We are all familiar with the Chinese Zodiac cycle, which is a 12-year cycle with each year being represented by an animal yadah yadah race to the heavens yadah yadah Jade Emperor…
We are also well aware that this upcoming new year heralds the Year of the Dragon.
But some of us may scratch our heads when we hear people calling it the Year of the Wood Dragon instead.
Why is the dragon wooden, and what is the difference?
Introducing the Five Elements of Chinese Astrology
Before we delve further into just what the Year of the Wood Dragon means, did you know that there are elements involved in our zodiac cycle?
If you tell me that they are just Water, Earth, Fire and Air, I would say that you’ve watched too much Nickelodeon growing up, but you’re actually not too far off.
In Chinese astrology, there are five elements – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Each element is represented by a planet – Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars and Saturn.
This is derived from the Five Elements Theory, known as Wu Xing. It emphasizes balance and the interplay between energies. As one element strengthens, another diminishes, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence.
The Five Elements theory elucidates how interactions among elements generate or diminish energy. Similar to the yin-yang symbol, these interactions lead to progress, whether constructive or destructive.
To put it in terms easier to understand, you can see it as type advantages and weaknesses in Pokemon:
Wood starts Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth holds Metal, Metal carries Water, Water feeds Wood.
Conversely, Fire melts Metal, Metal chops Wood, Wood separates the Earth, Earth absorbs Water, Water puts out Fire.
Some of these interactions make less sense than others, but best not to think so much about it. The TL;DR is that creation and destruction are complementary processes to create harmony.
Bringing it back to the zodiac cycle: An animal’s elemental association changes every twelve years, and for this cycle, it is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Correspondingly, 2012 was the Year of the Water Dragon, while 2036 will be the Year of the Fire Dragon.
In order to figure out what your Chinese zodiac element is, simply look at the last number of your birth year (Lunar year, that is).
- Metal: Birth year ending in 0 or 1
- Water: Birth year ending in 2 or 3
- Wood: Birth year ending in 4 or 5
- Fire: Birth year ending in 6 or 7
- Earth: Birth year ending in 8 or 9
What Exactly Do Each Element Represent?
Similar to how the Westerns (and some Singaporeans here) believe that your star signs determine some aspects of one’s personality, it is believed by the Chinese that people born under each elemental zodiac animal possess their own unique set of traits that influence their lives.
In the context of the Five Elements theory, individuals are categorised into archetypes: Wood individuals are grounded visionaries, Fire individuals are adventurous and passionate, Earth individuals are peaceful mediators, Metal individuals are driven and strict and Water individuals are artistic and introspective.
It is believed that an ideal and successful team would comprise of all of the aforementioned archetypes.
Some elements correspond with a particular zodiac sign – Wood with Rabbit and Metal with Rooster, for instance.
What Traits Would a Wood Dragon Have?
If there are people out there planning to have babies this year, this is when you should listen up!
According to Chinese astrology, wood represents vitality and creativity, while the dragon is often associated with success, intelligence and honour.
Individuals born in the Year of the Wood Dragon are characterised by their energy, drive, and innovative ideas. They aspire to change the world, are perfectionists, and persistently pursue their goals.
Wood Dragons are known for their boundless drive and motivation, excelling in their careers by translating ambitions into tangible achievements.
Their innovative ideas set them apart, yet unlike other Dragon signs, who may be perceived as arrogant, Wood Dragons embody humility. Though often in leadership roles, Wood Dragons value expert counsel for key decisions.
Characterised by a blend of humour and diplomacy, Wood Dragons possess a unique business sixth sense that is unmatched by other zodiac signs.
Regarded as exceptionally fortunate individuals, those born in the Year of the Wood Dragon enjoy a steady stream of good luck in life.
However, the Wood Dragon’s desire for self-sufficiency and independence often leads them away from romantic entanglements, resulting in solitary lifestyles. While receptive to others’ perspectives, they can be assertive during debates to assert their own views.
Idealists and perfectionists, people born in the Year of the Wood Dragon may be overly critical of others’ work inefficiency. Their sharp words (though said with good intent) may end up hurting people close to them.
Wood Dragons find great compatibility with the Monkey, Rat, Snake, and Rooster. Roosters and Dragons support each other through tough times, while Monkeys and Dragons share intuitive understanding. Rats charm Dragons with wit and reliability, their differences complementing each other well.
On the other hand, Wood Dragons are least compatible with the Dog, Rabbit, Ox, Sheep, and other Dragons. Dogs and Dragons struggle with trust, while Rabbits and Dragons clash due to their tempers. Wood Dragons find it challenging to connect with other Dragons due to their similar nature, preferring independence and self-absorption over relationships.
What Would the Year of the Wood Dragon Bring in General?
The Year of the Wood Dragon is linked to promoting growth, progress, and abundance, providing a favourable environment to establish strong foundations for endeavours with long-term potential.
The last occurrence of the Wood Dragon year was in 1964, a significant year marked by The Beatles’ rise in America, shaping Western music, and the signing of the US Civil Rights Act by President Johnson, a landmark moment in American history.
The same year, the Soviet Union launched Voskhod 1, marking the first space flight with multiple crew members and without spacesuits. This event signified a significant leap in mankind’s exploration of the universe. Additionally, China conducted its inaugural nuclear test, showcasing advancements in its technological capabilities.
As such, the Year of the Wood Dragon signifies a period of change, innovation, and transformation.
It encourages individuals to pursue their dreams, express their uniqueness, and unlock their potential. It’s a time to embrace courage, optimism, and adventure, as numerous opportunities for growth and success may arise.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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