Your Chinese Horoscope 2010. Neil Somerville

definite sparkle to the year. Social opportunities could occur at almost any time, some with little warning, but April to June, August, December and early January could be particularly active and special months.

      The Metal Tiger’s own year contains many positive aspects but, as with any year, problems can still arise and disappointments sometimes occur. In 2010 these will often come as a result of rush or unnecessary risk, and despite the Metal Tiger’s natural enthusiasm, he does need to be wary of acting without sufficient thought or consultation. Particularly in financial matters, when dealing with paperwork or making important decisions, he will need to be thorough, attentive and prepared to check anything which may be unclear.

      In most respects, though, this will be a highly favourable year for the Metal Tiger, and by using his time and opportunities well, he can accomplish a great deal as well as look forward to some personally rewarding times.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Give some thought to what you want to do. With clear aims and ideas, a lot can open up for you. This is your year and it can bring you much good fortune.

       The Water Tiger

      The Water Tiger will have much in his favour this year. With his Tiger enthusiasm combined with the Water element making him an effective communicator, important doors will open up for him, allowing him to accomplish a great deal. After the muted progress some will have experienced of late, this is a time when they will be able to reap some well-deserved and sometimes overdue rewards.

      One important feature of the year is that it will give the Water Tiger a greater chance to act on his ideas and to use his strengths. If there is a specific objective that he has been keen to realize or changes he has been considering, now is the time to keep alert and explore possibilities. As many Water Tigers will find, once they start to take action, developments can quickly follow on.

      At work the Tiger year can be particularly significant. For some Water Tigers, important opportunities can beckon, even though these may be different from what they may have envisaged. For some these could entail considerable change and upheaval, but to compensate, these Waters Tigers will often feel invigorated by the challenge they are now presented with.

      For Water Tigers who are feeling staid and unfulfilled at work, this can also be the year when their career enjoys a new lease of life. Opportunities in their present place of work could allow some to switch to something different and broaden their skills, while others, by making enquiries, could find a more fulfilling position with another employer. Again, once the Water Tiger has made the conscious decision to make a change, he will be setting important—and unstoppable—wheels in motion.

      For Water Tigers seeking work, the Tiger year can also bring some interesting opportunities. A major feature of the year is that it will give many the chance to develop their skills in new ways. March, May, July and September to mid-October could see the best opportunities, but such is the nature of the Tiger year that possibilities can open up quickly and at almost any time. As far as work matters are concerned, this is a year to keep alert and be ready to act.

      With the encouraging aspects, the Water Tiger will also find this a favourable year to develop certain personal interests or skills. Those who are creative could find this a particularly inspiring time, with some exciting ideas to explore. If they are able to promote or display any of their work, they could be encouraged by the response.

      The Tiger year can also bring some unexpected travel opportunities and, in addition to a main break or holiday, the Water Tiger could receive invitations to visit others or find his work giving him the chance to travel. Over the year many Water Tigers can look forward to visiting some interesting destinations and areas new to them.

      The Water Tiger’s progress over the year can lead to an improvement in his financial situation and this may well lead to him deciding to go ahead with certain plans or purchases he has been considering. However, he should still keep a close watch on his spending and where possible consider setting something aside for the longer term. Money saved now, sometimes enhanced through tax relief, could become a welcome asset in years to come. Also, the Water Tiger should be wary of risk or complacency. Despite the encouraging aspects, misjudgements could still occur, and time does need to be allowed for planning major purchases. Water Tigers, take note and do manage your money wisely.

      This will be a special year in the Water Tiger’s domestic life, often being marked by some important family news or celebration. The Water Tiger will enjoy playing a key part, particularly in making arrangements. Also, throughout the year he will do much to help and advise close relations, with his time and insights being valued. However, with many Water Tigers experiencing change in their work and others in their household leading equally busy schedules, it is important that there is good co-operation and a sharing of household tasks. As with any year, pressures, problems and differences of opinion will sometimes raise their head, but if there is a willingness to talk these through, they will not detract from this often rewarding time.

      The Water Tiger’s work, interests and circle of friends will also give rise to some social occasions over the year and he will often enjoy the company of those who are like-minded. For Water Tigers who would welcome a more fulfilling social life, the Tiger year can see a transformation in their situation and, for some, the chance of an important new friendship or romance. Again, if the Water Tiger is active, a lot can open up for him. April to June, August and December to early January will see the most social activity.

      Overall, this is a year of considerable potential for the Water Tiger and by seizing his opportunities, he can make important progress. With determination, goodwill and good luck, this can be a successful and progressive year.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Take the initiative. Believe in yourself and what you want. By making decisions and taking action, you can take advantage of some important developments and will find that opportunities will often quickly follow on.

       The Wood Tiger

      This is a year of considerable opportunity for the Wood Tiger, although just how much he achieves is partly dependent on him. As a Wood Tiger, he has a keen nature and is interested in many things, but without care, he can spread his energies too widely. To reap the rewards of this favourable time, he does need to remain focused and disciplined.

      As the Tiger year starts, it would help him to have some idea of what he wants to accomplish during it. This could be related to almost any area of his life, but with some thoughts in mind he will not only make better use of his time and energy but also be alert to the right actions to take. By planning ahead, he will be able to get far more out of the year.

      The Wood Tiger’s work prospects are especially promising, with important opportunities opening up. Sometimes, as a result of work he has recently been engaged on, his employer could look to him to take on a greater role. Many Wood Tigers will find themselves being trained for and offered promotion this year. Such are the aspects that one step up could be the prelude to others and, particularly for the ambitious, this can be a year of substantial headway and some great personal and well-deserved success.

      For Wood Tigers who feel there are limited openings in their current place of work and want to further their experience elsewhere, again some very good opportunities will be available. By making enquiries and, if appropriate, talking to contacts, they could be alerted to some ideal positions. By having a clear idea of what they want to do and taking that all-important first step, they will find possibilities soon opening up for them.

      This also applies to those Wood Tigers seeking work. Although some may have become dispirited about their prospects in recent times, by maintaining belief in themselves, they will find their drive, initiative and commitment will often prevail and give them the chance they have been wanting. For some this will be in a totally different area than before but will nevertheless set their career off on a potentially rewarding track. This is a year of scope and possibility. Opportunities can arise quickly, with March, May,