Dragons in Fantasy

Fantasy tales have always used Dragons as a staple inhabitant of their imaginary worlds. This is a brief foray into a fantasy world where Dragons are commonplace.

Luckily for the crew of the Avionix IV dragons don't attack anything unless it is moving, so the captain merely ordered all activity halted until the beast flew by. All but the essential hands waited below decks for the dragon to pass, thankful that they didn't have to use the cannons on a foe that was so maneuverable.
 Firing the cannons was always a risky business since they were housed so low on the ship's center of gravity. The recoil could send the basket swinging backwards away from the shot and ruin the aim until the pendulum motion finally stopped. For this reason two cannons, one on either side of the Avionix, were always fired at once; one with shot and the other just with charge. This let the recoils cancel each other out and kept the basket stable.
Of course, in the hands of the famous Admiral K'ang Belleboister this property was used most ingeniously to defeat a Massenshaft airship that was hovering above his Avionix, dropping bombards down upon his balloon and deck. First he unfurled all the sails, bringing his own airship to a standstill, enduring the taunting of the enemy above who thought they now had an easier target, while he loaded all banks of cannons. Then he fired the whole side containing only the charge all at once.
The basket swung up sideways until it was over 90 degrees from its resting position. From this sideways position Admiral Belleboister fired the bank of cannon filled with shot, tearing the Massenshaft ship above in half from the belly up. The recoil sent the basket back to its resting position just in time for the Admiral to raise the sails and let the two halves of the Massenshaft vessel fall behind him as his crew waved farewell to the startled enemy clinging to their basket in a futile attempt to save their lives.
 No need for that kind of heroics here, though; this was only a dragon.

A Caramel Dragon Lollypop

Watch this talented street vendor make a Dragon out of caramel, then watch the happy child try to figure out how to eat it.

And more Dragon candy; this time Dragons Beard candy. It's melt-in-your-mouth yummy.

Part 1

Part 2

Now doesn't that give you a sweet Dragon tooth?

How Many Sheep Does it Take to Fill a Dragon Belly?

In European lore Dragons are often accused of raiding the villages and eating up the herd animals, usually sheep. Has anyone ever calculated just how many sheep it would take to fill a Dragon's belly? Would you care to make a guess?

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from all the Dragons at Bo's Dragon Lore.

The Duke Loves Dragons

 The Duke Loves Dragons

 

Since the days of the cave man home has been more than the structure that gives us shelter from the elements. We abhor the emptiness of bare surfaces and strive to make our living space into something that expresses our individuality, a place that defines us as much as it displays our tastes and accomplishments. Sometimes what has started as decoration, or as a means of passing on our tastes to our descendants, becomes a tool of a man’s pride and takes on a life of its own. Mankind’s pride is limitless and his expression of his self-worth is only limited by his riches. Buildings become a measure of a man’s achievements and the expression of his own taste.  

Here’s a perfect illustration, the amusing ancient tale of Duke Yeh retold (as Duke Coquaigne, with certain liberties taken):

Long after Rome had fallen, when Europe was beginning to dig itself out from centuries of barbarism, the continent was split up into a multitude of feudal states, each under the control of its local ruler. One of these states was the fiefdom of the Duke of Coquaigne, a strong leader who had increased the agricultural production of his estates, traded successfully with his neighbours and vanquished other, less amenable, nobles with his well-trained army. He rebuilt his ancestral castle and gathered a small army of the most skilled artisans, stonemasons, carpenters, cooks and blacksmiths; setting them to work on monumental structures that vastly improved his patrimony.

The Duke held an unusual fascination for Dragons ever since he was a child and had spent many an hour perusing the scrolls of heraldry. Every night before going to sleep, at his urging, his nanny had filled his head and imagination with wondrous accounts of the regal Dragons that had once roamed the world. In the time before they had been chased away by the present Religious hierarchy, who had also succeeded in permanently abolishing   the last vestiges of the Old Religions. 

