Most recent Water Dragon: Jan. 23, 2012 to Feb. 9, 2013
2012 was the Year of the Water Dragon. It is the 5th animal of the Chinese zodiac system and its ruling hours are 7am to 9am. The dragon’s polarity is Yang, its season is spring, the direction is East-Southeast, the stem is positive, its month is April and the fixed element is Wood. The dragon is considered a lucky sign and is the sign of wealth, power and respect. Dragons have high standards of excellence, confidently strive for success and are filled with energy. At their worst, dragons can be conceited and demanding.
The Water year tempers the dragon’s Fire and allows for level headedness in decision making. The Water dragon uses intelligence as well as force. Wisdom is an important trait in a Water dragon year. Dragons make great leaders and are charismatic and passionate. Expect the Water year to temper unexpected temper flare-ups of the dragon and allow for patience. Water may also balance the dragon’s abundant enthusiasm and prevent the colorful Dragon from burn-out due to excessive activity and overwork.
The dragon aspires to greatness and tends to succeed, often through perseverance. Dragons may rush into battle with force without thinking but the Water Dragon allows input from others and tempers stubbornness and impulsiveness with thoughtfulness. The last year of the Water Dragon was in 1952.
Famous people born in the Year of the Dragon: Bruce Lee, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Shirley Temple, Susan B. Anthony, Sigmund Freud, Mae West, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.
Featured Herb: Long Gu (Os Draconis, Dragon Bone)
Long Gu is sweet, cool and astringent and enters the Heart and Liver channels. Translated as dragon bone, Long Gu calms the Liver and anchors the Yang and also calms the Shen. Long Gu has an astringent property and helps to prevent the leakage of bodily fluids. Long Gu is of fossilized animal bones.