Chinese New Year Paradox in the Year of the Tiger

As a person born in the Year of the Tiger, I naturally wanted to know what the Year of the Tiger holds for us, the Tigers. After all it's supposed to be "our" year, right? And by that, it should mean a good year.

Well, not exactly.

Imagine my surprise when I read over the internet about Tigers being "in conflict" in the Year of the Tiger. Here's one:

Since this year is the same as yours. You are in some kind of conflict. Your money and health signs tend to be weaker. There would be pressure from work. The only recommendation for you is to be conservative.

And that's the paradox. How can you be in conflict when it's YOUR year?


Here's another one, although not as bad.

If you were born in the year of the Tiger:
Tiger will love to see the year of the OX end as the usher in their very own year. This will be a good year full of energy and activity for you. Just be cautious to not overspend.

And another, which gets better.

Tigers, and those born under compatible signs, will likely benefit from luck or good fortune during a Tiger year — i.e., in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022.

Now what? Here's one I caught from a local news magazine. It's more detailed and definitely positive.

The Tiger symbolizes power, passion and daring. A Tiger therefore usually displays a rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character. He is a fearless and fiery fighter but on the other hand has a humanitarian and romantic streak in him.

At his best, he is warm, sensitive and sympathetic; at his worst, he is obstinate, unreasonable and selfish.

Rejoice! Good things are coming up for you this year. This is your year so make the most out of it. You can now put past disappointments behind you and focus on the present.

At work, your efforts during the past year will be rewarded through a promotion or a reassignment to a more challenging position. Those who’ve been seeking work will see several opportunities opening up in March, May, July and September.

Prepare for your new job well and if necessary go into specialized training for career advancement. Your progress at work will bring you a steady increase in income in the course of the year.

Some Tigers will even benefit from an unexpected windfall. Pay your past obligations and keep some in savings. Despite your good financial fortune, try to avoid or postpone big, non-urgent expenditures.

But do treat yourself to a holiday. You certainly deserve one.

Tigers will enjoy plenty of social activities that will keep them very busy this year. These will also provide wonderful opportunities to make new friends and meet business partners.

You will be the center of attention this year so spend lots of time with your family and friends. For those intending to move residence, the Year of the Tiger is an opportune time to do so. For the unattached Tiger, a longed-for romance will finally come and sweep you off your feet.

Through it all, I choose to be positive and hopeful this year. Even without a job, I still have much to be thankful for - my health and my family.

Gong Hei Fat Choi!