Coming Down the Mountain

You may be capable of great things, but life consists of small things.

Ming-Dao Ding

I’m not one to instruct about karma, but there seems to be a correlation between people’s behavior when they are in power and what happens when that ends. Therefore, in 2023, I expect honest Tigers could write their own forecast for a pretty good year. As for Tigers who have gone wrong, not so much.*

Now that you’re back from exploring the many paths and conquering things that came into view in 2022, where do you go? There are pressing choices for Tigers to make and some of them may have to do with geography. Some Tigers are waiting to hear back from officials about plans they’ve proposed. Maybe last year you had gotten used to being first, as opposed to waiting for permission from others, but things have changed.

You can’t always be the boss of the year, and moving into 2023 may feel like coming down from a higher place. The conquering is over for now. It’s time to tend to details: the smaller, more domestic matters such as health. More than anything, this is a year to take care of yours. Pay special attention to supporting your immune system. Do this for elder or younger family members too. Averting potential illness is possible.

Although taking care of health is the most important work for the Tiger in 2023, unfortunately there are no medals. It’s not very glamorous. Some might even call it uneventful. That’s what I’m hoping. I want Tigers to continue on their way without obstruction. Knowing you, with Rabbit present, you still have big aspirations and plans, however, in 2023 Tigers are going to need allies to help them on their way. You’ll probably be more successful if you can accept that it may be time to follow the lead of those who are gentle and persistent. I recommend the Rabbit.

Since friends and associates will be key to your progress in 2023, I wonder if you have thanked the people who showed up to help you in 2022. That would likely be the Horse, Dog and Pig. They are the same ones who will be around to help you in 2023 when challenges are more personal. Might they be due some acknowledgment? An apology for past rough treatment? It might be time to stop questioning their magic, which mostly comes from their intention to love you.

I can’t prove this to you, Tiger, but I know you have experienced and benefitted from caring and faith throughout your life. Maybe you let others believe so you don’t have to. Trust is not your kind of risk is it? That might be something to work on in 2023.

Many a Tiger enhanced their social status in 2022, finding old and new friends and new places to play. This kind of energy is still rising for you in 2023. Maybe that’s why, with the changes and choices that are coming, you might feel some anxiousness about what you’ve built and how you might lose it by pursuing your prizes. Don’t forget that relationship is not an achievement, it’s a process. Maybe you’re worried about losing touch with family or friends, money or property. If these are possibilities for you, remember that you can’t judge the indefinite future by the events of one year. Thank goodness, right? Anyway, what if these “losses” are meant to help you move forward?

Tigers will get more out of the year by accepting that both they and the people around them need a little extra assistance. The Rabbit will challenge you to become a caregiver; to become more flexible about your pace and that of others’. You’re not going to be able to fake it, so if it’s a “no” for you regarding being a caretaker or taking more care of yourself, enlist help. If your year is Tiger, it may be that elders need your help. Don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own. You are good at organizing, but it’s really not your thing to be a nurse. Nothing to prove here.

In 2022, many Tigers found themselves dutifully attending to family matters while still finding the time to go on their Tiger adventures. When you’re the year boss you get certain privileges. When you’re not, there are more limits. Perhaps the wide range of your experiences in 2022 taught you some lessons about weakness and strength that go beyond the physical. Maybe now you understand that the people you see as weak support you as much or more than you support them, and that the strength of love goes beyond death. I want you to remember that sincerity is a multipurpose tool and probably your best one this year.

As I mentioned before, if Tiger is in your year, grandparents or parents may need assistance in the context of aging or illness. 2023 is a good year to help them support their immune systems, and avoid exhaustion or overwork.

This same advice applies to you. If you are tired or ill, rest. You don’t have to prove that you’re the apex predator all the time, not when you also know how to be the fiercest nurturer. Apply that energy to your family and yourself, especially if you were ill in 2022. Look for ways to boost your immunity. My understanding is that purposely getting infected doesn’t do that. Instead, take preventive measures: supplements, saunas, cold plunges, moderate exercise, sunlight, vaccines, masks.

If Tiger is in your month, you might benefit from to do lists, as it may be more difficult to keep up with all those small demands. If you find yourself becoming forgetful or checked out, you may be succumbing to duty. Seek the meaning of what is happening instead. This will help you with memory. Sometimes you can do everything, but that’s not this year. Ask for help if you need it. You don’t have to wait until you feel the situation is dire.

If Tiger is in your day branch, you may find yourself dating or marrying a partner with money. If you’re not interested in partnership, you can take comfort knowing your money is pretty secure. For all Tigers, I don’t think it’s money that will be your real concern in 2023.

If Tiger is in your hour and you have children, do what you can to protect their health this year. If they are adults, what you can do is stay in touch and encourage them to take care of themselves. Just knowing you care will mean a great deal. Protect your inner self, hopes and dreams. This might be a year where finding faith or counseling will sustain you.

I want you to watch your head this year Tiger, and by that I mean, what is going on in there, as well as what might bonk you. If you’re a west coast Tiger, make sure those tall bookcases are strapped to the wall. If you enjoy national parks or other areas with lots of tall trees, stay aware of your surroundings. Lots of falling trees these days. If you’re visiting a construction site, wear a hard hat. Please note you may be accident prone, so slow down.

I realize this is not the sunniest forecast, but it’s not meant to scare you. If you’ve worked with me before, you know I like to cover all the bases. If we know the possibilities we can make better choices in our actions, and that’s how you work with fate.

Job Title: Health Nut
Associates: Tiger, Horse, Dog, Pig
Best Months: February, June, October, November(?)
Romance: Don’t do it for the money.

Timing for all signs: Whatever you want to accomplish this year will need to be started no later than March. Plan on finishing by July ideally, but no later than the end of August.

*I’m talking to you MTG.