Year of the Dragon: what Dragon people are like

The Dragon is the fifth animal of the cycle and the only one that lives entirely in stories. Maybe that's why people born in its year can seem a little larger than life. They dream big and speak with confidence, and a room tends to brighten when they walk in.

Born in January or early February? Check the Lunar New Year date for your year.

What Dragon people are like

Dragon people tend to be ambitious, warm-hearted and full of ideas. They like a challenge and enjoy leading when the moment calls for it. You are more than one animal, though, and how you use that fire is your call.

• Confident. Dragons often believe a thing can be done, and that belief is catching.
• Big-hearted. Their warmth is generous and easy to feel.
• Inventive. They like fresh ideas and are happy to try the unusual.
• Natural leaders. When a group stalls, a Dragon often gets it moving.

A flame this bright can forget that other people shine in their own way. When a Dragon leaves room for quieter voices, the whole group does better.

Good company

In the old pairings the Dragon belongs to a trio with the Rat and the Monkey. The Rat brings a sharp plan and the Monkey brings wit, which makes for a lively team. Its secret friend is usually the Rooster, which shares the Dragon's pride in good work and its liking for a little sparkle.

Any two animals can be good friends, of course. The old pairings are a fun way to start a conversation.

A small thing to try this week

Pick one big dream and give it one small step this week. Write the first paragraph, send one email or sketch the first page. Dragons love the big picture, so this week, let that tiny first move be enough.

In Slipmatic

Press the button on the Robo-Booth ’84 and it prints a slip on how your Chinese year sits with today. With Slipmatic Plus, a fresh slip for the Dragon is waiting every morning.

For entertainment and reflection.