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 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 2012
The Year of the Rabbit (3 February 2011–22 January 2012) is an encouraging one for the Tiger and in what remains of it he can fare well.
One of the most favourably aspected areas is his own personal development, and in the remaining months of the Rabbit year he should continue to build on his knowledge and skills, including taking up any training that may be available in his work and undertaking any study and practice he can do by himself. This can not only help his present situation but also be personally satisfying.
For Tigers who are seeking work or looking to change what they do, the closing months of the Rabbit year can see some interesting possibilities, and it would be worth these Tigers keeping alert for opportunities. Many will now find their persistence paying off.
The Tiger will also benefit from the support and goodwill of those around him. He can look forward to an increasing number of social occasions, and affairs of the heart can make this a special time. August and November could be particularly busy months.
Domestically, there will be a lot the Tiger wants to do, but ideas do need to be talked through and planned carefully. The earlier some arrangements are made, the better, otherwise the Tiger may find it is not always possible to fit in all he wants. This particularly applies to meeting up with relations and friends and to travel. The last few Rabbit months will require good organizing.
Overall, the Rabbit year can be a satisfying one for the Tiger, particularly in terms of personal growth.
The Year of the Dragon starts on 23 January and can be a potentially rewarding one for the Tiger. However, it can bring volatile situations and the Tiger will need to watch his impulsive nature. Acting too hastily or without sufficient care can bring problems. This is a generally good year, but the Tiger does need to be vigilant.
At work, the aspects are promising. The Tiger is blessed with a fertile imagination and is capable of coming up with many fine ideas. Over the year his creativity and enterprise can bring some excellent results and lead to him making good headway. If he sees ways of improving efficiency or output, or a solution to a problem, he should put his ideas forward. With his general resourcefulness and ability to think out of the box, he can do his reputation and prospects a lot of good. In 2012 it is worth Tigers making that extra effort.
While the aspects are generally promising, a cautionary note does, however, need sounding. If, after a success, the Tiger becomes overconfident or rash, or rushes something through, he risks undermining some of the good he has done. The Dragon year can place traps for the unwary and the Tiger does need to remain on his mettle.
Often as a result of his current activities, he may well have the chance to put in for greater responsibilities. However, if he considers prospects are limited where he is, he should explore new possibilities. Dragon years favour initiative and the Tiger will often be well placed to benefit from any openings that arise. April, May, September and November could see some important work opportunities.
The aspects are also encouraging for Tigers seeking work. Although the job-seeking process can be difficult, the Tiger should have self-belief and make the most of his strengths and style. If he takes particular care with his applications, his qualities will be noticed and ultimately often rewarded.
Progress at work can help financially and the Tiger may also be able to supplement his earnings by putting an idea, hobby or interest to profitable use. However, while the aspects are promising, he will need to remain disciplined. In any enterprise or major transaction, he should check the facts and, if necessary, obtain appropriate advice. In addition he would do well to watch his spending. With his many plans and an often busy lifestyle, he does need to keep track of outgoings and budget accordingly.
This can be an inspiring
