Fire up for the year of the dragon

Monday marks the beginning of the Chinese new year. Margaret Neylon looks at what it may have in store for your starsign

THE Chinese New Year begins at the new moon when the sun is in Aquarius. Therefore, it can begin as early as January 19 to as late as February 18. The Chinese zodiac runs throughout a 12-year period, so you are a Dragon if you are aged 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 or 84 between January 23, 2012 and January 11, 2013.

Unlike perceptions in the west which hold dragons to be vicious, greedy and fearsome creatures, chasing virtuous maidens to imprison in their lair, the eastern view is that these beings are vibrant, dynamic, scrupulous and fortunate. They are seen as being generous and wise, ambitious, determined and, of all the other 11 signs, they are the luckiest. To prove the point, Vladimir Putin, Pelé, Placido Domingo, Cliff Richard, Al Pacino and Teri Hatcher are just a few of the dragons who’ve reached celebrity status.

So now we are about to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, what can we expect over the next 12 months?

Dragons hate routine, obligations and duty. Over recent years we’ve seen structures such as the Catholic Church, the State and the media take a knocking.

Due to various scandals their foundations have been unbalanced and the populace will no longer fall into line without question. So we can expect more holy cows to be unearthed, more challenges and changes to the establishment on the horizon.

The good news, however, is that the dragon always lands on its feet, and even enjoys resolving seemingly insoluble problems. Dragons could be seen as the most innovative and creative of the signs and we certainly will need a big helping of innovation and creativity to get us out of the stuck position in which we see our economy.

Below is a short prediction of what the Year of the Dragon holds for each of the western zodiac signs:

Aries: March 21 — April 20

Being a Fire Sign yourself, you should find this year holds a lot of promise with many new opportunities on the horizon. Don’t be too headstrong, though. Take your time and act in moderation.

Taurus: April 21 – May 20

This could be a wonderful year or the worst year, it depends on how you approach the opportunities that will land in your lap. The doggedness of the bull with the energy of the dragon could set the world alight.!

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Given a good idea you have the ability to race ahead to the finishing post, long before others have awoken to its potential. The secret to success is to slow down and smell the roses rather than burn yourself out.

Cancer: June 21 — July 22

This year should offer you plenty of opportunities to make your life more secure, especially when looking after your family’s needs. Plan ahead and take small steps towards your goal, otherwise you might feel overwhelmed.

Leo: July 23 — August 22

This will be a good year for you, so long as you can have your own way. You’re a Fire Sign and the dragon breathes fire. The thing is, will you burn your fingers in your haste to win the race? Remember to have some fun.

Virgo: August 23 — September 22

If you use the vibrant energy of the Year of the Dragon like a laser beam, shining it on precisely what you want to achieve, you cannot fail to succeed. Remember to have more to your life than simple ambition, however.

Libra: September 23 — October 22

2012 should prove to be a very sociable year for you. The need for diplomacy and tact might be emphasised where some might not have boundaries. However, you can still retain your own integrity while enjoying helping those around you.

Scorpio: October 23 — November 21

You may want to break free of routines or even people who no longer serve you. This year should see you being even more independent than ever, and perhaps even more impatient than ever.! A little diplomacy may be required if you want to succeed.

Sagittarius: November 22 — December 21

With fiery dragon energy getting together with fiery Sagittarian energy, the sky’s the limit for you during 2012. The more impossible a situation may seem, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. Just try not to burn out while doing so.!

Capricorn: December 22 — January 20

The best way to achieve success this year is to empower yourself by facing your fears and making any necessary changes. The Year of the Dragon should help you focus on even your most secret ambitions. Don’t be frightened of showing your vulnerable side, you have good friends.

Aquarius: January 21 — February 18

Dragon energy suits you as that fire energy and your air energy is so combustible. The problem might be that you over-extend yourself, forgetting you are merely human.! Remember to delegate. Give yourself time to explore a new, exciting world.

Pisces: February 19 — March 20

You are so resourceful and full of ideas and the Year of the Dragon will give you the impetus and energy to see your plans through. This is a year when you could fall deeply in love virtually over-night. The question is, is this the real deal or should you remind yourself “all that glitters is not gold”?