Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2013 - What the year of the snake holds in store for you

The Snake year particularly encourages learning and personal development, and during it the Water Rat should aim to make more of his personal interests or consider taking up something new. Not only can his interests sometimes be an outlet for his ideas and creative talents, but they can also help him relax. He would also benefit by giving some consideration to the amount of regular exercise he gets and to the quality of his diet. If he feels either is lacking, it would be worth seeking advice on the best way to improve.

At work, this is a year for dedicated effort. Water Rats who are well established where they are could face greater demands and challenging situations. However, while the pressures may sometimes be great, by focusing on what needs to be done and using their skills and judgement wisely, not only will they have the chance to impress but also prove they have the abilities necessary for promotion. Success this year will be well deserved and hard won.

Water Rats who decide to move on from where they are or are seeking work will find the job-seeking process requires considerable effort. Openings may be limited and competition considerable. However, by being willing to consider a wide range of possibilities and, in some cases, retraining, many Water Rats will secure what can be an important opportunity. Late March, April and mid-September to early December could see encouraging developments, but throughout the Snake year the Water Rat should act determinedly and remain persistent.

In money matters, again this is a year requiring care. With some large home and family expenses likely, plus his other commitments, the Water Rat should manage his budget carefully and keep a close watch on his outgoings. This is a time for good financial management.

In general the Snake year can be an exacting one for the Water Rat. Considerable effort will be needed to make headway and results will not always come quickly. However, what the Water Rat can plan – and achieve – behind the scenes can be significant. Working towards longer-term objectives or gaining knowledge and skills that can be useful later on can bear significant fruit. The long-term benefits of the Snake year can be considerable and it can leave a powerful legacy for the Water Rat to build on.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Avoid haste. Consider your plans carefully and use any chances to further your knowledge and skills. Investing in yourself can lead to important opportunities opening up for future success.

The Wood Rat

This can be a quietly satisfying year for the Wood Rat. Although it may lack the dynamic activity of some, by setting about his activities in a keen, determined way, he can not only improve himself but also sow important seeds for the future. Indeed, a lot that the Wood Rat does this year can be of far-reaching significance. However, he will need to be patient and thorough, as this is no time for risk or rush.

This is particularly the case at work. In recent years many Wood Rats will have impressed others with their dedication and skills, and this year those who have been with the same employer for some time will often have a chance to take on greater responsibilities and learn about other aspects of their work. However, in setting about their duties, they could face additional pressures. Snake years do not always make life easy for the Wood Rat, but the effort he puts in and skills he demonstrates can help both his present position and future prospects. It is worth making the effort.

For Wood Rats who feel there is limited scope where they are and decide to move on, as well as those seeking work, there can be important developments in store. Obtaining a position will require great effort and these Wood Rats should consider widening their search. By doing so, however, many could secure a position that is very different from what they have done before but is a good base to build on. Those who do take on a new position this year should make the most of any training they may be offered and embrace the chance to learn. What they accomplish now can open up further possibilities in the future. April and mid-September to early December could see some particularly encouraging developments.

Although many Wood Rats will enjoy a modest increase in earnings over the year, money matters do require care. With personal, accommodation and sometimes transport expenses likely to be considerable, the Wood Rat will need to budget carefully. Economies may be needed in order to go ahead with certain plans, or even meet commitments, and the keyword in 2013 is discipline. The Wood Rat should also be thorough in all financial matters and check the terms and obligations of any new agreement he enters into. The Snake year rewards careful attention.

Over the year, the Wood Rat should also give some thought to his well-being. With sometimes long and demanding days, he does need to allow time for rest and relaxation and also make sure his diet is balanced and sufficient. If lacking regular exercise, he should try to schedule some into his week. Without care, he could find himself under par this year, and if anything concerns him at any time, or he decides to start a new exercise regime, he should seek medical advice.

In addition to learning new skills in his work, he can, however derive considerable satisfaction from his personal interests. Whether enjoying the pleasure and company these can bring or setting himself a new project, he can get much personal benefit from what he does over the year. And with his often busy lifestyle, it is important that he allows himself time for recreation.

This also applies to his social life. In view of his pressures and commitments, the Wood Rat may decide to cut back on his socializing this year. However, he should still keep in regular contact with friends and if he receives invitations to events that appeal to him, he should try to go. March, May, August and December will see the most social activity.

For the unattached Wood Rat, there could be significant romance this year, but if it is to endure, time is needed. Rushing things or building up high expectations early on could lead to heartbreak. Wood Rats, take note and allow any blossoming romance to evolve in its own way and time.

Domestically, this can be a busy year. Some Wood Rats will start a family, some will have ambitious accommodation plans and some will have other key objectives they are keen to realize. A lot is set to happen and the Wood Rat will need to remain attentive and aware. Also, developments in the Snake year can sometimes take a curious course, with plans needing to be revised or new possibilities arising. To benefit, the Wood Rat will need to show some flexibility, but over the year he can find important hopes being realized and bringing him considerable happiness. As with so much in 2013, this may not happen quickly, though, but need to be worked towards.

Throughout the year the Wood Rat will do much to assist others and many will be grateful for his advice. In his home life, once again he will play a full and valued part.

Overall, 2013 will be a demanding year, but while the going may sometimes be tough, the Wood Rat will have the chance to learn new skills, demonstrate personal qualities and prepare the way for subsequent advances. The Snake year will be both constructive and instructive, and while its pressures may sometimes be great, it will also contain some special moments, including the realization of certain personal hopes. Despite the effort required, the Wood Rat can find it a personally satisfying and illuminating year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be thorough and proceed carefully and steadily. Also, allow time for yourself as well as to spend with others. Keep your lifestyle in balance so you can appreciate what you do and those around you all the more.

The Fire Rat

There is a Chinese proverb that the Fire Rat would do well to bear in mind this year: ‘Diligence leads to riches.’ By setting about his activities in a careful and diligent way, he will find what he can accomplish this year can be of considerable future value.