Chinese New Year 2010

Year of the Golden Tiger

by Sibyl West

February 14 is the first day of the Chinese New Year. When I flip open my Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes this is what I find:

This is definitely an explosive year. It usually begins with a bang and ends with a whimper. A year earmarked (?) for war, disagreement and disasters of all kinds.

Folks, this was published in 1979 by Theodora Lau. I bought it in Taiwan in the 80’s and have been using it since then. I can vouch for its veracity. Then again it may be said that one doesn’t need to be a fortune teller to see what’s coming at us right now. My point is that it’s right on schedule. More:

But it will also be a big bold year. Nothing will be done on a small, timid scale. Everything, good and bad, can and will be carried to extremes. Fortunes can be made and lost. If you take a chance, gamble for high stakes, but understand that the odds are stacked against you.

People will do drastic and dramatic things on the spur of the moment. It is not surprising that Watergate and the drama of Nixon’s resignation culminated in the hotheaded year of the Tiger. Tempers will flare all around and it will be a trying time for diplomacy. Like the Tiger, we will tend to charge without thinking and end up regretting our rashness.

Friendships, joint ventures and deals requiring mutual trust and cooperation made at this time are brittle and will be easily broken.

Forewarned is forearmed. But remember that danger contains opportunity — IF one has the self control to hold still long enough to perceive it.

However, the forceful and vigorous Tiger year can also be used to inject new life and vitality into lost causes, sinking ventures and drab or failing industries. It will likewise be a time for massive change, for the introduction of new and bold, especially highly controversial, ideas.

Maharushie says “There is no such thing as luck. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” I might add that to turn the outer situation to one’s advantage requires courage – to feel the fear but do it anyway.

The fiery heat of the Tiger’s year will no doubt touch everyone’s life. In spite of its negative aspects, we must realize that it could have a cleansing effect. Just as intense heat is necessary to extract precious metals from their ores, so the Tiger year can bring out the best in us.

Just one brief word of advice for this unpredictable year: “Hang on to your sense of humor and let things sizzle out!”

What about the president?

Obama was elected in the year of the Ox, his own Chinese animal sign. Things went largely his way but we may surmise that for him it’s all downhill from here.

How does our pizza delivery boy prez fare in the Tiger year?

A difficult time. The Ox will meet opposition from many sources but will be able to conquer or persevere through his hardships. He must be patient and not be disappointed if results are not immediately visible. A time for the Ox person to reassess his position. He must not take unnecessary risks or dramatic measures during the reign of the Tiger.

Think he possesses such self control? I’ll let the reader decide for himself.

I trust the foregoing is accurate and pass it to you as a well wishing auntie would a nourishing bite to eat for a loved one. May it aid you on your path through this year of upheaval and adventure.

Gung hei fat choi!

Chinese New Year, New York City

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