Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You

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 is 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 2009

The Year of the Rat (7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009) will have been a mixed one for the Tiger. While he will have enjoyed some success, the Rat year could also have brought its frustrations and in the remaining months the Tiger will need to keep his wits about him. This is not a time for hasty action or being too independent.

In his work the Tiger should aim to work as part of a team. Not only can more be achieved that way but the Tiger himself will be able to benefit from the support of others. For those Tigers interested in changing their job or seeking work, October could see some interesting possibilities. However, this is a time for working with others and concentrating on the tasks that need to be done.

The closing months of the year could also be expensive, with the Tiger making quite a few seasonal and other purchases. As far as possible, he should try to make early provision for this extra outlay as well as take his time in making decisions. Too much haste could lead to him spending more than is necessary.

The Tiger’s domestic and social life is also set to become busier as the year draws to a close and could also benefit from some early planning. The more organized he is, the more he will be able to spread out his activities rather than having too much concentrated in a very short space of time. Domestically and socially, September and the closing weeks of the Rat year will be especially favourable times.

The Ox year begins on 26 January and can be a demanding one for Tiger. However, while he will face problems and pressures, there is good reason for him to take heart. The following year is his own year and what he experiences now can prepare the way for the better times ahead.

Also, while the Ox year may not always suit the Tiger’s personality, there are ways in which he can counter some of its more awkward aspects. In particular he does sometimes have a rebellious streak to his nature and, if he is not careful, this could lead to an undermining of his position or leave him lacking the support he needs. In addition, in any tense or awkward situation, he does need to watch his words. However, while the year does call for care, progress is still possible, with the Tiger often having excellent chances to add to his experience. And he will be able to profit from it in his own, more favourable year that follows.

This year, however, the Tiger needs to remain disciplined in his work and concentrate on his own particular duties and objectives. This is not a time for getting distracted or embroiled in less helpful matters. He should also take full advantage of any opportunities to add to his knowledge and skills, whether through training at work or undertaking a course or other studies by himself. By developing his skills he will be investing in himself and his future.

Throughout the Ox year, however, problems could suddenly arise. When they do, the Tiger will need to deal with them as quickly and competently as he can. Although some situations may be challenging, they will also be a good test of his abilities and will give him the chance to prove himself and enhance his reputation. For many Tigers, the Ox year will prove both instructive and instrumental in their later progress.

Overall, although the aspects may be mixed, many Tigers will be able to advance their position over the year, either through taking on greater responsibilities in their existing place of work or moving elsewhere. April, July, August and November could see some interesting developments, but the main value of the Ox year will come from the experience and skills the Tiger can gain.

For Tigers seeking work, whether at the start of the Ox year or during it, this can also be a significant time. Although obtaining a position will not be easy, by widening the scope of what they are prepared to consider many Tigers will be successful in getting a new job and in many cases, what is accomplished in the Ox year will be of considerable value in 2010.

The Tiger will need to be cautious, however, in financial matters. Although many Tigers will enjoy a modest rise in income, they still need to keep watch over their spending and make allowances for their plans and obligations. In addition the Tiger should be wary about acting on impulse, whether in making spontaneous purchases or taking hurried decisions. This is a year for careful control.

As far as the Tiger’s social life is concerned, this can be an interesting year. With the various activities he is involved in and the many people he knows, there will be good chances for him to go out and meet others. As a result many Tigers will find their circle of acquaintances growing over the year and any who move to a new area or are keen to get to know others can find their activities leading to a significant improvement in their social lives. February, April, July and December could be the busiest months socially.

However, while the Tiger will often enjoy his social life, he must not forget the prevailing aspects of the year. He does need to be wary about being drawn into potentially difficult situations and should he find himself in any disagreement, he should watch his words. Any arguments, flare-ups or indeed loss of temper could sour relations with others and cause difficulties. Tigers, do take note.

