People's Chinese zodiac signs are taken from the name of the Chinese New Year in which they were born. The names of 12 animals are used to name the Chinese New Years: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, known as the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
Chinese astrology associates a set of characteristics and character traits, of both a positive and a negative nature, with typical people born under each sign of the Chinese zodiac. These characteristics and character traits may not fully apply to everyone born under the sign.
Chinese astrology also holds that these character traits are affected by the five Chinese elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Dragon Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be dynamic and powerful, with a reputation for being hot-headed and having a sharp tongue. Sometimes, they can be so aggressive as to be almost tyrannical, and often speak without thought.
Most Dragons are enthusiastic and confident, but sometimes overly so. Dragons usually inspire confidence in others with their honesty and quick wit. Dragons are very typically popular, thanks to a soft and sensitive heart, which they only reveal to family and trusted friends.
Dragons usually view themselves as masters of everything they survey, which others can find overbearing. They usually pursue their goals with determination.
Dragons tend to have innate courage, tenacity, and intelligence. Most often they are good at whatever they choose to do.
Dragon Character Traits
People born in the Year of the Dragon tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal
- Negative traits: tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash
Influence of Western Zodiac Signs on Dragons
Read about how the characteristics and character traits of people born in the Year of the Dragon are influenced by the Western Zodiac Sign under which they are born.
Birthstone: Garnet
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated birthstone that is intended to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
The amethyst is the birthstone for people born in the Year of the Dragon. Amethysts are associated with strong intuition, the brain, wealth, peace, protection, and spirituality. Amethysts are usually a transparent turquoise color, but there are colorless in their purest form.
Precious Flower: Narcissus
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower, which has a special meaning in Chinese culture.
The sweet pea is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Dragon. The sweet pea contains a dangerous toxin, used in Ancient China to make poisonous arrows. Nowadays, sweet peas are grown for their bright colors, and for their essence which is used in expensive fragrances.
Dates for Year of the Dragon
The Year of the Dragon is the fifth animal in the cycle of 12. It last occurred in 2000, and will occur again in 2012, starting on January 23.
Compatibility of Dragons with other Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology uses the character traits associated with each zodiac sign to determine if two people are compatible. Followers of Chinese astrology consider this compatibility before commencing a business or personal relationship.
Typically, Dragons are compatible with Rats and Monkeys, but are incompatible with Dogs.
Dragon Horoscope for 2012
Chinese astrological horoscopes look at a Chinese Year in general, and for those born under each Chinese zodiac sign. For more information, see Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2012 Year of the Dragon.
Sources:
Chinese Astrology - Zodiac Signs
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau, published by Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Chinese Horoscopes - The Dragon
Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones
Chinese Astrology and Precious Flowers
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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