Enter the Dragon: What fortunes await us this Chinese New Year?
In the Western calendar, this year is 2024, but this Feb. 10 marks the Chinese New Year and the start of year 4072 in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The mystique of ancient Chinese folk traditions such as the Chinese zodiac is popular across East Asian and Southeast Asian nations from South Korea, Vietnam, Japan to Singapore, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, even to old fabled Silk Road nations like Persia (Iran), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other realms with their own local versions. This mystical system of divination is a guide to understanding personality traits, cosmic energies, and the intricacies of destiny.
Unlike its Western counterpart, the Chinese zodiac comprises 12 animal signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal symbolizes specific qualities, energies, and cosmic influences, embodying a philosophy deeply embedded in East Asian culture.
Operating on a 12-year cycle, the Chinese zodiac assigns each year to one of the 12 animals. But why animals? In ancient Chinese belief, these creatures were chosen as symbolic representations of distinctive personality traits, offering a profound and intricate guide to navigating life’s journey.
As we embark on the auspicious Year of the Dragon, I asked for insights from feng shui consultant and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Jean Yu Chua. With 15 years of experience and training from renowned Master Lilian Too in Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and China, she unveils cosmic forecasts and offers guidance on how to prepare and adjust for the journey that lies ahead. Here are excerpts of our exclusive interview:
PHILIPPINE STAR: Can you tell us when the Chinese lunar new year starts?
LILIAN TOO: 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, it will start its reign on Feb. 4 and the Celebration of the Lunar New Year to welcome the Wood Dragon is on Feb. 10, 2024.
This year will be a year of big changes in terms of every aspect of our lives. It is a year where we start a new feng shui age, known as the Period 9—a significant transformation, new energy alignment and new generation of power which are beneficial for women’s careers, people, business industries related to technology, electronics, online innovations, metals, manufacturing, and food chains.
Will the dragon year be generally energetic and prosperous?
For 2024, the feng shui chart shows competitiveness and aggressiveness of people towards their work, emotions, and thinking.
There are plenty of challenging stars that we need to be cautious about such as our finances, cash flows and dealings; however, there are also some auspicious stars that could help us to get through these challenges and harness positive results.
What are the challenges or “sangers” we should watch out for in this Wood Dragon Year?
Be careful with the Yearly Argumentative star. There is risk of betrayal, politicking, losing control of our temper which may affect our decision-making. We might be prone to get into troubles, tensions, and emotional stress.
Be attentive to dealings with important things to prevent conflicts and rivals. This star also brings danger, accidents and natural disaster, so we need extra caution on our health and safety.
Can you briefly tell us what the general outlook is for this Dragon Year for business, money issues, health, relationships, education, etc.?
For business: For 2024, the Dragon sign represents a symbol of strong Earth energy, signifying the storage of elements. This denotes a year focused on control and managing your investments. However, there are plenty of opportunities and new business ventures, especially for those just starting out. It is important to be agile in choosing our priorities.
For money: In 2024, there is a lack of water energy so the earning potential is not too stable and there a big possibility of losing money; that’s why we need hard work and efforts to study the trends in the market, invest time to build a better team for increasing sales and use your resources wisely.
For health: In the year of the Wood Dragon, the health aspect indicates an imbalance in the elements that may impede the healing process, attributed to mental and emotional stress. It is advisable to pacify tensions, stay calm, and avoid overthinking.
For relationships and networking: In 2024, there is a presence of the promising Peach Blossom Star, enhancing opportunities to meet new partners and build strong relationships. However, it is crucial to be extra careful regarding any infidelity issues between couples or partners. In business relationships, be vigilant against betrayals, cheating, or any gossiping activities.
For education: In 2024, the Wood Dragon year enhances the energy of personal growth and signifies the importance of learning skills, applying new techniques, and cultivating our talents. It is beneficial for young professionals to seize the opportunity to learn from mentors or influential leaders.
What about the specific forecasts for each of the 12 animal signs?
Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020):
Align with the auspicious star guiding your career journey, harvesting rewards in every project. Thrive in the energy of power and authority, volunteer yourself in new projects, and fearlessly embrace responsibilities.
Health focus is on your kidney, physical stress, injuries, bones and limbs.
Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021):
Prosper with the Fortune Star luck; you’ll be appreciated for value and efforts in your work, reaping rewards. Enjoy the auspicious stars that connect you to joyful events, creating a life filled with happiness and meaningful relationships. Health focus on head, brain, lungs, cough, skin allergies and mental stress
Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022):
Embark on new adventures, start a business, collaborate with diverse minds, and seize the courage to initiate meaningful connections to attract great opportunities. Health focus: anxiety, depression, heart, liver spleen, and digestion issues.
Rabbit (1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023):
Stay focused on your goal, recognize the significant gaps in certain problems, and find solutions to pave your way to success. Health focus: the liver, heart, kidney, stomach and emotions stress.
Dragon (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024):
Stay strong and tenacious, and approach challenges with courage when faced with difficult decisions. Health focus on the liver, stomach, heart and mental stress.
Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025):
Foster meaningful relationships, align with the star for learning and monetizing new skills, and enjoy life with valuable connections, unveiling remarkable support and success in your career. Health focus on blood circulation, emotional stress, liver and stomach issues.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026):
Harness problem-solving skills, elevate your star to fame, grab attention, embrace the star of blessings in acquiring new skills for continuous learning and career enhancement. Health focus heart, eyes, gastro issues, gallbladder, kidney and physical stress.
Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027):
Seize opportunities, connect with mentors, and turn your passion into profit to monetize your great ideas. Health focus: the blood, heart, stomach issues and emotional stress.
Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028):
Be persistent, exert effort and engage in strategic planning to increase your network and resources, ultimately reaching a higher level of achievement. Health focus on the lungs, heart, stomach issues, eyes and blood circulation.
Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029):
Unlock success in the coming year through strategic networking, fostering new relationships, and co-creating impactful solutions for your team and company. Health focus on the muscles and bones, immunity, mental stress and emotional stress
Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030):
Even the year isn't on your side, so harness the auspicious star of Change for promising rewards. Move forward, let go of negativity, and embrace new opportunities for a brighter journey. Health focus on stomach discomfort, lungs, spleen, heart and mental stress.
Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031):
Leverage resources, tap into others' support for personal growth and remarkable achievements. Cultivate the ability to create, work and connect with influential mentors or leaders for successful outcomes. Health focus on the heart, blood, stomach digestion, kidneys, and physical stress.