Traditionally in Chinese astrology, the mighty Dragon year brings luck and good fortune. Powerful, mystical, and magical Dragon is the bringer of spring rain; Dragon grants blessings and is the symbol of power and the emperor.
But in 2012, the Dragon is still crawling out of the recession that began in Rat year 2008. That means that this Dragon year is not the year in which the recession ends, but the year that reveals what works and what does not work. In a Dragon year, there is not much middle ground. The time for middle-ground diplomacy was last year (Rabbit 2011). This Dragon year, expect extremes in stock markets, fluctuations of prices, and general chaos in all things financial. In Dragon year, it will be Europe’s turn to crash. And it all won’t be over until Sheep year 2015!
On a practical note, Dragon is all about image, so if a fine garment or new haircut will impress, do it. Go up a notch in how you dress, how you furnish your home, and how you entertain.
YOUR FORTUNE IN DRAGON YEAR 2012
RAT (for those born in 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) You, Rat, are smart, sharp, clever, and have a natural ability to be successful. Rat has not had good luck in the last three years —but, finally, this is your lucky year to shine! Although some translations refer to your sign as mouse, this can be misleading because your personality is rarely meek and mousy. So don’t be mousy in this Dragon year when success can be attained in business, politics, and real estate. Rat can work the shrewdest angle, get the best deal, and win big. Now is the time to start new endeavors and innovate because you can succeed under Dragon’s influence. Rat is a master planner, and events occur quickly in a Dragon year —giving you the pace, action, movement, and breadth you need to end up with the biggest piece of cheese!
OX (for those born in 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) Dragon’s values do not match Ox’s values. Honest, strong, reliable Ox is a hard worker. (If you need to hire someone, hire an Ox or a Dog.) Ox is known for integrity of character, whereas Dragon has little idea of what integrity is, unless it can be used to get ahead. So in this Dragon year, it is best to be very conservative with your money. Do not be tricked into any type of shady investment. If you see others living in grand Dragon style, don’t even try to keep up with the show. Avoid lawsuits because you could be the fall guy. If you think you are getting a deal on a foreclosed property, think again. Besides, you start a whole new life cycle next year in 2013 (the year of the Serpent), which will be most lucky for the Ox.
TIGER (for those born in 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) Tiger and Dragon are the two strongest signs, so you might feel a competitive edge this year. Avoid any big financial gestures. Most of your plans, financial and otherwise, will not easily go your way. Avoid direct power struggles and stay loyal to those who love you. Tiger can be very impulsive —do not get caught up in any Dragon investment frenzy. Bad deals are everywhere, and even your usually accurate Tiger gut instincts can be off in a Dragon year. Learn from the money mistakes of others. Like a Tiger on the hunt, silently observe, but do not pounce.
HARE (for those born in 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) You are an artistic soul, and money is not what truly motivates you. But you are a connoisseur who appreciates all the fine beautiful things that money can buy. There is a difference between the Hare who appreciates beauty and the Dragon who wants to own and control beauty. If you want to sit out any big financial action during this competitive Dragon year, that’s OK. This way, you’ll feel safe during such a changeable, chaotic time. Yet Hare can do surprisingly well financially in a Dragon year; Dragon’s strong energy can encourage Hare to be more social, enjoy world travel, and seek adventuresome outings. While engaged in life, Hare discovers money connections and investment deals in a Dragon year.
DRAGON (for those born in 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) Dragon greatly enjoys the benefits of this Dragon year. Life will be lived on a grand scale, and you, Dragon, lead the way! This is your lucky cycle, so celebrate life whenever you can: get involved, and shine in the spotlight. You have fresh ideas, high energy, and you are raring to go as the brand new year begins. Take a risk, go for broke, and do not hide your brilliance. In addition, you’ll succeed more if you do not go it alone. Dragon can be a loner, but team with a Rat or a Rooster to handle your finances, or bond with a Monkey who has even wilder money ideas than you do. In Chinese mythology, the celestial Dragon, T’ien Lung, flies through the sky, chasing a pearl that is the sun. Like the celestial Dragon, those born in Dragon year have the potential to soar.
