The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (40th Anniversary Edition)

by Theodora Lau

  Autumn

  The autumn Ox values security more than the Oxen of the other seasons. Autumn Oxen must attend to responsibilities entrusted to them by family and friends, and they are usually serious and protective in their outlook. In the fall, the Ox is weighed down by demands on their time and strength. Autumn Ox know they must strive harder and longer than others, but they also have great stamina and purpose in life. People will naturally be drawn to them. Their unselfish service and dedication make their mark in hearts and minds for a lifetime.

  Winter

  Winter Oxen know how to count their blessings and weigh the pros and cons of each situation before making a move. This is the most meditative of all the Oxen: cool, deliberate, and unhurried. They will bide their time and can outlast their foes by their sheer ability to withstand adversity. In the tranquility of winter, Oxen draw on their strength to prepare for the work ahead. They will be introverts who can make up their own mind with little or no outside help. An excellent organizer and analytical person, the winter Ox will have a protected existence, especially if born in the evening, when Oxen are sheltered for the night.

  Famous People Born in the Year of the Ox

  Metal

  Joan Chen

  George Clooney

  Princess Diana

  Walt Disney

  George Lopez

  Eddie Murphy

  Barack Obama

  Paloma Picasso

  Water

  Gerald Ford

  Kate Moss

  Vincent van Gogh

  Wood

  Lily Allen

  Johann Sebastian Bach

  Lana Del Rey

  Sammy Davis Jr.

  Dave Franco

  Carly Rae Jepsen

  Anna Kendrick

  Keira Knightley

  Leona Lewis

  Bruno Mars

  Michael Phelps

  Cristiano Ronaldo

  Wayne Rooney

  Peter Sellers

  Margaret Thatcher

  Chrissy Teigen

  Gore Vidal

  Fire

  Bill Cosby

  Jane Fonda

  Dustin Hoffman

  Jack Nicholson

  Vanessa Redgrave

  Earth

  Napoléon Bonaparte

  Charlie Chaplin

  Gloria Gaynor

  Adolf Hitler

  Meryl Streep

  3

  The Third Sign of the Lunar Cycle

  The Tiger

  I am the delightful Paradox.

  All the world is my stage.

  I set new trails ablaze,

  I seek the unattainable,

  and try the untried.

  I dance to life’s music

  in gay abandon.

  Come with me on my carousel rides.

  See the myriad of colors,

  the flickering lights.

  All hail me the unparalleled performer.

  I AM THE TIGER.

  Lunar Years of the Tiger in the Western Calendar Elements

  February 13, 1926, to February 1, 1927 Fire

  January 31, 1938, to February 18, 1939 Earth

  February 17, 1950, to February 5, 1951 Metal

  February 5, 1962, to January 24, 1963 Water

  January 23, 1974, to February 10, 1975 Wood

  February 9, 1986, to January 28, 1987 Fire

  January 28, 1998, to February 15, 1999 Earth

  February 14, 2010, to February 2, 2011 Metal

  February 1, 2022, to January 21, 2023 Water

  February 19, 2034, to February 7, 2035 Wood

  If you were born on the day before the start of the lunar year of the Tiger, e.g., January 27, 1998, your animal sign is the one before the Tiger: the Ox, the second lunar sign.

  If you were born on the day after the last day of the lunar year of the Tiger, e.g., February 16, 1999, your animal sign is the one after the Tiger: the Rabbit, the fourth lunar sign.

  The sign of the Tiger rules the two-hour segment of the day from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. People born during this time are said to have the Tiger sign as their ascendant; they will display many of the characteristics common to this sign and will have great affinity for persons born under the sign of the Tiger.

  The direction appointed to the Tiger is east-northeast. Its season is winter and its principal month is February. The Tiger corresponds to the Western astrological sign of Aquarius, which rules the sky from January 21 to February 19. Wood is its fixed element. The Tiger has a positive or yang stem.

  The Tiger Personality

  In the Far East, the Tiger symbolizes power, passion, and daring. A rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character, the Tiger commands awe and respect from all quarters. This fearless and fiery fighter is revered as the sign that wards off the three main dangers to a household: fire, thieves, and ghosts.

  It’s fortunate to have the Tiger around, provided you are prepared for all the activity that comes along with this dynamic personality. The Tiger person’s impulsiveness and vivacity are contagious. Their vigor and love of life are stimulating. They will arouse every sort of emotion in people except indifference. In short, the captivating Tiger loves being the center of attention.

  Restless and reckless by nature, the Tiger is always ready for action. However, because of their suspicious and impatient nature, they are prone to either vacillation or hasty decisions. Late-night phone calls? A last-minute adventure plan hatched in a flurry of texts? All are standard fare for the always-interesting, always-plugged-in Tiger. Unfortunately, Tigers also can’t help speaking their mind when they are upset. When given a forum, Tigers cannot help making their voice heard and stirring up trouble. When composing messages, the Tiger does not know the meaning of the word “draft,” even though the act of pausing before sending would be a prudent one for the Tiger. No, messages are sent and comments are posted as quickly as the feelings can be described.

