This article was originally published by Wellbeing Astrology 2024 – Universal Media, Australia

2024 The Year of the

Yang Wood Dragon 甲⾠

The opening act of a New Age takes the stage. This year promises a ride on the ‘Go big or go home’ rollercoaster. Dragon is the catalyst that propels a new 20-year elemental shift, toward Re-enlightenment.

WORDS WENDY GRANT | FENG SHUI ISM

Beyond the annual changing of guardians — from Rabbit to Celestial Reptilian — there’s also a bigger cosmic state of change afoot. Yang Wood Dragons’ always signal a New Age; which in turn end sexagenary eras. The third and final era of a wider 180-year Great Cycle needs unpacking, as we enter a new elemental interface.

Ages are Chinese astrology and Feng Shui’s wheelhouse for deciphering cyclical patterns. Nine cycles of 20-years, each govern an element to complete the Great cycle. This year heralds the ninth Age — Fire, is now the force of influence till 2043 — a harbinger of radiance.

Age of 9 themes are deeply interwoven with the transitional Wood Dragon, coincidentally also associated with number nine (117 scales, 81 benefic/36 malefic); unravelling, is multifaceted. Honing in on fire’s former rodeo from 1844, themes of communication, intelligence and energy emerge. Distance messaging first manifested as smoke signals, superseded by horse/bird couriers and rail. Then Electromagnetism saw speech and speed partner to deliver the first text message, aka electrical telegrams. While snail mail ignited the UK Government’s spying on an Italian national and the ensuing Post office espionage. Dragon years trigger espionage themes; America’s SIS, a precursor to CIA, MI6 and Australia’s ASIS all either expanding or establishing. Five Eyes; a five-country intelligence alliance, gained traction one year later. Electrical engineering, cipher decoding and cyber has advanced tenfold. Yet surveillance, spying and data hacking remain. AI and surreal chat bots are already here. What next — perhaps remote viewing becomes mainstream?

Fire’s energy signatures encompass combustion, atomic energy and fossil fuels. Age 9 correlates to South; sun’s hottest direction in Northern Hemisphere. Focus falls on harnessing power. Dialling back two fire cycles, 1664 the invention of the barometer; fracking and coal fuelled steam engines the next; while solar energy’s photovoltaic cell conceived on the cusp. But Dragon and Fire are the calling cards of Nuclear. The father of the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer is a triple dragon native, with same annual pillar. 1964, China’s first nuclear weapons test. Nuclear is emotive and taboo, perhaps 2024 expands nuclear medicine; it’s original use, or as low carbon energy source. Australia’s AUKUS deal presents nukes Achilles’ heel — disposal of nuclear waste. Noting, South Australia's Olympic Dam is the world's third largest resource of uranium, presently all exported. Southern prefixes are hotspots; with untapped resources in South China Sea, likely topical.

Breaking down Dragon’s annual agenda, the Wood and Earth pillar cues antagonistic conflict. A ‘NaYin’ element forms — ‘Fire from lamp’. Fire is a stimulant and prosperity marker; however this form is unstable, lacking benevolence and weakening finances, including gambling on coin or health.

Historically unfurling as English Bank charter Act 1844, regulating banknotes due to over-issuing – yes, the inflation chestnut. Meanwhile in Australia prospectors gambling on Gold, seeded gold fever. Bullion is a store of wealth — dragon, a metaphysical storage of wealth. The measure of purity is 999; clarity, the cornerstone of the Fire trigram ☲, with triple 9’s! Australia’s Perth Mint investigation into alleged doping (reducing purity), lifts the lid on all that glistens is not gold? Illusion is strongly associated with the Celestial hybrid. Where one stores ones wealth is also pertinent.

