Year of the Water Tiger

Happy Chinese New Year!!! And welcome to the year of the Water Tiger. 

Like with any “new” time, we are often connecting that time of change and transition with hope. Hope for a better year, better health, better outcomes, and better luck. And now, after two years of pandemic living, political and social upheaval, and a great deal of isolation, the need for change - and hope - is even more prevalent.

Tigers are known for their strength and their agility, but they’re also intelligent creatures and they know the value of waiting. In the Chinese zodiac, tigers are represented by the late winter, and though it’s still a time of cold, it’s also a time of change and like the flower that waits patiently until it can bloom, so too does the tiger wait until it can pounce. These two years have given us so many things to think about - how we live our lives, what is no longer serving us. In Feng Shui, we focus on removing the obstacles that serve as barriers in our homes - both physical and energetic - so that we can bring flow and abundance into our lives. It is a practice that requires both patience and action, much like the Tiger. Take a page from the Tiger’s book and use your time of waiting to reflect and analyze where you are, and exactly where, when, and how you want to spring forward into the next chapter of your life. 

This year, be the tiger of your own life, take time when you need to, but then SHOW UP in your full power.

Thankfully for all of us, the energy of the Water Tiger, is one of more productivity, positivity, growth, and warmth. And let’s be real – we all want some of that!!

Tiger people are known for their affection, loyalty, sincerity, and their love of a good time. They are also dedicated and give of themselves fully – their western astrological counterpart, the Aquarian, is known as a thinker and mover of ‘men and minds’ and combined with that strong, fearless tiger energy, creates a powerful, analytical, careful thinker who is also full of vibrancy and life.

Tigers are also born leaders and ambitious. They are brave, romantic, loving, and seductive, and they give of themselves wholly (who is wishing they were with a Tiger right now?!). They are also authentic, frank, generous and sweet. 

Although they’re not called the king of the jungle, that’s really what they are (cause for one, they actually live in jungles 😂). Their power, their stamina, and even their range – Tigers live in both warm and cold climates – give them an advantage over even other powerful felines. This range translates as the ability to come up with new ideas, solutions, and great self-control.

Water Tigers in particular are a bit more calm, adaptive and look to do the right thing for everyone, not just themselves. Their caring and intuitive ways make them more sensitive. It can also mean they’re more shy and reclusive. 

But Tigers also like to do things their way – they don’t like to be told how to live or what to do, and they want to set the pace for their own life. They can lash out if too much pressure is put on them (though their loving ways bring them to ask for forgiveness quickly). And when they’re doing something, they don’t do it in half measures. They go for it in full and they don’t back down. But to get there, sometimes, the Tiger procrastinates, waffles and is plain indecisive. They can drag their heels with the best of them. But when they do decide, they act fast.

But what does all this have to do with the rest of us (I’m year of the Monkey, not Tiger!)? And how can it help us to understand what we are meant to make of this year? Simply put – this is a year to take action, get off your a$$ and do that thing you’ve been wanting to do. 

It’s ok to take time, to hibernate, to even procrastinate and be indecisive, IF it helps you to finally see exactly what you want and where you want to go. Thoughtless action usually doesn’t get us where we want to go, so it’s important to take the time, to take stock of what is around you, and how you can get yourself to point B. But once you do see, don’t let things hold you back. The Tiger is here to usher in change, and to help us really dive in, commit ourselves, and go for gold. Let’s be like the tiger and go all in, be brave, shine our light and show up!

And just for fun, here are few more things the year of the Tiger brings:

It’s a great year to take dedicated action to meet targets and accomplish goals, a year that is supportive of economic growth (especially in the entertainment/restaurant businesses – yay to eating out again!). And I bet you’ll all be pretty darn happy to hear it’s also a year that will trigger movement – i.e. TRAVEL!! The Tiger is a powerful “traveling star” which means lots of travel and moving. Hooray! Side note, moving also includes your body – so get out, and get moving! It’s also a year that affects the liver and the kidneys – so when it comes to our health, it means that we need to take care. When it comes to careers and industries, the Water Tiger is about creativity. It’s a year that will support culture, art, and science, as well as stimulating entertainment. And what’s more, it’s a year about growth – so think financial growth, investment growth, communication growth and tech growth!

 So get ready and get excited. Happy Year of the Tiger!!

XOXO