Author: Stephanie Stewart

The Dog in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Personal Best

In a Tiger year the Dog can experience support and empowerment and promotion, however, it looks like a fairly quiet year. Funny how this Tiger year has very little that is special for you other than the work you can do on relationships. It’s almost like the universe is telling you what needs attention in your life. Dogs are being asked to make a lasting change about their allegiances at a time when that might not feel right to them.

In 2022, rewards may not be as big as you’ve come to expect, at least not in the public arena. What the year has to offer you is by way of alliance so the question is how have you been treating your partners and associates? How have they been treating you? As part of the Fire Trio of Tiger, Horse and Dog you are in the company of those who can make you successful, but they don’t have to. What can you bring to the table as a group member? As with all other signs this year, the most important thing for you to pay attention is to your values in relationships.

First things first: Question who wants to empower you and why. Know who you are working for. The Tiger is capable of being the master manipulator of the Dog because being part of the same group, the Dog assumes they want the same things. This is not always true. If you’ve been fooled in this way in the past, you’re in good company. Even a Dragon can get taken in when it comes to the Tiger. The Tiger is generally empowering you to work for them, not for you. Dogs who are entrepreneurs will especially want to keep that in mind.

The return of Fire in 2022 brings you support, but this year know that the price might be that it reinforces your stubbornness. Strong Fire seems to give the Dog baked in ideas about their behavior, making it difficult to change. In 2022, overestimation of the importance of your fans could interfere with the class and social mobility the Dog likes to know is always available. Don’t let approval blind you to what you know is right or wrong.

Many opportunities are offered throughout the year. These are big and by nature may be difficult to take advantage of; it may be hard to rise to the challenges that will accompany them. I’m telling you this because I think you could be tempted to ignore the smaller, intimate and personal opportunities that are more important now. In business, progress is easy, but that’s not what will bring the change you might want. It’s process where the Dog often gets frustrated, thinking that all time is geological except for theirs. Let relationship matters unfold at their own pace. Choose what you want because you want it, not because you think it’s going to get you something you want. What I’m saying is that your private relationships are the foundation of your public self, not vice versa. I hope that makes sense.

In February, the Tiger sparks the Dog’s restlessness which will continue throughout the year. Take care with travel because you may be accident prone, especially at the times you are exhausted or depleted. Don’t drive unless you have all your faculties about you.

The Dog’s aspirations in 2022 start off strong, but what the year has to offer will likely be small. That’s not necessarily a negative if you’re interested in the repair and rejuvenation of domestic relationships. If you need healing, this is where you’ll find it.

In March you’ll want to learn how to get better at sharing. You’ll learn that being a provider includes domestic chores and other things, such as emotional labor. You may have thought these things were not your job. Younger Dogs seem to have these things well underway so perhaps this applies mostly to those of us who are older.

Dogs will become more prominent again in 2022. Look for this to peak in June. We’ll hear more in the news about Dogs and they will experience a resurgence of whatever fame they have had in the past. Be aware that the Tiger might be the first one to take that fame away or change it to infamy, too. If you leave yourself open to manipulation because what you like to feel most is approval, that is the potential outcome.

Don’t believe everything you hear or see. Dogs will benefit from taking advice from the Rabbit in 2022, because being alone with the Tiger’s brand of support makes them think they are infallible. The Tiger encourages the Dog’s tendency to keep making the same mistakes, over and over. This may serve the Tiger but it doesn’t serve the Dog. Don’t defer to another’s guidance just because you think they’ve attained what you want.

Of late, many a Dog has been fooled into thinking they are successful when in fact many of their efforts have been co-opted or used for someone else’s benefit; someone who doesn’t have their best interests at heart. Dogs who fell into this trap are starting to realize how they may have sold themselves out for a purported reward that never materialized. This kind of realization is what will lead you to rediscover who you really are. Stick with that even if it’s painful. Who did/do you want to be? Consider that if you’re finding success unsatisfying maybe you need to redefine it.

In April, remind yourself that nobody made you do anything you didn’t want to do. That could be painful but don’t avoid whatever feelings you’re having about that. Instead, let that energy loosen your routines. Accept a little instability in order to facilitate movement.

In July you’ll want to remember there is no one on earth that everyone likes and that includes you. However ill used you might possibly feel now, at this point in time you are far from being a victim. Be open about your hurts but don’t try to use them as a selling point or jumping off point for policy making.

In case of new (or returning) health issues this year, consider that you might be in a state of elemental imbalance. This implies you have agency, and you do. You can influence it. Stay hydrated. If you get too hot, know that bad judgment may accompany that state. Slow down and cool down.

When autumn arrives, if you haven’t been doing so already, cultivate peace through the regulation of your breath; consciously breathe. Take extra care with respiratory health this year. Consider air quality.

If you need to move aim for August. That means you’ll need to start planning now, but planning doesn’t mean you have to decide right away. August is the month you’ll be feeling the urge for travel, world events permitting. International travel may not be an option this year.

In 2022, seek leadership for what it is: a service role. Leadership is not achieved by way of compliance or surrender. Find out what people really need and provide it. Cut through obstacles and make space. Lead people, not corporations, countries or movements.

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of your neighbor the Pig. Look to the flexibility and adaptability of the people in your community for inspiration. Be ready to provide whatever is needed for family well being.

Summary: Life consists of small things.

February: Want to run? Slow down. Think and feel if you want change this year.
April: Boundary incursions. Is it an attack or an opportunity to learn?
June: Stay hydrated and open to the idea of your possible stubbornness. Business is good.
July: Break patterns around your power dynamic with those you see as weak.
October: Present something you’ve been working on for a long time.

The Rooster in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Whistle and Whittle

Some Feng Shui masters have you down as the luckiest one in 2022 and part of your attraction and charm is that you’ve got something that others want. Maybe it’s your ability to put money together in difficult times. That’s often what people focus on for luck, isn’t it? If the Rooster is in your day pillar, maybe it’s you that others want – or maybe it’s your significant other! There may be a little covetousness in your vicinity this year. This is something to be aware of, not a curse.

I think Roosters will be lucky too, but not simply because of their relationship to money and power. Who would expect that a Rooster can both tame and inspire the Tiger? This year has the potential to convince you of that. Trust in whatever optimism you might have. You have reason to. The Rooster’s special gift this year is the ability to whittle away at potential obstacles before they have a chance to become unmanageable. To my way of thinking, that’s a good deal.

Caution: So much of the year is about money for you and how you might decide that it’s the solution to your problems. You’re not necessarily wrong, but there’s always more than one possible solution to any problem. Try to be more creative.

The Rooster’s fancy calculations may not be able to keep up with the Tiger’s constant changes of pace this year, so rely more on your natural charm. Be you, for real. Get to know who you are now, after these last draining years. Stop worrying about what happened in the past or who said what to whom. Let the future unfold. Locate yourself in the present or you’ll miss out. Now is good.

Just because things haven’t been easy doesn’t mean you haven’t been lucky. Others will stop trying to convince you of this if you grant yourself the peace of accepting it. When people think you are stubborn it’s because you don’t state your reasoning openly. This usually happens when you are afraid of others laughing at you. Unfortunately, staying mum means that you stay afraid and others continue to think you are obstinate. They don’t understand the underlying cause of your behavior is probably fear. State your case clearly and calmly and trust that others will understand.

Being a Rooster, you usually have pretty clear ideas about what it means to look good and to dress appropriately. In 2022 people will perceive you as more attractive than usual. If that sounds strange to you, I’m here to tell you I’ve seen it happen. Peach blossom is a better beauty enhancement than human intervetion. You’ll see.

Men born in a Rooster year may not be as lucky in relationships as women, which might sound like a contradictory thing to say if you know your elements. In a Tiger year, the male Rooster’s potential anger relating to family patterns could potentially spill over into every interaction.

When those difficult (ugly?) feelings arise, feel whatever you’re feeling without going through your list of past situations and reasons why you have stuff to feel. Stop reinforcing the link with your past experiences. You are not the same person and neither is anyone else. If you can’t give up the nostalgia, at least sync up your memories with the feelings you want to have.

One way a Rooster might deal with anger is by declaring an emergency, or failing to reveal an emergency. If this is you, I’m guessing you have probably struggled with lifelong concerns about attention deprivation. Sometimes I can see this in a BaZi. I don’t make causal conclusions, but I do think emergencies are sometimes a way of seeing who will show up. If you have a Rooster in your life and you want to support them, keep showing up, emergency or not. If you are the Rooster, be more direct more often about seeking the attention you want or need and there will tend to be fewer emergencies. How would you like to get noticed?

What makes that question so relevant in 2022 is that timing brings Dragon Virtue to the Rooster. This means you can change your reputation. Even if it’s already shiny, you can give it a good polish by way of acknowledging that not only can you take care of yourself, you have your ways of taking care of others. Preferring the opposite doesn’t negate that truth. Instead of thinking you are loved out of duty, believe you are loved for your beauty. You might be the only one who doesn’t appreciate it. Your denials reveal your secret: you are worried that others feel obligated to love you. Even if they did, it’s still their choice. So let yourself be loved and cherished.

In 2022, a possible obstacle is that friends and associates don’t meet your definition of commitment. This is a timing issue more than a betrayal, but if it’s worrying you, then talk about it. Listen too. Maybe they are withdrawn out of hardship or illness. Since the problem mostly has to do with timing, you can either explore it in your relationships or wait it out. If you’re trying to wait it out, know it’s going to keep coming around. The peak of questioning the loyalty of others may arrive in January, March, April, and May.

In terms of your health, this year Metal is weak. Don’t be too worried about that, but do make sure you get plenty of rest. Don’t push yourself beyond your physical limits. If you do have health concerns, you may want to explore what Metal means to you. This will vary according to your day master element and the elemental dynamics within your BaZi. If Metal is weak that could potentially be helpful for you. Having a BaZi is the best way to understand what the weakness of Metal in 2022 means for you.

In February and March you may have money on your mind due to unforeseen expenses. Prices are going up. In March, you may have a concern that money is being spent on someone undeserving. If this has to do with supporting children by way of supporting parents, make a closer analysis before you decide what to do about that. If you feel the need to cut someone down to size, be aware that in a Tiger year, there will be a branch snapping back for you to dodge. Don’t hurt yourself by hurting others.

April brings the height of your charm. If you are looking for a business or creative partner, this could be a lucky month for you. Romance beckons for you, but your partner may not be so interested in physical intimacy. Explore other means.

In May you’ll want to have a care if you’re traveling, especially if you’re traveling with your usual traveling companions Monkey or Snake. Monkeys often enjoy driving and cars but in this year they may tend to be more accident prone. That goes for the Snake too. There’s an abundance of impulsive movement throughout the year for everyone. If travel is in the cards for you, make backup plans in case something breaks down.

In August the Metal element becomes timely but so does Water. This will be the month to focus on maintaining your stamina and endurance. Be sure to rest when it’s time. You may be feeling stronger, but don’t let yourself become depleted mentally, emotionally or physically.

All in all, it is a lucky year for the Rooster. Focus on what you can do to foster the reputation you want. Stop worrying about the small and petty things that really have nothing to do with you. Express your needs clearly. Pay attention to and listen to the people who love you.

Amulet: Ox
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Ox. Practice emotional context switching. Seek endurance, persistence and stamina

Summary: Request attention. Don’t wait for others to do what you can do for yourself.

February: Continue to work to resolve last year’s issues. Trust optimism.
March: Consider your jealousy is unwarranted. Count blessings.
April: Promising partnerships but be clear about what commitment means to you.
May: Careful with travel.
August: Be aware of who you’re rolling with, who their friends are and where they’ve been.
September: Potential mistakes of thinking you have to pay for someone to care.
December: Stay warm and dry.

The Monkey in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Like Skiing Through Trees

In a Tiger year, the Monkey is called the Sui Po or Year Breaker. The Monkey is the recipient of the Tiger’s focused energy and they are elemental opposites. The Tiger is yang Wood, the Monkey is yang Metal. Your clash with the Tiger is something you’ve handled for one month of every year you’ve been alive. The Tiger is present every year in February, which makes February 2022 special. February 2022 is a Water Tiger month, like the year. Expect February to foreshadow all of the possible events of the year. Pay attention so you can use that knowledge to your advantage.

While this clash isn’t new to you, what might make it harder this time is that it’s a year instead of a month. Don’t count on gutting it out. Take active measures to shape the changes that are coming because in 2022, the Monkey gets the lion’s share of the Tiger’s energy. Don’t forget the Tiger brings the renewal of the Fire element too. Monkeys will be challenged regarding money and success, and defined regarding power and agency. As it does for everyone else, the year brings a steep learning curve for the Monkey. Take advice purposely from a trustworthy source if you want help.

The Monkey is also one of the three branches involved in what is called the Fire Penalty. To summarize the meaning of the Fire Penalty, the Monkey may be more accident prone especially in February, May and August. The Fire Penalty is mostly about movement and transportation so if you’re a Tiger, Snake or Monkey, travel is something you might choose to avoid this year. There’s more to this energetic situation than I’ve mentioned here. If you’d like to know more about the Fire Penalty, read the Snake Fortune.

In the position of the Sui Po for 2022, the Monkey will face a constant need to clear obstacles that relate to their success and money. While this will probably be frustrating and even overwhelming at times, it will be important to remember that each obstacle fuels the Fire that forges you. Each obstacle improves your ability to say no; to stand up for yourself rather than letting yourself be injured. Metal is the weakest element this year, but Fire can make Metal more durable. Let it happen.

A good strategy for the Monkey in handling stress this year might be to consciously channel the idea of the obstacles as a challenge you’ve negotiated before. For example, if you’ve ever had a skiing lesson, you could think of the year as something like skiing through the trees of a forest. You can’t go too fast because you need time to steer your course, but going too slow will get you nowhere. Keep moving, but go at your own pace, even when you feel momentum. Let the process happen. Pizza AND french fries.*

What advice do I give about a clash year? Let yourself be changed. Choose the changes you want. If there’s going to be destruction, you choose. With a habit of turning to work (any kind of work) for solace, often what a Monkey is avoiding is emotional disclosure. This year emotions are easily accessible to you, so let the feelings come. Express them. Communication is the thing that will bridge the divide between you and the Tiger. If you’re looking to pacify, they may even feel supported by it. Don’t fake it though because the Tiger will know.

One problem in 2022 could be having to turn down opportunities. When it comes to making money, what you need to do is be very selective. There will be identifiable moments when Monkeys will need to challenge their own endurance, which might mean their workaholic nature. Monkeys may need to say no to short deadlines, and say no to always doing more. Saying no is not turning down your last chance, so ask yourself why you usually think it is.

