Go big or go home: how to grab the year of the tiger by the tail

The Chinese zodiac dates back to the Qin Dynasty of over 2,000 years ago and is rooted in a system of zoolatry, or animal worship. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor challenged the animals of his kingdom to a “great race”, which the wiliest creature, Rat, won. Tiger, who was convinced he was the fastest beast, came third when Ox narrowly pipped him across the finish line. Though Tiger came third out of the 12 animals, the emperor realised Tiger's ambitious and competitive nature associating him with yang — masculine, active — energy.

In addition to the animals, the Chinese zodiac also cycles through five elemental types. So, this is not only the year of the tiger, it’s also the year of the water tiger. Water years are said to bring out emotions more than any of the other elements.

As always, the year of the water tiger means different thing for each of the Chinese zodiac signs and elements. The unifying characteristic of this year is said to be drama, though it will also be a year of gaining back strength and vitality after a hard-working, tiring 2021 — the year of the metal ox.

Tigers are known as a symbol of strength and bravery in China, and people born in the year of the tiger are said to possess these traits. According to Chinese beliefs, 2022 will be a good year for tigers to get married, fall in love, or get promoted, though the luck of all zodiac animals is controlled by the guardian god of the year, or Tai Sui,  in the Chinese Taoist tradition.

If your Chinese zodiac sign conflicts with that year’s Tai Sui, you’ll have an unlucky year. Who will offend Tai Sui and have bad luck in 2022? Tigers, monkeys, snakes and pigs will have to fight Tai Sui for good luck this year by wearing red, or at least some red string on the wrist.

According to Susan Levitt, author of Taoist Astrology: A Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition, tiger years like 2022 are all about going big or going home. A definite change from 2021’s year of the metal ox, which was all about steady progress, pragmatism, and hard work.

The new year, according to Levitt, will usher in a time of intense emotions and big decisions. The year is said to be about making changes, and risk-taking and adventure, rediscovering enthusiasm and expressing generosity.