The year of the Dragon starts today as the Chinese celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. For the next 15 days the Chinese will celebrate the year of the Dragon. This mythical creature will bring with it optimism and hope for better times ahead in 2012. The dragon is the most auspicious and powerful of the 12 signs of the zodiac, one associated with high energy and prosperity. This year is considered especially auspicious because it is the year of the water dragon, something that happens once every 60 years, the water element adding drama to the usual upheaval of a dragon year.