Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year. Neil Somerville

Snake’s planning skills.

      In love, there can be a powerful sexual chemistry between the two, with the Rat often captivated by the Snake’s quiet, seductive charm. With both appreciating material comforts and loving their home, theirs can be a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

      With a Horse

      Outgoing and sociable the Rat and Horse may be, but they are both forthright and opinionated too, and sooner or later differences of opinion will be aired!

      In work, each will be keen to take the lead and, with the Rat having misgivings about the Horse’s self-willed and impulsive nature, relations could be difficult.

      In love, they could be attracted by each other’s lively manner and, being keen socializers, have a lot of fun. But their strong wills and candid natures could lead to difficulty, as could their differing attitudes to money. A challenging match.

      With a Goat

      These two have a fondness for the good things in life, but their different natures and attitudes will present problems.

      In work, the Rat could feel the Goat lacks drive and ambition and the portents are not good.

      In love, both are sociable and fun-loving, but in time the Rat will despair over the Goat’s capriciousness and inclination to spend, while the sensitive Goat will be uncomfortable with the Rat’s candour. A difficult match.

      With a Monkey

      There is mutual liking and respect between these two vivacious signs and they get on well.

      In work, both are determined and enterprising and each is capable of bringing out the best in the other. By pursuing specific goals, they can enjoy considerable success.

      In love, these two are well matched. Sharing many interests and enjoying active lifestyles, they live life to the full, and the Rat will be reassured by having such a positive, enterprising and understanding partner. An excellent match.

      With a Rooster

      These two signs are certainly lively, active and outgoing but, as both are also candid, relations can be tricky.

      In work the Rat likes to seize the moment, while the Rooster likes to plan and proceed cautiously. With their general approaches being so different and their characters being strong-minded and candid, these two do not work well together.

      In love, both value their home life as well as enjoy many interests, but each likes to have their own way and they will be liable to clash. A challenging match.

      With a Dog

      Although their personalities and outlooks are very different, there is mutual appreciation and respect between these two, especially on a personal level.

      In work, though, relations could be muted. The go-getting Rat likes to make the most of opportunities and could find the Dog’s more disciplined approach inhibiting.

      In love, each will admire the qualities and strengths of the other and the Rat will especially value the Dog’s loyal and dependable nature. With both signs being romantic and passionate and having a love of their home, they can make a good and lasting match.

      With a Pig

      With the Rat’s charm and Pig’s geniality, these two signs enjoy each other’s company and have much in common. Relations between them are good.

      In work, their shared enterprise and zeal can work well, with the Rat valuing the Pig’s commercial acumen. Together they can make an effective and successful team.

      In love, there can be a great bond between them. Both are family-oriented and will work hard to enjoy a good lifestyle. The Rat will particularly value having such a supportive, loving and good-natured partner. A successful match.

      Horoscopes for Each of the Chinese Years

      Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Rat

      This not only marks the start of a new cycle of animal years, but is a special one for Rats. Who better to understand the ways and workings of the year than Rats themselves?

      This is very much a year for making and carrying out plans. ‘There is no time like the present’, as the saying reminds us, and for Rats who have been nurturing certain hopes or plans, now is the time. Their energy and resourcefulness will help them to do well.

      At work, the Rat year can bring some excellent possibilities, but Rats need to actively follow up openings. Many will find that positions of greater responsibility will become available in their present place of work and the depth of their knowledge will make them strong candidates. As a result, many can make important progress this year and take their career to new levels.

      If currently dissatisfied or seeking a position, they will find this is a good year to explore possibilities and consider other ways in which they use their strengths. Rats are resourceful and in their own year their wide-ranging abilities can lead to some worthy results.

      Rat years also encourage personal development, and whether in their work or their own interests, Rats themselves should look to further their knowledge. This is an excellent year for starting projects, setting challenges and developing skills. However, while the aspects are encouraging, Rats do need to be disciplined. Although they may start activities with enthusiasm, sometimes this can wane as fresh temptations come along. Rats, take note and keep in mind the benefits that concerted effort can bring. And what you undertake in your own year can often leave a far-reaching legacy.

      The successes of the year can also help financially and the income of many Rats is set to increase. There can be an element of good fortune, too, with some Rats benefiting from the receipt of additional funds or from making some shrewd and timely purchases. Rats have an eye for a good deal. However, while a favourable year financially, it could be useful for Rats to give some thought to the longer term, including perhaps setting funds aside for future requirements or adding to a savings or pension policy. With good management, the situation of many can improve this 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