On Friday, Feb. 9, it will be the eve of the Chinese New Year when, regally, the Dragon, the only mythical being in the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, gallops in, wings unfurled for balance, and, with hope, brings good tidings.

That is what I have in mind when, together with other members of the press, I had lunch with geomancer Patrick Fernandez and his mother Baby Fernandez of Yin & Yang Shop of Harmony at Jasmine, the signature Chinese restaurant at New World Hotel Makati, to hear his divination on the Year of the Wood Dragon. 

“Ladies, this is your time,” said Patrick, sharing that 2024, the beginning
of a new 20-year cycle in the Chinese calendar, which is similar, as we understand such a change in the Western concept of time, to the emergence of a new generation, Gen Z giving way to Generation Alpha, for instance. The new cycle, he explained, will bring in a surge of yin power, which will help women widen their sphere of influence.
 

The Dragon is the symbol of the earthly emperor, a symbol rich in majesty and power, which is why, according to Patrick, “a lot of women in China want Dragon babies.” In fact, statistics show that there’s a five percent higher birthrate in China in the Year of the Dragon.
 

But not all Dragon babies are lucky, the geomancer cautioned. “If, for example, the parents are Dogs, the conflict animal of the Dragon, they will also invite fighting within the family,” he said.
 

The good news is the yang wood element of the Dragon makes this year a period of growth—personal life, business, career, relationships, family.
 

“It’s a year to showcase your talents and your strengths,” said Patrick. Let the Dragon breathe into you the energy it takes to show the world what you’ve got.” It’s a powerful year, he reiterated, but this kind of power needs to be used with “benevolence, being good, being kind, being generous… Grow with the world rather than against it.”
 

To deliver his forecast, in his cheongsam predominantly in emerald, a lucky color of the year, along with green, jade, maybe even the imperial colors of gold, bronze, copper, Patrick gathered all the animal signs to tell them how they could make the world a better place this year.

RAT
(1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The Rat has a strong Authority Star shining upon it, so will people turn to them for guidance, for their knowledge. There is, however, also the star of misunderstanding. Patrick’s recommendation is for the Ratborn to overcommunicate, to see to it that their intentions aren’t misconstrued. There’s also the Injury Star, but “undergo a blood test early in the year,” he said, “or donate some blood” to keep the effects minimal.

OX
(1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

For the Ox-born, money, money, money! “It’s easier to find diverse sources of income,” said Patrick. “Try to be a little bolder with your investments.” To increase your energy, it’s also a good time to travel.

TIGER

(1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034)

There is money luck for the Tiger, but it will be enhanced by the pursuit of a broader perspective. “Go for new experiences, new places, new hobbies,” said Patrick. “All of these will give you better ch’i.” He warned, however, that the Tiger-born would be a little more sensitive this year. “Be aware of this and tell people beforehand of this tendency,” he said.

RABBIT
(1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

There’s star that makes it easier for the Rabbit to reach their goals, thanks to a Surpassing Path Star shining upon them. But people under this sign must be confident enough to imagine the desired outcome of their pursuits and to visualize their success. Like the Tiger, however, the Rabbit is likely to sweat the small stuff, to make mountains out of molehills.

DRAGON
(1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

It’s the Year of the Dragon and the Dragons will cry if they want to, but they won’t because it’s a really good year for them. As for the rest of the animal zodiacs, thanks to their influence, Dragons must showcase their talents and capabilities to the world. Shining upon them is the Creative Star, which will bring to them innovative ideas. But maintain balance to avoid exhaustion.

SNAKE
(1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037)

Daylight brings luck to the Snake this year, so between lunch or dinner, they better choose lunch for an important meeting. The Snake will also benefit from the male in their relationships, whether a lover, a member of the family, a business partner, or a colleague. Under the Peach Blossom Star, however, the Snake for any relationship to be at its optimum must learn to speak the language of love, whether it’s quality time or words of affirmation or acts of service, of anyone they are in a relationship with, business or personal. As an influence of the Heavenly Chef's star, Snakes will benefit from celebrating but best to identify actual milestones to celebrate.

HORSE
(1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

When the going gets tough, the tough go looking up to the sky, but that is if the tough are born under the sign of the Horse, upon whom shines the Sky Relief Star. “Relief from the sky” may mean help from people the Horse-born least expect to offer assistance or appreciation. Better yet, Patrick suggested that the Horse pay it forward or to show gratitude in order to spread the energy all around, because the going may be tough for the Horse, thanks to an Obstacle Star shining upon them as well. It’s not going to be smooth-sailing, so patience and resilience are called for.

GOAT
(1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051)

Great opportunities are in store for the Goat, including opportunities to meet new people. Networking will be a key activity in order to make the most of this year. Patrick warned them, however, against overambition and spreading themselves too thin. There is a tendency for the Goat to be embroiled in other people’s affairs. Gossip must be avoided at all cost.

MONKEY
(1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

Upon the Monkey shines an Accomplishment Star, the effect of which is self-explanatory. To make the most of the auspicious period, however, the Monkey born is advised to make each achievement a platform for learning and improvement. In other words, do not rest on your laurels. It is also the time to go for the long term, to look into a broader horizon, while achieving short-term goals. A Nuisance Star, however, might bring stresses and annoyances, which the Monkey must not let derail them from achieving as much as they have the power to achieve this year.

ROOSTER
(1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

The Rooster is the best friend of the Dragon. As such, they have one of their better years ahead of them. But with so much to achieve, the Rooster must learn to prioritize. Patrick suggested the Japanese concept of ikigai, a guide in choosing what to prioritize, which features four categories, namely, 1.) what they’re good at, 2.) what they enjoy doing, 3.) what is good for the world, and 4.) what they can learn from. A mentor may come in handy for the Rooster. Warning: Roosters may fall for people who won’t be good for them.

DOG
(1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042)

If there is one animal sign that should watch it this year, it’s the Dog, the chong or the conflict animal of the Dragon. They must be watchful of their health, relationships, and resources. But they won’t be alone—there will be people around to help them through the year.

PIG
(1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043)

Shining upon the Pig is the Emperor Star, which showers them with a lot of energy for expansion. It’s time to plan for and pursue new, different, or bigger things. There will be problems, yes, but the star gives the Pig-born a lot of energy and ideas for problem-solving as well as nurturing personal and professional relationships. Patrick warned the Pig, however, to be careful of losing things.