YEAR OF THE WATER DRAGON
February 12th, 2010 by Barry Eaton
2012: Year of The Water Dragon
The Year for Flying Through the Gates of Heaven
By Richard Giles
The Dragon is living up to its reputation. The Chinese New Year of 2012 begins very early on Monday January 23rd at the New Moon and is the beginning of the traditional lunar Chinese calendar. The New Year begins another new zodiac animal cycle, the Year of the fearsome and heavenly Dragon. Chinese tradition employs both Solar and Lunar calendars and at the Solar calendar, its the 5th February but the New Moon day of 23rd January begins the official Lunar New Year celebrations.
2011 was Year of the Metal Rabbit and what a dramatic year! Now in the cycle of the twelve comes the most powerful and the winged creature of all the animals of the zodiac, the creative dynamic Dragon. Its fitting that the year 2012 with all its attendant mythology and identification with the “end of the world” is ruled by the legendary Dragon whose reputation goes back through all cultures of the planet.
People born in the Dragon year are considered exceptional people who give their utmost to any situation to help move things along. Ordinary daily life is often not their strong point - or if faced with ordinary situations they will try to transform them in such a way that they become extraordinary and even exhausting for everyone. Male and female dragons are often overpowering for the ordinary person to deal with and one can either be their friend or their rival, and being a friend is not always simple. Dragons see all and often speak the truth of a situation even though it doesn’t always go down well. They give great advice and will always offer worthwhile pointers to our life. Dragons are often very gifted and maintain they have the keys to all success and everything does seem to smile upon them. They do possess great intellectual wisdom to understand a situation, however, they don’t always act in a wise way. Some of their actions can be very impulsive.
DRAGON QUALITIES and MYTHOLOGY
The Dragon, the Chinese say, is one of the great animals of the planet and is the sign of luck and of truth. They also maintain its a mythical animal and therefore an illusion, which is part of the role of dragon people to confront and deal with the illusion. Its very advantageous to be in close contact with a dragon born person because of their luck. This is a creature of scales and fire breathing nostrils whose favourite dwelling place is at the top of rocky cliffs or in impenetrable caves of mystery and darkness. The more difficult it is to reach a dragon’s dwelling place then the more comfortable the dragon feels. In the book by Catherine Aubier, ‘Chinese Zodiac Signs’ (Treasure Press, 1988) she describes the dragon thus -
“Spitting flames and making the earth tremble beneath his weight, soaring in the air on jagged and blackened wings, the Dragon tows our most frenzied dreams in his wake; our fears of chaos and annihilation, a procession of obsessions and phantoms which endure from time immemorial.” No wonder we have unconsciously as a planetary culture, chosen this Dragon year to have an “end of the world” scenario to play out.
All the reading I’ve done always refers to the dragon as a mythological animal. My feeling is that because the dragon story is part of almost every culture on the planet and plays a huge role in our ancient consciousness I believe dragons did really exist on earth many centuries or millennia ago. They left or were wiped out (lanced by knights in armour perhaps?) and now no longer live here. As the dragon is so ubiquitous, one conclusion is that its everywhere in the past because it really did live back then.
Humans have always considered the dragon with a sense of awe, fear and respect as though it represents and holds some hidden depth of the way we are on earth. In our English traditions St George and the Dragon has a key place in our mythology. The famous legend of Saint George is of him slaying a dragon. In the Middle Ages the dragon was commonly used to represent the Devil so St George held off the forces of darkness (pheww!). The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the twelfth century, way after his death. There are many stories connected with St George which are mostly fictitious. And there are many versions of the story of St George slaying the dragon, and most agree on the following - a town was terrorised by a dragon, a young princess was offered to the dragon and George rode into the village, slayed the dragon and rescued the princess. Very simple.