 During this successful reign, as the Duke Coquaigne’s prestige and wealth grew he began to identify with the Dragon and so began collecting anything and everything to do with the fearsome beasts.  He filled his entire castle with Dragons:  illustrated manuscripts and scrolls, statues, tapestries and frescoes. Every nook and cranny was soon adorned with images of Dragons; bejewelled Dragons guarding their hoards, fire-breathing Dragons despoiling villages and terrifying maidens, countless depictions of various Knights fighting a Dragon, ships menaced by Water Dragons, and even paintings on rice paper from far-off Cathay of their Serpent-Dragon coiled across the sky. Dragons were embroidered on his court clothes and carved on his furniture, each one carefully crafted to inspire awe in anyone who beheld them. He even acquired stone Dragon eggs from traders who had discovered them lying in the rock of the Great Desert, along with the bones of their mother. The Duke had dispatched several expeditions to retrieve those bones, but none had ever returned from the wasteland. 

The eccentric Duke even began to imitate the Dragon’s roar (or what he imagined the roar to sound like) whenever he was enraged, and lived his life the way he thought a Dragon would.

So enthusiastically did he carry out this Dragon worship, for he did view it as an almost Holy quest, that he became famous throughout Europe for being a Dragon lover. People would comment, ``the Duke loves Dragons, `` with as much veracity and nodding of heads as if they had said, ``the sky is blue.”

 It was bound to happen that the story of the Duke who loved Dragons would finally reach the ears of the last colony of Dragons left in the world. On the highest mountains, far away from even the remotest trails they had sought refuge where their roars and fiery breath were often mistaken for mountain storms. Such adulation that the Duke espoused stoked their curiosity and they decided to send out one of their number, a youngster only eleven centuries old, to visit the Duke and discern the truth. ``Perhaps mankind has matured over these past centuries and may once more welcome us among them.`` they speculated. With this, the young Dragon took flight and headed towards civilized lands.

On a rather sweltering afternoon, the Duke was sipping cool refreshments after his extensive lunch as he admired his latest acquisition; an exquisitely carved marble Dragon perched atop a model of his own castle.

Suddenly an explosive roar was heard that shook the palace down to the deepest dungeons. A blinding flash of lightning lit up the room just before clouds of roiling smoke obscured the view. The Great Dragon had just crashed through part of the roof and, with a small twitch of his mighty tail, demolished the outside stone wall. When the dust and debris settled the Dragon looked out over the fallen tapestries, broken statues and splintered furniture trying to find the Duke.

``I have arrived, oh Duke! ``, he roared.

The Duke was nowhere to be seen. In his terror he had scuttled under his throne and remained there frozen, shaking like a leaf.

 “There you are!” The dragon puffed the throne aside, uncovering the paralyzed, cowering Duke among the shattered remains of his Dragon treasure, his face hidden and eyes averted  from the real Dragon that towered over him.

The Dragon sighed, as much as Dragons could sigh, let out a mighty roar, and then took to the air. Mankind had not changed, the Duke`s admiration was but a sham. He loved the idea of Dragons, the hollow tales and images of Dragons, but he panicked when presented with the real thing. He was unmanned and his pretense exposed.

Despite all his efforts to suppress the story, the news of the Dragon`s visit and its unfortunate effect upon the Duke spread like wildfire. There were whispers in the dark corners that spread to the alehouse and then out into the street where laughter at the Duke`s folly ran rampant. People still said, ``The Duke Loves Dragons. `` But now they used it to refer to a poseur or someone who puts up a false front. His riches and army were still with him, but the Duke was no longer respected in his own country, or abroad. Soon an invading army put an end to his reign and their cannons completed the devastation the Dragon inflicted on the castle.

The End

The Year of the Dragon Brings Ups and Downs

What Does the Year of the Yang Dragon, 2012, Have in Store for Your Animal Sign?

There are a number of legendary accounts of the source of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. One version mentions that the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to come to see him in Heaven. Of all the animals invited, only the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Ram, Monkey, Rooster and Dog complied. In honour of their arrival, the Emperor named a year after each of these animals whose characteristics are thought to be shared by anyone born in that year. Another popular version states that it was Buddha who bade the animals to enter his presence. Each of the animals that obeyed were given a year to be named after them. Their characteristics, and the elements they were connected with, would henceforth determine the outcome of events for the people of the corresponding year.

The following predictions for the 2012 Dragon Year (based on your birth year as determined by the Chinese zodiac signs*):

Rat

The fast paced year of the Dragon 2012 will be a very sociable year for the Rat. The Rat will have the ability to easily impress and get along well with new people throughout 2012. Single Rats, particularly those born in 1924 and 1984 (the wood Rat) can expect exciting romances and there may even be a wedding in store for them. If married or in a permanent relationship, these Rats must be careful not to neglect their mate and they should reserve time to spoil their partner.

