It's the Year of the Tiger; however, Chinese fortune tellers reveal that it'll be a rough patch for the world's most famous one: disgraced golfer Tiger Woods.

In addition, hard times for U. N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, turmoil in the financial markets, spikes in fire-related natural disasters and a crucial period for U. S. President Barack Obama were among the other predictions.

The traditional Chinese practice of predicting fortunes through dates and classical Chinese texts - the new lunar year starting Sunday under the school of feng shui is connected with the natural elements of metal, wood, thunder and fire. Metal is a symbol of righteous action - like waging war. Thunder and fire symbolize volatility, while wood feeds the fire.

"People will try to take on the strong and help the weak. They will try to help their fellow brothers. They will help friends who are being bullied. This year will be more violent", Hong Kong feng shui adviser Raymond Lo said.

Fires and explosions are more likely in the coming year, Lo augurs, also extends a warning that Iran and North Korea may boost up their nuclear proliferation.

The Chinese zodiac operates on a rotation of 12 different signs, or animals. People who are entering a year whose sign is the same as their birth year's are considered "in clash" and may have bad luck, according to feng shui belief.