Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2010

Another feature of Tiger years is the travel opportunities they bring. Sometimes these could be connected with work, but many Rats will travel for pleasure during the year. By giving careful thought to their destination and planning ahead, they will often benefit from their time away. Given the nature of the year, if there is a destination the Rat is particularly keen to visit, he should make enquiries and stay alert for offers. Travel will figure strongly for many in 2010.

As far as money matters are concerned, this is a time when good control and advance planning will help the Rat. To do all he wants, he will need to keep control over his everyday spending and avoid succumbing to too many impulse purchases. Budgeting and making allowances for any large purchases—and travel plans—will help. In addition he should avoid unnecessary risks. His luck and judgement may not be as good as in some years. Rats, take note and do be careful.

Being born under the sign of charm, the Rat enjoys company and sets much store by both his family and social life. However, here again the Tiger year calls for care. The Rat needs to be attentive towards others and remain aware of their views and feelings, otherwise misunderstandings could arise. Also, despite his many commitments, he should make sure he spends quality time with others rather than remain too preoccupied with his own concerns. Fortunately, he is usually careful in this respect, but with the aspects as they are and the pressures he may face, this is something he needs to be aware of.

In the Rat’s home life this can be a busy year. Not only will many Rats themselves be involved in possible change, particularly in their work, but others in their household could also find themselves under pressure or have problems to contend with. As a result, this is a time when good communication and co-operation will be paramount. Willingness to help and give time to others will make an important difference to the quality of home life. If possible, the Rat should also spread out any accommodation plans or practical activities he may have in mind, rather than cause additional pressure by hurrying them through.

On a social level the Rat will have good opportunities to meet others over the year, particularly as a result of his interests or through his work, with some valuable new friendships being made. For the unattached, romance could add considerable excitement to the year. May, July, August and December will see the most social activity. However, the Rat does need to remain alert, as this is a year when an inadvertent comment could give rise to a misunderstanding or lead to disagreement. Rats, please take note and be careful.

Overall, the Year of the Tiger will be a busy one for the Rat and although there will be times when he will be concerned about developments, by being adaptable and doing his best he can ultimately learn a great deal. This may not be an easy year, but it can be instructive. The Rat will also benefit from the support he receives and the new friendships and contacts he makes, although in his relations with others good communication and awareness will be so very important. A welcome feature of the year will be the travel opportunities that arise and many Rats will have the chance to visit new and often interesting destinations. Despite its pressures, the Tiger year will bring times the Rat will value.

This will be an important year for the Metal Rat, not only marking the start of a new decade in his life but also bringing some key decisions and changes. This may not be the easiest or smoothest of years, but its effects can be far-reaching.

One notable aspect of the Metal Rat’s nature is his ambition. He is keen and resourceful and able to use his talents in many different ways. Over the year these will continue to serve him well, and by being willing to explore possibilities, whether in his work or personal interests, he will be able to learn a great deal. Although moving away from the familiar may be uncomfortable, what opens up to him this year can prove to be the chance and challenge he now needs.

At work this can be a decisive year. For some Metal Rats there could be significant promotion opportunities, and while these may be something they have been working towards for some time, they could have an impact in several ways. Not only will they entail learning new skills but they could also involve changes to routine and sometimes location. Nevertheless, while personally daunting, these opportunities can give these Metal Rats’ career the boost they have been wanting for some time.

For Metal Rats who are content in their present position, again change could beckon. Whether this is brought about through new management, the introduction of new working practices or more senior staff moving on, many Metal Rats will find themselves being given further responsibilities. They may be concerned about their increased role and workload, but by being prepared to adapt and make the most of their situation, they will not only add to their skills but also open up other possibilities for the future. A key feature of the Tiger year is that its effects can be far-reaching.

For those Metal Rats seeking work, either at the start of the Tiger year or during it, again some important possibilities can open up. Securing a position will require effort, and the Tiger year does not always make things easy or straightforward for Rats, but with faith, self-belief and a certain amount of initiative, many will find their tenacity rewarded. Mid-March to the end of April, June and September to mid-November could see considerable activity, but with the fast-moving nature of the Tiger year, ideas and possibilities need to be followed up as they arise.

One of the Metal Rat’s strengths is his ability to get on well with people and over the year he should continue to use these skills well. Whether working with others or meeting new people in his line of work, he will impress many with his eager manner and willingness to assist.

As with all Rats in 2010, travel is likely to figure prominently for the Metal Rat, and whether he is travelling for work or pleasure, he should allow time to plan his itinerary and read up about his destination. By going well-prepared, he will make his time away all the more successful. If there is a particular destination that appeals to him, he should talk this over with his loved ones and see what is possible. Some Metal Rats could be tempted to mark their fiftieth year with a special trip or holiday and for many their travels could be one of the highlights of the year.

The Metal Rat is generally careful in money matters, but he should try to make advance provision for his projects and purchases over the year. With good budgeting, he will be able to proceed with many of his plans, but this is a year for careful control, especially with everyday spending.

With the progressive nature of the Tiger year, he should also give some consideration to his interests and recreational pursuits. These bring an important balance to his lifestyle and if there is a particular interest or idea he has been keen to explore, this would be a good year to follow it up. Trying something new or extending his existing knowledge could open up exciting new possibilities both now and in the future. Any Metal Rats who are sedentary for much of the day and do not tend to take much regular exercise would also do well to consider activities that could remedy this. With their fiftieth year marking change and new possibilities, they can benefit from positive action.

In their relations with others, they will find that family, friends and colleagues can all offer useful encouragement and support, but the year still calls for a certain care. In particular the Metal Rat will need to be prepared to consult and listen. To appear too single-minded could not only undermine rapport but also prevent him from benefiting from the opinions of others. In addition, it is important that he spends quality time with his loved ones. In this frequently busy year there is the risk that he might not give the time or attention to others that he has in the past, and this could lead to possible disagreements. With thoughtful-ness, this can be a rich and special year, but without, tensions could loom. Metal Rats, do take careful note. Nevertheless, the Tiger year could well be marked by occasions that will mean a great deal to the Metal Rat, including possible celebrations and surprises for his birthday.