The Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year starts on 10th February 2024 as the resilient Rabbit passes the baton to the dramatic Dragon.

Brave, benevolent and busy, Dragon years are packed full of dramatic activity making them exceptionally memorable.  The Chinese believe this to be the year of good fortune and luck.  Many will consider moving house, getting married, having their first baby or making some other significant life change at this time. Tradition suggests it is also a good year to start a business.

 

As the only mythological creature in the Chinese Astrological cycle, stories, rumors and folklore surround the Dragon adding intrigue to its already vast presence. In 2000, the millennium bug had people in fear that life would be changed forever as a result of a technological error; in 2012, the Mayan calendar ended which had people fearing for the end of the world.  2024 is the year of disclosure where secrets are revealed and people are challenged to question their world view.  Even before it has started, people sense the arrival of revolutionary change, which inspires awe although, some interpret this as fear.

 

Be ready for some action, as the Dragon creates all manner of fun, placing it squarely in your way until you’ve worked your way out of that part of the labyrinth. Then it’s on to the next level. As the valiant Dragon influences everyone to be more courageous, people tend to take on a lot more than they would otherwise.  It’s not uncommon for people to get second or even third jobs.  Money is not scarce and everyone is wearing their ego right next to their heart on their sleeve.

 

Meeker signs really benefit from the infusion of fire power the Dragon lends, however, tougher signs such as the Ox, Snake and Dog may have to err on the side of caution as this extra thrust can sometimes fling them way past the boundary lines into precarious situations.  It’s wise to maintain a healthy perspective without developing an exaggerated sense of self, which is akin to these regal monsters.

 

The Rat year offers vision, the Ox year provides intense labor to lay the foundations, the Tiger year markets the product, the Rabbit year makes wise adjustments, the Dragon year is the time to consider diversifying or maybe even a complete change in direction.  Do not forget, Dragon years are revolutionary.

 

Opportunities are everywhere but one must be prepared to put in the work.  The Dragon rewards hard graft magnanimously and you may be surprised at what gifts you get with your pay packet.  Make use of the Dragon’s influence and clout as more can be achieved in this one year than in the following three combined.  It is the year where rags can become riches.  But beware, all events are magnified, the ups as well as the downs.

 

While the Dragon is the royal sign, in general society, even if they are not in the main seat of power, they commonly hold the people’s trust, so often, the people will follow the Dragon and not whoever is in power.  Secrets are revealed, the elites or so-called establishment are challenged as the Dragon, with it social clout turns up with its followers in tow to demand egalitarian changes.  Also, Dragon years tend to be hotter than normal.  The hottest year on record was 1976, a fire Dragon year.

 

Like the giant grandiose creature that the Dragon is, its year will be filled with extravagance, excitement and developmental challenges pushing all to their limits and ensuring that they take their responsibilities seriously. Expect lots of laughter, fun and sparkling entertainment.  This reptilian beast is a host of the finest kind who lives up to its larger than life image.   The Royal Dragon toys with everyone but if you keep your sense of humor, you will be rewarded generously.  It is a year to arrive with a plan, be prepared to improvise when the unexpected strikes and savor every joyful moment.

 

This is the Year of the Dragon.

 

 

Click on your sign for your prediction for 2024

 

Rat

Ox

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Sheep

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Boar/Pig

The New Chinese Year of the Rabbit starts on 22nd January 2023.

Artistic, diplomatic and lover of luxury, the Rabbit influence encourages positive changes that improve upon current living conditions.  The Rabbit nurtures but from a distance; circumstances may arise that provide opportunities to better ones state of affairs, but only if you are prepared to work hard.  This time it is the Rabbit dangling the carrot; it is up to you to decide whether the prize is worth the chase.

In Vietanmese, the Rabbit sign is known as the Cat.  However, as I was trained in the Chinese school of astrology as exemplified by Theodora Lan, I depict this sign as the Rabbit.

