Your Chinese horoscope in this Year of the Dragon

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Enter the Year of the Dragon! The Lunar New Year, including the Chinese New Year, starts Saturday, Feb. 10 and horoscope experts are predicting the dragon will bring with it a year of positive changes.

The dragon has long held a power position in the Chinese zodiac, showering success upon those born in its years. With 2024 being a year of the dragon, legends explain that the mythical creature’s good fortune will be sprinkled upon all. But the dragon has one requirement before all that wealth and wisdom is spread about — people need to be kind and compassionate to each other first. (Pretty good advice whether you’re a horoscope adherent or not.)

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Beliefs about dragons and their appearance vary from culture to culture. We’ve seen them depicted in literature, movies and TV shows, looking as diverse as Smaug in The Hobbit, Mushu in Disney’s Mulan and Drogon in Game of Thrones. They show up in games such as Dungeons & Dragons; in songs, including Puff, the Magic Dragon; and even in comedy acts such as the Vegas hit Piff the Magic Dragon.

The Chinese dragon, however, has long been associated with nobility and in many dynasties the emperor used it as his symbol, sometimes on flags or emblems.  The dragon is often seen as providing good luck and harmony, while also believed to be in charge of bodies of water that move, such as rivers and waterfalls.

In modern times, “dragons” make appearances at countless Chinese festivals around the world spreading good luck wherever they go. In a dragon dance, a team of experienced, and fit, individuals moves a long dragon puppet through a series of beautiful and complex moves, reflecting the boldness and power of the creature.

Some of the famous folks born in years of the dragon include Al Pacino, Sandra Bullock, Chuck Norris, Reese Witherspoon, Keanu Reeves, John Lennon, Adele, Rihanna, Neil Diamond, Martin Luther King Jr., and (fittingly) Bruce Lee, star of movies such as Enter the Dragon.

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In the spirit of some entertaining fun, here’s a compiled summary of how Year of the Dragon will impact dragons and those born under other signs of the Chinese zodiac.

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020): Good news for all those rats out there. They get along well with the dragon and that means some of that mythical good luck dust will be blown their way. Black will be the lucky colour of the year for rats. Luck may especially arrive in the workplace, but to keep the positive vibes flowing in rats’ love life they need to make sure they’re also keeping the communication flowing. Listen, listen and then listen some more to partners or potential mates.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021): Slow and steady wins the race, and that’s the speed of progression oxen will see at work in 2024. But, the good news is there’s progress. All of the hard work from 2023 will lead to financial benefits this year — a year in which it’s also key to balance work life and home life. On the home front, there will be peace and calm, as long as those balances are kept in check. By the way, the lucky numbers for oxen this year are 1 and 4.

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Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022): This could be a competitive year for tigers in the workplace, who will have to work to negotiate some speed bumps on the job. Finances, however, will be secure, as tigers analyze savings and portfolios. Take the time to also analyze friendships and relationships, too, to make sure they’re a positive force rather than a negative one. Tigers’ lucky colours this year are blue and gray, while the yellow lily has been declared a flower that brings tigers good fortune.

Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023): Sorry, bunnies, but it may not be the best year for networking, promotions or communication in personal relationships. However, the year provides an ideal opportunity to find calm and focus on inner peace. Rabbits are known for being quick, adaptable and smart. Use those attributes to negotiate curves in the road and new paths that appear; and remember: rabbits’ lucky colours this year are red, pink, purple and blue.

Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024): It’s the dragons’ year and many believe being born in a year of the dragon is the best possible outcome for a person. Fame and fortune are coming the way of dragons in 2024, especially when surrounded by the lucky colours of silver and gold. While dragons may experience a few roadblocks on the way to their desires, overall this is a good year for marriages, babies and new businesses.

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Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025): The intelligence and adaptability of snakes will come in handy this year. Get ready to be flexible; there’s change ahead. But by being attentive to changes in the workplace and to colleagues, snakes can find a way to discover new successes in the changing world. Snakes are advised to be flexible when communicating with loved ones, too. It’s not the time to be stubborn. It is a time, however, to make sure stress relief is a priority and to remember snakes’ lucky numbers are 2, 8 and 9.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026): Giddyup! This looks to be a good year for those born in years of the horse. Known for their energetic disposition, horses can kick it into high gear in 2024 as a number of career advancements or changes may be coming their way. Away from work, horses should nurture their calmer side, which will lead to happiness at home, too. The occasional health issue may crop up, but overall it’s believed to be a year of positivity and prosperity for horses. Lucky colours? This year, it’s yellow and green.

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Sheep (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027): The sheep or goat — another animal used to represent this part of the Chinese zodiac — can look forward to periods of calm in between highs and lows. When things seem low, sheep are advised to watch their finances. But, when the tide turns, a number of revenue-increasing opportunities are coming the sheep’s way. After experiencing these ups and downs, sheep will enjoy some quiet time with family in 2024.  Stick to 2 and 7 when looking for lucky numbers and buy carnations to attract additional good fortune.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028): The monkey gets along well with the dragon, which sends favourable signals to those born in years of the monkey. Monkeys may occasionally need to show their bosses that they are valuable assets to ensure they’re appreciated, but once they do that the year will be a good one at work. Relationships will likely remain stable; no big highs or lows. However, that leaves time for monkeys to work on themselves and perhaps pick up a new skill. The numbers said to bring monkeys good fortune this year are 4 and 9. Chrysanthemums are believed to be lucky flowers for this zodiac sign.

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Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029): Roosters are courageous and conscientious, but sometimes stray a little onto the wild side. That’s why roosters need to be a bit careful at times and ensure they aren’t stepping on the toes of others at work or at home. Roosters need to give those around them the opportunity to succeed to achieve increased bliss in all arenas of life. It’s not the time to take big financial risks, but with careful investment all will be well. Red is a colour believed to bring good fortune to roosters this year.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030): Dogs could find 2024 to be full of ups and downs. Patience and loyalty are attributes that will help dogs find success during the year, which could lead to increased wealth. That financial success may arrive more easily than relationship success, however. Keep both ears open when talking to loved ones and when lucky numbers are needed, rely on 3, 4 and 9. The dog is famously known for being honest and this is a key year for reflecting that characteristic.

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Boar (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031): While the swine implications of this astrological sign — a boar, or a pig as this sign is also known — may not be the most desirable, there is actually much to celebrate for those born in a year of the pig. The pig is one of the luckiest signs in Chinese astrology. The numbers 2, 5 and 8 can particularly bring good fortune. And those born in a year of the pig are known for being benevolent and compassionate. The year ahead means you should treat others as you want to be treated (you know the drill) and good fortune will be coming your way.

* Note: The years related to each zodiac animal sign generally run for 12 months, starting in late January or early February. Thus, if you have a birthday in late January or early February, you may want to do further research to find out exactly which sign is yours.

* Sources: Encyclopedia of Chinese Astrology; Associated Press; chinahighlights.com; Tong Pik-ha; lifestyleasia.com.

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