Your Chinese Horoscope 2013: What the year of the snake holds in store for you

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 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 Tigers born in 1950 and 2010 are Metal Tigers, Tigers 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 2013

The Tiger can get a lot from the Dragon year (23 January 2012–9 February 2013), but as it draws to a close he will need to be careful. Situations can be volatile, and rushing, taking risks or being overconfident can lead to problems. The Tiger will need to be on his mettle.

One of the Tiger’s particular strengths is his innovative nature. He is capable of coming up with many fine ideas and in the closing months of the Dragon year his talents will be much appreciated. In his place of work, he may be able to suggest solutions to particular problems or take a lead in certain initiatives. It is worth him making the extra effort at this time, and if looking to progress or seeking a position, he could find September and November offering interesting possibilities.

The Tiger will also be in increasing demand as the Dragon year draws to a close and may have chances to meet family and friends he has not seen for some considerable time. Such occasions can not only mean a great deal, but some who have known the Tiger for a great many years may take the opportunity to pass on news or special advice which the Tiger would do well to heed.

With a lot to fit in at this time, it would be helpful for the Tiger to remain well organized and make arrangements in advance. This way he will have the chance to enjoy himself rather than proceed at a heady pace. He would also do well to watch his spending. Without care, his outgoings could be greater than anticipated.

Overall, the Dragon year will give the Tiger a chance to use his ideas and wide-ranging talents. However, in the remaining months he does need to be alert to all that is going on around him and, amid all the activity and demands, keep his lifestyle in balance.

The Tiger sets about his activities with considerable energy, and while he can look forward to many encouraging developments in the Snake year, which starts on 10 February, he may find it best to moderate his approach. The Snake year is one which favours a steadier pace.

However, while the Snake year can have a slightly restraining influence on the Tiger, it can still have its benefits. In particular it will give the Tiger the opportunity to plan ahead as well as appreciate certain activities more. This may not be the most progressive of years for him, but it can be highly satisfying.

In his work, the Tiger should view the Snake year as a time for consolidation, building up skills and being content with more modest headway. Tigers who are relatively new in their position should aim to become more established and learn about the different aspects of their work. By immersing themselves in what they do, they will not only find their work more fulfilling but also be building skills they will often be able to take further later on. Snake years encourage learning and personal development, and the effort the Tiger puts into developing his skills will be an investment in himself and his future.

Many Tigers will remain in their present position during the year and will have the chance to take on greater responsibility as the year progresses. However, for those who desire change or are looking for a position, the Snake year can bring important developments. By widening the scope of positions they are prepared to consider, many Tigers could take on a different form of work. Although this could involve considerable readjustment, it may give them a chance to add to their working knowledge and be something they can build on in the future. Some Tigers who are currently unemployed may also be able to take advantage of employment initiatives or retraining schemes, and it would be worth these Tigers keeping informed about what is available. April, May, September and October could see particularly important developments, but throughout the year the Tiger needs to keep alert and act when he sees openings that appeal to him.

In money matters, he will need to remain disciplined, keep careful control over his budget and make advance provision for more major expenses. With good management, he will be able to proceed with a lot of what he wants to do, and could also benefit from a gift or favourable terms on a major purchase, but the Snake year is very much one for planning ahead.

Many Tigers will take the opportunity to travel this year and, again, would do well to save up for this in advance and plan their time away. With their adventurous nature, Tigers often enjoy travelling, and for quite a few, this could be one of the highlights of their year.

With the Snake year favouring learning and personal development, the Tiger can also derive considerable pleasure from his interests over the year and may be attracted to a new recreational activity. The important factor this year is to allow time for himself and to enjoy relaxing rather than feel continually driven. The Tiger should step off the treadmill of activity every so often, especially if he leads a hectic lifestyle.

With his active and outgoing nature, the Tiger knows a great many people and will enjoy a lot of his socializing this year. However, while a lot will go well, the year can bring its problems. A disagreement or clash of personality may occur or a jealousy or rivalry surface. A new romance may founder. Should any Tiger place himself in an awkward or embarrassing position, problems could ensue. While usually so expert in his relations with others, the Tiger will find the Snake year does require care, tact and discretion. Tigers, take note. This can be a pleasing year, but it is not one for lapses or risks. March, July, August and December could see the most social opportunities.