Overall 2012 will be a superb year for the Rat although they need to be careful with their health. Rats born in 1924 should get plenty of rest whenever possible and those Rats born in 1960 need to be careful with their diets and be sure to get plenty of exercise. If you are a water Rat born in 1972 make sure your diet is particularly good and you drink plenty of water as problems with the stomach may arise. Leave time for yourself and do try to relax more, as stress can be an issue and you may feel depressed at times. Take heart, for whatever is on your mind right now, it will soon pass and you will be on the right path. Even younger Rats, those born in 1996, should be energetic when studying as the effort expended now affects them later in life.

Personal Qualities:

Forthright, tenacious, intense, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, intellectual, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, and shrewd

Ox

In the Year of the Dragon 2012 events happen quickly, and the luck it brings is mixed. The Ox can advance their career, wealth and general good fortune in this turbulent time if they work hard, be careful and make the right decisions. There will be lots of opportunities for the Ox to prosper and many chances to begin new friendships or reanimate present relationships. It is a good year for a single Ox to find a good partner. This means a flood of social events but you should keep a close eye on expenditures for them. Money news is favourable, though, and a promotion at work may be in store as long as the Ox can demonstrate their value to those in control. The Ox should reserve time for recreational exercise and rest during this busy year in order to avoid a burn out.

If you were born in 1949 be careful with paperwork, especially at work and be ready for some good news in the Dragon year. Health problems may loom for the 1973 Ox and they should look towards improving their diet and general health and pay special attention to their spending, especially on holidays. Drink plenty of water. 1973 Oxen, as well as those born in 1961, may find their busy schedule takes them away from their relationships and should set aside some quality time to spend with those close to them.

Whatever the Ox has left undone in the previous years will resurface in 2012 but the outcome bodes well.

Personal Qualities:

Dependable, ambitious, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious

Tiger

The dragon year 2012 can be a very fulfilling year for the Tiger so long as they can curb the impulsive nature that keeps getting them into trouble. For Tigers seeking employment it may appear that it’s hard finding work during this year, but be persevering as there are a lot of good opportunities arising for the Tiger in 2012. Employed Tigers will have a lot more say and opportunities for contribution in their work place this year where their bright and promising ideas gain notice. The ideas and the extra effort will work in their favour and may even lead to a promotion.

Tigers born 1938 must exercise caution when signing contracts; always read the fine print as there is a real possibility of money loss. Tigers born in 1950 should reserve some time for recreation with friends and family to deter these working Metal Tigers from being overtaxed in 2012.

Earth Tigers born in 1962 celebrate their 50th Birthday in the Year of the Dragons and should take the helm in marking the event, perhaps with a trip in the company of your loved ones. In any case this promises to be a memorable event but, a word of caution: spend only the amount you can afford.

Romance features prominently in the Tigers life in 2012 with many unattached and single Tigers discovering new love in the most unexpected of places this year. Just be sure to take things slow and do not rush into any precarious relationships in 2012.

Personal Qualities:

Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous

Rabbit/Hare

For the Rabbit the fast paced Dragon year will prove to be a mixed year with quite a few ups and downs. The Rabbit will need to be well prepared otherwise they will face problems in their business, relationships and career. Rabbits should keep a close eye on their finances in 2012 and must be careful of taking risks or gambling especially with stocks. Exercise due caution and make certain that you know exactly what you are doing before committing yourself to contracts or relationships. In business and career the Rabbit should focus on what they have already instead of looking for greener grass elsewhere. It is not the time for the Rabbit to start any new big projects or leave their current job for another seemingly more promising new job or career. That being said; this is also a good year for discovering new hobbies, for studying, taking exams or simply learning new skills as it may pave the way for a promising future job or career path.

Rabbits should try to take better care of their health and diet this year.  Health problems may arise that relate to the heart and joints, so be careful and remember to maintain a good sensible diet, be active, get plenty of exercise, and if you are a smoker try your best to give it up. Work hard without affecting your health and, if you are in a position to do so, try and spend some time travelling for business or pleasure. At the moment you are fatigued but things will get better very soon as ample good times are in store for you in 2012. Last but not least, Rabbits born in 1951 will be in for a good year when it comes to home life. This year can be a great time for renovating or refurbishing your home. If you were born in 1975 a great year is in store for you; just be careful when making any big decisions in 2012.

