Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You. Neil Somerville
In particular he does sometimes have a rebellious streak to his nature and, if he is not careful, this could lead to an undermining of his position or leave him lacking the support he needs. In addition, in any tense or awkward situation, he does need to watch his words. However, while the year does call for care, progress is still possible, with the Tiger often having excellent chances to add to his experience. And he will be able to profit from it in his own, more favourable year that follows.
This year, however, the Tiger needs to remain disciplined in his work and concentrate on his own particular duties and objectives. This is not a time for getting distracted or embroiled in less helpful matters. He should also take full advantage of any opportunities to add to his knowledge and skills, whether through training at work or undertaking a course or other studies by himself. By developing his skills he will be investing in himself and his future.
Throughout the Ox year, however, problems could suddenly arise. When they do, the Tiger will need to deal with them as quickly and competently as he can. Although some situations may be challenging, they will also be a good test of his abilities and will give him the chance to prove himself and enhance his reputation. For many Tigers, the Ox year will prove both instructive and instrumental in their later progress.
Overall, although the aspects may be mixed, many Tigers will be able to advance their position over the year, either through taking on greater responsibilities in their existing place of work or moving elsewhere. April, July, August and November could see some interesting developments, but the main value of the Ox year will come from the experience and skills the Tiger can gain.
For Tigers seeking work, whether at the start of the Ox year or during it, this can also be a significant time. Although obtaining a position will not be easy, by widening the scope of what they are prepared to consider many Tigers will be successful in getting a new job and in many cases, what is accomplished in the Ox year will be of considerable value in 2010.
The Tiger will need to be cautious, however, in financial matters. Although many Tigers will enjoy a modest rise in income, they still need to keep watch over their spending and make allowances for their plans and obligations. In addition the Tiger should be wary about acting on impulse, whether in making spontaneous purchases or taking hurried decisions. This is a year for careful control.
As far as the Tiger’s social life is concerned, this can be an interesting year. With the various activities he is involved in and the many people he knows, there will be good chances for him to go out and meet others. As a result many Tigers will find their circle of acquaintances growing over the year and any who move to a new area or are keen to get to know others can find their activities leading to a significant improvement in their social lives. February, April, July and December could be the busiest months socially.
However, while the Tiger will often enjoy his social life, he must not forget the prevailing aspects of the year. He does need to be wary about being drawn into potentially difficult situations and should he find himself in any disagreement, he should watch his words. Any arguments, flare-ups or indeed loss of temper could sour relations with others and cause difficulties. Tigers, do take note.
This also applies to the Tiger’s domestic life. When tired or under pressure, he could find his patience wearing thin. Again he needs to be careful and rather than allow frustrations to build up, he should be open about his concerns. Not only can talking over any worries often help to ease them, but it will also enable others to understand him better. Also, at busy times, others may be able to assist by doing more around the home.
In view of the often busy nature of his home life, the Tiger would also find it helpful to spread out his various activities. If there are any projects he would like to proceed with, possibly concerning his accommodation, he should allow plenty of time for them and tackle one at a time. Again, this is a year for patience and planning.
The Tiger should also make sure quality time is set aside for sharing with loved ones. Sometimes, with the pressures of everyday life, such time is put off, and the Tiger does need to watch this and plan accordingly.
In view of the demanding nature of the year the Tiger would also do well to give some consideration to his own well-being and make sure he has both sufficient exercise and a nutritious diet. He could also benefit from going away for a break or holiday during the year. A change of routine could be especially beneficial.
In general, the Year of the Ox may contain its awkward moments, but with patience and care there is much that the Tiger can do to minimize some of its more troublesome aspects. In particular he does need to watch his sometimes stubborn and rebellious tendencies and be tactful and discreet, especially in any fraught situation. However, while the Ox year will not always suit the Tiger’s style, it will have its benefits. Not only will the Tiger have the chance to add to his skills but what he achieves now can prepare him for the excellent opportunities that await in 2010. And by balancing out his activities, sharing his thoughts and spending time with those around him, he will enjoy a lot of his activities. Overall, though, a year for care, patience and awareness.
The Metal Tiger
The Metal Tiger has a keen and resourceful nature and uses his abilities well. He is not one who gives up easily, and with his personality and determination, he often gets his way. He could, though, find parts of the Ox year frustrating. Sometimes results will be slow in coming, sometimes the attitude of others be annoying and sometimes delays will occur which he can do little about. However, he can still emerge from the year with gains he can build on in the Tiger year that follows.
For now, the key message for the Metal Tiger is to show greater flexibility. This is no year to be intransigent or unyielding in the face of change. Instead, the Metal Tiger should be prepared to adapt.
At work this will be a year of interesting developments. Although many Metal Tigers will be content to remain where they are, they could still be affected by change. In some cases this could involve having to learn new working methods as well as adapt to changes brought in by new personnel or management. Some of what happens could be unsettling for the Metal Tiger, but in 2009 it is very much a case of making the best of his situation. Also, some of the changes that occur will require training and if he is prepared to embrace this and add to his skills, other opportunities could open up later. Developments in the Ox year can often have future benefit, even if this may not always be apparent at the time.
For Metal Tigers who are keen to progress in their career, feel frustrated where they are or are seeking work, the Ox year can be tricky. There could be few opportunities in the type of work they want and the applications they do make may not get taken up. However, the Metal Tiger is tenacious and by having faith in himself and widening the scope of positions he is prepared to consider, in time he will find an opportunity opening up. Also, once in a new position, many Metal Tigers will find it can lead to other possibilities, especially next year. April, July to mid-September and November could see some opportunities, but as far as work matters are concerned, this is a year to be flexible.
This need for care also applies to financial matters. In 2009 the Metal Tiger should keep a close watch on his spending and if considering a new agreement or large purchase, check the terms and implications. To proceed too hurriedly or without making sure everything is in order could cause problems later. The Ox year is a time for increased vigilance and should the Metal Tiger have doubts over any matter, financial or otherwise, it is important that he gets clarification.
A more positive aspect concerns the Metal Tiger’s personal interests and he should make sure he sets time aside for these. Not only can they bring him pleasure and be a good source of relaxation, but they often allow him to meet others too, and in this frequently demanding year he does need to keep his lifestyle in balance. He should also make the most of travel opportunities, as a break can do him a lot of good.
With his outgoing nature, the Metal Tiger will also enjoy many of the social opportunities that come his way. He will be in demand but, as is the way in the Ox year, problems could still loom. In some cases disagreements could occur or the Metal Tiger could find himself in an awkward situation. At such times he does need to watch his words and remain tactful, discreet