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I am sure most of you out there are familiar with the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. You know the cute pencil sketches found on the placemats in chinese restuarants, accompanied by a short paragraph describing someone's personality. Well it just so happens that 1998 is the year of the proud and majestic tiger! And some of you lucky internet surfers are marked by this animal, those born under the sign of Hu - the tiger.

"So how do I know if I'm a tiger?" you ask. Well first some background information on the Chinese Zodiac itself. It's a simple system based on a 12 year cycle. Each year is represented by an animal, which is believed to influence all born in that specific year. There are many folktale-like stories explaining how the animals were chosen, but there's a pretty common one at The 12 Tails. The tiger happens to be the third animal in the cycle, which is listed below. Rat - Ox - Tiger - Rabbit - Dragon - Serpent Horse - Goat - Monkey - Rooster - Dog - Boar But what does all this mean? Well first you need to know which year corresponds to which animal. Since 1998 is a tiger year, then 1999 is a rabbit year, 2000 a dragon year, and so on. Here are just a few years under the tiger's sign, can you find the year of your birth? 1890 - 1902 - 1914 - 1926 - 1938 - 1950 1962 - 1974 - 1986 - 1998 - 2010 - 2022 Note to westerners: the Chinese Zodiac is based on Chinese Luna calendar, which is different from the calendar used by westerners. Roughly, the Luna calendar proceeds one month before western calendar (e.g. if you were born in Feb 1976, actually you were born in Jan 1976 according to Chinese Luna calendar). You should adjust your born year before you check out your zodiac animal sign.

So now you know what the Chinese Zodiac is all about, and how to tell if you're a tiger are not. All non-tigers can check in with The 12 Tails for their horoscopes, because the rest of this page is just for all the tigers and tigresses out there.

Let's say you're walking down the sidewalk one day, the bright sun beating down on your back. Life's pretty good. You pass a few fast food places - McDonalds? No you can only eat so much greasy beef. Subway? Naw the kids that work there can never get the order right - Then you see it. Yin-Yang's Chinese Food ( excuse the stereotype ). Yes! That stuff always hits the spot. Although for some reason you're hungry again about thirty minutes later ... but no matter. You step inside to the sound of that semi-annoying little bell they always have hanging on the door. You quickly order that sweet 'n' sour chicken stuff with extra sauce and then sit down. It smells great in this place. But what's this written on the placemat in front of you? THE CHINESE ZODIAC: Rat, Ox ...

Tiger

You are sensitive, emotional, and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; often seen as a "Hothead" or rebel. Your sign shows you would be excellent as a boss, explorer, race car driver, or matador.

"Really now?" you think. But there is so much more to the tiger personality. "Born leader" is the key word for the tigers. Noble and Fearless, tigers are respected for their courage, even from those working against them. And tiger people are daring fighters, they are capable of standing up to the better end for what they think is right, even if they end up being wrong. Although they could be selfish from time to time when dealing with the little things, they are capable of great generosity. Tigers are unpredictable, always tense, and like to be in a hurry.

Because tigers are urgent people, they usually choose to operate alone. Tigers like to work, they are hard-working and dynamic. If you assign a task to a tiger, the job will be undertaken and accomplished with enthusiasm and efficiency. Tigers make a lot of money because of this trait, but they are not directly interested in becoming rich. Still, the Tiger needs not worry about money: just when he fears the money is gone, more seems to show up. Lucky tiger!

Tiger people are difficult to resist, for they are magnetic characters and their natural air of authority confers a certain prestige about them. They are tempestuous yet calm, warm-hearted yet fearsome, courageous in the face of danger yet yielding and soft in mysterious, unexpected places. Tigers are sensitive, emotional. They are capable of great love, but they become too intense about it. They are also territorial and possessive, and tend to drive away friends and lovers because of it. If you are a friend of a tiger, he wants you to take his side against the "bad guys" and because the tiger can be so adorable, you often do. As lovers, tigers are passionate and romantic, but the real challenge for the tiger is to grasp the true meaning of moderation.

There is one last tiger-trait to cover. Tigers tend to have super egos. It is better not to challenge a Tiger's confidence. They like being obeyed and not the other way around.

Recognize any of your traits? Some of those are definetly off the mark though, eh? Well now we have covered the basic tiger personality, in all it's strengths and flaws. But what about the tiger's mate? The tiger can have beautiful relationships with certain signs, while it is an absolute disaster with others. However, personally, I would not put to much stock in the stars when choosing my future "mate".

Compatibility (1 - least compatible, 100 - most compatible) Rat: 65 - In order to succeed, both must work hard. Ox: 33 - Almost impossible to make it work. Tiger: 52 - Two tigers?! Not recommended. Cat fights can get messy! Rabbit: 46 - This is usually a marriage of conveinece - not love. Dragon: 76 - Despite minor difficulties, it'll work. Serpent: 69 - 69 is the magic number! Go for it! Horse: 86 - Why not, there's a lot in common. Goat: 24 - One of the worst combinations possible. Turn back now! Monkey: 81 - These two make eager loves. Rooster: 55 - This union will not be a balanced relationship. Dog: 89 - Destined to be balanced and harmonic relationship. Boar: 79 - They are very different, but the boar will strive to please.

How did you and your current companion match up? I, myself, am a boar ( not bore!). So all you tigers get over here! :) Hmm-Hmm ... uh, let's continue then. You now know yourself and your companion, but what of the future? 1998 holds perils and wonderful surprises for all you striped beings out there. Here is a quote from the Chinese Lunar Calendar on what's ahead:

1998 - The Year of the Tiger

For the Tigers, the year of Tiger will be a stable but cautious year. Pay attention to your finance, and definitely avoid loaning any money to your friends - this will only bring troubles and problems into your friendship. If you are a restless driver, slow down when you drive. Romance is on your way in February, go out and socialize a little more, and you'll be happy you did. August is your best month, put a little more effort into your work, the result can be rewarding.

Well that's about it for your fortune telling session. Still not satisfied? There is one more aspect of the Chinese Zodiac I have yet to mention. The Five Elements. As with the Western Zodiac the Chinese Zodiac also uses elements which influence the 12 animal signs. There elements are Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, and Wood. But how are you to know if you are a water tiger or a metal one? Below is a table to help you tigers figure it out. Other signs might want to visit a place called Ginkgo's to find what element plays an important role in their lives.