Author: Stephanie Stewart

The Ox in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Designated Decider

The Ox is not clashed by the Dragon, rather the Ox and Dragon have a relationship called Destruction. This relationship carries a potential energy that may or may not be expressed. If that sounds worrisome to you, find relief by choosing how you would like it to be expressed. For example, the Ox is a creature of routine. What if you break up with some routines? If you’re an Ox, it’s good for you to get knocked out of your rut every once in awhile. That’s how I see the Wood Dragon year for the Ox. Get knocked out of the rut, then resettle into new productive patterns. The Wood of the Wood Dragon will see to that.

Before continuing, I think it’s important to mention that a Destruction is most often a psychological challenge. For the Ox it’s a challenge of enduring doubt. It’s a challenge to stay the course while allowing change at the same time. There’s a flood of potential success if you can stay present to receive it.

In 2024 any Ox might be feeling that something is off. If what you’re picking up is making you more sensitive, nervous, anxious, agitated or unstable my advice is to take the risk you’ve been planning anyway. Whatever leap you were about to make, don’t stop now. Take a chance. You’ll really appreciate that you did when you get to 2025.

But wait, there’s more. You need to know that the Ox is pulling a big wagon of good luck that outweighs any potential worries or hardships.

Every year, the Special Stars of the year shift around, which is one of the reasons people have an annual Ba Zi reading. The four Special Stars that are considered to be the most significant are 太陽 Great Sun, 太陰 Great Moon, 福徳 Fortune Virtue and 龍德 Dragon Virtue. In a year where one of these four shows up in your Ba Zi, you know there’s the potential of a special experience.

In 2024 the Ox is the lucky recipient of Fortune Virtue. Whatever other pillars you have in your Ba Zi, if you have an Ox you know you can lean on the luck that is there. Fortune Virtue is money luck, but it’s also the kind of luck that seems random. It’s luck you’ve accumulated from good deeds. This good luck isn’t related to what you do as much as what you have done in the past, so working harder now is probably not going to be the answer if you’re trying to invoke it. Consider simply enjoying it. In spite of what I’ve said about past good deeds, I doubt any of this stuff has a cause and effect relationship anyway. Good deeds are usually done without thoughts of how we will reap a reward.

The position of the Ox in your Ba Zi will reveal what area of your life will be enhanced by the Fortune Virtue. If Ox is your year pillar, your luck might be related to ancestors.

If Ox is your birth month*, Fortune Virtue will influence the way you go about things. You might get help from siblings or peers. Fortune Virtue will influence your work. The month pillar might be the best place to have it if you want to accumulate more good deeds, however, in the day pillar it might bring unexpected luck with partnership. If the Ox is in your hour pillar, you’ll be thinking about how lucky you are in spite of delays and disruptions. That seems great too!

In the Wood Dragon year, Oxen will have more than enough of food, material necessities, and time. You may be in circumstances that make you doubt how long that can last. Don’t. Let yourself stop worrying about those things so you can get on with what you like and want to do. If you feel overshadowed, know that it’s temporary. Maybe that’s what you’re afraid of?

Being lucky and able to overcome potential bad luck means it’s a good year for taking chances that the risk averse Ox might not normally take. Whenever you get to the point in the year where you think I’ve led you astray (July?), remember that I also said you’ll be going out on a high note next January.

For Oxen or anyone who is concerned with bad luck, know that in any given year it’s common to find that you have at least one pillar that is not clashed or one pillar that carries some special luck. You want to lean on those. Focus your energies on the pillars that are lucky for you. For the Ox this year, all in all I think you’ll find your good luck outweighs the bad.

In the Ox’s darkest moments this year, you might think the year has a specific threat for you or that you’re in danger. Some nasty things may be said about you by others because of your good luck outweighing the bad. As I’ve already said, it’s the feelings that are the hard part of the year. It’s the feelings that get to us. Remember that others’ feelings do not belong to you.

As is the case for the Rat, there may be times in 2024 where the laws of time and space don’t seem to apply to the Ox. You might find ways to speed past obstacles and shrink distance. This might also mean it’s difficult to get attention. For the Ox, if both of these things are true at the same time, it might be kind of perfect.

What might be problematic about the attention part is that everyone needs attention some time. If you shy away from that, you might miss an opportunity for the kind of mentoring you didn’t think you could get. If 2024 is the year you might lose some of your innocence, maybe you would like to do that by embracing some intimacy. That’s not necessarily the physical kind, you know. If you are lonely, allow yourself some company.

The Wood Dragon wants to give you an assist with your career, or if you prefer, your life path. The doubt you’re feeling about whether you’re fulfilling your purpose, or why you might have chosen it in the first place is something you’ve experienced before. Think about it. Maybe this is just a pattern for you that is meant to keep things fresh. It’s not the time to chuck it but it might be the time to think about that. Thinking is good. Chucking might not be appropriate.

With so much help available for you Ox, I hope you accept some. Know also that part of your assignment this year is to be the Nobleman for others. I know you like to teach people lessons – make it kind and helpful. This will be a supportive year for Oxen who are already known as consultants as well those who do it on the side. People will be looking for your advice.

I know you’ll be saying you don’t need all that luck, that your hard work will be enough and you’re probably right. If your way is to insist on total self sufficiency (no friends?) open up to the possibility that life could be enhanced by a few select relationships. This is one way to disrupt your own routine.

In this Dragon year of 2024, there will definitely be reversals for everyone. In the case of Ox, consider that you may be the one who initiates them. You might not be the catalyst but you’re definitely a decider.

The Ox’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Feels like being pinned in place. Cultivate ways to remember who you are and what you want.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
Careful with that schadenfreude. Find other ways to distract yourself.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
Peak of disrupted routines. Let the changes happen. Flexibility wins.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Great for starting new projects. Extra points if they are on behalf of the revolution.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
Your work is out in the open and it’s looking good. Mutual attractions.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Possible disagreements about who has it worse. It’s settled. We’re all in this together.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Your creations come easy now. Perhaps start winter’s work in advance.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Your finest work is happening now. Are you able to feel your success?

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Through your persistence in 2024 you’ll find that an obvious bully is nothing to you.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Some things are beyond your control now so let them happen. Emotional preparations for 2025.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
If think your work empowers others more than it does you, think again.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
The Snake is already showing up with data to help you plan for 2025.

* The Ox month covers approximately January 5th-February 4th. Each year the dates may vary slightly.

The Rat in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Behind the Curtain

When you’re a Rat in a Dragon year, once again you control the frame, just as you did in 2020 and will again in 2028. What Rats do when they are in control this way is set a certain tone of concern about what is worthy of attention and what is important. Often the focus of their decisions involves Fire. Rats could probably go anywhere they like this year but I suggest, for your own safety, leave the south alone.

The prevailing energy for much of the Wood Dragon year is Water and that’s exactly where the Rat lives. This timing gives Rats a special gift for command in a year where their usual strategic skills are further enhanced. Rats, be conscious of who you are advising and their intentions. Ethics are important. While the Dragon is the boss of the year, you are the boss’ advisor and teacher or mentor.

The more grace you give, the more you receive. That’s the calculation for 2024.

The Wood Dragon year elevates the Rat. Rats have a higher, wider or bigger perspective which is exactly where a Rat likes to be. You are meant to see what goes unseen and this year makes it easier. Given your relationship to power in 2024, it’s your assignment to advise about what is going unseen. Get all the secrets out now. Actually, it may be hard for the Rat to avoid spilling the tea in 2024. You might do purposely or accidentally. What you expose may lead to some awkwardness in December.

