On February 10th, the Lunar New Year will herald the end of the year of the Water Rabbit and the beginning of the year of the Wood Dragon.

A being of natural perfection, the dragon symbolizes so much in Chinese mythology and astrology, and is believed to be the single most important creature. As such, the Year of the Dragon is rich in symbolism and hope.

The Chinese zodiacal calendar follows a 12-year cycle, with each year corresponding to an animal whom legend says the Jade Emperor invited to a running race. Furthermore, each animal has five elemental incarnations that follow a 60-year cycle.

This year is the Year of the Dragon, and it is the end of the 60-year cycle for the wood element, making this the year of the Wood Dragon.

The influence of both creates a year full of promise, as the confidence, determination, and imagination of the dragon pairs with the growth and flexibility of the wood element.

This horoscope summarizes the reports of several different online Chinese horoscopes, and blends them together in certain situations.

For those born in 1964, this is the most unlucky year they will experience in their life, with the worst aspects of wood pairing with the worst aspects of the dragon. That is the case for all those living in the year of their birth sign, as it's believed to upset the god Tai Sui.

Dragons of wood will likely unknowingly amplify their introverted, unenthusiastic, and relational conflict tendencies, while their natural dragon type-A personality will turn against them in health, career, and in relationships.

For other animals, this is one of the best years to start and grow something for the long term. Related to creativity, honor, and intelligence, the dragon excels in business and personal development, while wood fosters creativity and vitality. Correspondingly, the year should be filled with opportunities to grow, which should be seized on with the confidence and decisiveness of the dragon.

Astrologists speaking with Japan Times expect the year to be most rewarded to visionaries, risk-takers, innovators, and problem solvers because the growth and versatility of wood will present more opportunities than normal to the dragon.

Dragons themselves should shy away from taking chances and instead cultivate what they have, remain reserved and patient—though not in the dragon's nature—and seize upon the clearest moment that comes their way in an unlucky year.

While the West considers the dragon a symbol of fire, the dragon is naturally associated with water, and as such, the water-associated signs of monkey and rat will have especially auspicious years. Pigs and roosters will also benefit this year, with the roosters, being of equally creative and vainglorious character as the dragon, standing to gain much in certain situations.

Those paired with dragons in marriage or relationship should be wary of fire breathing, as bad luck and misfortune toll on a famous short-temper. Instead, utilize wood's nature to nurture—which will work especially well with wood and water dragons.

Some of the most famous wood dragons are Rhianna, MLK Jr., and Adele. Several horoscope websites converge on a lucky number of 6, and auspicious directions as West and East.

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