Here is a look at how the Yang Wood Dragon affects the Year Branches, or Animal Signs. If you are new to Chinese Astrology, you may not know much more than the Animal Signs. There is a system of Astrology called BaZi, based on your birth date and time that maps out your life. The most important part of this system is the Stem of the day you were born, the Day Master. Learn more about BaZi at www.deanfrench.com.au.

Each year the annual Chi affects your personal BaZi or Four Pillars Chinese Astrology charts. This article looks at the effects of the annual energy on your Year Pillar — the year you were born. There are three other Pillars — the time, day and month of birth, as well as sub-cycles (including annual Chi) that affect your daily life. Examining the Year Pillar can tell you how you will interact with the world outside yourself, but there is much more to be learned from an internal perspective through the other three Pillars.

RAT

What a turnaround for the Rat! From being treated uncivilly during 2023 to being a star in 2024. The exception is for 1972 Rats, who may find attaining status more difficult. This year could see you dipping your toes in the alternative pool — not necessarily “new age”, but more a shift in your perspective. Your connection to the Yang Wood part of this year means you are undecided, with seemingly too many paths to follow. Patience and being prepared to ask for help will clear your way forward.

Love and Personal Life

Your love life did not improve much during 2023, in fact some Rats could be in a worse position than last year. This doesn’t mean romance has abandoned you because in 2024, you get to play Cupid for others. Your most supportive relationships come from younger generations, but remember to work on your relationship with your siblings.

Career and Money

Since 2024’s Dragon combining with the Rat, wealth and property are on the rise. You’ll have the energy to take charge and make bold strides at work, but some may not welcome this and will try to pull the rug from under you. No matter, your network will help you grow through the petty distractions, helping you become wiser in the process.

You’re a Rat if you were born in 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 or 2020.

OX

Dragon times are mixed for Oxen, for while there are blessings, the Ox can be “damaged” by the Dragon. At times you may feel as if life is moving too slowly, especially if you were born in 1973. Oxen born in 1949 or 2009 will feel a similar effect, but not as strongly. Your personal energy can act as a catalyst for others’ good luck, but not necessarily your own, so make sure that credit goes where it is due. Don’t get stuck in a rut — just rest, process and get back to your responsibilities.

Love and Personal Life

For the first time in years, your love life will keep improving, with opportunities to develop strong connections coming over the next three to four years. You may have had a strained relationship with one or both of your parents in the past, but you can look forward to a healthier future relationship if you put in the effort to get there.

Career and Money

You may feel dissatisfied with your current job or career choice, despite doing a good job and earning a good income. The Ox’s connection to the Yang Wood part of 2024 means you can make the shift if you want to. Being motivated to change is a big part of your process, so avoid complacency and procrastination.

You’re an Ox if you were born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 or 2021.

TIGER

Tigers in 2024 have strong representation in the Yang Wood Stem, and Yin Wood hidden within the Dragon. This means you may come across as dogmatic to some, but hopefully you’ve taken the lessons learned in the past and used them to alter your approach to people. To some you will be a trigger for negative responses, leaving you puzzled as to what you have done. Those born in 1974 and 1986 will have the easiest 2024, while those born in 1950, 1962 or 2010 the most difficult.

Love and Personal Life

You are on the comeback trail for romantic connections, but you’ll place less emphasis on physical attraction and more on the emotional aspects of your relationships. Like the Ox, Tigers should work on relationships with parents and older people. The Dragon can bring extra travel opportunities for Tigers, which will provide a nice escape, just be sure to plan carefully.

Career and Money

Keep building your portfolio of investments rather than trying to compete in the workplace in 2024. Use this year’s boost of Wood energy to propel you towards your own goals, but be careful of not doing too many things at once. Wood turns to Fire in 2025 (along with a “penalty”) so you will be better off focusing on one thing at a time.

You’re a Tiger if you were born in 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 or 2022.

RABBIT

Rabbits can expect greater competition from others in 2024 and some interactions could turn nasty, so avoid people who bring down your mood. For the next decade Rabbits may find that things you want to manifest take more effort than usual. The exceptions are when your Rabbit interacts with the Dog, Pig, Sheep or Rooster, either on your chart or during these years, months or days.