In Chinese Folklore, the image of the Rabbit was imprinted on the moon by the deity Sakra, the ruler of the Trayastrimsa Heavens; when standing before Sakra, the Rabbit had nothing to give as an offering so he jumped into a raging fire offering himself up as food.  This Rabbit virtue will fall upon all in this year and altruistic activities will see a rise in contributions.  It is the year of selflessness and frequent little kindnesses that usually start a snowball effect of positive energy.

After the ego-serving year of the Tiger, the humility and lightness of the Rabbit comes as a relief.  The perspective shifts from a self-focus to a group-focus.  The Rabbit understands the human condition in a visceral way and when in a position of power, likes to see that as many human needs are met as possible. People become more sociable, they laugh more, they recognize their own simple desires and commit to meeting them. Being one of the most romantic signs, the ground is exceptionally fertile for relationships to flourish and encourages all manner of sensual activities.  You might also find that you want to renew your surroundings, change your wardrobe or find unique ways to prettify yourselves.

Traditionally, Rabbit years are seen as domestically oriented, peaceful and somewhat indulgent.  But the Rabbit is also one of the most intelligent signs and will not retire without leaving its mark in the artistic, business and political realms. Significant changes take place. Tactful persuasion works better than brute force and if you act unjustly expect a speedy karmic response.

An interesting and unexpected aspect to this sign is, although, they are peaceful and non-confrontational, they do not like over-reaching authoritarianism; as such, when confronted by bullies, Rabbit’s will find a way to get their own back, whether directly or indirectly.  They are not fond of unfairness and rules that don’t make sense.  It is for this reason that there is often a period of time, usually towards the end of the summer, beginning of autumn (fall) when a little bit of chaos take place.  For example, the riots in London where people started looting stores in protest of a man being shot dead by police  took place in 2011, the last Rabbit year.

The biggest Hurricane of recent memory in the UK also happened in a Rabbit year, when much of London lost its electricity in October 1987.  If you are interested, have a look at the number of natural disasters (earthquakes, storms etc) that take place during Rabbit years, especially in the autumn, it is astounding and, to me, a fitting symbol of the Rabbit releasing steam physically, as they tend to hold a lot of tension inside that needs expression.

The Rat year offers vision, the Ox year provides intense labor to lay the foundations, the Tiger year markets the product and the Rabbit year uses the available intelligence to make any adjustments to increase profitability. It is also wise to get some rest and recuperation in before the eventful year of the Dragon.

The Chinese look forward to Rabbit years as they are seen as lucky.  It is a mild sign in many respects but not when it comes to the emotions.  Moments of high tension are usually equaled by moments of wild ecstasy.  Also, there may be an increased general tendency to create a mountain out of a molehill.

The Rabbit loves to love and responds well to affectionate gestures.  As long as you infuse everything you do with heart, have the best of intentions and strive to better yourself, this graceful creature will see to it that you succeed.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.

Book a Personal Reading with Zak – Click Here

Click on your Sign for Your 2023 Prediction:

Rat

Ox

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Sheep

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Boar

The New Chinese Year starts on 1st February 2022.

Fiery, wild and dramatic, the year of the Tiger promises excitement by the bucket load. Never content with the quiet life, the Tiger takes action to ensure life is full of glitter and gold, even if it means rocking the boat to get it.  Emerging from the quiet and conservative Ox year, the shift to the Tiger influence can come as a bit of shock.

Rebellious, powerful and proud, the Tiger likes to have things his way and sets out to make it so. However, he makes impulsive decisions based upon whims or immediate desires rather than long-term needs so can find themselves at a loss once the short-term goal is reached.   If you choose to be complacent in this way in this year,  you may come up against unnecessary obstacles, find you have wasted a lot of time and most importantly, have missed important opportunities.  The Tiger and drama go hand in hand.  Rarely will you find yourself bored in a Tiger year; you will be too busy trying to fix the current situation you are embroiled in.

