Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2011

The Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February and will be a much improved one for the Ox. Rather than feeling buffeted by events and the pace that characterizes the Tiger year, he will be able to focus on his objectives and achieve some positive results. Admittedly, the Rabbit year will still have its problems, but overall this can be a far more satisfying and constructive time for the Ox.

For Oxen who are starting the Rabbit year dissatisfied, at a low ebb or disappointed with recent progress, this is very much a time to draw a line under what has happened and to look ahead. With a positive ‘can do’ approach, the Ox will find more opening up for him.

This will be especially the case at work, and many Oxen will feel that the time is now right to take their skills further and explore new options. For quite a few, developments in their current place of work could give them the opening they want. By keeping alert and indicating their desire to progress, many will be able to make important – and sometimes overdue – headway. Any new roles and duties will also involve the Ox learning new skills and adapting to different ways of working, but by showing commitment and resolve, he can do himself and his reputation much good.

For Oxen who are keen to take their career in another direction, as well as those seeking work, again the Rabbit year can have encouraging developments in store. To benefit, these Oxen will need to be active in making enquiries as well as consider other ways in which they could use their strengths, but by chance, almost as if by fate taking a hand, an opening could arise which is not only suitable but gives these Oxen an exciting and often inspiring new challenge. Mid-March to early June and October could see some interesting developments, but whenever opportunities arise the Ox needs to act swiftly and emphasize his qualities and experience.

The progress the Ox makes at work can also lead to an increase in income, but money matters still need to be handled carefully. The Ox does need to budget for his commitments and try to reduce any borrowings. He should also be careful if he becomes involved in a more informal arrangement, including lending to another person, as problems and misunderstandings could arise. In money matters this is a year for caution and careful management.

On a personal level, however, the Rabbit year has much to offer. For Oxen enjoying romance this is set to grow stronger as the year progresses, while for the unattached, a chance meeting can often become meaningful and new love add excitement to the year. Oxen who would welcome more company can do much to help their position by taking up activities which will allow them to meet others. Sometimes a locally run course or a social or interest group could be what they need. The action they take can often reward them well. March, April, July and September could offer some fine opportunities to meet others as well as be active times socially.

The Ox’s home life can also keep him busy during the year. With his practical nature, he may well decide to improve his home in some way, perhaps redecorating certain rooms, sorting and tidying up particular areas and, for the gardener, enjoying time outdoors. Practical activities, especially those that can be shared, can bring the Ox much pleasure this year.

He will also do a lot to support loved ones during the year. Someone close to him could experience some difficulty and the support, encouragement and assistance the Ox is able to give may be of more value than he may realize. In turn, should a problem arise which he himself does not feel competent to deal with, he should seek advice. He may be keen to do his best, but if the situation warrants expert advice, he should feel able to call upon it. Oxen, do remember this. Personally, this can be a satisfying year, but do be prepared to draw on the assistance of others if required.

Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is an encouraging one for the Ox and by looking to make progress, using his time well and seizing his opportunities, he can make headway as well as enjoy some pleasing personal developments.

This will be an important year for the Metal Ox and with it marking his fiftieth birthday he will be keen to get this new decade off to a positive start. As he has demonstrated so often, when he sets himself specific aims, his hard work and focus usually secure what he wants, and so it will be this year. This is no time to be fettered by recent disappointments (the previous Tiger year in particular could have been an awkward one) but to concentrate on the present and look determinedly ahead.

As 2011 begins the Metal Ox could find it particularly helpful to draw up some plans for the year. With thoughts in mind he will find his efforts opening up some fresh possibilities and rewarding him in often special ways. The Rabbit year can be an interesting one and also have some surprises in store.

The Metal Ox’s relations with others will be especially important this year. His loved ones will often be keen to mark his fiftieth birthday in fine style and not only will he be the centre of attention but often touched by the affection shown him. However, it will not only be his birthday and other family occasions that will be meaningful, but the support and assistance he receives throughout the year. In turn, he should talk openly about his activities and plans and listen closely to advice given. In some cases, new possibilities could arise as a result. This is very much a year that favours a co-operative rather than independent approach.

In his home life the Metal Ox will also be pleased with some of the activities that take place, including practical projects and activities shared with his loved ones. He will also take a fond interest in the activities of those around him and the advice and practical support he gives to younger and more senior relations will be welcomed, particularly if they are facing problems or anxieties. The Metal Ox has many redoubtable qualities and he will not let them down.

This will also be an interesting year as far as his social life is concerned. He will have the chance to meet new people and form important new friendships and sometimes, for the unattached, find romance. This is a year that favours activity and the Metal Ox will enjoy and often benefit from his chances to meet others. March, April, July and September could be the most active months socially.

The Metal Ox should also give some time to his own interests over the year, as these help keep his lifestyle in balance. To mark his fiftieth year, he could also be tempted to try something new. By carefully thinking through his ideas and then taking action, he can make this a constructive and personally beneficial time. In addition, if he is keen to travel and has a particular destination in mind, by making enquiries he could find his travels adding another exciting strand to the year.

As far as his work is concerned, the Rabbit year holds interesting possibilities. Although progress may not be swift or opportunities plentiful, there will still be some good chances for the Metal Ox to move forward. These could be in his existing place of work as more senior positions or other responsibilities become available. The Metal Ox will often be well placed to benefit, and with determined action and the willingness to put himself forward, he can make important headway.

There will, though, be some Metal Oxen who will feel they have accomplished all they can in their present role and be keen to switch to something different. For these Metal Oxen, as well as those seeking work, the Rabbit year can have encouraging developments in store. Obtaining a new position may not be easy, but by keeping alert and thinking of different ways in which they could use their experience – talking to employment agencies could give them interesting thoughts to consider – they could be offered an interesting new challenge. This is a year to be open to possibility. Mid-March to early June and October could be important months work-wise.