Your Chinese monthly horoscope for January 2024 based on Chinese astrology

Year Of The Tiger: What The Year Has In Store For You

Each Lunar New Year is named after an animal. And it was a Tiger year when Susan Levitt decided to make the leap from working at an architectural firm to working as a full-time astrologer and tarot card reader. "People kept asking me, 'Read my cards!'" she recalls. "Could I even make a living doing something like that? I thought, It's a Tiger year: Go for it!" That was in 1986, a Fire element year. There are five zodiac elements in Chinese astrology, and while the last Year of the Tiger was in 2022, a Water element year, that same sense of passion, urgency and boldness applied.

According to Levitt, author of Taoist Astrology: A Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition, Tiger years, including the next one in 2034, are all about going big or going home. This is markedly different from 2021's year of the Metal Ox, which was all about steady progress, pragmatism and hard work. So here's what you might expect from the Tiger year again in 2034 based on 2022's results.

Get Reader's Digest's Read Up newsletter for more zodiac insight, holiday tips, fun facts, humor, cleaning, travel and tech all week long.

Year of the Tiger zodiac traits

Tigers are regal, impressive and ferocious creatures. They are also stealthy and determined hunters. The Tiger zodiac personality reflects all these traits. People of this Chinese zodiac sign are portraits in courage and leadership. They like doing things their own way, and once they set a goal for themselves, they will do anything to make it happen. However, there are some drawbacks to their incredible zest for life. "Tiger's negative traits are a tendency to be impulsive, rebellious and quick tempered," Levitt says. "When Tiger throws a tantrum, this anger can spread to innocent bystanders." Tiger years, therefore, can be very explosive times.

Chinese zodiac signs during Year of the Tiger

RD.Com, Getty Images (2)

Celebrating the Lunar New Year means embracing Chinese New Year traditions, including the Chinese zodiac signs. As with all Chinese zodiac signs, Tiger years occur every 12 years. (Previous Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010.) Different from Western zodiac elements, there are five Chinese zodiac elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood—a Water Tiger year occurs every 60 years. The last two were in 1962 and 2022. So what did that mean for you in the last Year of the Tiger?

Tigers are quick to action, so in 2022, you had to be prepared for situations to change on a dime. According to Levitt, "Tempers flare, drama and excitement reign and crazy dreams can become reality." This applied to personal relationships, career development and, on a larger scale, political unrest or social revolution. While there can be great boons that come out of a Tiger year and some zodiac signs may experience wonderful luck, others can easily get burned. There is no middle ground in the Year of the Tiger, so take note for the next Year of the Tiger, 2034.

This is especially true for Tigers themselves. According to legend, one's Chinese zodiac birth year (Ben Ming Nian) can be extremely unlucky for them. However, this isn't always ominous—if Tigers can overcome the challenges presented to them in these years, they can still accomplish great things. So while some Tigers may have felt disaster in 2022 (and may face some again in 2034) others could very well have seen their risk-taking pay off. For her part, Levitt thinks that "tigers will be em What the Water element means

RD.Com, Getty Images

2022 was a Water element year. Out of all the Chinese zodiac elements, Water has the greatest connection to emotions. "Water [is connected to] sensitivity, creativity [and] being impressionable," Levitt explains. But don't forget: Water is also an extremely powerful natural force. "It's the strongest element—even stronger than fire—because it can go around any obstacle in its path and not lose its essential nature."

Since 2022 was the Year of the Water Tiger, it was a time of very strong, wild emotions. "For some people, that's liberating," says Levitt, "and they should take the risk. You always wanted to be a chef? Learn to cook this year. You always wanted to be a writer? Take that writing class." Sometimes, however, emotional extremes can mean chaos, and some of the negative attributes that come with the Water element can be fear and indecisiveness. These are things each sign had to contend with and overcome in 2022.

Compatible zodiac signs for the Tiger

RD.Com, Getty Images

The Chinese zodiac signs most compatible with Tiger—and, thus, most likely to have a good year during the Year of the Tiger—are Horse, Dog and Pig. People with these signs will be most receptive to the Year of the Tiger's creative, wild and intense energy. Horse's liveliness, Dog's idealism and Pig's courage all vibe well with Tiger. These are the signs that will most likely be rewarded for taking risks and see great fortune in everything from finance and travel to love as a result.

