From February 9, 2024 – January 29, 2025
The Chinese New Year ushers in a new cycle each year on the day following the New Moon of Aquarius. This year, on February 9, 2024 the Year of the Wood Dragon begins. For the sake of comparison, previous Dragon years occurred in 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964 (last Wood Dragon), and 1952. The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, aligned with the astrological sign of Leo, and Dragon years do tend to produce a great deal of drama, in keeping with the nature of that sign.
Unlike Western mythology, the Chinese Dragon symbolizes potent and benevolent power. Dragons are ancient, majestic, wise and intelligent, and Dragon years are considered especially auspicious for new businesses, marriage, and the birth of children. They often coincide with a boost to individual fortunes and the world economy. Dragon is unique in that it is the only character who shows up to help usher in every New Year, regardless of the zodiac sign being celebrated for that year.
Dragon Years often begin with some kind of collective fear of global proportion, like the Y2K Bug of 2000, or speculation regarding the end of the Mayan Calendar in 2012. Once again, we begin 2024 on high alert, with much global unrest and volatility, several systems of government under siege, an unpredictable economy, and basically, a world in turmoil, ripe for dramatic change and transformation. Although the wood element has a slightly stabilizing influence on fiery Dragon, tumultuous events that bring about social/cultural change and transformation are the rule for Dragon years. Sixty years ago, during the last Year of The Wood Dragon (1964), The Civil Rights Act was signed into law, initiating a time of violent protest, malicious acts of cruelty, and social upheaval perpetrated by those who opposed it; Beatlemania swept the nation with their first appearance in America on The Ed Sullivan Show, ushering in a cultural revolution that shaped generations to come; the most powerful earthquake in American history (9.2 on the Richter Scale) occurred in Alaska; The Warren Report was published giving birth to one of the greatest “conspiracy theories” (the assassination of President Kennedy) to challenge the honesty and integrity of the US government; and the first college protest against the Viet Nam War happened at The University of California, ushering in over a decade of unprecedented, often violent, political unrest on the part of American youth. Dragon years often bring extremes of breakthroughs and breakdowns, which challenge existing paradigms and old belief systems that no longer serve Human evolution socially and culturally. Collective perception is changed, and the resulting cultural shifts, attitudes and practices unfold slowly over the following decade, or 12 years, when the next Dragon Year repeats the process.
Our yearning for tranquility, serenity, and peaceful co-existence in the Year of the Rabbit turns to the fearless pursuit of new vision and a willingness to take risks to achieve it. Dragon years are exhilarating and exciting for the bold, daring souls who are willing to take risks and bank on the validity of their creative visions. Progressive movements are tested. Huge achievements and catastrophic failures are magnified. Dragon-sized plans, impetuously executed without the benefit of a secure foundation, can result is dragon-sized disasters. It takes a little effort to exercise patience, caution and careful planning when one is being bathed in invigorating, inspirational dragon’s breath.
Dragon years usually coincide with Jupiter in Taurus, and natural catastrophes of exaggerated proportion , especially earthquakes and ensuing tidal waves, which often occur during Dragon years. This is especially likely this year as Jupiter joins Uranus in Taurus in May of 2024, repeating an 83/84-year cycle which last occurred in May of 1941. There is also the promise of great success for global initiatives and innovation involving energy conservation, green energy technologies, restoration of the health of oceans and sea life and, in general, concern for natural resources and the health of the Planet.
To paraphrase a famous Bette Davis quote, “Dragon Years ain’t for sissies!” They tend to usher in the dawn of a new era, and the events and circumstances required to facilitate such dramatic change and transformation can be unsettling, disruptive, and often forced upon us. On a personal level, challenges to the old paradigm and existing belief system can be a little scary. That being said, it is also exciting and invigorating to be infused with dragon’s energy and to be able to move forward with courage and faith in your dream. For many, this will be the year to take action and give birth to a new vision, that urge which has been germinating for quite some time now. So, by all means, jump on Dragon’s back, and enjoy the ride! Just hang on tight, and remember to breathe, laugh, pray, and then breathe some more.
Wishing you a wonderful Dragon Year, filled with much joy, good health, abundance, and all the love you will allow!
Kimberly McSherry