Even with your good luck in 2024, it may not be a year where the Rat receives the amnesty from others that they think they deserve. There may be no special dispensations. It’s more likely that you will be required to give them. Ouch. Do you have expectations and attachments about what you are owed due to your work? I know I do. Let those for whom this is not true cast the first stone, this isn’t just a Rat thing. We could all use a reminder that life and relationships are not a transaction.

Rats benefit in 2024 from the ways they are untouchable, operating outside of the rules of time and space. Friends from the past show up as do friends of the future. It’s a year where you might decide to start/join a group or mastermind a reunion. For some reason, the word revival comes to mind. Rats are capable of organizing events on a larger scale.

Nikki Haley is a 1972 Water Rat by the way. She’s been on my mind for some time because in a Dragon year, a Rat would have a good chance to gain a high position. A Dragon probably won’t – maybe that’s Kamala Harris who is a 1964 Wood Dragon? I have asked for knowledge about who will win the 2024 US Presidential election using different Chinese divination methods and what consistently came up is that it’s a woman. Can you think of ways that might happen? But I digress…

Throughout the year, financial matters are fairly smooth for the Rat.

In the first half of the year, Rats are creative. This year offers a kind of creativity is special for you because it took many lonely hours to hone the skills required for it. If for some reason you’re not able to work with that creative energy in February and March, make notes of your ideas and plans for later execution. Rats will be inventive in this Wood Dragon year.

The second half of the year will be more about execution of ideas and plans – group pursuits. Rat and the Rooster will be the sweethearts everyone wants to work with. This timing may require you to come out of hiding, or maybe that’s when you can get others to do your work for you. When you don’t want to be seen or witnessed, I suppose that sounds good. Maybe it’s time to try something new?

In 2024 Rats will be perceived and witnessed, possibly as being too aggressive. While aggression is appropriate under the right circumstances, you don’t want it distract from your message. You might want aggression to direct the intention of your message instead. Meet with people face to face when you can, or at least over video. The advantage of being in dialogue is that you can explain yourself.

I say this because I think it will be hard for Rats to hide their expression and this year, it may be interpreted as anger on sight. I expect that Rats, like the rest of us, have generations of anger to express or to exorcise by making things right, finally. There are patterns of nepotism to break for one thing…Spread the opportunities Rat. These times require thinking one step beyond yourself and your descendants. And repeat. In an age of Fire, you may need to become adept at this to survive. This advice is for all, not just the Rat.

This year supports you becoming a better friend. To maximize your luck, team up purposely with the Dragon and Monkey. The Dragon will accept your legacy of knowledge and develop it. The Monkey is the multitool of the Rat and Dragon; encoding, repairing, making the abstract tangible.

In December, which will likely be the most exposing month of the Wood Dragon year for you, consider whether you may have made the outcome of the year too much about you and not enough about your homies. Right now, you still have time to change this. The Monkey’s contributions to the year may be overlooked without your advice as to their delivery. Throughout the year, take a look around you and see who is not appreciated. If you can’t draw attention to them, you can give them strategic advice.

In 2024, Rats are likely to show up in leadership positions or as consultants to the Dragon. Rats will also be getting some business courtesy of the Ox who even as a nobleman of the year may have too much of their own problem solving on their plate to be helpful. The Ox has higher blessings to receive perhaps.

One of the best blessings in any year is having a sunnier perspective and in 2024 the Rat will be feeling it. Life is good.

If you’re a Rat who is thinking of relocating you may want to do that this year, maybe in August. This might be you making a pre-emptive strike against a potential forced move in 2025 or in 2026 when it is your turn to be clashed. This year is a good time to consider how you might prepare for the coming heat. Use your good luck to prepare.

The Rat’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Inventions and inventiveness. If you lack time for executing them all, write them down.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
Look for ways to encourage others’ joy. Give an endorsement.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
If you see a friend making a mistake, break it to them gently. Have a solution in mind?

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
It’s a good month to protect your health. Take advice.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
A stimulating clash comes with introspection. Ideas flow, your work can make money.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Observe your impact of your words on those around you. They don’t want to mention it.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Use up the Water. Seek Wood. Write, talk, give birth or be reborn. A big push.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Draining or drained? That is the question. Breaking up or considering it.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Boundaries crossed and broken. Does it matter if they’re not yours?

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Let people think you are small. You know how big you are when you’re with your friends.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
A predictor of the next two years for the Rat. Meet people at least halfway.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
One last “routine” January. Changes will be coming faster in 2025.

The Pig in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Approaching the Delta

Zoom out your lens Pig. The Wood Dragon year is going to ask you to take a wider perspective, maybe even a higher one; probably both at the same time. This year is made for your versatile nature and the attention your multiple talents deserve. We don’t need a specialist when we have you available to help us. Pigs will be solving problems like the wind! I can only assume that such good fortune would be a result of you becoming more adept at preparation.

Just in case you need a refresher course, let me remind you that a Pig who is organized and prepared is unstoppable.

In a Ba Zi, the Pig is one of the four self clash signs. The other three are Dragon, Horse and Rooster. For the Pig, the self clash usually involves not seeking support, or not speaking up about urgent matters. Trying to handle everything on their own can lead a to self destructive ways of coping. Regarding a Pig’s behavior, this is a tendency, not a prophecy. I’m reminding you of this because the Snake is coming next year.

Full disclosure: much of this forecast is meant to prepare the Pig for the clash they will experience in 2025. Guess what? 2024 is not time to build a house of straw, sticks or bricks where you can hide away. It’s time to be seen and known. That’s the way to prepare. I want you to be ready to meet the opportunities that are coming.

Pigs have 龍德 Dragon Virtue in 2024. You’re lucky! That means it’s time to get a reputation, or change the one you have. I doubt there’s anything wrong with it other than it needs an update or reconfiguration. You and the times have changed.

In the first half of 2024 comes the reinvention, along with a “disaster pass” for those born in a Pig month, meaning just in case there is one, you emerge unharmed. In this year where you will be planting seeds, or growing yourself, protect what you have planted. Protect what you’ve got growing or budding. Protect yourself too because you’re the root.

You’ll want to have some projects well established before we get to 2025. Whatever you’re working on, grow it as big as you can this year. Get down to business right away in February and don’t look back until September. You might even think of yourself as a tree expanding without limit, knowing when it’s pruning time your beauty will be revealed.

What you learn in this Wood Dragon year will have the power to change the way you think forever. If I haven’t yet made it clear, 2024 is very much about rebirth, birth and growth. Much of it will be witnessed by others. This is not necessarily embarrassing, in fact, people may find your journey compelling.

What you have to offer in 2024 is the culmination of years of your ideas, learning, training. All those things you’ve taught yourself to do are welcome and lucrative. People are interested and attracted to you and your talent. Although in April the Pig may feel that time is going backwards, or that they are about to be ridiculed again, act as if that’s not the case this year because it isn’t. Problem solved. It’s not denial, it’s reality. It’s as if you could speak things into existence this year. Don’t take this special imperial power too far. Use it most for your own good intentions.

There’s a lot Pigs can get done as leaders in the Wood Dragon year, which is kind of special. If you don’t love that role, exploring it anyway could bring some pleasant surprises. Next year will be your turn to be clashed and if you do the proper preparation this year, the clash will be something like the shaping or refinement of your talent. Leadership will prepare you to see the meaning of 2025. That might not be as easy once you’re in it.

As I mentioned earlier, if you were born in a Pig month*, in 2024 you have the special blessing of getting out of a difficult situation without any lasting effects. This luck shows up repetitively. Maybe this is your year to be bold, and find out that there are times you can do that and everything will turn out just as it’s meant to – fine. Interestingly, it’s this collective anger of the year energy that protects you. You might look for ways to encourage its expression in healthy ways.

