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 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 2014
The Year of the Snake (10 February 2013–30 January 2014) will have had a moderating effect on the Tiger and not all his plans will have proceeded as quickly or as smoothly as envisaged. However, as the year draws to a close, the Tiger can look forward to an upturn in activity.
At work there could be interesting developments. Some Tigers will have the opportunity to extend their duties, vary their role or take on something new. September and October could be key months. Snake years are ideal for developing skills and any way that the Tiger is able to add to his capabilities could be to his future advantage.
If he is looking to make major purchases or buy something specific, especially around the year’s end, he could benefit from some good fortune, and it would be worth him keeping alert for special offers and when shopping in more unusual outlets.
With his active and outgoing nature, the Tiger will make the most of the family and social occasions the closing months of the year will bring. However, he does need to be aware of the views and sensitivities of other people. Also, he needs to be realistic in his planning. He may like to do a lot, but Snake years are not ones for rush and it is better to appreciate what he can do rather than rue what he cannot. December, however, could be a particularly active month domestically and socially.
Overall, the Snake year will have brought its challenges and some frustrations, but the Tiger will have gained useful experience and will be able to build on this in 2014.
The Year of the Horse begins on 31 January and will be a favourable one for the Tiger. Tigers thrive on activity and, being resourceful and enterprising, are set to make the most of the opportunities this fast-moving year will bring. Those who have been disappointed with recent progress or are unhappy with their present situation will find the Horse year is very much a time for moving forward. With resolve, effort and willingness, many can see their prospects substantially improve.
At work, the Tiger will often have the chance to make more of his expertise and use the skills he has recently built up. As a result, when promotion opportunities become available or staff are required for specific assignments, many Tigers will be excellently placed to benefit. All Tigers can help their situation by being more involved in their place of work, whether working in a team, starting up initiatives or taking chances to network. The effort the Tiger makes now can do much to enhance his reputation and strengthen his prospects.
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