The real Saint George (c. 275/281 to 303 CE) was a christian Roman soldier from Syria/ Palaestina and a priest in the Roman Guard of Diocletian, who is now venerated as a Christian martyr. He was put to death as he wouldn’t recant his Christianity. He is now one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox churches and the patron saint of England. His cross is in the national flag of England. In the fourteenth century he had been declared both the patron saint and the protector of the royal family. The country of Georgia is a backward derivation of the English name and St George is also one of the patron saints of Georgia. The actual Dragon story has its location in Libya of all places - in “Silene”, perhaps modern Cyrene in Libya. In the allegorical reading of the story the dragon embodies suppressed pagan cults. Interestingly the Russians interpret the iconic event not as a killing but as a struggle, against ourselves and the evil among us.
The Dragon is considered by the Chinese as the guardian of the gateway to Heaven and they consider the Dog, the opposite sign, as the guardian of the gateway to Hell. Of the 12 signs, Dragon and Dog are considered strange places, like twilight zones, where helpful deities (angels) will not appear. In Dragon and Dog years, there are often no rescuing angels coming forward to save people from tragedy, and disasters can have a high death toll or casualties. This makes these two signs great significators in the pathway between heaven and hell and as the Dragon guards Heaven’s gateway, then no-one gets in without his/her approval. Remember that in 2012.
The Dragon personality is active and dynamic and very scrupulous. They try to do their very best to succeed and in fact don’t really know the meaning of the word failure They are usually very healthy, natural and captivating types full of charm and sincerity. They are devoted types as well and can be loyal to those they hold as true friends. They also have a set of defects as does any sign. Theirs are interesting - they can be extremely impatient, cannot bear to wait for anyone or anything and get very annoyed with those who resist their efforts. They can be irritable and demanding, and have great trouble with tact and diplomacy - even if their lives depended on it. They are very self-assured and often have trouble understanding the doubts and anxieties of another. If they feel capable of doing something they go to it without a pause. Dragons are often so convinced they are infallible they can behave intolerantly and abruptly with others making decisions too quickly and having subsequent difficulty recognising their mistakes. At times they barely listen to others, and when refused things they give their own ultimatum - ‘do it or else’. And yet they have this magnetic attraction that overcomes all this. They represent life, warmth and light and without them life would be a bit drab!
BEING WITH A DRAGON IN LOVE
The ideal partner for a Dragon is one who is in need of a dynamic and irresistible partner. Dragons were probably brought up by parents singing to them in the cradle that they are irresistible to everyone. The song went something like - “I’m irresistible, etc., etc..” It doesn’t always occur to all dragons that some people may find them unattractive or are just indifferent to them. They are passionate but not blinded by passion. They do not get especially jealous because they know that if they just lift a finger the lover comes running back to them. As a dragon child they are very inventive and independent and find it hard to accept any controls so therefore a possessive relationship or person does not appeal to them. Being with a dragon is treat and it acts on you like a euphoric drink.
Dragons get on best with Rats, Tigers, Snakes, Rosters and Monkeys. They are reasonable with Oxen, Pigs and Horses. They have trouble with Rabbits, other Dragons, Goats, and Dogs. Interestingly the worst clashes are often with Roosters and other Dragons mostly because both are strong voiced.
CELEBRITY DRAGONS
Famous people born in the Year of the Dragon:
Scientists: Frank Oppenheimer.
Politicians and campaigners: Joan of Arc, Frederick the Great, Edward Heath, Francois Mitterand, Napoleon, Harold Wilson, Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin.
Entertainers and film celebrities: Marlene Dietrich, Shirley Temple, Michael Barrymore, Julie Christie, James Coburn, Matt Dillon, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Martin Sheen, Gregory Peck, Sarah Bernhardt, Cary Grant, Sandra Bullock, Bridget Fonda, Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, William Hurt.
Musicians: Count Basie, Bing Crosby, Stevie Wonder, Neil Diamond, Cliff Richard, Placido Domingo, Tom Jones, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Rimsky Korsakov.
Writers and artists: Jeffrey Archer, Lewis Carroll, Salvador Dali, Graham Greene.