If the Pig is in your year pillar, you may find yourself disengaged or disengaging from people you think are not treating you the way you deserve to be treated. This is something to consider deeply in the case of family relationships. It may be time to disengage with some people, places or things that have done you wrong, however, you may also find there is no disengaging from family. No matter where you go, they are in you. Try to embrace this as much as possible.

Your vague sense of impending mistreatment peaks in May. It may have a root in the Dragon and how they can transform to Metal at a moment’s notice. This is not ever something the sensitive Pig is prepared for. The Dragon and Snake may carry a similar energy for you at times. What you always need to keep in mind is that you are safe. For real.

As a Pig you probably already know that when people stand out by being more lucky or more commanding and confident, they get more fans and friends. They also get more “enemies”, by which I mean people who are unhappy with their own situation and your improvements remind them of that. What can you do? Try not to worry about it. Be kind anyway.

In a Wood Dragon year, make sure your paperwork is in order especially in the context of new ventures. Do you need permits or licenses? If there is a governing body involved with your project, meaning government, church, or boss, get to know the people you might need to contact. Meet them in person at least once if possible before you start your working relationship. Get used to being in touch with authorities. It’s a skill like any other. You’ll be okay.

I know it’s often difficult for the Pig to imagine a sunny outcome even when things are good. Other times your expectations of negative events exceed reality. Be careful of November’s darkness which might be dangerous for you. Get in the light. Ask for help. Prepare for November in advance.

So much of how 2024 ends and what you will be doing next year depends on your communication skills during this Wood Dragon year.

Keep communicating – it doesn’t matter if it’s awkward. People may think you have some wild ideas. If you want them to understand you will most likely need to say more and in laymen’s terms. You can do that. Know that you’re going to get attention, it won’t be difficult. In these times getting attention is one of the fastest and easiest ways people make money if you want that.

In 2024 Pigs have the gravitas to back up their performance. It’s real.

The Pig’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Reap the results of last year’s behavior. ‘Ware the Tiger.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
Set up or renew support networks now.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
Time goes backwards. Find your voice mid month.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
If you want to know more about 2025, take some notes.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
Ideas come through you starting a cycle that leads to money.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Redefined. Finding a connection that can bridge next year’s clash.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Possible losses but friends will always come through.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Finding out how someone you think you know well is changed by seduction might startle you.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Witness what it’s like to be the year breaker before it’s your turn. Maybe it’s not that bad?

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
You might need that support system this month. Is this the beginning of 2025 for you?

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Feeling outshined doesn’t mean you are. People know what’s real.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Eyes already on you. Are you ready to meet the Wood Snake?

*The Pig month covers approximately November 7th -December 7th. Each year the dates may vary slightly.

The Dog in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Live a Little, Get Around

Being opposite the Dragon on the compass, in this Wood Dragon year of 2024 the Dog is the 歲破 Sui Po or the Year Breaker. The Dog is the recipient of the focused attention of the Dragon. Is that good?

Some people say that as long as there is energy is focused on you, it’s good even if it’s a clash. They say that when there is no energy or no dynamic flow for you it’s worse than a clash. One teacher told me “junk food is better than no food”, and that’s true but thank goodness no one is asking you to live that way this year Dog. This year is a year you are nurtured and rearranged at the same time.

The clash of Dragon and Dog is a clash between two 戊 yang Earths. It’s like two mountains crashing into each other. In any year, this particular clash indicates that there may be blockages and obstacles for everyone. Seeing as how it’s a Dragon year, they may pile up a bit more for the Dog. Ask Prince William who is a 1982 Water Dog what that might be like. It’s probably painful and difficult but also brings some opportunities you didn’t expect to arrive so soon. Good things will be happening too.

For Earth, Wood is power or empowerment. Now the clash of the Dragon and Dog is focused by, or focused on, Wood or power itself. Who has it? Who is in charge? Who can survive it? It’s a year for Dogs to explore power and anger. That’s probably the biggest risk for you right there. Being a Dog, you may have a talent for ignoring the things that are troublesome as long as they are not overly threatening – for you. I want Dogs, Dragons and everyone to think about how you might use your anger, which is a microcosm of the collective anger, to redistribute power. Decentralize power. Organize the decentralization of power.

The conflict between the Dragon and Dog brings with it themes of winners and losers, borders, boundaries, walls, showdowns and ultimatums. The outcomes are predictably unpredictable. Many conflicts may play out on a physical level so if you don’t want that in your life, don’t start it. * If you seek the root of these disputes, you’ll find the usual disagreements about belief systems and the tension between tradition and evolution.

Due to their massive presence and powerful nature, Dogs are used to being unintentionally offensive. This year you may find that happening even more often than usual. Know your audience. Some will eat it up, most will not. Let’s just say it’s not an asset and leave it at that. Dogs will especially benefit from appropriate conduct regarding women this year. Bad behavior will come back to bite you. Just be kind so you don’t have to worry about it.

A Dragon year often brings a darker outlook for the Dog, perhaps not merited by the events of the year. This may or may not manifest as depression. Don’t worry too much about labels, just check in with yourself or someone you trust about your behavior. Are you not yourself?

Learn to take care of yourself if you haven’t already. Stop accepting what authority figures have to say unless it makes sense to you and the people you care about. Apply that to your boss, your doctor, the police, the government. Don’t trust that everyone has your best interests at heart. This is one of the most important pieces of advice I can give to you. Don’t accept your fate blindly. Facing it will be so much more meaningful. It is possible to maintain your influence but not your control.

The flow of 2024 means movement for the Dog. Go with it. For most of the year, Dogs will benefit from being unattached to staying in any one place for an extended period of time. If you’ve got a Dog in your Day Pillar or Year Pillar, you may be moving house. If you have a Dog in both day and year, I expect big life changes are in store. Maybe you’re crossing borders. You’re going to benefit from travel so why not go big? You’ll probably be spending some money anyway.

If you’ve got a Dog in your month pillar, maybe you were laid off last year or that’s a concern for you. It’s reinvention time. You have the knowledge, skills and depth. This is a good time for some Dogs to start their own businesses.

If the Dog is in your Life House, maybe you have life long issues with displacement or bullying. How might you want to change that pattern? This is the year to do it.

In any clash there are both good things and bad things happening at the same time. It can be confusing and exhilarating too.

The 戌 Dog is the Great Consumer in 2024, a title which goes along with Sui Po. In Dog and Dragon years, the clash of Dog and Dragon often has to do with losing or getting money. 2024 has that potential for the Dog more than usual. To mitigate spending, some people renovate or repair their homes or spend money on things they’ve been wanting or needing. Some donate money. You might do that in April and/or October. When it comes to finances, your money element is a more important indicator than the general timing of months. If you don’t know what your money element is, a Ba Zi reading can tell you; it might not be Earth. These nuances are important for forecasting.

In spite of being clashed by the year, or maybe because of it, Dogs will probably find themselves in a position where people are wanting to give them responsibility for important matters. Ask yourself if it’s finally time to do the opposite of what you might have done in the past. If it would normally be your way to say yes to any position you saw as important, maybe don’t. If it’s been your way to decline responsibility as much as possible, maybe take some on. What’s important is you thinking about how you want to succeed and what that looks like. Do you think you need empowerment? Do you want it? Don’t let stubbornness get in your way.

A challenge for both Dog and Dragon this year is potentially being cracked open by anger, however, when you are cracked open, it’s easier to change. Nobody likes this. It’s unpleasant. For both the Dog and the Dragon, anger (and the collective anger) is very much a part of your reality this year. Both Dog and Dragon have a special advantage in that their own anger literally has the power to move mountains. If “enemies” team up, this is what can happen. Hint hint.

