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Not everyone in Indonesia is excited about Chinese New Year. According to Chinese astrology, the Year of the White Tiger spells trouble for the traditional Chinese.

The lunar year 2561, which starts on Sunday, is the year of the metal tiger. Metal is represented by the color white, according to the Chinese five-element theory.

“Some orthodox people will avoid getting married or opening a new business this year, as they believe this year will not be good,” said Tom Suhalim, a Chinese fortune-teller and feng shui master.

“The general characteristics of the Year of the Tiger are cruel and ferocious,” Tom added. “The metal tiger will even be more so.” This, he said, means the year will be a difficult one full of violence and struggle.

Lovi Boerma, a fortune-teller who runs a consultation service at the Grand Sahid Jaya shopping arcade, agreed.

“Anger and agitation will rule,” she said. “Most people would feel superior and arrogant. They tend to push others around and seek their own good.”

According to Lovi, business will be slow this year. “Always have cash in hand,” she said. “You shouldn’t put all of your money in one investment. You could be tricked or manipulated.”

Mama Lauren, a well-known seer living in Indonesia, also predicted that the Year of the Tiger would not be an easy one.

“It’s one of the tiger’s characteristics. On one side, they are sensitive and emotional creatures. On the other hand, they are also very stubborn and fierce,” she said.

According to Mama Lauren, people will become more selfish and ruthless this year.

“Like a tiger, they will jump out and fiercely devour their victims,” she said. “The law of the jungle will apply. People will have to fight against each other in order to survive.”

Those who are born under the Chinese astrology signs of the snake and monkey should tread lightly in the Year of the White Tiger as their elements are not compatible with those of the tiger. They are considered chiong (unlucky) in the year ahead.

Global economic conditions will also be volatile.

“Investors should be very careful,” Mama Lauren said. “No mega-projects should be started this year.”

The property business will also see a decline as more natural disasters will occur and disrupt normal life. “I see a lot of earthquakes, storms and volcano eruptions,” the seer added.

Like Mama Lauren, Lovi also predicts accidents. “There will be major traffic and flight accidents this year,” she said. “It can’t be avoided.”

“We are heading toward a turbulent era,” Mama Lauren said. “So fasten your seat belts because what will be will be. The show must go on.”

For his part, though, Tom advises people not to panic. “Problems will arise and there will be a lot of worries and fears, but these are common anytime and anywhere. It’s nothing new.”

He also predicted that despite hardship, the financial sectors, such as banking and investment, would grow.

“The stock market will continue to fluctuate, yet things are getting better overall,” he said.

As for those who are born under the unlucky signs, Tom was optimistic, “as long as you believe that your life is in God’s hands and He will bring you nothing but goodness and happiness.

He also noted that the year starts on Valentine’s Day, which is also on Sunday, the seventh day of the week. This is significant as seven is an auspicious number in Chinese numerology. He said the year ahead would “be full of good luck and love.”

“Avoid negative vibrations such as worry, fear and anger,” he said. Instead, he advises people to fill their hearts with joy, love and hope.

“First thing in the morning, before you get out of the bed, pray to God thanking Him for the new day,” Tom said.

“Then, imagine how you’d like your day to go. Imagine the best positive outcome that you’d like to have on that day. This positive imagination will affect the course of events during that day.

“Remember, light attracts light,” Tom said. “Good things will happen for those who believe.”