Born During A Tiger Year? Here's What It Means + How To Thrive

In Chinese astrology, the entire year falls under one of the 12 signs, as opposed to in Western astrology, which has 12 zodiac seasons that all sit within one year. For example, the upcoming Chinese calendar year (starting on February 1, 2022) will be a Tiger year followed by a Rabbit year in 2023, and so on.

According to Chinese astrology practitioner Tiffany Lin, those born during the year of the Tiger live to seek adventure. They also have an insatiable desire for knowledge and power.

"They are bold pioneers," Lin explains, adding that Tigers are also analytical, practical yet ambitious, restless—and a bit reckless.

You can think of them as the apex predator of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. "Intent with their eyes on their prey or the prize, they'll do whatever they can to conquer," Lin explains.

Tigers also always want to be the best, taking great pride in their accomplishments and competency. "Tigers are fiercely independent, aggressive, and can cover a lot of territories, which means they need a lot of space physically and energetically," Lin says.

Those born during a Metal Tiger year are known to be active, aggressive, passionate, and magnetic, according to Lin.

"Like metal, [those born under this Tiger year] want to project a glamorous image of themselves. The combination of Metal and Tiger produces a person who is direct, unorthodox, stubborn, drastic in their behavior," they note, adding Metal Tigers flourish in competitive environments.

In the case of Water Tigers, Cho notes these people are supported and content, with a sense of connection to others and the world. "Water really supports a Tiger, because Tiger has Wood as its main element," she adds.

Wood is already the main element associated with Tigers, so the double wood energy of a Tiger born in a Wood year makes for someone who is very active and adept at getting things done. As Cho notes, the Tiger is at home in the Wood element.

Just by their name, you can imagine what a Fire Tiger might be like. Fiery, of course, as well as passionate and lively. As Lin says, these people can find it hard to contain their enthusiasm, adding that Fire Tigers are also "super independent and unconventional."

And last but not least, Earth Tigers are the quieter, "chiller" Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac. According to Cho, while they might take things slower than other Tigers, that grounding is needed to support their active energy. As Lin explains, the Earth element "steadies this type of Tiger by giving them a longer attention span," resulting in a quieter and more responsible nature.

According to both Cho and Lin, Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dogs, and Pigs. As Lin explains, "They relate well with each other and are always honest, open, and motivated by idealism," adding, "If you are a Tiger and want to find your best friends, [...] find yourself some Horse and Dog friends."

As far as incompatibility, Tigers may have some difficulty getting along with Monkeys. "If you meet a Monkey and are generally irritated by their ways of being, see what characteristics they have that you can learn and grow from," Lin says.

Generally speaking, though, Tigers are loyal in their relationships but can also become possessive and jealous. As such, Lin says it's important for Tigers to check that jealousy and let their partner know when they need reassurance. Tigers also appreciate plenty of space and freedom within their relationships.

As Lin explains, the internal motivation for Tigers is self-mastery and cultivation. As such, it's important these people remember what their priorities and values are, as they relate to work.

"The Tiger must learn to channel their energy and excessive enthusiasm to accomplish their goals," Lin notes, adding Tigers won't be enthusiastic in careers where they're no longer learning or picking up skills.

These folks can also have a "volatile" relationship with money, spending, and saving, according to Lin, who says their ability to be financially successful lies with their ability to persevere against their impatience for quick and fast results. It's also important they set solid financial goals and outline strategies to achieve them.

The impulsive nature of Tigers can sometimes work against them, which is why Lin says it's important they "root down and focus on being calm and centered as a way to counteract any impulsive tendencies."