2024 ; The Laughing Dragon

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is a Wood Dragon year.

Stepping back millennia to explore observable recurring patterns in nature is captivating to me (clearly, ha). I honestly don’t think that concepts of cyclical energetic circumstances is that far out. Why shouldn’t we consider astrology? We all know that there are better things to do at 2pm than at 2am, or in summer than winter. Everything in the universe is on some sort of orbit, following some sort of pattern. Just because something is repeating does not mean that it is predictable. However, when that something is seen in a familiar context, it means something more.

I recently read an article by a Chinese astrologer, Gregory David Done, about how to interpret what a Wood Dragon year might mean. It’s quirky and different but I think the ideasworth exploring. I hardly understand what I’m reading sometimes but anything that people have gleaned from for 2000+ years is worth investigating.

Below is his own synopsis of Wood Dragon, including a summary of how the year might land for each of the Chinese zodiac signs. If you would like to read the whole article, you can find it here.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN (TO ME)?

Personally, I have found a lot of inspiration in thinking of 2024 as a wood dragon year. It makes me think of “beginner’s mind” and of daring to “ride the dragon.”

Suzuki Roshi said, “What we are doing is so important, we better not take it too seriously.” I’m ready to start having fun with life, again.

I’ve been loving thinking of this year as a young, laughing dragon. It evokes feelings of sincerity and natural expression — themes I’ve been reflecting on a lot lately. I’m looking at this year as an opportunity to be myself. To wiggle and expand and laugh at myself in the process of growth.

I also love the idea of the dragon as a celestial guide. Aligning my own will to “nature’s will” is a concept of Taoism that I’ve really resonated with lately — it helps me get out of my thinking mind and into the present moment. Whatever happens this year, I’m along for the ride.

(Excerpt by Tiger’s Play Astrology)

The flight of the Wood Dragon is the primordial gesture of the Dào itself - pure play, light expanding, flowing freely in all directions.  Nature emerges in youthful and joyous participation, the full scope of life and death - fearlessly declaring itself, roaring and cavorting in unrestrained flight - the Wood Dragon flies without concern for boundaries or borders. 
 
From dark oceans, the ultimate Yīn of the Water Rabbit (2023’s Chinese Zodiac Year) turns to the ultimate Yáng of the Wood Dragon - the freedom of primordial light, encompassing all possible form, wriggling, stretching in all directions, the Gate of Duality burst open - unimpeded, the Wood Dragon is the true jester, the joker, the clown, the radiant laughter of the Universe, Original Nature saturating all forms in unfathomable and endless patterns of play, the Péng Bird in flight - where does it fly? Why?

Despite the vagaries of life, despite the banal grind of samsara, this Year we must contend with a force of nature that simply doesn’t care for our smallness, our pettiness, or our crusty lack of imagination.  The Wood Dragon expands and bursts - it is rainbow of delight in rapture, the baby dragon bursting from the Cosmic Egg in search of the Heavens - it flies just to fly - it represents Yóu, 遊, the free and easy wander of Zhuangzi’s Péng Bird - a light-hearted, humorous, and carefree response to the chaotic state of the world, to worry, to seriousness, and to our obsession with controlling our circumstances. 

This Year brings the light forward again, illuminating the dark.  This light in the form of the Dragon is bright Yáng Wood, like a flash bulb in a dark room… The light that appears in the dawn is gentle and its illumination soft.  Too much light becomes pollution and obscures the Stars.  Too much light obscures the small, the fine, the subtle.  

​The Wood Dragon fills us with purpose, with lightness and laughter, elevating us to the Heavens. Its light is refreshing but can become a danger if it becomes a weapon to defeat the dark. This is our danger; this is our contemplation.  The light this Year is so bright we no longer see the womb of darkness that contains and births it.  A light too bright can obscure the rainbow and make us think our light is the only light.  
This year we must welcome the light but bring some shades, lol.  Listen to the Laughter of the Universe, of the cavorting Dragon, for this laughter is so big, it challenges our sanity and makes all our pettiness seem small.  But do not forget the Stars or the rainbow of light that makes the manifest world beautiful.  This Year, we are all Dragons, so play in the light but remember - it is only a flash.

…

This summary offers a glimpse into each zodiac sign's prospects, emphasizing balance, mindfulness, and strategic planning to navigate the year's energies successfully. This summary was derived from the same Tiger’s Play Astrology article linked above.

Zodiac Forecast Summary

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008): The Rat faces a very auspicious year, the best in a while. Being part of an auspicious pair with the Dragon, Rats are encouraged to embrace their methodical, frugal, and diligent qualities. This year is perfect for setting big goals and taking small, well-planned steps to achieve them. Expect big fluctuations but know that charm and social skills will be enhanced.

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009): The Ox has a neutral to auspicious year. Although the Ox's conventional nature may clash with the Wood Dragon's energy, their inherent stability and strength will allow them to plow ahead successfully, especially in work and projects.

Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010): Tigers have a competitive yet auspicious year ahead. They should focus on compromise, cooperation, and alternating between rest and activity to avoid burnout. This year calls for social engagement and leveraging ambition positively.

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011): Rabbits will find this year auspicious. It's a time to harness the energy from last year's planning to achieve great success. Rabbits should strive for balance, remembering to rest amidst the hustle.

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012): This year offers a mix of very auspicious and potentially inauspicious moments for Dragons. Success hinges on self-awareness and moderation. Recognition and happiness are within reach if Dragons pay attention to feedback and details.

Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013): Snakes face a neutral year, marked by observation and strategic planning. It's a time to embrace or reject the year's energy wisely, potentially leading to significant personal and professional leaps.

Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002): Horses might find the year challenging, with a risk of becoming easily discombobulated. Strategic energy use and mindfulness are crucial to navigate the year's ups and downs successfully.

Goat (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): Goats may face a tough year, with their perfectionist tendencies clashing with the Wood Dragon's energy. Yet, their role in peacekeeping and connection-building could bring personal and professional growth.

Monkey (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): Monkeys are set for an auspicious year, thriving in chaos and energized to take risks. Creativity and social activities are highlighted, but caution is advised to avoid overextension.

Rooster (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Roosters anticipate a very auspicious year, especially in romance and leadership. This year encourages stepping into the spotlight, but Roosters should avoid becoming overly competitive or dictatorial.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): Dogs face a challenging year, urged to reflect and focus on personal growth amidst potential difficulties in relationships and values. This period offers spiritual growth and transformation with cautious optimism.

Pig (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): Pigs have a neutral to auspicious year, with social and celebratory events highlighted. It's a year for growth, love, and spiritual insight, but Pigs should beware of indulgence and over-generosity.