Chinese Astrology for the Year Ahead Are you ready for the Tiger?

Chinese astrology is quite popular, especially around this time of year, as it is based on the idea that the start of each Chinese New Year sets the character of the year, and proceeds from there without the intricate charts full of signs, houses, and aspects that we Western astrologers use to guide the fortunes of ourselves and our clients. The simplicity and directness of this type of astrology is based on the fact that each year the Chinese calendar is symbolized and personified by a specific animal energy. The specific animal in charge of a particular new year will thus exert a major influence on the events and actions that occur over the next 12 months. And of course the influence of that energy is part of the personalities of the people born during that year. Each person born between one new year and the next is said to have the traits and personality characteristics of the animal that is in charge of that year.

This year, that guiding symbol is the sign of the Tiger.

There are many theories about the origin of the animal symbols themselves. One legend is that a mythical deity known as the Jade Emperor decided to create a new calendar, and invited animals to represent each of the 12 months of the year. The Rat