Your Chinese Horoscope 2010. Neil Somerville

to be seized when they arise.

      The progress the Wood Ox makes in his work can lead to an increase in income over the year. However, while this will be welcome, the Wood Ox will need to remain disciplined in his spending. With his existing outgoings and plans for the future, this is no time to succumb to too many temptations. Also, if he should enter into any agreement or contract during the year, he does need to check the terms and obligations carefully. This is a year to be thorough and vigilant.

      With his often demanding schedule, it is also important that the Wood Ox gives some consideration to taking sufficient exercise and having a well-balanced diet. To neglect his well-being or drive himself too hard could leave him prone to minor ailments or lacking his usual energy. He should also allow himself time for recreational pursuits rather than feel he needs to be continually active. His interests can bring him great pleasure and enjoyment.

      In his relations with others, this can be an eventful year. For some Wood Oxen this could include parenthood and the considerable adjustments this can involve, while others could be involved in a move with their partner to more suitable accommodation and some will decide to marry. For many this will be a busy and special year, with a lot to do, plan and look forward to. Throughout, it is important that the Wood Ox is open, communicative and considerate. Decisions will need to be shared, plans sometimes adjusted and compromises reached. But with care and mindfulness, this can be a positive and exciting year.

      Nevertheless, there will be some Wood Oxen who will be unhappy with their personal situation. Perhaps a relationship is unfulfilling or a friendship not as strong or as special as it once was. For some, the Tiger year can bring difficult decisions and uncertain times. However, as the proverb reminds us, ‘Fortune turns like a wheel,’ and for the few Wood Oxen who experience difficulties this year, disappointments will pass and fresh opportunities often open up, including, for those who are alone, meeting someone very special. Demanding though the Tiger year may sometimes be, it can have far-reaching significance. March, April, June and August could see the most social activity.

      Overall, the Wood Ox will need to remain alert, vigilant and flexible over the Tiger year. But he will often be able to build on his accomplishments in the future, especially in the following and more favourable Rabbit year.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Consult, communicate and be aware. Also be prepared to adapt to situations as they arise. This way you can learn a great deal and often find opportunities beginning to open up for you. Also, do be attentive to those who are special to you. This will add a lot to your year.

       The Fire Ox

      The Fire Ox has a determined nature and during his life his great sense of purpose and many skills will lead to him achieving a great deal. However, as we all know, some years are better than others, and for the Fire Ox this will be one of the more challenging ones.

      For the Fire Ox born in 1997 this is a year for commitment and hard work. In his education a lot will be expected of him, with much to learn and many new skills to master. It will sometimes be difficult for the young Fire Ox to cope with such a wide variety of subjects as well as fit in all the other things he wants to do. Also, while he has his strengths, some subjects could be a struggle and cause him some anguish. The Tiger year will be demanding, but it is by being stretched and challenged that the Fire Ox can learn a lot, and over the year he will not only make important progress but also improve his awareness and general confidence.

      Another benefit of the year will be the way in which the Fire Ox will be able to build on certain skills. Whether these involve physical and sporting activities, music, drama or some other area, by making the most of the facilities available to him, he can make considerable progress. Through commitment, he will learn and benefit. Some Fire Oxen could also find they are encouraged to make more of a certain talent and if they take the chances they are offered, what they do now can be of both present and future value.

      In view of all the Fire Ox’s activities and pressures it is also important that he is forthcoming and talks over any problems or concerns he has with those who are able to help, either at home or at school. This way he can be better supported. In addition there could be occasions when he finds himself at odds with others. Sometimes what he wants to do may clash with something that others have arranged, or attitudes may differ over certain matters. At such times some give and take will be needed. However, if the young Fire Ox is willing to be open and join in with various activities, there will be much for him to appreciate, particularly in his home life.

      He can also look forward to many enjoyable times with his friends and will welcome their support and camaraderie. He will also be reassured in the knowledge that he is not alone in some of the difficulties he may be facing.

      Overall, the Tiger year will be a demanding one for Fire Oxen born in 1997, but by rising to the challenges and making the most of their opportunities, ideas and strengths, this can be a year when they will grow, develop and get to learn a great deal. And the commitment and effort they put in will provide them with a solid foundation on which to build in following years.

      For Fire Oxen born in 1937, this will be a variable year. The Fire Ox does like to forge ahead and set about his activities in specific ways, but during the year he may have to reconsider some of his plans. In some cases others may suggest different approaches to certain tasks or it may be that changes to situations mean he has to look again at what he wants to do. As he will discover, the Tiger year is not one for intransigence, and showing greater flexibility will not only lead to more being achieved but ultimately to more being to his advantage.

      However, while the Tiger year calls for increased awareness, it can also bring some personally rewarding times. Many Fire Oxen will particularly delight in some family news and events during the year, with shared interests and activities bringing much pleasure. The Fire Ox is also likely to have the chance to go away, and whether staying with relations or going away for a holiday, his travels can often add extra interest to the year.

      When dealing with important finance and paperwork, though, the Fire Ox will need to be his usual thorough self as well as check anything which is unclear. This is a time when he should draw on the assistance and advice available to him.

      Generally, the more senior Fire Ox will need to be flexible in his planning this year and mindful of the views of those around him. With care and awareness, however, the Tiger year can still contain a great many pleasures, especially in terms of shared interests, family news and activities.

      Whether born in 1937 or 1997, the Fire Ox will find the year will require effort, flexibility and a willingness to make the most of his situation and opportunities. It is by being willing rather than steadfast that both the younger and more senior Fire Ox can get the best from the year and take pleasure in their achievements.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Be accommodating in your approach. Adapt to situations and listen closely to others. Despite the mixed aspects a lot can go in your favour, but this is a year for flexibility and awareness.

       The Earth Ox

      One of the main traits of the Earth Ox is that he is perceptive. He is good at appraising situations and realistic in his aims, and in the Tiger year his talents will serve him well. By being adaptable and keeping his wits about him, he can emerge from the year with a lot to his credit.

      For those Earth Oxen in work this can be a challenging time. Many will face change, possibly due to internal reorganization and the introduction of new initiatives and systems. Also, due to their experience, some could find themselves being given additional responsibilities. Work-wise, a lot will be asked of the Earth Ox and this will be very much a year for making the most of his situation and rising to the tasks given. These may not always be easy and some Earth Oxen will not be helped by delays, increased bureaucracy or the pettiness and unhelpful attitude of those around them. For these Earth Oxen parts of the year will be frustrating, but again it is a case of focusing on what needs to be done and resisting