Chinese Astrology: 2010 Horoscopes

Eastern Astrology: The Chinese Lunar New Year and Calendar

2010 is the Year of the Tiger (Metal Tiger)

The Chinese Lunar New Year occurs every year on the New Moon of the first lunar month, which is the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. The exact date can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar takes 60 years and comprises five cycles of 12 years--12 animal signs and 5 elements.

The Chinese Lunar New Year differs to that of the Roman New Year because the Chinese calendar is based on the phases of the moon, whereas the Gregorian calendar, on which the Roman New Year is based, is an arithmetic calendar.

Each of the 12 years of the Chinese lunar calendar is named after an animal. These are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Legend has it that Buddha summoned all the animals to come to see him before he departed earth. Only 12 came so he rewarded those 12 by naming a year in the Chinese lunar calendar after them, in the order they arrived to see him.

As with western astrology where it's believed that the sun's position at the time of an individual's birth determines certain personality traits that a person will posses, it's thought that each animal represented in the Chinese lunar calendar bestows certain characteristics on individuals who are born during the year that particular animal "rules."

In 2008, the year of the rat, the Chinese Lunar New Year fell on February 7. In 2009, the year of the ox, it fell on January 26. In 2010, the Chinese Lunar New Year will fall on February 14, 2010 (ending on February 2, 2011) and will be the year of the tiger.

The Tiger  is the third sign of the Chinese Zodiac. It is a courageous, authoritative, charismatic, initiating, competitive, dynamic, adventurous, and dramatic sign. Ruling over the first month of spring, other themes associated with the Tiger are renewal, initiative, changefulness, and new beginnings.

The Year of the Tiger 2010  is a Yang Metal year, and it's a year of much activity, drama, changefulness, crisis, and unpredictability. Tiger years are associated with political and social instability or upheaval. Metal is not a very compatible element for Tiger (Tiger prefers Wood and Fire), and thus 2010 is expected to be challenging and turbulent overall. Nevertheless, the Tiger does prefer Yang, and 2010 is a Yang year, which strengthens matters somewhat. It is strong for technological advances and innovations.

The overall theme is one of change and unpredictability, and so all signs will benefit from remaining flexible and adaptable to changeful conditions in 2010. While caution and moderation were advised in 2009, the Year of the Ox, flexibility and the ability to deal with change are essential qualities in 2010.

The Tiger's independent, innovative, assertive, leading, and honorable traits are qualities that will be especially favored in the year of the Tiger.

The last Tiger Metal year was 1950 (February 17, 1950, to February 5, 1951).

In terms of how each Chinese Zodiac sign will fare in the Year of the Tiger, a major consideration is how compatible your sign is with a Tiger sign:

Tigers are most compatible with Dogs and Horses (the Horse, Dog, and Tiger form the harmonious triangle of Ambition), and to some degree with Dragons and Rats, and these are the signs, along with Tigers themselves, that are expected to fare the best in 2010.

Tigers are most incompatible with Monkeys (their opposite sign) and Snakes, and Pigs, and these are the signs that are expected to find 2010 the most challenging.

However, although Tigers are generally incompatible with Pigs, they are also quite attracted to the Pig, so relationships may be easier this year for Pigs.

Another important consideration is your Element. The year 2010 is a Yang Metal year. Factor this into your analysis.

Metal is friendly or compatible with Earth and Water.

Metal breaks Wood and Fire melts Metal, so Wood and Fire are incompatible (destructive/hostile) to Metal.

If you are Wood, a Metal year such as this one (2010) may be more difficult for you (metal chops wood!). However, Tigers actually prefer or favor Wood, so we have some ups and downs in 2010.

If you are Fire, a Metal year is also expected to be problematic (fire melts metal) although perhaps not as challenging as it is for Wood.

If you are Earth, a Metal year (2010) is expected to be good overall (metal is born from the earth).

If you are Water, a Metal year (2010) is also expected to be favorable overall (water is born from metal).

If you are Metal by birth, a Metal year is expected to be strong overall.

Yang Metal is attracted to Yin Wood, so relationships can be very good for Yin Wood people in 2010. Enmity between Yang Metal and Yang Wood suggests special challenges for Yang Wood people this year.

Tiger Year 2010 for Love (General): There can be some fickleness and boredom of routine this year. The Year of the Tiger favors short-term, exciting romances, pleasure-seeking, love as a game of hunting and chasing, and variety in love. The Tiger is also honorable and quite honest and upfront, so we might see more fun-loving but honest expressions of affection this year--more people being upfront about what they are seeking in love and relationships. Independence, playing "hard to get", assertiveness, and bravery are generally viewed as more attractive this year. Dragons, Horses, and Dogs may enjoy the most "success" in love this year. Love and romance may be so-so, average, or status quo for Roosters, Rats, Rabbits, Goats, Pigs, and Tigers. The love forecast for Monkeys, Snakes, and Oxen is less favorable overall.

