It’s that time again.  A change in the lunar cycle, and for 2010 it’s the year of the Tiger.  If you are a Tiger in the chinese zodiac, below are traits that are suppose to be representative of your zodiac sign.

“Tigers do not find worth in power or money. They will be completely honest about how they feel and expect the same of you. On the other hand, they seek approval from peers and family. Generally, because of their charming personalities Tigers are well liked. Often, failing at a given task or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a depression. Criticism from loved ones can also generate this type of Tiger reaction. Still, like all felines, Tigers always land on their feet, ready for their next act in life, pursuing it with unyielding energy and hunting it infallibly.

Tigers are also incorrigibly competitive - they simply cannot pass up a challenge, especially when honor is at stake, or they are protecting those they love. Tigers are unpredictable and it would be unwise to underestimate their reactions. They may appear cool, but they have the Big Cat’s instincts to pounce at a moment’s warning. Natural leaders, they have a strong sense of their own dignity, and if they find
themselves in the ranks, they can be stubborn and obstinate. In positions of power they can be difficult though stimulating bosses. Tigers are intelligent, alert, and farsighted. They have their fingers on the pulse. Good strategists and tacticians, they often have a hidden agenda. As long as they do not risk their luck too often, and keep their restless nature under control, their tactics usually pay off in life.”

Although 2010 is the year of the Tiger in the chinese zodiac.  It does not mean that all fortunes are for just the ones who were born a Tiger.  Each year my mother has our fortunes read to us.  My father and I are both horses, my mother and younger brother are both pigs/boars, and my younger sister is a monkey.  According to her, pigs/boars will have a good year financially.  Monkeys should remain protective for the first half of the year and should stick closer to there friends.  And if you were a monkey born in Aug-Nov, you will have bad luck this year.  And also according to her, horses will find great success in their careers this year, and if you are single and you’re a horse, you will find a love interest that will last for a very long time.  This is the first year that she has told me that, “this year is a lucky year for you as a horse”.  All of the previous years she had told me I would have bad luck, and well she was right, each and every one of those years, from big break ups, to financial troubles and other heartaches.  I really hope this year pans to be true from what she had said.

If some of you are wondering where she gets these fortunes, it’s from a book an asian astrologist puts together each year. She reads them every year, and pretty much tells us how it is, especially when there’s bad news, just to warn us, so we would be careful.  Its crazy to believe in such things, but so far, they have panned out and have freaked me out every year.

Of course as analytical as I am, I always check other references to see if they match up to other so called fortune tellers.  And so far this is what I have found.

“Chinese horoscope for Horse these people will face a lot of changes in almost all spheres of life. Chances are high for the horses to travel abroad or move in to new home. Chinese horoscope for horses also predicts that those who are single will get involved in to strong relationships in 2010.

2010 appears as a promising year for most of the horses. Horses are most likely to have a change in their environment, be it at home or at work. Make sure that the changes that come in your life this year have a good impact and not a bad effect. Be careful in career changes. Horses born in summer will get profitable opportunities in professional life.

According to the Chinese astrology, horses born in autumn and winter are not going to have good luck in experimenting changes, so they are advised not to initiate any changes. As far as love is concerned for the horses, Horses you will see fresh beginnings in 2010. Horses you will meet their lucky someone in this year and go on for a steady relationship.

The period between March and August will be good for traveling and indulging in adventure. Horses are also advised to have a friendly relation with the colleagues to harbor fruitful results in career. Horses you will see benefits if they plan and think properly for the future with a sense of control. Overall, 2010 will prove out to be a good year with lots of experiments for most of the horses.”

So far so good!  Lets see if this all pans out for me this year.  Happy Chinese New Years everyone, whether you are chinese or not, may you have a lucky year!!

~Vinh Diep