A magnificent comeback after the recuperative year of the Rabbit. We must throw caution to the four winds and roll up our sleeves for all sorts of grandiose, exhilarating, colossal, overambitious and daring projects. The indomitable spirit of the Dragon will inflate everything to larger than life size. Somehow we will find ourselves bubbling with excess energy. It will be wise not to overestimate ourselves or our potentials in this combustible year. Things appear better than they actually are. On the brighter side, business will be good and money can be generated or obtained easily. It is the time to ask your bank for a loan. Big spending and lavish plans are the rule of the day. The mighty Dragon sneers at the prudent and penny-pinching. He gambles for all or nothing. He will stimulate us to think and act big, even over-stepping the bounds of caution. Orientals consider this to be an auspicious year to get married, have children or start a new business, as the benevolent Dragon brings good fortune and happiness. However, this is also a time to temper our enthusiasm and look twice before taking a plunge. For although the lucky Dragon showers his blessings indiscriminately on all, he disappears when the time comes for making retributions for our errors. Successes as well as failures will thus be magnified. The years of the Fire Dragon is especially feared, as he wrecks more havoc than the Dragons of other elements. In the Dragon's year, fortunes as well as disasters will come in massive waves. This is a year marked by a lot of surprises and violent acts of nature. Tempers will flare the world over and everyone will be staging some real or imaginary revolt against constrictions. The electric atmosphere created by the mighty Dragon will affect us, one and all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE DRAGON PERSONALITY The mighty and magnificent Dragon of mythical folklore never ceases to enchant or stir the imagination. So it must be said that some of its magical qualities, illusory or not, are contained in those born under his sign. The Dragon person is magnanimous and full of vitality and strength. To him, life is a blaze of colors and he is constantly on the go. Egoistical, eccentric, dogmatic, whimsical or terribly demanding and unreasonable, he is still never without a band of admirers. Proud, aristocratic and very direct, the Dragon-born establishes his ideals early in life and demands the same high standards and perfection from others that he has from himself. In the Orient, the Dragon symbolizes the Emperor or the male. It represents power; those born in the Dragon year are said to wear the horns of destiny. A Dragon child will tend to take up important burdens and responsibilities even if he happens to be the youngest in the family. Often, older Dragon children can bring up their younger siblings with more authority than the parents. The Dragon is a veritable storehouse of energy. His impetuosity, eagerness and almost religious zeal can blaze like the fabled fire the Dragon emits from its mouth. He has the potential for accomplishing great things, which is fortunate as the Dragon likes to perform on a grand scale. However, unless he contains his premature enthusiasm, he may burn himself out and end up in a puff of smoke. He is the most liable to become fanatical over an issue. Whatever the Dragon does, good or bad, he will never fail to make the headlines. The Chinese call him the guardian of wealth and power. Certainly a prosperous sign to belong to. But then again, the Dragon is the sign most prone to megalomania. The powerful Dragon is difficult to contest, at times even impossible. He tends to intimidate those who dare to challenge him. An angry, spurned Dragon could be like a big bad wolf at your door. He'll huff and he'll puff until he blows your house down. But the Dragon is likely to be filial in spite of his strong temper and dogmatic ways. Whatever differences he or she may have with the family will be forgotten or set aside when they call for aid. The Dragon can put aside domestic resentments and come to the rescue promptly and with largesse. However, his family can also count on a severe lecture from him once the crisis is over. The Dragon seldom minces words. He cites his views like Imperial Edicts. Although he may rave about the virtues of free speech and democracy - don't buy it. He feels himself to be above the law and doesn't always practice what he preaches. Sometimes being civil, affectionate and honey-tongued can be a terrible strain on the Dragon. He would much rather be rough, rude and utterly inconsiderate when provoked. But don't try to give him back the same medicine. Somehow, it just won't work, unless you happen to be another Dragon and decide to do battle. Then we can all sit around and watch the magnificent fireworks that will make the 4th of July look like candles on a birthday cake. In spite of his volcano of emotions, the Dragon cannot be said to be sentimental, sensitive or very romantic. He takes love and adulation for granted: they are just due. But while he may be stubborn, irrational and overbearing when irked, the Dragon can forgive you the moment he gets over his outburst. And since things are supposed to work both ways, he expects your forgiveness for his errors, too. He may even neglect to apologize at times, which may seem callous, but then the Dragon really has no time to explain himself or be bothered by grudges or trifles; he just wants to get on with his