Just because you are clashed, don’t count yourself out Dog. When big changes come they can be good too, even great. In any given year, regardless of all these rules about clash, the most flexible one wins.

The Dog’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Get a running start knowing things will slow down in April.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
You’re still assisted. Don’t lean too hard on the Rabbit.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
A peak of blockage. At the same time, you might team up with a powerful “enemy”.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Could be some worries about next year. Be flexible.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
In a flow now. Let things come through you. Striving doesn’t work.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
For good luck, be kind to women and everyone else.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Success begins to show itself.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
You might attract money this month. Someone could be jealous about that.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Where the Wood meets the Earth. Lacking compassion, big moves are quite risky.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Cooling down at home.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Your contribution or words are the missing element. Open up.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Time to go over the year. How’s your report card?

*As I’m writing this I’m thinking about how in my life these words will mostly be metaphors for my experience of 2024 and how in others’ lives these words embody events I can’t even imagine. Why am I so lucky? Good choices help, but they can’t turn back a missile.

The Rooster in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Darling Starling

Welcome to the Wood Dragon year Rooster. Be perceived and appreciated by the power of this timing. If you want the short version of your forecast, expect a great year. If you’re going to get whatever you wish for, be careful what you wish! When you might get everything you wish for, how will you help others grow? 2024 is a year that emphasizes relationships, secret and otherwise. The secret ones aren’t likely to stay that way so act accordingly.

As was the case in in 2023, there’s quite a bit of success available right in front of you Rooster. The scary clash is over, and you may have discovered that you have the power to turn bad to good. How do you like that?

For those who have a Water Rooster or an Earth Rooster pillar in their BaZi, this year is even more insistent in asking you for a decision. Who is in charge? Can that shift back and forth? Will you accept the partnerships that are offered? For how long? When?

Roosters have the potential to influence others more than they are influenced this year. To the Rooster, this probably feels like an upper hand with friendships and other relationships. Find your generosity in sparing others from that kind of inequity or by using your influence benevolently. Don’t you know you’re in a murmuration? We’re all moving together.

In 2023 Roosters were clashed by the Wood of the Rabbit, and still there were advantages for you. In 2024 Roosters are supported and even cherished by the Dragon, however, the Wood element is still here. Have you figured out that what you perceived as your opposition might have been …the opposite? When the prize was dangled last year, did your pride keep you from admitting that you wanted it? I hope not, but if it did, maybe this year is another chance to get it right, by which I mean right for you. Success is easy lately, relationships are the Rooster’s real prize. If you want one where you are in control, look for a Dragon.

The Dragon is mesmerized by the Rooster. Simply by being the secret friend of the Dragon, in 2024 Roosters can get away with a lot. The year is very much in favor of that so I’m telling you now to rack up good behavior and good deeds. Have a care for the rest of us. Just because you can get away with something doesn’t mean you should try.

In fact, when you can get away with anything, maybe that’s the time to direct your energy to something great that no one thinks is possible. That’s what this year is for the Rooster. You might feel pressured about such a big assignment but all the little things you do will be enough as long as you mind your intentions. Accumulating good deeds will always enhance your luck. That’s one thing that doesn’t change.

When you’re a Rooster it’s those psychological challenges that really get in your head. lol

And on that note, some Roosters may be looking for revenge regarding things that happened last year, probably in October or November. It may be hard to resist going back to examine those feelings, especially in April and September. If you feel like someone’s radiating negative energy in your direction, was it you who originally started that pattern? Even if it wasn’t you, you could complete this phase and move on for real by forgiving. If you think it was you who started the trouble, let that influence your actions. Roosters sometimes think there is someone who wants to take them out because they want to take someone out.

If your day (or year) pillar is Earth Rooster, this year you might get away with anything by turning attackers into supporters. You’re on some kind of five year plan so think about what you want to be doing five years from now. Should that sound too far away, I want you to know that the seemingly insoluble problems of last year could disappear now if you let them go. I guess that’s the hard part for the Rooster. Me too.

Like the Monkey, in this Wood Dragon year there will be times for the Rooster where they are required to speak, maybe more than usual. Know that you will be heard this year means there’s no need to fight for attention. How might that shape your behavior? Well, you don’t have to be loud. Let your confidence grow for real. That’s very different from faking it. You don’t have to do that this year.

2024 is a good year for the Rooster to make investments. Although you might think of this in the traditional financial sense, I invite you to consider that anything you pay attention to on a regular basis is an investment. The more you pay attention, the more you will get out of it. Caring too much won’t hurt you.

With the Wood Dragon present, many “suitors” will be looking for your attention, or at the very least you will be thinking that they are. The position of your Rooster in your natal chart or life house will tell you where you might land on that range of possibilities. These suitors could be present pertaining to work, acquaintances, or a more intimate relationship.

For your suitors’ safety and yours, decide how to handle their attention in a way that suits both your attention span and integrity. Avoid pitting others against each other. Are you already committed? How committed are you? Some Roosters are looking for a fling. If that sounds good to you, line it up with your long term plans. If it doesn’t fit, be honest. That might be all that is needed to have fun together, harm free.

Regarding money, last year Roosters were in the position of Great Consumer, this year you are the Lesser Consumer. To mitigate spending you can always make donations. In 2024 the Lesser Consumer star relates to money and your relationship with the Dragon who is the boss of the year. The way this energy manifests might also be indicative of how you go about getting power. Do you insist on others who want to be close to you bending to your will? Do you make yourself small when you’re not? I know you have your reasons, and you don’t have to answer, but do think about these questions for a moment.

On the mundane level, what you probably want to know is, will you spend more money or make more in 2024? A Ba Zi will tell you what your money element is and how much impact this year’s energy will actually have on your finances. Don’t worry about lacking for necessities. You won’t. Some of this will be due to the Rooster’s thriftiness while some is due to timing.

Roosters are trusted this year with important matters, documents and endorsements. Take care with being distracted by other important matters, that is, personal things. Your challenge is to find balance. If this makes you feel overburdened, don’t worry too much, you can probably get yourself out of any sticky situations easily. Just brush that dirt off your shoulder.

Which reminds me to say, attention to appearance will be helpful in this Dragon year. It’s not because you need it, it’s because of timing. People are going to be looking at you and you want to be comfortable with that, so you might spend more time or money on beauty. I don’t recommend surgery. Maybe you want a better moisturizer? More hair care? Nails? Roosters always worry that they are ugly. Well, you’re not. If this year can’t convince you of that I don’t know what to say. Live like you are beautiful Rooster. It makes sense.

The Rooster’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Sparkling already.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
The leftovers of 2023. Or 2020?

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
The peak of influence for Water Roosters (1993) happening now.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Work plans for 2025: learn new research skills or team up with experts

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
Just another opportunity to be the star. Swept away or sweeping?

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Success is not as easy now. Take a calming break.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
And you’re back! Time to talk and talk. Let emotions flow.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
If you’re going to wear out your welcome with the Dragon, this is where it might happen.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Summon your patience knowing your boundaries are safe. Money comes.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Probably the start of the Wood Snake year of 2025 for the Rooster.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Secrets come out. I hope you have a party so everyone can see how you’re shining.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Rebirthing to do. Take a rest!

The Monkey in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Comedy Gold

After going through the cycle of Water, followed by the cycle of Wood, Monkeys might be feeling bitter. Maybe there’s been too much detaching for you. Is anything fun any more? Your love of tricks and pranks feels extinguished – but it’s not. Now you’re riding the wheel up. Do you understand now how time was needed for your new form to emerge? If you weren’t able to re-engage in 2023, know it will be easy in 2024. The Dragon knows you well.