HEXAGRAM 49 - Revolution the annual Hexagram

What served us for the previous two decades; ends. Globally and individually success lies in adapting to the new elemental layer cake, as we find what sparks joy and beauty in life. The New Age has strong Female correlations; feminism and suffragettes began under previous Age of 9— with Karl Marx, a double dragon native, positing Marxist feminism in 1844 Marxist Manuscripts. Ladies may bridge the gender pay gap, as former dragon years reveal equality acts, including 1964 Civil Rights Act. Heart health was pinged in former fire cycle; ‘poppers’ synthesized to treat angina. Dragon’s layer adds firsts in successful Coronary bypasses. And America’s Heart month launches 1964, citing the first links to smoking with lung and heart disease – aforementioned gambling on health. Vaping patents also appeared — revealing another smoking gun.

Returning to Dragon’s annual themes, the don of ultimatums partnered with wood amplifies an ornery, principled tone. Industry wise, there’s a collapsing and breakdown of structures, as the shapeshifter crafts the future. Hasty moves strike a repent at leisure tone. Economic transition is sluggish, before a noted growth spurt in 2025. The yearly pillar dynamics show Metal related industries such as banking, technology, computing or engineering as the best performers. While Wood related industries including textiles, media, publishing and environmental also perform favourably. Earth industries, such as property are busy, but with strong competition.

Natural phenomena viewed via fire’s metric are the code red of climate chaos; ensuing droughts and wildfires. Under fire’s age, ominous comets unleashed London’s Great Plague. While 1844, stoked Australia’s first plague of Locusts. Dragon’s playbook adds extremes. Gargantuan, thunderous electric storms (dragon fire), blizzards, fogs or tumultuous earthquakes are signature moves of the celestial hybrid. As skylord Rain God, especially 2024’s Azure Dragon venerated by agriculturalists, is capable of wielding calamity — droughts and deluges. Yearly indicators reveal plentiful precipitation with flooding likely; the first half of year. Life’s breadbasket is affected, including pork prices.

As fire nudges the needle, where we lands by cycle end is pending. Supernatural second sight and spiritual awakening, doors open — will it reveal nuclear-powered bionics or optical/touch sensitive hybrid humans? Or space related; the new geopolitical arena. Either way it’s big. Two mythological creatures lead the charge —Dragon brings the accelerant; illuminating and resurrecting the Phoenix. Combined as symbols of success. ‘The Age of Re-enlightenment’ is upon us.

WHAT SIGN AM I? Each animal sign has five element variations. Your exact year of birth pillar returns at 60 — pinged every 12 years. Chinese Solar New Year is used to calculate your Zodiacal sign. If born between Jan 1—Feb 4, you’re the previous sign. Note: Feb. date also varies by a day or so.

2024 Personal Boons (see asterisked years)*

The year lacks a cosmic chaperone — a modern day Patreon supporter of sorts. But Dragon is a harbinger of luck, sharing pearls of wisdom. Garner an edge and bag a Rooster talisman, fashioning a comb.

Ladies born in years ending in ‘8’ or ‘9’ (or yin or yang earth daymaster) your power and relationship spheres pulse; beware of luring lousy lovers. Males born in years ending in ‘0’ or ‘1’ (or yin or yang fire daymaster) love interests get serious —but this year typically augurs for Nuptial pause.

子 RAT *(1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

After a punishing year, Rats rock in Dragon years. Befriend a pri‘mate’, you’ll trigger a powerful alliance; especially in August when a cosmic cocktail permits to you swim in favoured terrain. The zoomorphic powerhouse’s magnanimous actions leave you a little queasy, yet thankful for clearing any blockages. Accustomed to acing it, you’ll find Dragon bestows talent magic to fuel earnings and success in business acumen — but also steals your limelight, leaving you vulnerable and isolated. Counter caveat; beware of flying objects (& words), they’re weaponised making oneself injury prone. Exercise caution when traveling. Pay attention to family members physical and mental wellness.
N1: 352.5° – 7.5°

