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