Personal Qualities:

Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, lucky, flexible

Dragon

This is the Yang water Dragon’s year and Dragons will have a good start to 2012 buoyed by their innately positive attitude.

Commence your plans fairly early on in the year so as to get even more accomplished. Events will transpire fast and furious in 2012 and it is best to be at the ready, able to seize those great opportunities when they appear. These may came in the form of learning new skills or expanding your existing ones, even training through a hands-on approach. If you commit to something it may come back to reward you with a monetary gift or bonus at work.  Dragons have a real good chance of accruing abundant wealth this year as long as they do not sit back and let things slide.  There will be many opportunities for serious advancement in the Dragon’s chosen profession this year and a number of doors opening that they had thought closed a long time ago. The most important thing to remember is to spot a good opportunity when it comes and not overlook the small print of any offer. Dragons must be mindful of their finances in 2012, for in this fast paced year the lure of overspending is a real possibility.

Dragons born in 1940 should consider all conceivable outcomes when signing contracts in 2012 and discuss it with professionals and loved ones before signing anything. Those Dragons born in 1952 may feel that their talents are overlooked and not of much use to them but they have serious recognition waiting for them this year. Utilize your skills in 2012 and be prepared to reap the ample rewards. 

Dragons born in 1964 should try to relax during the year and, when possible, take a vacation and unwind from this busy but rewarding year.

You can anticipate a pleasant and gratifying year with many new friends coming into your life in 2012. Loyalty is an innate characteristic of the Dragon and a small effort will go a long way in bolstering those existing friendships that have been neglected and effectively expanding their reach into a wider social circle. For single Dragons, this expanded social life should provide you with many opportunities to attain new love. For Dragons already in a committed relationship 2012 can be a most gratifying year. 

Health-wise; Dragons should be mindful of their diet in 2012 as the fast paced year could lead them into some bad habits. Be sure to eat sensible, healthy foods and exercise as much as possible.

Personal Qualities:

Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal

Snake

The Snake should slide through this year with only a few bumps. With a little hard work and discipline they should be able to make the most of the many opportunities that will present themselves. The Snake’s natural foresight and intelligence will lead them if they do not let success steer them off the correct path and distractions will force the Snake to focus on the task at hand. The Dragon year will still demand hard work but if the Snake works it will take its toll unless they take some time to relax and exercise (like Tai Chi). Mind and body will need looking after in 2012.

The Snake may even feel like shedding the old skin of their present employment and set off on a new career, they should expect to confront these kinds of feelings this year. Advancement may come to those settled in a career through an opportunity to work closely with mentors or people in higher positions. Take this chance if it will make you happy.

2012 is a good year for finances and investments for the Snake but make sure you read the small print as the annual stars suggest legal issues and back stabbing. Be careful. Take extra care with investments this year and, while money luck is strong, you should be careful with shares or any other form of risky investment. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose and make sure all documents are checked over many times before signing, you have risk of having a fraud attempted on you.

With all this activity in their business and finances, the Year of the Dragon will prove to be a busy year for Snakes, but they must also take some time to spend with those they love. Whether it is your wife, boyfriend, Mother, Sister or BFF, do something to make them feel special. Also, leave time for yourself and try to relax more as stress can be an issue, bringing on the blues at times. Rest assured, whatever it is that troubles your mind right now will pass.

Be sure to keep an eye on your diet in 2012 and get plenty of exercise as Snakes can become lazy this year if they do not pay attention to their personal health.

Personal Qualities:

Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful

Horse

2012 could be a great year for the Horse but this is tempered with less favourable news that requires the Horse to be careful in their endeavours. If the competitive Horse follows his instinct to run ahead of the herd they could lose money in a new business venture. A calm, unrushed approach added to concentration on the task at hand and hard work will reward the Horse with success. Despite the ups and downs the Horse will be just fine.

There is a danger of over-doing it in 2012, whether it is indulgence in unhealthy foods, or overspending. Keep to a healthy diet and a prudent budget and you will receive the best this year has to offer. Be sure to exercise regularly to bolster your health this year. This is a year for the Horse to save the wealth they have rather than going out to seek more.

