Neil Somerville - Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year

This is also an excellent year for personal and career development and if Rats feel that another skill or qualification could be to their advantage, they should see what can be arranged. What they do now can be an investment in both themselves and their future. Those currently studying or embarking on courses will find that commitment can lead to some impressive results. The Monkey year is an encouraging one for Rats.

This also applies to their personal interests. Over the year they should allow themselves time to develop their ideas and skills, as a lot can be gained from them.

While many Rats will enjoy an increase in income over the year, spending does need to be watched, however, and large projects or purchases, especially for home, carefully considered and budgeted for. It is a time for good financial management.

Socially, Rats will delight in the considerable opportunities the Monkey year will bring and revel in the chance to extend their network of friends and contacts. As is the way, some existing friends and acquaintances will fall away as circumstances change, but new interests and situations will bring Rats into contact with others, and their charm and conviviality will make them popular company.

Affairs of the heart can be special and existing romances will often become more significant, while some Rats who start the year unattached will find new romance.

Domestically, too, this can be an active year and see Rats on inspired form and keen to make home improvements. However, projects could easily become more extensive and time-consuming than envisaged. Rats, be warned, and ideally tackle practical undertakings in stages, while drawing on the help and expertise of others. Amid all the activity there will, though, be personal highlights, family successes and travel to enjoy.

Monkey years offer considerable scope for Rats and if they take their opportunities and look to improve on their position, they can make this a constructive time.

Tips for the Year

Monkey years favour action and initiative. There will be progress to be made, interests to pursue and relationships and travel to enjoy. Seize the moment in this full and often special year.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Rooster

Rats like to lead a busy lifestyle and the Rooster year will not disappoint them! A lot is set to happen during its 12 months, but while a lot can be gained, there can be some awkward moments too. Rats cannot afford to slack or relax their guard in Rooster years.

On a personal level, this can be an especially busy time, and throughout the year Rats will need to remain mindful of those around them and show some flexibility. With support, however, much can be accomplished, and synergy will be an important factor.

Socially, in particular, there will be an increase in activity. Rats will have a good range of occasions to enjoy and their personable nature will help them build new friendships and make some potentially important connections.

For the unattached, there will be good romantic possibilities, and if time is allowed for relationships to develop, they may truly blossom. Even for Rats who find a certain romance is not to be, there will be valuable lessons to learn and the chance to move on. Much happens for a reason in Rooster years and often what happens will be to the Rat’s ultimate advantage.

This will also be a busy year domestically and cooperation will be required. Domestic and work-related decisions need to be talked through and help offered at pressured times. As always, though, Rats will delight in assisting their loved ones. Some ambitious practical projects will also go ahead in many Rat homes. While sometimes these will involve more time and cost than initially envisaged, the eventual benefits will often delight both the Rats themselves and their loved ones.

Rats do, though, need to follow the correct procedures if undertaking anything hazardous as well as give some thought to their general well-being over the year, including their diet and level of exercise.

Similarly, busy as they may be, they should allow themselves some ‘me time’. Developing their interests could open up some interesting possibilities, and creative Rats in particular will feel on inspired form in this encouraging year.

Travel, too, could appeal. Not only do Rats need a break in this active year, but a carefully chosen destination could give rise to some memorable times.

At work, the Rooster year can be demanding. Some weeks are likely to be frenetic as new pressures arise, targets are revised and staff shortages or other problems occur. Many Rats will feel challenged by what is required of them, but what occurs will give them the chance to both use and widen their skills and many will enhance their reputation. As a consequence, they will often be well placed when opportunities arise. After much effort, good headway is possible.

Similarly, for Rats who are seeking work or keen to move on from what they currently do, there may be surprising developments in store. In some cases, these Rats will take on something very different from what they have previously been doing and will delight in the fresh start. Rooster years may be challenging, but are not without opportunity.

In money matters, Rats will, though, need to be vigilant. They should be thorough when attending to paperwork or taking on a new commitment and seek professional advice if unsure. This is not a year for risk. Also, in view of some of the expensive plans and undertakings of the year, they should keep careful control over their budget.

Overall, Rats will often be astonished by the great deal they manage to do in these very full and fast-paced 12 months. However, they need to be mindful of developments and respond accordingly. Also, throughout the year, they would do well to listen to their feelings and their inner voice. When faced with difficulties, they will know in their heart what to do, and they should not go against their instincts. Though this is a demanding year, it can, however, also be a rewarding one. Relations with others can be of great value and, with support and joint effort, much can be accomplished.

Tips for the Year

Remember that things happen for a reason. So, make the most of opportunities to build on your skills and experience. With commitment, what you achieve now can lead on to other possibilities. Also, in view of the general busyness of the year, aim for a balanced lifestyle and give time to those who are special to you.

Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Dog

A reasonable year which also calls for a certain care. While Rats can make good progress, they will need to be alert, attentive and aware of potentially troubling areas, especially in their relations with others. Fortunately, their canny nature will serve them well.

At work, the Dog year will see much activity and many Rats will be able to profit from their considerable experience. As developments occur and workloads become greater, there will be the chance for many to take on further responsibilities and make encouraging headway. They can help their position by working closely with their colleagues and getting themselves better known. Those who work in a creative environment in particular may find themselves winning plaudits for their work. With commitment and their typical enthusiasm, they can enjoy this promising and productive time.

Rats seeking work or keen to take on something different should not only explore possibilities but also speak to contacts and employment advisers. By keeping alert and taking note of any suggestions offered, many could secure an important opening which offers the chance of further progress in the near future. Perseverance and some patience may be needed, but Dog years invariably deliver.

Another important factor of the year is the way it encourages personal development. This is a time for Rats to build on their skills and capabilities and further personal interests. Some may choose to enrol on courses of study, while others develop in other ways, but efforts made now can not only be personally satisfying but also have far-reaching value.