Year of the Water Dragon – Chinese Astrology

Chinese astrology and Chinese zodiacs date back over 2,000 years. Most people are not familiar with doctrines of Chinese astrology. It has a close relation to Chinese philosophy and the concepts of yin and yang. Chinese astrology first appeared during the Zhou Dynasty – around 1046BC. It was further expanded upon during the Han period where the usual elements associated with Chinese philosophy appeared – the theory of five elements, Confucian morality, yin and yang & Heaven and Earth. The main belief with Chinese astrology is that a personʼs destiny is determined by the position of the planetʼs at birth

There are 12 zodiac signs in Chinese astrology. All named after animals. 2012 is the year of the dragon. In Chinese culture The Dragon is regarded as a divine beast – a symbol of good fortune and power. This is quite opposed to the western view of the dragon as a scary creature. The year of the dragon occurs every twelfth year. The characteristics that people associate with someone who is born in the year of the dragon include innovation, flexibility, bravery, self-assurance, enterprise, scrutiny. The characteristics of the dragon sign are affected by one of the five Chinese elements of Wood, Fire, Metal Water and Earth. In 2012 we see the year of the Water Dragon.

The Water Dragon is more perceptive than than the dragon of the other four elements. They are able to step back and evaluate situations and make carefully considered decisions. They do not desire the limelight and are able to see eye-to-eye with people. They are better equipped to deal with situations that require patience with a calmness not associated with the other Dragons.