Year of the Tiger

2010 is the year of the tiger according to the chinese calendar. here’s a detailed account of what is in store in accordance with this system of astrology. this year is also linked with ‘metal’ which makes it the year of the metal tiger

The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year (in 2010, it’ll be on February 14) because Chinese astrology is based solely on the cycle of the moon (the lunar calendar) and has no connection with the sun (the solar calendar), the planets or stars.
So how does this link up with the zodiac? The Chinese use 12 animals to symbolise zodiacal time. The choice of these 12 animals is explained in a tale from Chinese mythology. There are several variations and interpretations about how these animals were chosen, but according to the most popular version, the rat was assigned the honour of inviting animals to a special banquet where they would meet the ruler of heaven and earth — the Jade Emperor, who would finalise a selecction of animals to represent the 12 zodiac signs. The animals who attended the banquet found a place for all time in the calendar by being assigned a zodiac link. The cat, it is said, didn’t attend the banquet and so was deprived of a zodiac sign because the rat fooled it into believing that the banquet was one day later. Since that day the rat and the cat have been enemies.
Each year in Chinese astrology also has a different element governing it (Fire, Earth, Wood and so on ) and the element for 2010 is metal, making it the Year of the Metal Tiger.

RAT
If you’re a Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996):
There’ll be lots happening in this Year of the Metal Tiger, but curiously, it’ll be a ‘half and half’ year for you. In other words, you’ll have six favourable months, and six not so favourable months. That’s because, although metal, the year’s ruling element, will bring you a good slice of luck, the presence of the tiger --- a much, much bigger animal than you – could prove to be restrictive. Happily, the favourable months will follow the not so favourable months and thus allow you to make up for lost ground, look for new opportunities and generally make the kind of headway you want. Use your quickness of mind to get yourself out of undesirable situations and move to areas where you can ‘smell’ the possibilities of success.
The bottomline: Don’t tangle with those more powerful than you.

OX
If you’re an Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997):
Most times, you’d be wise to consolidate your progress as you move along, and here, it’s the favourable influence of metal – the most conducive element for an Ox – which will play a major supportive role.
But the tiger is unlikely to be actively supportive and in fact could make you feel uneasy quite often. This means you’ll have to be prepared to face and overcome challenges before registering gains. The important thing will be to make better than average use of the two exceptionally favourable months in store for you, and sustain a desirable momentum while quietly nurturing some key areas in the ten not so favourable months. Latching onto chances when they appear, giving current ventures your best and preparing for the future would be advisable.
The bottomline : Keep out of the way of tigers, and you’ll have ample opportunities to feel satisfied.

TIGER
If you’re a Tiger (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998):
It’s your year without a doubt — a great year, a splendid year when you’ll be raring to go and land a ‘kill’. And happily, you’ll land more than one ‘kill’ that’ll bring you applause and add to your fame and clout. Yes, you’ll feel good most times, and better still, you’ll be lucky most times, so ride your luck in the best manner possible. But beware that success doesn’t go to your head. If you’re over-ambitious and don’t factor in the prevailing environment fully, it could well be that what you had hoped to land will get away. So stay charged, but act with careful thought, and most important, direct your efforts carefully. Remember, complacency often leads to failure, and so does roaring unnecessarily.
The bottomline : Let your mind roam far and wide, but limit your hunt to carefully selected targets.

RABBIT
If you’re a Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999) :
A majority of months in 2010 will be favourable for you for.
This is because a tiger is a friend you can trust. It is not hostile to you in any way — tigers usually look for larger prey than rabbits.
In fact, a tiger’s presence will ensure that you’re blessed with lots of good luck and protection. This will enable you to enter new areas and thrive in them.
Of course, that will also mean coping with changes, and that may not always be easy. But if you can learn to handle new situations and use them to your advantage, especially your links with influential people, it’ll be a great year for you, especially as the coming year — 2011 — will be the Year of the Rabbit.
The bottomline : Keep up with the pace, be adventurous.

DRAGON
If you’re a Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000):
A Dragon and a Tiger ? Well, as you’re aware, neither will want to give up space to the other or indeed, bow to the other since both are powerful in their own right. And don’t forget, this is a Metal Tiger year and metal is not really lucky for Dragons. So how will Dragons fare this year ? Caution, self-control and ingenuity could well make 2010 a most stimulating, rewarding year for you, with nine very favourable months and three not so favourable months. Obviously, there’ll be a very good percentage working for you. Happily, even when there are challenges and these are likely to include a few pretty testing times, you’ll enjoy searching for answers on how best to move ahead. Even better, most times you’ll find the solutions and forge ahead.
The bottomline : Avoid unnecessary risks.

