Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Yin-yang: Yang
Symbolic qualities
- ambitious
- energetic
- inspiring
- self-assured
In Chinese culture the Dragon is the best-known symbol of power and vitality. It sets big goals and gets those around it moving. Its shadow side is impatience and forgetting to listen.
The outward, initiating, active side. In yang years the element is expressed in a more visible, active way.
Cultural note
The Chinese dragon (lóng) is linked to rain, water and imperial power and, unlike the dragon of the West, is generally seen as benevolent. Being the only mythical animal in the cycle gives it a special standing.
Things you might reflect on
- Which goal truly excites you?
- Where does directing your energy make you feel most alive?
- Whom would you like to listen to more carefully these days?
Years it falls on
Each year begins at Lunar New Year; the date varies between 21 January and 20 February.
- 1904 · Wood · 16 February 1904
- 1916 · Fire · 3 February 1916
- 1928 · Earth · 23 January 1928
- 1940 · Metal · 8 February 1940
- 1952 · Water · 27 January 1952
- 1964 · Wood · 13 February 1964
- 1976 · Fire · 31 January 1976
- 1988 · Earth · 17 February 1988
- 2000 · Metal · 5 February 2000
- 2012 · Water · 23 January 2012
- 2024 · Wood · 10 February 2024
- 2036 · Fire · 28 January 2036
- 2048 · Earth · 14 February 2048
- 2060 · Metal · 2 February 2060
- 2072 · Water · 19 February 2072
- 2084 · Wood · 6 February 2084
- 2096 · Fire · 25 January 2096
This animal with the five elements
In the tradition the year's element adds a tone to the animal's character. It is a cultural reading and does not define a person.
- Wood Dragon
- Wood grips earth: an ambitious yet flexible, enterprising dragon. It knows how to sprout its big goals.
- Fire Dragon
- Fire feeds earth: enthusiasm, visibility and inspiration. Energy is high; pausing now and then may be needed to keep a sense of measure.
- Earth Dragon
- The dragon doubled in its own element: strong and solid, with responsibility weighing heavy. Sharing the load it carries may do good.
- Metal Dragon
- Earth gives birth to metal: a clear, resolute dragon who gives shape to its vision. Its dreams take form.
- Water Dragon
- Earth frames water: imagination and intuition deepen and the dragon is calmer. It carries its power without display.
The five elements
- Wood
- Growth, flexibility and generosity. Wood symbolises the energy that puts out new shoots and makes room for others.
- Fire
- Passion, warmth and visibility. Fire symbolises the energy that spreads enthusiasm but needs to be kept in balance.
- Earth
- Balance, patience and nourishment. Earth symbolises the energy that holds things together and gives a sense of security.
- Metal
- Clarity, resolve and essence. Metal symbolises the energy that clears away the unnecessary and polishes what matters.
- Water
- Intuition, adaptability and depth. Water symbolises the energy that finds its way by flowing around obstacles.
The twelve animals
For entertainment and self-reflection. Year animals are presented as cultural history and character symbolism; they do not tell you what a year holds.
The images on this page were generated with AI.