As always, the Tiger will play a very full part in his home life and will be pleased with how many domestic activities proceed. However, this is no year for rush and although the Tiger may be keen for certain ideas to go ahead, he will need to allow time for these to take shape. To hurry could lead to less satisfactory outcomes and some pressured situations. Again, this is a year for planning and proceeding at a more measured pace.

During the year the Tiger will also give important support to his loved ones, and when others may be facing decisions or have personal pressures, his advice and encouraging manner will be greatly appreciated. Also, with travel favourably aspected, time away with loved ones can do everyone a lot of good.

Overall, the Year of the Snake may lack the activity and buzz the Tiger favours, but it can still be personally satisfying. It will give the Tiger an excellent opportunity to add to his skills and often find greater fulfilment in what he does. Many of his personal activities can also develop well, but he does need to allow himself time to pursue these. In his relations with others, he will need to be aware and attentive, but with care, he will be generally pleased with how the year develops and how its more moderate pace allows him to appreciate that much more.

The Metal Tiger

The Metal Tiger keeps himself active and has widespread interests. He is never one to be idle and in the Snake year he will take satisfaction from the possibilities that open up for him. However, during the year he will need to show patience and accept that not all his activities and hopes can be hurried along or achieved as quickly as he might like.

At work, most Metal Tigers will be content to remain in their present position this year and put their skills and experience to good use. As new situations arise and pressures need to be dealt with, the Metal Tiger’s judgement will be particularly valued, with colleagues often seeking his advice. Over the year many Metal Tigers will be an integral part of a team and enjoy the respect of many.

Some, however, could be offered the chance of early retirement or consider changing their role. These Metal Tigers do need to consider the implications of such a choice and seek the advice of loved ones and those able to offer expert advice. Important decisions should not be rushed and the Metal Tiger should be guided by what feels right for him.

Metal Tigers who do decide to seek a position elsewhere or are looking for work should also make the most of the assistance available to them. By being active, following up enquiries and showing resourcefulness, they can find new possibilities opening up. Admittedly, these could represent considerable change and involve readjustment, but at the same time they will offer an interesting personal challenge. Late March to early June, September and October could see important developments.

Financial prospects are encouraging and many Metal Tigers will receive a bonus, gift or funds from a maturing policy over the year. However, ‘more thought, less speed’ is very much the guiding principle of this year and to make the most of his position, the Metal Tiger will need to manage his finances carefully and rather than spend too readily, think over his plans and more major purchases.

With travel favourably indicated, he should, however, make provision for a holiday. Not only will he enjoy seeing places that are new to him, but time away can do him a lot of good. Also, if he receives invitations to stay with friends or relations, he should follow them up. Some of the shorter breaks of the year can give rise to a great deal of pleasure and a surprising amount can be fitted into just a few days.

With Snake years encouraging learning and personal development, the Metal Tiger should also consider taking certain personal interests further or starting something new. With his enquiring mind, he will often derive much satisfaction from what he sets out to do. Allied to this, if he considers he does not get sufficient exercise, he should take advice on the most appropriate activities he could start. By taking action, he not only stands to benefit physically but could also develop a new interest.

In his relations with others, the Metal Tiger is a direct and no-nonsense sort. He speaks honestly and, while many respect him for this, his candour can sometimes lead to problems. In the Snake year he does need to be mindful of this and choose his words carefully in any potentially difficult situation. Words spoken in haste could be regretted later.

However, while there is a need for increased mindfulness, the Metal Tiger will enjoy much of his socializing over the year. His interests can also have a pleasing social element, and for the unattached, a new friendship can add extra meaning to the year. March, July, August and December will be the busiest months socially.

In his domestic life, the Metal Tiger will take a great deal of pleasure in some home projects he decides to tackle, possibly adding new comforts, tidying certain areas or redesigning certain rooms. The Snake year will see much practical activity in many a Metal Tiger household. However, plans should not be rushed and only carried out when time allows.

The Metal Tiger will give valuable support to loved ones over the year and his assistance will be valued. However, while a lot in his home life will go well, there is a risk that certain issues will cause tension. Here good discussion and willingness to reach understanding will be of considerable help and handled well, these issues will not overshadow what can otherwise be a positive and rewarding home life.