SNAKE
If you’re a Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001):
2010 will be a year when you’ll find new ways of using your survival skills to get what you want. Even though your natural element, Fire, has the ability to control Metal, this year's ruling element, there’ll be almost ten whole challenging months when you’ll need to be coiled up, ready to strike and get away with the winnings, or retreat and slide away to await a period more conducive to your style of functioning. Happily, your two very favourable months will see you making some very rapid movements, and naturally, gains. Obviously, you’ll be able to maximise your advantages if you keep yourself upto date, study situations carefully and zero in on your targets the moment you feel the time is ripe to strike.
The bottomline : Control your restlessness and when an opportunity appears, don’t delay striking.

HORSE
If you’re a Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002):
It’ll be great going for you at virtually every kevel, in every sphere. Just imagine — 12 whole favourable months with not even a single unfavourable one. Now that is called uncommonly good luck. And all this despite the fact that this year's ruling element, Metal, is not really one of your best friends. On occasion, this may of course mean that you may not emerge as a clear winner, but certainly, you’ll be right there at the forefront, very close to the finishing line. And yes, you’ll need to temper your success with careful thinking about the best lines to adopt, the best pace to follow and – quite important – you must identify and take care of competitive elements otherwise they could pip you in the race. So remain alert, and don’t become complacent.
The bottomline : Go for it, make sure you gallop instead of just cantering.

SHEEP
If you’re a Sheep or Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 ) : It goes without saying — you mustn’t challenge the tiger, which means you must make a concerted, sustained effort to stay on the right side of the right people. That way, you’ll have more opportunities than you’ve had for some time to move ahead in the way you want. But with eight not so favourable months and four favourable months, the going will still be a test of your skills and determination. And naturally, with not that many clearly favourable months at your disposable, you’ll have to use your sharpness of mind to make the best of what’s going and here, happily, how smart you are at judging situations will go in your favour. Goats are known for both balance and judgement, so use these qualities to the optimum, and yes, avoid conflicts.
The bottomline: Make coooperation, public relations and creativity the mainstay of your thrusts.

MONKEY
If you’re a Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004):
Traditionally, the monkey and the tiger have never enjoyed a good relationship, and even that is a bit of an understatement. Still, it doesn’t mean that 2010 will be a losing year for you. In fact, you’ll have two very favourable months going for you, so use them to the hilt. As you know, even a month’s good work can enable one to last a whole year, so the secret will be to utilise opportunities fully. Naturally, you’ll do so in a much better manner if you go by the rule book, accept what comes and build on it rather than sounding a challenge to others or trying to be too smart. Remember, challenging a tiger can have repercussions, so make good use of your time by being a part of the system to the best of your ability.
The bottomline : No ‘monkeying’ around.

ROOSTER
If you’re a Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005):
Obviously, the tiger’s not going to be of any help to you, but yes, the year’s ruling metal element is likely to provide you with just the strength you need to create new structures and thus achieve some significant breakthrough. But mind you, despite your flair for good management and innovative practices, you’ll have to struggle to move towards your goals. That’s partly also because you have just two clear favourable months to get on top of some pretty daunting situations and happily, you’ll be able to notch some worthwhile gains. The remaining not so favourable ten months will tend to demand a diplomatic, carefully planned approach.
The bottomline : A diplomatic approach at all times — don’t allow your feathers to get ruffled and don’t ruffle other’s feathers either.

DOG
If you’re a Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006):
Believe it or not, you may well be luckier than tigers in this Year of the Metal Tiger. The secret to unprecedented success will lie in thinking big, in acting big, in getting others to toe the line you’re advocating, Happily, with luck on your side, you won’t need to make much of an effort on any three of these counts. Even talking big would be a good idea. And when you’re not actually creating the action, you’ll find yourself at the centre of action in any case. ‘Far better to pitch in than hold back’ is the motto that will bring you rich dividends in terms of name, fame, wealth, happiness. In fact, you’ll be left with regrets if you don’t act and fuel your efforts and plans with a bountiful supply of luck.
The bottomline : Shed your caution, sharpen your aims and act in the knowledge that luck will be with you in a big way.

PIG
If you’re a Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007):
You’ll be doubly lucky in this Year of the Metal Tiger. How come ? Well, not only will you be able to savour the well known tiger luck ( and we’re talking of proverbial tigers in the wild, not Tiger Woods), but you’ll also be able to rise on all the positive qualities of metal — an element that favours you the most. So, with a preponderance of favourable months backing you, get cracking on all that you want to push through, all that you want to achieve. Of course, it may not be easy to keep up with the pace of the tiger, but it’ll be a challenge that’ll excite you. Plan your own pace, preferably speedier than last year, adopt a phased approach, keep your cool even when the speed picks up — and you’re sure to win.
The bottomline : Don’t get left behind by being indecisive when its actually time to get going.