Business: Richard Branson.
Thinkers: Sigmund Freud, Emanuel Kant, George Bernard Shaw.
WHAT Is The DRAGON YEAR ALL ABOUT? The ELEMENTS of The YEAR
The year is always made up of two parts, the Chinese animal sign and the year element. The Year of the Dragon is symbolised by two elements - with Water sitting on top of Earth. According to the Five Elements cycle of birth and destruction, which governs the interrelationship between the elements, Earth is the destroyer of Water and so they are in a negation cycle and have a conflicting relationship. Its like as in the year of Rabbit in 2011 which was Metal over Wood - conflicting elements. Conflicting elements means the year will not be peaceful with more than a few conflicts and struggles going on. The 2012 Earth-Water conflict is disharmony with less of the war and fighting of 2011. The Chinese calendar year works on a 60 year cycle and this means we have experienced the year of a Yang Water Dragon in 1952.
That was the year when the Korean War stalemated after starting in 1950. The Cold War continued - the USA tested the first hydrogen bomb and the UK announced they possessed the atomic bomb. There were serious natural disasters in 1952 with major earthquakes in California and the USSR ( 21st July, California: Mag 7.5. 4th Nov, Kamchatka, USSR: Mag 8.25). There were also water disasters with huge floodings and drownings at sea. The Kamchatka earthquake triggered a tsunami which reached Hawaii. In April, 78 seal hunters and 5 Norwegian seal hunting ships disappeared without a trace. In December, killer fog was reported in London and in January 1953 (still Chinese year of Dragon), a North sea flood killed 1,835 people in the Southwest of Netherlands, 307 people died in the UK and 133 people died in the Irish sea with the sinking of the ferry, the Princess Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned Queen of England. Albert Schweitzer received the Nobel Peace Prize. In films, Cecil B de Mille produced “The Greatest Show on Earth” and Gary Cooper’s “High Noon” is launched. These two movies had a profound effect on our western culture.
Dragon years include the biggest earthquake ever on record of Richter 9.2 which occurred in Alaska in 1964, and the worst earthquake in Tangshan, China, in 1976 killing over 250,000 people. Serious earthquakes will occur in this Water Dragon year of 2012. In Chinese metaphysics the Dragon symbolises the tall mountain range, and the powerful energy of the land. It can trigger large earthquakes and earth related disasters such as building collapses, mining disasters, mudslides, landslides or avalanches.
The yang Water this year symbolises the ocean and is quite a powerful force. It can be the destructive force of nature, such as the tsunami - it can be the impulse and drive to push for social, political and economic changes. Yang Water is intelligence, courage, generosity and charity and if the energy is guided positively, can bring a fast paced progress and reform agenda. The positive quality of the Water Dragon is a generosity and a strong driving force for progress and social change, so it will be a year with new social movements and reform in politics and amongst the social conservatives and dictators.
HEALTH ISSUES IN 2012
The five basic Chinese Elements represent different parts of the body - Water relates to the kidneys, the immune system, sexual organs, elimination and the urinary system. Health problems related to Water could be kidney problems, sexual infections, inflammation of urinary tract, bowel problems and bacterial infections. Dragon Earth is cell tissue, muscles and stomach lining. Too much moist Earth is a cause of cancer. Water and Earth elements also weaken the Fire which is the blood and the heart. Take care of you heart’s health in 2012, both physically and emotionally. Take antioxidants as one preventative measure.
WHICH WAY THE ECONOMY?
On the economy, the Fire element is a driving force behind the stock market. Each of the Five Elements effects people’s moods. Fire is joy, Water is fear, Earth is meditation and nurturance, Metal is sadness and Wood is anger. A Fire year then generates optimism and drives up the markets. But in 2008 when Water arrived people began to fear, worsening the USA mortgage problems. 2012 is year of Water and Earth, with no Fire element, so this is a year that the economy and stock markets will go slow again. The strong Water this year is bringing more fear and people will be less optimistic. This is strongest in the northern winter months of October, November and December. Fire industries such as electricity, oil and gas are controlled by Water showing its likely there will be more turmoil in areas of great oil and natural gas such as the Middle East. Deserts and drier areas of the world will suffer. Continuity of electricity supplies may be a big issue in 2012. Banking is ruled by Metal and the strong Water now may slow banks and affect them badly again. Reform in banking is one way the Dragon may go in 2012 and change the status quo.
