Kindness of the Wood Dragon

This Saturday’s Lunar New Year marks the start of the year of the wood dragon. According to the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar, which delineated growing seasons in Southern China based in part on the 12 phases of the moon, Feb. 10 is also the first day of spring! Although it may be cold here in the northern hemisphere, the days are noticeably longer, reminding us that nature is, indeed, slowly turning from the yin darkness of winter back toward the yang warmth of springtime.

In Taoism, the dragon is a beautiful, auspicious symbol. It represents nobility, wealth, and wisdom, but its most powerful quality is kindness and compassion, as illustrated by this lovely myth: Long ago, twelve animals raced to the Jade Emperor to determine their place in the zodiac. As the dragon flew above the others, it noticed a poor, water-logged rabbit having trouble crossing a river below. It blew its breath on the rabbit and helped it sail safely to shore, where it won the race.

This year’s wood dragon is an especially fortuitous symbol. According to Five Element theory, wood represents creativity, abundance, growth, and flexibility. Think of a tree deeply rooted in the earth, its branches winding outward and upward toward the sun, providing shelter and food to protect and nourish the animals of the forest. That’s the energy of the year of the wood dragon.

“I’m seeing this wood dragon year as a year of unlimited potential in terms of prosperity. Long-term, it could also be the year in which major conflict can be resolved, if people can focus on empathy,” said Jonathan H. X. Lee, a professor of Chinese folklore and religion at San Francisco State University. “If we continue our tribal thinking and selfish thinking, we’re not going to achieve it. Being good, being kind and compassionate and loving will bring you an abundance,” Lee explained. 

Wisdom, compassion, flexibility.  Let’s all be inspired by the kind and powerful Wood Dragon as we move through 2024.  Happy Lunar New Year!