work. While the Dragon may be strong and decisive, he is not cunning or guileful. He shuns easy adaptability and tricky regulations. Were the contest to be decided on strength alone, the Dragon would conquer hands down; but he is often overconfident, brash and deluded by his wonderful visions - thus neglecting to pay attention to possible upsets or underhanded plots that could overthrow him. Instead of sniffing around for brewing schemes, he prefers to plunge into battle, often refusing to retreat even in the face of overwhelming odds. Too proud, he disdains to call for assistance; too sure, he rarely keeps anything in reserve. Too intent on going forward, he forgets to protect his rear and flanks. Too upright, he refuses to lie. Further, he is unable to interpret clever insinuations and generally fails to spot the evil and subversive intent of his enemies. To the Dragon person, having a purpose or special mission in his life is vital. It's just not healthy for him to lie around with nothing to do. He must always have a cause to fight for; a goal to reach, a right to wrong. Otherwise, how do you expect him to keep that inner fire burning? Without his pet projects, rallies and other impossible schemes, the Dragon is like a locomotive without fuel. He fizzles out and become dull and listless. The Dragon has the same affinity for success as the Snake, but because he expresses his views more openly and his failures are more likely to involve some form of physical exertion, he is usually spared deep psychological problems, Being a doer, he will take to one-man crusades, lead demonstrations, write letters to the media or collect a million signatures on a petition. This method of belching fire and brimstone effectively rids him of any inner neurosis that could result otherwise. The Dragon lady is the Grand Dame of the cycle. She will be a suffragette, a believer of equal rights for women. Double standards and discrimination will arouse her wildest passions. What a man can do, she can probably do better. Don't ever underestimate her. She is going to beat you at your own game - or die trying. She'll never stand idly by and accept her fate. She is the stuff empires are built on, the matriarch of old. Cross her and the sky will fall. To tell the truth, the Dragon female is strictly a no-nonsense person. She will show this by the way she dresses. Practical and functional clothes appeal to her most. No frills, flimsy laces, buttons and bows, but a minimum of complications. Clothes that go on and off easily and provide her with maximum movement will be her top choice. She hates restrictions and limitations. Actually, she may even secretly prefer a uniform if she has military or institutional inclinations. This way, starched, crisp and superbly efficient, she can pop off to work every day without the bother of having to decide what to wear. The Dragon girl seldom, if ever, overdecorates herself. Her brilliance is in her mind and this will shine forth, without any trimmings. Self-esteem rates very high with all Dragons, so the Dragon female will be no exception. She doesn't expect to be treated like divinity though she does have her airs. She just wants your respect and she will do everything in her power to get it. The lady Dragon is totally emancipated, so strong-arm tactics will get you nowhere. You might as well resign yourself - she will have the last word. Despite his faults being numerous as his virtues, the luster of the Dragon shines on everyone. He is not petty, nor is he begrudging with favors. He may grumble a lot, but he cannot resist helping the needy or coming to the rescue when you are in trouble. This may not be because he feels real compassion or genuine concern; more often than not, the Dragon helps because he has a profound sense of duty to all. The Dragon will somehow always have a notable contribution to make. You can count on his support, for he will not let you down if he can help it. The Dragon will exhaust all his resources before he admits failure. An extrovert and lover of nature, this person will be an active sportsman, a travel bug and an excellent talker. He has the makings of a super-salesman and he and his band of loyal followers will always be promoting something. The weather condition at the time of the Dragon's birth will affect his life a great deal. A child born during a storm will lead a tempestuous and hazardous life beset by danger or spectacular experiences. One born on the day when the sea (his ancestral home) and the heavens are calm will have a protected existence and a more amiable nature. The Dragon native will either marry young or prefer to remain single. He can be happy leading a solitary life, as his work and career will keep him occupied. He will seldom lack friends or admirers to keep him company. The Dragon is not a spendthrift, but he is not a miser, either. He is generous with money but never too concerned about his bank balance unless he happens to have a strong combination with money-making signs. The Dragon person is superpositive. Nothing will keep him down for long, and even when he has a bad case of doldrums, he will snap out of it faster than anyone else. His buoyancy defies rhyme or reason. For a sign that never accepts defeat, The Dragon provides his own worst opposition. He will dash headlong into a disastrous situation when he is convinced he is right. Pompous and self-destructive, you say? No, not really. It is just that this person must follow his plans through - irregardless