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Chinese zodiac · Chinese zodiac 5

Dragon

Dragon · 龍 lóng

The Dragon (龍 lóng), sign 5 of the Chinese zodiac: earthly branch Chen 辰, fixed element earth, yang.

The Dragon, the only mythical creature in the cycle, is the bringer of rain and the emblem of imperial power. Dragon years are considered especially auspicious for births, and the sign is associated with vigour and ambition.

In Chinese astrology the year animal is only one part of a horoscope: the element of the year's heavenly stem, the month, day and hour of birth (the Four Pillars) and their interactions are read together. The traditional characterisations of each animal belong to folk belief and popular almanacs rather than to a single authoritative text.

Personality

ambitious · energetic · charismatic · confident · fortunate · proud · visionary

In Chinese popular astrology the Dragon is described as the most powerful and auspicious of the twelve signs: vigorous, ambitious and full of charisma. The only mythical creature in the cycle, linked with the earthly branch Chen, yang and the element earth, it is the bringer of rain and the emblem of imperial power, and Dragon years are still considered especially fortunate for births.

Almanac portraits credit Dragon-born people with energy, self-confidence, intelligence and the ability to lead and inspire; they are said to aim high and to attract good fortune. They are thought to be generous and idealistic, impatient with pettiness. The weaknesses traditionally named are pride, arrogance, a demanding nature, impatience and a dislike of advice or criticism.

In love the Dragon is portrayed as passionate and generous but independent, needing admiration and a partner who can keep pace; the traditional triad places it in harmony with the Rat and the Monkey. At work it is linked with leadership, politics, the arts, entrepreneurship and any position of visibility and responsibility. Chinese astrologers note that the element of the year, such as the Wood Dragon of 2024, and the other pillars of birth give each Dragon a different character.

Sources and further reading