Welcome to 2012, the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon, or long (龙), is the fifth of the 12 animal signs in the Chinese zodiac and the only one that is fictional. The long is considered a spiritual totem of the Chinese people and symbolizes admirable traits including strength, success, benevolence and longevity.

Chinese astrology considers a 60-year cycle combining the 12 animal signs and five elements. Based on the traditional Chinese calendar, this year is the year of the water dragon, which lasts from Jan 23, 2012 to Feb 9, 2013. Based on some predictions, the Dragon this year will instill vitality and an abundance of water will provide "the perfect conditions" for the legendary beast to "display its powers". This is what the soothsayers are predicting:

Dragon

1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

For those born in the Year of the Dragon, the timing is right for you to boldly take chances. New careers may be on the horizon and adventures await you.

Still, with much great ambition comes great responsibility and Dragon people should be sensitive to feelings of those around them.

Those who have missed opportunities in their love life will find the perfect time to make amends. Tolerance will also help love present itself.

Snake

1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001

Shaped like the long, you are nimbler in manner and can adapt to the other signs without losing sight of your real intentions.

With all the work you have done in the past year, you are now well poised to seize the initiative and take on more important tasks in your workplace. Your efforts will reap respect and recognition.

Your past relationships may have been marked with impulse, but you have learned enough to save your love for the right one - who may appear some time soon.

Horse

1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

You have been waiting for the swift Dragon after hopping along with the Rabbit, and the mythical animal's speed is just what you need.

The monotonous work you clocked in over the past year will not be wasted because a promotion and raise are finally in store.

Celebrations are also in order in the arena of love. Settling down might still be far off but a romantic ride is around the corner.

Sheep

1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

A relatively smooth ride with the Rabbit in 2011 ends and you will have to seize opportunities at work. Get into the action to show off your talent and creativity.

Your amiable and stable demeanor offers its charms but you will need to do more to advance your relationships. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want, and you will get it. Single sheep will certainly find it an exciting time to meet soulmates.

Monkey

1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

People born in the Year of the Monkey are quick to adapt and connects well with others, so navigating the challenges this year will be easy once they are regarded as opportunities for success.

You are individuals who take things easy but you will take the speedometer down a notch or two to assess colleagues.

A strong sense of curiosity along with the energy of the long people will inject new vigor into your love life and make it a satisfying time for relationships.

Rooster

1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

People born in the Year of the Rooster will be able to draw much strength from the Dragon and your main task is to set a goal for yourself. Without it, you may find life lacking and end up in the same place, making no headway.

Rein in your desire to lead and humble yourself to work with team members. Use your courage to take on difficult tasks and you will earn the trust of colleagues as well as bosses so that a promotion will present itself.

Your infamous pride may stop you from expressing your true feelings to those you love, but your actions will speak for themselves.

Dog

1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

After surmounting difficulties in 2011, you are now well prepared for success in 2012. The first few months may be rough going but there will be a turnaround.

The Dog's honesty and diligence will make up for your lack of ambition and enthusiasm. Your long-term career plans may see some progress and, boosted by the Dragon, you may even want to start a business.

Your dogged focus on your career may hinder chances at love, so try to keep a work-life balance, and keep looking too.

Pig

1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Pigs are always easygoing and upbeat, and the Dragon will imbue you with the strength you need to ward off any intimidation.

But beware of being carried away with leisure - you may miss out on any opportunities and forget about your work commitments.

Mapping out a plan will help you organize your life better so that you won't face a bottleneck at the end.

Your generous nature and peaceful mien continue to make you popular with potential partners, so get ready for a new stage in your love life.

Rat

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Pep up for a better year than the tame Rabbit's to ride on the roars of the adventurous Dragon.

People will be one of your top resources so tap colleagues and friends for that promotion.

The Dragon is one of your most compatible signs so expect to reap rewards in your love life. Release your passion and get things moving.

Ox

1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

A sensible and practical person like you may not be able to keep up with the feisty Dragon, so take this time to spell out your true intentions in the noise of the crowd.

The Dragon will still provide you a much-needed push to become more receptive to opportunities so that you continue to settle for nothing less than the best.

This year will also give you more chances at love, so those dating should consider going for the next big step and those looking should step on it.

Tiger

1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

The Tiger enjoys similar prestige with the Dragon as a symbol of strength.

Held back by a slow Rabbit Year, the big cat can finally move alongside the Dragon to release its pent up power and take charge at work. But remember to take the feelings of co-workers into account and not become too overbearing - you will need as much cooperation from them as you can get to move ahead.

Love promises to blossom with the Dragon's lift, but impulsive stands will still fall short so think about that long-term commitment.

Rabbit

1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

It's been a relatively smooth ride in your year but prepare for a more hectic time as the Dragon rolls into town. The long moves to a much faster beat so keeping pace with it may prove daunting, so use that terrific ability of yours to adapt to stand in good stead.

Your achievements of the past year will form a good basis for you to prosper this year, but continue to stay savvy about any desire for a move to a different field.

Your rational and calm nature will not be seriously affected by the Dragon's impulses; still, stay close to your partner and walk the romantic pathways together.

China Daily