IT GROWLS and displays its lethal teeth, snarl, snap, gnash, slashes. Huge paws, vicious claws, it's a giant cat - the tiger. But what if it falls in love?
Auspicious is what you can call this time of the year when Cupid meets up with the tiger. Double celebration, twice the festivity, nothing can be redder than red for the Chinese lunar new year is in abrazos with St. Valentine.
Firecrackers sizzle, crackle and go more than pop, pyrotechnics light up the night sky on the eve ushering their big cat while Eros is busy aiming his arrows at hearts and play match maker.
The third sign of the cycle of the Lunar Calendar, the year ushers in the tiger and not just any tiger, it is the Metal Tiger. According to Chinese astrology, this creature is a sign of courage, power, passion and royalty. While the dragon is the insignia of emperors in Imperial China, the tiger is the emblem of the army's supreme commander. Not only that, domestically this fearless and fiery fighter is revered by the ancient Chinese as the sign that wards off disasters - fire, thieves and ghosts.
When love comes a calling, Tigers have a very strong love suit this year so expect to have fun! Romance comes roaring at its highest mid-year which can bring luck when you ring the wedding bells.
Dragon. Unwinding is a must in this challenge-filled year. Make time and effort for your loved one.
Horse. The social calendar is toxic for you may find yourself highly in demand but don't let the impetuous Tiger lure you too far down the path of temptation. Come summer, passion comes alive!
Rat. Although family love is prominent for you, don't neglect romance. Your social life will help in finding your love connection.
Ox. Quiet. Go find a deeper love in a blossoming friendship. The ever reliable family will be your best support group when things don't go as smoothly as you would like.
Dog. Fabulous! While your family will bring you great joy in the coming year, you may find yourself falling in love with your partner all over again or if you get into a relationship, it is likely to start off on firm ground. And If you want to walk or re-walk the aisle, this would be a very good year.
Sheep. The Tiger will encourage you to party like there is no tomorrow. Personal relationships can flourish. Expect transition in a significant relationship- go deeper in a commitment or worse, a separation.
Pig. Family and home for you and it can be rewarding if you give yourself freely. Cultivate new friendships because it is a particularly good year to meet a stable, loving partner.
Rabbit. Productive relationships with family and friends. Love can bloom over a random meeting later in the year.
Snake. Joyful relations with family and friends for 2010. If you seeking a partner, introducing yourself in new social circles (where will be received well) will be good but you need to make the first move if you want to find love
Monkey. Go out of your way to pay special attention to the people you care most about. This is not a good year to make enemies.
Rooster. Active on the personal relationships front. 2010 can be flourishing for Roosters. Great time to to connect, or re-connect with friends and family.
Admit it, you like everyone else do want to hear what's in store for you this year in the hearts or wealth department. Most likely, it's both. I hope you are happy with what the Tiger has in store for you.
Now there is another love, the savage kind of love. The love for the political seat where men are turned into savages. Those Tigers aiming for a seat of power might prove to be successful. After all, they are natural leaders. They have a strong sense of their own dignity and perform best if working towards positions of power and influence.
Intelligent, alert, and farsighted, fond of competitions and won't pass up on a challenge. Cool and unpredictable, it would be unwise to underestimate their reactions. Good strategists and tacticians, they often have a hidden agenda (hmmmm... is there an exempted politician?)
The air around us is thick with the sound of electioneering. The smog is definitely choking us and we should stand firm in our hopes that amidst the fumes of empty promises there will be a whiff of fresh air for us. Thin it may be, a clean breeze that will blow our way. Let's keep our hopes up and vote wisely. That's my wish for the Chinese New Year and the love I seek on this day of the hearts.
Kung hei fat choi and happy Valentine's day!
(thanks to astrology.com)