  Even though Tigers are quick-tempered, they are equally sincere, affectionate, and generous, and words demonstrating these traits flow from them just as easily, much to everyone’s delight. Tigers often voice the thoughts we wish we could say out loud. What’s more, the Tiger has a marvelous sense of humor. One is always secretly thankful the Tiger is in the mix, to keep the discussion lively and ensure that a variety of opinions are voiced.

  Every Tiger has humanitarian instincts and feels empowered by the ability to help others. Tigers love babies, endangered species, rescued animals, exotic plants, and anything that catches their imagination or attention. They will have many pets to share their home, and when they get involved in something, their involvement is total. Everything else will have to take second place to the object of a Tiger’s adulation. Tigers are never halfhearted about their endeavors. They’ll always give 100 percent of themselves—or even more if they can.

  The more sensual types of Tigers usually are lovers of experimentation, and they spend a good deal of their youth looking for answers and trying to fulfill fantasies. Some never grow out of that stage, especially if they find a kindred spirit or set of enablers who make it difficult to return to daily life. Aspiring and adventurous personalities seeking fame and romance in big cities, budding painters sharing their work for all to see, singers performing anywhere they can find an audience, and ambitious actors or writers living on shoestring budgets are more likely to be Tiger children than flower children. This may be because Tigers are just not materialistic or security conscious, even though they’re the supreme optimists. They trust their own luck and charisma to see them through and to finally bring them success.

  Tigers must have one phase in life in which they act out their impulses, playing all the fantastic roles others only dream of. Parents will prefer for this time to be earlier in life than later. This is the Tiger’s time to rebel and meet the challenges they’ve devised for themselves: safaris in uncharted wildernesses, overthrowing the establishment, or joining the circus. They will lash out at society and scoff at bi
nding traditions. Tigers must express themselves, find their identity, and shape their personality, and if rebellion or open defiance of accepted modes of behavior offers the opportunity to do so, then that’s the road they will take. Would you love Tigers any less for these imperfections, if that’s what they are? No; nine times out of ten, we find ourselves rooting for them. We may shake our heads at their audacity and gasp at their insane acts of daring, but just the same we never forget to say a silent prayer for them. When we see them succeed, we feel we have experienced a rewarding personal triumph, too.

  When the Tiger is dejected, they will need cartloads of sincere, undiluted sympathy. Don’t rationalize about who is right and who is wrong. Logic does not appeal much to Tigers. That’s beside the point. And don’t be stingy about comforting them. They would do twice as much for you if the situation were reversed. They will love hearing your words of wisdom and will hang on to every kind word of advice—but that doesn’t mean they’ll take it. That’s their nature, so don’t feel hurt. There is a difference between listening to advice and heeding it, you know. It never pays to be arbitrary with this person.

  Instead, just hold their hand, pat them gently on the back, and wait until they talk themselves out, bounce their feelings off of you, and collect the pieces of their shattered ego. Then a stream of loving and romantic messages will make their way to you. The Tiger will kiss you, hug you, and let you leave feeling like you just put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

  And after the Tiger packs you off, well, in all probability they will go out and do exactly what they were planning to do in the first place.

  No matter how down and out the Tiger is, no matter what depths of despair and depression they plunge into, don’t believe for one moment they will ever give up! There will always be a tiny spark left somewhere in that unquenchable spirit of theirs to rekindle the fire and start them living and loving all over again.

  A bit too intense to rely on in times of stress, and not the most objective of leaders, Tigers are still renowned for their ability to sway a crowd. At their best, Tigers are warm, sensitive, and sympathetic. At their worst, they are obstinate, unreasonable, and selfish without even realizing it.

  Tigers are the most charming and radiant of hosts. They can combine home and social life with rare aplomb. Solicitous, vibrant, and absolutely disarming, they seem like sweet little kittens, only because this act gets them good reviews. But don’t be misled; they keep their claws well sharpened in case they need them.

  Tigers will open their home to friends from far and wide. No matter how small or expansive the accommodations, there is always room for one more. When you walk through the door of a Tiger’s home, what you find can be quite varied. The Tiger is very aware of what is popular, but each cat has their own temperament for how to decorate. What unifies them all is the complete confidence in going their own way. A Tiger rather enjoys being a bit of an eccentric, unafraid to display their unusual collections of favorite items or unconventional fashion sense for all to see. But however much the Tiger may like material goods, they are all completely comfortable paring down to the most minimal of possessions so they have the freedom to go wherever they please, with little to weigh them down for the next adventure.

  Fashion-conscious, articulate, and uninhibited, Tigers like to pamper themselves and can spend hours experimenting with new hairstyles, makeup, and clothes. If you throw a costume party, they will turn out to stun attendees every time, even though they’re the type to constantly lament that they haven’t figured out what to wear. The Tiger loves the challenge of coming up with that clever ensemble that will be the envy of all the other partygoers. The Tiger will don outfits that make people laugh out loud, examine with wonder, and astonish with the amount of flash. Tigers are also not afraid to show skin and take extreme fashion risks. If you ask a Tiger to pose for a picture while wearing the work of art that is their outfit, it will make their day (and is frankly what they were going for)! But even though the Tiger goes to quite a bit of trouble to make these elaborate things happen, in reality they are just as comfortable in blue jeans and a well-worn T-shirt as in high fashion. The Tiger is happy being flexible.

