2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. Recent years of the Dragon include 2024 (this year), 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon). It is associated with the earthly branch symbol chen.
Dragon is powerful, endlessly energetic and full of vitality, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology.
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Chinese Zodiac Years for Dragon
Like many aspects of traditional Chinese culture, the 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which differs slightly from our Gregorian calendar system.
If you were born in January or February, pay special attention to when the Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) begins since you may be the previous year’s animal.
Chart of Years, Dates, and Elements for Dragon Zodiac Signs
|
Dragon Year |
Lunar Year Start Date |
Lunar Year End Date |
Element |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1928 |
February 23, 1928 |
February 9, 1929 |
Earth |
|
1940 |
February 9, 1940 |
January 26, 1941 |
Metal |
|
1952 |
January 27, 1952 |
February 13, 1953 |
Water |
|
1964 |
February 13, 1964 |
February 1, 1965 |
Wood |
|
1976 |
January 31, 1976 |
February 17, 1977 |
Fire |
|
1988 |
February 17, 1988 |
February 5, 1989 |
Earth |
|
2000 |
February 5, 2000 |
January 23, 2001 |
Metal |
|
2012 |
January 23, 2012 |
February 9, 2013 |
Water |
|
2024 |
February 10, 2024 |
January 25, 2025 |
Wood |
|
2036 |
January 28, 2036 |
February 14, 2037 |
Fire |
Personality Traits of Dragon Signs
Dragons present themselves as magnificent yet benevolent rulers who’re confident, generous, idealistic, and ambitious. In Chinese culture, these mythical creatures are in a class of their own, regarded as the givers of abundance and longevity.
Dragon’s confidence is neither false nor empty, as they hold lofty ideals they’re striving toward— usually for the benefit of their community instead of themselves. They are independent thinkers who’ll never yield their highest conviction.
Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.
Dragons are wise and adventurous and, at times, temperamental and impulsive. They’ll be loved and admired by many but find it difficult to return such affection. This will be one of Dragon’s most important lessons.
Even though they may not care to invest in relationships, Dragons cannot stay alone for too long without feeling desolate. Once they find that special someone, Dragons will guard that person as their treasure horde.
Dragon Strengths
Dragons are upright characters themselves and scorn any hypocritical or dishonorable behavior, and have a self-respecting pride that’s matched by Dragons’ wisdom, generosity, vigor, and talent. They’re full of energy and can attract followers with their charisma.
Dragon people are usually courageous and fearless leaders who’ll never back down from any challenge. This enterprising spirit, coupled with their innate talent, will, without a doubt, make Dragons the movers and shakers of this world.
Dragon Weaknesses
On the flip side of Dragons’ confidence and courage, they can also become domineering, temperamental, self-centered, and gullible. This last possibility seems difficult to understand until you realize Dragons believe themselves to always know best.
On the social side, Dragons can be prone to desperation in their younger years because they hate being alone, especially in love. They can come off as overbearing when they’re only showing that they care.
Female Dragon Signs
Dragon women are formidable and passionate creatures who’ll be admired for their professional vision. However, they can also be impatient, especially when anxious, which may lead them to give up too easily on their goals.
Dragon women exude confidence, which is magnetic for many signs. Despite their popularity and commanding exterior, Dragon ladies have loyalty toward their romantic partner that may, if they’re not careful, turn into possessiveness and overdominance.
Male Dragon Signs
Dragon men may appear domineering, but in fact, they’re capable of great depth of feelings. They can also be empathetic, although this seems unlikely at first, and will never neglect those they truly care about.
Dragons are very likely to be overly focused on their careers, and their success is assured, although they may well find themselves feeling lonely and wish they’d taken the time to learn how to love.
Dragon Zodiacs and the Five Elements Theory
The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth—to each year, in addition to the zodiacs. So Dragons born in different years will have different personalities.