In the Water Tiger year, Monkeys are going to have to push back against all these demands that take up too much space in their mind and therefore, in their life. Maybe it’s the Tiger who coined the term “monkey brain” – because the Tiger gets in your head. Take the challenge and turn it back on the challenger. There are both compromises and refusals to make. Maintain your gentleness as you can but stand up for yourself. Say no to violence.

Let yourself be changed and defined by openly disagreeing. Find the ways to do this that work for you, and it will build your self confidence. Wait for the right moment, it will come. If you are going to attack, do it openly and watch the obstacles disappear. This year you might think people are too thick realize when you are being aggressive but guess what? They are watching and they know, however, you can get away with aggression by confronting obstacles consistently, routinely, dependably, and warmly.

Because the Wood element is so strong, this year may feel a bit crowded for the Monkey. People will be trying to get in your space to get you to do things they want you to do for their benefit. Because there’s some kind of profit in it for you, you may be afraid to confront them when they go too far with their demands. When you don’t say no, it gives them a platform to continue with their bad behavior, nitpicking, consuming, and taking up all the space in the world; creating instability for everyone. Don’t let yourself be used for purposes that are against your values. To protect yourself, listen. People will tell you exactly who they are right from the first meeting.

If anxiety has been an issue for you in the past, it may show itself again this year, but there’s no need for despair or talk of relapses. As you have probably already learned, anxiety is not a permanent state. If there are moments of fear, don’t forget that you’re not the only one who is afraid. Consider that it might not be your fear that you are feeling, it might be someone else’s. Sort this out as much as you’re able. Each time the fear comes it might make you think there’s too much against you to push back, but in certain cases that will be the perfect solution. Make decisions because that is the way to get better at making decisions.

It might feel fake to act as if everything is going to be okay but like poison, in small doses it can be helpful. Embrace the heat of the Fire element. What I mean is, take the heat rather than comply with the demand that you constantly work, because this is what really defines you. Choose the Fire of initiation wherever you can. This may not be your year for physical risks, but those aren’t the ones you are afraid of, are they? Take some time off.

If you have bitterness stored up, focus on talk with trusted people. This might be anyone. It doesn’t have to be a therapist. You need advice less than you need some solid ground under your feet and someone who will listen, acknowledge and try to understand. That’s how you’ll know when it’s the right person to talk to.

Whatever you do, don’t suffer in silence. Instead, let people love you. You can try to keep your head down, thinking that people would make fun of you if they found out how fragile you can be, but that might prevent you from understanding what makes you special. It’s your combination of fragility and endurance that commands respect. Let yourself be defined that way.

Summary: The Lion’s Share

Amulet: Horse
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Horse. Be tested by making decisions. Learn when to rush forward and when to run in the opposite direction. Your gentle authority is what can tame the Tiger.

February: Peak obstacles. Seek Fire.
March: You’ve got more power than you realize. Use it for cooperation.
April: The challenge is obvious and you’ve got friends and support. Talk.
June: Initiation is possible and likely. What do you want it to be?
August: Talk dispels potential bitterness. Push back with purpose now.
September: Finding your new form.
November: Possible money loss.
December: Ending on a high note. Back to work.

*The terms Pizza and French Fries are describing the position you want for your skis according to whether you want to go slower or faster.
Pizza: To slow down, the forward tips of the skis point at each other so it makes a triangle shape like a pizza slice.
French Fries: To speed up, keep the skis parallel, like two french fries lying side by side.

The Sheep in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Reality Doesn’t Bite

In the Water Tiger year the Sheep can combine with the Tiger’s energy to grow their agency. Take on the fierce and independent nature of the Tiger and let it make you stronger. Let the past be the past. Consider letting go of old ideas about what it means to be part of the collective. This year you don’t have to be an insider to be important. Put your loyalty where it is deserved and reciprocated if you want change in 2022. Be your own counselor.

Learn how to find companionship where it is genuinely offered. It probably won’t be in the VIP section, but that is no longer a safe place to be anyway. This idea could be disappointing if you spent a lot of time trying to get in. Give yourself some time and you’ll find it liberating instead. Good news! What you want is not going to be found in a roped off area. In fact, you might already have it.

While the Sheep may be frightened or feel pushed by the Tiger, the elemental relationship of the two strengthens the Sheep and transforms the Tiger’s movement to stillness. A Sheep that knows this can take charge of the Tiger. Elementally speaking, the Sheep is the yin version of the Tiger. The polarities and proportions of their hidden elements are different, but they consist of the same three: Wood Fire and Earth.

As is the case with Tiger and Ox, the potential combination between Tiger and Sheep levels the playing field. It allows for new alliances and new definitions of power. It is described by Master Lily Chung as having “no caring and no leader, no authority, no dedication”. If that’s the situation, then in 2022 anyone can be a leader or an authority, probably by means of dedication. If that sounds scary to you, is it because you are afraid to lead? Do you have the dedication? Get off the bench and start setting examples. Start small if that feels safer.

Like the Tiger, you have the potential to be an insider this year. Take some time to think about what you want that to mean beyond the warm rush of inclusion. Don’t join to avoid being alone. Join only if it’s mutual. If you’re looking for a closer attachment or some kind of excitement, stay close to your secret friend the Horse. You understand each other because each of you is interested in getting close to power, but not so much in doing the heavy lifting. The Horse uses seduction, while the Sheep’s method is alliance. If you want new results, try new things.

In the beginning of the year, the Sheep may find themselves employed as a staunch supporter of the Tiger as they strive to continue to be part of what they thought of as their community. As we get into the last half of the year, the Sheep may find that ultimately the Tiger energy is not what makes them feel safe. This is why where you choose to give your support or not matters quite a bit in 2022, but when it comes to relationships in general, you may not be “feeling it”. Keep asking yourself if you are in the right place. Is it possible for your expectations to be met as you envision?

The Sheep’s fantasies have a potency that sometimes blinds them to the delight of what they actually have and experience. Sometimes they prevent the Sheep from seeing that what is actually being offered is something they would enjoy, or that it isn’t. If this is true for you, how will reality be anything but disappointing? Step back for a moment and take a second look. Maybe you’re in the right place after all.

The Wood of the Tiger empowers the Sheep, making it a good year for you to get to know who you are outside of your collective. It’s not that you don’t want to be part of the group, it’s that you might realize there’s not much about it that makes you feel forever enfolded and safe this year. If that feeling doesn’t make you give up, you’re about to take on more agency. We are never finished with growing up.

The year will tend to draw the Sheep to consider the role your parents have played in your current state of affairs. If you have Sheep children, you may be on the receiving end of the examination. This situation could generate some healthy and possibly much needed exploration regarding your role in group settings – who are you? The loyal one? The helpful one? The optimistic one? The falsely gullible one? Are you committed to being defined by the group you’re in? What about your definition?

The big question for the Sheep this year is: Who do you want to be for yourself? If you’re looking for more peace and love, then looking to apportion blame regarding why you don’t feel it now is a trap. It’s a dead end. If forgiveness is required, then give it and be free. The feelings you are working with this year may have their roots in family roles that play out as a result of decisions made, usually around a hurtful event in the past. We make a decision, that makes a pattern, and so we continue unless we’re interrupted.

If you want to break a pattern, expose yourself to the perspective of an outsider this year. Perhaps this will give you a clearer vision of what those decisions were that you made so long ago. Maybe you have never looked back. We all have unexamined family baggage, and yours will tend to front and center on family or parents in 2022.