For Monkeys who are feeling bitter, it seems to me that the pessimistic part of it does come from your life experience, as well as a feeling of helplessness. Monkeys will try to handle their hurt by appearing not to care, but I know you do. There have been many disappointments in the last few years, but here you are, poised to engage with the big world again. This is where you are now, regardless of the past.

What Monkeys have been through since 2022 is the raw material of the comedian – the jester that you are. What you have been through is what it takes to make comedy gold. It takes time to make it, it takes effort to dig it out. In 2024, you’re going to make something from those experiences. Make us laugh. Make us cry. That’s what you do so do it with love. Your words will heal you too.

Most of the time, what makes us laugh the most is the joke that connects with our darker emotions. It helps us to take on a friendlier relationship with them. Monkeys are the “relief valve” of our society when it comes to darkness I think. We don’t always give the appreciation they deserve for this role. Maybe we don’t consider the human experience behind the joke. Life is absurd and I feel like it’s cathartic to acknowledge it with laughter.

Don’t forget, there are times when being serious is required. Above all, keep language and communications beyond reproach with descendants, employees, students and other people you “supervise” if you don’t want gossip and disputes.

For those with a Monkey in any pillar, it’s a year for finishing. Instead of worrying what that might be about, choose what you want to complete! No matter what your age and/or their status, this completion might have to do with a parent or someone who was in that role for you. Most endings demand that we repeat them and this is just one of those times. Luckily the year has much more than resolutions to offer.

There’s travel in store for the Monkey in 2024, or at the least the desire for it. Go where you are invited. Invite others to visit or travel. This is important. You may have to invite yourself or take a lead role in planning. Consider the position of the pillar in your BaZi if you want to know more about what that travel might involve. Some reasons a Monkey might travel in 2024 are children, work, love, money, health or pleasure.

Maybe the travel IS the Monkey’s work in 2024, even if it’s a metaphorical journey. It’s going to be an emotional year, and you might think you don’t want that, however, the Water element is what will facilitate the changes the year offers. I hope you’re ready to talk more because the year is asking for it. Don’t stop communicating or you’ll find you keep getting stuck in the mud. Not again!

Maybe a Monkey’s travel in 2024 is related to being out of their home, or stirring things up at home with upgrades or renovations. If you have a Monkey in your day pillar, maybe you’ll move house and/or acquire roommates. As a person who moved 13 times in their first 15 years of life, I can tell you moving house is no joke. Even when you’re going somewhere you want to go, it’s stressful! If you don’t want to move, there are solutions I know of. Maybe you want to get a reading?

The Monkey is not overly driven by material things, but in 2024 you may find Monkeys looking for a better quality of food, clothing, cars, and even people. This isn’t something to be ashamed of. I’m going to guess it’s been a while since you made your surroundings meet the level of physical support that you need for long term well-being. You are worth it. You might be surprised how much difference it will make in what you can accomplish, and by that I mean, accomplishing the things you would like to accomplish as opposed to the things you have to do. A supportive home is not an extravagance. February is a good time to start stirring things up. In March you can reap some rewards.

Your suspicious tendencies in 2024 may serve you well in the context of home projects or other matters. Vet anyone you might make a contract with. Get a second opinion on prices or plans from people you trust. Aim to work with people you’ve worked with before, the ones where you had a good outcome. Just doing this will make for a pretty good year. Research big purchases. Secure construction permits, leases, and paperwork as needed. Don’t neglect the details.

For the Monkey in 2024 the energy is ascending. New opportunities are opening up, but at the same time people might not give you enough credit for your participation in the good outcomes. Projects that you start may be taken over by others who stand out more, maybe in August. Nevertheless, your talent will be strong and flowing this year, especially in April, August, September and December. It’s baffling when you can see the results of your actions but feel so out of control. I’m telling you now Monkey, this is all for a good cause.

Although you might not be winning the reputation it seems your efforts would merit, you’re in the right crowd if you want access to more recognition in the long run. Keep in mind that when you’re so connected to the energy of the year, that means you have good luck. There’s always someone who is going to feel miffed about that. Remember too, that if you’re running with the wrong crowd, maybe you should pay attention to those people who are miffed. Think about it.

If you want the 才 cai, meaning treasure, money, success, booty… it’s probably easier to get in the first half of the year. You might think it’s out of your reach, but it’s not if you’re daring. Whatever 才 is to you, in 2024 it won’t be long lasting unless you put the work in to make that possible. That might be asking a lot of yourself so don’t overcommit. What if you can just have fun? Your tastes have changed. It might be interesting to explore that, but there are always more opportunities to come. Like the bus, 才 will come around again, just wait if that’s your preference.

The Wood Dragon brings a year where Monkeys can pass tests. Set one up for yourself if you haven’t done that already. New ways and opportunities to support yourself financially and otherwise will appear if you’re looking for them; new ways to express yourself too. Let yourself move on if that’s what’s needed. Now you are ready to see the open doors, the ones that have probably been there for some time. Let go of regret and be free again.

The Monkey’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Clash yourself. Start the project. Get uncomfortable.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
A fair challenge. 才 is attracted to you.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
Your talents and work may be redirected. Express them anyway.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Foreshadowings of 2025. Make some notes.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
Consider stretching exercises such as yoga, tai chi, chi gong. Get outdoors.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
If the Water has been too much, this is your break. Take some time off.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Let the Water flow through you. Emotional renovation.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
A cute person arrives to play, probably for a limited time. Yowsah!

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Some connections are broken here, at least for now. A natural process of the year.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Safety first. Consider the impact of your actions on others who may not say anything about it.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Your agency is not lost. You’re here because it’s stimulated.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Only a fool would underestimate your stamina. Someone you might like is discovering you now.

The Sheep in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Oneiros not Onerous

The Water Rabbit year of 2023 was a pretty big deal for those with a Sheep in their day pillar. The Wood Dragon of 2024 looks less eventful regarding romance. If you like where you landed, be ready to do the partnership maintenance. Expect a quieter year on the surface, but one filled with very important matters!

Even for a Sheep, sometime it pays to be aggressive. Be careful with that. This Wood Dragon year asks you to push yourself to get the money to facilitate your dreams, but there’s only so much time in the day to spend on work. Give priority to clear communication with the people you love.

Take advice from the Ox (a Nobleman this year) who values routine and understands that big things take time. Most of your problems can be solved through patience and communication. Consider that you might benefit by deviating from paternal family patterns, or maybe you could use a new guiding force. This year delivers some fresh yang energy coming into your life to support you. That could tend to slow other things down.

In the Wood Dragon year, Sheep who want to go faster will go alone, but that’s not the usual Sheep way is it? In 2024 you have heaven’s support when it comes to solving big scale problems so it’s probably better to have a team. You’re also designated to receive some grace from the Universe about time and timing. Perfect. By way of your enhanced organizational skills this year, you can solve future problems too. The Sheep is meant to dream things up and direct them.

Every year there are four 神煞 Shen Sha that people hope to receive. They are 太陽 Great Sun, 太陰 Great Moon, 福徳 Fortune Virtue and 龍德 Dragon Virtue. These blessings are distributed annually amongst the 12 Earthly Branches. Everyone gets a turn eventually.

In 2024, the Sheep is blessed with the energy of the Tai Yin or Moon. With the Great Yin the Sheep has a facility for making things happen when they focus their work behind the scenes. Focus on negotiations and making connections between people. Run everything while staying out of sight. Don’t think that no one knows about you. They absolutely do.

