Saturday, February 10, marked the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Lunar New Year calendar. Like Western astrology, many people in China feel specific years, months, days and hours are lucky and can have a positive or negative impact on your health.
The Year of the Wood Dragon
This is the year of the Wood Dragon, as opposed to the Fire, Earth, Metal and Water Dragon years. According to a description I saw in one magazine, “The Chinese zodiac system is thousands of years old. It is full of history and ancient traditions and offers an incredibly detailed perspective of the world and the heavens…Chinese astrology is defined by its 12 zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. But other natural forces are at work here as well, including the five elements of the Chinese zodiac: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. These Chinese zodiac elements describe the fundamental components of everything in the universe and how they relate to one another. And since you’re part of the universe, they affect you too.”
According to many fortune tellers, this year is supposed to be a lucky year, as dragons are notorious for their strong leadership qualities and determination to succeed, which inspire people to chase their dreams.
One Expert’s Take
One Chinese astrologer and feng shui expert, by the name of Steven Chen, advises Wood Dragons are the most creative and visionary of the dragons. They are optimistic, ambitious, and adventurous. They like to explore new ideas and challenge themselves. They are also generous, compassionate, and loyal to their friends.
Therefore, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is expected to be a time of visionary leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. 2024 is also predicted to be a great year to start new projects, explore new opportunities and create value for yourself and others.
According to Chen, some of the most promising sectors for business growth in the Dragon Year 2024 are fintech, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and solar energy. These industries are driven by innovation and demand for cutting-edge solutions.
The year of the Wood Dragon 2024 is special because it is a rare combination of the dragon’s power and the wood’s creativity. It is a year of innovation, vision, and growth. It is a year to pursue your dreams, express your ideas and expand your horizons. It is also a year to be generous, compassionate, and loyal to your friends. The next Year of the Wood Dragon in the Chinese zodiac will be 2084, which is 60 years from now, shared Chen.
Well, there you have it! Put yourself out there and reap the rewards, if you believe what this one expert shared.
Here’s a short video on Chinese New Year basics for those less knowledgeable about this custom.
Prognostications for US-China Relations in the Year of the Dragon
The past few months I had the great fortune of moderating two panels with China experts on what to expect in the coming year related to US-China relations. Both events were part of an organization I am involved with called the Page Society. The Page Society is the premier global professional association for senior strategic communication leaders, and I play a role for them in China. As part of this, I hosted Jim McGregor, a long-time friend and Greater China Chairman of APCO worldwide to hear his take on the mid-November Biden-Xi meeting as part of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in San Francisco.
Page Society followed this discussion with another in late January moderated by me with Louise Liu, Managing Director of the Economist Group in Greater China and Dexter Roberts, Director of China Affairs at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana and author of The Myth of Chinese Capitalism.
I subsequently wrote a blogpost for Page about both discussions you can find here.
Prognostications For The US-China Relationship In The Year of the Dragon
Fingers crossed this relationship will align with the vision Steven Chen has for this year and we will be on much more solid ground.
Finally, if you didn’t see the Grammy’s, you would have missed this fantastic performance by Joni Mitchell at 80 years-old, which I think was just great. Sharing this with you if you missed it.
Wishing you the very best for a wonderful Year of the Dragon and thanks for being part of this community.
I missed the Grammys, so thank you Scott. Listening to her, Joni Mitchell brought tears to my eyes. 22 years ago this summer I opened a Santa Fe pastry shop’s door and stood back while she walked through it and thanked me. I said, “Ice cream castles in the air.” We smiled and almost hugged. She was wonderful then just as she is today in the video.
My many Chinese friends make the Lunar New Year special… lots of telephone calls, texts and best wishes shared among us. The year of the Wooden Dragon is extra special, I wish and hope each of us makes the most of it!