Your Chinese Horoscope 2011

THE TIGER

THE PERSONALITY OF THE TIGER

It’s

the zest,

the enthusiasm,

the giving the little bit more,

that makes the difference.

And opens up so much.

The Tiger is born under the sign of courage. He is a charismatic figure and usually holds very firm views. He is strong-willed and determined and sets about most of his activities with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. He is very alert and quick-witted and his mind is forever active. He is a highly original thinker and is nearly always brimming with new ideas or full of enthusiasm for some new project or scheme.

The Tiger adores challenges and loves to get involved in anything that he thinks has an exciting future or that catches his imagination. He is prepared to take risks and does not like to be bound either by convention or the dictates of others. He likes to be free to act as he chooses and at least once during his life he will throw caution to the wind and go off and do the things he wants to do.

The Tiger does, however, have a somewhat restless nature. Even though he is often prepared to throw himself wholeheartedly into a project, his initial enthusiasm can soon wane if he sees something more appealing. He can also be rather impulsive and there will be occasions in his life when he acts in a manner he later regrets. If he were to think things through or be prepared to persevere in his various activities, he would almost certainly enjoy a greater degree of success.

Fortunately the Tiger is lucky in most of his enterprises, but should things not work out as he hoped, he is liable to suffer from severe bouts of depression and it will often take him a long time to recover. His life often consists of a series of ups and downs.

He is, however, very adaptable. He has an adventurous spirit and rarely stays in the same place for long. In the early stages of his life he is likely to try his hand at several different jobs and he will also change his residence fairly frequently.

The Tiger is very honest and open in his dealings with others. He hates any sort of hypocrisy or falsehood. He is also well known for being blunt and forthright and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He can be rebellious at times, particularly against any form of petty authority, and while this can lead him into conflict with others, he is never one to shrink from an argument or avoid standing up for what he believes is right.

The Tiger is a natural leader and can rise to the top of his chosen profession. He does not, however, care for anything too bureaucratic or detailed, and he does not like to obey orders. He can be stubborn and obstinate and throughout his life he likes to retain a certain amount of independence in his actions and be responsible to no one but himself. He likes to consider that all his achievements are due to his own efforts and he will not ask for support from others if he can avoid it.

Ironically, despite his self-confidence and leadership qualities, he can be indecisive and will often delay making a major decision until the very last moment. He can also be sensitive to criticism.

Although the Tiger is capable of earning large sums of money, he is rather a spendthrift and does not always put his money to its best use. He can also be most generous and will often shower lavish gifts on friends and relations.

The Tiger cares very much for his reputation and the image that he tries to project. He carries himself with an air of dignity and authority and enjoys being the centre of attention. He is very adept at attracting publicity, both for himself and the causes he supports.

The Tiger often marries young and he will find himself best suited to those born under the signs of the Pig, Dog, Horse and Goat. He can also get on well with the Rat, Rabbit and Rooster, but will find the Ox and Snake a bit too quiet and serious for his liking, and he will be highly irritated by the Monkey’s rather mischievous and inquisitive ways. He will also find it difficult to get on with another Tiger or a Dragon – both partners will want to dominate the relationship and could find it difficult to compromise on even the smallest of matters.

The Tigress is lively, witty and a marvellous hostess at parties. She takes great care over her appearance and is usually most attractive. She can be a very doting mother and while she believes in letting her children have their freedom, she makes an excellent teacher and will ensure that her children are well brought up and want for nothing. Like her male counterpart, she has numerous interests and likes to have sufficient independence and freedom to go off and do the things she wants to do. She has a most caring and generous nature.

The Tiger has many commendable qualities. He is honest, courageous and often a source of inspiration to others. Providing he can curb the wilder excesses of his restless nature, he is almost certain to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life.

THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIGER

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Tiger are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore those Tigers born in 1950 and 2010 are Metal Tigers, those born in 1962 are Water Tigers, and so on.

Metal Tiger: 1950, 2010

The Metal Tiger has an assertive and outgoing personality. He is very ambitious and while his aims may change from time to time, he will work relentlessly until he has obtained what he wants. He can, however, be impatient for results and become highly strung if things do not work out as he would like. He is distinctive in his appearance and is admired and respected by many.

