2024: The Year of The Wood Dragon

In 2024, the Chinese Lunar New Year welcomes the Wood Dragon on February 10!

The Lunar New Year (also known as the Spring/Summer Festival) is based on the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. Its start date varies each year, but it typically falls somewhere between January 21 and February 20.

Each new year welcomes a new sign. Chinese astrology has twelve animal signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig), and each animal has certain characteristics, which are usually shared with those born under that sign. Each sign lasts for the full year, with the full sign cycle lasting twelve years.

But it gets even better! As well as the twelve signs, there are five elements linked to each sign, and again to each new year. These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. 

And when we combine the cycles of the elements, with the cycles of the signs? We actually have a 60 year cycle for each possible combination!

This means 2024 is more than just Year of the Dragon – it’s the Year of the Wood Dragon. The last Wood Dragon year was in 1964, and the next one will be 2084.

That’s something to celebrate!

The Sign of the Dragon

The Dragon is the fifth animal sign in the Chinese zodiac cycle, and symbolises power, strength, wealth, and good fortune (it’s actually considered the luckiest sign of the zodiac). 

Those born in a Dragon year are usually ambitious, with relentless determination. They’re driven to succeed, and aren’t easily put off by obstacles or challenges along the way.

Often natural leaders, their confidence and charisma overflows, making them a magnetic personality that draws people in. Dragons inspire and motivate, take risks and embrace challenges. They’re fearless and innovative, with a passion for learning and expanding their horizons.

But. 

It’s not all gold and glory. Just like the creature who governs them, a Dragon can be temperamental. They’re naturally intense, which can lead to impatience and – ahem – the odd tantrum. The age-old push-pull for a Dragon is learning how to balance their natural assertiveness, with how they interact with others (they are fire-breathers, after all!)

Some Famous Dragons are…

Adele, Rihanna, Shakira, Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves, Reece Witherspoon, Andy Warhol, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon, Eddie Vedder, and Dr. Seuss

The Element of Wood

Wood energy is all about growth, flexibility, expansion, and harmony. Of the five elements, it’s the fastest mover. It’s where we find our creative urge to succeed, and the capacity to forward plan, make decisions, and grow, grow, grow. Wood is associated with Spring, so we’re dealing with fertility and flexibility.

Just as trees twist and turn, finding their path towards sunlight, so too does Wood energy adapt and flow. Just as bushland produces seeds and nuts, forcing new growth into empty spaces, so too does Wood energy spread and expand. 

2024 is about sowing the seeds of our ideas, and tending to our actions once those seeds start to sprout.

It’s the very best time to start manifesting!

Harnessing the Wood Dragon

Given the glorious Wood Dragon only happens once every 60 years, it seems a shame to not tap into this wonderful growth energy!

Dragon energy influenced by Wood energy, brings extreme creativity and curiosity. It supports new ideas and inventions, with lots and LOTS of drive and motivation. 

It’s also very diplomatic (more so than the other Dragons), with a sense of humour and fun. So this year, back yourself and your goals, but don’t take yourself too seriously. The influence of Wood means there’s room for flexibility, so try to avoid perfectionism! Enjoy the process.

Here’s a few ways to include the Wood Dragon or Lunar New Year in your practice or ritual:

• Give your house a thorough clean, top to bottom. Don’t forget your entryways and windows, and tackle that weird laundry chair in the corner of the room (you know the one!) The Wood Dragon wants a clean slate with you.
• Decorate your home or altar with red and gold (the traditional lucky colours of the Lunar New Year), or green (the colour of Wood, and growth)
• See if there’s any public festivals or dances in your area, and go along! After all, the Chinese Lunar New Year is massive astrological festival – there’s nothing else like it, so enjoy the festivities if you can
• Embrace transformation! The Wood Dragon encourages self-reflection, and personal growth. Focus on shedding old beliefs, and embracing new possibilities.
• Meditate with Dragon’s Blood resin or incense
• Connect with Wood energy. Start a herb garden, or include wooden elements on your altar. You can also use natural materials to craft charms, wands, or besoms.
• Use sandalwood, cedar, pine or any other ethically-sourced tree incense, wood, or resins
• Dragon magic! Invite good fortune by including dragon imagery and symbolism in your spellwork. 

Embrace the Wood Dragon’s magic, spread your wings, and soar towards your truest self!