W is for Wednesday and also for ........

Water Dragon.

This year is MY year (I know I have to share it with other Water Dragons too). This does not mean I'm a dragon per se (altho Himself may disagree!) but, according to Chinese Astrology, this is the Year of the Water Dragon and I was born in a Water Dragon year.

It is not just the Year of the Dragon, which happens every 12 years, but the year for those dragons especially associated with water.

(For those interested I have included some information below)

As far as today's Blip is concerned it's a photo of a drawing (thanks JP) - not many dragons in rural Lincolnshire although I have searched high and low ?..
Himself suggested a self-portrait but, as you can imagine, that did not go down at all well with me!!!!!!!!! He got in the car and went to work very quickly this morning!

DRAGONS IN GENERAL

Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They're driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They're passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colourful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they're most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren't applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!


Dragons and the 5 Elements

Wood Dragons - 1904 and 1964

Wood Dragons also are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.

Fire Dragons - 1916 and 1976

A Fire Dragon's emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that's when they're best.

Earth Dragons - Years 1928 and 1988

More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviours. They're more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.

Metal Dragons - Years 1940 and 2000

Metal strengthens this already strong sign. Metal Dragons are more determined and they'll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They're true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.

Water Dragons - Years 1952 and 2012

Water calms the Dragon's fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don't have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow others to become involved.


Health
Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.

Career
Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.

Relationships
Dragons will give into love, but won't give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they'll usually commit to that person for life.

Compatibility
Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.