Your Chinese Horoscope 2010. Neil Somerville

have accomplished a lot in the last few years and the Tiger year will offer him some interesting opportunities. It may not be a smooth or easy year, but its significance can be far-reaching.

      As the Tiger year starts the Wood Rat would do well to take some time to consider his present position and possible next moves. He would find it helpful to talk to others and mention the ideas he is considering. By doing so, he will not only clarify in his own mind what he wants to do but will benefit from the advice and assistance that others can give. As all Rats will find, this is no year for standing still, and by deciding early on what he wants to work towards, the Wood Rat can get the year off to an encouraging start.

      At work this could be a particularly important year, with almost all Wood Rats involved in change. Whether this arises through restructuring, opportunities in their present place of work or the decision to move on, many Wood Rats will alter their role in some way. With possible changes to their routine and/or commute, as well as new responsibilities, this can be daunting, but by rising to the challenge the Wood Rat will not only make positive headway but greatly add to his experience.

      For Wood Rats who are keen to take their career in a new direction or are seeking work, the Tiger year can bring some interesting possibilities. By seeking advice, exploring options and considering other ways in which they can use their strengths, many Wood Rats will succeed in obtaining a new and often very different position. Persistence will be required, but for the determined this can be a time of positive change. Mid-March to the end of April, June and September to mid-November could see some good opportunities, but with the prevailing aspects the Wood Rat will need to keep alert throughout the year and act quickly when he sees any openings that interest him.

      With the Wood Rat’s ability to relate so well to others, he should also make the most of the chances he has to network and meet others and, if appropriate, join a professional organization. By getting himself better known he can help his situation and the level of support and advice he receives.

      This also applies to his personal interests. If he is able to meet other enthusiasts, whether at special events or by joining a local group, he will find this not only adds to the fun and pleasure his interests can bring but can also lead to him learning and achieving a lot more. By putting himself forward and making the most of his opportunities, he can gain a great deal. In addition, for those who are unattached and would perhaps welcome a more active and fulfilling social life, their interests can be an excellent way to meet those who are similarly minded, and for some, important new friendships or a special romance can follow on. For socializing and meeting others, May, July, August and December could be active and interesting months.

      With the busy lifestyle the Wood Rat leads it is also important that he takes good care of himself. This includes having a nutritious and balanced diet as well as taking regular and appropriate exercise. This could be of considerable benefit to him.

      The Wood Rat will also need to be careful in money matters. With his current commitments and often expensive plans, he will need to be disciplined in his spending and make early provision for some of the projects he has in mind. Also, where important transactions are concerned, he would do well to check the terms and obligations and, where appropriate, seek advice. This is a year for care and good money management.

      Both personally and domestically this will be a busy year, with a lot for the Wood Rat to do and think about. Where necessary, he should be forthcoming and prepared to talk about his concerns. Also, when in company he needs to be attentive and listen closely to others to avoid any possible misunderstanding. However, while the Tiger year does call for a certain awareness, the Wood Rat can look forward to many memorable times with close friends and loved ones. These could include realizing certain hopes and plans as well as enjoying travel and joint activities. Personally, there can be a lot to enjoy this year, but the Wood Rat does need to remain alert and liaise closely with others.

      The Wood Rat has many fine talents and knows he has it within him to achieve a great deal. The Tiger year will give him the chance to broaden his experience, learn through change and discover new strengths. It can be an instructive year with far-reaching value—a demanding time, but in many respects a positive one.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Do not be too restrictive in your outlook and remain open to possibility. Also, consult others and make sure you give time to loved ones. They can play a very special part in your year.

       The Fire Rat

      The element of Fire gives a sign added determination. Fire signs are the doers of the Chinese zodiac and often have compelling personalities. The Fire Rat certainly has much in his favour, with his earnestness and good people skills being assets that will serve him well throughout his life. During the Tiger year he will have the chance to use his strengths, but he needs to be disciplined. Scattering his energies too widely could affect what he is able to achieve. The Tiger year requires focus.

      In the Fire Rat’s education, he needs to stay well organized and concentrate on what has to be done. Working steadily throughout the year will not only allow him to fare better but also to learn more. In addition many Fire Rats will be introduced to new subjects or skills, and by applying themselves and working at these, they could discover certain strengths they will be keen to develop in the future. Educationally, this can be a positive and interesting time, but to benefit the Fire Rat needs to be committed and make the most of his chances.

      This also applies to his interests and recreational pursuits. If there is a skill that he wants to learn or improve on, he should find the time to do so. In order to get results he will need to be disciplined and concentrate on what he wants to do, even if this may mean cutting back on other activities. But the effort he makes can reward him well.

      There will also be a good chance for the Fire Rat to get to know others over the year, especially through his interests, and he may appreciate a special friendship and some lively and fun times. However, while socially the year will see some good times, a certain care is needed. If the Fire Rat should find himself involved in activities or high jinks he has misgivings about, he should follow his better judgement. Similarly, if he has concerns over any matter, whether educationally or personally, rather than dwell on it by himself he should talk to those in a position to help and advise. Fire Rats, do take note and remember that support and advice are available to you.

      Many Fire Rats will also have the opportunity to travel during the year and whether their trips are connected with their studies or a holiday, they can add some excitement and interest to the year.

      As far as the Fire Rat’s domestic life is concerned, he needs to be open and communicative. Those around him will often be keen to encourage and help him, but to benefit he does need to be forthcoming. If he is also prepared to contribute to home life, he can generate a better understanding with his loved ones and enjoy more as a result. Again, it is worth the Fire Rat making the effort. Whether in his home life, his interests or his school-work, the more involved he is, the more he can benefit.

      For Fire Rats born in 1936, this is a year for deciding on plans and carrying them out. If the Fire Rat lets himself get distracted, there is a risk that chances could slip by and he could find himself not able to make as much of the year as he would like. His ideas could concern almost any area of his life—perhaps modifications to his home, hobbies and projects he wants to pursue, travel or some other area of interest—but by giving some thought to what he wants to do and putting in the effort, he can enjoy some satisfying times. Also, sharing thoughts with those close to him can lead to more happening as well as to offers of additional support.

      Another factor in the Fire Rat’s favour will be the way he keeps himself informed. This can lead to hearing of opportunities or offers that are ideal for him or benefits that could help his present situation. This is a year to be aware and open to possibility.

      Whether born in 1936 or 1996, this can be a rewarding year for the Fire Rat, but it is one requiring effort and discipline. However, if he focuses on what he wants to do, makes the most of the support of those close to him and seizes his opportunities, he will often be pleased with the results his efforts