“It is better to have lived one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep.” — Tibetan proverb
A revolution is upon us as the Metal Tiger Year roars into our lives in February 2010 (technically, the new year arrived on February 4 with the celebration occurring on the New Moon on the 14th). A ferocious, courageous creature, Tiger’s vigor is symbolic of his power and authority. He is also considered a traveling star in Chinese astrology, roaming through the forest looking for prey. Handsome and flashy, the Tiger brings drama to a world weary of the work ethic of the previous Year of the Earth Ox. In a Tiger Year, anything can happen (and probably will!) so fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a wild ride through turbulent weather.
In 2010, Yang Metal sits on top of Wood — Tiger’s main element in Chinese astrology. Metal controls (some say destroys) Wood. Not a peaceful combination — Metal and Wood are waging an internal battle. The Metal element contains the normally instinctive, passionate Tiger. Constricted by this armor around his powerful body, Tiger is prone to becoming nervous and jumpy.
Be aware of your own tendencies in this regard and find ways to channel your physical energy so you don’t sabotage your health. Qigong, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Yoga are essential tools now and massage and other forms of bodywork can help relieve muscular tension and internal stress in this Metal Tiger year.
Metal represents the Lung energy in Chinese medicine and by extension the air we breathe. Actually, Tiger also contains Fire and Earth. This year, its natural Wood energy is not strong because of the threat from Metal and the possibility of exhaustion from Earth and Fire. The conflict involving Wood, Fire and Metal brings more attention to air quality and conditions like asthma and lung cancer, Forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and inflammation of the skin, lungs, and intestines might personally affect you depending on your own elemental nature. Co-Q10, anti-oxidants, and fish oils can be helpful. Do regular colon cleansing, Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage), and breathing exercises by healthy trees or clean water.
Since Tiger holds the seed of Fire, you will be tired of considering only what’s practical. Staying home is not an option. Traveling will become more appealing, and you will want to spend money and speculate. Be careful with your resources.
The stock market will go up and down regularly with big sell-offs when the market goes up, bringing the market down again. Earth, Fire, Metal, and Water industries will improve, particularly Fire and Earth — finance, entertainment, energy, mining, and travel. Since Metal attacks Wood, we can see the effect on trees and the environment in addition to industries that relate to them. Forestry, furniture, fashion, paper, media, and traditional publishing among others are under attack.
Yang Metal represents the sword of justice so be prepared for dramatic changes and surprising events on the international stage. Leadership, loyalty to friends, and a sense of fairness spur Yang Metal people to support their friends when they are down. Hopefully, leaders will be more willing to be heroes and act charitably and out of a sense of cooperation to solve the problems we are facing as a planet.
At the same time, there is a danger of global conflict with countries taking sides and making military alliances. 1950 was the last time the Metal Tiger was on the prowl. Russia and the U.S. competed to make atomic bombs and the Korean War broke out. The tendency towards loyalty and sense of justice led big powers to come to the aid of friends and blew up small conflicts into big problems. These bitter lessons from the past are associated with the destructive side of Yang Metal.
People will feel like they’ve had enough of discipline and hard work. This will spur people to take action, sometimes impulsively but always from a place of courage. Find what’s in your heart and don’t be afraid to act on it using your instincts for the perfect timing. Embrace your fear and go ahead, ready to reap the consequences whether good or bad.
If fear gets the upper hand, stay cautious and wait for the right moment to pounce. Remember that if the Tiger’s body, mind and spirit are well-fed, he wants only to play and nap. After all, he’s just a big playful cat.
“Treading upon the tail of the tiger.
It does not bite the man. Success.”
Line 4 – Hexagram #10 of the I Ching
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