Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope 2010

He should also make sure his social life does not suffer due to all his activity and should aim to preserve some time for going out and meeting friends as well as treating himself and his loved ones to any social events that appeal. Metal Rats who are alone and would welcome a more active social life will find that positive action can reward them well. By going out, joining interest groups and making a special effort to meet those who are like-minded, they can form some new and often significant friendships. For the unattached, romantic prospects are also promising. Here again, Tiger years reward those who are prepared to put themselves forward. May, July, August to mid-September and December could see the most social activity. In general, the Year of the Tiger will be a demanding one for the Metal Rat, particularly in view of some of the changes that will occur. But while the pressures may sometimes be great and there will be times of uncertainty and concern, the year can mark the dawn of a new and important phase. This is a year to be open to possibility, to rise to situations and to keep alert for opportunity. With a willingness to move forward, the Metal Rat can make this an important and personally significant time and one which can also have a positive bearing on the next few years.

Despite the activity of the year, do make time for those who are important to you. Extra attention and thoughtful-ness can make a real difference to the year and your prospects .

The Water Rat is blessed with a great many qualities. He has a willing nature, is prepared to put himself forward and, with the element of Water strengthening his skills as a communicator, he will have a lot in his favour during the Tiger year. To benefit, however, he will need to show flexibility and be prepared to adapt to the situations that arise.

At work, change is indicated, and although many Water Rats will have seen a lot happen in recent years, this period of transition is far from over. Whether settled in a particular position or keen to move on, the Water Rat will need to remain alert and seize opportunities as they occur. In some cases sudden changes in personnel could create openings or new initiatives could give the Water Rat the chance to build on his experience and take on a new role. This is a year for moving forward, even if it may not always be in the exact way the Water Rat had envisaged.

This also applies to those Water Rats seeking work or a change from their present role. The Tiger year can be a time of new starts and by being flexible, considering a wide range of options and talking to those who can advise them, many Water Rats can be alerted to new ways of using their skills and given fresh possibilities to consider. Mid-March to the end of April, June, September and October could see some interesting work developments and the Tiger year favours those who seize the initiative.

Another factor in the Water Rat’s favour is his keen and inquisitive mind, and by being prepared to further himself in some way, whether through enrolling on courses, undertaking personal study or trying new subjects or activities, he can help his prospects both now and in the near future.

He would also do well to allow time for recreational pursuits, especially those that allow him to get additional exercise or are in contrast to his usual daily activities. Also, if there are activities that appeal to him, this would be an ideal year to try them out. In 2010 it is important the Water Rat keeps his lifestyle in balance.

Travel will also feature strongly for many Water Rats. Some could benefit from attractive offers they see or could decide to go away at the last moment. However their trips come about, the rest and change of scene can do the Water Rat a lot of good. For those not able to take a long break, just a few days away or visiting others could be particularly beneficial.

With the possibility of travel and all his current commitments, the Water Rat will need to keep a close watch on his financial situation. This includes making early provision for some of his plans as well as watching his level of spending. This is no year for risks or too many spontaneous purchases.

The activity of the Tiger year will also filter through to the Water Rat’s home life and here good communication and co-operation will be more important than ever. Whenever the Water Rat has pressures or is concerned about decisions and possible work changes, it is important that he talks them through with those around him. Not only can loved ones provide understanding and advice but sometimes just the process of talking can help him sort out his own thoughts. This is no year to keep worries to himself. Similarly, if any pressures or domestic problems arise, a willingness to talk can be to the benefit of all. In addition the Water Rat will do much to assist more senior relations, with his thoughtful-ness being particularly appreciated. Domestically, this will be a busy year, but despite its pressures it can bring some notable family successes, and the progress of younger relations could be especially delightful.

With all the activity of the year, many Water Rats will be more selective with their socializing than of late, but it is important that they keep in contact with their friends. This is no time for the Water Rat to withdraw into himself and let his social life lapse. May, July, August, December and January are likely to see the most social activity.

The Tiger year will ask a lot of the Water Rat but will also give him the opportunity to develop his strengths and open himself up to new possibilities. By being forward thinking and adapting to the situations that arise, he can make this a constructive and personally satisfying year.

Pay particular attention to your relations with others. Be open with them. Discuss, talk, consult and help. This is an important time for you and those around you will play a significant and valuable part.

The Wood Rat will have accomplished a lot in the last few years and the Tiger year will offer him some interesting opportunities. It may not be a smooth or easy year, but its significance can be far-reaching.

As the Tiger year starts the Wood Rat would do well to take some time to consider his present position and possible next moves. He would find it helpful to talk to others and mention the ideas he is considering. By doing so, he will not only clarify in his own mind what he wants to do but will benefit from the advice and assistance that others can give. As all Rats will find, this is no year for standing still, and by deciding early on what he wants to work towards, the Wood Rat can get the year off to an encouraging start.

At work this could be a particularly important year, with almost all Wood Rats involved in change. Whether this arises through restructuring, opportunities in their present place of work or the decision to move on, many Wood Rats will alter their role in some way. With possible changes to their routine and/or commute, as well as new responsibilities, this can be daunting, but by rising to the challenge the Wood Rat will not only make positive headway but greatly add to his experience.

For Wood Rats who are keen to take their career in a new direction or are seeking work, the Tiger year can bring some interesting possibilities. By seeking advice, exploring options and considering other ways in which they can use their strengths, many Wood Rats will succeed in obtaining a new and often very different position. Persistence will be required, but for the determined this can be a time of positive change. Mid-March to the end of April, June and September to mid-November could see some good opportunities, but with the prevailing aspects the Wood Rat will need to keep alert throughout the year and act quickly when he sees any openings that interest him.