Least compatible zodiac signs for the Tiger

Unfortunately, Rat, Ox, Snake and Monkey tend not to be comfortable with Tiger energy. Rat is cautious and methodical, but careful plans don't always amount to much in a fast-paced, unpredictable Tiger year. Similarly, Ox is very pragmatic and routine oriented. Although Oxes may see some fun now that their own zodiac year is behind them, "Tiger energy can bring unexpected problems," Levitt explains, "so stay the course and be diligent and conscientious in your work." Snake's reserved nature is at odds with the boldness of Tiger, so quiet meditation may bring more rewards. (Although, Tiger's artistic creativity may also inspire this sign.) Finally, the attention-hungry Monkey does not enjoy the fact that everyone will seem to want to do things their own way during the Year of the Tiger. In the end, the Monkey should probably lie low for the most part during Tiger years.

Middle-of-the-road zodiac signs

Dragon and Rooster fare well during the Tiger's years. Both of these signs appreciate and share Tiger's enthusiasm and boldness; however, Dragon may have encountered some power struggles in 2022, and Rooster most likely needed to find a way to "not get swept up in Tiger year passions," as Levitt puts it. Tiger energy probably made Sheep more sociable. However, Sheep cannot always keep up with Tiger and must make time for rest. Similarly, the gentle Rabbit found excitement in 2022 but may have been overwhelmed at times. Levitt advised that Rabbit people tie up loose ends before their year came in 2023.

Lucky times of the year for each sign

RD.Com, Getty Images (2)

Eating lucky Chinese New Year foods and organizing your home according to the principles of feng shui will only get you so far. Scroll down to find your Chinese zodiac sign, based on your birth year, and find out which months found the most opportunities for success in 2022. P.S. The good luck might come again for the Year of the Tiger in 2034.

Rat

Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032

According to Levitt, the best months for Rat people in 2022 were April and August, though winter was their best season. Water Rat people born in 1972 and Wood Rat people born in 1984 fared best. In the Chinese five-element theory, the Water element nurtures the Wood element.

Ox

Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033

Ox people born during the Tiger month of February or during Tiger hours (3 a.M. To 5 a.M.) have an easier time adapting to the ups and downs of a Tiger year. Water Oxes born in 1973 and Wood Oxes born in 1985 fared best in 2022. During that year, the best months for Oxen were May and September, and their best season was winter.

Tiger

Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034

Autumn was the best season for Tiger people in 2022. Water Tigers born in 1962 and Wood Tigers born in 1974 had the most luck.

Rabbit

Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035

Spring was the most favorable season for Rabbits in 2022, with March and July being the luckiest months. Water Rabbits of 1963 and Wood Rabbits of 1975 fared the best.

Dragon

Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036

April, August and December were the most fortunate months for Dragons. Those born in 1952 (a Water year) and 1964 (a Wood year) had the most success.

Snake

Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037

It may not have been your year, but Water Snakes born in 1953 and Wood Snakes born in 1965 may have had the best shot of making it out relatively unscathed. Overall, the best months for Snakes in 2022 were May and September, and their best season was spring.

Horse

Birth years: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Horse did the best in the summer months of 2022. Levitt says that Water Horse people born in 1942 and 2002, as well as Wood Horse people born in 1954 and 2014, were the most fortunate.

Sheep (or Goat)

Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2039

Like Horse, the lucky season was also summer. Water Sheep born in 1943 and 2003 and Wood Sheep born in 1955 and 2015 had especially good years.

Monkey

Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Most Monkey people didn't love 2022, but Water Monkey people born in 1992 and Wood Monkey people born in 1944 and 2004 could have been more fortunate than others. In 2022, your best months were April, August and December, and your best season was summer.

Rooster

Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

According to Levitt, Water Roosters born in 1933 and 1993, and Wood Roosters born in 1945 and 2005, had the most luck in Year of the Tiger 2022. Their best months were May and September, and their best season was autumn.

Dog

Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Water Dog people of 1982 and Wood Dog people of 1934 and 1994 did well. Luck was on your side in February, June and October, as well as generally in the autumn months.

Pig

Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Autumn and winter were the most opportune times for people of the Pig sign. Water Pigs born in 1983 and Wood Pigs born in 1935 and 1995 felt especially empowered in 2022.

About the expert

Source:

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility By Birth Year: Predicting Relationship Success

​The rat zodiac sign was born in 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020. It is well-known for its smartness, resourcefulness, and determination. Oxen and rats are highly compatible, as are the Dragon and the Oxen, because they are hardworking, reliable, charismatic, and ambitious. They also have the same connection with the Monkey as they find the playful and intellectual side of the Monkey. Rats may face difficulties in relationships with Goats, as both can have different approaches to life. Rats are very practical, whereas Goats are emotional.

