By Sun Lee Chang
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY

The year of the ox was a year of progress. Like the ox, the progress was slow and pragmatic. An open-minded approach was taken.

So what’s in store for the year of the tiger? Well, people born in the year of the tiger have a lively personality and are forthright.

Perhaps, in contrast to the year of the ox, the year of the tiger will be a year when big, spontaneous risks are taken, when ideas previously in one’s imagination come to fruition.

Images by Stacy Nguyen

The tiger may be mecurical, but what is important to note is that the two main features of a tiger’s character are rashness and hesitation, which are contradictory. If the middle road is taken in the coming year, the outcome may be quite successful …

Rat
It’s finally time for you to decide whether you want to be in a leading or supporting role. A natural inclination toward one will make the other unpalatable.
Work: Until now, the practical approach bypassed everything else. The events of this past year will inspire you to look at the year ahead differently.
Love: Keeping the spark alive at the same intensity is not always feasible. In fact, allowing your feelings to evolve can create a deeper connection.

Ox
While some fret over minor changes, you relish and take pride in jumping headfirst into challenges.
Work: The standards you have set for yourself far exceed any external ones placed on you — excellence is the result.
Love: Where your relationship goes from here is entirely up to you, provided that you recognize the signals that your partner has been sending you.

Tiger
For all the fanfare and hoopla at the start, this year will end quietly with much deliberate self-reflection.
Work: There is no shortage of projects that you wish to participate in. The key question for you is whether you can finish what you have started.
Love: Although your strength attracts both the weak and strong, you would be best served by seeking one who is self-sufficient and independent.

Rabbit
There are those who would not hesitate to take advantage of your generous nature. Be careful in choosing whom to give your trust and patronage.
Work: If the terrain is not as accessible as you would generally prefer, then find an alternate way.
Love: Setting boundaries can be as limiting as it is freeing. The possibilities are endless within the parameters that you have set.

Dragon
As with flowers in springtime, you have a colorful bouquet of different interests — this year, the sweetest blooms are closer to home.
Work: No matter what the forecast is, surprises seem to materialize from nowhere. Rely on what you know is fact, not mere speculation.
Love: Why put together something that you know won’t work? There is a lesson to be learned from failure, as well as success.

Snake
Who wants to be like everyone else? A desire to stand out from the rest is a recurring theme for you this year.
Work: An idea is only as good as the effort you put forth in making it happen. This is no time for a half-hearted effort.
Love: Why pose an ultimatum if you are not ready to abide by it? Idle threats could diminish your position later on in the year.

Horse
Now that the hard part is behind you, you are much closer to your goal.
Work: Your insights, though not always consistent, will give you the upper hand in your dealings with co-workers this year.
Love: Are you tired of winding up with a variation of a particular theme? Perhaps you are still working through an issue that has yet to be resolved.

Goat
Perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds is admirable, though it is not always mimicked or repeated.
Work: Have you been going along with something just to avoid rocking the boat? Remember that your silence comes at a price.
Love: Why revisit a relic of the past? Rather than trying to recapture a moment in time, focus on creating new memories to add to the ones you already have.

Monkey
Is a newcomer encroaching on your space? The way you handle the situation will dictate the nature of its outcome.
Work: The view from the top is substantially different from that of the lower echelons. Open your eyes to see the view at each level.
Love: Are you intrigued by an air of mystery or would you rather know exactly what is going to happen? Satisfaction will come when you truly know yourself.

Rooster
Are you playing by the same rules as those around you? Depending on how you define the game, the results will vary accordingly.
Work: Generating interest is easier to do when you have an accomplishment to build upon. This year promises to add to your list of accomplishments.
Love: If you are too busy arguing your point to listen to the other side, then the chance for resolution decreases.

Dog
Family is the central driving force in your life. However constant that element is, it does not mean that you should ignore other facets of your life.
Work: Have you been asked to compromise your ambitions in the name of progress? Demand precise details on what you are really being asked to give up.
Love: A loved one needs more attention, but you are not sure you have the time to provide it. Stop the excuses, make a date and stick to it.

Pig
Block out the noise and let in only what you think will bring you goodness and prosperity for the year ahead.
Work: The writing is on the wall should you choose to read it. The sooner you inform yourself, the sooner you can be prepared for it.
Love: As you are used to taking care of yourself, adjusting the other way is not going to be easy. Let love be your guide for a change. (end)

Sun Lee Chang can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.