Sheep will find benefit in 2024 by teaming up with the Snake. The Snake will help you emphasize what is special about you. They can help with your public life, marketing and shaping your “brand”. The Snake can draw the Sheep into the long term future, and the energy that supports this alliance remains until winter of 2027. If you’re looking for more attention in general or some extra hours of work, team up with Snake now. They’ve got the data. You don’t have to like them but you may come to find that you do.

If your month pillar is Sheep and you aren’t already in a job where you help people with things they worry about, maybe it’s time to add that kind of service. Some of your friends, family, critics and opponents are busy with breakups or potential breakups. People have plenty of things to figure out. Follow your heart and not your past experiences if they need your help. That might still be a no. Maybe you’re learning who deserves your soft place to fall.

With Moon, it’s a good year for the Sheep to start a business either solo or in partnership. You might do both. As I mentioned earlier, this year you may be more effective if you stay behind the scenes.

Some Sheep may be more involved with governing agencies in 2024. I imagine this might have to do with setting up new businesses, social services, immigration or work contracts. Among the possible governing agencies are academic institutions and health care organizations.

In 2024 there are two Noblemen and guess what Sheep? You are one of them. You are meant to help people. This isn’t a new role for you I’m sure. The Ox, who is the other Nobleman, may not be as able to help as you are. It’s not that they don’t want to, it’s their luck this year. You can choose whether you want to take up the slack. This is a typical position for a Sheep to find themselves in – maybe you are cleaning up others’ messes again. If you don’t want that, don’t sign up for it. There will be other opportunities.

If Sheep is in your year, your parents may be especially helpful to you, depending on your elemental relationship with Earth. This Nobleman energy might be accidental, or due to family ties. Maybe a place to stay, access to medical care/insurance or other domestic assistance is offered. If Sheep is in the day, it’s definitely you who has received the assignment. You can always choose not to follow the energy of the year, but why not find ways to use it instead?

In 2023, the majority of people who were laid off recently are not necessarily Sheep, but in 2024 Sheep might represent that kind of group – a group that is worried there are too many in it. They may be concerned about all the other people who are in the same position they are in. Many people looking for work. Many are looking for a place to call home. Many people are ill. I think the Sheep is often the embodiment of the zeitgeist, meaning they symbolically (or otherwise) live out the range of experiences in the current social climate.

Here’s the solution: As usual it’s team up!

Use the good luck you do have. It’s enough to help yourself and others. Good things and bad things can happen at the same time. It’s the people and energy that we run into when we are doing good deeds that teach us who we can become, even if that takes a long time. The challenges of the year are meant to deepen your compassion, that is, to make you more yourself. I don’t say that unless I think it’s true.

One of the biggest challenges of the year for the Sheep will likely be psychological. There may be a trauma from your past that rises to the surface again. Should this happen to you, I want you to know that it’s not because you “didn’t do the work”, because even when you do the work this will still happen from time to time.

We cannot completely avoid the patterns of our fate but we can certainly learn that they don’t have to manifest the same way every time. If the Sheep is in your year pillar, this trauma may relate to your parents. Is it their trauma or theirs? Did they share it with you? In what way? What was handed down?

If the Sheep is in your day pillar, your trauma may have to do with your home life or most intimate relationships. If it’s in your month, it could involve a sibling, an ex or something at work. If the Sheep is in your hour, I imagine you might think about it a lot this year, or maybe it involves your children. Maybe both. That might be the most challenging one.

Even though we don’t choose to experience trauma, it is a hook and we are the only ones who can let ourselves off of it. You do need help for that. The horrible thing about trauma is it might put you in a position of resisting everything, including things that could help you. If you find yourself saying no too much, experiment with saying yes. You can always change your mind.

If you’d like to explore this topic more, Ba Zi offers a model for a fresh perspective on healing and what is possible. Elemental solutions can be applied. Be gentle with yourself. We need you Sheep!

Even though I know you’ll doubt me, I want to make sure I’m clear here at the end: your good luck in 2024 certainly outweighs the bad. Expect and seek magic.

The Sheep’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Be mindful of who is empowering you and what they might expect in return.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
More movement than usual, but that’s not travel.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
Overshadowed. You may find ways to profit from that this year.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Find a new friend who has numbers and data and can use it to tell a story.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
It’s fun to see friends succeed with their daring deeds.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Counting things up. A peak of worries about money and success and what happened before. Don’t do that to yourself.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
An abrupt change. Have you run out of optimism?

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
A potential bonus or win that comes from your unique style. Be yourself.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
The bullies may be out again. Think outside the box. You don’t have to respond in any set way.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Many a Sheep starts their year in November. What are you starting? Let someone else be in charge.

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Find familiar friends in familiar places. Weather together.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
As I said for the Horse, take some time off. If you’re working, plan for short hours.

The Horse in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Sweet Relief

2024 is going to be a pretty good year for the Horse. This is the beginning of a new time, a new era. This Wood Dragon is just the first taste. To maximize your good luck, seek all the things that make you healthier both physically and otherwise. Relationships are one. You might choose to focus on the romantic ones this year, but they are all equally important.

To work with the power of the year, the Horse will want to be careful of who they endorse. Popularity has little substance. You should know that better than anyone. Are your heroes worthy of your accolades? The Dragon has friends and associates whose agendas can clash yours. The Rat is one. In 2024 the Rat has some special privileges, bringing echoes of 2020. You may become the focus of Water energy again. It’s a good time to re-examine your perceptions about that. This is not a dire situation.

The metaphor of trying to kill what you love is true when it comes to Water and Fire unless there is a conscious choice made by both parties to create something new. Some of this has to do with surrender, but most of it has to do with standing your ground in a purposeful way. I might call that clashing yourself.

With the way the balance of Water and Fire defines a Horse’s life, a helpful solution is to talk about your emotions with a trusted friend. The Sheep comes to mind. The Sheep helps to calm things down.

If you’ve made repairs to health or relationship since 2020, reinforce them. Most of the work of the year involves changing your mind. Mostly it’s too easy, however, when it comes to certain people, it seems impossible. Try not to take either situation as a failure or a loss. If you’ve turned on a dime before, you can do it again, however that might look or how awkward and painful it might be.

Horses understand the energy of the Wood Dragon, which is sometimes known as the Candle Flame. The idea of a candle’s flame is something a Horse can relate to, keeping your eyes on the future so you can get there. Horses don’t need to know how. Dragons don’t need to know how either.

While the Rooster is the Dragon’s Secret Friend, the Horse is overlooked when it comes to being the Dragon’s biggest fan and supporter. These three together make a House of Self Clash where there is often great love and appreciation. Maybe it’s that they understand each other’s self clash?

The relationship of the Horse to the Dragon and the Rooster to the Dragon are very different. The Horse can never hold the whip hand the way a Rooster will when it comes to the Dragon. The Rooster will never encourage the Dragon’s more serious endeavors as much as the Horse does. The Rooster will allow no one but the Horse to soothe them and make them laugh. Between Horse and Dragon is always the agreement that the Dragon is in charge.

If you are a Horse who wants to be more independent and self-sustaining, don’t ask for permission to do it. Give it to yourself this time. Commit to that. You’re not going to experience the kind approval you want from the Dragon even when it’s given. Stop worrying about it.

In a Dragon year, there’s more substance to what some call the Horse’s showing off. The Horse’s dual nature often expresses a conflict between external reputation and personal relationships. In public matters a Horse may seem recklessly unafraid. In matters of intimacy it might be a different story. Are you ready to change that yet? Have you already been changing?

