The Most Difficult Age for People Born in 1998 (Tiger)
The "most difficult" period for people born in 1998 (Ji Yin year, Yin wood contains Jia wood, Bing fire, and Wu earth) is between the ages of 38-40 (2036-2038), when the energy field of "heavy earth burying metal" is strongest, as stated in "Yuan Hai Zi Ping": "Heavy earth without metal, strength cannot be applied."This stage is at the middle age, where career may face a "ceiling" (such as no promotion, industry decline), and family brings the pressure of taking care of elderly parents and children's education, leading to "physical and mental exhaustion."
In terms of fate, excessive accumulation of Wu earth suppresses the vitality of Yin wood, like "thick walls blocking sunlight," which can cause anxiety (fire suppressed by earth) and stubbornness (strong earth nature), even leading to withdrawal (such as giving up long-term careers).
The solution lies in "loosening earth and generating metal":
Mental adjustment: Write down three "small joys" every day (such as a colleague's concern or a child's hug), using "metal nature of words" to relieve stress;
Energy adjustment: Wear white crystal (metal), hang wind chimes in the west (you position, where metal is strong), using "flow of metal" to break the stagnation of earth;
Action breakthrough: Take 3 days of solo travel each year (wood-related activities), rekindling the vitality of Yin wood in nature, or talk to friends born in the Year of the Horse (wu fire), using the "Yin Wu half union" fire energy to boost motivation.
The Greatest Adversary in Life for Tiger Born People
The greatest adversary for Tiger-born people (Yin wood) is those born in the Year of the Monkey (Shen gold) and the Year of the Snake (Si fire), due to the conflict of zodiac signs forming a "energy clash.""The Three Lives General" states, "Yin Shen clash, gold and wood fight, leading to misfortune; Yin Si injury, wood and fire burn, causing emotional harm." The person born in the Year of the Monkey (Shen gold) clashes with Yin wood as "Yang gold overpowers Yang wood," like "chopping living wood with an axe." Their changeability (the floating nature of gold) and the straightforwardness of Tiger-born people (the integrity of wood) often lead to conflict, possibly resulting in "backstabbing" (such as leaking plans) in cooperation, or "cold and hot" behavior (such as ambiguity) in relationships.
The person born in the Year of the Snake (Si fire) conflicts with Yin wood as "Yin Si injury," where Si fire consumes the energy of Yin wood like "scorching wood with fire." Their suspicion (the burning nature of fire) and the openness of Tiger-born people (the extension of wood) often lead to misunderstandings, possibly resulting in "obstruction behind the scenes" (such as spreading rumors) in competition, or "overly controlling" behavior (such as checking up or interfering with social interactions) in relationships.
The solution lies in "avoiding conflict and resolving injury":
Distance control: Maintain a "work distance" from those born in the Year of the Monkey and Snake, avoid deep friendship unless necessary, especially avoiding partnerships, loans, etc.
Energy buffer: Wear obsidian (water), using "gold generates water, water generates wood" to resolve conflict, or carry a small gift given by a friend born in the Year of the Dog (Xu earth), using the "Yin Xu union" energy to counteract the conflict and injury.
Self-cultivation: When facing conflicts, silently recite "harmony is precious" (from "Analects of Confucius"), replacing "wood's confrontation" with "water's flexibility," such as listening first when being criticized, then communicating calmly later.
"The Zhou Yi" says, "When in difficulty, change; when changed, it becomes smooth." The hardship between the ages of 38-40 is just teaching you to "turn the corner"; the friction with people born in the Year of the Monkey and Snake is merely reminding you to "maintain boundaries." You, born in 1998, already have the resilience of Yin wood, the passion of Bing fire, and the weight of Wu earth—these traits are not "weak points," but the confidence to weather storms.
Don't set up defenses because of "adversaries," nor retreat because of "hardship." Try to learn "the tolerance of earth" after the age of 38—accept imperfection and let go of attachments; learn "the flexibility of wood" towards adversaries—don't clash directly, but don't bow either.
May you eventually understand: Life's "obstacles" are not meant to trap you, but to help you stand higher and see the scenery you truly desire. Walk forward with this clarity, and life will treat you gently.
