Today, January 23, 2012, is a New Moon in Aquarius in Western astrology and it rings in the Chinese New Year, which is, this year, the Year of the Dragon.
There are already predictions abounding regarding how it will affect political leadership, elections, global economics, and social issues. If you would like to read more about some of the forecasting being done by Chinese feng shui masters, you can read here.
THE DRAGON PERSONALITY
The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Eastern (or Oriental) Dragon is regarded as a divine beast – NOT the malicious monster that Westerners felt necessary to find and slay. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.
A person born in a Dragon year who is constantly berated, insulted, rejected, criticized and treated harshly can become a very sad thing, not only for the Dragon but for those around him or her. The Dragon has an essential role in life to bring vitality, enthusiasm, and passion into the world. Granted they may overdo it at times, but when they are not appreciated and allowed to be themselves, the world is emptier for it.
The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conforming is a Dragon’s curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions snuff out the creative spark that is ready to burst flamboyantly into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. They are also very self-sufficient.
The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. In life, these tend to be very sexy, beautiful women and handsome men; both simmering with a sexuality that ignites other’s desires for them or sometimes scares other because of its powerful aura. They are very generous. Dragons do EVERYTHING on a grand scale – big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. They are an extroverted fiery box of energy, gifted more than most people, and utterly, wildly irrepressible. You cannot keep them down. However, this behavior is natural and isn’t meant for show. It is not fake. Because they are confident and courageous in the face of fear and challenge, they are almost typically inevitably successful at whatever they undertake. Dragons usually make it to the top.
However, Dragon people need to be aware of their natures and the effect is has on them. Too much fire and enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to assist others when necessary, they have difficulty accepting help because their pride can often be an obstacle. A little humility when in trouble helps Dragons to conserve their powerful energy for good opportunities and positive pursuits. Dragons’ generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but dragons are solitary. Remember, they like to lie in deep caves. They tend to be solitary people at heart. They comes out of their caves and make a grand entrance and impress the world when they are out but after all is said and done, they like the warmth and coziness of home and hearth. A Dragon’s self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.
DRAGON FACTS
People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics. The Dragon sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Dragon.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE BORN IN YEARS OF THE DRAGON
- Innovative
- Entrepreneurial
- Enterprising
- Strong leader
- Good motivator
- Inspiring
- Flexible
- Self-assured
- Courageous
- Passionate
- Conceited
- Tactless
- Scrutinizing
- Unanticipated
- Quick-tempered
ELEMENTS OF DRAGONS
In Chinese astrology, depending on which Year of the Dragon you were born in, your characteristics are also tempered by the characteristics of a particular element of nature, you also embody:
THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000
Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are dominant and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and enjoy vigorously defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to be in control, and simultaneously possess a natural ability to make others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.
THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012
Water has a calming effect on the Dragon’s courageous disposition. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more sensitive to others. These Dragons are better equipped to objectively re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to enter into mutuality with other people. However, their actions can go astray if they do not first research things or if they do not complete one venture before launching another.
THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964
Wood has a modifying, transforming influence and brings creativity to the Dragon. Curious and broadminded, Wood Dragons enjoy discussion about original ideas and are open to other perspectives. They are innovative, imaginative practical, dynamic and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an innate ability to charm and get along well with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and do breath fire sometimes and at times a bit too forcefully to quash everyone, even in the friendliest quarrel.
THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976
The Fire Dragon is an almost unbeatable powerful force. This is a Dragon doubled! They have quick tempers and reckless. One second calm, the next second combustible and exploded into flames over some matter, the Fire Dragon is unpredictable. In this way the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. Because Dragons are already self-confident, the feeling is doubled here and this is a person who feels he or she is not only the most valuable person in the room, but the most knowledgeable. You can forget about objectivity. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, but when they are not exactly so they do not always employ the best decision-making procedures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion – and loudly so. However when you meet a Fire Dragon who has good self-control over their competitive spirit, temper, and emotions, they emanate a commanding influence over other people.
THE EARTH DRAGON 1928 AND 1988
Erath Dragons have more of the self-control Fire Dragons lack. The Earth element adds a greater portion of self-control to the Dragon’s personality and usually the Earth Dragon deserves of the respect he or she desires. They have romantic and life commitments and responsibilities very seriously. Earth Dragons are great leaders because they are practical, level-headed and demonstrate a knack for organizing. They still have the need to dictate and be admired, but they are affable, congenial and supportive. Compared to other Dragons, Earth Dragons are less impatient and less likely to breathe fire at the least irritation.