The answer to my question is important because the Special Stars of 2024 suggest Horses are in a mood to make everything right. Start with yourself. Start where you live. If you’re questioning whether you are with the right partner, in the right job, or in the right place and not doing something about it, somebody could get burned. This is not inevitable. If you’re not sure about your commitment, they are probably not sure about your commitment either. Be who you mean to be. It might be time for a no regrets policy. Horses are usually not good at lying. Make that your asset. Be kind.

Even if you haven’t decided yet what you want to do about your urges, the place to begin is one of those uncomfortable talks where, if you can stay present, any problem can be solved. If you want to be caught, try not to run away this time. Even though your partner is aware that you’re feeling unsteady, they may need some time to catch up. Don’t try to rescue them. This is a team effort. It will require practice.

It’s the ups and downs of 2024 that may trouble a Horse the most, but they can be mitigated through your choices. The year could feel more unstable than it is, and you can certainly mitigate potential problems. For example, avoiding situations involving physical risk is a good plan. That would include visiting locations that are prone to natural disasters even though it seems like a good idea at the time. Question yourself about travel. Does it make sense?!

If you’re a Horse hoping for a better material life or more status, this year will provide opportunities for that. I’m hoping higher status means there are more people who know about you, more people who respect you and your work and more people who hold you in high esteem. This isn’t about being powerful, rich and famous. It’s about getting some relief after the trials of the Water cycle. It’s okay to enjoy the external and material things.

Horses who have been putting off a surgery may want to schedule it this year. You could give blood instead as a way to mitigate potential injuries. A thorough cleaning of your teeth at the dentist might help too. June is a good month for all that.

The first half of the year is filled with resources and supporters for the Horse. Start the year running. Start pacing yourself when we hit April to avoid burnout. You might have a second wind in June.

In the second half of the year, there’s going to be a lot of Water. This could generate some free floating anxiety for the Horse. Let yourself cry as much as you need to. Let that Water move on.

As I like to remind people I work with, there will be good and bad things at the same time. Don’t miss out on the experiences you want to have. Encourage hope, joy and light and you will also receive it.

Just in case you’re still worried, there’s one more thing I want to say about Water and Fire:

I think the Rat secretly loves the Horse. I think the Rat is often obsessed with the Horse, but the Horse may not always be in a position to survive it. The opposition of Water feels personal to the Horse. The Horse’s freedom feels wrong to the Rat…and so it goes unless there is love. I suppose that means that in Period 9, once again love is the answer.

The Horse’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Run with the Tiger. Enjoy the acceleration.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
If you had a breakup last year, it might come up again now.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
You may have already overdone it. Get some rest.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Internal reflections. Look for the way macro and micro align.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
You can tame the trouble without sacrificing yourself. Get advice.

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Stability returns along with some success that comes easy.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Your travel star is the travel star of the year. You may benefit from travel.

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Be careful of promising what you can’t deliver. Examine priorities.

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Sometimes life is easy.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Appreciate rewards. They don’t need to be perfect do they?

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
If it’s a no, then it’s a no. It’s you saying it, not me.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Take some time off. If you’re working, plan for short hours.

The Snake in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

The Waiting is Over

It’s been a long road since 2019 and some Snakes are still waiting for their comeback. If that’s you, consider yourself in the right place. According to your pattern, you’re right where you should be. Stick with your efforts at restoration. If you’re a caretaker of others, be patient with yourself and them. You know about waiting and the work required to be prepared when the right moment arrives. You are the successor now.

This year, Snakes enjoy the blessing of the 太陽 Tai Yang or Sun. This energy of the Sun brings a special time for the Snake when they can take their pile of evidence, training and ideas and turn it into something everyone can clearly see. Put attention on the pertinent facts. Tell the story. Connect the dots. This is how problems can be solved. Stick with the truth. Be consistent. Along with the other blessings you have this year, you can see the future. I’m not referring to being psychic (although not ruling it out), but rather having the logic and vision to see what is going to happen well forward in time.

In the Wood Dragon year of 2024, the Snake will have been waiting patiently or impatiently for their turn. What if you are waiting for 2025 when you don’t have to? Do you hear what I’m saying? It’s not too early to come out of hiding. Friends are available. The Universe is poised to mentor you.

It’s going to be a good year for the Snake. Should it happen that some of the year’s opportunities disappear at the last minute, ask yourself if you already knew what would happen. The potential fallout will likely be mostly psychological – the feeling that someone else’s grass is always greener. Is that paranoia? Suspicion? Reality? There are more opportunities to come in the near future. Don’t worry about it.

While the Tiger may be the expert when it comes to knowing the right moment to kill, the Snake has mastered the art of waiting. When you’re a Snake, you learn to see the patterns and you often choose to wait it out, that is, except when a Monkey is involved. The Monkey is your Secret Friend. This is important to know in 2024 when the Monkey has connections with people you would enjoy as teachers or mentors. Without the Monkey, the Snake will maybe spend too much of their time waiting, wanting to be certain of their final form. Don’t you know by now that your flexibility might keep you waiting forever Snake?

A Snake’s form is not permanent, however, there is a pattern to how it changes. A Snake’s favorable elements may change over time. For 2024 I recommend you seek Fire*. By Fire this time I mean the people nearby who will help you create warmth and joy by way of mutual assistance, even in difficult circumstances. Encourage others and they will encourage you.**

Since it’s a Snake’s nature to stay hidden in some way, if you’re feeling lonely in 2024, I’m going to guess it’s by choice. Maybe you’re still unsure about commitment and what it means to you, or what it means to your potential partner. If you’re not sure what you want, know that your choices will reveal your priorities. What you do reveals what you want. If you want to meet friends and lovers, it helps to engage socially. I hope you will also consider that too much isolation, even when it is your choice, could be dangerous.

The Wood Dragon year will be a year of dealing with boundaries and how they might be respected, disrespected, and purposely or inadvertently crossed. Snakes will be trusted to bring the facts about such matters to light. This gives you a lot of power to exercise.

Snakes are some of the most important people when it comes to the 2024 US Presidential election because they have the most influence and vision. Many a Snake plays the role of politician or diplomat on the family level or in bigger venues despite (because of?) their desire to avoid the spotlight. Snakes often have stories of how they track information and use reverse engineering to find patterns that others miss. This skill can be used to enlighten, confuse. or amuse. That’s a Snake thing too.

Snakes know that the presentation of information influences how it is received, but no matter how eloquent and honest you may be, you can’t please everyone. Trying to do so is a trap for the Snake.

2024 is a year where the Snake’s gifts of discernment and scholarship are enhanced. Your ideas are important so protect them. You might do that by teaching. Writing and other academic achievements will bring Snakes attention and fame as well. If you’re a Snake who doesn’t consider yourself a writer, this year might change your mind. Not ready to go public with your work? The ideas you have this year are the raw material for your creativity well into the future so write them down. If there’s something that catches your attention, dive in. You’ll know quickly whether you’re digging in the right place. Research is satisfying, yet this year it feels very risky to the Snake who often is endangered by knowing too much.

Most Snakes can enjoy having enough (or more) money this year and will be paid well for their work. Instead of lending money, either give it or do not. Repayment seems unlikely this year.

Recognize that you might be putting together something important out of materials that no one else deemed worthwhile. Snakes are good at making do with what is available at any given moment in time. To maximize your luck, cobble together your skill set to create the role or job you want. You’re probably already doing it and if you have enough experience, you’re probably good enough to be paid for it. If you’re inexperienced or untrained, a Snake will probably be the one to question your competency. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

The best remedy for almost any Snake ailment this year is proper breathing, which will make a big difference in helping you through any illness or other stress. Try breathwork.