This baggage might consist of feelings about who raised you, or who chose not to. What broke your trust when you gave your best? Was your love not enough to make someone love you the way you wanted to be loved? Who was it that “couldn’t be there” when you absolutely thought they should have? Maybe when that happened, you were too young to say something about it, but now that you’re not, it seems the statute of limitations has expired. You can’t change the past, but you can revise your story of the present.

Your current feeling of disconnect will spill over into other relationships too if you allow it. If that’s not what you want, examine your expectations about bonding and attachment and you may find miracles of intimacy are possible. Don’t forget to ask yourself if it’s you that you don’t trust. Is it you that hasn’t taken care of you? In short, what is your responsibility in the solution?

In 2022 you might feel abandoned by those you’ve tried to please and nurture, especially if you gave them support when they were down. You might be hurt because you feel they didn’t do the same for you when you needed them last year. Remember that our mutual support of each other has been inconsistent for reasons that go beyond the personal. You say you don’t want to be transactional but it’s hard to avoid because we all have needs and we’ve gotten into bad habits with our expectations of each other. I know you just want to be included. I want that for you too. See the support and love you have, rather than the support and love you don’t have. It’s there.

The Sheep is a Nobleman this year, regardless of whatever else is going on. If you want to counsel others, go ahead. This is one way of healing. Many a Sheep might act as a therapist, whether that’s in a formal or informal capacity, because we all tend to teach what we want to learn.

Bring back your light. Soften your eyes. The warmth is there, and you can get close to it if you want to. There is peace and love for you in this world if you choose to accept it.

Summary: Reality Doesn’t Bite

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Pig. Know that you can grow and change your shape and alliances as you wish. You’re strong enough to go it alone if needed.

February: Promising alliances with power. Expectations vs Reality
March: Challenge and solution arrive together for the flexible. Could involve money.
June: Peak support and spontaneity, but partner may be off the rails.
July: Potentially lonely. Make effort to strengthen the bonds that are important to you.
October: A mutual rejection clears the way for peace and love.
November: Rabbit year comes in early for you, heralding new alliances.

The Horse in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

The Meaning of Having It All

In the Water Tiger year the Horse is encouraged and lifted. It’s been awhile since your Fire has been strengthened so forgive yourself if it makes your legs shaky, almost like a newborn in your perspective. Go gently with yourself despite your urgency to prove that you are back. I doubt you are sure what that means but you will find out soon. Still recovering from the three year onslaught of Water ending with with a coup de grâce of Ox, you were the first to feel the quickening of Fire, maybe as far back as November. Believe it.

For the Horse, 2022 carries that psychedelic feeling of coming out of illness: colors seem more vivid, nature is a fascinating miracle, curious smells are everywhere, everything is new. It’s like falling in love with the world again. even as it is now. Especially as it is now. You can feel how much the world needs you.

The long term outcome of the Horse’s good luck this year will depend on how their relationship with Water has evolved over the last three years. Your work is not finished when yang Water is the Heavenly Stem of the year. Water to a Horse might be the potential disappointment that’s always on your mind these days. What if the Water is just trying to help or teach you? What have you learned about maintaining the relationships you want over the last three years? Just because Wood and Fire are strong now doesn’t mean you can forget all about Water. Stay in touch with all of those difficult emotions. Don’t forget how loss, or potential loss, may have clarified your values.

A secret the Horse keeps is that they crave alliance with Water. This is a mysterious attraction, frightening but irresistible. The Horse wants to bring their light to the dark and make a marriage. The Horse that learns to do this can sustain themselves through almost any difficulty. So my question to you is: have you figured out yet that your relationship to the darkness and your emotions is a partnership as much as a clash? Have you learned the alchemy of sustaining yourself in relationship? Or are you still afraid and ready to bolt? Gentle now for your own heart’s sake.

The Horse’s element is Fire and it’s been years since Fire has been as strong as it will be in 2022. When Wood and Fire are strong, that means you are too. You’re due for a big burst of forward energy in 2022. This is good news for the Horse in terms of planning and execution. You’ve got big aspirations, ambitions and ideas about turning things around quickly and this year you can do that. Your luck with career is strong. It will be easy for the Horse to get attention for their work.

And yet, as a Horse, you can expect to experience the usual tensions between personal and public. Why is there always this gap between who you want to be in your private life vs. how you want to present yourself to the rest of the world?

In June, Horses may be swept away by their exposure or at a low point of not wanting to be seen. Take time to get out of the limelight and rest in the shade. You’re probably going to be talking more than you want to, so guard your privacy if it matters to you. Your behavior is going to be observed and noted. Be careful of overexposure and burnout. June is the peak time for mistakes so be open to feedback about your pace.

Because you can move things forward quite far this year, I suggest you focus on things that you want for the long term. It would be easy to just bask in the light and let the cards fall where they may. Are you sure you want to do that again? Whatever you choose to do, do it acknowledging the potential outcome. In the short term, the Horse might get away with almost anything this year, but maybe away is the operative word here. I mean, if you want to get away, then do.

In 2022 it will be easier to ignore the things that are not going well because there will be so many things that are. That is to say, what needs attention is relationship and how you maintain it when other aspects of life feel more happy and satisfying. Both personal or business relationships will ask for your support this year. How you see that in relation to experiencing career success is your choice.

In the context of authority, stay in compliance with rules and regulations to avoid legal issues. This year, mostly what you need to do is give attention to things that aren’t “fun” or “going well”. Perhaps you feel like you’d like to be done with that but given that Water will always be your challenge, the solution is in relationship rather than resistance.

If the Horse is in your day pillar, consider making your most intimate relationship your highest priority in 2022. If that sounds tedious to you, all the more reason to do it. Either you or your partner may be in a frame of mind to look outside of your partnership for intimacy, emotional or otherwise. Start communicating now (and continue!) to mitigate potential flare ups in February, March and December.

There is enough time in the year to enjoy what is easy and apply effort to what is not. Soak up the recognition, you’ve worked for it. Because you have been waiting so long and trying to be a patient Horse it may be difficult to keep your foot light on the accelerator. We all tend to be seduced by what feels satisfying at any given moment unless we’re aware of that choice. Go ahead and harvest the low hanging fruit of public success. If you want personal success, cultivate relationship. If you’re afraid of missing out on something by being a caring and attentive partner, know that you won’t.

In March it may be that despite your best efforts, your significant other is feeling used up. A close friend or partner may disappear in search of companionship if you constantly make yourself unavailable. And if you do, that’s a choice too. I suggest Horses take time off of work in March to focus on relationship, however, know also that giving attention to relationship might mean ending it. If that’s what needs to happen, then let it. Horses might think there is only one partner for them and if it’s not this one, it’s no one. That’s just short sighted. There can be more than one satisfying relationship for a Horse.

Overall, it’s a year to be patient with others and remember that your ideas about swiftness are demanding for everyone. If you’re a Horse who is still concerned that if you don’t win every race you’ll be forever rejected, the Water Tiger’s burst of Fire might harden that conviction. This year will tend to support any illusions you might have about success being a solo enterprise. Don’t go with that flow. If it is possible to have it all, the Horse can do it in 2022 if they are willing to put in the effort where it’s needed. Everything else will take care of itself. That’s the kind of luck you have.

Summary: Apportion efforts to support long term goals.

