Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2010

Be accommodating in your approach. Adapt to situations and listen closely to others. Despite the mixed aspects a lot can go in your favour, but this is a year for flexibility and awareness.

One of the main traits of the Earth Ox is that he is perceptive. He is good at appraising situations and realistic in his aims, and in the Tiger year his talents will serve him well. By being adaptable and keeping his wits about him, he can emerge from the year with a lot to his credit.

For those Earth Oxen in work this can be a challenging time. Many will face change, possibly due to internal reorganization and the introduction of new initiatives and systems. Also, due to their experience, some could find themselves being given additional responsibilities. Work-wise, a lot will be asked of the Earth Ox and this will be very much a year for making the most of his situation and rising to the tasks given. These may not always be easy and some Earth Oxen will not be helped by delays, increased bureaucracy or the pettiness and unhelpful attitude of those around them. For these Earth Oxen parts of the year will be frustrating, but again it is a case of focusing on what needs to be done and resisting any irritations and distractions that arise.

Many Earth Oxen will remain with their current employer over the year, but for those keen to move, alter their working commitments or find work, the Tiger year can be daunting. In some cases there could be few suitable vacancies and when they do arise the Earth Ox could find himself facing stiff competition. However, one of the main features of the Tiger year is that it favours personal development and by being willing to widen the scope of what they are prepared to consider, many Earth Oxen will be given the chance to use their skills in different ways. The Earth Ox’s alert and perceptive nature will be of great help in keeping him informed of developments and possibilities. With the aspects as they are, chances need to be taken when they arise, but March, April, September and November could see some interesting possibilities.

In all the Earth Ox tackles this year, it is important that he is thorough. This is no time for risks or shortcuts, particularly when dealing with paperwork or forms which have financial implications. Earth Oxen, do take note. In addition, with any expensive purchase or plan he is considering, the Earth Ox should avoid rush. In some cases by waiting for more favourable buying opportunities he could save himself considerable outlay or find something that better meets his requirements. Many Earth Oxen are careful in financial matters, but sometimes the general pace of the Tiger year could make the Earth Ox act before he has considered all the implications. This is not a time for him to lower his usually cautious guard.

A more positive aspect of the year concerns the Earth Ox’s personal interests and he should allow himself the time to both enjoy and develop these. Not only can they bring him satisfaction and be a source of relaxation, but they can also have additional benefits. For those Earth Oxen who enjoy creative activities, new ideas and projects could be especially absorbing.

The Earth Ox’s interests can also bring him into contact with others, and by going to gatherings and events he will often enjoy himself and welcome the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts. In addition, when he has invitations to social occasions or sees events that appeal to him, he should follow these up. Although some Earth Oxen may be tempted to stay at home, their social life can bring an important balance to their lifestyle. Late February to the end of April, June and August could be particularly interesting months for socializing.

In the Earth Ox’s domestic life, this is a year to be attentive to the views of others. The Earth Ox does like to hold sway and make the decisions, but while those around him are grateful for all he does, it is important that he regularly consults them over plans and ideas as well as listens closely to their suggestions. Without care and mindfulness, misunderstandings or differences of opinion could arise which, with more discussion, could have been avoided. In addition, some plans could need altering as situations change, and again the Earth Ox will need to be accommodating. This is very much a year to be alert, flexible and liaise with others. However, despite the cautionary aspects, the Earth Ox’s domestic life will certainly have some meaningful times, including any holidays or breaks he is able to take with his loved ones.

Given the hectic pace of the year, the Earth Ox could also find it helpful to give some consideration to his well-being, including making sure he takes regular exercise and has a balanced diet, though he should seek medical guidance before making any modifications.

Generally, the Tiger year will be a demanding one for the Earth Ox and throughout he will need to remain alert and adapt to changing situations. However, with his perceptive and adroit nature, he can get a lot from the year, particularly in terms of exploring and developing some of his skills and interests.

This can be a fast-moving year with changes taking place, situations altering and plans sometimes having to be modified. To benefit, keep alert and be flexible.

Lily Allen, Hans Christian Andersen, Gemma Arterton, Johann Sebastian Bach, Warren Beatty, Kate Beckinsale, David Blaine, Napoleon Bonaparte, Albert Camus, Jim Carrey, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Natalie Cole, Bill Cosby, Tom Courtenay, Tony Curtis, Diana, Princess of Wales, Marlene Dietrich, Walt Disney, Patrick Duffy, JaneFonda, Edward Fox, Michael J. Fox, Peter Gabriel, Elizabeth George, Richard Gere, Ricky Gervais, Handel, King Harald V of Norway, Adolf Hitler, Dustin Hoffman, Hal Holbrook, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Joel, King Juan Carlos of Spain, John Key, B. B. King, Keira Knightley, Mark Knopfler, Burt Lancaster, Jessica Lange, Heather Locklear, Kate Moss, Alison Moyet, Eddie Murphy, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Leslie Nielsen, Barack Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar Peterson, Paula Radcliffe, Robert Redford, Lionel Richie, Wayne Rooney, Tim Roth, Rubens, Meg Ryan, Amanda Seyfried, Jean Sibelius, Sissy Spacek, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Lady Thatcher, Alan Titchmarsh, Scott F. Turow, Vincent van Gogh, Minette Walters, Zoë Wanamaker, Sigourney Weaver, the Duke of Wellington, Arsène Wenger, W. B. Yeats.

26 JANUARY 1914 13 FEBRUARY 1915 Wood Tiger

13 FEBRUARY 1926 1 FEBRUARY 1927 Fire Tiger

31 JANUARY 1938 18 FEBRUARY 1939 Earth Tiger

17 FEBRUARY 1950 5 FEBRUARY 1951 Metal Tiger

5 FEBRUARY 1962 24 JANUARY 1963 Water Tiger

23 JANUARY 1974 10 FEBRUARY 1975 Wood Tiger

9 FEBRUARY 1986 28 JANUARY 1987 Fire Tiger

28 JANUARY 1998 15 FEBRUARY 1999 Earth Tiger

14 FEBRUARY 2010 2 FEBRUARY 2011 Metal Tiger