Although the Tiger is a high achiever and secretly, a perfectionist, the overt priority is to have fun.  And this will be a fun year.  Lending everyone magnetic charm and charisma, an environment for creative exploration is formed.  How creative you want to be and in which area of your life is up to you.  Relationships can be created and destroyed easily, though, in this environment; with this sexy Tiger influence, staying grounded isn’t easy, so if you can think through the potential consequences of any significant action before actually acting, you will be wiser than most.

Traditionally, Tiger years are seen as turbulent and tumultuous where disagreements, rash behavior and collisions occur.   Politically, the atmosphere is charged and many secrets are uncovered that cause uproar.  Even the weather tends to be dramatic; storms and tornados are common.

On the other side of the coin, it is a year of innovation.  The Tiger is bold enough to tread territory others are not.  New controversial ideas are discussed and audacious decisions can be made to improve the lives of many especially those who have stagnated.  In Tiger years, change is the only constant.

The Rat year offers vision, the Ox year provides intense labor to lay the foundations, the Tiger year lends Passionate Creativity; it is time to market and sell the product.

Keep your own counsel and use the Tiger’s self-assurance to go it alone rather than joining with others in business ventures.  This excess of energy can also be utilized to reinvigorate seemingly lost causes or failing industries.  An infusion of Tiger energy is exactly what is required to increase productivity and boost general confidence.  A lot can be achieved in a short space of time.

The Tiger likes to play and ultimately doesn’t take life too seriously; if you keep this attitude too, the Tiger year could be an indulgent party.  Just remember that excessive behaviour causes consequences that must be dealt with at some time.

This is the Year of the Tiger.

 

Click on your Chinese sign below for your free 2022 Prediction.  Please share if you are so inclined.

Rule of the cosmos changes hands on the 12th February 2021 when the creative and entrepreneurial Rat presence is replaced by the comforting protection of the paternal Ox.

Modest, hard-working and surprisingly generous, the next twelve months could present significant rewards to those who go beyond the call of their duty to serve others. Being the strong and silent type, the Ox does not like to reveal his feelings about anyone he holds in high regard, so if you receive a promotion or greater responsibility along with an increased pay packet, read between the lines. It is commonly known that the Ox will not part with his pennies unless he feels someone has earned it.

Short cuts are not advisable in an Ox year. Everything will be expected to be done meticulously by the book even though this means taking the long way round. Daddy Ox just wants to make sure you get the benefit of the experience. As far as he’s concerned, there is no substitute for lessons learnt on the hard road which will keep you in good stead later on in your life.

The projects started last year in the instigating phase of the Rat may need a strong infusion of persistent hard work and prudent resource management to see them through to the next level. That is where the Ox takes over. The vision has been decided, now the Ox provides intense labour without complaint.

Looking at famous people born under the Ox sign, you will notice that there are many powerful personalities, many who proved themselves to be one-person political forces to be reckoned with, (Please go to the Ox page for a list.) This trait of self-empowerment will be shared with all. In a many contexts, this could lead to arguments, misunderstandings and confrontations as meeker signs will be lent the Ox’s self confidence so finally have the audacity to say what they really think.

There tends to be something inescapably autocratic about the way Ox signs like to work and this influence can also be felt in their years. Let’s not forget most of the dictators we have seen in our recent past have come from this sign as they are stern, dominant and powerful. It is common for them to be in leadership positions as these traits have been historically what was deemed to be required. However, that seems to be shifting so this type of leadership is losing its grasp. As a result, this Ox year may push those in traditional leadership positions to become increasingly more tyrannical, but the common people, aided by the Ox’s earthy confidence will be more likely to stand up against them.

Adolf Hitler, Sadaam Hussein, Napoleon, Pol Pot and even Machiavelli are All Ox signs. (Incidentally, all five are Ox-Taurus.) But those that openly oppose established institutions also belong to the Ox sign, people such as Princess Diana who stood up to the royal family, Malala Yusef who stood up to the Taliban and was shot through the head yet still lived to tell her tale and even Ricky Gervais who highlights the hypocrisy of Hollywood at every opportunity. (Incidentally, all three are Ox-Cancer.)

