Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year. Neil Somerville

resolve, you can accomplish a great deal. Also, enjoy spending time with those who are special to you and work together on plans as well as celebrate successes. If you are alone, aim to meet others. Positive action can bring rewards this year.

      Ox Fortunes in the Year of the Dog

      Oxen have great resolve and, through willpower and sheer determination, can make much of the Dog year. It will not be an easy one, with obstacles to overcome and much else happening besides, but Oxen are not ones to let things stand in their way. And they won’t.

      As Oxen realize, problems are there to be dealt with, and in some instances the problems that arise in the Dog year may not be as difficult as first imagined. The Oxen’s pragmatic nature can prove a great asset this year.

      This is especially the case in their work. Many Oxen will not only be coping with a heavier workload, but with irritations caused by delays and bureaucracy. Over the year, the demands will be considerable, and Oxen, in their usual inimitable way, will knuckle down and concentrate on the tasks to be done. Their achievements in sometimes difficult conditions can bring them some well-deserved credit. In addition, what they can do behind the scenes, whether networking, taking advantage of training opportunities or learning more about their industry, can stand them in good stead. However, with the pressures of the year, they do need to be wary and thorough and also careful not to undermine their reputation with unguarded words. Dog years require adroit handling.

      Oxen seeking work, or a change, will have to strive hard for the opportunity they want, but Oxen are tenacious, and with self-belief and the willingness to adapt, they can secure a platform on which to build in the future.

      They need to be careful in money matters over the year, however, and should check the terms of any agreement they enter into. Extra attention is also advised when attending to tax returns or other financial or important correspondence, otherwise there is a risk of getting caught up in the slow workings of bureaucracy and wasting time in the process. Oxen, take note, and remain vigilant and thorough. In addition, any Oxen involved in dealings in land or property need to seek advice and proceed with care.

      More positively, travel is well aspected and Oxen should take advantage of any chances to go away. For some, this could include visits to family and friends living some distance away and the opportunity to visit areas which have long appealed to them. A break from routine can do Oxen a lot of good this year.

      Their personal life can also be especially rewarding, with those who are enjoying romance or who find love this year likely to get engaged, married or settle down with their partner. Affairs of the heart can bring Oxen much happiness this year.

      Also, by pursuing interests and taking advantage of local and other activities, they can take much pleasure in the social opportunities these bring. Challenging though some aspects of the Dog year can be, it can give Oxen the chance to spend time with those who are special to them and on activities they enjoy.

      Their home life will also be active, with shared undertakings and, for many, a holiday with loved ones much appreciated. However, matters of concern could arise, perhaps involving the attitude or actions of another person or decisions that need careful deliberation. At such times, Oxen should talk matters through with those around them and pay attention to their views. That way, problems can often be addressed and dialogue and communication of value to all.

      In general, Dog years can bring their challenges and irritations. Oxen could face increasing pressures and demands, especially at work, but they are never ones to shrink from challenges and with commitment and focus can obtain satisfying results and learn a lot in the process. Money matters require careful attention, but the Dog year will also bring its pleasures, with travel and personal interests favourably aspected and a myriad of activities to share with others. A mixed year, but Oxen, with all their redoubtable qualities, can still take a lot from it.

      Tips for the Year

      Be watchful and evaluate situations with care. With focus and good sense, your efforts will prevail and the skills and experience you gain be of considerable benefit. Also, give time to your loved ones and remember that dialogue and communication are important, especially when decisions need to be made or you are under pressure. In addition, seize any chances to meet others – new friendships and connections, and maybe romance, can make this year significant and special.

      Ox Fortunes in the Year of the Pig

      The Pig year is one of interesting possibility for Oxen. Like Pigs, Oxen are hard workers and they can make much of the opportunities that now open up. However, of often greater value will be the personal benefits that can be gained. Pig years encourage Oxen to pay attention to their own well-being and enjoy a better lifestyle balance as well as appreciate the rewards they work so hard for. Especially for Oxen who start the year in low spirits, this can be an improved time, with subtle yet important changes taking place.

      Of particular benefit will be the Oxen’s relations with others. Although often private individuals, during the year many Oxen will lose some of their reserve and take advantage of opportunities to go out, including to parties, gatherings and special events. The social diaries of many will be busier than they have been for some time. This is a year to engage and participate, particularly for Oxen who are alone or who have had a recent personal difficulty to contend with. For some, joining a special interest or social group would be well worth considering. New friends and acquaintances could enter their life, and Oxen who are enjoying romance or who meet someone new over the year could find their relationship growing in significance as the year develops.

      Their home life can also bring Oxen much contentment. If they set time aside for shared interests and helping those around them, a lot can go well. Successes enjoyed by family members can be especially gratifying.

      Although travel may not figure prominently this year, any holiday or short breaks that Oxen can take with their loved ones can do everyone a lot of good, and give rise to some enjoyable occasions.

      However, while much will go well, as with any year there will be problems to address. Often these will stem from pressure. Whatever the situation, discussion and compromise will help. Over the year, if difficulties are handled well, they can quickly and effectively be defused.

      Oxen should also set time aside for personal interests. If they have let these fall away, they should aim to rectify this in the Pig year. Oxen deserve some ‘me time’ and should give themselves the chance to relax and unwind.

      Also, if lacking regular exercise or not having a balanced diet, again, they should aim to address this over the year. Pig years can be personally beneficial for Oxen and an improvement in the quality and balance of their lifestyle can benefit many.

      Work-wise, this can also be a constructive year, with many Oxen building on their position. As staff changes occur, promotion opportunities can arise, and Oxen may be well placed to benefit. Those who feel unfulfilled or in a rut should keep alert for openings and actively pursue any that interest them. This is no time to stand still or let unsatisfactory situations continue. Pig years favour the hard-working and can open important doors for Oxen. Similarly, Oxen who are seeking work can see their tenacity rewarded with a position with potential for the future. In addition, Oxen who are studying for qualifications or involved in training will find their commitment can yield important results. Pig years are encouraging for Oxen and can see them broadening their capabilities.

      Financially, Oxen can fare well, although, with plans for their home, tempting purchases and increased chances to go out, their outgoings will be considerable. Over the year, they will need to watch their financial situation and ideally budget for their plans. Much can be done – and enjoyed – this year, but it does require control over the purse-strings.

      Overall, the Pig year can be a good one for Oxen and in many ways uplifting. They can get a lot of pleasure from it. Personal interests and recreational pursuits are especially well aspected and there will be some good social occasions to enjoy as well. This is a year for Oxen to engage with others and improve their lifestyle. The Pig year also encourages growth and there will be chances to progress. Overall a constructive, satisfying and pleasurable year.

      Tips for the Year

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