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Pig. Be flexible and ready to take care of maintenance in domestic matters. Support your support system.

February: Driven by ambition, aspiration. Balance aggression with kindness.
March: Prioritize relationship over work even if it feels like the worst possible time.
June: Peak of Fire. Keep reminding yourself what you want in the long term.
July: Others who support you may want to share your fame. Why not?
October: Count up the blessings of the year. Celebrate accomplishments.

The Snake in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Being Scheherazade

The Water Tiger year brings the Snake a wealth of ideas as well as opportunities to study or get new training. Snakes who can maintain a healthy perspective in 2022 can play the role of researcher and/or consultant. Since your reputation will be up for examination, you have the opportunity to increase it. This is a year for study and learning and your capacity for that kind of achievement will be higher than usual. What might be more challenging for the Snake in the Tiger year is managing stress and expectations. 2022 may feel quite crowded.

Since you’re the Snake, I know you will pay more attention to me if I acknowledge that yes, there is danger this year and there will probably be losses. I don’t want you to let yourself go through any difficulties just to prove you are correct. If you’re keeping up with current events you already know what the main source of your stress might be, but the Tiger makes you nervous that there may be some other trouble brewing.

Throughout the year you’ll want to remember that the energy of the Tiger gets in your head. That may tend to make any problems seem bigger or more threatening than they actually are. I’m telling you this now in the hope that it can prevent some of the insomnia, or even illness, you might experience in a Tiger year. Our bodies are not separate from our minds. Because this is true, any dis ease can potentially manifest as disease.

When it comes to being human, here’s the yin and yang of illness:
Everything is psychosomatic. Nothing is psychosomatic.

Avoid diagnosing yourself. Try to avoid environments where there is lots of air pollution or smoke this year.

With your best friend the Monkey as the year breaker, loneliness might be a problem for Snakes, especially those who are traveling or working jobs away from family. If that’s got you seeking emotional or physical intimacy, this year you’ll want to double check your potential lover’s “marital” status. They may already have a partner. They could be going through some serious conflict. Get to know them before rushing in.

You have a heightened luck with people skills so use it. It’s not your year to start something new, but you can help others with that if you want to.

The Snake has Moon (太陰) on their side which means whatever the problem is, you can put things in order. While this energy peaks in May, if there’s any point in the year where you don’t buy that, I challenge you to look at the facts and evidence again. When I think of Tai Yin and Snake together, Scheherazade comes to mind. If you think you need to protect yourself through some gentle manipulation of perspective and facts, remember to stay beyond reproach with your personal story. Rely on your honesty and perseverance if you need saving.

The strongest elements this year are Wood and Fire. Wood is your resource and Fire is your season but your hidden Metal is at the heart of the Snake branch. When it comes to the Metal element, the Snake is quite flexible. When it comes to Wood, a Snake might harden up, which makes a Tiger year the right time to soften up. Cultivate your flexibility and versatility. The flexibility of Metal gathers more data; the flexibility of Wood aspires to go beyond reason. What’s a Snake to do? Ideally, both of these things.

As a Snake, you’re not always forthcoming about your own concerns. Perhaps you prefer to hear others out instead, but if the year gives you anxiety, talk about it. Remember you have Four Pillars to rely on. You’ve got to use what you’ve got to choose what you want. Leverage what you can do even if it’s not your preferred application of your skills. Look to the position of the Snake in your BaZi for more nuance.

The Tiger might see the Snake as fickle because they know you are selective about what information you share. The Tiger’s secret friend Pig hates the Snake and the Snake’s secret friend the Monkey hates the Tiger. Because these four signs relate to travel and movement, when they clash it often has to do with mobility or transportation. When there’s so much movement, there’s more potential for accidents. Slow down.

Movement and moving house might feel like the solution to what’s ailing you, but some Snakes may find there is more travel than they like. Other Snakes may find themselves fixed in place. The months to be careful or even avoid travel are February, August, and May. November may be the time you want to move the most. This might be your best chance to do it if you’ve done plenty of planning and preparation.

When the Tiger, Monkey and Snake meet in a Ba Zi of a person or a year, it’s called the Fire Penalty. What makes the Fire Penalty so difficult is that it embodies both physical and psychological clashes. One aspect of the Fire Penalty is that the Snake, Tiger and Monkey could be accident prone.

Sometimes the Fire Penalty manifests as people passing the buck of responsibility, often by way of blame or accusation. Each party fears taking on a challenge (a hit or injury?) and in order to avoid being hurt, tries to pass it on aggressively to someone else. Generally speaking, the Tiger finds the Snake baffling and uncooperative. The Snake is usually able to avoid the Tiger’s attention when they want to, but this year you may be identified as a potential recipient of the buck.

In the first half of the year, focus on helping people. Make it your priority. That may require what feels like humbling yourself. It isn’t. Let this energy wake you up to your vocation if you’re not already there. Learn this new model of leadership. We need to have as many leaders as possible this year because we’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do. Who could be better at making plans to support those with long Covid than a Snake?

If your day or year pillar is Water Snake, get advice from others rather than trying to figure it all out on your own, especially as concerns business transactions and potential scams. If you were born in 1953, I’m speaking to you. Water Snake may have a susceptibility to robbery. If you have a Water Snake pillar and are a yin Fire day master, yin Earth day master, Yang Metal day master, or Yang Earth day master, take precautions in May when this potential energy is the strongest. You might even go so far as to make no major expenditures that month.

This is the year to learn the power of truth and how to accept it from others because in February, March and August you may feel certain you are right about your fears. But do you really want to be right? The power of suggestion is so strong that we need to be careful of whose opinions we are accepting, even our own. That is to say, there’s a graceful way out of any situation without you getting ill or injured. Let the story unfold.

Summary: 1001 Nights

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Pig. The Pig’s humility, versatility and flexibility is the solution to the Fire Penalty. Be cool.

February: Encapsulates the year. A lesson learned goes a long way.
March: Get advice from someone charming who’s been off the radar.
May: Take some time off for building health. No big spending.
August: Potential romantic alliance. Untruths are deal breakers.
September: Check facts and data.
November: Go home for the winter.

The Dragon in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Wearing the Magnificent Crown

The question for the Dragon in the Water Tiger year is: what happens when your power element shows up with your success element?

In terms of luck, 2022 is a mixed bag for the Dragon, probably because withdrawing to the den to study, learn or create might be more compelling than anything else, including intimacy and intimate relationships. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement in your public life which may also be in conflict with your desires to stay in the ivory tower of academia or something like it. Don’t be afraid to let down your hair if it feels right.

A Dragon’s work is what they will allow to change them. The Dragon craves healing and it’s through their work with others that they find it. It might take a Dragon years to understand that their healing involves having relationships with others whether you find them worthy or not. Try that on and make some leaps and bounds.

If this sounds worrisome to you, is it that you fear losing yourself in relationship? Maybe at times that fear has tempted you to let go of the importance of relationships in general. I expect this is something you’ve been working on. If I’m right, that means all you have to do is continue your current explorations of commitment. Dragons take the risk and endure.

Because 2022 will emphasize the tension between the delights of your work and talent, and the emotional labor of giving attention to the relationships that you want, there are potential setbacks in each department. The Water Tiger year is made for learning, so each bump in the road is a chance to hone your interpersonal skills. Your healthy curiosity and thoroughness is vibrant this year. Whatever the problem is, you can influence it. If you want to change, go against what feels like the flow. Be available to people you care about more than you might naturally tend to. You may find it fuels you instead of slowing you down.

