Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

Progress made at work can help income and some Rats may also find ways to put a skill or interest to profitable use over the year. The enterprising talents of some could really pay off. However, while financially an improved year, it may also be one in which outgoings are high, especially as many Rats will proceed with costly plans and purchases for their home as well as take on new financial commitments. As a result, they will need to watch their outgoings as well as check the terms of any new agreement. A risk, oversight or hasty decision could lead to regret. Rats, take note and be thorough.

Another area where care is required is relations with others. With busy lifestyles and often demanding work situations, Rats could feel under pressure or be preoccupied with certain matters. At such times, they do need to share what is on their mind. If they bottle up their feelings, there is a risk that difficulties could arise. Also, throughout the year, they should ensure that, where possible, quality time with others does not suffer. Shared activities, interests and home projects can ease tensions and lead to some enjoyable times.

Similarly, regular contact with friends and time set aside for recreational pursuits can do Rats a lot of good this year.

For those enjoying romance, again care and attention will be very necessary if relationships are to strengthen. With the aspects as they are, this is no time for Rats to take the feelings of others for granted or be too reticent or guarded.

Overall, however, they can fare well this year and build on their achievements, especially in their work. It is a good year for developing their knowledge and skills and raising their profile. However, Dog years can be demanding and Rats do need to make sure that their busy life is also a balanced one. Giving time and attention to others is so very important this year.

Tips for the Year

Consult others and listen to what they have to say. The better your communication, the better you will fare. In addition, with such a lot happening, stay well organized and concentrate on priorities.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Pig

The Pig year offers interesting prospects for the Rat and will see the successful culmination of many plans, projects and activities. But it is also a year for treading carefully and Rats will face many demands on their time as well as a few anxious moments.

At work, their resourcefulness will be valuable and they should aim to contribute, particularly if there are situations requiring new ideas or creative input. This is a year to be proactive and many of the ideas that Rats put forward during it will find favour and enhance their reputation. This is a time when their proven skills can bear fruit, and when positions offering greater responsibility fall vacant, they should be quick to follow them up, as there is the potential to make important headway.

For Rats currently unfulfilled or seeking work, this can be an ideal year to reappraise their situation and consider what it is they actually want to do. In some cases, training or refresher courses could be worth considering. Important opportunities can be identified, and although some of what these Rats take on could come with a steep learning curve, they will often have the chance to establish themselves in a new capacity.

Although progress at work can lead to an increase in income, money matters do need care and attention, however. In particular, Rats should be wary of making hurried decisions or taking on anything potentially risky. When entering into any important agreement, they should check the terms and obligations, and seek clarification if they have any concerns. They should also take care of their possessions, as a loss could be upsetting. Rats, take note and be thorough and vigilant.

More positively, travel will tempt and some exciting plans can take shape. In addition to the possible benefits of a holiday, Rats should allow themselves the chance to relax and unwind from time to time. In this busy year they need an occasional respite. Also, if feeling tired or listless or having any particular health concerns, they would benefit from seeking medical advice. A good lifestyle balance and some self-care are especially advised this year.

If there have been strains in a relationship or friendship of late, this is also an excellent year to address concerns and heal any rift or disagreement. The Rat’s personable nature will help in this. And for Rats who are alone and perhaps have experienced some personal hurt, this is a time to draw a line under the past and regard this year as a new start. Pig years reward a positive ‘can do’ approach and many active and earnest Rats will benefit from their actions during it. Some important new friendships can be formed this year and romantic prospects are potentially significant.

Domestically, too, Pig years favour shared activities, and by drawing on the help of their loved ones, Rats will often be pleased with the domestic plans they carry out as well as see the completion of some longer-term projects. What is achieved this year can be especially gratifying. However, with all the activity going on, some relaxation and quality time should be factored in, as well as, if possible, a holiday. Pig years favour togetherness. Also Rats need to be careful not to let their enthusiasm run away with them and to overcommit themselves or accede to too many requests. Some discipline is needed.

In general, Pig years can be significant for Rats. They reward commitment as well as encourage opportunity and growth. There will be a lot for Rats to do and enjoy, but, because of their involvement in so many activities, they need to look after themselves and take the time to savour the rewards of their efforts.

Tips for the Year

Develop your strengths and make the most of your opportunities. The Pig year’s legacy is often significant. Also, enjoy spending time with others and set aside some ‘me time’ as well. With your busy lifestyle, you need to use your time and energies effectively.

Thoughts and Words of Rats

I want to be all that I am capable of becoming.

Katherine Mansfield

Cherish your visions, your ideals, the music that stirs in your heart. If you remain true to them, your world will at last be built.

James Allen

Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.

Danny Kaye

Our doubts are traitors,

And make us lose the good we oft might win

By fearing to attempt.

William Shakespeare

An enterprise, when fairly once begun

Should not be left till all that ought is won.

William Shakespeare

Flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.

Dale Carnegie

Believe that you will succeed, and you will.

Dale Carnegie

Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect, whether he chooses to be so or not.

Nathaniel Hawthorne

There are no gains without pains.

Adlai Stevenson

I have brought myself by long meditation to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfilment.

Benjamin Disraeli

The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.

Benjamin Disraeli

11 February 1937–30 January 1938 — Fire Ox

29 January 1949–16 February 1950 — Earth Ox

15 February 1961–4 February 1962 — Metal Ox

3 February 1973–22 January 1974 — Water Ox

20 February 1985–8 February 1986 — Wood Ox

7 February 1997–27 January 1998 — Fire Ox