  The Tiger is a natural with children. Tigers tell engrossing stories, aren’t afraid of getting dirty and don’t take themselves too seriously. The Tiger flashes a brilliant smile and will play along happily with any child’s silly game. Most of all, Tigers endear themselves to children forever by bending all the rules in the kids’ favor. When a Tiger is in charge, chidren can have sweets before dinner, wear their pajamas around town, and watch whatever show they like. Strange to say, a Tiger’s children are no more spoiled than others and seem to learn well under the Tiger’s guidance. Perhaps this is because after the Tiger parent shows the children how much he or she cares about them, the parent makes sure to enforce all the rules. And when kids mind their manners, the Tiger is extremely generous with rewards. It is all in the Tiger’s intuitive sense of priorities. What’s a little ice cream, for kids who always do their chores? When everything is running smoothly, there will be picnics galore, trips to the zoo and parks, and all sorts of spontaneous activities and shopping trips. No wonder the Tiger is never without a little troop of loyal followers.

  Like the Dragon and the Rooster, the Tiger native has a huge ego. Money, power, and fame will mean nothing to them if their ego is hurt. Thwarted, the Tiger could turn out to be the meanest and pettiest bully you ever came across. Tigers will go to any lengths to get revenge, even bringing down the house on top of themselves. Little slights will enrage them, but they may let big issues pass without a murmur. The one thing to remember is that Tigers hate being ignored!

  Paradoxically, the Tiger’s two main shortcomings in life will be rashness on the one hand and indecision on the other. If they can learn to take the middle of the road, the Tiger will be a roaring success.

  At heart, Tigers are romantics. They are playful yet passionate and sentimental all at the same time. It is quite an experience being in love with or married to one. Tigers are also inclined to be too possessive and quarrelsome when jealous.

  Tigers will probably remember the first stage of life as their favorite. In these formative years, they should be taught to keep a tight rein on the explosive emotions that could be the ruin of them. In their youth and prime, Tigers will be absorbed by the pursuit of success and the fulfillment of their many dreams. Their old age could be calm if they learn to give up the front seat and relax. However, this will be difficult, as they will be plagued by bittersweet regrets about the things they did and did not do. It will be important for the Tiger to be engaged in a community to feel connected and retain a sense of freedom from immediate family. When a Tiger fears for their sense of identity and freedom of expression, they can make dangerous decisions.

  Overall, the Tiger’s life will be volatile. It will be filled to the brim with laughter, tears, joy, pain, despair, and every conceivable emotion. One thing you should never do is feel sorry for them. Tigers won’t need it: they can only love life if they are allowed to live it to the hilt in whatever manner they choose. The Tiger is the ultimate optimist who will always bounce back for fresh challenges.

  The Tiger could make a good life with the honest and good-natured Boar, who will complement the Tiger’s rash moods and lend them stability and security. The Tiger will also do extremely well with the realistic and practical Dog. The loyal Dog will stick by the Tiger and is capable of not only restraining the Tiger but reasoning with them as well.

  The colorful but nevertheless down-to-earth Horse will also make a prime partner for the Tiger. They will share the same zest for life and love of activity. The quick and nimble Horse will sense danger before the headstrong Tiger does, and the Tiger will benefit immensely from the Horse’s quick reflexes and common sense.

  People born in the year of the Rat, Sheep, or Rooster will get along fine with the Tiger, as will another Tiger. The one thing the Tiger should never do is challenge the authorit
y of the Ox native. The Ox is a serious and uncompromising person who will take no nonsense from the Tiger. In a confrontation, the Ox could gore the Tiger to death.

  Likewise, a union between a Snake and Tiger is ill-advised. The only thing these two have in common is their suspicious nature. But the Snake is quiet, cool and deadly in his misgivings, while the Tiger is loud and accusing. They will not find harmony.

  Last, but not least, the Monkey will be the most elusive foe of the Tiger. This quick-witted personality will never tire of teasing the Tiger, who will end up losing their infamous temper and making a fool of themselves. The matchless guile of the Monkey may prove too much for the Tiger, and in dealing with the Monkey, the Tiger could suffer.

  The Tiger Child

  A Tiger child can be a bundle of joy and a holy terror at the same time. A little live wire who dashes about sparkling with activity, Tiger children will throw themselves into the thick of things. Even the very quiet ones will know exactly where the action is and make a beeline for it.

  Tiger children are charming, bright, and self-confident extroverts, and there is no holding them back. Their insatiable curiosity and inquisitiveness lead them to pounce on anything that moves, and they will get into all sorts of predicaments. Hyperactive and high strung, they like romping, screaming, and rough play. Tigers are natural athletes, dancers, and swimmers, and they like to get a lot of exercise. Parents will get enough exercise just keeping up with their Tiger child.

  Like the Dragon, Tigers may also bully less aggressive children into submission. But the Tiger’s affectionate and gregarious character will still draw others to them. Tiger children make friends easily and are noted for their generosity and happy-go-lucky attitude.