Gung Hei Fat Choi/Gong Xi Fa Cai/Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at Cognitive GRC. Wishing you and your families, health, wealth and enduring joy. [Press play to enjoy our wish]
We strive to learn something every year, and as this is my 10th year in Hong Kong, I thought we might take a brief look at the symbolism as we look forward with hope for the coming year.
The Wood Dragon: A Rare and Powerful Zodiac Sign
In Chinese astrology, each year is associated not only with an animal but also with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The Wood Dragon years, such as 1964 and the upcoming 2024, are incredibly rare, occurring only once every 60 years. These years bring a special kind of energy, blending the potent influence of the Dragon with the vital qualities of Wood. For those who may not have followed Chinese zodiac before, like myself, I have learned that the specific animal is not necessarily the defining character. This realisation came for me with the year of the goat/ram/sheep or the horse/gazelle type animal.
I appreciate that the true meaning of Dragon or Loong conflicts with my more western influenced upbringing, from Dungeons & Dragons, through Beowulf to Tolkien, the dragon for me was more of a creature of mass destruction than the type of spiritual guide that is defined in traditional culture. Echoed in recent media, the Dragon or Loong is more of a harbinger of life and the Wood Loong brings a much more peaceful, confident and harmonious energy to the new year. Given the recent global challenges, we welcome its arrival in spring to lead the way into the new year and look forward with hope for us all.
The video wish is inspired by this hope and the creativity displayed by the creative artists responsible for the light show, at InnerGlow 2024| Tai Kwun. We thought today would be an auspicious moment to send out our positive wishes.
Derek McGibney
Managing Director
Cognitive GRC Limited