Water Tiger: 1962

This Tiger has a wide variety of interests and is always eager to experiment with new ideas or satisfy his adventurous nature by going off to explore distant lands. He is versatile, shrewd and has a kindly nature. He tends to remain calm in a crisis, although he can be annoyingly indecisive at times. He communicates well with others and through his many capabilities and persuasive nature usually achieves what he wants in life. He is also highly imaginative and is often a gifted orator or writer.

Wood Tiger: 1914, 1974

The Wood Tiger has a friendly and pleasant personality. He is less independent than some of the other types of Tiger and more prepared to work with others to secure a desired objective. However, he does have a tendency to jump from one thing to another and can easily become distracted. He is usually very popular, has a large circle of friends and invariably leads a busy and enjoyable social life. He also has a good sense of humour.

Fire Tiger: 1926, 1986

The Fire Tiger sets about everything he does with great verve and enthusiasm. He loves action and is always ready to throw himself wholeheartedly into anything that catches his imagination. He has many leadership qualities and is capable of communicating his ideas and enthusiasm to others. He is very much an optimist and can be most generous. He has a likeable nature and can be a witty and persuasive speaker.

Earth Tiger: 1938, 1998

This Tiger is responsible and level-headed. He studies everything objectively and tries to be scrupulously fair in all his dealings. Unlike other Tigers, he is prepared to specialize in certain areas rather than get distracted by other matters, but he can become so involved in what he is doing that he does not always take into account the opinions of those around him. He has good business sense and is usually very successful in later life. He has a large circle of friends and pays great attention to both his appearance and his reputation.

PROSPECTS FOR THE TIGER IN 2011

With his energy, personality and ideas, the Tiger will have been able to make a lot happen during his own year (14 February 2010–2 February 2011) and will have seen some interesting developments in many areas of his life. The closing months of the year will continue to be busy, with the Tiger generally faring well.

Relations with others are particularly favourably aspected and many Tigers will find themselves in increasing demand as the year draws to a close. There could be domestic arrangements to make, relations to meet up with and parties and other social events to go to. For the unattached, affairs of the heart can add some excitement to this time. December and January can be particularly active and special months.

Many Tigers will have seen significant changes in their work over the year and the closing months will give them the chance to familiarize themselves with their new role. For those seeking work or hoping to move elsewhere, this is a time to keep alert for openings and to act quickly when anything arises that interests them.

With his generally active lifestyle, the Tiger will also need to keep a close watch on his spending at this time. Particularly when socializing or shopping, he could find he has spent far more than anticipated. In order to go ahead with certain plans, some advance budgeting could be helpful. Also, with many Tigers having the chance to travel towards the end of the year, setting funds aside for this will allow them to enjoy their time away all the more.

The Tiger year can certainly be a full and eventful one for the Tiger and by seizing his opportunities, he can gain a lot from it. And on a personal level his own year can give rise to some splendid occasions.

The Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February and will give the Tiger an excellent chance to make headway. It is a year favouring development and progress and the Tiger can enjoy some fine personal achievements.

At work the Tiger will often find himself encouraged to make more of particular strengths and skills. Sometimes he will be given more specialist work or new objectives to concentrate on as well as have the chance of additional training. Although some of what is asked of him can bring increased pressure, by taking advantage of what is offered the Tiger can not only make good headway but also open up other possibilities for the longer term. For many Tigers this is a year when they will reach another stage in their career, with their previous commitment being both recognized and rewarded.

Most Tigers will have chances to progress with their present employer and will benefit from their in-house knowledge and proven skills, but for those who feel opportunities are limited where they are or are seeking work, the Rabbit year again holds interesting prospects. To benefit fully, these Tigers should consider other ways in which they can use their skills. With some innovative thinking (and the Tiger does have many fine ideas) as well as consultation with employment agencies and other contacts, they could identify new areas which particularly appeal to them. Also, when making applications, if they find out about the responsibilities involved and stress what they can bring to the position, they can do much to strengthen their chances. The Rabbit year can bring fresh possibilities for the Tiger and it rests with him to act quickly and effectively. The months from April to early July and September could see some particularly good opportunities, but in general this is very much a year to keep alert and informed, build on skills and take the initiative. For the determined Tiger, the Rabbit year can be important and successful.