Metal Dragons
Metal Dragons are straightforward and expressive, possibly emotionally volatile and capricious when they’re young. If success is desired, they must go through a difficult period that shapes them into a more tenacious and steady person.
Metal Dragons have an excessive need for the finer things in life, and they’ll have opportunities to create wealth, but they must learn the art of money management to ensure a comfortable retirement for themselves.
Water Dragons
Water Dragons are energetic and persevering, but unlike other Dragons, they may appear to lack personality and self-possession. Their water-like nature means they prefer to go with the flow, although they also have a selfish streak.
To succeed in life, they’ll need to become more decisive instead of leaning on others’ input. Independence is key, even if they’ll be blessed with close friends who can act as mentors throughout their careers.
Wood Dragons
Wood Dragons are intelligent, attractive, and usually well-loved. They’re blessed with the ability to make good use of their environment and have an intuitive sense of timing, so success will not be difficult to attain.
They’re very popular and move in different social circles, but because of their fiery temper, Wood Dragons may not be as lucky or auspicious in their intimate relationships. In finances, Wood Dragons’ fortunes often come enviably quickly.
Fire Dragons
Fire Dragons are loving, enterprising, and hardworking. They put 110% into everything they do, and their energy is often infectious and attractive, ensuring extraordinary personal achievements as well as success for the team they’re on.
Love comes to them naturally without any pretension. Once they find it, they’ll show such loyalty to move even the coldest of hearts and put the interest of that special someone before even their own.
Earth Dragons
Earth Dragons are taciturn introverts who care little about fame or fortune. They’re talented and have a superb ability to get things done, although they’ll continue to shy away from public recognition or the limelight.
Despite their low-key presence, Earth Dragons are conquerors and will never be satisfied with easy work—they need challenges to propel them forward and difficulties to overcome. It’s the only path to happiness for them.
Lucky (and Unlucky) Things for Dragons
Blue and purple, the numbers 6 and 8, west and northeast bring good luck for Dragons, while black and red, 4 and 9, east and northwest are unlucky for them and should be avoided.
Your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is also considered unlucky in Chinese culture, and to ward off any misfortune you should wear red colors (red underwear is popular).
Lucky Things
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Lucky numbers: 6, 8
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Lucky colors: Cyan Blue, Purple
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Lucky directions: West, Northeast
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Lucky flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen
Unlucky Things
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Unlucky numbers: 4, 9
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Unlucky colors: Black, Red
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Unlucky directions: East, Northwest
Love and Compatibility for Dragons
In love, Dragons are idealists and require perfection in both their partner and the relationship itself. To attract their attention, a person must almost possess a special kind of grace or some divinely ordained talent.
Unless they want to end up alone, Dragons must learn to rein in their unruly personalities and present a more down-to-earth image, and they must understand that love is more about care and understanding instead of perfection.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Rat
Dragon and Rat seem so different, yet they share the same practical quality that both will use to affect reality in some way. It’s a breath of fresh air to find someone who understands that!
Dragons believe in making the world a better place as advocates and pioneers, while Rats build a comfortable nest—their own little world. Together, these zodiacs are so energized that both visions can be realized.
Female Dragon and Male Rat
Both partners are intelligent and quick, qualities they will find admirable in their partner and attract them to each other. Dragon makes Rat feel safe, so neither will suffer jealousy or insecurity in their relationship.
If both had time to mature, their relationship should have few disruptions or confrontations since they have the power to create a family filled with excitement and common interests, making them the envy of others.
Male Dragon and Female Rat
When these partners join hands, they will be able to build a steady financial foundation that ensures no matter what difficulties they face in the future, they’ll work as a team to ultimately emerge triumphant.
In this pairing, Dragon is courageous and intelligent, easily achieving success in the workplace, while Rat is economically prudent, growing into the kind of wife who leaves their husband worry-free to pursue their professional goals.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Monkey
For signs known for their sharp intellect, Dragon and Monkey seem to love each other in that completely illogical way that many find foolish. Underneath the passion, however, is the meeting of two equal minds.
