The Year of the Dragon in 2024 is a ‘wood dragon year’. It is yang wood on top of the Dragon, representing the Earth element. This combination results in wood overpowering Earth, leading to a conflicting dynamic that makes for a challenging year.
Yang wood symbolizes leadership and strength. It carries traits of resilience and unwavering determination. Individuals associated with Yang wood are known for their tenacity and reluctance to compromise. Although they may be strong-willed, they are also known for their kindness, dependability, and honesty. When faced with adversity and pressure, they stand their ground and fight, refusing to surrender.
Some famous peeps with Yang wood as their element include Nelson Mandela, Keanu Reeves, Tim Burton, James Cameron, Whitney Houston, Elon Musk, Andy Murray, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Britney Spears, Lionel Messi, and Richard Branson. These folks are often described as headstrong and uncompromising. They have strong principles and do not give in easily.
In the five elements system, wood is associated with the liver organ and can evoke feelings of anger. This further strengthens the inclination towards conflict. Fortunately, the Dragon is considered a reservoir of water, which can support wood and alleviate the destructive relationship. This opens up possibilities for negotiation and compromise.
The 2024 Dragon incorporates the elements of wood, earth, and water, but lacks fire. The absence of fire signifies a lack of robust economic activity. Fire represents happiness and positive energy in the Chinese five-element system. It is essential for fostering optimism and confidence. Without fire, there will be reduced motivation and drive for investment activities, potentially leading to pessimism in the economy and setbacks in the stock market.
Water, the opposite of fire, represents fear. In 2020, fire disappeared as the water quenched it bringing fear caused by the Covid pandemic. Though the water element is gradually diminishing, it is still present in the Dragon. Fire will only return in 2025 with the Snake. We did have some economic recovery in 2023, but this will slow down before the fire element arrives in 2025. So, don’t be surprised if there’s a setback in the stock market during the autumn and winter of 2024.
The wood and earth elements in 2024 will bring prosperity to metal and wood-related businesses. Metal conquers wood, so the wood element becomes a symbol of wealth for industries like banking, high tech, automotive, machinery, engineering, beauty, and skincare.
The wood industry, which includes media, fashion, environmental, and herbal medicine sectors, can also benefit because wood conquers earth. Water industries, like communication, transportation, and shipping, see wood as a source of productivity. So, they will experience some moderate growth.
The fire industry, which includes restaurants, entertainment, finance, and energy, looks to earth for productivity. So, with the earth in the year we see some indirect activity. The earth element however sees the Dragon as fierce competition. Earth industries involve property, mining and insurance, these will see challenges. Water industries will not be too profitable during the Dragon year without fire, which is their primary source of income. The entertainment sector might face some challenges and not see huge profits. However, if your clients are in banking, high tech, fashion, or environmental industries, you may have a busy year. Watch out for earth related disasters.
Generally, the world might still be a bit fearful and cautious due to the lingering influence of the water element. However the 2024 dragon is the last water-influenced year before the big boomtime with the return of fire in the Year of the Snake in 2025.
In summary, the Wood Dragon will bring a great deal of optimism during the spring. We’ve had some positive growth in the first months of 2024, and the strong presence of wood and fire elements will continue to fuel optimism and promote economic recovery. However, come August, as the autumn season approaches, the fire and wood elements start to wane, leading to a slowdown in the economy once again. But fret not, because in 2025, the fire element will make a grand comeback, igniting an economic boom and infusing our industry with much-needed positive energy.
