Year of the Dragon
The Dragon in the Chinese zodiac — personality, compatibility, career, and lucky traits.
Dragon
| Animal | 辰 Dragon |
|---|---|
| Order | 5 of 12 |
| Earthly branch | Chen |
| Fixed element | Earth |
| Best matches | Monkey, Rat |
| Clash (avoid) | Dog |
| Lucky | Lucky numbers 1, 6, and 7; lucky colours gold, silver, and greyish white; lucky flowers bleeding-heart vine and larkspur. |
What is the Year of the Dragon?
The Dragon (辰, branch Chen) is sign 5 of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, with the fixed element Earth. The Dragon is the fifth and most auspicious sign of the Chinese zodiac — the only mythical creature among the twelve. Dragon people are confident, charismatic, and ambitious, born to stand out and lead. Bold, energetic, and lucky, they dream big and pursue greatness with fearless intensity, drawing others into their orbit with natural authority. Ruled by the fixed element Earth, the Dragon fuses visionary power with warm generosity, making it the sign most associated with success, honour, and destiny.
Dragon strengths
Confident, ambitious, and charismatic, Dragons are natural leaders brimming with energy and vision. Intelligent, courageous, and generous, they inspire loyalty and pursue their goals fearlessly. Lucky and gifted, they aim high and often achieve the extraordinary, backing their bold dreams with genuine talent and an irresistible, magnetic presence.
Dragon weaknesses
Dragons can be arrogant, domineering, and impatient, expecting the world to match their pace. Their pride makes them intolerant of criticism, and their intensity can tip into egotism, stubbornness, or unrealistic demands. Used to admiration, they may struggle with compromise, dismiss others' input, or grow restless when not the centre of attention.
Dragon love and compatibility
In love the Dragon is passionate, generous, and protective, needing a partner who admires their fire without dimming it. They pair best with the Rat and Monkey of their trine, who match their ambition and wit. Their clash is the Dog, whose caution and scepticism deflate the Dragon's grand confidence.
Dragon career and work
Dragons thrive in leadership and the spotlight: entrepreneurship, executive roles, politics, entertainment, and any arena that rewards vision and bold action. Ambitious and capable, they excel at launching ventures and rallying people to a cause. They need scope for their big ideas and do their finest work leading from the front toward something great.
What years are the Year of the Dragon?
Recent and upcoming Years of the Dragon:
- 1952
- 1964
- 1976
- 1988
- 2000
- 2012
- 2024
- 2036
Note: the Chinese zodiac year begins at Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February), not January 1. If you were born in that window, your sign may be the previous year’s animal — your BaZi chart settles it precisely.
Your animal is only one pillar
Your birth year gives your zodiac animal — but your full BaZi (Four Pillars) chart maps the year, month, day, and hour, revealing your elements, Day Master, and destiny.
Get your BaZi reading →