February 10, 2024 begins the year of Yang Wood Dragon, a majestic and formidable dragon indeed. It coincides with the New Moon in Aquarius on February 9th.

Get ready for big changes and a huge energy shift arriving with the Dragon! We are still in the Yin Rabbit, a more reserved year of recovery and self reflection, and a much smaller sphere of energy and influence than what’s coming. Because we are moving from one of the smallest to by far the largest energy, it’s important to do inner-work and clear old energies on all levels to prepare for this big expansion. Whatever is ready to be released – stuck patterns, old relationships, anything that is not in present time and in alignment with your future. We have one more month to do it so take the time and break any cycles that need liberating.

Dragon is the only animal in the Chinese zodiac that is not of the mundane earthly world. It has the highest vision and broadest reach – they soar the highest and furthest. It’s a year to look beyond the confines and to dream big, to envision the future we want. Getting clarity on our purpose or mission is essential.

Dragon years are considered very auspicious. Symbolizing power, inner strength and courage, this is a year to actively step into our power and nobility and allow our gifts, talents and true medicine to shine out. Authenticity is key and is of the highest vibration. We are asked to believe in ourselves, to remember who we are, to find our own authentic story and not anyone else’s. The exalted Dragon insists on raising the standards, set your goals high for it’s time to really step up.

Dragons are bold, proud and fearless. Prepare for a high energy action year with motivation to get things done. Dragons are allergic to whiners and procrastinators. Just don’t do it. Give it up if you are living in the past and waiting for unrealistic miracles. Only action and productivity matter for the Dragon. With fortitude and resilience to face challenges and a propensity for risk taking, the ambitious and driven Dragon encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. As determined competitive as Dragons can be, they are also known for their generosity and loyalty. Strong, self confident and commanding, dragons are natural born leaders and can produce the stuff empires are built on. Strive to embody and embolden these qualities in ourselves! We may see the kind of charismatic and visionary leadership that inspires others. With a rise in collective determination and innovative approaches to solve global issues, and more shared solutions. Because of the access to so much creativity, we may see a boom in arts and culture, especially film and music, and more passion for travel and parties. Fun needs to be had and the power of play is not to be underestimated!

These qualities can also manifest in unsavory ways. The uglier face of the Wood Dragon can be egotistical, dogmatic, demanding, domineering and utterly selfish. Throw in a dose of aggression and intolerance along with refusing to accept defeat, makes the world stage a continuing shit show. This dynamic and growth-full year will also be fraught with conflict, aggressiveness and challenges. This could very well be a bumpy year. Be vigilant about these personality traits in yourself and others.

Enter an overabundance of Yang. The Dragon is Yang, Wood is Yang. There is also Yang Wood/Thunder trigram at the center which is the ruler of the bagua chart. The Thunder Trigram is the initial jolt of energy that instigates change and transformation. One side of the coin brings lots of action and productivity, the other side – aggression, conflict, and general bad behavior.

ELEMENTS of Wood Dragon: EARTH is the home element or earthly branch of the Dragon. It speaks to the power of intention behind the knowing that is in our heart, and a commitment to manifesting and standing by our dreams and behind our words thru action, where we stand and what we stand behind. Integrity and devotion move us to bring forth our gifts and how we imprint our unique signature into the world. Applying our spirit to the world of forms we can bring our dreams to fruition.

WOOD is the heavenly stem defining the Dragon this year. It’s about creativity, wisdom, vitality, vision, growth, learning, organization, inventiveness, cooperation, moving forward, having clear direction, taking a course of action, and deciding on priorities. It stands for authenticity, being the author of your own life. Wood element gives structure to the vision. Dragon combined with vitality and growth of Wood element creates a dynamic force of innovation and adaptability.

The start of the Dragon year coincides with Pluto entering Aquarius on January 20 which initiates dramatic cosmic forces coming in, signaling brilliant innovations and transformations of all kinds. The potential for higher centered openings is big, make room for magic. This year could be the genesis of a breakthrough for us as a species.

Tips for Navigating the Year:

• Dynamic year with lots of change – stay grounded, adaptable and resilient.
• Manage high expectations and being overly ambitious; overcome impulsiveness.
• Take extra care of your gut! intestines, spleen, stomach, liver.
• Indulge in the spirit of play! Play is the path forward.
• Let go of scarcity. Let go of emotional trauma.
• Be your own best resource, learn to self source.
• Maintain the courage to face the unknown.
• Express and explore your creativity big time.
• Live your biggest vision, realize that you are much more than your identities.
• Prioritize and avoid over committing to prevent burnout.
• Paint your own reality. Be authentic!
• Stay with your helpful spiritual and physical practices.
• Develop strength – physically, emotionally and mentally.
• Apply what you know, don’t just talk about it.
• Have courage to face challenges and to step out of your comfort zone.
• Show up. Do what you feel called to do.
• Ignite your true potential, what you are most capable of.
• Get inspiration from others that triumphed in life, books, or movies.
• Follow in the footsteps of dragons.
• Embrace your magnificence. Be the best version of you!

The collective creativity of humanity is striving for that authentic version of ourselves. To help with our journey into self authenticity, I love this simple practice by Zach Bush:

Lay down beneath a tree, looking up through the branches to the light. The light refraction patterns through that system is enough to reprogram your original neurology. If you stare long enough up to the sky through that matrix it helps align with the patterns that are you. The patterns that are seen by nature. Allow yourself to be seen by that tree. It’s powerful and transformative to be seen by nature. So simple.

I urge you to take advantage of the big vision energies this year. Always our choice of course as to how we handle this year, there will be challenges and pitfalls along with the possibilities of transformational shifts and spiritual leaps.

May the global awakening begin!

Blessings for a most wonderful year,

Gaela

I facilitate sacred travel and creativity trips, and offer geomancy consultations and remediations.

2 very fun group trips are available this year. I’ve added Ireland May 26-June 4, due to popular demand. Karen Ward and John Cantwell, experts in Indigenous Irish Shamanism will join us as our special guides!

AND, Creativity Retreat, September 17-26 in Provence France! The focus will be on creativity/art-making with some day trips to sacred sites. Our wildly creative guest art teacher will offer daily sketching and painting instruction along with inspirational catalysts for stretching our creative legs and exploring wild new artistic territory with color and texture. Email me for more info if interested.

gaela@forcesofnaturedesign.com forcesofnaturedesign.com