2010 is the year of the Yang Metal Tiger (Geng Yin).  Though the western calendar recognizes January 1 as the first day of the New Year, Chinese tradition celebrates a ten day New Year Festival, geared to both the agricultural seasons (yang) and astrological moon phases (yin).  The solar (Hsia) calendar marks the beginning of Spring, generally around February 4, and this date is used for placing yearly Feng Shui cures.  However, the lunar New Year celebration falls at the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, on the second new moon from the Solstice.  This year, February 14 welcomes the year of the Tiger.

In Chinese Astrology, each year is represented by one of twelve "branches" or animals, and the Tiger follows the Ox in that cycle.  The powerful and fierce king of the jungle, Tiger is easily recognized for its distinctive coloring, hunting prowess and leaping ability. Courageous and confident, Tiger quickly takes control of the situation often in a dramatic way.  People born in the year of the Tiger are considered to be dynamic, loyal and charismatic, though a bit impetuous and headstrong.  When the Tiger year comes around, you can expect lots of changes.  As the new year approaches, the slow and methodical pace of the Ox year (2009) has run its course and is yielding to the more ambitious energy of the Tiger.  The combination of the fierce Tiger and sharp Yang Metal in 2010 suggests conflicts and political disagreements, but Tiger is also associated with leadership and heroics.  While making plans for 2010, keep in mind that in the phases of the five elements, the energy of the Ox equates to the quiet solitude of earth in deep winter - while the Tiger represents expanding energy as spring approaches.

During the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year Festival, it is customary to clear away old energy (and bad luck) from the previous year and to set the stage for all that is new and promising.  It is proper to clean house, make repairs, paint, wash windows and pay debts so as not to carry burdens from the previous year with you into the next.  In Feng Shui we advise clutter clearing as an activity to regain control of some of those bagua life areas that may have slipped away. Cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry opens our eyes to the kinds of food we're eating.  Evaluating our wardrobe gives us the opportunity to change the image we project when we step out into the world. By critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of our business, we take control of where it is (and we are) heading.    Last year's good ideas have been tried and tested, but it is unlikely that the tools necessary for survival in the Ox year will serve you when Tiger is on the prowl.  Take stock of where you are at present and be prepared for change. 

Now is the time to update the Feng Shui of your home and business to avoid the pitfalls and take advantage of all that the year of the Tiger has to offer.  Your personal Four Pillars Analysis and yearly forecast will help maximize your opportunities in the coming year.