Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

Rats are by nature sociable and will again enjoy positive relations with many of those around them this year. In their home life they will be keen to carry out domestic improvements as well as be active in supporting and advising loved ones. Their ability to keep tabs on a great many things at once will often amaze others, but such are the talents of Rats! Also, for any Rats who have thoughts of moving, this is a year to explore possibilities. Once ideas are acted upon, developments can quickly assist the process and serendipity can prove a useful friend over the year. With good support and family members all playing their part, many plans and projects can be successfully advanced over the course of the Rat year.

On a social level, Rats will also value their close friendships as well as their various chances to go out. They will often be on sparkling form and can look forward to extending their social network.

For the unattached and those who have experienced recent personal disappointment, their own year can mark the start of a new and sometimes life-changing romance. For some, the sound of wedding bells may be heard. These can be personally special times for Rats and the year is rich in possibility.

With resolve, energy and enterprise, Rats can accomplish a great deal in their own year and their achievements can be of long-term consequence.

Tips for the Year

Seize the initiative and set plans in motion. This is a year for action. However, do remain disciplined and use your time well. Giving up, giving less than your best or getting distracted could all undermine your efforts. Also, preserve time for your interests and to enjoy with others. Your personal relations can make this year even more special.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Ox

Rats are by nature hard-working and are set to do well in the Ox year. The gains made in the previous year can now be built on and continued headway made.

In work, many Rats will find their area of responsibility increasing and employers keen to use and develop their strengths. These can be encouraging times, with many Rats advancing their career. However, while good progress can be made, pressures will increase and some Rats will be daunted by the demands being placed on them. At such times, it will be a case of knuckling down, focusing on what needs to be done and learning about the different aspects of any new role. The Ox, who governs the year, can be a hard taskmaster, but by rising to the challenge, many Rats will prove themselves in a new capacity.

For Rats who are keen to move from where they are or are seeking work, the Ox year can open up interesting possibilities. By considering different ways in which they can use their strengths and keeping alert for openings, many Rats can secure a position they can build upon in the future. Effort and application will be needed, but what many Rats take on now will broaden their skills and be to their future benefit.

The income of many Rats will increase this year, but all Rats will need to be disciplined in their spending. While money may flow into their accounts, it may all too easily flow out again. Financial paperwork and legal documents also need to be checked and filed away carefully. Lapses could prove problematic. Rats, take note.

In view of their busy and often demanding lifestyle, it is also important that Rats give some thought to their well-being this year, including their diet and level of exercise, and allow themselves some time for rest and recreation. If not, some could experience fatigue or lack their usual sparkle. In the Ox year some ‘me time’ can make a real difference.

They should also preserve some time for their own interests. Projects they have been working on and ideas they have been developing can enjoy some success this year, and particular skills and talents will be encouraged. The Ox year favours focus, application and using strengths to advantage. A further (and often unforeseen) advantage of pursuing their interests will be the social element some of them have. Many Rats will extend their social network this year.

They will also value the support of those around them. There could be notable family achievements to mark and many Rats will be proud of the accomplishments of someone close to them. During the year they will find themselves encouraging others and dispensing advice as well as ensuring their household runs well. Their skills and attentiveness will be greatly appreciated and their domestic life busy and a source of considerable pleasure. A carefully planned holiday could also be greatly enjoyed.

In addition, Rats will value the mix of social occasions the Ox year brings as well as the chance to catch up with friends. Some of these could be especially helpful when Rats are facing pressures or decisions. Rats do a lot for others and, in this busy year, should allow others to reciprocate. They are set to widen their social circle this year and, with their charm and personable nature, will impress many. For the unattached, romantic prospects are good and someone met this year may quickly become very special.

Overall, the Ox year will be busy and demanding, but also constructive and rewarding. Throughout, it is important that Rats attend to their own well-being and give themselves the chance to appreciate the rewards they work so hard for as well as enjoy the company of those who are special to them.

Tips for the Year

Make the most of your skills and opportunities. With purpose and effort, you can accomplish a great deal. Also, keep your lifestyle in balance and value those around you. Their support can help in many ways.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Tiger

Rats like security and to feel in control of their situation and they could feel ill at ease with the pace and changes of the Tiger year. This can be a demanding time and to do well Rats need to stay alert and be nimble-footed. However, they are, above all, resourceful and will often be able to turn situations to their advantage and emerge from the year with a lot to their credit.

At work, change will be in the air and, whether through restructuring, the introduction of new systems or the arrival of new personnel and/or management, will have an impact on the role of many Rats. They will not welcome either the uncertainty or the pressure. However, difficult though parts of the year may be, with new duties and roles to be filled, there will often be the chance for Rats to take advantage of the new developments. Despite their misgivings, this is no year to be intransigent.

Similarly, Rats who decide to look for positions elsewhere or are seeking work should not be too restrictive in what they are prepared to consider. By being open to possibility and taking advice, they could be alerted to something that is different but perfectly suited to them. This is a year to be receptive to change and to adapt accordingly. However, with developments happening quickly, speed will be of the essence, and Rats should not delay or prevaricate if they are to benefit. However, while the Tiger year can be an exacting one, Rats are resourceful and, as they have proved many times, able to prevail in all sorts of conditions, and they will do so again this year.

They will, however, need to exercise care in money matters. If taking on a new commitment or making a large purchase, they should check the terms and implications. And should they have misgivings over a financial matter, caution is advised. Haste, risk or a misjudgement could be to their disadvantage. Spending, too, needs to be watched. Rats, take note and be disciplined.

Travel can, though, feature on the agenda, and when possible, Rats should make provision for a holiday as well as take up any invitations to go away. A change of scene and the chance to explore new areas can do them a lot of good.

Although they will often have many commitments, it is also important they allow time for their own interests and recreational pursuits. New ideas and activities often come to the fore in Tiger years, so if something appeals to them, they should find out more. By embracing the spirit of the time, they can broaden their interests and extend their knowledge.