Yang Water Dragon  

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year festival is celebrated each year on the second new moon after the winter solstice - falling this year on January 23, 2012.  And so begins the celebration leading up to the beginning of spring.  This year we welcome the energy of the Yang Water Dragon (Ren Chen) and prepare to be mesmerized by the only Chinese zodiac animal that is not of this earth. The ancient symbol of imperial authority, mystical Dragon dwells in the realm of water - oceans, rivers, mist and rain.  In agricultural terms, it brings spring thunder and showers to nourish the crops, and is therefore associated with power, transformation and good fortune.

From a Feng Shui perspective, Dragon landforms represent mountain ranges which protect villages, homes and businesses from all manner of invading armies.  Energy or ch'i follows Dragon veins from the highest elevations right down to the sea where it pauses to bestow blessings on all who gather there.  The guardian of temples and kingdoms for thousands of years, Dragon is considered both benevolent and powerful, and not to be taken lightly.  Mountains have high peaks and low valleys with precipitous turns along the way.  In a Dragon year, we are cautioned to stay alert for blind curves and shifting rocks and to keep our eyes open for important travelers we may meet along the way.   (Continued)