In Chinese astrology, there are 12 zodiac animals and five elements that rotate alongside each other. The five elements are fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.

This Lunar New Year is the Year of the Water Tiger, the less aggressive and more open-minded sibling of the typical tiger. Because this year is influenced by the element water, we should be prepared to make all kinds of changes in our lives.

Despite the admirable qualities of the water tiger, 2022 is said to be a year of Fan Tai Sui. This is a concept that refers to offending Tai Sui. Tai Sui—the Grand Duke Jupiter—is a Chinese deity that oversees all the fortunes of the year. It means you will have a clash with Tai Sui.

A year of being at odds with Tai Sui means that this year poses many setbacks and challenges. This affects those born in the years of the tiger, the monkey, the snake, and the pig. I know this sounds intimidating, but there’s no need to fret. There are many practices you can follow to attract good luck and good karma.

Wear Red

The color red wards off bad luck. As the color is associated with fire and energy, it symbolizes celebration, good fortune, and prosperity. Other lucky colors for this year are red, green, black, and yellow.

Dress to the Nines

Treat yourself to some new clothes. Since the new year presents the idea of change and new beginnings, new clothes symbolize a fresh start.

Eat Your Heart Out

Eating certain food means bringing in good luck. We all know and love tikoy, for one, which represents a good year ahead. Other lucky foods include dumplings, fish, and oranges. Noodles are also a favorite as they symbolize long life.

Another custom is the Yee Sang Prosperity Toss. Yee Sang is a traditional raw fish salad. Each ingredient symbolizes different manifestations for the new year like abundance, wealth, and prosperity. Everyone should have a turn in tossing the salad. When tossing the salad, don’t forget to proclaim auspicious wishes. Gong Xi Fa Cai is a wishing of prosperity and Xin Nian Kuai Le means “Happy New Year”.

Choose Kindness

Lastly, remember that whatever you put out into the universe will come back to you. With that, spread only kind words and think only kind thoughts. Wish only the best for the people around you. Embody the good karma that you want to receive.

While feng shui experts project 2022 to be a challenging year for some animals, perseverance ensures that improvements can be made. Don’t lose hope just yet. Some animals are luckier, though. Those born in the years of the rabbit, the rooster, and the ox have some lucky stars in their corner.
However, the water element symbolizes wealth so it’s safe to say that this new year will be a year of abundance and prosperity.

This Year of the Water Tiger will be one of many changes, and with those changes come opportunities.