HOME & BUSINESS FENG SHUI MOVES IN 2012
In traditional Feng Shui assessments there are flying numbers called Flying Stars that arrive in different sectors of the house each year to influence a building’s good and bad fortune by interacting with the existing sector numbers. In the year of the Dragon the Flying Star numbers that create challenges in your home will move on to new locations (see my 2011 Chinese Forecast). There are prosperous energies and the illness and breakdown energies. The good fortune numbers are 8 and 9 and the sickness numbers are 5 and 2. The two most weighty are the number 5 (called the Yellow Five), and the number 8 (called the White Star). These new numbers move into place on the 5th February each year, the beginning of the solar year, and its always good to have your remedies in place in the last weeks of January as their influence begins to grow from then.
To start - in 2012 the Flying Star number 6, which symbolises Metal, the father, heaven and the law is in the Centre. This centre number often reflects the events focus prevailing in the year. Six in the centre may bring about epidemics and viruses affecting the lungs and large intestine. Six is also the law, the government and father figures. This year’s elections and social campaigns will bring about big changes in many governments in the world.
As Feng Shui energies change from year to year its necessary to watch for the reallocation of good and bad energies at the beginning of each year, and take precautions if the negative influence happens to land at important locations in home or office. In the year of the Dragon, the bad energy called “Yellow Five” - symbolising obstacles and misfortune, arrives in the SouthEast. If your S.East sector is an important area such as bedroom or main entrance, its recommended that you hang a metal wind chime close outside to dissolve the bad energy. Having water here will help too. The worst months will be in April, July, October and January 2013. The other bad star number 2, symbolising sickness, will arrive in the North in 2012. The traditional method to cure this 2 is to hang six metal coins in the affected area in the North of the house. Metal bells or perhaps a small gong will also help. The Grand Duke (the compass direction of the Dragon) this year is from the EastSouEast, hence its not good to do earthworks or create substantial construction work in this direction. Don’t challenge him by facing his direction, but face towards another direction. If your office desk faces to the EastSouEast turn it to another suitable position until the year is over. Its not recommended to sit with your back against the opposite direction WestNorWest as you will be sitting against the unfavourable energy called the “Three Shars” or “Three Killings”. The WNW is the “crash” position confronting the Grand Duke which is not good this year.
The number 3 Star is in the SouthWest and represents arguments and thieves. It can be difficult for women so keep the room quieter in the S.West. Fire element will control it and the traditional cure is to hang a piece of square red paper in the S.West. You can use a soft red light or regularly burn candles there.
During 2012 the numbers 8 and 9 are found respectively in the West and the NorthEast of your house. With the number 8 in the West of your home, you may be able to take advantage of it. If your office or main room is here then you can be blessed with an abundant flow of supportive energy this year. The NorthEast is ruled by the element Earth which is about education, storage, meditation, spiritual disciplines and younger men. To make it work avoid any blocking energies in those two sectors. Give them a good sweep out and clean all windows and doors. Get rid of clutter. If its appropriate, add flowing water to the West.
The yearly prosperous numbers bring a positive effect on your house if they fall at the front door, the office or your bedroom and the illness numbers can bring health problems for you. Its advantageous to consult a Feng Shui practitioner to find out exactly where these energies are going to be this year and what impact they’ll have on the resident Flying Stars in your own home. What I’ve written here is a good beginning guide.
