As the Lunar New Year approaches, we bid farewell to the Yin Water Rabbit and hand the reins to the Yang Wood Dragon on February 10, 2024.
The Dragon, the only mythical animal of the 12 animals in Chinese astrology, is a courageous, powerful and auspicious animal known for bringing heaven to earth. It is also a symbol of luck and prosperity. The special powers of the Dragon allow it to see the big picture and the smallest details simultaneously. Most importantly the Dragon, from its mythical perch, sees and understands how everything is interconnected.
The Dragon is a big-hearted animal, focused on creating harmony through compassion. However, that doesn’t mean the Dragon is afraid to speak up when it comes to injustice. On the contrary, the Dragon demands justice and change to advance a better life for all. Fearlessness is a hallmark of a Dragon.
Wood is the Dragon’s inherent element and is the symbol for growth. It is also the element of spring with its uplifting energy, like seedlings pushing up through the earth. The energy of Wood is optimistic and expansive, it encourages new ideas and projects. The Wood energy combined with the outward, bright, strong Yang energy makes this a time where big change is possible in our own lives and in the world. The last Yang Wood Dragon year was in 1964, a year of significant change.
The characteristics of a Dragon are not the same as what the year will bring to us personally. We may hit roadblocks or choppy seas. We may be asked to dig deep in order to activate our inner strength, kindness and will power to stay on our desired path. We will need courage to see the truth, adapt to change and clear old patterns that create stagnation in our lives. Increased joy and creativity are here for us if we are willing to see the truth of our patterns.
We can benefit from the many changes that come this year especially if we skillfully apply our qigong training. This year it will be important to practice qigong regularly, spend plenty of time outside, especially walking in nature. Be with our loved ones and our community as often as we can and get lots of hugs! It will be better to avoid consuming non-life affirming information.
It is a good year to take up a cause if you don’t already have one. Coming together for positive social and environmental changes will be energetically supported this year.
Yang, Wood and Dragon all are symbols of powerful, fast moving and uplifting energy making it a year to think big, be adaptable and commit to truth.
This is an auspicious year to courageously hold your ground like a Dragon!