Another interesting aspect of the year will be the recreational possibilities that open up for the Tiger. By pursuing activities he enjoys, he can reinforce the constructive nature of the present time. Interests that allow him to get out of doors and take additional exercise could particularly appeal, as could developing new ideas and more creative activities. Whatever the Tiger decides to do, his inventive and adventurous streak can serve him well this year.

His financial position can also see an improvement and many Tigers will benefit from a rise in income or receive funds from another source. However, to make the most of this upturn the Tiger does need to manage his finances well. This includes looking to reduce borrowings as well as budgeting ahead. Care and good control can lead to more satisfactory purchases as well as plans going ahead and certain pressures easing. This is a year when it will reward the Tiger to be disciplined, careful and prudent.

With his active and outgoing nature the Tiger is able to get on well with many people and over the year his social life can bring him considerable pleasure. There will be good opportunities for him to meet others, with some important new friendships being made. Existing romances, especially those started in the Tiger year, can often become more meaningful, while many Tigers who are currently unattached will have excellent opportunities to meet others. This can be a special year for affairs of the heart, with quite a few Tigers settling down with a partner or getting married. The period from May to August and November could see the most social activity, although throughout the year the Tiger will have opportunities to go out and occasions to look forward to.

He will also derive much contentment from his home life during the year. Although he and members of his family will often be busy, if he makes sure quality time is spent together and there is good communication and co-operation, everyone can benefit. Sometimes suggestions the Tiger puts forward could be particularly appreciated, whether for improvements in the home or for activities everyone can enjoy. His contribution to home life can certainly bring pleasure to his loved ones this year. With the Rabbit year’s emphasis on personal development, some Tigers may also decide to start a new interest or self-improvement activity with a loved one, with each helping and motivating the other. This is a year favouring shared pursuits.

Although the aspects are supportive, no year is without its problems or pressures, and when any difficulties do arise, the Tiger should be careful not to act too precipitously. By allowing himself time to collect his thoughts, consider possibilities and talk over situations, he may defuse tensions and find solutions to problems. The Rabbit year favours measured responses, and time and patience will help at some of the more awkward moments of the year.

Generally, the Year of the Rabbit is a positive one for the Tiger and will allow him to move forward. It is a time to act on his ideas and seize his opportunities. He will generally be well supported, with his home and social life being particularly important to him. Overall, a satisfying year and one especially favouring personal growth.

The Metal Tiger

This can be a constructive year for the Metal Tiger, although it will require good planning. With some ideas and hopes in mind, the Metal Tiger will be able to get a lot out of the next 12 months, but if he proceeds in too ad hoc a manner, time and some good opportunities could be lost. As 2011 starts all Metal Tigers should consider setting themselves some objectives for the year and having something definite to work towards.

As personal development is favourably aspected this year, if there is a skill the Metal Tiger would like to learn or improve, or a subject that has been intriguing him, this is an ideal time to follow this up. Self-improvement activities could be especially satisfying, with the Metal Tiger exploring ways he can use his new knowledge. Some Metal Tigers will also decide to give some attention to their well-being and, with proper guidance, will be pleased with the changes they make.

For Metal Tigers who are particularly keen to meet others, it could be well worth considering joining groups, enrolling on courses and going to interest-related events. With his keen and enterprising nature, the Metal Tiger will nearly always have something to look forward to, but May to early September and November are likely to be the busiest months socially. Also, during the year the Metal Tiger could have the chance to help a very good friend, and the support he gives can be significant. Many of those around him value his judgement and over the year he can demonstrate what a true friend he is.

The Rabbit year can also spring its surprises and some of these could be travel related. The Metal Tiger may see a last-minute offer that particularly appeals to him or be tempted to travel to a special event. If so, he should seize his opportunities. In addition, if there is a particular destination he is keen to visit or something he specifically wants to do, by making enquiries and keeping alert he could benefit from some ideal offers.

