2012 Soaring with the Dragon

The eventful Year of the Rabbit has come to an end.

Last year, in my annual article for the Institute, I wrote, “The extreme global patterns that began in the year of the Tiger (2010) were a prelude to the bubbling phenomena of the human world in this Rabbit year (2011), and this in turn will set the pattern for a much more dynamic Dragon year in 2012.”

Now we have entered 2012, the year of the Dragon. The Dragon, the most sacred symbol in Chinese culture, represents strength and determination. It also implies amplification and persistence. This indicates that the bubbling phenomena of the year of the Rabbit are going to turn to turbulence. What we have seen and experienced in 2011 will continue and amplify, both in natural disasters and political conflict.

For the individual, this is a year of great challenge and momentum. It is important to embrace the challenge and ride with momentum. There is a saying that says, “God does not give people challenges they are not ready for,” but the challenge is best met with adaptability rather than with rigid expectations.

Having lived through the financial crisis of the past three years, people have slowly adapted: the state of panic has softened, and as people have accepted a new norm, new strength has also begun to emerge.

2011 is a very significant year: even though the yang masculine energy that dominates human society has seemingly continued to intensify, the yin feminine energy has been slowly seeping through. The political events of 2011, such as the Arab Spring and the Occupy Wall Street movement, reflect a change that is more empowered by yin energy than hard force. Read the complete newsletter...