Monkey seems the only one who can bring their mighty Dragon down to earth and teach them how to delight in the little things, while Dragon lends a higher vantage point to their whimsical partner.
Female Dragon and Male Monkey
Dragon is intelligent, ambitious, and goal-oriented. They’re unlikely to devote all their energy to love. Fortunately, this is precisely what Monkey seeks in their ideal mate, and they’ll work hard to match Dragon’s great strides.
The best way for them to be together is to establish a common goal—whether professional or personal—which will spur both partners to achieve more. It’s that camaraderie that’ll keep them glued for life.
Male Dragon and Female Monkey
Both parties are logical and sensible, yet after they meet, this pair will discover the hidden romance in their own personality traits and shower their partner with affection. They will sincerely appreciate the other’s best qualities.
After making a commitment, these two will turn their gaze towards the future and each work to build the life they want. They’ll help each other professionally and feel closer as success arrives for both.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Rooster
Dragon and Rooster seem to share one trait—their vanity. But while this may rub others the wrong way, they will recognize the pride in who they are and what they achieve that’s hidden underneath.
Undeniably high-achieving, Dragon and Rooster can learn to be the kind of power couple that are most resilient where they are not only there to celebrate the other’s success, but to nurse their failure, too.
Female Dragon and Male Rooster
This is a complementary pair, as Dragon is intelligent but at times impulsive, while Rooster is logical and analytical. The Rooster man will be the voice of reason much needed in the Dragon woman’s life.
Rooster’s enthusiasm for love usually comes quickly, although it tends to wane just as quickly, but Dragon’s vitality and independent streak will certainly leave Rooster always hankering for more—for the rest of their lives!
Male Dragon and Female Rooster
These zodiac signs are usually able to reach the top of their respective disciplines on their own since they’re both proud, capable, and independent, but this relationship will give them the personal satisfaction they crave.
Rooster woman is not one to be conquered easily, so Dragon will have to put in more effort than he’s used to earlier on in the relationship. Once they’re together, nothing will ever break them apart.
Worst Matches: Dog, Rabbit
Dragon and Dog: This is not an ideal match for love and marriage since Dragon and Dog will have little in common and often find themselves mute in each other’s company. Not exactly the warm relationship either craves.
Dragon cares about the world and may find Dog, who’s more concerned about their day-to-day life, rather dull, while to Dog, Dragon is just a touch too condescending. They’re not built for the same lifestyle.
Dragon and Rabbit: This is a complicated relationship full of petty bickering. Although these two can make their love last if Rabbit allows Dragon to take the driver’s seat and try to be present without worrying too much.
Otherwise, Rabbit may show their selfish streak in this relationship because they’re insecure—could Dragon’s worldly ways be too larger-than-life for this sensitive zodiac? It’s a shame since Dragon was attracted precisely to Rabbit’s sensitivity.
Careers Fit for the Chinese Zodiac Dragon
Dragons can excel at any task, including art, politics, and academics. Indeed, when their interest is piqued, Dragons are almost tireless in their drive to know everything about their chosen field and get to the top.
However, Dragons aren’t great with trivialities and may be best helped along by more detail-oriented zodiac signs, freeing Dragons for higher-level thinking and innovation. They are dreamers, above all, and can only work with inspiration.
For that reason, Dragon is advised to treat their teammates with respect and give credit where it’s due. Otherwise, they’ll find themselves isolated. It isn’t possible to do everything yourself, even if you’re a mighty Dragon.
Best careers for Dragons
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Artist
-
Politician
-
Academic Researcher
-
Architect
-
Entrepreneur
Worst careers for Dragons
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Soldier
-
Mechanic
-
Office Worker
-
Customer Support
-
IT
Health and Lifestyle Advice for Dragons
Even though Dragons are born with hearty constitutions, it won’t get them very far given how badly they treat their body—the all-nighters, the times they work through mealtimes, the 7-day work weeks.