He will also enjoy his home life over the year, with shared activities bringing him particular pleasure. Again, if he acts on his ideas, he can make this a satisfying and constructive time. There could also be some family highlights during the year, with an achievement or anniversary to mark.

Although the Metal Tiger will enjoy a lot of the year, as with any year there will be pressures and problems to address. Rather than keep these to himself, he should talk them over with his loved ones and, if appropriate, seek professional advice. He should also be wary of acting on any complicated matter too quickly. Facts, implications and sometimes obligations will need to be checked and clarified. When problems arise, the Metal Tiger will need to be thorough and avoid haste.

This also applies to financial matters. The Metal Tiger should study any financially-related forms carefully and question anything which is unclear. This is a year for care and keeping alert. In addition, if he makes advance provision for some of his plans and keeps a watchful eye on spending, he will find he is able to go ahead with much more as well as benefit from some favourable buying opportunities.

For Metal Tigers in work this will be a busy year, with many facing a heavier workload and new pressures. However, while demanding, it will offer the Metal Tiger an excellent chance to add to his experience. Many Metal Tigers could find their in-depth knowledge particularly valued as colleagues seek their advice or they guide and instruct more junior staff. The Rabbit year can be an exacting one but give the Metal Tiger the opportunity to display and develop his strengths.

For Metal Tigers seeking work, the Rabbit year can present a number of choices. Sometimes these could involve adapting and using their skills in new ways or taking on a temporary position with a view to seeing how it develops, but by remaining open to possibility, many could succeed in taking on an interesting new role. April to early July and September could see important work developments.

Metal Tigers who retire this year can also make this a constructive time. By giving careful thought to what they now want to do and getting their plans underway, they can see the year developing in an encouraging manner.

Overall, the Rabbit year holds promising prospects for the Metal Tiger and by acting on his ideas and opportunities, he will often derive much satisfaction from what he is able to do and the benefits that follow on. An interesting and favourable year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Think through what you want to achieve and talk your ideas over with those around you. With some clear ideas and the support of others, you can accomplish a great deal this year and also benefit from opportunities.

The Water Tiger

This will be a positive year for the Water Tiger and while it may lack the activity of some, he will often be pleased with the progress he makes. For many Water Tigers this can be an encouraging and personally satisfying time.

With the year’s emphasis on personal development, if there are any particular skills the Water Tiger feels it could be useful to learn or improve on, he should make enquiries and see what is possible. By looking to develop and doing something definite about it, he will often benefit from the knowledge he acquires. New skills could be one of the most important legacies of the Rabbit year.

As far as personal interests are concerned, the Water Tiger could also find it helpful to see what courses, interest groups and amenities are available in his area. With positive action backed by enthusiasm, he can make this a particularly rewarding time. The Water Tiger also has talents as a communicator, and any Water Tigers who enjoy writing should set time aside to enjoy their skills and creativity. In the Rabbit year the Water Tiger should use his strengths and chances wisely.

With the year favouring personal improvement, if the Water Tiger feels he is lacking sufficient exercise or his diet could be improved, it would be worth him seeking advice on the best way to proceed. Appropriate changes can make a noticeable difference, including improving energy levels.

The Water Tiger will value the help and support he is given over the year and, particularly when considering a new activity or project, he should talk over his ideas with those around him. Similarly, by being forthcoming over any concerns he may have, he will enable others to better understand and advise.

In his home life, with often busy lifestyles and different schedules to work around, the Water Tiger will need to ensure there is good co-operation and everyone does their fair share around the home. Also, despite the activity of the year, setting time aside for shared pursuits will not only help rapport and understanding but also add to the quality of home life.

Another feature of the year will be the support the Water Tiger is able to give to both younger and more senior relations, and although he may not want to appear interfering, his assistance can make a difference. The Water Tiger’s people skills will be much in evidence this year.

He will also find this an active and pleasing year socially. With the year’s emphasis on self-development, it is possible he will meet others who have embarked on a self-improvement activity or who share his interests (and sometimes problems), and this can lead to new friendships being made. For the unattached, affairs of the heart are also well aspected. Late April to August and November could see the most social activity.