Year of the Dragon 2024 will be a year of challenges and new beginnings
As everyone gets ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year, the capricious Jia Chen Wood Dragon Year already made its entrance almost a week ahead.

This is because Li Chun falls on Feb 4, 2024 (1626 hours), while the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar is Feb 10, 2024. This also means children born after 4.26pm (1626 hours) on Feb 4, 2024 are considered to be born in the year of the Dragon.

According to Master Lee Cheng Hoe of Penang Feng Shui, the Jia Chen Wood Dragon Year is a remarkably unique year that symbolises new beginnings, with Jia being the first celestial stem and with 2024 marking the start of Period 9, indicating the emergence of many new things and entirely unprecedented situations.

However, there are many conflicts in the four pillars of the beginning of Spring (Li Chun). These major clashes in both the heavenly stems as well as the earthly branches, which are all 'yang’, signify a very 'hot’ year full of conflicts.

Conflicts between countries and political disruptions are bound to occur. There may be war, demonstrations and dissatisfaction with the government, as well as extreme weather, landslides and earthquakes.

"Additionally, wealth is not seen in the Bazi horoscope of 2024’s Li Chun. Since the wealth is hidden, the overall economic performance of the world will be quite moderate,” Lee adds.In the year 2024, the Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter) is named Li Cheng.

Those whose names contain these two characters or have a similar pronunciation will be affected by Tai Sui, hence they must be especially cautious.

Favourable industries

Careers related to rationality and sensibility will bring wealth. This bodes well for fields like technology and spirituality. Charitable organisations and religious groups will receive significant donations. Industries related to blood, including blood tests and businesses with bloodline connections, will see growth.

Lee says Malaysia may enjoy financial gains in the first half of the year. Photo: Penang Feng Shui

World leaders may seek power through wars and conflicts. Sports stars or retired athletes (such as Datuk Lee Chong Wei) may gain prominence.

The year 2024 might pose challenges for men working abroad, international businesspeople, industries related to energy, and some well-known figures or brands. Global electricity shortages or disruptions may occur.

"It is highly likely that 2024 will be a tumultuous year, marked by volatility, potential conflicts, and a strong sense of struggle. Legal disputes and internal conflicts are anticipated, making it a challenging year globally for economic investments,” says Lee.

Outlook for Malaysia

Lee says Malaysia fares better in 2024, as it was born in the year of the Rooster and will benefit from being one of the Liu He (Six Harmonious) Compatible Combinations of Dragon and Rooster; and as the Rooster represents the Phoenix, it can also combine with the Dragon to symbolise auspiciousness.

An analysis of Malaysia's birth date using the principles of Bazi indicates that Malaysia may enjoy financial gains in the first half of the year. However, in the second half of the year, there may be challenges potentially leading to outspoken advocacy for others but with uncertain personal benefits.

The Number 4 Wen Chang Star will now be in the Northwest, which means older male leaders such as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will possess the wisdom to solve his problems. Penang, which is in the Northwest of Malaysia, will also be enjoying a better year, as the Wen Chang Star is associated with high intelligence, contributing to the technological development of Penang.

In Period 9, areas with mountains or land in the south and water in the north are considered favourable. However, West Malaysia does not possess these conditions, whereas East Malaysia does. Indonesia is relocating its capital closer to East Malaysia, indicating boundless development prospects for East Malaysia.

Global outlook

As the world enters Period 9, when the Number 9 star appears in the Kun Palace, female leaders, especially older ones, will gain prominence in 2024.

This year is dubbed the election year as 60 countries worldwide, including the United States and India, will hold elections, altering the global landscape. The widespread use of AI will also contribute to transformative changes globally.

In 2024, preserving financial strength for long-term investments is recommended, while short-term stock trading may not be suitable.

The year 2024 marks the beginning of Period 9, which is the Fire Period. Hence, the power of fire is exceptionally strong, leading to volcanic eruptions.

While analysing the Bazi for the 2024 Spring Festival (Li Chun), Lee noted unfavourable elements with many clashes, especially the clash between Wood and Metal, signifying an increased likelihood of traffic accidents.

War will be breaking out, especially in the centre of the world, that is, the Middle East area. The West will face challenges, and the United States will experience disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons. Having continuously increased interest rates, the US will also feel the repercussions of this vicious cycle.

In contrast, the East will be having a better year due to the presence of the much more benevolent Number 1 White Flying Star.

The Number 2 Black Illness Star in the Southeast in 2024 suggests that South-East Asia should be particularly cautious about the spread of diseases.

The Tong Sheng Chinese Almanac hints at the possibility of mutual sanctions between China and the United States, potentially leading to raw material shortages and hindering production.

Period 9

Since it is now also at the turning point of the 8th and 9th period, there will be many changes. In general, 2024 is not a peaceful year.

"If you ask me whether the Period 8 or the upcoming Period 9 is better, I must tell you that the Period 8 is of the Earth element, which is more stable and unchanging, while Period 9 is of the Fire element, characterised by volatility and rapid changes. Yap says 2024 takes on a special significance as it’s also the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious animal sign associated with power and prosperity. Photo: Gracy Yap

"I have reiterated numerous times that the ‘9’ in the Later Heaven Bagua is situated in the South, prompting everyone to look southward. In Malaysia, the South includes Johor and Kuching, while in Asia, it encompasses India and Indonesia. These two regions, each with a large population, will rise,” declares Lee, who is the author of How To Enjoy Your Life With Good Feng Shui and How To Enhance Your Wealth With Feng Shui.