Both your work life and your home life will experience rough patches this year. Do not make hasty judgements about your coworkers and be patient, especially with those you live with at home. Opportunities for advancement and professional development will present themselves at work but, if you cannot remain calm in the face of deadlines and the stress of producing good work, you may engender arguments with your coworkers and cripple your attempts to gallop on ahead. Approach your work with caution and care and an avoidance of physical and financial risks is definitely called for.

The spring months of April and May could bring some good news and you should make the most of the good opportunities that appear, there will be other times when you will need the strength and resources you have built up. Be mindful of your actions and the results they could have and you will get along fine.

If you were born in the Horse year of 1942 you can expect a windfall in 2012, but risks to your health are higher than normal. The 1990 horse should take extra care of their health as well. Lung problems are a danger to the Horse born in 1954, especially if you smoke, live in a bad environment or follow an unhealthy diet. This year is a good year to give up smoking.

Personal Qualities:

Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded

Sheep/Goat

The Sheep will gain both financially and career-wise in 2012 and by working hard and smart you will attract money and, by accumulating as much as you can in your savings, you could build up a respectably large sum. Your work life will be busy and those long hours and hard work you put into a stressful project will pay off by attracting the attention of others to your positive qualities. This may lead to the assumption of greater responsibility for which you will need training. You will have to learn quickly and well, and will benefit greatly by attending a training course. New skills, be it reading a new book or honing a new talent will rebound to your benefit and 2012 is the year to embrace new opportunities.

The Year of the Dragon will bring you in contact with a lot of new people and give you a chance to impress them with you ability to relate to others. Strong friendships will develop and possibly a romantic relationship that could lead to a serious commitment.

Impulsive purchases should be avoided but, if you spend your money wisely and don’t rush in to a deal, your acquisitions will be a point of pride for you. Do your research before you buy otherwise you may go overboard in your expenditures. Seek the financial advice of others if you have any doubts about your finances in 2012, it could end up saving you a lot of money and effort.

Your home life will progress rapidly in the Dragon year with a lot of last-minute changes to your plans. Remain flexible and escape your hectic home on holidays with a loved one. The change of scenery, even if it is in the same country, will do you a lot of good and may even lead to stronger romance. The Sheep will do well in their romances in 2012, love is strong. An unmarried Sheep has a good chance of finding that special someone and even the married Sheep might find a whirlwind romance this year.

The Sheep born in 1991 will be plunged into a social melee later in the year and should take time in the winter and spring to prepare. The 1943 Sheep will benefit from sharing their wisdom and advice with friends and loved ones and those born in 1979 should also spend more time with those closest to them and grab the opportunities that appear. There will be a wealth of opportunities for those born in 1955 and they should be alert for them. The Sheep born in the Love Summer of 1967 may want to hold on to the past but they should not linger as moving on to greener pastures will bode well for them.

Sheep should keep an eye out for good news coming from a lost friend or neglected family member; it is a good year for reconciliation and mending those burnt bridges.

Personal Qualities:

Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, mothering, peaceful, generous, seeks security

Monkey

The success the Monkey will achieve in the Year of the Dragon all depends on how hard they will work for it. The opportunities are there for the taking in the realms of romance, career, wealth and other opportunities.

Keep up with the recent developments in your profession and apply them with the skills you have learned in the ups and downs of the past few years as there will be many rewards available to you at work this year. Unemployed Monkeys, or those looking for promotion, stand a very good chance of winning a good position in a new workplace if they maintain a positive attitude in the interviews and proceed with determination.

Monkey romance promises good things for this year and this should carry over into your work and business.

There will be a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of; there is a risk of monetary loss for the Monkey in 2012. You should take extra care with your finances this year and save your money instead of making unnecessary purchases. Your health may decline as well as you rush through all the opportunities the Dragon Year has to offer you. Exercise regularly and pay close attention to what you eat.

Personal Qualities:

Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual

Rooster

The Rooster has an affinity for the Dragon and in this year this will turn out to their advantage. Those plans you set in motion during your year in 2011 bear fruit and opportunities and success will lay themselves out in front of you this year. Your natural passion and drive will take you to great heights because luck is with you. Make a sincere effort in what you do and keep your positive outlook. You will meet difficult times and face obstacles; but if you face each one head-on you will be surprised at how easily they fall before your confidence. As you reap the rewards of your endeavours, do not forget to be charitable to those less fortunate.