of the consequences. After all, he was put on earth to raise standards to superlative heights and the more you try to change his course of action or steer him away from trouble, the more headstrong he becomes. He lives up to his reputation for taking the lead even when it becomes most unpleasant. Whatever else, the Dragon will be an open person - you can read him like a book. It is difficult for him to pretend emotions he does not feel. He rarely even bothers to try. He is not secretive either, and cannot keep a confidence for too long. Even when he swears not to breathe a word of it, you can be sure he will blurt it out when he gets angry and sparks begin to fly. You say he promised to keep it a secret? What secret? How can you bother him with such a trivial thing at a time like this? His feelings are genuine and always straight from the heart. When he declares he loves you, you can be absolutely sure he is sincere. Should he belong to the rougher variety of Dragons, he could be too abrasive. His direct, brusque manners and callousness could well antagonize people. But generally speaking, he will inspire action. He should personally attend to things he wants done immediately instead of writing or dealing over the phone. His presence and magnetism will swing people over to his way of thinking. He motivates everyone he come into contact with. He himself needs no motivation, as he is more than capable of generating his own momentum. It will never be hard to place your confidence in the truthful Dragon. He seldom wavers, cowers or shifts responsibility. He possesses little or no self-doubt. With his natural pioneering spirit, his attempts will be stupendous successes or unbelievable exercises in futility. He must drive right to the very edge of the precipice and take a look for himself. Just hold your breath, keep your fingers crossed and pray that he has good brakes. I guess Frank Sinatra, who is a Dragon, and his song "My Way" or Bruce Lee, who is also a Dragon, and his movie "Way of the Dragon" concisely sum up how the Dragon ticks. Of all the animal signs, the Dragon will be attracted most to the Monkey. The Monkey will be similarly drawn to the Dragon's majesty and they will make an unbeatable team. A Dragon-Rat union will be an equally winning combination as the Rat is crafty where the Dragon is strong. They could do things together. The Dragon will likewise make a good match with the cool and venerable Snake, whose wisdom could check the Dragon's excessiveness. Tiger, Rooster, Horse, Sheep, Rabbit and Boar will all seek the Dragon out for his beauty and strength. The two Dragons will get along pretty well but the Dragon's relationship with the Ox may be a bit strained by the Ox's authoritativeness. Of all the animal signs, perhaps only the Dog will make a miserable partner for the Dragon. The Dragon will come under the close scrutiny of the Dog and the Dog will be too cynical to fall under his spell. Above all, it is worth remembering that although the dragon is dazzling, he is not deep. Only when he can harness his legendary powers can he perform miracles. He needs people to believe in him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE DRAGON CHILD The high-spirited Dragon child is an innovator. Forceful, fearless and vibrant - nothing will daunt his idealistic outlook on life. He will formulate his own principles early in life and will need or ask for very little help. He is respectful of his elders and will be able to obey commands precisely. This intense child needs to anchor his passions to something or someone he considers worthy of his devotion. He will have countless idols - his teachers, his parents or anyone he regards highly. He is bright, aggressive and independent. Tough and resilient, he can take teasing and shoving around because he is willing and ready to fight for his rights. Outspoken and ambitious, he should be given responsibilities in order to keep him occupied and make him feel useful. However, he should not be allowed to bully less assertive children. His domineering ways must be checked at an early age. The Dragon child must be made to feel his worth. He would prefer that you needed him instead of just loved him. His efforts are always sincere and should be praised, as he will work very hard to please you and gain your respect. Never bruise his ego by laughing at him, even if he goes about performing a simple chore as if it were some intricate ritual. The Dragon's self-esteem is immeasurable. His dreams of greatness are all real and tangible to him. In life, his emotions will touch soaring heights and unfathomable depths. If he fails at anything, he has to be reassured that the sun will shine again the next day. He judges himself very harshly. Once he realizes his mistake, there will be no need for you to reproach or punish him, as he will be the first to chastise himself and make amends. If your child is a Dragon, he will want or maybe even demand that you rely on him and he will do his best never to disappoint you. This proud and self-reliant youngster will be strong and faithful to his ideals always. He was born to lead and excel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Symbol * Dragon represents royalty, Emporer, eternity, courage, strength, rain, and Spring. * He presides over the Eastern Quadrant and admonishes against greed and avarice. * Dragon is the first of the Four Spiritually Endowed creatures. It is often depicted chasing a pearl (one of the eight precious objects).