2010 Year of the Metal Tiger

By Richard Giles, January 2010

The 2010 Chinese Year begins in mid February on the New Moon of the 14th and is the beginning of the traditional Chinese calendar.  The size of the Chinese population probably makes this calendar the most followed in the world.

The New Year begins a new Zodiac animal cycle, the Year of the Tiger.

Chinese Tradition

Chinese tradition employs both Solar and Lunar calendars. Using the Solar calendar, its the 5th February but the New Moon day of 14th February is the official Lunar New Year celebration day when dragons and fireworks come out into the streets of Chinatown.

2009 was Year of the Earth Ox and what a challenging year it was. Now in the cycle of the twelve comes the passionate king of the animals, the fierce Tiger.  He is undisputed king and loves his role as a leader. The Tiger is loyal and generous and courageous. The Tiger is of the eastern direction and in Chinese astrology he represents protection and is the one who looks after small children protecting them from evil spirits. He is instinctively loyal and very honourable. He bristles with indignation when faced with treachery or falseness. Being born in the year of the Tiger signifies luck and protection and its said that you cannot die through the bad deeds of your enemies.

The Tiger year is going to be the time to attack the most difficult issues you face. You have one of your best chances of achieving a breakthrough. If you still run into stiff opposition, you would do well to consider postponing your attempt to a later time as the same force that propels you forward is also with those opposing your efforts.

Tiger Qualities and Mythology

The Chinese story of the Tiger is a useful tool for finding insights into this year ahead. When the Buddha called the 12 animals together to rule the years, the Tiger was the second one to come forward. He came forward with the grace and full force of his primal energy. The quality of Tiger year is like this. The Tiger will draw energies to it and is alert to people's moods,  changes and emotions.

Tiger people always give the impression they are fully present and ready to move. They are  like a coiled spring, but lying gracefully at ease. Their principle qualities are loyalty and enthusiasm. They can also be impulsive, tough, excessive and selfish. Their approach to their work is usually brilliant and to be at their best they need to be in charge. Their finest role is as a saviour for their country or as a monarch or president. They must be in charge. With money they can be spendthrifts but are always ready to take risks because they feel lucky with money. The Tiger is also predisposed to danger and so has a tendency to want to take risks, both moral and physical. The life of a Tiger person is often adventurous and sometimes dangerous and probably never really calm. Tigers are active and prowl through their lives. They are open minded, tolerant and generous. They can be hard on themselves and too demanding on their friends, and it can be tough as they always seem so admirable. To control their passions is the most important thing for a Tiger. If they can do this they are capable of giving wise and sensible advice.

A Tiger finds pleasure in the unpredictable, and while others prefer not to make a backward step, the Tiger is not afraid to explore the unusual. What Tigers really need is first hand experience. They are usually open and frank, but if they withdraw can be aggressive when trapped. As soon as the Tiger person has regained their sense of security the confidence also returns, enabling them to set out again. They trust their instincts, though there is also another side to their personality which assesses situations thoughtfully before launching into any action.

Tigers need space to express themselves and a Tiger locked up will mean all their best qualities are reduced down to little. They can then become aggressive, quarrelsome and suffer tension - becoming stubborn they then blame the rest of the world for their problems.

When A Tiger's in Love

Impetuous and passionate they are likely to test out their powers of seduction from a very early age. Since they don't enjoy the authoritarian roles in the family they are eager to escape as they grow up. This can mean they seek out marriage at an early age so as to escape the family routines and look for new adventure. Tigers can become easily bored and if their love is not returned passionately they tend to want to seek another passion elsewhere. They are capable of great love, but they may also become too intense about it. Sometimes they become territorial and possessive. If your friend or partner is a Tiger and wants you to take their side you best do it. As lovers, Tiger people are romantic, but the real challenge for them is to grasp the true meaning of moderation.

Tigers are often attracted by people with an independent character, but its important to remember that even if you are stimulated by a Tiger's company and admire their energy, you can still manage without them. The Tiger person needs a partner who remains steady and constant and quietly pursues their own plans. In the family, naturally the Tiger will consider it normal to be in charge. Male Tigers prefer a partner who can manger the household calmly and well. Female Tigers will either pursue a career for personal success and independence or play the role of exemplary spouse and perfect housekeeper. As parents Tigers will teach their children prudence, reflection and reason but seriously they don't believe it and don't do it  themselves. A disciplined Tiger, however, can be a great influence on their children and lead them on an exciting life.

The Tiger's Career

What type of occupations suit the Tiger person? They'd be good at the following - entrepreneur, military officer, politician, musician, writer, poet, designer, theatre director, stockbroker, athlete, film star, trade union leader, company director, stunt person, explorer, or teacher.