By Sun Lee Chang
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
The Year of the Tiger is about to pounce with a loud roar! No mere meek animal, it is a sign to be reckoned with. The Tiger is the third animal in the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. The Tiger knows what it wants and no substitutions will do. Ever the ambitious creature, the Tiger will go after its target and may actually get it—at least some of the time.
Of the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water associated with the Chinese Zodiac, the upcoming year will be the Year of the Water Tiger. The Water Tiger will, on occasion, show its softer side. However, watch out as that can change in an instant. Fun in one moment and then stopping you in your tracks the next, there promises to be many surprises in store in the upcoming year.
The Tiger demands respect and taking the lead comes naturally to those born in the Year of the Tiger. Like the old Sinatra song, the Tiger is all about doing it his or her way. The Tiger will sometimes take an unexpected detour just because they can. Don’t expect the Tiger to conform to your rules, as they have a few of their own they would like to impose instead.
Those celebrities and famous people who were born in past years of the Tiger stand out in a way that is unique to each of them. They include Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth II, Fidel Castro, Joe DiMaggio, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jodie Foster, and Eva Mendes, just to name a few. Driven to make the most of what they’ve got, it is not surprising that these folks were born in the Year of the Tiger.
While their egos and stubbornness can be exasperating, by contrast, the strength of the Tiger can also be quite inspiring as is their zest for life. They would be the first to tell you to stop saving the fine china for a special occasion and to go ahead and enjoy it now. That said, the Tiger also respects hard work. At the end of the day, the Tiger loves to play as hard as it works. Whether it be for work or love, here is what lies in store for you in the Year of the Water Tiger.
Rat
No one doubts that you have a strong work ethic, but do seek out ways to get some rest and relaxation.
Work: As a general rule too, much of one thing isn’t good. Strive for balance between your business and personal pursuits.
Love: It’s not just about you. Remember to check in with your partner so that you stay in step with each other.
Ox
You preferred to go it alone in the past, but are slowly realizing it is worth building a strong team.
Work: Rather than just wishing and hoping, advance your cause by being vocal about your expectations.
Love: A meaningful conversation requires you to listen and not just wait for your turn to speak.
Tiger
You are not about holding things back, but do be careful that you do not reveal something you will regret.
Work: In an effort to set the record straight, rather than minimizing what you have done highlight it instead.
Love: Although an opposite might be exciting, there is nothing like sharing the bond of a like-minded soul.
Rabbit
You’ve got all the right ingredients and are quite close to the next step of putting it all together.
Work: Having switched tracks recently, things are finally clicking into place and picking up speed.
Love: Someone who you once viewed as a known quantity will soon surprise you with their hidden potential.
Dragon
Compromises are necessary at times, but draw the line when you are asked to give up too much.
Work: Waiting for someone to bring out the best in you? Put yourself in a setting where you can realize your potential.
Love: Constantly on the go? If so, it is important to find ways to stay connected to your significant other.
Snake
Tired of following a set formula? A little experimentation could yield some rather delightful results.
Work: An intriguing offer is on the table that should be properly vetted before you even think about accepting it.
Love: Cut through the petty disagreements and focus on what brought you together in the first place.
Horse
In the midst of a wave, it can be hard to see the shore. Be mindful of where you are trying to go.
Work: Your star is rising quickly at the start of the year, keep distractions to a minimum during this period.
Love: You value honesty in your relationship, but also exercise tact in how and what you choose to convey.
Goat
If the usual route simply isn’t working, then consider a detour which will get you to the same place.
Work: Does it seem like feast or famine in terms of workflow? If possible, spread the load by scheduling enough time.
Love: Are your answers met with more questions? Continue the dialogue until you get to the heart of the matter.
Monkey
It can be difficult to let go of the past. Doing so will create room for the gifts of the present.
Work: Rather than focusing on a lateral move, it might be more beneficial to build on what you have already established.
Love: You do not need to do everything together to be in sync. In fact, some breathing room would be beneficial.
Rooster
Cast your net wide and see what is actually available to you before culling through and narrowing your options.
Work: Don’t let a little difficulty put you off. The rewards of pushing through will be more than worth it.
Love: Although you might be in a hurry, try to slow down and take things at a natural pace.
Dog
Let the excuses fall by the wayside and follow through with the plan that you have carefully laid out.
Work: Do you tell yourself that you will make it up later? Get it out of the way now.
Love: Are you going around in circles? Stop wasting time and energy and figure out a better approach.
Pig
The insights you have gained recently should shed significant light on an area you have long ignored.
Work: Despite your busy schedule, take a step back to get a better perspective on where your focus should be.
Love: Are you trying to attain perfection? Don’t get so stuck on the ideal that you lose sight of what’s real.
Sun can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
What’s your animal sign?
Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.