That's why Dragons may often face old age riddled with minor illnesses. With all the money you’re sure to make, Dragon, try not to push your body too far and enjoy the world you’re creating.
Dragon and the 12 Zodiac Animals (Origin Story)
You might’ve expected Dragon, being the sacred mythical animal that it is in Chinese culture, to be honored as the first of the 12 zodiacs. There’s an origin story that explains why it’s in 5th place.
Legend has it that the Jade Emperor held a race across the heavenly river to decide which animals should have the honor of the zodiacs. Everyone’s bet was on Dragon to win the grand prize.
On the way to the race, Dragon encountered a village suffering from drought. Taking pity on them and stopping to give them rain, Dragon was late to the race, losing the top prize with honor (and followed by Snake, Horse, Goat and the remaining animals).
Famous People Born in the Year of the Dragon
Dragons are born to be respected and admired, making them sometimes the most well-known people in the history of the world.
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Vladimir Putin: October 7, 1952, Water Dragon
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Reese Witherspoon: March 22, 1976, Fire Dragon
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Michelle Obama: January 17, 1964, Wood Dragon
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Rihanna: February 20, 1988, Earth Dragon
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Frankie Jonas: September 28, 2000, Metal Dragon
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Adele: May 5, 1988, Earth Dragon
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John Lennon: October 9, 1940, Metal Dragon
-
Martin Luther King Jr.: January 15, 1929, Earth Dragon
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Bruce Lee: November 27, 1940, Metal Dragon
Dragon’s Horoscope for 2024 (Year of the Dragon)
Prepare for a very bad year, Dragon, as each sign must on their zodiac year, because 2024 is the year of the Dragon, meaning you’re the prime target for offending the God of Tai Sui.
You’re not used to setbacks and less-than-ideal outcomes, not when you’ve given your all, but that’s exactly what you’ll find yourself facing this year. Steady the course, because next year will be fantastic!
Dragon’s 2024 Love and Relationships Forecast
This is a year of conflict and strife in Dragon’s love life, and it doesn’t help that everything else upends at the same time. Try not to take it out on your loved ones, Dragon.
Single Dragons can forget about finding someone this year. Since there will be so much else on their mind already, anyone who comes into their radius will most likely be burned to a crisp.
Stay calm with your significant other, Dragon, if you’re already paired off, because this year, you may be inclined to lose your temper and blame everything on them, who only want the best for you.
Career Prospects for Dragon in 2024
This isn’t going to be a good career year for any Dragon, whether they work for someone else or for themselves. Those in an office may be very frustrated when their opinions are consistently ignored.
You’ll want to hang in there even so, Dragon, as this isn’t the best job-hunting year. You’ll need a steady paycheck to weather the storms of 2024, and new positions won’t be easy to find.
Those in business for themselves may face heavy losses this year, even having to close shop—at least temporarily—in the worst-case scenario. Stand where you fell, Dragon. We know you can rise again.
Dragon’s Wealth and Finance in 2024
It won’t be easy to make money this year. Those who are in sales or anything that depends on a bonus will only earn the base pay in 2024, as they’ll face some trouble with clients.
Dragons will face significant increases in their expenses—not that they want to, but because circumstances dictate that they must. For example, they might misplace their wallet or carry out necessary repairs on their house.
Needless to say, don’t invest your paycheck in anything risky or too speculative, Dragon. Stash most of what you earn for a rainy day, as there may well be a few of them in 2024.
Health Predictions for Dragons in 2024
Dragons may not look their best all of this year, as they will be facing considerable problems with weakened immune and digestive systems. Try to boost your health with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
You may have survived on a diet of takeout and energy bars in the past. But Dragon, you’ll need to take care of your body to deal with the emotional and mental health challenges of 2024.
Likewise, this is a great year to take up yoga or meditation because Dragons are already prone to losing their temper or becoming agitated when things go relatively well. Don’t tax your body any more!