Love and Personal Life

Your love life is going along nicely, but this year you’ll have the urge to change your look for a self-confidence boost. Your needs will be mainly emotional and mental rather than physical, and for many Rabbits your sex life will be just “meh”. Rabbits that have a Tiger on their chart may suffer an overload of Wood Element leading to liver, kidney or digestive issues.

Career and Money

Your worst year at work is over and conditions are improving. Attracting money and property is still fine for you, Rabbits have been blessed in this area. In 2024 you will work hard to create your own luck, but this will not be recognised and your seemingly “overnight success” will attract jealousy, so once again ignore the people who bring you down.

You’re a Rabbit if you were born in 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 or 2023.

DRAGON

It’s your year Dragon, but there’s Yang Wood there to hold you back and that Wood is strong. All Dragons should be careful in Tiger month (Feb) and on Tiger days, particularly those born in 1964. Avoid travel if possible during these times. When your own sign arrives, it is a time for introspection. Some stauncher Dragons may try to fight this process, but opening up to yourself will pay in the long run.

Love and Personal Life

Partnered Dragons will receive support and guidance from their significant other in 2024, while singles can expect to enjoy making connections with supportive and caring people. The highest priority in your mind should be the relationship you have with yourself. and your parents will start to play a bigger role in your self-development and tapping into your creative side.

Career and Money

Your ability to generate wealth is at its peak in 2024, so look for opportunities that are outside the norm or about to become the “new normal”. This year you may struggle between complacency and breaking new ground. You should bank any gains before spending and attempt to build up a nest egg. Staying close to home and keeping your travel plans to the minimum will be best for you.

You’re a Dragon if you were born in 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 or 2012.

SNAKE

Snakes can expect a quiet, literary year since there’s no real interaction with the Dragon apart from being neighbours. It is a year to relax and enjoy, spending some time alone, perhaps even studying. There are still some issues you have to deal with and you may rub people the wrong way, but don’t let that affect your ability to savour life.

Love and Personal Life

Your love life and romantic relationships are smooth sailing in 2024, but relationships with your children and siblings will require more effort on your part. There is a nice flow from Yang Wood supporting you, with the Dragon’s Earth giving you creativity. You must take care of your health, especially those related to stomach and digestion.

Career and Money

Work and career are good for you, but it is time for you to start reducing your outgoings. Your property star is still going to provide you with dividends, but only if you play it safe. If there are any outstanding legal matters, 2024 is the year to get them finalised and ensure that you get the justice you deserve.

You’re a Snake if you were born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 or 2013.

HORSE

Horses need to be attentive to the spiritual side of life in 2024 with all the dramas playing out around you. Justice wields a double-edged sword, so be careful before you get involved. You may suffer from periods of indecisiveness during the year, so heed any signs that catch your attention. These issues will revolve mainly around children, romantic relationships and your health.

Love and Personal Life

It is in your personal life that you’ll see changes. There are both opportunities and temptations during a Dragon year, with your most positive interactions coming from older people. If you are in a committed relationship, it would be best to avoid situations where you are tempted to stray, but singles can harness this energy to play the field (just don’t break too many hearts).

Career and Money

As long as you can keep your work/business life separate from your personal life, you still have good stars for wealth and income. Not as bright as they have been over the past few years, but steady nonetheless. In 2024, focusing more on day-to-day employment than on investment opportunities should create gains. Avoid workplace gossip and dramas wherever you can.

You’re a Horse if you were born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 or 2014.

SHEEP

The Dragon and Sheep have an interesting relationship. Some Sheep will find themselves feeling trapped in 2024, whereas others will reap benefits (after some initial problems). You are one of the worker signs this year and you should make some career gains. If you feel like you are stuck in any situation, whether personal or professional, start making plans to move on to something better.

Love and Personal Life

Romance is steady for Sheep — no big ups or downs. You may find yourself pining for someone special or unattainable but let those feeling slide away. Your best relationships are with the older generations and people in authority, but don’t give everyone with an opinion the chance to steer your ship. Try to avoid misunderstandings and disagreements with siblings and the younger generation.