This also applies to the Tiger’s domestic life. When tired or under pressure, he could find his patience wearing thin. Again he needs to be careful and rather than allow frustrations to build up, he should be open about his concerns. Not only can talking over any worries often help to ease them, but it will also enable others to understand him better. Also, at busy times, others may be able to assist by doing more around the home.

In view of the often busy nature of his home life, the Tiger would also find it helpful to spread out his various activities. If there are any projects he would like to proceed with, possibly concerning his accommodation, he should allow plenty of time for them and tackle one at a time. Again, this is a year for patience and planning.

The Tiger should also make sure quality time is set aside for sharing with loved ones. Sometimes, with the pressures of everyday life, such time is put off, and the Tiger does need to watch this and plan accordingly.

In view of the demanding nature of the year the Tiger would also do well to give some consideration to his own well-being and make sure he has both sufficient exercise and a nutritious diet. He could also benefit from going away for a break or holiday during the year. A change of routine could be especially beneficial.

In general, the Year of the Ox may contain its awkward moments, but with patience and care there is much that the Tiger can do to minimize some of its more troublesome aspects. In particular he does need to watch his sometimes stubborn and rebellious tendencies and be tactful and discreet, especially in any fraught situation. However, while the Ox year will not always suit the Tiger’s style, it will have its benefits. Not only will the Tiger have the chance to add to his skills but what he achieves now can prepare him for the excellent opportunities that await in 2010. And by balancing out his activities, sharing his thoughts and spending time with those around him, he will enjoy a lot of his activities. Overall, though, a year for care, patience and awareness.

The Metal Tiger

The Metal Tiger has a keen and resourceful nature and uses his abilities well. He is not one who gives up easily, and with his personality and determination, he often gets his way. He could, though, find parts of the Ox year frustrating. Sometimes results will be slow in coming, sometimes the attitude of others be annoying and sometimes delays will occur which he can do little about. However, he can still emerge from the year with gains he can build on in the Tiger year that follows.

For now, the key message for the Metal Tiger is to show greater flexibility. This is no year to be intransigent or unyielding in the face of change. Instead, the Metal Tiger should be prepared to adapt.

At work this will be a year of interesting developments. Although many Metal Tigers will be content to remain where they are, they could still be affected by change. In some cases this could involve having to learn new working methods as well as adapt to changes brought in by new personnel or management. Some of what happens could be unsettling for the Metal Tiger, but in 2009 it is very much a case of making the best of his situation. Also, some of the changes that occur will require training and if he is prepared to embrace this and add to his skills, other opportunities could open up later. Developments in the Ox year can often have future benefit, even if this may not always be apparent at the time.

For Metal Tigers who are keen to progress in their career, feel frustrated where they are or are seeking work, the Ox year can be tricky. There could be few opportunities in the type of work they want and the applications they do make may not get taken up. However, the Metal Tiger is tenacious and by having faith in himself and widening the scope of positions he is prepared to consider, in time he will find an opportunity opening up. Also, once in a new position, many Metal Tigers will find it can lead to other possibilities, especially next year. April, July to mid-September and November could see some opportunities, but as far as work matters are concerned, this is a year to be flexible.

This need for care also applies to financial matters. In 2009 the Metal Tiger should keep a close watch on his spending and if considering a new agreement or large purchase, check the terms and implications. To proceed too hurriedly or without making sure everything is in order could cause problems later. The Ox year is a time for increased vigilance and should the Metal Tiger have doubts over any matter, financial or otherwise, it is important that he gets clarification.

A more positive aspect concerns the Metal Tiger’s personal interests and he should make sure he sets time aside for these. Not only can they bring him pleasure and be a good source of relaxation, but they often allow him to meet others too, and in this frequently demanding year he does need to keep his lifestyle in balance. He should also make the most of travel opportunities, as a break can do him a lot of good.

