Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

A key feature of the Horse year will be the way that Rats can add to their working knowledge. This also applies to their interests. Despite the pressures of the year, they should allow time for recreational pursuits and look to build on their skills. Some activities can prove immensely satisfying this year and be a good outlet for their talents and ideas. Also, for those lacking regular exercise, some attention to their own well-being could be helpful.

In their personal relations, although Rats have great people skills and are born under the sign of charm, in the Horse year they will need to proceed carefully. In both work situations or when out socializing, they should take note of the sensitivities of others and any potentially awkward undercurrents. To be too candid, outspoken or obtuse could cause problems and possible upset. However, by being forewarned, many Rats can successfully avoid some of the year’s pitfalls. And tricky though the aspects may be, the Horse year can still provide a good mix of social opportunities and some lively occasions to enjoy.

Rats enjoying romance, or who find it this year, will need to remain aware of the feelings of others, however. Inattention and preoccupation could lead to problems. As with so much this year, greater awareness and extra care can make an important difference.

With the busyness of the year, Rats will especially appreciate their home life and the activities they can share with their loved ones. They will value the support they are shown during times of pressure, and towards the end of the year there could be some pleasing family news.

Overall, the Horse year will be demanding and sometimes exasperating. Rats like to get on with things, but conditions will not always allow this. However, Rats are survivors and, by seizing their chances to further their knowledge and experience, they can invest in themselves and their future. Developing interests and enjoying time with loved ones can also be of great value, especially in view of the year’s pressures.

Tips for the Year

Be wary. Think situations through, be tactful and avoid rush or risk. Also use any chances to add to your skills. Knowledge gained now can be put to good use this year and be an investment in your future.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Goat

A welcome upturn in fortunes. And also luck! Having worked hard for recent results and experienced some frustrating times, Rats will find the Goat year bringing a welcome change. To benefit fully, though, they should set about their activities with renewed vigour and go after their goals with a positive ‘can do’ approach. Their actions can bear fruit now and on a personal level there will be good times to be had.

A key feature of Goat years is that they encourage creativity and trying the new. And for Rats, who are so skilled at seeking out opportunities, these can be interesting and successful times. Particularly in work, the skills and experience they have built up can now deliver. For Rats on a particular career path, positions they have been preparing for could now become available and many Rats will be moving forward and finding a greater level of fulfilment over the year.

Rats who are frustrated in their present position or seeking work should actively pursue openings as well as consider other ways in which they could use their skills. Some interesting openings can be found this year. This is no time to hold back or stand still, and the drive and energy of many Rats will see them reinvigorating their career and prospects.

For those whose work involves communication or has an element of self-expression, this can be a particularly successful year, and these Rats should make the most of their ideas and opportunities. Goat years favour innovation and professional development.

Rats who enjoy creative pursuits should also look to develop their skills and possibly promote what they do. This can be an exciting and stimulating time. Projects and activities started now can prove satisfying and often offer additional benefits, including a greater lifestyle balance. Goat years are encouraging and inspiring ones and Rats can benefit from them.

Financially, progress made at work may bring additional earnings and some Rats will also find ways of supplementing their income through their ideas and interests. However, while any increase will be welcome, with Rats’ active lifestyles and ambitious plans, outgoings will be high, and they should keep careful control over their budget and ideally make advance provision for larger outgoings.

They will welcome the increased social opportunities of the year, and if they are alone or have had some recent personal upset, they will find the Goat year heralds a brighter time. Chance too can play a big part and a fortuitous meeting could lead to a potentially significant friendship, or for the unattached, be capable of transforming their life.

Rats should also make the most of what is happening in their locality. With Goat years favouring culture, there could be a good mix of events and special occasions taking place. Rats like to be involved and there will be opportunities aplenty.

They will also value their home life. The Goat year favours a coming together and the addressing of any difficulties or concerns, and this will be particularly appreciated by Rats who have experienced strains in some relationships of late (possibly not helped by tiredness and preoccupation). With good communication, understanding and a more balanced lifestyle, their home life this year can be much improved. By sharing ideas and projects, they can see exciting plans take shape and enjoy many special occasions with their loved ones. In addition, there could be several personal achievements to mark. Domestically, it is a year favouring togetherness and cooperative effort.

With Rats often doing a great deal this year, it could also be to their advantage to consider their own well-being. Some attention to their diet and level of exercise could help them give of their best.

Resourceful and keen to make the most of opportunities, Rats can do well this year. Whether through improved work prospects, a new position, rewarding personal interests or good relations with others, they have a lot in their favour and can accomplish a great deal.

Tips for the Year

Make good use of your ideas and creative strengths. Also, be willing to venture forward. Good progress can be made this year. Sharing time with others can also bring both pleasure and increased support.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Monkey

With openings to pursue and ideas aplenty, Rats will feel inspired and motivated in this encouraging year. For those nurturing particular aims or wanting to start new projects, this is an excellent time to do so. A great deal is possible.

At work, the Monkey year can see much activity. Many workplaces will be implementing change as well as be affected by internal reorganization and reviews. As a result, opportunities will arise and Rats will often be well placed to benefit. When they sense an opening, they should be quick to signify interest. Initiative and speed count for a lot this year and much of it will be conducted at a fast pace.

Rats who are unfulfilled in their work or seeking a position should not be too restrictive in what they consider. By widening their search, many will secure a position which not only suits their abilities but also offers future potential. Work-wise, Monkey years are encouraging and the versatile Rat can fare well.

Travel too can feature prominently over the year, whether work-related, connected with personal interests or purely for pleasure. There could be the chance of some short breaks – often organized quickly – and their spontaneity will add to their appeal. Monkey years have the capacity to surprise.