Tiger Year 2010 for Career and Money (General): The Year of the Tiger favors movement, innovation, novelty, and initiative in career matters. Self-employment might be favored this year. People may be more inclined towards gambling or risk-taking with money this year, as well as impulsive spending. Turbulence in career and money matters is likely this year, and the most successful people will bounce back (or pounce?) quickly and react quickly to changes.

It's important to note that while some signs have a higher affinity to the Tiger, and others have a natural incompatibility to the Tiger, the fact that it's a Yang Metal year complicates matters greatly. For example, while the Monkey is incompatible with Tiger and we would naturally expect a more challenging year for the Monkey as a result, Monkeys favor yang and Metal. It's similar for all signs, and the result is a real mixed bag for each and every sign of the Chinese zodiac this year!

The Year of the Tiger is expected to be a quick-moving, turbulent one. As such, it's better suited for those who are anxious to move their plans forward, while it can feel unsettling for those who most value peace and quiet. Opportunities come and go quickly during the Year of the Tiger. Be innovative and adaptable, no matter your sign!

Don't know your Chinese Zodiac Sign and/or Element? Find out here: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction

The following are descriptions of the positive and negative personality traits of the Chinese zodiac signs, with a brief forecast or horoscope for 2010:

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)

Positive: Influential, sociable, imaginative, and charismatic. Rat people will always stay loyal to their friends.
Negative: Power-hungry, gossiping, indiscreet, and meddling. These individuals don't always plan for the future.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Rat: 2010 will bring changes, for certain. You tend to act on impulse, but this year may not be the right year for you to instigate too many changes. Adapting to change is a better strategy than adding fuel to the fire. Use your considerable wits to handle the uncertainties that are likely to come your way this year. Act with confidence rather than foolhardiness. Avoid overspending. 2010 is strong for you for love, particularly in the first half of the year. Travel opportunities are likely to present themselves. Career changes are likely. The year is likely to be quite busy. Overall: Average.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)

Positive: Diligent, stable, and possesses a strong sense of purpose. These people build long-lasting friendships.
Negative: Stubborn and bigoted. Ox people aren't often flexible.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Ox: A  year of drama, instability, and change is not what a typical Ox wants to hear! It sounds a little too excitable for the security-seeking Ox. Last year was a new beginning for you--the start of a whole  new 12 year cycle, and for some of you it was a dramatic beginning. This year, you are embracing a new lifestyle and dealing with some uncertainty at the same time. Career matters may be competitive; health is expected to be variable. Love is on the challenging side for many and status quo for some. Be determined, and open yourself up to accepting some changes in plans. Focus on the things that are the most important to you. Overall: Average to challenging.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Positive: Brave, strong, charismatic, and benevolent. Tigers are risk-takers and true adventurers.
Negative: Impetuous and hot-headed. These people aren't good at taking orders from others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Tiger:  This is a year of new beginnings for you--the start of a new twelve-year cycle. The choices you make this year will be defining ones for years to come. Romance and social relationships are expected to be strong areas for you this year. It's a time during which the Tiger can take the lead, exercise his or her authority, and hunt down opportunities. Tigers will be very active and enjoy the changefulness of the year's events. However, Tigers should do their best to exercise self-control. Even though it is "their" year, it's a year of high drama, and both the ups and downs can be memorable.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

Positive: Tactful, intelligent, caring, considerate, and virtuous. Rabbit people don't like conflict.
Negative: Pedantic and secretive. These people can appear a little cold and distant at times.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Rabbit: As this is the year before his/her own year, 2010 can bring the Rabbit some challenges, but never insurmountable ones. [Note, 2011 will be the Year of the Rabbit]. In fact, the Rabbit often indirectly benefits from the activities of the Tiger, so there can be some small advances this year for many Rabbits that seem to come out of the blue. The Rabbit doesn't share any strong links to the Tiger overall, however, so the Year of the Tiger is expected to be on the neutral side for the Rabbit--neither overly challenging nor overly positive.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)

Positive: Successful, proud, lucky, and enthusiastic. Dragons are determined people and able to inspire others.
Negative: Rigid and easily infatuated. Dragon people don't like routine.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Dragon: The quickness of pace and changefulness of the year of the Tiger in 2010 is rather suitable to the Dragon who prefers immediate results. While opportunities should be grabbed when they arise, and they are very quick to both come and go in 2010, Dragons should make an effort not to be cocky or overly confident. Relationships with others are a little fragile, and Dragons should take care to be more sensitive to the needs of their loved ones this year.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

