Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year. Neil Somerville

upon their experience. And they continually aim to do so. In the Monkey year, they will have great chances to develop in this way. This can be a constructive time.

      At work, the Monkey year can bring unanticipated developments. Colleagues may suddenly leave, opening up the chance of taking on new duties and/or promotion. Sometimes, too, employers will be keen to harness the skills of Oxen in other ways and will offer training and a different role. By making the most of their opportunities, Oxen can not only further their career, but also add to their capabilities.

      For Oxen who are currently unfulfilled in their role or seeking work, again interesting openings can be found. However, when making an application, extra effort and showing initiative at interview can make an important difference. In Monkey years Oxen do need to put themselves forward, not only emphasizing their skills but also their willingness to adapt and learn. Going that extra mile will be well worthwhile.

      Personal interests are also favourably aspected and many Oxen will be keen to build on what they do, try out new ideas and add to their knowledge. If intrigued by a new activity, they should investigate. Interests and recreational pursuits can bring considerable satisfaction this year, being a good outlet for skills as well as helping lifestyle balance.

      Progress made at work will help financially and many Oxen will decide to proceed with plans they have been considering for some time, including updating equipment. By looking at options and what best meets their requirements, they can make some useful acquisitions. Also, advance budgeting, including setting funds aside for a possible holiday, can lead to much going ahead. With discipline and good financial management, Oxen can do very well this year.

      The Monkey year can also offer good social opportunities. Oxen will find their work and interests will bring them into contact with many people and although Oxen like to take their time in building friendships and other connections, they will enjoy a good rapport with some of those they meet this year. Where matters of the heart are concerned, both existing romances and new ones can often develop well. While some Oxen tend to be private and reserved, all should aim to make the most of the social opportunities the Monkey year offers. There will be many good times to be had.

      Domestically, this will be an active year, with some Oxen despairing about all that needs to be done. Some weeks in particular could be frenetic, as important decisions need taking and other matters, including home maintenance issues, require swift attention. Being conscientious, Oxen will be keen to ensure the right decisions are taken and will sometimes feel under pressure. However, Oxen are blessed with good judgement, which will help them successfully deal with the more awkward moments the Monkey year can bring. Throughout the year, though, it is important that family members cooperate and share their thoughts.

      While some weeks will be pressured, the Monkey year will also bring its domestic pleasures. It has a spontaneity about it and some surprise occasions, including trips away, will be greatly appreciated and capable of doing everyone good.

      Monkey years have considerable energy and a lot will happen quickly. Although this may not always suit the Ox’s style, the year can bring excellent opportunities. Openings can arise and ideas occur that should be followed up. There will be ample opportunity for Oxen to add to their knowledge and skills and, by doing so, they will be investing in themselves and their future. Used well, these can be significant times. The Monkey year can also bring good social opportunities, although Oxen do need to engage in them! Their home life will be busy, but will also bring much that will be pleasing. An active year rich in possibility.

      Tips for the Year

      Make the most of your opportunities and add to your skills. This can be helpful now and increase your options for later. Also, join with others and enjoy what the year offers. Monkey years can inject new and beneficial elements into your lifestyle and prospects.

      Ox Fortunes in the Year of the Rooster

      Rooster years favour structure and organization, and this very much suits Oxen. This is a time for them to make plans and act on them. Encouraging developments will help them along too. Deciding on some objectives for the year will give Oxen something to work towards as well as allow them to make more effective use of their skills and opportunities. For purposeful and determined Oxen, these can be significant and rewarding times.

      Oxen who start the year discontented with their present situation or dissatisfied with recent progress should focus their attention on the present rather than on what has gone before. This is a year offering positive change.

      All Oxen will be helped this year by their steadfast manner. Once they have made plans, they will do their best to see them through. And their plans can be wide-ranging. In particular, for Oxen who have thoughts of relocating, now is the time to make enquiries and explore possibilities. As many will find, once they make a start, important wheels can be set in motion. However, for those who do move or are involved in any property transaction, it is important they take professional advice as well as check the terms and obligations of any agreement they make. Although this is an encouraging year, in property and financial matters Oxen need to be vigilant. This need for care also applies if lending to another person or entering into an informal agreement. Financially, Oxen need to be on their guard, as there is a risk some may be disadvantaged or fall victim to a scam. Oxen, take note.

      However, this warning apart, Oxen have a great deal in their favour this year and their actions will deliver results.

      At work, many will have been giving some thought to their situation recently, and for those who feel in a rut or unfulfilled in what they do, this is a time to seek change. By taking advice and action, these Oxen could secure an important new role that not only better suits their skills and circumstances, but also has the potential for future growth. This also applies to those seeking work. By widening the range of positions they are considering, they can uncover opportunities and take on new challenges.

      For the many Oxen following a particular career, this is also a year encouraging progress. Ambitious and determined Oxen can do well. Recent experience will help their prospects and many can take their career to a new level. However, while Oxen can make headway, they do need to exercise care in their dealings with colleagues. The attitude of another person could concern them, but they should not let this detract from an otherwise promising year. There is important work to be done and much to be gained.

      The positive aspects also extend to personal interests and some Oxen will be inspired to try something different or take up a new skill. Some may consider lifestyle changes, including giving some thought to their diet and allowing more time for recreation. Here again, decisions made and acted upon can bring considerable benefit. The Rooster year is a time for reappraisal and action.

      Personal interests can also have a good social element, and any Oxen who are feeling lonely and would like to meet others will find joining a local group well worth considering. In general, Oxen should make the most of the social events the year will offer. If they are active and participate, they can enjoy some good times. Romances, too, can develop well this year.

      Domestically, there will be much activity, especially as some Oxen will move and spend time setting up their new home. Many will be on inspired form, with ideas to implement and improvements to carry out. However, with ambitious undertakings, timescales need to be kept elastic and some projects will prove costlier and more disruptive than anticipated.

      Despite the busyness of home life and the considerable changes that many Oxen will see, the Rooster year will certainly have its highlights as individual successes are marked, quality time is enjoyed and shared activities are undertaken. These can all be a special part of the year.

      Overall, Rooster years offer considerable potential for Oxen. They are times to make plans and make them happen. Serendipity can be a useful ally, as once actions are taken, helpful factors can often come into play. This is a year for Oxen to build on their strengths and position. Throughout the year, they need to be thorough, especially in financial matters, and proceed carefully if situations concern them. Generally, though, with commitment and skill, they can enjoy this favourable time.

      Tips for the Year

      Set plans in motion. Look to develop your career, personal interests