Earth Dragon
Earth adds steadiness, practicality and patience. The most reliable version, and the slowest to change direction.
Years
1928, 1988
Animal 5 of 12 · Earth · Yang
The Dragon
Ambition, presence and an unusual amount of self-belief.
Position in cycle5 of 12
Fixed elementEarth
Yin or yangYang
Hours governed07:00–09:00
SeasonSpring
Lucky numbers1, 6, 7
Lucky coloursgold, silver, grey
Strength. Attracts attention and opportunity without effort. Sets a high bar and clears it.
Friction. Impatient with limits and with people who need them explained.
Each animal also governs two hours of the day — the Dragon holds 07:00–09:00. Someone born in those hours is said to carry the Dragon as an inner sign regardless of their year.
Traits
Confident
Proud
Energetic
Demanding
Generous
Dragon years
| Year | Element | New year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Metal Dragon | 8 February |
| 1952 | Water Dragon | 27 January |
| 1964 | Wood Dragon | 13 February |
| 1976 | Fire Dragon | 31 January |
| 1988 | Earth Dragon | 17 February |
| 2000 | Metal Dragon | 5 February |
| 2012 | Water Dragon | 23 January |
| 2024 | Wood Dragon | 10 February |
Born in January or early February of one of these years? Check the new year date — you may belong to the previous animal.
Rarely covered in English
The five Dragons
Every animal exists in five versions, one per element — and that is the reason the cycle runs sixty years rather than twelve. A Wood Dragon and a Fire Dragon are described quite differently, but most English sites stop at the animal.
Metal Dragon
Metal adds discipline, resolve and sharp edges. The most determined version, and the least willing to bend.
Years
1940, 2000
Water Dragon
Water adds adaptability, perception and diplomacy. The most intuitive version, and the most easily influenced.
Years
1952, 2012
Wood Dragon
Wood adds growth, patience and cooperation. The most flexible version — expands rather than forces.
Years
1964, 2024
Fire Dragon
Fire adds intensity, visibility and speed. The most driven version, and the quickest to burn through its own energy.
Years
1976, 2036
Each element holds for two consecutive years, so your element depends on which of the two you were born in. Twelve animals against five elements gives sixty combinations — a Wood Dragon recurs only once every sixty years.
The year of your own animal is not lucky
In Chinese tradition the year of your own animal is considered unlucky rather than fortunate — you are said to offend Tai Sui, the god of the year. The customary protection is to wear red, and specifically red given to you by someone else rather than bought for yourself. Red underwear, belts and socks are all standard.
The next Dragon year is 2036.
Western sites almost universally present your own animal's year as fortunate, which inverts the tradition entirely. In China the twelfth year is the one people take precautions for.
Dragon compatibility
| With | Relation | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Monkey | Traditional ally | 90% |
| Rooster | Traditional ally | 88% |
| Tiger | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Horse | Sextile — easy | 78% |
| Dragon | Same sign | 72% |
| Rabbit | Neutral | 68% |
| Snake | Neutral | 68% |
| Pig | Neutral | 68% |
| Ox | Square — friction | 60% |
| Goat | Square — friction | 60% |
| Dog | Traditional clash | 45% |