YOUR YEARLY ZODIAC FORECAST - The CHINESE ZODIAC
Do you belong to the Dragon’s favoured group - if your sign is Monkey, Rat or Rooster you are most likely to have a good and favourable year. Make an effort to follow your ideals, seize those best opportunities and enjoy the peaceful moments. Other signs with good prospects this year include the Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep, Rooster and Snake. Those that might want to hold back a bit include the Horse, Monkey, Ox, most Dragons, and the Pig. The Dog is opposite the Dragon in the zodiac and for people born in the year of Dog, its recommended you carry the pendant of a Rooster which will help to attract away this year’s difficulties and minimise the negative influence of the yearly ‘clash’. People born in the Dog and the Dragon years will experience challenges with more changes and movement. The Rooster pendant can also help other signs who have trouble with the Dragon.
People who are used to being more peaceful are likely to be disturbed by the Dragon’s fearless, dramatic and innovative pace. You’ll find yourself in trouble if you don’t try to adapt more. This year the innovative and daring approach is likely to succeed more than a quiet one. Though some will feel they have to hide away or lay low for parts of the year.
What’s in store for each of the twelve animal signs in 2012?
This is a guide only to the year. Remember this is just a simple picture as a complete forecasts for 2012 look at your Four Pillars Chart which is your full Chinese zodiac chart. It uses Year, Month, Day and the Hour of birth to get a true picture of your character. Try visiting - http://www.fourpillars.net/
THE RAT (Water): (1912, ‘24, ‘36, ‘48, ‘60, ‘72, ‘84, ‘96, ‘08) A mixed year of both good and bad for those born in Rat years. The Dragon is an ally of the Rat so this will be a smoother year for you. However, because there is a lot of strong Water this year it can effect you and thus you may tend to feel weak, tired or exhausted at times. You can be vulnerable to sickness and find yourself lacking in energy. You may go into periods of pessimism and lack of inspiration. Take care of any legal issues and business deals quickly and don’t leave them go.
THE OX (Earth): (1913, ‘25, ‘37, ‘49, ‘61, ‘73, ‘85, ‘97, ‘09) A somewhat tougher year for the Ox born but its still better than many of the other zodiac animal signs. Look after real estate matters and property as that will be an important area for you in 2012. Make sure you pay attention to your health as the previous year may have brought on health crises. Take it easier this year and support your exercise programmes. Legal issues are important so deal with them quickly.
THE TIGER (Wood): (1914, ‘26, ‘38, ‘50, ‘62, ‘74, ‘86, ‘98, ‘10) Those born in the Tiger year look set to enjoy an excellent outlook in 2012. You are blessed with some positive stars which will bring work and opportunities for you in your love life, academic studies and prosperity. Your social life will be active as well so make the most of it. Put some work into your closer and more intimate relationships. Learn to support the other person more.
THE RABBIT (Wood): (1915, ‘27, ‘39, 51, ‘63, ‘75, ‘87, ‘99, ‘11) An excellent transformational year is ahead of you for the Rabbit in the Dragon year, much better than 2011 with some good things coming your way. You can enjoy some successes this year thanks to a renewed confidence and auspicious energy present for Rabbits. It’s beneficial to be active at chasing challenges and at some of your goals. Also take the time to relax more and opportunities will come your way without being too anxious about it. Listen to your gut feelings and intuition this year. Your social life is very promising for you in 2012.
THE DRAGON (Earth): (1916, ‘28, ‘40, ‘52, ‘64, ‘76, ‘88, ‘00, ‘12) It’s a mix of good and bad for the Dragon this year. Although 2012 is your year your luck is not so good and the year is going to be at times rough for you because your sign is in conflict with the Grand Duke and the Yellow Five (in the SouthEast). You need to persevere and work at being strong to cope with the tests in 2012. The area of tests is in the realm of children, romance and travel with some of it causing monetary setbacks. The Metal Dragon born person (1940/ 2000) seems to have pretty higher resistant to this year though the Fire Dragon (1976) may suffer somewhat more. You need to be mindful and make every effort to protect yourself from threats to squash your best laid plans. Wear the pendant of a Rooster for all of 2012.