Promotions and achievements will come to the Rooster this year and you may find it a bit overwhelming and confusing. Consider your moves carefully and include your partner or friend in your decisions, they will give you good advice.

There may be a temptation to overwork in order to grab more of the rewards that are coming in, but this should be tempered with common sense. Get plenty of rest and exercise and maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. This is a good year to learn to meditate, do yoga or just relax and take a bit of time to pamper your-self and recover from those occasional blahs that will come between the recurring successes.

Roosters born in 1945 should be more risk-averse than normal this year. It is time to make some changes and watch out for your health. A big part of a happy and successful life is a mind that can deal with stress and worry. Walk more, exercise more often, do something different and get out of those old, unhealthy, habits.

Personal Qualities:

Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible

Dog

Maintaining the same lifestyle year after year, persisting in bad habits and not paying attention to the warning signs will eventually catch up to you. The Year of the Dragon is nothing if it is not a rapid succession of ups and downs, but being aware of the pitfalls and doing something about them will lead to success.

Risky investments are to be avoided this year as well as loans to others. Charity, on the other hand, will rebound to your favour and reward you for your goodwill.

Dogs may find themselves beset by worries this year, but sharing their concerns with a friend or loved one will reveal that the trouble is not as severe as it seems and problems will be easier to solve. Communicating with others will work to your advantage.

The stress of work and career may just be one of those things that worry you but healthy eating and good exercise will take the edge off. When you burn the midnight oil wrapping up a work assignment don’t go for the processed food or TV dinners, have some vegetables and fruit for snacks to keep you energized. Be careful of what you eat this year, and watch for food that has been spoiled by being left out for too long. This is especially important if you find yourself in a hot country where refrigeration is not always used as much as it should be.

When arguments spring up stay calm and collected, rash responses will bring regret. Look before you leap.

Dogs stand a good chance of finding a new love in the Dragon year so you should keep your eyes open.

The measures you took in your business, career and finances over the last few years will mature this year. Make the most of the wind at your back as it pushes your ship ahead of it. Don’t just sit back for the ride, though, get your hand on the rudder, trim the sails and steer your own way to success.

Personal Qualities:

Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going

Pig

For those in the sign of the Pig the Year of the Dragon will require more attention from you than other years. Those seeds that you sowed in the past years are now sprouting, so get ready to gather up your rewards. Business and career show promise as long as you remain positive and willing to put in the extra work needed to get things done. The money will come in to you but you have to be sure to tuck it away safely in the piggy bank. A positive note will be struck when you may be offered a partnership or managerial role. The contracts involved may prove tricky and you would be well advised to have them double checked by a trusted professional or a loved one before signing them.

Relationships with your loved ones will be enhanced by the Dragon year, especially if you take time out from your busy schedule to spend time alone with them. A vacation away from home is just the thing to rekindle a romance but be careful of your expenditures. Single Pigs have a good chance of finding a new relationship this year as well.

The challenges the Year of the Dragon brings you will be overcome. The problems of 2011 will be resolved and be replaced by less worrisome concerns. If you were born in 1971 you should be especially wary of big equipment, whether using it or driving beside it on the highway. Try to avoid it as much as you can.

Make a resolution this year to be more thankful for what you have and for the things other people do for you. Don’t be afraid to tell people how much you appreciate them and say “Thank you” to someone at least every day.

Personal Qualities:

Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent

*If you are not sure what animal sign you are, please consult the list below:

