Chinese New Year 2012: The Dragon

As if it hasn’t been turbulent enough recently, it’s almost time for the volatile and fiery Year of the Dragon!

This year, January 23rd is the first day of the Chinese New Year, and marks the end of year of the Rabbit, and the beginning of the year of the Dragon.

As you might imagine, the Dragon does things in style. This year is set to be ambitious, daring and larger than life.  In Dragon years, it is said, fortunes can be made or lost. This is a time for bold plans and decisive action, and the outlook for business and finances is generally positive – The only word of warning is not to be too over-optimistic or to to throw caution to the wind.

The Dragon brings great luck to new ventures – this is considered an auspicious time to start a new business, get married or have children.

On the worldwide stage, don’t expect a quiet year (as if!) – Dragon years are turbulent and surprising. This doesn’t mean it’s all bad, just that positive and negative will both be magnified.

Each Chinese year corresponds not only to an animal, but also to one of the 5 elements. Thankfully, this year will be a Water year. Water naturally cools and calms the fiery nature of the Dragon, so we can hope that maybe we will be spared the most dramatic or destructive of the Dragon energy!

So this year, think big, start new ventures, and enjoy the changes and excitement that the Dragon can bring!

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Prosperity to you in the coming year!)