丑 OX (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)*

A middling year for Oxen; that’s if you avoid the ‘give it in one hand; take in the other’ scenarios; otherwise fallacy reigns. At times you feel a little broken, your reputation bruised with legal beefs exposing vulnerabilities. Despite the tensions, dipping into your hermitic ways is unconstructive. Engage your stalwartness; combine with your ethics and you could be blessed with fortitude and fortune. A cosmic benefactor supports you, akin to a powerhouse female in your corner. Granted it’s a year of yo-yos but remain steadfast, as you’ll make hay in May. You receive unexpected news, possibly a rewarding relocation to foreign shores. Don’t be disillusioned or Dragons rigour leaves health off kilter.
NE1: 22.5° – 37.5°

寅 TIGER *(1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

Sometimes lacking understanding with Dragon, Tigers hold sway and share vision with the annual sky lord; March perfects the trifecta. Use Spring as your call to action season; conquer goals early or you’ll be exhausted by year-end. You’ll be on the move, maybe even relocating for job moves or travel away from home – November born tigers less likely, but August is likely catalyst for change. Tigers with a Yin or Yang Fire in their chart ignite wealth signatures. Helpful peeps could see your war chest flourish, or dwindle in equal measure. Resentment rumbles, debts and deaths show up and an ancestor’s legacy may turn sour, leaving you empty-handed. Dragon’s demands leave Tigresses most exposed.
NE3: 52.5° – 67.5°

卯 RABBIT *(1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

After a year fraught with peril it’s time to rest; trapped pathways now unearthed. While adversity fades a change sees you engage in karmic combat, your compatible yet boisterous neighbour, tests your patience and grit; tempers flare. Notable blessings are spread thin; loses and inheritance bring mixed emotions or betrayal. Rash actions lead to accidents. If you’ve scheduled a medical procedure, wear your canine talisman (avoid this year’s rooster amulet). Beforehand, consider the noble act of giving blood. Perhaps the answer to your ‘What’s up Doc’ question is finally answered, benefic cosmic care with healing medicine to recuperate. Embrace the downtime; home is a safe haven.
E2: 82.5° – 97.5°

⾠ DRAGON (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

You enter a period of flux — self-reflection brings rewards. This year there’s a tendency to self-sabotage; the “If I . . . coulda, shoulda, woulda” lyric plays on loop. Power and luck are always in your reach. Talent scouts knocks on your door, a writers dream in the form of solitude — non-writers know this as solo time, expect your best ideas to take form. Loved ones maybe prone to klutziness; a hard No, to high-risk pursuits. Tilt the field in your favour, skill up and bring dreams to life. Expect breakthroughs, you are after all, a land mover. Female Dragons self-care checks mandatory, fellow skylords an ‘ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ – see a doc.
SE1: 112.5° – 127.5°

未 SNAKE (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

Also known as ‘little dragon’, sharing scales and pearls of wisdom. Magically, creative talents will surface with side hustles delivering income streams. Lady serpents may chalk up some wins in relationship fronts, peppered with the odd curve ball. Single serpents may meet ‘the one’. While couples either make babies or pressure test family footings exposing unrequited love. Hold space for your kids. Serpents bask in career sunrays assisting you in business HR. Moneywise luxury spends bring light pockets, which in turn reveal worrywarts. Commutes feel jinxed and bring risks, eyes on the road, lacking hearing leaves you exposed. Health Qi sees syndromes surface.
SE3: 142.5° – 157.5°

午 HORSE (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

No stranger to thrilling rides; this one’s daring. Big picture wise you’re in the frame for fame as your tastemaker prowess expands social circles. Track conditions are fair with potential to build on former successes. Career wise skewed communication sparks arguments; maybe you’ll jockey with judge and jury over financial tribulations. But your need for speed could see you come undone. Curb risky pursuits as sharp objects pose injury — give blood to blur crosshairs. Operating on limp mode sees you house bound; a sinking mood takes its toll. Support is on hand to stave of health hiccups. Reconnect with aging loved ones, as time may not be on their side. Promiscuous stallions; check ups a must.
S2: 172.5° – 187.5°