With his outgoing nature, the Metal Tiger will also enjoy many of the social opportunities that come his way. He will be in demand but, as is the way in the Ox year, problems could still loom. In some cases disagreements could occur or the Metal Tiger could find himself in an awkward situation. At such times he does need to watch his words and remain tactful, discreet and aware. Metal Tigers, do take note. For the most part this will be a pleasing year socially, but it is still a time to be alert.

The Metal Tiger’s domestic life will be busy and, with possible changes to his own working routine or that of a loved one, is likely to require good co-operation between family members. In addition, in view of the general activity of the year, the Metal Tiger will need to show some flexibility when making plans. Certain home projects may need to be deferred or take longer than anticipated and the Metal Tiger will need to show patience – not always his strong point! However, there will still be much for the Metal Tiger to appreciate, including shared interests, trips, other forms of entertainment and a possible holiday. The Ox year can certainly have its pleasing moments, even though it is one for care and mindfulness.

Overall, to get the best from the year the Metal Tiger will need to be accommodating in his approach and show greater patience than usual. However, by adapting and doing his best, he can still accomplish and learn a great deal and he will often be able to build on this in the more rewarding Year of the Tiger.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be cautious. This is not a year for risk or haste. Also, although it may not always suit your style, a slightly lower profile may sometimes be wise. In the face of change, do be prepared to adapt. This may not always be a comfortable year, but it can be instructive.

The Water Tiger

There is a Chinese proverb that reminds us constant effortyields certain success and this is very appropriate for the Water Tiger. By nature he is determined and keen to make the most of his abilities and over the years he will have achieved a great deal. In 2009 his efforts may not always produce immediate or obvious results, but they can be significant in the longer term. The legacy of the Ox year can be far-reaching and should not be under-estimated.

In his work this is a year for focusing on the tasks before him. Many Water Tigers will face increased pressures or be set challenging objectives. However, by showing commitment, using their skills well and putting in that all-important effort, they will not only add considerably to their experience but also help their reputation. Over the year the Water Tiger’s talents and conscientious nature will impress many but the real gains will come next year.

For Water Tigers who are anxious to change their job or are seeking work, finding a position will not be easy. There could be a lack of openings and fierce competition. However, with persistence, initiative and time, many Water Tigers will be successful in obtaining a position which they can build on in the future. Again, what is achieved now can leave a significant legacy. April, mid-June to August and mid-November to December could see some interesting developments.

Another important factor in how the Water Tiger fares over the year will be his relations with colleagues. During the year he should make the most of any chances to meet others and become better known. Contacts made now can often be helpful later. However, with the prevailing aspects, he will still need to be on his guard. A faux pas or ill-judged remark could cause problems.

This need for care also applies to financial matters. During the year many Water Tigers could find themselves spending heavily on family activities as well as making home purchases, and though they may enjoy a modest rise in income, this is a time for careful management.

Although the Water Tiger will often have many demands on his time, it is also important that he sets some aside for his own recreational pursuits. Not only can these help him unwind but sometimes they can also give him the chance to get out of doors or take some additional exercise. In this busy year the Water Tiger does need to make sure his lifestyle has balance.

As far as his domestic life is concerned, this will often be conducted at a fast pace, and family members will need to co-operate well with each other. Amid all the activity, home projects that can be tackled together and an occasional treat can do everyone good. During the year there could also be news of someone’s achievements that will particularly delight the Water Tiger and the encouragement he is able to give can be an important factor in what takes place.

The Ox year can also bring some interesting social occasions for the Water Tiger, including the opportunity to add to his circle of acquaintances. February, April, July and December could see the most activity. However, the Water Tiger does still need to be careful, alert and discreet. This is a year when minor differences of opinion could get blown out of proportion or unguarded comments cause problems. Water Tigers, do take note.

Overall, the Ox year will ask a lot of the Water Tiger, but by meeting its challenges he can gain a lot from it. Pressures and problems can reveal new strengths, give him the chance to add to his experience and prepare him for the opportunities that await in the Tiger year. And amid all the activity and demands of the year there will be many times that he will value.

TIP FOR THE YEAR