On a related note, for the Snake the possible dangers of 2024 likely have to do with burning and smoke. You can take this literally and metaphorically. If Snake is your year, this relates to your ancestors and experiences they may have had. I mean, it is dangerous to be so willing to expose the truth. History will confirm that. Some people will say you’re taking advantage. Regardless of the associated risks, your assignment this year is to shine a light. Step into the light. Timeliness makes it safe.

The Snake’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Take care with driving and travel. Try breathwork.

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
Dispelling misinformation/disinformation. Protect respiratory system.

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
An apprenticeship begins if you want it.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Equal Rights, justice, and breaking down walls. Careful of belongings, lock doors and windows in SE.

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
In the midst of activists

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Decentralizing the money; starting the revolution

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Drama, partnerships, dissolution; meeting power?

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Romance and parties facilitated by acquaintances

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
Metal or Fire? I recommend the latter.

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Could be the beginning of your 2025

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Metal or Fire? To charm, it’s Metal. Time to shift gears.

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Seeing potential others miss. A nobleman you know can help with money.

*If you want a more specific interpretation about what Fire means for you, please book a reading. Fire may or may not be a helpful element for your natal chart.

**This advice is safe for anyone I think.

The Dragon in 2024 ~ Wood Dragon Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

It’s Above You Now

In 2024 the Dragon is the Tai Sui. Some Dragons will be empowered, others may be plundered. A seasoned Dragon will tell you these experiences are not mutually exclusive. You’ll be in charge of everything, though that may be lost on you when you need to know it most, so don’t forget! You are the boss of the year.

With the kind of mandate you have this year, you’ll want to get advice from strategists and people who are good at being hands on. This will help you not to hurt yourself with the big moves of which you are capable.

Assume the gravitas. It’s time.

“You may be capable of big things, but life consists of small things.”
Deng Ming-Dao

What does this mean to the Dragon in 2024? What if it means that the big things you are capable of consist of a million small things you do? What if it means that big things happen through you, not because of you or for you? What if big events in the world are the accumulation of the small things that ripple out from you? Dragons are catalysts, and in this time, we could use some unexpected reversals.

Although Dragons usually go unappreciated regarding the process of the reversals that they bring, I think we can trust that some disruption is needed if we don’t like the direction in which things are going.

Dragons can expect an exposing kind of year where they are both running the show and being confronted by their own follies. The 甲 yang Wood that also governs this year (and you) might feel like anger. Your assignment is to channel it into change. You do have the resources for this.

In 2024, Dragons are elected by the Universe to be at the top of the wheel of fortune.

To be elected is to be chosen; chosen by forces you can’t control. To be elected is to be identified as the most appropriate person for the role, and to be appointed by those who want you to execute it. Following this logic, most of the leaders in our modern culture were not/are not elected. Being popular is not the same as being elected. The electorate can be controlled.

When someone is truly elected, as Dragons are this year, it is likely that they weren’t seeking the position. These choices you are offered may not be what you’ve envisioned for yourself. This is your year, but it’s not all about you! Here’s a tip: the person whose dream you enable is the person that will become your loyal supporter. I think this is one of the ways Dragons accumulate power. If you want power, then you don’t pursue power, you pursue service. Will you do it?

Being a Dragon, I think you’ll consider the depth and range of what you might set in motion this year and decide you’re in. Remember, you reap the rewards of your service more than your striving. I know this can be frustrating, but if the Dragon is no one’s Nobleman, then they are potentially everyone’s Nobleman. It’s as simple as first principles: yin and yang.

In the times when the Dragon is not flying in 2024, they will question their agency as it applies to making changes in their own life. They might question why their actions seem to benefit others more, and whether or not their role is valued. If you’re a Dragon who is not seeing the desired results of your actions this year, it’s simply because you don’t know the range of your touch. If you knew, you might even shed a few tears about who you were to be the initiator of the good things that will happen. Somebody is becoming unstuck due to your efforts. You are too.

There are two dangers for the Dragon this year: tripping over your own ego and/or becoming overcome by potential aggression. Will it be yours or theirs? Yes, you are powerful. It’s also true that you need the same kind of protections as everyone else, maybe more in this year where you will receive so much attention. Take care of yourself and allow others to care for you. You are human and you cannot withstand endless injury.

Other challenges of the year come from your potential to offend your community through self-sabotaging actions, most likely poor communication. That’s not inevitable. This year it’s easier than usual to check yourself. Try to remember we all have a lane and use your signals. Above all, avoid taking credit for others’ work. You might be finishing it, but don’t forget where it started.

On the plus side, wearing the Magnificent Crown again is a lonely job, but someone has to be brilliant and as you know, solitude is a comfort zone for you. I think Dragons generally enjoy the energy that comes with 華葢 (Hua Gai). Don’t take yourself too seriously and your vision will be clearer. If you’re lonely I’m going to guess you are avoiding the people who want to be friends with you. Make acquaintances. Consider allowing yourself to cultivate some relationships that are just for fun. Be honest about your intentions.

“Wasting time” and other smaller, shiny things might be most helpful for you, shielding you from too much erosion. For a Dragon, this will include play, love, friends and the ways intimacy might influence you. How about a taste of each? There might be things you need more than money. What if one of the benefits of companionship is that it helps you to rest? Dragons are capable of facilitating and participating in some really special moments if they are willing to give up some of their time and space this year. It’s not a penalty.

If you’re still feeling doubtful about your impact in 2024, I would ask if it’s because you are feeling a bit worn down. In the years where Tiger and Rabbit are followed by a Wood Dragon and a Wood Snake, Dragons will tend to feel as if their stamina is being tested. Maybe knowing that Wood breaks up Earth will help you understand what I mean. It’s not a dire situation, and yet there is much to be gained from you resting more in 2024. Think it through. If you don’t identify when it’s break time the Universe will do it for you.

If you’re a 辰 Dragon who also has two of the other vaults (丑 Ox, 未 Sheep, or 戌 Dog) in your Ba Zi, it’s likely you will be able to take on a major project in one of the following months: July 2024, October 2024, January 2025.

I encourage you to take this opportunity seriously even if your goal seems too big. Remember though, that this advice is too generic to apply without a knowledge of Ba Zi. If you book a reading with me we can talk about what this means for you.

The Dragon’s Calendar for the Wood Dragon Year

丙寅 Fire Tiger Month
February 4th-March 5th
Frenzied but feeling like you’re going nowhere? Try to relax and let the process happen

丁卯 Fire Rabbit Month
March 5th-April 4th
Possible money loss; consider making donations to mitigate. Get some rest!

戊辰 Earth Dragon Month
April 4th-May 5th
Could be a bit dark for the Dragon. Get outdoors. Direct attention outward. Communicate.

己巳 Earth Snake Month
May 5th-June 5th
Mentoring visionaries for the revolution again

庚午 Metal Horse Month
June 5th-July 6th
Fans have arrived, attracted to your special talent

辛未 Metal Sheep Month
July 6th-August 7th
Tamed? Others are benefiting from your work.

壬申 Water Monkey Month
August 7th-September 7th
Travel and reunions

癸酉 Water Rooster Month
September 7th-October 8th
Peak distractions. Enjoy!

甲戌 Wood Dog Month
October 8th-November 7th
“The End” of your 2024?

乙亥 Wood Pig Month
November 7th-December 7th
Out of the sky, back into the Water

丙子 Fire Rat Month
December 7th-January 5th 2025
Ancestors and friends from the past

丁丑 Fire Ox month
January 5th-February 3rd
Withdrawals of support – or is it just a threat?

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