dates)

Goat (1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)

People born in the year of the Goat are usually characterised by their need to have all the facts before making a decision - sometimes, it takes them a while.

But Lowe’s advice for this year is to make it a year of 'Yes'. "Just do it," she says. "There are paths in life you haven’t gone down before, and this is the year to walk down them."

Dates to look out for: 4 January - 3 February (ideal resting dates(; 5 June - 6 August; 7 November - 5 December

Monkey (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Lowe says that, in 2024, "wealth is yours" if you are born in the year of the Monkey. However, this doesn’t always mean financial wealth - it can also pertain to a wealth of happiness, health and new connections.

"Welcome it all into your world," she says. "Your power word this year is success."

Dates to look out for: 4 February - 4 March (ideal resting dates); 5 May - 4 June; 7 August - 6 September; 6 December - 4 January

Rooster (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

Roosters are in for a rollercoaster ride this year, with big, soaring highs, but also potentially some low periods. But Lowe says that you need to hang on tight to those highs, because it will be worth it.

She adds: "Make sure you take a rest in March and don’t make any financial decisions then."

Dates to look out for: 4 April - 5 June; 7 September - 7 October (ideal romantic dates)

Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

The year of the Dragon clashes with the Dog due to its position on the zodiac cycle, but this isn’t a reason to feel worried about the year ahead.

Some clashes happen for a reason, Lowe says. Focus instead on finding balance in your everyday life, and take up a hobby that gets you out of the house and into the fresh air, as this will do you a world of good. In terms of money, Lowe warns: "Do not overspend because it makes you feel better."

Dates to look out for: 4 April - 4 May; 8 October - 7 November (ideal resting or holiday dates)

Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

The word of the year for people born in the year of the Pig is "adapt". "This year is a busy year for you, particularly if you’re supporting others at home and at work," Lowe says.

She advises you to remember to take some time for yourself, especially between May and June. You should also keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to increase your wealth this year.

Dates to look out for: 5 March - 3 April; 5 May - 4 June; 6 July - 6 August

Source: Yahoo News

https://www.yahoo.com/news/lunar-new-year-2024-dragon-chinese-zodiac-163807509.html