Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year. Neil Somerville

for vigilance and good control.

      More encouragingly, personal interests can prove satisfying and recreational pursuits can be a valuable outlet in this often demanding year. For creative Rats, especially those who enjoy writing, Snake years can be inspirational, and some Rats will be enthused by projects started now.

      Throughout the year Rats will also be grateful for the support and advice of their loved ones. However, to benefit, they do need to be forthcoming rather than keep their thoughts or anxieties to themselves. Also, they should consult others about any domestic projects and purchases they have in mind. This is a year for combining talents and sharing ideas. Even though some decisions and plans may take longer than envisaged, the improvements that result will be much appreciated, as will some of the year’s family occasions, including the celebration of individual successes.

      When possible, Rats should also aim to take a holiday over the year, as they will benefit from the rest and change of scene this brings. There could be additional travel opportunities in the closing weeks of the Snake year.

      They will enjoy the year’s social opportunities as well, particularly any special events they attend. However, they do need to remain aware of what is going on around them. Another person may let them down or they may find themselves concerned by rumour or gossip. For the unattached, the path of true love could also be bumpy. The patience and personal skills of many Rats will be tested over the year. Rats are adept and can successfully overcome or avert many a difficulty, but this is a time to be alert and attentive to others.

      This may not be the easiest of years for Rats, but it is often by being challenged that skills can be gained and strengths highlighted, and so it will be for them this year. By showing patience, they can not only see the results of their efforts but also gain important new insights into their capabilities. Overall a constructive year, even though results may sometimes be slow in coming through.

      Tips for the Year

      Be vigilant and thorough. Question anything that is unclear and liaise well with those around you. Also make the most of any chances to extend your knowledge as well as to enjoy your personal interests. You can make this a useful and instructive year.

      Rat Fortunes in the Year of the Horse

      Rats have commendable energy and drive. They like to be at the forefront and involved in what is going on. Unfortunately, this year their best endeavours may not get the results they desire. Horse years can be tricky and Rats will need to remain alert and on their guard. However, this is one of the values of Chinese horoscopes. By being forewarned, Rats may be able to avoid the more negative aspects of the year and emerge with gains they can build on in the future.

      One area requiring particular care is finance. Throughout the year Rats will need to monitor spending, otherwise outgoings could be greater than allowed for and economies have to be made later. When making sizeable purchases, Rats should also take the time to check that their requirements are being met and that they are conversant with the terms involved. The more care they take, the better their choices will be. They should also be cautious if lending to another person and careful when dealing with financial paperwork. This is no year to be lax or trust to luck. Rats, take note and be vigilant.

      Work could also be demanding, especially as some Rats may feel they are not receiving the credit they are due or have misgivings over certain developments. However, frustrating though some situations may be, they could work to their advantage over the longer term. In the meantime, it would be politic for Rats to keep a low profile and focus on what they have to do. As the year proceeds, they are likely to have the chance to further their experience and prove themselves in an often different capacity, perhaps through training, taking on additional duties or applying for a sudden vacancy.

      This also applies to those currently seeking work. By keeping alert for openings and remaining determined, they may be able to secure a position with future potential. In work matters, results may be more modest or muted this year, but what is accomplished can have great value at a later stage, when more substantial opportunities arise.

      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