Year of the Dragon 2012
What will the year be like?
The year 2012 is the year of the Dragon. The Chinese year this year starts on January 21st. The Dragon's internal element is Earth, but the element of this year is Water. The relationship between these elements is that Earth dams (or absorbs) Water. This means that this is a year when the nature of the animal of the Chinese Horoscope, the Dragon, will overpower the energies of the year.
All the characteristics of the Dragon will be emphasized.
In Eastern symbology, the Dragon is considered a benevolent creature that brings about good luck.
This is how the 12 animals of the Chinese Horoscope were chosen: The Jade Emperor, or Emperor of Heaven summoned all the animals of the Earth, and he gave a year to each of the first 12 animals to arrive.
The Dragon, even though it was the largest, fastest and most powerful animal of creation, arrived fifth to the call of the Jade Emperor because it stopped along the way to make rain for the farmers and to help the Rabbit cross the river that all animals had to cross to arrive at the palace.
Dragons are free and uninhibited, symbols of success and happiness. Since there is no natural predator for the dragon, they are never cautious and usually things go well for them. They are also unpredictable and quick tempered.
Dragons make their own laws and cannot stand restrictions. They are in general trustworthy and generous. Sometimes dragons fail to recognize signs of stress among those around them and can appear as insensitive.
So this is a year when people who are extroverted and outgoing will feel in their own element. People who are timid or introverted may have a harder time keeping pace with the year.
The Dragon is the only one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Horoscope that is mythical. This indicates a connection with the transmuting power of Heaven, hence this is a year when we may be able to achieve what seemed impossible before.
A warning in the Year of the Dragon is to manage energy wisely, so you don't get exhausted. This may be hard to do in a year of abundant good energy, because it may seem unlimited.
Contrary to some popular rumors that have been circulating in the past few years about predictions, there is nothing in Chinese Astrology that indicates that the year 2012 is the "end of times."
Dragon years are expected to be full of benevolence and grace, especially a Water Dragon Year.
