Hello, you wonderful BuDhaGirl’s and BuDhaGuy’s that are celebrating 2022 as your year…the Year of the Tiger! How did the Chinese Zodiac start?

Well, the Chinese Zodiac dates back 2000 years ago to the Qin Dynasty. The legend goes, that the Jade Emperor challenged all the animals in the Kingdom to a “Great Race.” Whoever arrived at his palace first would win his favor. The Tiger was sure that he had the race in the bag but ended up placing third after the sly Rat and persistent Ox.

Tiger Traits:

Tigers are extremely competitive people, known for their courage and ambition. Tigers are ambitious, but they’re also extremely generous. Tigers want to win but always fairly. The Year of the Rat (2020) was about survival, and the Year of the Ox (2021) was about anchoring ourselves in a “new reality.” The Year of the Tiger will be about making big changes.

The Tiger is associated with Yang (masculine, active) energy. Tigers do things their own way and hate being told what to do. Expect to rapidly change this year. Sudden disruptions in career, romance, and home life should be expected.

In addition to the animals, the Chinese Zodiac also has five elemental types. This year is not only the Year of the Tiger but also the year of the Water-Tiger. Water brings out our emotions more than any of the other elements. Water Tigers are family-oriented and have wonderful interpersonal relationships. Though they’re extremely driven and can be brazen, their goal is always to do what’s best for everyone. Their colors are green and blue and their numbers are 1,3,7.