THE SNAKE (Fire): (1917, ‘29, ‘41, ‘53, ‘65, ‘77, ‘89, ‘01, ‘13) For the past couple of years, things were good for you but in the Dragon year, your fortune and luck may decline slightly. The Snake born is plagued by the Yellow Five this year. Don’t do too much travelling this year as you may expose yourself to some of the Dragoon year problems. So stay close to home base.
THE HORSE (Fire): (1918, ‘30, ‘42, ‘54, ‘66, ‘78, ‘90, ‘02, ‘14) The horse is in direct conflict with what are called the ‘Three Killings’ (see the Home Feng Shui section above). The Three Killings or ‘San Sha’ - a combination of three Sha, namely the Year, robbery energies and upset energies. Impediments can set you back this year and may be around financial losses. Accidents and mishaps could be more possible this year. Stash away some money through the year for the leaner times.
THE SHEEP (Earth): (1907, ‘19, ‘31, ‘43, ‘55, ‘67, ‘79, ‘91, ‘03) A better, more meaningful year for you this year than 2011 and it shows in your career and financial luck. Your economic situation will bring greater stability and improvement. Good health is a feature of this year. Let your head rule your heart. You will receive recognition for your skills, so your hard work will pay off well and a promotion is possible. Be prepared to work hard and you will see quite spectacular achievements for your efforts. Romance is a very good chance this year, and your health is good.
THE MONKEY (Metal): (1908, ‘20, ‘32, ‘44, ‘56, ‘68, ‘80, ‘92, ‘04) A definitely better year than previous years especially in your work life. You’ll gain confidence and be steadier in your career after some of the problems in the past two years. Your instincts are good so let your inner voice lead the way when you are unsure. There is tension in 2012. Harsh words will be exchanged between spouses or family members as an affliction. Do not let things break down which you will regret later. It’s important to keep your calm and suppress your temper issues. This means arguments or disputes may erupt. Work on your communications skills.
THE ROOSTER (Metal): (1909, ‘21, ‘33, ‘45, ‘57, ‘69, ‘81, ‘93, ‘05) Your good fortune is shining bright this year. The Dragon year is going to be an eventful one for the Rooster born - good things and opportunities appear on your horizon just waiting to manifest. Definitely a year to expand and move into new levels of achievement and to pursue what you wish as it’s certain it will turn out successfully. Your wealth luck is good and it’s going to be a turnaround year for you. Some of you may enjoy a sizeable windfall of some sort. Take full advantage of the Dragon year
THE DOG (Earth): (1910, ‘22, ‘34, ‘46, ‘58, ‘70, ‘82, ‘94, ‘06) The Dog’s fortune this year reflects a waning of the glories of the previous year. There is some danger indicated as the Dog in the Chinese zodiac is directly opposite the Dragon. Older Dog born people will have better luck but generally, many Dog people will have a low Chi level. Relationships with others will be challenging. Be confident, and take some chances based on your gut feelings in friendships. The prosperity Star is in your chart, which means projects will get completed and finances go well. Travel is very well indicated for you in 2012.
THE PIG (Water): (1911, ‘23, ‘35, ‘47, ‘59, ‘71, ‘83, ‘95, ‘07) The Pig born person will benefit from a good start in the year 2012. Success and good fortune is high. You will gain recognition and attain some new heights. It’s a year when you can be ambitious in your career and business undertakings as success and new opportunities are present in your chart. However, you energy level is not so strong, so take things steadily and pace yourself well. This is an excellent year for you to develop your spiritual practise and enhance your inner Chi. That is good for your success this year.
All the best of success, abundance and good luck for the Dragon Year
of 2012.
Richard Giles,
Feng Shui practitioner and astrologer,
75/ 65 Crystal Waters, Kilcoy Lane,
Conondale, QLD 4552 Australia.
Ph: (07) 5435.0158
email: ricgiles@powerup.com.au
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