Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2011

The Rat will, however, need to be careful in financial matters. Although in some areas he may be thrifty, he can also be indulgent and he does need to keep careful control of his outgoings and avoid too many unplanned purchases. This is a year for financial discipline. Also, if considering any large expenditure, he would do well to check the terms and obligations as well as make cost comparisons. Where outgoings are concerned, this is no year for rush or taking risks.

With his sociable nature, the Rat always sets much store by his relations with others and both domestically and socially this will be a busy and eventful year. Domestically, 2011 will bring some notable events, possibly an addition to the family, a wedding or another special cause for celebration. Loved ones will often look to the Rat for support and advice, as well as help in arranging certain matters, and his skills will be much appreciated, but throughout the year he does need to be aware of the views of others. To be too dogmatic over certain issues or not show sufficient consideration could bring problems and misunderstandings. Fortunately Rats are usually very thoughtful, but this is a year for awareness and good communication.

The Rat will also welcome the support of friends during the year and whether meeting for a chat, enjoying shared interests or attending a function or other occasion, he will often appreciate the times he goes out. There will also be good opportunities for him to get to know others over the year and his personable nature will help him add to his social circle and, in some cases, make a significant new friendship. May, August and November to mid-January will see the most social activity.

A further benefit of the year will be the way in which the Rat is able to give some time to his own personal development. This can be through skills he acquires in his work, interests he pursues or activities he sets himself. By following up his ideas and opportunities, he can take much satisfaction from what he does. Many Rats are skilled communicators and for those who enjoy writing, this is another activity which can bring pleasure this year as well as be a satisfying outlet for their creativity.

Generally during the Rabbit year the Rat will need to remain alert, consult others and consider his actions carefully. This is no time for rush or being too single-minded. However, by making the most of his opportunities, especially to further his skills and interests, he can make reasonable headway and enjoy many of his activities. And domestically and socially there will be some memorable occasions to enjoy.

This can be a reasonable year for the Metal Rat, although throughout he will need to show patience. He may be keen for plans to go ahead and results to come through, but situations cannot be rushed. This is a slower-paced year than some, but it will certainly not be without its benefits.

At work many Metal Rats will be content to remain in their present position and concentrate on the duties they know well. The skills they have built up and their in-house knowledge can serve them well and make this an often satisfying time. In addition many could be given other responsibilities or targets to meet and, while often challenging, this can give them greater incentive as well as add new interest to their role.

The Metal Rat will also be helped by the good working relations he has with those around him and whenever possible he should continue to build on his contacts. Also, while he may be expert in his present role, he should make the most of any chances to develop his knowledge and skills. By taking advantage of any training that is available and keeping informed about developments in his industry, he will find the knowledge he gains and initiative he shows can be of present and future value.

For Metal Rats who are keen to move on from their present role or seeking work, the Rabbit year can proceed in curious ways. For months nothing may happen and then all of a sudden several interesting opportunities may come at once. April, June, September and November could see some important developments, but key to so much in the Rabbit year is patience. Results will come, but they will need waiting and striving for. However, with the Metal Rat’s prospects showing an upturn next year, what he accomplishes now can be a contributing factor in his later success, and it is well worth him persevering.

A positive aspect of the year will be the way the Metal Rat is able to develop certain interests. Although sometimes his free time will be limited, by setting some aside for pursuits he enjoys he will not only derive much personal satisfaction from what he does but could also find new ideas and possibilities opening up. For Metal Rats who enjoy creative activities, it would be worth making more of their talents, as Rabbit years very much favour creativity.

The Metal Rat is usually careful in money matters and in the Rabbit year he needs to remain his cautious and vigilant self. With several substantial expenses during the year, including family and accommodation costs, he should watch his outgoings and, whenever possible, make advance provision for certain outlays. He also needs to be careful when dealing with paperwork, including matters relating to tax or benefits, and keep receipts and guarantees safe. A mistake or lost document could be to his disadvantage. Metal Rats, take note and do be thorough and careful in financial matters.

Many Metal Rats will see considerable activity in their home life over the year and for some this could include a family celebration. Here the Metal Rat’s organizational ability will prove a real asset. Those close to him will also often be grateful for his advice, support and ability to empathize. However, no year is ever free of its strains and if differences of opinion do arise or pressures lead to irritability, the Metal Rat needs to recognize and deal with these as best he can. Without care, something that starts out in a small way could escalate and undermine the rapport he enjoys with those around him. Metal Rats, again take note. Domestically this can be a pleasing and potentially exciting year, but it is also one to be mindful and aware.

This also applies to the Metal Rat’s social life. Over the year he will enjoy many of the events he attends, but he does need to remain his attentive self. Misunderstandings may arise and the Metal Rat may become concerned by something he hears. At such times he should act, find out what is really happening and, where possible, smooth over any disagreements. For the most part his social life will be pleasurable and problem free, but throughout the year he does need to be alert and aware of the views of others. This also applies to those Metal Rats enjoying new romance. This is no time to take the feelings of another for granted. Relationships will need to be nurtured and the more attentive the Metal Rat is, the better.

As with the general nature of the year, some months will be quiet socially while others will see a flurry of invitations and opportunities to go out. The second half of the year will be busier than the first, with May, August and mid-November to mid-January likely to be the liveliest and more interesting months.

Although the slow-moving nature of the Rabbit year may sometimes frustrate the Metal Rat, by being patient and using his time and opportunities to advantage, he can still gain a lot from it. Developing his skills can bring him particular satisfaction and his achievements will prepare him for the more substantial successes that await in 2012. In his home life there could be important events to enjoy and by being attentive and giving time to others, he will find his relations with others can be positive, meaningful and often special. Overall, a quietish year, but one which can be of considerable value in the longer term.