The 2024 Chinese almanac.

The Year of the Wood Dragon is significant as it leads the way to the start of the Period 9 in the Feng Shui cycle of dominant energies.

Planning and starting well means understanding the mainstay of what and where success becomes viable and within reach.

Elemental to this achievement lies in the selection of auspicious dates within each year for various functions and purpose.

Delve deep into each day as it carries you the breakdown of what is good for that day and te opportunities to exploit the advantages to its fullest.

Do you know if any given day is good for travels, surgery, closing the deal, raising funds and daily tasks that touch upon our lives.

Grab your copy today https://www.hofs.sg/product-page/2024-chinese-almanac-in-english-year-of-the-wood-dragon.

For overseas buyers, please wait for the electronic version on 1st December 2023.

Preparing for the dragon year 2024

I hope the first half of 2023 has been kind to you.

Works begins for me on 1st July of each year on the annual Auspicious Days - The Chinese Almanac.

2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon and it is special in at least two ways.

First, do you realize that out of the 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese calendar, the Dragon is the only imaginary and mythical sign ? That does not diminish the attachment nor the reverence accorded to the Dragon.

Second, 2024 marks the start of a twenty year cycle of the Period 9.

Interestingly, Western cultures and folklores depict the Dragon as a malevolent creature while the Chinese almost worship it almost to a divine status. This Yin Yang interpretation carries on till this day.

The fifth in the zodiac cycle, the Dragon is a Yang creature while the Phoenix is ultimately Yin. Both will appear when the balance of Yin and Yang energies are desired such as on occasions like the Chinese wedding.

The Dragon is said to possess the powers of transformations. As it desires, it can mount the clouds to rise to the heavens during the Verna; Equinox and diving into the deep waters when the Autumn Equinox arrives.

Known as the monarch of things, the Dragon is believed to live in the waters and become a benevolent spirit. As a divine symbol, it is a sign of good fortune and ultimate destiny. It is little wonder that the chinese communities around the world often associate the Dragon year itself as an auspicious time and commonly name their children with words or homophones of the word Dragon in it.

In Chinese myth, the Dragon is also seen as the rain deity and its connections to water remain strong. They are usually thought to dwell in rivers and lakes, they are protrayed as protectors of earth's treasures and the heaven. They keep watch over waterways, the clouds and controls the winds. As an imperial symbol, the Dragon is associated with the emperor himself and are represented in all forms of arts, cultures and occasions. It adorns all things royal including buildings, dress codes and all things symbolic of control and authority.

Famous personalities with this Dragon character in their names include Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Often linked to rulers and politicians, it is believed that during a time when the nation is ruled wisely, kind and virtuous, the Green Dragon manifests itself and in times of troubles and calamities, it turns into the Azure Dragon.

When both appears, it turns into the ultimate auspicious omen.

The Lions are roaring again

After a two year hiatus, the moves are back big time.

Lions dances are part of the Chinese New Year celabrations and traditions.

In the past, they serve as the symbolic ceremony to frighten away the 'beasts' of the past year so as to drive out the misfortunes and allow the new energies to bless us all over again.

Together with drums, cymbals and gongs, they create a perfect cheorography of steps and moves to usher in the new year with style and entertainment.

Lions here belong to the class of Southern Lions which is synonymous with the pugilistic world especially in the Guandong province and made famous by a legendary gongfu master, Wong Fei-Hung.

Today, the lion dances are invited to homes and offices to rouse up the positive vibes of the new year, all in hope of good fortune and prosperity.

Enjoy this clip taken live from an event in which I gave a Feng Shui presentation on the forecast for the Year of the Water Rabbit. The pulse and vibrations from the drums can only be experienced when one is there and then. When enjoying the live lion dances, go up close and personal.