Feng Shui Rat Year
Year Of The Tiger In The Chinese Zodiac: What Does It Mean?
As the Chinese New Year approaches and we enter the Year of the Tiger, it may be a good time to reflect on how traditions from ancient civilizations like China continue to influence us today. Chinese astrology and the related field of feng shui have become extremely popular recently. Perhaps this is because they have something valuable to teach us.
What exactly does the Year of the Tiger mean? The Chinese zodiac is divided into twelve animal signs. So, unlike Western astrology, where the month of your birth determines your sign, in Chinese astrology it’s the year that counts. For those not familiar with the Chinese zodiac, it can be noted that the 12 signs are the Rat, Ox (or Buffalo), Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The previous Tiger years include 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998. The new one starts on February 14, 2010, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day! The Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar calendar, so it does not fall on the same day each year. This means if you were born in January or February you must look up the date for the year you were born to be sure what sign you are.
Of course, just as Western astrology is far more complicated than your Sun sign, so Chinese astrology involves more than your animal sign. Each animal rules not only a year, but an hour. Another factor are the five elements of Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth. So 2010 is actually the year of the Metal Tiger. To understand all the intricacies of this would take study, of course, but it should be noted that all Tigers are not alike any more than all Aries or Scorpios.
The Chinese have a rather ambivalent attitude regarding tigers (both the actual animal and people born under that sign). Tigers are said to be courageous, loyal, generous and at the same time impatient and selfish. Of course, all of these qualities do not exist at the same time, but as potential characteristics. A person may display different aspects of the tiger’s nature depending on how the aspects of their entire chart. Hopefully, free will also plays a part!
A Tiger year is not always looked forward to in the often conservative Chinese tradition, as it can represent radical change or instability. Of course, we can also look at these qualities as opportunities for growth and positive change. It is helpful, though, to not expect things to be dull, predictable and “business as usual” in a tiger year.
Whatever sign you were born under, the Year of the Tiger can be exciting and rich with potential if you also use some common sense and caution.
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