Chinese Animal Zodiac - DRAGON 

1928 - 1940 - 1952 - 1964 - 1976 - 1988 - 2000 - 2012 - 2024

Ranking order:   Fifth
Hours ruled by the DRAGON:   7 am - 9 am
Direction of its sign:   East-Southeast
Season and principal month:   Spring - April
Corresponds to Western sign:   Aries
Fixed Element:   Wood
Stem:   Positive

I am the unquenchable Fire,
  The center of all energy,
  The stout heroic heart.
  I am truth and light,
  I hold power and glory in my sway.
  My presence
  Disperses dark clouds
  To tame the Fates.

  I am the Dragon.

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 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 FIVE TYPES OF DRAGONS

Metal Dragon - 1880, 1940, 2000
This type could well be the most strong-willed of the Dragons. Honesty and integrity are paramount virtues to him and although he may be bright, open and expressive, he is also unbending and critical.

Action-oriented and combative, he will seek out and motivate those on his own level of intelligence or social standing. He has little patience with the lazy and foolish. Unpliable Metal combined with his natural lunar sign, Wood, will also enable him to intimidate weaker beings into submitting to his will. Otherwise, he is the magnificent warrior at his best.

He is tremendously intense and will stake his life on his convictions. It is futile to try to convince him that certain things just cannot be done. This type of Dragon will try to exorcise whatever evil he sees in life and could be fanatical regarding his convictions and moral beliefs.

When he is negative, he will have exaggerated views of his own importance. He is a bit short on diplomacy and has the habit of going it alone if others disagree with him or refuse to accept his leadership.

The strong Metal Dragon will rush in where angels fear to tread. He will succeed because he will give himself no other recourse. He burns his bridges behind him so that he cannot turn back once he attacks.

Water Dragon - 1892, 1952, 2012
A less imperious type of Dragon who favors optimum growth and expansion. He can put aside his ego for the good of all and is less selfish and opinionated. An inhibited but progressive person, he tries hard not to be as conspicuous as other power-hungry Dragons. Neither is he going to be labeled as the conciliatory one. He can assume a wait-and-see attitude and his wits are as formidable as his strength of will.

The Water Dragon lives by the to-thine-own-self-be-true philosophy and will not seek revenge on those who choose to go the opposite way. Democratic and liberal minded, he can accept defeat or rejection without bitterness.

Water is calming and beneficial to this lunar sign and he will know how to act wisely and do what is essential for his progress. He is quick and reliable and is capable of marketing his ideas with untiring devotion. He is likely to be successful as a negotiator, as he knows when, where and how to apply force.

His main drawback is that he may be like an overoptimistic builder who forgets to reinforce the foundation. By trying to hold on to too much he may lose everything. He must learn to make difficult choices and to relinquish whatever is unfeasible or unnecessary. This way, he will be able to devote his energies to fewer but more rewarding endeavors.

Wood Dragon - 1904, 1964, 2024
A creative and magnanimous type of Dragon capable of developing bright, new revolutionary concepts. Wood combined with his sign makes him good at formulating and implementing his ideas and working cooperatively with others, even if he may be a bit condescending on occasion.
Gifted with an exploratory nature, the Wood Dragon loves to look into cause and effect theories; his every action will be guided by sound logic. However, he also has tendency to over investigate subjects or to submit people to endless debate when he is faced with opposition.

Nonetheless, here is a generous Dragon who is amenable to taking the middle road; who tries to offend as few people as possible; who subtly conceals his domineering ways. The Wood element produces a less fierce and unreasonable variety of Dragon who will compromise when he sees it to his advantage. Still, as a Dragon, he will ultimately have to relate everything to his oversize ego and will condescend to change only when he is sure of the benefits to himself.

Not as vindictive or self-centered as Dragons of the other elements, he will still be outspoken, proud and fearless when challenged.

...Read DRAGON Part 2

It will bring you luck to display your Chinese Zodiac.

VISIT MY STORE!