I’m telling you this because in 2022 the Dragon’s talent is so promising and compelling it might tempt them to jettison all the human “cargo” so they can go faster and farther without concern about what is used up. If the only thing you care about is your work, maybe this is the way to go. But even if you told me that was the case, I wouldn’t believe you. Avoid isolating yourself. This is a year to learn new life skills. Do study to learn and apply, not just because you like research and reading.

The first half of the year is about successes that also involve a send off – letting a loved one find their success and independence. It’s no loss to you, but it might feel that way. You’re not a hand holder, but your yang Earth appreciates others knowing you can provide stability or instability as you wish. Not only do they know this, but they also know your support is helping them on their way.

Expect that there will be some delays, mostly in January, April, July and October. In January this may be related to wanting/not wanting to pay attention to relationships that are asking for it. In April, you’ll want to consider that it may be you creating the delay. July’s delays may be solved by a brief withdrawal. In October, the delay may come in the form of what feels like intrusion: someone wants to cross your boundaries. Instead of trying to prevent that, dream up a way to make it helpful to you. I’m not sure it can be prevented.

Consider that during the last few years you may have lost sight of being realistic about the demands you make of yourself and others. A Water Tiger year is asking you to let yourself be changed and loosened. Make a list of the ways you’d like that to happen and keep it in your pocket. Use that Wood energy to find more agency or even a promotion. Your heavenly stem will be an important influence this year and so getting a new position may be easiest for the Metal Dragon, but any Dragon can take advantage.

With so much challenge coming at you, it will be very important to take care of your health. Get rest. This year’s vulnerability might be the wear and tear on health. Don’t let yourself be overheated, especially in June. Note: any time you’re hot tempered, take a break. Stay hydrated. Keep talking and communicating. Only denial can hurt you.

In the second half of the year people may be jealous of what you’ve managed to pull off during these last three years while they weren’t watching. You know this is what triggers people sometimes. You have a knack for creating success because more than any other sign you are a catalyst. When it comes to letting people know what you’re doing and why, you don’t. This might be perceived as a bug more than a feature but your methods work. There’s no question about that. Regardless of others’ perceptions of your habits, your experiences in 2022 are designed to shape your personal relationship with power; to increase your agency if you want that.

If challenge and power sound intimidating, it’s probably good for others to know that even a Dragon can get nervous at times. If you are scared, talk about it. I think what you might discover is that your own power scares you most. The lesson Dragons can share with others in 2022 is: don’t be afraid to manifest as your true self. Dragons are afraid of doing something that there’s no coming back from and yet, this is what they were meant to do. Dragons make miraculous and lasting changes. Teach us how because what we need now is a positive change that there is no coming back from.

In 2022 Dragons may be inclined to avoid any potentially critical or adversarial engagement. This idea of possibly being exposed to negative feedback might nag at you throughout the year, and because your work may not need much editing, you might think you don’t need anyone’s help in any capacity. Get help anyway. Take advice.

You only want to be known for your magic, so you hesitate to share your worries and troubles with others. Dragons feel hurt when others don’t realize that they have difficulties too, and sometimes want to be handled with kid gloves. If you want to be more approachable, or you want people to be sensitive to your situation, let them know what is going on with you. It’s that simple. This will allow them to recognize your needs too. Revealing your humanity won’t diminish your glamour so don’t even worry about that. You ≠ the sum of your problems.

This year Dragons may be more attentive to and attracted to logic, calculations and definitions because they are in short supply. Since these tendencies are natural for you, they may bring more immediate rewards than your dreams will. I suggest you go beyond what feels easy. Extend your mind to possibility and theory. Get wild with ideas, I mean, crazy. Keep track of them. This year is rich with the kind of inspiration that you can tap well into the future.

In case of difficult emotions or depression, learn to use your strengths to facilitate your own healing. Study power and relationship. Study success and what it means to you. Let yourself change your mind about what closeness means if you want to.

Summary: We only exist in relationship.

Amulet: Your choice of Horse or Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Horse or the Pig.
Choose Horse if you want more engagement and touch.
Choose Pig if you want more flexibility and versatility.

January: Breaking up = freed up? Maybe so. Maybe think again.
February-March: If you want more agency, take care of health matters.
April: The challenge of not sabotaging yourself.
June: Supporters may overwhelm. Highlights your discomfort with fans and fame. Seek spontaneity.
August: You’re a mediator, should you choose to accept that role. I suggest you say yes.
September: Calculations and definitions shape your ideas about power and challenge.
October: In case of boundary issues, you may need to get loud.

The Rabbit in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

A New Kind of Demanding

The Rabbits luck in 2022 has changed for the better.

Remember back in the Earth Pig month of November I told you to “Get acquainted with a new kind of demanding”? I think that was where this year of the Water Tiger began for you. Now everybody wants you. While being in demand might be something you think you should want, you also probably already know too much demand is uncomfortable and not necessarily good for your health or sleep. This is going to require some balancing for the Rabbit.

All those little things you do without anyone noticing, working behind the scenes to bring people together, are cherished. You make the experience special for others. We need to let you know this now in this moment when nothing is certain; to confirm all the love you give. Love is your currency and for the sake of it, many times you are willing to forego respect and acknowledgment of your agency. This is your year to balance out that pattern. If you are forgotten because you are always there – that’s just absurd isn’t it?

Rabbits are often used to being asked to give their attention to multiple recipients. They are often the best at multitasking too. The resilience of the Rabbit sometimes fools others about how depleting their demands might be. This year, people need your help to make and renew the connections we yearn for. They’re hoping you will introduce them to someone who might treat them they way you do. None of this is new. Expect to be in demand in the usual ways and expect more of it.

Since you have the power of charm even more than usual in 2022, I want you to consider using it on your own behalf. Use it to make space for yourself to grow into. Charmingly decline to continue doing the same old things you have always done. You’ll be doing others a favor by letting them learn to clean up their own messes. They know that you know who made the mess, so you don’t really have to say anything about that. Just focus on yourself.

Unfortunately, Rabbits are used to being asked to do more for less, you know, like a Mother. This is the year to ask for an equal exchange of energy. There are subtleties to this, for example, an equal exchange might not be proportionate if you get my meaning. It depends on how much you have to give. Those who have more give more. Those who have less give less. The exchange is still equal.

The Rabbit’s special talent this year is the ability to fix mistakes. That will require some exposure, which may not be the most happy place for the Rabbit so maybe you’ll be relieved to know that most of your work can be done by way of forgiveness, giving and receiving. If the mistake was yours, get it out in the open where you can correct it. This might involve misinformation or disinformation that took you in.

In the context of others, let them fix their mistakes with your guidance, but don’t do it for them. This is what the timing favors. Allow them to fix it. Just because people come to you for advice doesn’t mean they really need it – they might just want attention. Learn to discern what is wanted and what you want to do about it rather than moving immediately to compliance. December could be tricky when it comes to this skill.

Maybe in the past you told yourself that your ambitions were not as important as everyone else’s. Someone had to stay small, to keep their own aspirations small to make room for everyone else’s big ones. At the time you made that decision to stay small, it made so much sense, didn’t it? I think this is good timing for changing your mind about that. The genuine importance of what you do makes others’ estimation of your gravitas irrelevant. In your heart I think you already know this, but if you’re hungry for recognition and acknowledgment, grow bigger.

