The Tiger

1914, 1926,1938,1950,1962 ,1974,1986 1998,2010

The tiger is the third sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Its intrinsic element is wood. The compass direction of the tiger is between 37.5 degrees to 67.5 degrees. This falls in the direction of east-north east.

You will find that this sector of the house occupies an angle of 30 degrees. This sector is said to be the part of the house deemed very lucky for those residents who are born in any of the years of the tiger. The years of the tiger are listed in the table above. These years have not been adjusted to take account of the lunar New Year. Thus if you were born in any of the above years but during say, the month of January, chances are, you do not belong to the tiger year but instead to the year prior to the tiger year which is the year of the ox. In the same way you could still be a tiger if you are born in the January of the following year. To check your date of birth against the lunar calendar please refer to the 100 year lunar calendar at the back of the book.

Originally the tiger was an ordinary and harmless animal. It was through his own dedication and toughness that he became the fearsome animal that he is today, learning the arts of pouncing, ditching and biting from his teacher, the cat. Consequently the Jade Emperor made him the guard of heaven.

Shortly after he became guard, the animals on earth began to hunt and eat humans. The people pleaded for protection and the Emperor sent the tiger to control the other animals. The tiger fought many great battles with the lion, horse and bear, and before long the other animals were behaving themselves. Soon afterwards, the great turtle of the sea began causing the sea to flood human lands, so the tiger defeated him in battle and slew him. As a reward, the Emperor marked the tiger's skin with one stroke for every animal he had defeated and made him king of al animals.

After causing disturbances on earth, the lion- originally a member of the twelve animal signs-was stripped of his place. The tiger was immediately appointed his kingly successor, and became one of the most prominent and powerful signs.

Personality of the People Born in Tiger Year

You enjoy life and are excited by new challenges, unusual places, and unexpected events. Your positive attitude is attractive to others, and your enthusiasm and will to succeed easily draw a following. your determination is not always enough to see you through and you do not like to lose face or be seen to fail; more than likely you will find a new challenge and start over again.

Your attention is caught by the unpredictable, and while others may be caution, you are not afraid to explore the potential in unlikely situations. Simply being told that something is exciting is usually not sufficient for you what you really need is first hand experience. You have a generous nature and involve friends in your plans, but if threatened you are likely to withdraw and you can be aggressive when trapped. As soon as you have regained your sense of security your confidence also returns, enabling you to set out on your adventures once more.

You trust your instincts and usually follow them, although there is a more objective side to your nature which assesses situations thoughtfully. Occasionally you will be hurt along the way by putting your trust too firmly in the wrong person, yet at other times you can be too critical or suspicious. If you have been disappointed or disillusioned you eventually pick yourself up, dust yourself down and head off on a new road.

While your friends admire your optimism, at times they may find it hard to share your enthusiasm, and those who cannot challenge or charm may be pushed to one side. You are an exciting, courageous and generous friend, but if you do not achieve what you want you can also be obstinate and self-centered. Inevitably there will be highs and lows in your friendships, but deep down your loyalty remains firm.

ROMANCE

Your enthusiasm for life spills over into your relationships, and it is not unusual for you to flit from one partnership into another, inspired by each one. You are excited by the possibilities that each relationship presents and are carried along by the first rush of romance, but eventually, when boredom or predictability sets in, you will be off in search of a new partner. Even when romance collapses around you, you may be feeling low for a while but you will soon regain energy in pursuit of a new partnership.

People with an independent character attract you although they may be stimulated by your company and admire your energy, they can still manage without you. A relationship with someone who shares your sense of adventure though still pursues their own interests is more likely to succeed . You are not afraid to declare your feelings and are honest with your emotions, but you are also changeable. You need a partner who remains steady and constant, and quietly pursues their own plans.

Career

Optimism, determination and initiative are your strong points. You an be inspired by people or places, chance remark or something you have unexpectedly seen, and then you head off with an infectious enthusiasm. Some of these projects will succeed because you have the drive to see them through to the end and you are an efficient and stimulating leader. You do not, however, deal will with failure and are embarrassed when colleagues discover that you have misjudged situations.

When you are making plans you are not sidetracked by the trivial and usually avoid elaborate arrangements you prefer tackling the job directly than creating an unnecessary fuss. Your ability to cut through the side issues and your energetic response to challenges will serve you well in your career. The appeal of work for you is generally in the excitement and the quality, not the profit.

You are suited to career in travel, design or politics. You would also make a good soldier, police officer, travel writer, explorer, and advertising or business executive.

Tiger Associations

Element

Wood :

In Chinese philosophy the five elements are types of energy that afflict all life. It is their interaction that creates change from a global level to a personal level. The tiger is associated with the element of wood, which works in harmony with the element of fire but is overwhelmed by the element of metal.

Colour

Green :

The tiger is linked to the colour green, which is associated with the season of spring. It is the colour of new life, tranquility and relaxation. It is said that dreams will end well if they feature the colour green since it is a lucky and influential colour, particularly when combined with the colour red.

Energy

Yang :

Yin and Yang are the two great cosmic forces which influence and balance all life. Yang is hot, heavy and dynamic, a force which becomes stronger as winter wanes and the summer begins. Although the tiger embodies both yin and yang qualities, it is associated with wood, which has powerful yang qualities linked to relaxation and intuition.

Direction

East-North-East :

Each of the twelve animal signs is matched to a direction of the compass. The tiger is linked to an east-north-easterly direction, which in turn is associated with the hours leading up to dawn. This direction is also traditionally linked to the beginning of spring, as yang begins its ascendancy and yin begins to weaken.

Balancing of Energy for people born in tiger year

Those born in the year of the Tiger are advised to observe the following :

In the years of the Snake (2001) :

A quiet time for the tiger. Luck is moderate. Install water features in the north to help you relax.

In the years of the horse (2002) :

This is an exceptionally good year. Place lots of Feng Shui enhancers like coins, arrowana, dragons and tortoises to magnify good luck.

In the years of the Sheep (2003) :

The tiger extends his run of good luck. Continue with the Feng Shui energizers and add a water feature for the north or south-east.

In the years of the Monkey (2004) :

This will be a year of disappointments and setbacks when the tiger must be protected from hostile forces. This year protect against the Grand Duke placing a crystal chandelier in the west-south-west.

In the years of the Rooster (2005) :

A mixed year with the second half being better. Place wind chimes in the north-west & a 3 legged toad near the front door.

In the years of the Dog (2006) :

The tiger benefits from help and support from powerful patrons. Energize the north-west with a 6 rod wind chime.

In the years of the Boar (2007) :

This year have plenty of money luck for you. Enhance this with coins and fish features otherwise it dissipates in the second half of the year.

In the years of the Rat (2008) :

A year of business and financial difficulties. You will need the Gem tree. Place nine coins tied with red thread on the wall behind you. Place a water feature in the south to counter 5 yellow and three killings in the south.

In the years of the OX(2009) :

Water in the North will reduce quarrels & confrontations. Patience and powerful amulets required to ensure the year does not turn disastrous. With plenty of Tiger images around you, you will triumph!

In the years of the TIGER(2010) :

Fortunes improve. Have the three star Gods, the Fuk Luk Sau in the house. This will smoothen everything for you.