SERPENT (for those born in 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) Serpent and Dragon can be compatible allies. Both of you are powerful, focused, and passionate. But Dragon’s energy is active and yang influenced; Serpent’s is receptive and yin oriented. Serpent is also an observer who contemplates before acting —far more secretive or private than show-off Dragon. For you, Serpent, it is natural to be conservative with your money. Plus, you’ll start an entirely new life cycle next year in 2013, the year of the Serpent. You decide: either wait for your “money luck” when you shed your skin in Serpent year, or proceed with caution in this Dragon year. Don’t you, wise Serpent, get tricked into any kind of risky investment.
HORSE (for those born in 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) Dragon and Horse are not on the same team. Dragon is a dreamer and Horse is a doer. Yet both Dragon and Horse are two very strong animals in Chinese astrology, so avoid power struggles this year. In your financial dealings, do not engage in direct confrontations. Go out of your way to avoid any legal actions. You will not win, and Horse likes to win. Horse can be impulsive; so do not get caught up in any sort of Dragon investment frenzy this year. Active Horse loves life and does not sit on the sidelines and watch the world go by. But financially, be more conservative than your usual radical risk-taking Horse self. Money madness is unpredictable in a Dragon year, and you do not want to end up in financial chaos under the influence of the changeable Dragon.
SHEEP (for those born in 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027) Sheep is an artistic soul who would rather be a free spirit than focus on money. But there is a saying, “Sheep eat paper,” which means that Sheep can sure spend money! While Sheep is not willing to sacrifice the essence of life to acquire big bucks, Sheep is most happy living the good life. However, Dragon year is your time for common sense and not a time for big financial risks. It’s best to sit out the Dragon year financial chaos and be glad you did — instead of bleating and feeling sorry that you didn’t.
MONKEY (for those born in 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028) Dragon and Monkey are best friends. Dragon year is one of your best years ever. Monkey has not had good fortune in a long time, but 2012 is your year for good luck and your time to shine. Monkey’s traits are courage, ability to take action, love of anarchy, and true devotion to even the wildest of schemes. And that kind of thinking leads to success in a Dragon year! Achievements can be attained in business, politics, and real estate. Monkey can work the shrewdest angle, get the best deal, and win big. Now is the time to start new endeavors, for Monkey can succeed under Dragon’s influence.
ROOSTER (Phoenix) (for those born in 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029) Dragon year is good for you, Rooster, and next year, Serpent 2013, will be even better! You’ve not had much money luck in the past three years. But fortunately, luck is with you in 2012 to improve your finances, create rare opportunities, and help make you a financial player. You are naturally good with money, and you take pride in working hard and following the rules —but forget rules in a Dragon year! Dragon wants short cuts, and ethics are not a consideration. Social buzz, PR, and talk bring success, not diligence—and this is fine with you. Dress in your finest plumage and join the show. Dragon’s inspirational energy is ideal for your creative mind. Rooster loves the flock: team up with a Dragon, Rat, Monkey, Serpent, or join an investment group.
DOG (for those born in 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030) In Chinese culture, dogs are the favored domestic animal because they are so loyal to their owners. Like a real dog, a person born in the Dog year possesses the admirable qualities of loyalty and integrity of character. In all your dealings, including financial, you are truthful and work for the collective good. None of this is true for the Dragon, who is your exact opposite! Dragon dreams; Dog does. Dragon can dazzle with smoke and mirrors, whereas Dog is practical, realistic, and down to earth (especially the Earth Dog born in 1958). So for money matters in a Dragon year, honesty and patience are not valued. So be very careful with your finances this year because Dragon is happy to fly off with all the cash—and leave you with your humanist ideals.
PIG (for those born in 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031) Pig would rather enjoy life, and all of life’s little pleasures, than chase status and money—both of which are highly prized by the Dragon. Sensitive Pig finds little reward in amassing a fortune if there is no one to share the bounty. But in 2012, it’s best to be financially conservative and not lose any money. What you want are investments that pay dividends, individual exchange-traded funds, and term life insurance. Avoid variable annuities or municipal bonds.
