2024 Year of the Dragon Te Tau o Te Taniwha

To me, Te Tau o Te Taniwha or 2024 Year of the Dragon represents the year of the confrontation and transformation.  The dragon confronts us, but also offers protection as we undergo transformation.

Up until 2024, I wasn't really a fan of the dragon, unlike my tuakana and tamahine.  I simply didn't notice dragons. But after attending Taniwha’s Den in 2024, dragons / tarakona started to appear in my work.  

2024 was the year I developed an awareness of the Taniwha at Taniwhas Den, and the beautiful energy she provides. During the 2024 festival there was a magnificent thunder and lightning storm that had all festie goers sprinting for cover. The next day in the bluest of sky, we watched in amazement as taniwha and dragon-like figures appeared in fast moving cloud formations.  I made a mad dash for my camera, see below for photos, best ones I got I’m afraid.  Since then, dragons have channelled through my work.

As 2024 is also the Chinese year of the dragon, I went with the flow and allowed them to take their form in my paintings. Some don’t have wings, are a cross between a Celtic dragon and my interpretation of a tarakona or taniwha – but they all represent powerful  protectors.

The Celtic dragon has long been a symbol of power, strength, and magic in Celtic art and history. In Celtic mythology, dragons were believed to be powerful, intelligent creatures with the ability to shape shift and breathe fire. For clarity the Celtic people were peaceful, and are modern day Irish and Scottish folk. For the Celts, the dragon is the guardian of the secrets and treasures of the universe. Dragons were recurrently used in Celtic folklore to portray power, wisdom strength and protection which is why they are often depicted on Celtic flags and shields.

2024 is the Year of the Chinese Wood Dragon, beginning on February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and concludes on January 28th, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve).

The Year of the Dragon is a particularly fortuitous one. Those born under this zodiac sign are said to be charismatic, powerful, and attract pure luck. It’s said that their disposition naturally draws them towards leadership, success, wealth, and prosperity. These are seen as ideal traits in Chinese culture, with many people favouring the year of the dragon for making important life decisions. There is often a baby boom amongst Chinese populations during Dragon years, with families hoping that their ‘dragon babies’ will enjoy their innate luck. 

Bruce Lee was born in the year of the dragon.