Period 9 (2024-2043) is the period of Fire. The external appearance of fire is dazzling, but the core is hollow. The virtual world, represented by the Internet, is an example of this vacuousness. As a result, cyber fraud is expected to be rampant.

In 2024, caution is advised in real estate investments. Preserving financial strength for long-term investments is recommended, while short-term stock trading may not be suitable.

Health concerns

The recent increase in sudden deaths is also an issue of concern. Lee explains that this is because of the arrival of Period 9, which is ruled by the Fire element. In the context of the body’s internal organs and senses, fire symbolises the heart and eyes.

"We need light to see things clearly, and the organ associated with fire is the eyes. If your eyes are vibrant and appear to look watery or moist, you are more likely to gain popularity. However, if your eyes lack vitality, your luck may not be favourable,” Lee clarifies.

"Another organ associated with fire is our heart. Our heart is like an ignited fire. Hence, we see many diseases and health conditions related to the eyes and heart, as we spend long hours each day staring at computers, handphones and televisions, leading to rapid deterioration of our eyes.”

Similarly, in this era, the arrival of fire has accelerated the pace of human life, increasing societal pressure where focus is on speed. This rapid pace puts a strain on our hearts, leading to sudden heart-related incidents.

Lucky numbers

The year 2024 is a Universal Year 8 ruled by Saturn – the taskmaster planet concerned with long-term planning, achievements and foresight, says Gracy Yap, an intuitive master numerologist from Singapore.

A number which is much-loved by the Chinese, Number 8 is about material riches, success, balance, authority, power, greed, structure and revolution. Meanwhile, Saturn signifies restrictions and limitations and is about self-discipline.

Amethyst, the mediation stone, encourages spiritual awareness, balance, intuition and calm when stressed, says Yap. Photo: samccrackengilbert/Pixabay

"So, 2024 won’t be an easy year for many. Take a look at the numeral 8 – it resembles two money bags cinched in the middle, symbolising that we may have to tighten our belt this year in the face of rising inflation. Saturn is also about earned rewards so if you have dedicated effort and time into making anything successful in previous years, you’d reap the rewards in the new year.”

Yap says 2024 takes on a special significance as it’s also the Year of the Dragon, an auspicious animal sign associated with power and prosperity. Moreover, 2024 also heralds the start of Period 9 in Feng Shui. Number 9 is a sacred magical number, which in numerology, has the meaning of 'completion’ or 'end of a cycle’.

The year 2024 therefore signifies new beginnings.

"The number 8 is generally considered lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds like the word for wealth and prosperity. Similarly, the number 9 is associated with eternity and long-lasting success. Any plans that you implement in a year associated with planet Saturn can have longevity and far-reaching consequences.

"Saturn is the Ruling Planet for the Sign of Capricorn, which is a Cardinal Earth Sign. Tenacity, stamina, responsibility and patience are in the value system of this zodiac sign. It’d be good to adopt these values in 2024. Quitting is not in Capricorn’s vocabulary. So, Capricorns would feel the vibrations and energies of 2024 in a more pronounced fashion.”

As a Universal Year 8, year 2024 indicates a focus on financial matters, authority and the material aspects of life. The number 8 is a Wealth Cycle so the year is associated with opportunities for prosperity, success and achievement. However, it's crucial to manage resources wisely.

"Since number 8 is associated with money, stress and tension, there is a tendency to overwork as you feed your ambition,” shares Yap, who developed her own trademark divination system "Secrets of Golden Numbers", named after her bestselling book.

Special remedies

Those with birthdays or Life Path Numbers adding up to Number 4 or Number 8 could clash with the Number 8 energy of this year. Yap says such individuals could find the year stressful and challenging.

But fret not, Yap reveals that there is a way to remedy that predicament.

"The numbers favourable to you are: 1, 3 and 6. So, look for allies among those with birthdays or Life Path Numbers of 1, 3 or 6. Associating with these allies would ensure a smoother sailing year for Numbers 4 and 8 in 2024."

Yap also recommends the use of gemstones such as onyx and amethyst this year.

"Onyx promotes vigour and stamina, and aids in wise decision-making. Amethyst, the mediation stone, encourages spiritual awareness, balance, intuition and calm when stressed.”

Yap predicts that financial markets may see positive trends, with potential for gains in investments and business ventures. However, the energy of the Number 8 also warns against greed and excessive risk-taking, emphasising the importance of prudence in financial dealings.

"The Number 8 is an Earth sign. Sectors related to real estate and infrastructure development may thrive this year, as the Number 8 is associated with tangible assets and long-term investments. Banking and finance sectors could thrive. Investments in technology, manufacturing and infrastructure could be particularly beneficial.”
Chinese New Year 2024,CNY2024,Year Of The Dragon
The Jia Chen Wood Dragon heralds a fresh start, with unprecedented events and emergence of new discoveries.