Positive: Intuitive, wise, perceptive, and compassionate. Snakes prefer the finer things in life.
Negative: Lazy and extravagant. These people may have a problem with depending on others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Snake: Snakes may not find 2010, the Year of the Tiger, especially easy. The quick and often hectic pace of the year may be unsettling for many Snakes. The best advice is to avoid resisting change at all costs, as the more Snakes resist, the harder their struggles will be! Snakes are usually more comfortable in a Yin year and 2010 is a Yang one. However, Snakes do have the ability to control or master Metal, so although the overall forecast is an uncomfortable year, it does not bring challenges that Snakes cannot handle masterfully.

 

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)

Positive: Popular, engaging, refined, and persuasive. Horse people are hardworking and independent.
Negative: Selfish and unscrupulous. These individuals may be rebellious and shun the advice of others.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Horse: Horses (along with Dogs) are expected to fare better than most in 2010, the Year of the Tiger.  It's a yang year, which is comfortable for Horses, and while Metal is not the preferred element for Horses, it is something they can take control of. New friendships and career advancement are likely. Health may be a little more fragile this year, however. While opportunities arise and should be taken advantage of, Horses should not jump into new situations or relationships too quickly, without practical considerations taken into account. Overall: Good.

Goat (or Sheep or Ram) (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)

Positive: Sensitive, imaginative, and well-mannered. Goats are peace lovers who don't like disagreements.
Negative: Pessimistic and tardy. These people can let others take advantage of them too easily.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Goat: Last year was at times a worrisome period in the Goat's life. This year is also uncertain in terms of its quick pace and changeful atmosphere, which can feel overwhelming to many peace-loving Goats. The Year of the Tiger is best used as a period of gaining energy instead of a year of fame and fortune! There is no special relationship between the Tiger and the Goat, so a neutral year is expected overall. Goats are not especially comfortable in yang years, and 2010 is a yang year, but they do well with the Metal element of this period. Money matters are good. Health may be a little more sensitive or fragile this year.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)

Positive: Very inquisitive, curious, and witty with leadership qualities. Monkeys are popular people.
Negative: Deceitful and self-absorbed. These individuals can be childish and drawn to mischief.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Monkey: Plenty of ups and downs are in store for Monkeys in 2010, the Year of the Tiger. Although Monkeys do not generally fare well in a Tiger year, they do well in Yang years and with the Metal element. The bottom line is a year of dramatic ups and downs. Love relationships are likely to be on the challenging side. Monkeys often tempt fate, and this year is not the best year in which to push your luck. You may easily get caught in lies of your own making, so take the honest route and the high road.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

Positive: Enthusiastic, dignified, and resilient. Roosters are well-organized and good time-keepers.
Negative: Bossy and pedantic. These people are often a little too outspoken and hate being criticized.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Rooster: The Rooster's natural enthusiasm will keep them on track this year. The Rooster and the Tiger don't have a special relationship, so for the most part, the year is expected to be unspectacular or status quo. The fact that 2010 is a Metal year is a plus for Roosters, however. While career matters may change too quickly for their liking, and there may be little in the way of leisure time this year, Roosters should feel relatively confident and, for the most part, are less affected by the turbulent atmosphere of the Year of the Tiger than most other animals in the zodiac.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)

Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others' problems, and to fight for a good cause.
Negative: Cynical and tactless. These people don't always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Dog: Dogs are expected to fare the best of all animals in the Chinese zodiac this year. Dogs are compatible with Tigers, yang years, and the Metal element, so we have a strong showing for dogs. Opportunities come and go quickly this year, and Dogs' intuition generally is strong enough to take advantage at just the right time. Loyalty and fairness will be rewarded. It's a good year for adventure, the birth of new and marketable ideas, and travel.

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)

Positive: Gallant, kind-hearted, and sincere. Pigs rarely lose their temper and always try to avoid arguing.
Negative: Materialistic and pig-headed. These individuals have a problem saying "no" -- to people, and to food!
Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2010 for the Pig: While the love life is expected to be much improved for the Pig in 2010, the year is sure to demand much from these people, and sometimes too much. Money matters should be steady and strong. Exercising self-control will be especially important. Reducing your load and responsibilities if at all possible might also help. Uncomfortable with the quick pace of the year, you might feel uneasy and restless at times, but you will do well helping others through rough patches.
 

See also: Understanding Chinese Astrology: Introduction and Chinese Astrology: More than the Twelve Animals. If you don't know your Chinese zodiac animal or element, both of these articles will help you to determine it.
 

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