Between This Date  and   This Date

February 05 1924  and  January 23 1925          Rat

January 24 1925  and  February 12 1926           Ox

February 13 1926  and  February 01 1927           Tiger

February 02 1927  and  January 22 1928           Rabbit

January 23 1928  and  February 09 1929           Dragon

February 10 1929  and  January 29 1930           Snake

January 30 1930  and  February 16 1931           Horse

February 17 1931  and  February 05 1932           Ram

February 06 1932  and  January 25 1933           Monkey

January 26 1933  and  February 13 1934           Rooster

February 14 1934  and  February 03 1935           Dog

February 04 1935  and  January 23 1936           Boar

January 24 1936  and  February 10 1937           Rat

February 11 1937  and  January 30 1938           Ox

January 31 1938  and  February 18 1939           Tiger

February 19 1939  and  February 07 1940           Rabbit

February 08 1940  and  January 26 1941           Dragon

January 27 1941  and  February 14 1942           Snake

February 15 1942  and  February 04 1943           Horse

February 05 1943  and  January 24 1944           Ram

January 25 1944  and  February 12 1945           Monkey

February 13 1945  and  February 01 1946           Rooster

February 02 1946  and  January 21 1947           Dog

January 22 1947  and  February 09 1948           Boar

February 10 1948  and  January 28 1949           Rat

January 29 1949  and  February 16 1950           Ox

February 17 1950  and  February 05 1951           Tiger

February 06 1951  and  January 26 1952           Rabbit

January 27 1952  and  February 13 1953           Dragon

February 14 1953  and  February 02 1954           Snake

February 03 1954  and  January 23 1955           Horse

January 24 1955  and  February 11 1956           Ram

February 12 1956  and  January 30 1957           Monkey

January 31 1957  and  February 17 1958           Rooster

February 18 1958  and  February 07 1959           Dog

February 08 1959  and  January 27 1960           Boar

January 28 1960  and  February 14 1961           Rat

February 15 1961  and  February 04 1962           Ox

February 05 1962  and  January 24 1963           Tiger

January 25 1963  and  February 12 1964           Rabbit

February 13 1964  and  February 01 1965           Dragon

February 02 1965  and  January 20 1966           Snake

January 21 1966  and  February 08 1967           Horse

February 09 1967  and  January 29 1968           Ram

January 30 1968  and  February 16 1969           Monkey

February 17 1969  and  February 05 1970           Rooster

February 15 1972  and  February 02 1973           Rat

February 03 1973  and  January 22 1974           Ox

January 23 1974  and  February 10 1975           Tiger

February 11 1975  and  January 30 1976           Rabbit

January 31 1976  and  February 17 1977           Dragon

February 18 1977  and  February 06 1978           Snake

February 07 1978  and  January 27 1979           Horse

January 28 1979  and  February 15 1980           Ram

February 16 1980  and  February 04 1981           Monkey

February 05 1981  and  January 24 1982           Rooster

January 25 1982  and  February 12 1983           Dog

February 13 1983  and  February 01 1984           Boar 

February 02 1984  and  February 19 1985           Rat

February 20 1985  and  February 08 1986           Ox

February 09 1986  and  January 28 1987           Tiger

January 29 1987  and  February 16 1988           Rabbit

February 17 1988  and  February 05 1989           Dragon

February 06 1989  and  January 26 1990           Snake

January 27 1990  and  February 14 1991           Horse

February 15 1991  and  February 03 1992           Ram

February 04 1992  and  January 22 1993           Monkey

January 23 1993  and  February 09 1994           Rooster

February 10 1994  and  January 30 1995           Dog

January 31 1995  and  February 18 1996           Boar 

February 19 1996  and  February 06 1997           Rat

February 07 1997  and  January 27 1998           Ox

January 28 1998  and  February 15 1999           Tiger

February 16 1999  and  February 04 2000           Rabbit

February 05 2000  and  January 23 2001           Dragon

January 24 2001  and  February 11 2002           Snake

February 12 2002  and  January 31 2003           Horse

February 01 2003  and  January 21 2004           Ram

January 22 2004  and  February 08 2005           Monkey

February 09 2005  and  January 28 2006           Rooster

January 29 2006  and  February 17 2007           Dog

February 18 2007  and  February 06 2008           Boar 

February 07 2008  and  January 25 2009           Rat

January 26 2009  and  February 13 2010           Ox

February 14 2010  and  February 02 2011           Tiger

February 03 2011  and  January 22 2012           Rabbit

January 23 2012  and  February 09 2013           Dragon

February 10 2013  and  January 30 2014           Snake

January 31 2014  and  February 18 2015           Horse

February 19 2015  and  February 07 2016           Ram

February 08 2016  and  January 27 2017           Monkey

January 28 2017  and  February 18 2018           Rooster

February 19 2018  and  February 04 2019           Dog

February 05 2019  and  January 24 2020           Boar