未GOAT (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

You’re an easily influenced spirit; the year depends on whether you lead, or follow. Curb your tendency to show indifference to Dragon’s ego — instead praise and laude till year-end. Despite your differences, channel shared ground — as transformational beings and mountaineering rainmakers. You’ve the tools to succeed within you, use it to overcome calamities. Suppress tantrums or you’ll be entangled in quarrels. In business your reputation is safeguarded, maybe even a promotion although financially rocky terrain leaves goats’ gains stagnant. Avoid risk taking such as gambling, including your own health and that of your family’s. Female Goats you’ll have patrons buttress your endeavours. Creative goats love the collective artistic nuances the year offers.
SW1: 202.5° – 217.5°

申 MONKEY (1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

A card-carrying member of Dragons’ dream team, but inner circle demands leave you time poor. Your thirst for knowledge is feed but solo pursuits also bring loneliness. Dragon pools blessings—offering an anxiety free window. Fundamentally the year generates resources. However, your frivolity toward finances, coupled with dragons distaste for penny-pinching could leave coffers empty. Lawyer up for legal matters; be it summons, taxes or fines. The magnanimous hybrid magnifies all it touches, including pettiness. Your competitive self is skilled at taming Dragons; that said it’s prudent to tend to bushfire and property maintenance plans, as you’re no match for the skylord’s speed. Park your inner Joker and swing by the doc.
SW3: 232.5° – 247.5°

酉 ROOSTER (1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

After a year in the cosmic wilderness, it’s time to preen ruffled feathers. You’ve caught the Dragon’s eye, true charmers strengthen your position. The talent appreciation club sees intelligence recognized with moves up the pecking order; promotion for go-getters. Career kudos for instigators of improvement; flex your charitable side to bolster results. Mitigating inauspiciousness is within reach as Nobleman luck dissolves either career or coin kinks. Clashes fade but curb spending sprees for you’ll be depleted and broken. Single roosters, romance blossoms as a genuine love bird shows up. Pencil September in the diary, a double rooster visits; don’t sabotage true hearts desires. Coupled roosters; beware of suitors with bedroom eyes. You’re a tad accident-prone.
W2: 262.5° – 277.5°

戌 DOG *(1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

A swift shift in status — you’ve gone from Rabbit’s Bff to Dragon opponent. The skylord is your Achilles’ heel yet hones your intuition. Turbulent times and disharmony reveal your inner mad dog. Despite setbacks you’re treasured, with fortes recognized. Mixed blessings come with financial rewards; the bait involves a move or relocation. Avoid SE directions. Obstacles in Ox month (Jan); apply caution. Fiscal forecast alludes to potential sizeable losses, watch outgoings. Canines are born altruistic companions; stay connected with your tribe, as emotional rollercoaster sees a Black dog linger. Seek help. 1970 Dogs you’ll feel the screw tighten. Next year pooches wag tails.
NW1: 292.5° – 307.5°

亥 PIG (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Dragon bestows virtues and empowers you to transform the inauspicious to auspicious. Solutions are within your reach — but don’t be too righteous for defeat and submission the alternative. Pigs seeking partners, your pheromones are charmed – be it business partner or love interest, even buoying financial bounties. The second half of year sees you indulge in life’s perks. Property acquisitions are probable; like any investment finances are left stretched afterward. Warranty up as environmental setbacks hovers overhead. Avoid the temptation to overindulge as it leaves you with personal health hiccups. Swine’s innate spiritual core is woken; esoteric encounters turn rogue; unless you learn to tame dragons.
NW3: 322.5° – 337.5°

See PART 2 of 2024 FENG SHUI Forecast; Articles written in March 2023, released and published in Sept 2023 for @Wellbeing Magazine Astrology 2024.

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