Year of the Metal Tiger 2010

The year of the tiger has two starting dates:

1) According to the lunar calendar, it has starts in Europe on the day of the new moon on February 14^th 2010 at 3.51 MET.

2) According to the solar calendar – the calculation which is also used for the personal Trigram – it starts on February 4^th. This is the day between the winter solstice and spring equinox.

About the Tiger

The Tiger represents the third year in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. It represents spring and the actual moment when the first plant shoot has penetrated the surface of the earth. Like the lion in Western culture, in East the Tiger is the proverbial King of animals and protector from negative forces. His skin stripes symbolize the balanced forces of Yin and Yang.

In many spiritual traditions, the tiger is a powerful shamanic totem animal. The Tiger skin is therefore also used by the yogis of the Himalayas as meditation seat or coat. The Chinese prosperity god Hsai Chen is riding on auspicious Tiger. And according to Korean tradition a Tiger skin was covering the rooftop of the princess' sedan in order to protect her from inauspicious influences.

Charismatic and vivid tigers are very powerful animals. They have great courage and are willing to engage in fights and battles. Sometimes they jump to conclusions a bit too quickly. They are competitive and can achieve high positions. They are free thinkers and frequently prefer to work alone. Money is not their main goal in life, but it is family connections and honest relationships that are more important to them. Tigers like to play the role of protectors and are ready to strike out at any perceived threat to a family member. Due to their charismatic authority they demand respect in business and personal relationships.

The Metal Tiger

The metal element endows this type of Tigers with a special sharpness in steadiness to pursue their goals. They have a long breath and like all cats 'nine lives' in order to pave their way.

The Tiger Year – general qualities

As the Tiger is a very daring and courageous animal, there may be more massive changes, world conflicts or social upheaval during 2010. This year also supports far-reaching new inventions, especially in the technological field. This change is made possible as the past year of the Ox with its stabilising energies has prepared the ground for these forces. Now people are ready to take new and more courageous steps. This does not only apply to the greater scale of countries and groups, but individuals are also faced with unique opportunities during this time.

The elemental energies of the Tiger and the year element

The tiger is Yin-wood element with an inherent fire element, topped by the Yin-metal element of the year. This elemental conflict triggers more turbulences and changes and can be viewed on two levels. Metal "destroys" wood causing conflicts, on the other hand there may also be more subtle transformations and structural changes as the Yin-metal year element "carves the wood" into shape.  There may also be more political leadership problems and we have to hope that the world leaders have learnt from history and past conflicts. Then there may be a chance that old mistakes are not repeated but a new level of consciousness can be reached.

Wood also represents the "green and eco movement" and which may also be slow controlled and slowed down by the metal element of the year and the inherent fire element. However, this is also a chance that this movement may be re-established in new areas.

It is also interesting to look at the last Metal Tiger year within the 60-year cycle in 1950. This was a year marked by the development of atomic and hydrogen bombs (new technological innovations) and the Korean war (political conflicts).

The sign of the Tiger will also enhance general travelling and is an auspicious year for the signs found in the "harmony triangle" of the Tiger – the Horse and the Dog – as well as for the pig which also has a harmonious connection with the Tiger.

General health in 2010

The two elements of the Tiger – wood element (liver) as well as inherent fire (heart) are both attacked by the metal element (lung, skin). As the metal has a yin quality, it also exhausts itself during this process.
Therefore care should be taken of the heart (e.g. by taking hawthorn berries, Q10, cayenne pepper or cherries) as well as of the digestive system as the weakened lung-intestinal connection (metal element) may also cause additional skin problems. A pure and light diet with many antioxidants (e.g. mushroom, asparagus, beetroots, cabbage, strawberries and avocado) is important to prevent diarrhea or indigestion. Diseases of the respiratory organs as well as flu may also continue.

General Feng Shui advice to start the New Year

Go for a New Year cleaning and cleansing of the whole house or flat. Check for areas that may need a more intense land clearing. Move furniture that has not been moved around last year and clean the areas below and behind. Clear unnecessary clutter, paper and magazines as well as clothing that you have not used during the last season.

The Flying Stars

In 2010 the Flying Star 8, symbolizing earth element, is in the centre. 8 is the number of prosperity, harmony and young children and is reflecting and supporting the number of the current 20-year period. Therefore more attention should be paid to the health and well-being of young children. The earth element in the centre may be an indication for further earthquakes.

Below are some general guidelines how to remedy annual stars. Feng Shui consultants should always consider the 20-year period of your home for further fine-tuning.

South

This is where the number 3 is located, the star of conflicts and arguments. The fire element of the South is already reducing the wood energy of 3, but it is good to use an additional red-colored remedy to reduce 3 further if this is an important room of the house or flat.

Southwest

The 5-earth element representing obstacles and catastrophy is located in the Southwest which is also attributed to the earth element thus further strengthening the 5. This may cause problems with the mother or relationship problems. It is good to hang a metal remedy such as a wind chime to reduce the negative energy of the 5.

West

The 1-water element in the West is strong as the metal of the direction is supporting 1. Some prosperity is generated although this star is not the prosperity star of the current period.

Northwest

The fire element of 9 has a reinforcing aspect, however the fire-metal conflict is also creating some turbulence in this area of the house. Put an earth element remedy to harmonise this conflict, which may also positively affect the mentor relationships.

North

Do not sit with your back against North in your important sitting areas as you will not be able to face the "Three Shars" or "conflict stars". The 4-wood element is enhanced by the water element of the North, thus supporting studies, examinations and relationship romance.

Northeast

The 2-earth representing sickness is strengthened by the earth element of the direction. It is important to use a metal element to protect from the negative forces of the 2.

Grand Duke Jupiter is also found in this direction in 2010. Do not face Northeast directly, so make sure your desk or other important sitting positions are not facing this direction during the year of the Tiger. Be more careful about digging and construction work in the Northeast this year or avoid this type of activities completely.

East

There is a conflict between 6 metal element of the star and the wood element of the East creating turbulent energies. Use an earth element remedy to strengthen positive star 6.

Southeast

The 7 metal element star is located here representing higher incidence of fire hazard and thefts. It is exhausted a bit by the wood element of the direction. If this is an important room of the house, the wood element of the direction should be further reinforced by a wood remedy.

Centre

Earth element 8-star is the number of prosperity, harmony and young children and is reflecting and supporting the energy of the current 20-year period. Make sure to powerfully activate your heartpoint in order to benefit from the positive qualities of the current period. This year in particular a heartpoint rock such as a garnet ball is an excellent symbol.