White Crane Healing Arts Blog

The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese 12 year zodiac cycle. In this year of the White (metal) Tiger which began on Feb. 14th. 2010 and will end on Feb. 2nd 2011 there is much to be aware of. Tiger years are generally dramatic, associated with massive changes, social upheaval and the potential to become dangerous or destructive. Politics could be adversarial (what’s new?) and even the weather may bring hurricanes or typhoons of unusual severity. Both world wars began in tiger years and war in general is associated with metal. Metal also corresponds to money and my interpretation of that is to be careful, don’t gamble or speculate this year. If you spent a good part of last year planning a project, laying a foundation or researching and gathering info for a future activity, you should see it all come into play this year.
White is the color for the metal element and corresponds to the lung organ system. The element for this year is metal. Green is the color for the wood element which corresponds to the liver organ system. The fixed element for the tiger is wood. Since energy will be concentrated in the liver and lung organ systems this year, it’s the perfect time to nourish that energy or heal those organs. In general, be careful not to overdo anything and that includes play as well as work. Drinking herbal teas that provide cleansing and soothing qualities will be beneficial. (valerian, anise, fennel, cardamom turmeric, etc.) Sour and pungent foods support liver and lung energy, so add them into your diet, but don’t eat them to excess. Also, be mindful of your emotions since the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of emotions. Don’t allow joyful or negative emotions to become excessive. Qigong practices are extremely beneficial in keeping the emotions balanced and in smoothing the flow of Qi in the liver and lung.
The spontaneous tiger personality could be vigorous and hard working as well sensual, passionate, playful and sentimental. Tigers can also be unorthodox, unconventional, non materialistic and completely engaging. They rarely hold grudges and symbolize eternal family values. Overall, this should be a social year for everyone. Businesses that will bode well include the fashion industry (tigers are bold & beautiful), sports, all the arts and businesses involved in green energy. I predict this year will bring the manifestation of new and innovative energy solutions because the wood element relates to growth and spring, reaching out and pushing forward. Metal also relates to seeking the pure and idealism.
On a personal level, it will be a year of progress for those that are compatible with the tiger or one of challenges or even turbulence for those opposed energetically. Most compatible animal signs with the tiger are the horse and the dog. Least compatible is the monkey. All others fall somewhere in-between, but whether the year brings good fortune, struggle or neutrality, be consistent in including the practices (i.e. meditation, qigong, healthy food etc.) and other elements of life that nourish and nurture you to provide healing and joy. It’s important to note that each of us has a different energy pattern. For example, Tiger people born in different years will have a different year element. The time of birth is also significant along with the birth month and other areas of influence will factor in, such as environment, parenthood and more. Remember, a balanced life, regardless of your position in the zodiac, can mitigate any negative energy that the tiger or any other year may bring.

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