It’s February 10, 2024, the start of a new lunar new year. Happy new year, or as they say in Manadarin: 新年好 (shin nyan how, or “new year goodness”)!
The Chinese calendar system rotates through the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and separately through what the ancient Chinese called the 5 aspects of qi (life energy) or elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. In this system, the current year’s animal is the dragon and the current year’s element is Wood, making this year the Year of the Wood Dragon.
In 오방색 (Obangsaek), the traditional spectrum of traditional Korean colors — blue, red, yellow, white, and black — are associated with the 5 elements as follows:
| Color | Element |
| Blue | Wood |
| Red | Fire |
| Yellow | Earth |
| White | Metal |
| Black | Water |
In the Korean system, this is the Year of the Blue Dragon. Since blue is my favorite color, I prefer to use “Blue Dragon” over “Wood Dragon.”
As the only mythical and magical animal in the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is considered to be the most auspicious, most powerful of them all. The Dragon is associated with power, leadership, strength, good luck, wisdom, and prosperity. It is considered to be celestial and divine, with the ability to control elements such as wind and water. A Dragon year is one filled with the promise of opportunities and advancements.
The element of Wood is considered to be the most human, and is associated with growth, flourishing, and creativity. It is related to the season of Spring, which associates it with achievement, looking forward, expansion, and decision-making.
According to the South China Morning Post’s “YoungPost…”
The Wood Dragon year is believed to cultivate progress and abundance, making it an ideal time to embark on new projects. This year is particularly favourable for innovative minds and problem solvers, as it offers stability in business operations and an energetic drive for creative ideas. Additionally, it presents a wonderful opportunity for individuals to pursue their dreams, express their ideas, and expand their horizons.
Remember this paragraph! I’m going to call back to it in a moment!
You’d read this far, and you might already be asking: “You’re not really into this Chinese horoscope stuff, are you, Joey?”
As a system for predicting what will happen, no.
But as a handy starting point for a new journey, since it’s a new year, the traditional time for new beginnings and new ventures? As the perfect time to write some new resolutions? As an inspiration for a personal theme for the next 12 months? As a way to frame the way I’ll approach things for the next little while? As a lens through which I will see what’s happening around me and respond accordingly?
Damn right I will.
If you’d been laid off recently and are feeling the despair that comes with it (remember, losing a job is one of the top ten most stressful life events), try adopting a “Year of the Wood Dragon / Year of the Blue Dragon” approach to things.
What if you viewed your layoff not as a catastrophe, but as the catalyst for embarking on a new project? A project that required creativity and problem solving in business? An opportunity to pursue a dream, express your ideas, and expand your horizons?
Use this to reframe your situation. Think of it this way:
THIS IS YOUR YEAR.
🐲🐉 Happy New Year! 🐉🐲
I’ll close with a little musical inspiration: This Will Be Our Year, by OK Go: