Year of the Metal Tiger by Liu Ming

At a recent talk in Berkeley attended by almost 500 people, GGSFS faculty member Liu Ming gave a provocative and insightful presentation on the chi (energy) of the year of the Yang Metal TIGER. Below are some excerpts from his talk...

Chi-charged, the astrological Tiger is courageous, strong-willed, energetic, enthusiastic, unconventional, lucky, honest, imaginative, competitive, dedicated, dignified and generous.

Chi-deplete, the astrological Tiger is restless, impulsive, inconsiderate, morose, stubborn, egotistical, rebellious, indecisive, overly sensitive to criticism, prideful and vain.

The Tiger's stripes tell us that they are both ferocious and reclusive, a characteristic which often makes them loners AND leaders alternately. Think of an ambitious general directing battles who disappears into the mountains to become a reclusive yogi only to return with brilliant war strategies. Back AND forth.

The Tiger talked about in Chinese Astrology is the ancestor of the Siberian Tiger that has been nearly hunted to extinction but survives and is protected in some parts of Central Asia and Siberia.

When China formed its central government in the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) the army promised to eradicate the Tiger - supposedly the greatest predator of humans (excepting of course other humans in war). The Han army killed nearly all these half-ton, 12 foot-long, bear-eating top predators in systematic campaigns...

Practically disappearing from Asia the Tiger became a spirit invoked by shaman from Korea to Burma; Nepal to Siberia. To this day White (Metal) Tiger magic is the most potent across all East, Central and West Asia. Portraits of great generals and all wrathful deities of Daoism and Buddhism wear a tiger-skin apron or shawl as part of their regalia.

12 Basic Animal Signs : : Auspices in 2010

The following information compares each of the twelve zodiac archetypes with the one of the 60 that dominates the year. This comparison gives a rough approximation of the auspices for each sign in the year of the Metal TIGER. Remember that the lunar year begins on the 14th of February 2010. (0) = not particularly good/bad :: (+) = good auspices in some ways :: (++) the best auspices all around :: (-) = not too bad if you have modest worldly ambitions :: (--) = bad auspices all around

RAT (0) 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Thorough/Fragmented
Think travel. It can be a good year for travel to a new destination (maybe even emigrate) but at least get away for a vacation. Your natural economy works well this year - no financial risks work out. Emotions will run high and this will have a negative effect on your already sagging health. Let someone care for you. Choose a new doctor or return to a favorite healer in September. You need help. Be disciplined in health matters. There is likely to be a death in the family.

OX (-) 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Reliable/Insensitive
Since you are slow on the uptake the good auspice of 2009 spills over into Spring. It is an auspicious year for marriage for you and you may expect a child, grandchild or nephew/niece to appear. Unable to play like a Tiger the year will otherwise be boring for you. You will miss most opportunities to advance without even noticing. There is a potential for emotional upheaval and/or accidents (around water) - be cautious. Being out of sorts is dangerous - focus on hobbies or education that will enhance your career.

TIGER (+) 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Daring/Selfish
Your progressive and impulsive energy is out of the closet and will reach a peak this year. Sounds good - main thing is not to be excessive. No big investments, no extreme sports, no running on empty and lock the door when you go out. Got it!? Now here is the hard part, listen to friends and mentors. Keep a lid on your (emotional) reactions. You may see the end of a chronic digestive problem. As I said, it should be a great year! Get out from under the pattern of reckless impulsiveness and you will RULE! Think Captain Kirk! The final frontier - is open space in all directions.

RABBIT (--) 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Intuitive/Muddled
I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Having said that this is how to use your rabbit-like wiles to escape catastrophe. Don't squander money or energy. YOu look like an easy mark for every con artist in town. Choose celibacy for a while. Chew well. Stop looking over the fence (at what might be available). Stay at the job you have. Retreat. Spiritual and religious practices should flourish and deepen. September to January new and old social resources will gather and support you. Love at work is a possibility. You are not a Tiger; in general, wait, next year (2011 Rabbit) you will be a real debutante.

DRAGON (+) 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Powerful/Aloof
You feel like a Tiger but you are a Dragon. In some ways you are stronger than a Tiger and there is the rub, you could miscalculate the possibilities and be forced to crash land. Take some advise, that is, humor those who love you just a bit. Give the impression you are a team player (husband or wife). Don't overextend your self; curtail the constant reinvention of yourself. Let a death near you inspire self-reflection. Or forget all this advice and spend a year in a place where your US dollars are still strong. Summer romance could go gaga.

SNAKE (-) 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Mystical/Weak
It is hard to give ordinary astrological advice to someone who is so uninterested in the "world". You have been putting on the hero's mask for several years now pretending to be interested in what everybody else is into. We thank you. We know it's not your reality. You're exhausted, but this exhaustion can fuel your irascible desire for Mystery. Tiger year will be a modestly uneventful year for you, so you may as well do a Houdini. Disentangle yourself and head for the cave/monastery/tower. Think alchemy; not chemistry. Your absence will inspire. Stay gone during the Rabbit year too! Deny it if you must, but if you do, be prepared for an implosion in the Snake year (2014)!

HORSE (++) 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002

Capable/Dull
You are looking pretty good. Perseverance has recently furthered your progress. This year you pass for a Tiger. Your gullibility could scar the outcome but your energy is finely tuned for this year. You can reinvent yourself. New job (May-August), new home (September-December) and new partner (August-September) are all possible. You have the discipline and judgment that can really harness the year's volatile energy with team spirit. Everybody loves you, trusts you, so turn the network to good use - delegate. Be Tom Sawyer we will all want to paint your fence. Take a vacation, but not by the sea - no boats or swimming. They key advice here is don't overdo (overeat).

GOAT (0) 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Idealistic/Morbid
This year the outcome is up to you. With a bit of your good judgment and advice from your brilliant mentors and financial advisors you can make the year another gem. Wait for May-June to start any new activity. Reduce expenses or at least get more for your money. Start a serious health regiment like yoga or taiji and be religious about nourishing yourself. Once you are done telling everybody what to do; take a turn and listen. Take a University extension course. Let a little love in (May-September). Use your vigilant tension to protect yourself from accidents and exhaustion.

MONKEY (--) 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Dynamic/Unstable
You are a greasy lunch for the Tiger. Your prankster style annoys the Tiger. Being the Tiger alarm system of the jungle has created deep resentments. You are the anti-Tiger. This year will require some hard work and risk-management just to stay up a tree. Your digestive system will become overly sensitive. Your friends and family will seem distant. you may get fired (Spring). Be the qi deficit and travel to a place where no one knows you, learn their language and make new friends - even marry a foreigner (August-September). Keep expectations low. Take a class that makes no sense - study abroad.

ROOSTER (+) 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Intelligent/Proud
In gongfu the rooster is also the precise crane that balances the heavy paw of the Tiger.

ROOSTER (+) 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Intelligent/Proud
In gongfu the rooster is also the precise crane that balances the heavy paw of the Tiger. You have the key to make use of the thoughtless impulsive energy of the Tiger year. To make use of this year will require all your skills and powers of observation and precision. Focus is a key. Exact is key. When chances arise (and they will) strike hard when you have insider knowledge. We know you rule the roost but you can get a bit aloof - so make a bit of a fool of your self if it brings you close to a prize. Get married, get a PhD, become a parent and take some financial risks - you have enough research and you know what you are doing. Stay away from hospitals and funerals.

DOG (+) 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Loyal/Belligerent
You never read the fine print. You trust people. If you used Ox year well, you now know what has value. It may not be what you thought. Your new values and the ideas they inspired will make you feel vulnerable, disloyal and put you and your pack in harm's way but you can take it. you can grow fro the hardship you will create by too march barking. Your true master (boss, partner, friends etc.) will find you at the dog pound. Think second chance. Keep an eye on your health and be a compliant patient - be especially thorough in the treatment of respiratory problems. When the turbulence subsides you will be in a better person in a better place.

PIG (+) 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Selfless/Indulgent
Your resilience and adaptability make the Tiger year auspicious. Your serious side takes charge. Being less distracted and indulgent this year your financial judgment will improve and be profitable. Fewer but better parties and entertainments provide new resources (August to December). Expect gifts and share them (of course you will). Tell someone you love you want to marry him/her. You may be surprised. Eat well, chew well and lose some weight. Let the pleasure you take in traveling your spiritual Path lead you forward. Completeness is joy - go for it.

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