NOTE: The above does not mean there is a good or bad chart, it means that certain combinations are born with certain traits; these are just patterns, all chart combinations are neutral in essence, the direction you choose depends on how you choose to use your innate traits.

There isn’t an abundance of resources in Ox years and people prefer to complete minor jobs themselves rather than paying someone else. Rather than getting bonuses in pay, many may find that they get rewarded with periods of free time. Spending more time in nature is commonplace as the Ox is the gardener of the cycle and loves nothing more than spending time working the land. They also find it hard to express their emotions or show vulnerability so other signs may be lent this inhibition also.

Remain respectful and as diplomatic as possible whilst standing your ground, work hard without expecting praise and keep the finish line in your minds eye. Employ every ounce of your discipline and don’t look for an easy way out. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Ox territory, it would be wise to do as the Ox says for an easy life… although “easy” is not a word for this year. It is likely to be a slow and steady year with no great perks as such, just amazing spirit and a big quiet heart.

2021 is the year of the Ox.

For your 2021 prediction, click on your sign at the bottom left of the screen.

2020 - The Year of the Rat

Another twelve year cycle comes to an end and on the 25th January 2020, the gracious Boar hands us over to the charming Rat.

 

Innovative, progressive and active, the next twelve months are likely to push us to proceed with our goals.  It is somehow easier to undertake detailed work without getting a headache, easier to remain focused and surprisingly easy to achieve your goals once firmly set. This is the Rat influence at work. Rat years are known for their abundance of opportunity, so if ever there was a time to get out there, it would be now, despite any potential drawbacks or interruption.

 

The element attached to this particular Rat year is Metal.  This is the Rat that knows how to function within a crisis.  As such, we are lent even greater powers of problem solving and tenacity.  The media and communications are important this year as we all become increasingly self-reliant and entrepreneurial.  People will be more ready to put in the sweat and tears to create their dreams.  The Dog year (2018) gave us self-confidence, the Pig (2019) taught us how to be uninhibited and the Rat (2020) plies us with an infinite amount of ambition.  This year will have us planning and laying the foundations for 2021, the year of the Ox where we are lent the capacity to barge through any opposition or barriers with ease.

 

60 lunar years complete one full Chinese astrological cycle; these are then broken down into five smaller cycles of twelve years each. We are now beginning the third spin, the third rebirth.  With the resolutions and endings of last year, it is the perfect time to concentrate on yourself and rebuild your identity.

 

Economically, think long term and barter for purchases until you get a bargain.  Let’s not forget it’s the year of opportunity, which the Chinese say often comes through crisis.  Business wise, the brave will win; the prudent will win; those who give up do not deserve to win.  With every difficulty there is associated guidance directing you to success. This is especially the case in 2020. Remain hopeful, the universe is on your side.  Just have faith that the solution is on its way.

 

Many people born in the year of the Rat choose to go into the social sciences, counselling, teaching or spiritual fields, anywhere they can aid the development of another’s self-esteem.  Likewise, the coming Rat year will focus primarily on self development and the completion of objectives that will further each individual’s personal growth.

 

Last year encouraged us to cut emotional ties from negative situations and if we were unable to make the decision for ourselves, fate stepped in returning us to a state of innocence. From here we now proceed. Accessing the Rat’s higher intelligence, we see the world with new eyes, we process the two previous cycles of our experience through an advanced perspective and we see the light in every grey cloud.  2020 is going to be a year where we alter the boundaries of our established world view; it could test our tenacious spirit, where achievement comes through proactive pursuit and personal development, through thinking outside of the box.  If ever was there a time for that Rat entrepreneur to step out, it's now.  Let that energy imbue you with it's superpowers and you'll find a way to make lemonade out of every lemon... and more.

2020 is the Year of the Rat.