Career and Money

Work life will be satisfying, with some happy events occurring throughout the year. Be sure to check with more experienced co-workers or managers if you have any roadblocks — don’t try to solve every situation by yourself. There will be a temptation to put in a lot of effort, but if you do so without taking breaks, your health will suffer.

You’re a Sheep if you were born in 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 or 2015.

MONKEY

Dragons and Monkeys are friends in the Chinese Zodiac, indicating a smoother year and with plans coming to fruition. In some ways it is time to step back from what you have been doing, but you will have an innate need to stay in control. Just remember that a wider perspective can show you flaws in your strategies and reveal those with dishonourable intentions.

Love and Personal Life

The relationships that have the strongest emotional effect on you in 2024 are those with your siblings, friends and parents (including older generations). Be prepared for some big reveals and changes during the first half of the year — some of them not so pleasant at first, but your combination with the Dragon will give you the energy to bounce back quickly. Take strength from the bonds you have at home.

Career and Money

You’ll continue working hard, but your focus on wealth and property is lessening because the travel bug will bite you. If you don’t travel for business, then set yourself a budget for far horizons. Monkeys born in 1968 and 1980 should be careful when it comes to dealing with authorities. Stick to the right side of the law.

You’re a Monkey if you were born in 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 or 2016.

ROOSTER

Roosters go from clash to combination this year, giving your finances a rest but complicating other areas of life. Limit spending and focus on tying up any loose ends during the first half of 2024. The Dragon gives you the support you need and depending on your overall chart, can give you access to seemingly unlimited creativity. 2024 will be a good year, especially for those born in 1969.

Love and Personal Life

After the ups and downs of 2023, a more resilient and confident you will emerge. There may not be fireworks, but you will emit an aura of attraction that gets you noticed. Maintain a steady and caring demeanour in all of your relationships and don’t worry about the small things.

Career and Money

You won’t have to work as hard as you have been, but you’re still in a period of saving, not spending or investing. This means you should use the boost from the Dragon to pay off debts and put the extra away for the future. Make some plans for travel and holidays in 2024, but keep these fairly local and short.

You’re a Rooster if you were born in 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 or 2017.

DOG

Dogs may go from combination to clash in 2024, and two Yang Earths clashing can lead to “earthquakes”. In addition to this, the Yang Wood Stem of the year controls the Dog, meaning you should keep on the right side of the law. When Earth signs clash, the Hidden Stems are revealed, meaning that after every disruption, you can expect a reward. Dogs born in 1958, 1970 and 2018 can expect the biggest changes.

Love and Personal Life

Keep working on yourself, especially how you appear to others in 2024 — people will not be sympathetic towards you. Romance isn’t strong for you and you might miss any flirting signals or find that your relationships are one-sided and you give more than receive. At home try to avoid entering via the Dragon (Southeast), Dog (Northwest) or Rooster (West) directions.

Career and Money

Money and income are at their lowest ebb. Be very careful where your money goes and get a firm grip on your spending habits. You’ll find that you’ll have to do a lot of running around for work in 2024, so leave early and travel safely. Through all the tribulations, you can be assured your efforts will lead to a whole new beginning.

You’re a Dog if you were born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 or 2018.

PIG

Pigs have interesting interactions this year, considering that Yang Wood is hidden inside the Pig, and the Pig’s Yin Water is hidden inside the Dragon. At times 2024 will feel like it’s moving at the speed of cold molasses, while at other times the speed of light. Use the slower periods as opportunities to increase your knowledge, research investments and find mentors. You’ll know when it’s time to act.

Love and Personal Life

Try some stress-busting techniques in 2024 because any extra pressure will lead to overthinking and second-guessing. In these situations, you’ll come across as cold and calculating, even if that wasn’t your intention. Your curiosity will be embraced by some but rejected by others — just maintain your composure and move on. Your best relationships will be with the younger generation.

Career and Money

Money is starting to flow, but you still have to put in the effort to earn it. “Side-hustle” opportunities may arrive, but for many Pigs it will be best to put the money away and forget about it for the time being. If you are feeling anxious about any part of your career or job, make sure to ask for help from someone whose opinion you trust.

You’re a Pig if you were born in 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 or 2019.

Article featured in WellBeing Predictions Almanac 2024