2010 Year of the Metal Tiger

2010 is the year of the Metal Tiger and it is influenced by two elements; metal and wood. So, this coming year is represented by the image of Yang Metal sitting atop Yang Wood. In accordance with the cycles of the five elements – Metal attacks and destroys the Wood element; therefore this wood element is not particularly strong.

Essentially, this means that the relative peace we enjoyed throughout 2009 will not be as prevalent. We can also expect the coming year to bring additional environmental issues such as a deterioration of air quality and atmospheric conditions leading to an increase in pollution.

In Chinese astrology, the Tiger is considered to be one of four animals that influence movement, restlessness and travel. This influence, in addition to the strong, dynamic elemental relationship between Metal and Wood, does not augur well for international relationships.

Strong, Yang Metal carries the characteristics of military might and weaponry but also leadership and loyalty in conjunction with a strong sense of justice, particularly for the down trodden. So hopefully our leaders will learn from history, and, rather than forming military alliances for war, will create partnerships that instill a sense of calm and willingness for open communication and resolution during times of conflict or disagreement.

The Yang Metal and Wood Tiger are a turbulent combination with the metal constantly threatening the wood. So, these two elements together can also bring about certain natural disasters and unusual climate conditions. In addition, with the Tiger holding the beginnings of fire there could well be accidents involving nuclear energy, volcanic eruptions and fire tragedies affecting our environment. Throughout 2010 this could mean that our jungles and forests are in even more danger.

The Chinese calendar moves in cycles of sixty years. So, if we go back to 1950 we will find that there were many such incidences, as described above, worldwide. The incidence that most impacted the world and profoundly demonstrated our need for caution is when, in January 1950, US president Truman orders the development of the fusion technique of the hydrogen bomb and Russia declared themselves a nuclear power in March of the same year.

From a Feng Shui perspective the energy of earth is in the centre and this central influence is often indicative of prevailing events throughout the course of the year. Consequently, this is a very strong signal that there will be disasters relating to the earth.

This means that there could be earthquakes throughout the coming year and dryer conditions can lead to serious issues brought about by drought.

With the clash that occurs between the tiger and the monkey, it is highly likely that we could see an increase in traffic accidents during the coming year particularly in the month of August.

As far as the global economy is concerned….generally it can be expected to recover and continue to improve after the turmoil that has characterised the last couple of years. In general, there will be more optimism and opportunities in the stock market as we continue through 2010. This industry will fare much better than the last couple of years and we can expect to see some gains particularly from February.

Industries likely to perform well during the year of the Metal Tiger are those related to the elements of Fire. Some of the industries connected with the Fire element are finance, entertainment, electronics, electrical supply, energy, oil and gas. These industries ought to see strong activity and realise more substantial profits. Earth industries which include mining, insurance, chemicals and property should see increased output and productivity but not necessarily a significant rise in profits.

Metal industries such as banking, machinery, high tech, insurance and the motor industry will also see additional activity and some recovery. It would not be prudent to expect strong, quick immediate gains in the latter industries. Instead, it would be sensible to adopt an attitude of working steadily and industriously towards the fulfillment of set goals and ambitions.

The businesses most likely to be challenged during the coming year are those of the Wood element such as forestry, magazines, newspaper, publishing, fashion, textiles. The relatively new industry of environmental protection (also placed under the wood element) will incur some challenges which will hopefully ‘shake up’ any organisations that fail to meet their stated obligations and appropriate standards.

Traditional Chinese medicine is also based on the five elements and their cycles. Metal rules the Lungs and also represents the skin and intestines. Consequently, health concerns relating to metal such as asthma, flu, sinusitis, colon cancer and gastrointestinal disorders will be foremost.

Disorders relating to the wood element such as liver conditions could increase throughout the year. Immune system disorders and inflammatory conditions could also become more prevalent.

During 2010 there will be a clash that occurs for those born in the year of the Monkey (e.g. 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, and 2004). It is advisable for those born in these years to be more cautious and avoid extreme sports and high adventure activities such as car racing and downhill skiing, thereby doing their best to avoid accidents during the coming year.
It is also sensible to sidestep opportunities for traveling towards the northeast. As an additional precaution, wear a pendant of the Pig for some further symbolic protection.

If you are born during the time of the Snake, (e.g. 1917, 1929, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) it is advisable to also wear a pig pendant in order to minimize the influence of the fire penalty generated by the coming Tiger year.

And if you are born in the year of the Tiger; (e.g. 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, and 1998) this does not automatically equate to a good year and so it is also advisable to carry or wear a charm of the Pig.

Regarding Feng Shui issues you will find a troublesome influence coming from the Southwest bringing with it difficulties and obstacles. If this part of your home or business is very active such as an entrance, family room, passage or living area then this energy needs to be dealt with by placing an all-metal wind chime or metal prayer bell in this area – particularly in the month of May.

Good health is always given a top priority with Feng Shui , for without your health and vitality it is difficult to maintain harmonious relationships and a vibrant career.

During 2010 the Northeast resonates with the force of sickness. This is also particularly strong during the month of May. Therefore you will require a string of six metal coins to be placed in this area, and this is particularly important if your bedroom, kitchen or a major thoroughfare is located in that sector. AIf you prefer you can place the Wu Lu also known as a health gourd in this area.

Destructive and scandalous influence's is arriving from the Southeast. It is best to place three or four bamboo stems (those that grow in water only) in a clear glass vase within the Southeast sector of your home or business.

Argumentive energy is located in the South during the yearof 2010. So it could be valuable to place a buddha, floating candles in water or a red object or the traditional option of red paper in this area to help minimise this negative influence. And help create calm.

Last but not least, do not sit with your back against the North, especially whilst you are working. It is also not advisable to carry out large-scale construction work on established homes in the Northeast for the coming year of 2010. Place the Dragon Tortoise to face the Northeast as a symbolic measure of protection against the Grand Duke during 2010.

Cures and remedy's are a essential way to keep your feng shui updated and your home and life to be energized.