2010

Year of the Metal Tiger

This Chinese New Year ushers in the year of the Metal Tiger on February 13, 2010 (PST). If you found the year of the ox to be plodding and full of hardships, hold on  because the tiger year is about to take you for a ride. This year promises to be a dynamic, possibly dramatic, year filled with movement and unexpected changes that challenge as well as bring opportunity for growth.

The tiger is the third animal in the Chinese zodiac, and displays characteristics of natural charisma, independence, intuition, innate skill as well as streaks of rashness and rebelliousness when cornered or threatened. Tigers typically love a good challenge, and are known to be quite competitive at times. Yet, idealists' at heart, tigers honor virtue and noble actions far above financial or material rewards. They will go to great lengths to protect family, friends and humanitarian causes before any concern for self-preservation arises. This tendency to throw themselves into a cause can backfire later, especially if they immerse themselves into a situation without proper physical rest or any sense of emotional support from loved ones backing their actions. To protect one's health this year, it is crucial to have a safe space where one can retreat to, to rest, digest and lick any wounds received from unfriendly encounters. Doing so will serve to protect one from burnout and possibly more serious chronic illnesses, as emotional and physical fatigue naturally follow erratic bursts of energy.

The tiger is considered to be a guardian sign that protects the household from theft, fire and damage. In many Chinese kitchens a picture of a tiger is hung to help ward off evil spirits and provide the family protection year-round. On a global scale embracing this protective emblem may be useful, especially given that the year is likely to encounter unexpected rebellions or military actions. Political concerns are further implicated by the fact that 2010 falls under the metal element, or gold tiger year, highlighting wealth (economics) and armor (military defense). Aside from increased economic and military indicators, the metal element also elevates ethics, civic duty, refinement and inspired oration or diplomacy. Employing these diplomatic qualities during difficult times, and/or negotiations, will help temper rash reactions and calm misunderstandings that are likely to arise during a year of such unpredictable energy.

Despite the surprises that lie ahead, the year of the tiger will provide growth, opportunity and a sense of joy, especially in contrast to the plodding year of the earth ox. Whereas diligence, honesty and hard work were keys to success last year, this year intuitive awareness, dynamic action and appropriate timing will be useful navigational tools, especially when guided by a sense of ethics and concern for those who are in need, threatened, or "endangered".

While pausing before pouncing is still prudent, in the year of the tiger, one is encouraged to leap outside of one's comfort zone especially when the risk offers expanded opportunity, energy and connection to what is alive, real and meaningful. By honoring one's internal call or prompting to return to what is true (and perhaps wild), one acts to preserve and protect endangered Ways of being, contributing to a timeless legacy dedicated to human flourishing.