Chinese Astrology: 2012 Horoscopes Year of the Dragon

Eastern Astrology: The Chinese Lunar New Year and Calendar

2012 is the Year of the Dragon (Black Water Dragon)

The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The exact date can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar takes 60 years and comprises five cycles of 12 years--12 animal signs and 5 elements.

The Chinese Lunar New Year differs to that of the Roman New Year because the Chinese calendar is based on the phases of the moon, whereas the Gregorian calendar, on which the Roman New Year is based, is an arithmetic calendar.

Each of the 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to see him before he departed earth. Only 12 came so he rewarded those 12 by naming a year in the Chinese lunar calendar after them, in the order they arrived to see him.

As with western astrology where it's believed that the sun's position at the time of an individual's birth determines certain personality traits that a person will posses, it's thought that each animal represented in the Chinese lunar calendar bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules."

In 2009, the year of the ox, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on January 26. In 2010, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on February 14, 2010, and in 2011, it fell on February 3, 2011. In 2012, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on January 23rd, 2012, and is the year of the dragon.

The Dragon  is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It is a majestic, proud sign. The talented, artistic Dragons are the real show-offs of the Chinese Zodiac. They are always popular and they easily influence those around them. Dragons are determined, successful, and enthusiastic. Dragons usually find successful careers in the performing or creative arts, or in politics. Their element is earth, their color gold.

The Year of the Dragon 2012  is a Yang Water year, and it's a potential year of extremes. Dragon is a Yang sign, and this is strengthening. Water favors communications, transportation, and learning.

Caution and moderation were advised in 2009, the Year of the Ox, flexibility and the ability to deal with change were considered essential qualities in 2010,  and the ability to make compromises and to negotiate were important in 2011. This year, adventure and boldness are favored.

The Dragon's bold, generous, and passionate traits are qualities that will be especially favored in the year of the Dragon.

The last Water Dragon year was 1952.

In terms of how each Chinese Zodiac sign will fare in the Year of the Dragon, a major consideration is how compatible your sign is with the Dragon sign:

Dragons are most compatible with Rats and Monkeys (the Dragon, Rat, and Monkey form the harmonious triangle of affinity), and these are the signs that are expected to fare the best in 2012.

Dragons are most incompatible with Dogs (their opposite sign) and to a lesser degree with Rabbits, and these are the signs that are expected to find 2012 the most challenging.

Another important consideration is your Element. The year 2012 is a Yang Water year. Factor this into your analysis.

Water is friendly or compatible with Metal and Wood. Water nourishes Wood, and Metal nourishes Water.

Water is controlled by Earth and Water puts out Fire, so Earth and Fire are incompatible with (destructive/hostile) to Water.

If you are Wood, a Water year such as this one (2012) strengthens your character and heightens your creativity. It should be a strong year.

If you are Metal, 2012 should be a good, exciting year, generally speaking.

If you are Fire, 2012 may be more difficult for you (water puts out fire!).

If you are Earth, a Water year is also expected to be problematic (water is controlled by earth).

If you are Water, a Water year (2012) is expected to be status quo. You should feel relatively comfortable in 2012, but may not make huge advances in your life.

Yang Water is attracted to Yin Metal, so relationships can be very good for Yin Metal people in 2012. This also true to a degree for Yin Fire people. Marriages or engagements can happen this year. Because Rooster is the romance star of Dragon, love can be attracted or enhanced for Roosters in 2012. Enmity between Dogs and Dragons can mean ups and downs for Dogs generally speaking. Enmity between Yang Water and Yang Fire and Yang Earth suggests special challenges for Yang Fire and Yang Earth people this year. However, since Dragon favors Earth and Yang, Yang Earth people will experience a mixed bag of energies.

Dragon Year 2012 for Love (General): The Year of the Dragon favors short-term, passionate, and exciting relationships in which emotional complications are frequent. It's a good year for thrilling or dramatic love affairs, and not especially strong for longevity. Big, dramatic changes can happen in relationships. 2012 is a Water year, which favors communications. Those who are passionate, generous, communicative, and open are likely to be most desired this year. Pigs, Rats, and Roosters may enjoy the most "success" in love this year, and Rabbits and Tigers possibly the least.

Dragon Year 2012 for Career and Money (General): Unlike the cautious, status quo-favored year of the Rabbit, 2012 favors bolder, riskier moves. However, common sense should be employed, as successes can be dramatic but so can losses.

The Year of the Dragon is better suited to those who enjoy excitement and drama, and might be more frustrating for those who prefer more peaceful times.

Don't know your Chinese Zodiac Sign and/or Element? Find out here: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction

The following are descriptions of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese zodiac signs, with a brief forecast or horoscope for 2012:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don't always plan for the future.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Rat: Strong. Rats' better qualities are stimulated and strengthened in the year of the Water Dragon. This should be one of the better years for Rats. Their moods are improved compared to the previous year. Rats should be quick to take the initiative in 2012, especially when it comes to career and love. Think big! Rats should learn, learn, and learn some more, and even show off a little this year, but they must be a team player. Rats should open up the lines of communication with friends and love interests, and put their cards on the table. The tendency for Rats to be sneaky should be tamed this year - it's a time to be open and forthcoming.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)

Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
Negative: Stubborn and bigoted. Ox people aren't often flexible.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Ox: Up and Down. While the Ox tends to prefer a slower pace than 2012 promises, the Ox should do fairly well in the Year of the Dragon. The Ox prefers a conservative, traditional approach, and 2012 requires more flexibility and spontaneity. As such, in order to find happiness, the Ox needs to learn to be more flexible this year. The Ox need not change his/her approach to life, but adapting to changes will be important. Ox should keep open minds and appreciate the new experiences the year brings. This can be a strong year for friendships, but the Ox needs to be open and communicative.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren't good at taking orders from others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Tiger: Up and Down. 2012 can be a tempestuous year for Tigers. It's a good year in which to be bold and adventurous, but not for picking fights. Career matters can be up and down, but Tigers have the chance to show their creativity and to be recognized for it. Work is fast-paced this year. As long as impulsive spending is tamed, money should be status quo. Love relationships require patience. Diplomacy in all areas of life is essential, but honesty is as well. Tigers should be cautious with their health and with physical activity.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don't like conflict.
Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Rabbit: Variable. While Dragon years generally favor risk-taking, Rabbits should avoid making huge changes in 2012. It's not the time to be especially bold. Rabbits should work hard and plan carefully, and they should be detail-oriented. Rabbits' best area of life in 2012 is expected to be social relationships. Challenges in other areas of life may decrease with the support of friends. Love and family relationships require extra patience. Rabbits should avoid unnecessary arguments by bringing up past matters or harping on minor problems.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)

Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don't like routine.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Dragon: This is a year of new beginnings for Dragons--the start of a new twelve-year cycle. The choices Dragons make this year will be defining ones for years to come. It's very important that Dragons avoid over-confidence and over-reaching in 2012. Social relationships can be challenging this year. The Dragon's love life can be very lively, but not necessarily stable. The money forecast is good, but Dragons should avoid blowing money on risky endeavors. More money might come in, but expenses can increase as well.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem with depending on others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Snake: As this is the year before his/her own year, 2012 can bring the Snake some challenges, but never insurmountable ones. [Note, 2013 will be the Year of the Snake]. For Snakes, 2012 is a year for review and taking stock rather than one that favors risk-taking. However, enthusiasm runs relatively high, and friends can be supportive in the Year of the Dragon. Career and money tend to be status quo. Love relationships require patience.

 

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)

Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Horse: Horses can expect a strong year for career and money. These are the better areas of life for the Horse in the Year of the Dragon. While he/she should be rather quick to grab opportunities, Horses should watch that they don't act impulsively without first considering important details. Love relationships are expected to be status quo. New ones can begin and end suddenly. Social relationships are fair. Family life is lively. Health should be watched and caution with physical activity is advised this year.

Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)

Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don't like disagreements.
Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Goat: There is plenty to look forward to in 2012 for the Goat, although some areas of life involve ups and downs. Social relationships are expected to be strong. There may be some problems with reputation in the Goat's professional life. Competition is there, but Goats should keep working hard, staying abreast of the activities of competitors, but shouldn't get carried away or overly caught up in it. Ups and downs are frequent this year, but also short-lived. Peace-loving Goats may find the conflict-oriented atmosphere of 2012 disconcerting at times. Finances are fair, although over-spending should be curbed. Love relationships require patience. Health is expected to be good.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)

Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Monkey: Monkeys are expected to be well-suited to the atmosphere a Dragon year brings. 2012 is expected to be a very strong year. Social relationships can thrive, and in fact, Monkeys can benefit in most areas of life through their connections, including career and financial opportunities. Some Monkeys will marry this year. Love relationships are expected to be strong overall. Monkeys can advance in life with plenty of ideas and through making connections with helpful people in 2012. It's important for Monkeys to be confident and sure of themselves, but not to push this beyond the limits.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Rooster: The Rooster should experience a colorful and lively social life in 2012, and love relationships are expected to fare very well. While they may be sticking close to home, there is much to keep them entertained. Health needs some attention, and Roosters are advised to get rest and relaxation more than usual. Again this year, Roosters should avoid working too independently. Being a team player is important. The atmosphere can be heated and competitive, but highly stimulating for the Rooster. Overall, 2012 is expected to be one of the better years for Roosters.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others' problems, and to fight for a good cause.
Negative: Cynical, worried, and tactless. These people don't always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Dog: Dogs are expected to have a comparatively challenging year in 2012. In the face of competition and pressures, Dogs should try to keep status quo, avoid making big commitments, and tame spending. Love relationships that have been giving problems may end this year. Health needs watching and the physical body should be protected. Dogs should be cautious this year. Dogs tend to worry, and might find the year's changes have them worrying more than usual, but should remember that both ups and downs are short-lived, and worrying will not help matters. Home life is expected to be strong, however, and the support of family will be welcome.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying "no" -- to people, and to food!
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2012 for the Pig: The Pig is expected to have a hectic and dramatic, but overall strong year in the Year of the Dragon. Pigs enjoy a lively atmosphere, but could find the year a little too fast-paced at times. Love relationships can be quite lively but favorable overall. Some Pigs will be getting married this year. Career opportunities are good, and Pigs can take some healthy risks to advance. Money can be a problem if Pigs don't take extra time to budget and manage spending. Friends are supportive this year.
 

See also: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction and Chinese Astrology: More than the Twelve Animals. If you don't know your Chinese zodiac animal or element, both of these articles will help you to determine it.
 

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