Year of the Water Dragon 4710
January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013

The following information is compiled from a large group of resources. These include: Dragon Soaring Across the Sky” – The 2012 Calendar of H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun and Khadro Crystal Chu Rinpoche. Also, the “Classic Chinese Almanac – Year of the Water Dragon – Ren Chen – 2012” by Dr. Edgar Sung.
For those of us less familiar with the Chinese Zodiac, it is made up of 12 animal signs and 5 elements, comprising a 60-year cycle. This is the year of the Water Dragon. Ancient lore says, Buddha invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebration but only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward Buddha named a year after each one of them. The animal years start in the order that they arrived to celebrate with Buddha – starting with the Rat and ending with the last guest the Pig. You can read about the 5 Elements at sacredcurrents.com/about-feng-shui/about-elements/#water
Dragon & Water
The Dragon is the one mythical animal of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. It is associated with power and is the symbol of the Chinese emperor. The Dragon is positioned in the Wood element on the bagua, and the fact that this year is symbolized Water Dragon is a good thing, since Water nourishes Wood. Yet this year’s Dragon is also associated with the Earth element which is not compatible with Water. Thus it purports an unpredictable year. In fact, I have found in my research that there are as many astrologers who predict this year will be ‘good’ and associated with peace and wealth, as there are those predicting the year will be volatile.
Zodiac
Below are some key points for each of the zodiac signs. It is a good idea for all of us to ‘clean house’ both physically and metaphorically before or at the beginning of the year. In other words, clean up outstanding debts, miscommunications and in general complete things. All signs will do well to perform the ‘Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell’ ritual, along with ‘Welcoming in the Wealth God’ and ‘Changing the Chi of the Environment’. Doing these transcendental adjustments helps us to start the year with protection and auspiciousness. We all can benefit from attending more happy events in order to ‘rub up against positive chi.’ In addition, performing a good deed each day will help you to accumulate good karma and alleviate the negativity that may be in your chart this year. Remember, a true ‘good deed’ must be done without any expectation of reward.
According to Flying Star Feng Shui, wealth is coming from the West in 2012 and thus a good direction to travel. While the Southeast is the source of negativity. It is advised to stay away from renovations in the SE and in addition a ‘Salt Cure’ will help to mitigate any ill effects from the Five Yellow Star there.
Practice
Below are the general tendencies for each of the animal signs this year. Please note that fortunes can be mitigated or enhanced with Feng Shui, rituals, meditations, transcendental adjustments and personal karma. A personal, in depth astrological reading will reveal more specifics for you month to month. Remember that even the luckiest sign (the Rooster this year) has its cautions and the unluckiest (the Rabbit and Dog) have their bright spots.
*Please Note: All of the transcendental adjustments suggested below are available in H.H. Grandmaster Lin Yun’s Year of the Dragon Almanac available at the Lin Yun Temple website.
Individual adjustments can be acquired through Sacred Currents by sending 9 Red Envelops with $27 and a self addressed white envelope to: Sacred Currents 11 East 88th Street 7D NYC, NY 10128.
*The “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell” requires cinnabar. Please include and an additional $9 ($36 total) if you want it sent with the ritual.
A 3-dimensional Rooster, Monkey and Rat (the luck animals for the year depending on your year of birth – see below) can also be acquired through Sacred Currents. Send $9 for each animal ordered and $5 for priority postage (regardless of the number of animals you order.) Again, send your address and check to the address above.
TENDENCIES FOR THE 12 CHINESE ANIMALS:
RAT – RAT – 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
As the Rat is in the ‘3 Harmony’ position with the Dragon and Monkey, it will be an auspicious year for Rats. Your career, academic pursuits and reputation will all excel this year. It is advised however that you work within the letter of the law and attend to all health concerns as these are your vulnerable areas. You can carry a Rooster charm this year to add to your good fortune.
OX – 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Ox is in an offensive 90 degree position with the Dragon. Therefore there may be little return for your efforts although you may be intensely productive. Both men and women (but more so men) should be cautious in their sexual entanglements. It is important to work on self cultivation this year and to do service for others. Oxen will be supported by helpful people to resolve misfortune and you would do well to do the ‘Golden Cicada Ritual’ and to carry a Rooster charm.
