Your Chinese Horoscope 2010. Neil Somerville

and distractions that arise.

      Many Earth Oxen will remain with their current employer over the year, but for those keen to move, alter their working commitments or find work, the Tiger year can be daunting. In some cases there could be few suitable vacancies and when they do arise the Earth Ox could find himself facing stiff competition. However, one of the main features of the Tiger year is that it favours personal development and by being willing to widen the scope of what they are prepared to consider, many Earth Oxen will be given the chance to use their skills in different ways. The Earth Ox’s alert and perceptive nature will be of great help in keeping him informed of developments and possibilities. With the aspects as they are, chances need to be taken when they arise, but March, April, September and November could see some interesting possibilities.

      In all the Earth Ox tackles this year, it is important that he is thorough. This is no time for risks or shortcuts, particularly when dealing with paperwork or forms which have financial implications. Earth Oxen, do take note. In addition, with any expensive purchase or plan he is considering, the Earth Ox should avoid rush. In some cases by waiting for more favourable buying opportunities he could save himself considerable outlay or find something that better meets his requirements. Many Earth Oxen are careful in financial matters, but sometimes the general pace of the Tiger year could make the Earth Ox act before he has considered all the implications. This is not a time for him to lower his usually cautious guard.

      A more positive aspect of the year concerns the Earth Ox’s personal interests and he should allow himself the time to both enjoy and develop these. Not only can they bring him satisfaction and be a source of relaxation, but they can also have additional benefits. For those Earth Oxen who enjoy creative activities, new ideas and projects could be especially absorbing.

      The Earth Ox’s interests can also bring him into contact with others, and by going to gatherings and events he will often enjoy himself and welcome the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts. In addition, when he has invitations to social occasions or sees events that appeal to him, he should follow these up. Although some Earth Oxen may be tempted to stay at home, their social life can bring an important balance to their lifestyle. Late February to the end of April, June and August could be particularly interesting months for socializing.

      In the Earth Ox’s domestic life, this is a year to be attentive to the views of others. The Earth Ox does like to hold sway and make the decisions, but while those around him are grateful for all he does, it is important that he regularly consults them over plans and ideas as well as listens closely to their suggestions. Without care and mindfulness, misunderstandings or differences of opinion could arise which, with more discussion, could have been avoided. In addition, some plans could need altering as situations change, and again the Earth Ox will need to be accommodating. This is very much a year to be alert, flexible and liaise with others. However, despite the cautionary aspects, the Earth Ox’s domestic life will certainly have some meaningful times, including any holidays or breaks he is able to take with his loved ones.

      Given the hectic pace of the year, the Earth Ox could also find it helpful to give some consideration to his well-being, including making sure he takes regular exercise and has a balanced diet, though he should seek medical guidance before making any modifications.

      Generally, the Tiger year will be a demanding one for the Earth Ox and throughout he will need to remain alert and adapt to changing situations. However, with his perceptive and adroit nature, he can get a lot from the year, particularly in terms of exploring and developing some of his skills and interests.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      This can be a fast-moving year with changes taking place, situations altering and plans sometimes having to be modified. To benefit, keep alert and be flexible.

       FAMOUS OXEN

      Lily Allen, Hans Christian Andersen, Gemma Arterton, Johann Sebastian Bach, Warren Beatty, Kate Beckinsale, David Blaine, Napoleon Bonaparte, Albert Camus, Jim Carrey, Charlie Chaplin, George Clooney, Natalie Cole, Bill Cosby, Tom Courtenay, Tony Curtis, Diana, Princess of Wales, Marlene Dietrich, Walt Disney, Patrick Duffy, JaneFonda, Edward Fox, Michael J. Fox, Peter Gabriel, Elizabeth George, Richard Gere, Ricky Gervais, Handel, King Harald V of Norway, Adolf Hitler, Dustin Hoffman, Hal Holbrook, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Joel, King Juan Carlos of Spain, John Key, B. B. King, Keira Knightley, Mark Knopfler, Burt Lancaster, Jessica Lange, Heather Locklear, Kate Moss, Alison Moyet, Eddie Murphy, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Leslie Nielsen, Barack Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Oscar Peterson, Paula Radcliffe, Robert Redford, Lionel Richie, Wayne Rooney, Tim Roth, Rubens, Meg Ryan, Amanda Seyfried, Jean Sibelius, Sissy Spacek, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Lady Thatcher, Alan Titchmarsh, Scott F. Turow, Vincent van Gogh, Minette Walters, Zoë Wanamaker, Sigourney Weaver, the Duke of Wellington, Arsène Wenger, W. B. Yeats.

      26 JANUARY 1914

13 FEBRUARY 1915 Wood Tiger

      13 FEBRUARY 1926

1 FEBRUARY 1927 Fire Tiger

      31 JANUARY 1938

18 FEBRUARY 1939 Earth Tiger

      17 FEBRUARY 1950

5 FEBRUARY 1951 Metal Tiger

      5 FEBRUARY 1962

24 JANUARY 1963 Water Tiger

      23 JANUARY 1974

10 FEBRUARY 1975 Wood Tiger

      9 FEBRUARY 1986

28 JANUARY 1987 Fire Tiger

      28 JANUARY 1998

15 FEBRUARY 1999 Earth Tiger

      14 FEBRUARY 2010

2 FEBRUARY 2011 Metal Tiger

       THE TIGER

       THE PERSONALITY OF THE TIGER

      It’s

      the zest, the enthusiasm, the giving the little bit more, that makes the difference. And opens up so much.

      The Tiger is born under the sign of courage. He is a charismatic figure and usually holds very firm views. He is strong-willed and determined and sets about most of his activities with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. He is very alert and quick-witted and his mind is forever active. He is a highly original thinker and is nearly always brimming with new ideas or full of enthusiasm for some new project or scheme.

      The Tiger adores challenges and loves to get involved in anything that he thinks has an exciting future or that catches his imagination. He is prepared to take risks and does not like to be bound either by convention or the dictates of others. He likes to be free to act as he chooses and at least once during his life he will throw caution to the wind and go off and do the things he wants to do.

      The Tiger does, however, have a somewhat restless nature. Even though he is often prepared to throw himself wholeheartedly into a project, his initial enthusiasm can soon wane if he sees something more appealing. He can also be rather impulsive and there will be occasions in his life when he acts in a manner he later regrets. If he were to think things through or be prepared to persevere in his various activities, he would almost certainly enjoy a greater degree of success.

      Fortunately the Tiger is lucky in most of his enterprises, but should things not work out as he hoped,