The Year of the Tiger— 2010
Welcome to the Chinese New Year of the Tiger, which begins on February 14, 2010! Every year for almost twenty years, I’ve written forecasts based on the ancient Taoist system of Five Elements Phase Energetics that predict global trends that affect us personally. By attuning yourself to these forecasts, you can side-step or minimize negative tendencies in health, relationships or finance and make the most of positive trends. In Chinese astrology, the Tiger is a dynamic and powerful sign. Its nature is unpredictable, courageous and volatile. Therefore, the Year of the Tiger is usually associated with big change and social turmoil, making 2010 likely to be a volatile year globally and personally. Those who gain an understanding of it through this article and their own spiritual awareness should have the flexibility to adapt to changes and keep a steady hand on the keel through rough waters.
In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is represented by the elements of metal and wood. The elemental interaction is symbolized by an ax cutting down a tree. What this means is a potential for more conflicts on the world’s political stage. Also, dogged by worldwide recession, countries will continue towrestle each other over protectionist policies enacted in response to weakened domestic economies. However, with optimism from the Tiger, economies around the world should stabilize and improve in 2010.
Environmentally, 2010 may be challenged with extremes of hot weather and droughts as well as flooding, man-made damages or natural disasters.
On the health front, metal represents the lungs, colon, skin and the immune system. This means there will be a tendency toward sinus allergies, infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, compromised immunity or autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. The Wood element corresponds to the liver, gall bladder and nervous system, which may lead to increased stress and tension, depression, anxiety, gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Consistent and regular exercise strengthens your respiratory and cardiovascular systems. I recommend learning and practicing mind-body exercises like tai chi or chi gong that induce deep breathing to help make your lungs stronger. Incorporating functional foods that possess healing properties into your diet helps you avoid illnesses. This is the foundation of Chinese medicine.
To proactively support your health and wellness, use appropriate herbal and nutritional supplements. Herbs and nutrients are part of my family’s diet, and for many years we have used them effectively for prevention. Tao of Wellness Perpetual Shield boosts the immune system; Allergy Tamer deals with pollution and pollen; Internal Cleanse assists with detoxification of the liver; and Exquisite Skin keeps the colon clean and clears the skin.
In summary, the Year of the Tiger will bring about more change, even turmoil in the world and in your life. However, by using this as an opportunity to shape your life as if you were using metal such as an ax or chisel to sculpt a beautiful and useful object out of raw wood, you can ride the tiger triumphantly toward your goals. Cultivate patience, kindness and peace so that your interactions with others can promote harmony and love. Take walks and spend time in nature to refresh your lungs. Undertake cleansing and detoxification programs at the start and throughout the year to support your liver and other body functions. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and cultivate health in the five areas of your life—body, mind, spirit, finance and relationships—so that you will manifest balance, wellness and fulfillment in 2010.