TIGER – 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Career development and travel are well indicated for the Tiger this year. Even with some challenges, advancement will still be possible. It is important to be detailed and thorough and curb any tendency to be indecisive. If you stay focused, calm and positive through any challenge, the results will be good. Pay close attention to any health issues and get the help you need. The Rooster is the right charm for you.
RABBIT – 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The Rabbit is coming out of its ‘own’ year (which is always challenging) and going into a direct conflict year with the Dragon. Hares should be very mindful of preserving their health and cautious in all forms of travel. Fortunately there is a luck star helping to balance some of the equation but the Hare should perform the Golden Cicada ritual for 3 consecutive days starting on Jan 23rd to avoid the most serious problems this year. Rely on your good relationships and spiritual centeredness and know when to retreat. The Rabbit needs to carry a Monkey and Rat for protection (the 2 other friends of the Dragon) as the Rooster is too conflictive for the Rabbit.
DRAGON – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
The Dragon is said to be “Sitting Atop of the Year God” which means your luck can very challenged. Relationships may be in disharmony. Don’t get involved with any conflicts or the problems of others, as it is an easy year to bring that ‘chi’ into your own life. Be particularly law abiding and make your health a priority. Many problems can be averted through the practice of doing one good deed a day (or 10!). In addition performing the Golden Cicada Ritual between 11pm – 1am on Jane 22nd – Chinese New Year’s Eve and for the next 2 consecutive nights will serve as a great protection. Of course you can carry a Rooster – your best friend – for companionship.
SNAKE – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Snakes are in an enviable position this year. Your achievements should be great, especially with the helpful people that will be around you this year. Love and marriage are possible, as is financial gain. It is still most important not to take anything for granted, as carelessness is your worst enemy. A Rooster charm can be part of your insurance.
HORSE – 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Although there is potential for confrontations and financial concerns this year, there are also auspicious stars shining on the Horse. Benefactors will be there when you need them and hard work is rewarded at work and school. Keep a low profile this year and all should be well. Doing any of the transcendental rituals would be helpful. Your charm is the Rooster.
RAM – 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Like the Ox, the Ram (or Sheep as it is also referred to) is at a 90 degree angle to the Dragon, which means it is in a mutually offensive relationship with the Dragon. Yet, relative good fortune is indicated due to the appearance of some auspicious stars. Business and finances are well aspected and advancement can be made. Be cautious for those that might want to do you harm through their negativity. The Golden Cicada Ritual is the best protection. I recommend carrying a Rooster charm.
MONKEY – 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
The Monkey is in the Three Harmony position with the Dragon and Rat. Generally this means good fortune. While your work will be noticed and your creativity inspired, remain modest this year. There may be those that are envious of you or others that could waste your time and talents. Be careful when visiting someone who is ill as it is easy to pick up their ‘chi’. A Rooster is your luck charm.
ROOSTER – 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
We would all like to be Roosters this year as their luck is supreme. “Dragon and Rooster is the utmost match” is the saying in Chinese. Actually whatever you endeavor will go well, including finances. Romantic relationships are positive as are those with family and friends. But be careful not to live too high as you can comprise your health. As Roosters are given to crowing, watch what you say – it may get you into unnecessary disputes. Yes, do carry your Rooster image – we know you like to preen.
DOG – 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
The Dog is 180 degrees from the Dragon (or in direct confrontation) and there are no mitigating stars to offset the year’s challenges. As outer growth may be slow, it is a good year to develop your inner self. All confrontation should be avoided – especially legal entanglements. Thus, avoid gossip and small minded people who can only harm you. The practice of doing a good
PIG – 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Finances and career advancement are excellent for the Pig. Romantic relationships too are very positive. Family and friends are harmonious and there are benefactors available when you need them. It is important to cultivate inner stillness as your health could be compromised by being too demanding or getting upset. Meditation will be very useful. A Rooster charm is a good ally.
If you would like further insight into your astrology and/or specific Feng Shui recommendations for your home or office, please contact me.
‘Gung Hey Fat Choy’
(Wishing You Prosperity), Judith Wendell