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

In his education the Fire Rat should make the most of the opportunities available to him. Even though he may feel uneasy about certain aspects of his education and may find particular subjects challenging, this is still a golden opportunity to learn, acquire skills and discover more about his capabilities. These chances are not ones to waste.

To get the most from his studying, the Fire Rat should be disciplined and allow sufficient time for reading and exam preparation. If he works steadily throughout the year, his overall progress will be that much better. Also, as the year develops, he could get the chance to study certain topics in greater depth or start new courses which can have long-term significance.

Throughout the year, he should be open and communicative, and if he has problems or uncertainties, speak to those who are able to help. Similarly, if he would like to find out more about some courses or work choices, he should ask. This is no time to keep his concerns to himself or miss out on the assistance that is available.

In addition to more academic pursuits, the Fire Rat can derive much pleasure from his recreational interests over the year. By allowing time for these and, if applicable, making the most of the facilities and instruction available, he will enjoy developing his strengths, ideas and skills. Fire Rats who enjoy activities such as sport, music or dance can also enjoy a great sense of camaraderie that adds to the fun.

For any Fire Rats who are feeling alone or unfulfilled, the Snake year can again offer opportunity. However, to benefit, these Fire Rats will need to be active in bringing about the improvement they desire. Looking at what is available in their locality and setting themselves personal objectives will be of benefit. By doing something definite, many Fire Rats will be able to bring meaning and sparkle back into their lives this year as well as improve their outlook.

A factor that the Fire Rat will need to remember, however, is that this year can be a slow-moving one and results will need to be worked for. This is no time to expect swift developments or rush activities. The most rewarding results will come from steady effort. During the year the Fire Rat will also need to be mindful of the views of others. Ignoring the views or feelings of relatives and close friends in particular can lead to some difficult moments. Throughout the year the Fire Rat does need to pay heed to those around him.

This need for awareness also applies to financial matters. If there are particular items the Fire Rat is thinking of acquiring, particularly if they involve considerable outlay, it would be worth him seeking advice on what best meets his requirements. Money matters require careful consideration this year and this is no time for risk, haste or impulse buys.

Fire Rats who decide to leave education and seek work over the year may find it challenging. The pressures and changes may be considerable, but by rising to the challenge, these Fire Rats can not only obtain valuable working skills but also learn more about their capabilities. The Snake year can be an instructive one.

During the year, although the Fire Rat will often be immersed in his own activities, he should also involve himself in his home life. Any help he is able to give may be of more value than he may realize. This is a year favouring participation and openness, and should any differences of opinion arise, these should be talked through and, where possible, a compromise reached. Many Fire Rats will find their home life rewarding and loved ones supportive, but this does require involvement, consideration and a certain flexibility on their part.

Overall, the Year of the Snake is one of great possibility for the Fire Rat, but to benefit he does need to make the most of his situation. He also needs to be patient and have faith in himself and his abilities. By applying himself steadily and seizing his opportunities, he can learn a great deal, and his diligence will help to give him the skills and knowledge he can build on later.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be active, willing and committed. Follow up opportunities and ideas and, if necessary, ask for more information. You have a great future ahead of you and the lessons learned now can stand you in excellent stead.

The Earth Rat

Unlike some years, which see events hurtling along at a fast pace, this year favours steady and careful planning. It is the type of year the Earth Rat prefers. Rather than feel buffeted by external forces, he will be able to plan ahead and conduct his activities in the way he wants. ‘Slow and steady wins the race’, as the Chinese proverb states, and slow and steady will, for the Earth Rat, deliver some worthwhile results this year.

As the Snake year starts, the Earth Rat would do well to give careful thought to what he would like to see happen over the next 12 months. By talking his ideas over with his loved ones, he may find some important and sometimes exciting plans taking shape. Also, as the year proceeds, many Earth Rats may benefit from a slice of luck. Throughout the year, it would reward the Earth Rat to keep alert and aware.

For those in work, this can be an important year. Some may retire or decide to cut back on their working commitments and may have certain ideas and plans they are now keen to implement. Those who do retire should keep alert for opportunities becoming available. Whether these involve activity clubs and groups in their area, courses or, for some, the chance to become more involved in their community, they will find that this is a year to be open to possibility and act on those that appeal to them. By doing so, these Earth Rats can derive a great deal of personal satisfaction from the projects they start. This also applies to Earth Rats who may not have worked for some time and would welcome the chance to do something different. The Year of the Snake favours involvement and participation, and by exploring what is available, the Earth Rat can find some interesting openings arising.

Throughout the year he will also be helped by those around him. If he discusses his ideas with others, he will not only be encouraged and advised, but could also find some plans taking on a momentum of their own. Similarly, if he has concerns or is considering taking up certain activities, he should contact those able to offer expert advice. This is no time to be reticent or hold back. If the Earth Rat needs to know something, he should ask.

One area which requires close attention this year is finance. For Earth Rats who retire, there could be pension arrangements and other benefits to finalize, and these should be dealt with thoroughly and, if need be, with professional assistance. Also, if conducting a large transaction or involved in a major purchase, the Earth Rat should check the details and implications and keep the paperwork safe. Financial matters require careful consideration this year.

The Earth Rat would also do well to give some consideration to his well-being, including his diet and general level of exercise. To keep on good form he does need to pay some attention to his fitness and, if he feels it helpful, obtain medical advice on lifestyle improvements he could make. Also, if he has any concerns during the year, he should get these checked out.

Many Earth Rats will decide to travel this year and will again enjoy planning their trips. By finding out about their destination in advance, these Earth Rats will not only enjoy the build-up to their journey all the more but also derive more pleasure from it while away. In addition to any holidays or breaks, the Earth Rat should also take up any invitations to visit family and friends as well as any last-minute travel opportunities that appeal to him.

With his alert and friendly nature, the Earth Rat enjoys good relations with many people and over the year will very much appreciate meeting up with his friends and attending social events. For those who retire, there could be some additional social activity to mark the event and possibly some surprises to look forward to. In addition, activities the Earth Rat may already be involved in or may start during the year can lead to making new friends. Late February, March, May, August and December are likely to see the most social activity. However, while the Earth Rat will enjoy many social occasions, he should remain his attentive self and take into account the feelings of those around him. A faux pas or misconstrued remark could lead to some awkward moments. Earth Rats, take note, and in your relations with others, as with so much this year, do be aware.