The dragon is the only imaginary animal in the Chinese Zodiac. According to Chinese mythology, the fire-breathing serpentine creature represents wisdom, strength, benevolence, and good fortune.
"Thousands of years ago, the dragon was a symbol of power, the kind of power granted to the king and so only the king could use the dragon symbol or refer to himself as the dragon," said Sherman Tai, fortune teller and Feng Shui Master.
The actual year of the dragon begins on Feb. 4 in the solar calendar, which is Jan. 13 for the lunar calendar at 18:40.
"Even though it is not quite Chinese New Year, we have already stepped into the year of the dragon," he said. "Therefore, those born on or before Feb. 4 at 18:40 actually belong to the year of the rabbit and those born on or after Feb. 4 at 18:40 actually belong to the year of the dragon."
How the year of the dragon affects Canada:
(Courtesy of Sherman Tai)
The value of crude oil and precious metals are increasing, however, Alberta and Ontario won't do as well as in previous years.
Canada's debt continues to be of serious concern and the country's lack of clear goals and conservative economic policies will not help the economy grow, and actually may cause a decline.
However, Canada's economy will be relatively better than the US. The GDP is expected to be about 2.0 -2.5 per cent, which will still be better than for the U.S.
Canada will have stronger ties with Asia, particularly China, which will strengthen our exports and economy as a whole. In the past, Canada has relied too heavily on the United States, and in 2012, there will be improved international relations with China, India and Japan.
Real estate continues to be stable, particularly in British Columbia and Ontario. The beginning of the year sees increased house values, however, come fall there's a correction, especially in Westside Vancouver, Vancouver city centre and Richmond, which will have a relatively large drop of up to 10 per cent.
Other provinces like Saskatchewan, Alberta in Edmonton and Calgary, we also see initial increase and then decrease in real estate values. In eastern Canada, places like Montreal and Ottawa are relatively stable, but we should also see a drop in about five per cent for real estate values.
This year, unless you have extra money to invest, take caution and avoid borrowing money to do so.
For more, visit www.shermantai.com.