​

Chinese Zodiac Elements: Here's What These Five Elements Mean For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

The Chinese zodiac features 12 animal signs that repeat in a 12-year cycle—rat, ox, tiger, and more. But there's more to it: each year also has an element linked to it. For instance, according to Chinese astrology, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon; so was 1989 the Year of the Earth Snake and 2002 was the Year of the Fire Horse. Let's delve into what these elements mean, their connection to each year, and how to determine which one you are based on your Chinese zodiac sign.

Let's read about Chinese zodiac elements and what its impact on your Chinese zodiac sign.

Also Read What is Chinese astrology? And what does each zodiac sign tell about your personality?

Now catch your favourite game on Crickit. Anytime Anywhere. Find out how History of Chinese Zodiac Elements

The Chinese zodiac has five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They come from the Five Elements Theory or Wu Xing (Chinese Philosophy), which discusses how everything is connected. It's all about balance and change. When one element gets stronger, another one gets weaker. None of these elements are more important than the others—they're all linked. This theory isn't just about the zodiac signs; it's part of other Eastern traditions like feng shui, acupuncture, and martial arts.

Also Read Chinese Horoscope 2024: Predictions for Year of the Wood Dragon for each sun sign

In Western astrology, there are four elements—earth, air, fire, and water. They're kind of like the Chinese elements. The Greek philosopher Plato first talked about these elements. It explains why fire signs are seen as fiery and water signs as sensitive. Each element needs the others; they're all important and work together. The goal is harmony. These ideas are where all those astrological stereotypes come from!

Also Read 2024 Chinese Horoscope: 3 most lucky zodiac signs in the year of dragon

Meaning of Chinese Zodiac Elements Wood Element:

People born in the wood years are patient and wise. They're like ancient trees, growing and wise. They're warm, friendly, and practical. Like trees talk to each other through roots, wood folks believe in growth through communication. However, their focus on progress might make them too competitive or too focused on winning. Sometimes, they can forget other people's needs in their pursuit of success. They're good planners but need to avoid overworking themselves by doing gentle exercises like yoga and getting enough rest.

Planet: Jupiter

Symbol: Dragon

Wood Zodiac signs: Tiger and Rabbit

Wood Years: 1974, 1975, 1984, 1985, 1994, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015

Also Read Wood Dragon Year of 2024: Here is all you should know about the Chinese Horoscope of 2024

Fire Element:

Fire year individuals are full of passion and love adventure. They're creative and persistent. Like fire, they can ignite everything around them with enthusiasm but might burn out easily, too. They get bored quickly if things are routine and might not stick to one job or relationship for long. Spontaneity is their thing. However, their high energy can cause anxiety, so they need to take calming walks and stay hydrated to keep cool.

Planet: Mars

Symbol: Phoenix

Zodiac sign: Horse and snake

Fire Years: 1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1996, 1997, 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017

Also Read Chinese Astrology: Know your unlucky numbers based on your animal sign

Earth Element:

Earth people are peacemakers, responsible and fair-minded. They're like the helpers Mr. Rogers talked about. They stay calm in tough times. Yet, they might become a bit controlling if their efforts are not appreciated. They should balance their helpfulness with personal time for meditation to stay grounded and patient.

Planet: Saturn

Symbol: Cauldron

Zodiac sign: Dragon, dog, ox, sheep

Recent Earth Years: 1978, 1979, 1988, 1989, 1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2019

Metal Element:

Metal-year individuals are disciplined and get things done. They're focused and loyal but can also be strict and judgmental. While rules matter to them, they should learn to relax a bit. Volunteering can soften their approach, and meditation can help them find inner peace.

Planet: Venus

Symbol: Tiger

Zodiac Sign: Monkey and rooster

Recent Metal Years: 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2011, 2020

Water Element:

People born in the water years are sensitive and creative, often needing time alone. They avoid drama and love to observe. Yet, they might lose themselves in others' stories or isolate themselves. They need a calm environment but should push themselves to socialize to find balance. Even though they're sensitive, they're strong-willed.

Planet: Mercury

Symbol: Turtle

Zodiac Sign: Rat, pig

Recent Water Years: 1972, 1973, 1982, 1983, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013

---