The Water Tiger is going to require you to put out some new shoots and branches, so do keep in touch with your roots. I expect your ancestors have been a big focus for you during this three year winter we’ve just gone through. Come forward and renew relationships with your parents now while feelings on both sides are calmer if you want that. Don’t wait until 2023 when it may not be as easy. Come out and show those hidden stems.

What I mean by that is, the Rabbit consists of 10 parts yang Wood and 20 parts yin Wood. In a sense, the Rabbit always has access to the Tiger’s kind of energy but they mostly use it to prop others up while the Tiger generally uses it to take up more space. The Tiger year will bring out the Yang wood more forcefully so take the opportunity to stretch out and show how tall you really are.

The stretching I’m describing has to do with the tension between continuing to do what you’ve always done for others and your possible anger at being taken advantage of which could peak in March and December. What a Rabbit tends to do for others is what they like. That means giving them what they like so they will give you some peace, ignore you, leave you alone for a second, and leave off with their silent demands.

If that has been your way, now there may be some resentment about the opportunities you think you’ve missed, all the things you put aside, and the things you did that others were given credit for. Give yourself permission to reexamine what it is you think you need to do for others and the decisions you might have made about that. Are you up to date? Don’t forget your aspirations matter too.

This year, push yourself to walk this tightrope between your natural tendencies and becoming openly known as the agent you’ve always been. Stop putting off what you think you are too busy to do. This year, that might be writing, study and learning.

In 2022, there are people who are going to come together in the context of things you set in motion, and fall in love. That’s important. Will you let this be the year you recognize your own influence and how much it shapes the world? Take some credit for that. As you already know, the blame is free.

Don’t be afraid to make your own demands about safety and security instead of hiding in safe places where you can’t be questioned. If you withdraw, you’re going to miss the opportunities again. This is your choice, not anyone else’s.

Now, regarding romance, let’s get back to what I said about a new kind of demanding: your peach blossom energy is strong this year, especially in February, March, June, July, October and November. This means you’re going to need to sort through some suitors, romantically or otherwise. Don’t be satisfied with someone wanting you, wait for the one who respects you too and sees you for the influencer you are. Let that be part of your definition of love.

It’s not support you need to seek this year – that could be paralyzing. If you want change, trust that it’s a good time to come out of hiding.

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of the amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Pig. Have the boldness to know you can go and do things all on your own while still giving and receiving love.

Summary: What’s above you? What’s below you?

February, March, June, July, October and November: Everybody wants you.
April: Grow taller.
February and December: Asked to advise. Sort through “suitors”. Cultivate gratitude.
March: Your presence enables others to fix their own mistakes.
January, April, July, August, September, October: Money on your mind.

The Tiger in 2022 ~ Water Tiger Year

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Others Like You

In 2022 the Tiger can enjoy good fortune, but the Tiger is not the luckiest one. You might have expected to be, given that it’s your year, but life doesn’t always work that way. Maybe it’s just because your profile is too high, however, there is still plenty of luck to be had by cultivating flexibility. The Tiger’s advantage is that being the Tai Sui or year boss in 2022, they set the tone. In a Tiger year the Tiger sets the stage. Focus on the end result you want.

Wherever there are Tigers there is also wealth. This is especially true this year, so be selective about how you are getting yours. Pay special attention to this in January, April, July, and October. Consider how you might distribute it if you have more than you need.

Tigers can expect to reap a commensurate reward for whatever they put their efforts into. The Tiger’s natural state of movement is supported in 2022. Tigers will want to travel or be called to it for family or business reasons. You might also find yourself traveling for study, training or other academic pursuits. These are good things.

The downside for the Tiger in the Tiger year is it may be difficult to stop moving unless it’s by accident. If you find that’s an issue for you, Feng Shui can help. If you haven’t explored using it in your home before, you might consider trying it this year. Why not? This is a year for the Tiger to learn and grow.

Some Tigers may be learning about illness (not necessarily their own) and how to manage it. Others may be learning to find power in numbers. Some Tigers may be learning how to use the brakes/breaks. None of this is inevitable. So what do you want?

In 2022 there is a danger that your powerful position may tempt you to exploit others because you are dissatisfied (anxious?). That doesn’t leave much room for grace, should you fall. I’m saying this metaphorically but also literally because you may be accident prone this year, especially in May and August. Cultivating flexibility and patience is what will make you safe and reduce any anxiety you might have.

Being in the position of the Tai Sui heightens the competitive edge the Tiger vigilantly maintains. The Tiger is the one who will get the best seats for a show without ever standing in a line; they invented the VIP section. They know where to go for resources. The Tiger has a master plan that involves staying ahead of others, or staying ahead of whatever standards they will be asked to meet. This is the kind of luck Tigers can expect this year. What’s new is that Tigers may find other people are onto your tactics, they might even be adopting them.

Because there are so many others like you in 2022, I want you to consider joining forces with them instead of thinking of them as problems. This may go against your nature. You’re good at presenting as flexible, but are you really? Your answer to that question might make this the year to cultivate true flexibility. Consider radically changing your position. Consider joining a pack of others like you who all have a common cause of justice. Become versatile. Learn new skills, methods and approaches.

2022 is the year where Tigers realize they are not the only keen eyed predators. While this has always been true, prepare to have your eyes opened as to where the others are located. There are others like you who want the same things that you want. They are all around you. They may be ready to do what you are willing to do to get those things. Depending on where you fall in the current social hierarchy, this might either startle you or urge you to aggression. I want you to keep asking yourself how much of your behavior stems from anxiety, because no one has to get hurt.

Much of the year may be influenced by considering that your role, having been previously defined either as predator or prey, is changing. Your uncertainty about this may lead you to make some goofy and hasty moves, either to protect yourself or to attack. What comes to mind is the sometimes self harm of a startled house cat. In the moment where they are uncertain as to how to respond, probably in mid air, they might not stick the landing. Take the time to be gentle with yourself and others.

What I’m saying is, the Tiger isn’t afraid to create some chaos and destruction to get the desired result, so if there is something that needs to be broken to facilitate the changes you want to make, consider what your goal is in advance. Breaking systems is different than breaking people. Take responsibility for the outcome of your actions from the outset.

In a Water Tiger year, the Tiger, along with the Snake and Monkey, are involved in a triangular relationship sometimes called the Fire penalty. The takeaway for the Tiger is: what you do or say is going to be known more widely than usual. When that kind of attention is on you, all you have to do is manage your behavior in accordance with your intended outcome. Elementally speaking, Fire is how you express your Wood energy.

Know that there are more eyes on you now. These are the eyes of others like you, but also those of critics, opposers and the third parties who have relationships with them. Like you, they are ready to pounce. Tigers are used to being the observer not the observed, at least until the moment they can make the kill. You may not get away with that this year.

If you’re already in a position of privilege, maybe it’s time to use your luck to help someone else get a roof over their heads. That’s the kind of thing that Tigers can do: acquire. Because you set the tone of the year for all, you can choose between kindness, protection and aggression. What would work best is a magical mixture of all three.

In the context of work this year, you’ll get the best results by focusing on a specific goal. In the context of teamwork, family or otherwise, you’ll want to share your intentions so that others can make a decision about participation and/or give you advice. Let them temper your potential ruthlessness. Find ways to make yourself accountable. Make that as public as you can stand it.

In February, surprise someone with an otherwise unlikely opportunity. An important mission for Tigers this year, should they choose to accept that they are kind, is to take in the chronically disappointed and others with lots of potential who don’t have the exact skill set they are looking for. Being a Tiger, you’ll know when it’s right. Go beyond appearance. Look for the underemployed and humble genius. There are so many.

In the Department of Romance, things will be interesting. Single Tigers may form a deep bond quickly, the question is will it last – or maybe you already met someone last November? You might find a match or matchmaker in March.

As you are probably already aware, it’s hard for anyone to keep up with the Tiger. A Horse may come close but they’re short on the Tiger’s brand of stamina. The constant movement and growth of the Tiger can use up the unprepared partner. Should that happen, you may find yourself on your own again in November. If that’s not what you want, you need to be ready to give lots of space for both you and your partner. Crowding people into acquiescence might be handy in certain situations but intimacy isn’t one of them.

When you read space, include the idea of time. Slow down. Fortify your patience and flexibility. Explore the idea of a room of one’s own either for you or for someone close to you. Sleep is going to be important for your physical health. Build up your stamina. Support your physical needs.

Whatever you do this year, don’t fake it. You know that’s what breaks you and makes you do things that you regret. If there’s a duty to fulfill, it’s to spread and share the opportunities you’ve had and have. That’s it. Extend the defense you would give to your young to anyone who asks. Your initimidating facade and your keen instincts will protect you from those who would take advantage of you.

Amulet: Pig
Rather than thinking of an amulet as something to use, or something to protect you, cultivate the idea of a partnership with the energy of the Pig. Take on humble and humbling tasks, learn new skills. Do creative things you never thought you would do.

Summary: Breaks & Brakes. The breaks you make, breaks you take.

February-April: Getting breaks. Brakes are off.
May: Pump the brakes.
June-July: What brakes? What breaks?
August: Slamming the brakes.
November: Breaking up?

Water Tiger 壬寅 2022 Feng Shui Basics

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

While there’s still plenty of time to prepare for the coming year of the Water Tiger, here are some things you may want to think about when planning for the shift of the energy in your own home. You can use this information to set up, but keep in mind that while it’s accurate and helpful, by nature it’s generic. If your purpose is to go beyond the basics, the application of Feng Shui must be tailored to you and your home.

There will be areas that you will want to keep quiet in 2022, which also means January is a great time to do a deep clean of the house.

Even this general stuff is a bit complicated so skip down to the guidelines if that’s how you scroll.

Tai Sui, Sui Po and San Sha

The Year of the Water Tiger opens on February 4th at 04:58. The Tai Sui or Year Boss is in the NE again, however, this changeover of year boss from Ox to Tiger also marks a change of the season of the Great Year.

This is an abrupt change of energy, which is pretty typical of the Tiger. If you’re not already familiar with the concept of the Tai Sui you can think of it as the ruling energy of the year. In some years people born under the same Animal branch as the year are considered to be offending the Tai Sui. I’ll be writing more about whether that’s true and what that might mean for the Tiger in my annual forecast and Animal Fortunes which will be published later this month.

Opposite the Tiger in the NE is the Monkey in the SW. That means in 2022 the Monkey is called the Sui Po or “year breaker”. The Monkey is considered to be in opposition to the Tiger. Their relationship is a clash. Energetically the Tiger sends force towards, pressures or stimulates the Monkey. The clash between Tiger and Monkey has the potential for destructive, immature actions, however, a clash means things can change more easily and rapidly. If you’re feeling worried about the clash because there’s a Monkey in your BaZi, or because there’s a Monkey in your life, booking a BaZi reading can provides practical and applicable solutions. I can help you to navigate safely, mitigate and sometimes take advantage of a clash.

The area between NW3 (Pig) and NE1 (Ox) is called the San Sha or Three killings in 2022. It covers the entire area between Pig and Ox. The Rat, centering at 0 degrees in the north, is the most difficult area. The energy of the San Sha this year is Fire element (south) vs Water element (north).

Lest you get lost in the technical stuff, it’s important to remember that Feng Shui is all about relationships. Stick to first principles. If you want to know how the energy moves around, it’s elemental and elementary.

The annual calculations are expressions of the relationships of elements. They point out the Tai Sui, Sui Po, and San Sha: the relationships that may need more of your attention in any given year. You can think of them as roles we may be called to play.

Guidelines for 2022

  • Don’t face NE, meaning the Tiger who is centered at 60 degrees. You can spend time in the NE location of your house but don’t face that direction. If your head points NE when you are in bed, you’ll want to consider changing that. Having your back to the NE is fine. Consult a professional if you want to activate or make major changes in this area.
  • Avoid Rat (N2) and the areas directly adjacent. The scope of the San Sha covers Pig-Ox (322.5-37.5 degrees on the compass). Avoid digging, drilling or other activations in this area. Keep it quiet. Otherwise, consult a professional (like me) who can tell you what to do, when, and where.
  • If your house faces N or S it would be helpful to consult a professional to evaluate your home and mitigate any potential issues, especially if a door is located in the N or S.

The only locations you’ll want to avoid are the center (Tai Chi) and the N where the San Sha is located. These locations can be fine tuned further by applying Ba Zhai (8 House or 8 Mansions). In 2022 East Group houses and people are on an equal footing with West Group houses and people.

Flying Stars

Flying Stars is a system used to identify energy pockets within a building, city, country…The base energy for each area is indicated by the traditional Lo Shu where Star 5 is in the center:

SE S SW
4 9 2
E 3 5 7 W
8 1 6
NE N NW

In addition to these base stars which are static, each house has it’s own collection of Flying Stars, which some would say is similar to a natal chart. The best results come when you’ve understood and dealt with these static and underlying energies first.

Once you’ve done that, there are the annual stars which move each year to play with. There are also monthly Flying Stars and daily Flying Stars which you may be familiar with if you read my daily forecasts.

Each star corresponds to a trigram from the Later Heaven Bagua and so each one also has an elemental nature. Some stars naturally pair up. Some stars play well together and some don’t. Some are helpful and some not so much. I won’t try to explain it more here.

In 2022, the Flying Stars return “home” to their original positions which means they are the same as the Lo Shu. The map below will tell you the locations of the annual Flying Stars within your home for the Water Tiger year. They will interact with the monthly Flying Stars in a guest/host relationship. This interaction of the annual and monthly stars is used for forecasting.

Annual Flying Stars for Water Tiger 2022

SE S SW
4 9 2
E 3 5 7 W
8 1 6
NE N NW

As a general practice, we want to avoid the annual Wu Huang or 5 yellow, so don’t spend time in the center of your home. If you’re not sure where that is, ask me. Keep it as quiet as possible. No activations here but you can face the center for power.

The 5 star is in the middle where it belongs and touches every gua. Power is accessible to everyone, but the unpredictable 5 star has access to everyone too.

When to Act

Moving things around the house, changing rooms, and placing Feng Shui cures and enhancements is best done between December 22nd 2021-February 3rd 2022. You can maximize results by using date selection. If you want help with that, I invite you to subscribe to my monthly newsletter or, contact me to find a date that’s specific to you and your house.

If you’re familiar with applying Feng Shui you can use the information in this article to set up your house. You’ll also need to know your Ming Gua to make the most of the energy of 2022. Just compare your good directions with the “rules”. And of course I’m available if you want to enhance or mitigate rather than simply avoid.

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