Your Chinese Horoscope 2010. Neil Somerville

diligence can bring.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Use your time and opportunities wisely and concentrate on what you have to do. The greater the focus, the better and more satisfying the results.

       The Earth Rat

      The Tiger year is a busy and eventful one and the Earth Rat, with his measured approach, will be well placed to benefit from it.

      For Earth Rats in work this is a year to keep their wits about them, including keeping informed of developments and remaining aware of proposals under consideration. This way, when changes do take place or openings arise, the Earth Rat will be able to consider his position, assess the implications and act. Although some may prefer to continue with their present duties, this is no year to bury their heads in the sand and they should aim to remain aware and, importantly, be flexible.

      For some Earth Rats, the changes that occur could involve taking on new responsibilities, often in a more supervisory role. Here their extensive experience will be a great asset. Other Earth Rats may find themselves affected by new working practices or having to vary their role in some way. If they are willing to adapt, these changes will often give them the chance to extend their skills and will bring some interesting new challenges. This is no year for standing still, and for any Earth Rats who have become staid in their present role, the Tiger can often bring the change they need.

      There will, though, be some Earth Rats who will decide to take advantage of retirement options, consider reducing their work schedule or look for a more convenient position. By considering various possibilities, making enquiries and talking to contacts, many could be successful in securing a new position with duties very different from those they have done before. A key feature of the Tiger year is that it can open up new possibilities. April, June, September and October could see some important decisions, but throughout the year opportunities need to be seized when they arise.

      This can also be a rewarding year as far as the Earth Rat’s personal interests are concerned and if there is an idea he has been nurturing, a subject that appeals to him or a skill he would like to improve, this is a year to follow this up. In particular, those Earth Rats who reduce their work commitments will find that by giving themselves new objectives and using their additional free time in a purposeful way, they will get much value out of what they do. Being observant and good communicators, Rats are particularly known for their writing abilities, and any Earth Rats who are interested in exploring their skills will find they can be the source of much pleasure. Again, a key element of the year is to seize the initiative and take action.

      The Earth Rat will also find his interests bringing him into contact with others and can look forward to a variety of social occasions over the year. Any Earth Rats who are lonely or have neglected their social life in recent years will find that becoming more active and perhaps joining a local interest group will bring an improvement to their situation. May, July, August and December could be the busiest months socially as well as good ones for meeting others.

      The Earth Rat’s domestic life is also likely to see much activity during the year and any accommodation ideas he may have need to be discussed and planned well in advance. If he decides to move, ample time needs to be allowed for the moving process to take place, and the earlier preparations can be made, the better. Throughout the year it is also important that the Earth Rat consults others about his plans, otherwise misunderstandings could arise. This also applies to any pressures or concerns he may have. This is very much a time for openness. However, busy though domestic life may be, there will be many occasions the Earth Rat will thoroughly enjoy, including marking the achievements of someone dear. For some this could include celebrating the birth of a grandchild.

      Travel is also well aspected and the Earth Rat should make the most of any opportunities or invitations that come his way. By remaining alert, he could particularly benefit from special offers and last-minute breaks.

      In matters of finance, however, he will need to remain vigilant and should keep particular control over his spending. For those Earth Rats who retire or lessen their working commitments, there could be financial adjustments to consider and where important paperwork is concerned, the Earth Rat will need to check the details thoroughly and take advice should anything concern him. Financially, this is a time to be careful and disciplined.

      Overall, the Year of the Tiger will be an active one for the Earth Rat, bringing change but with it the opportunity to explore new possibilities. With a willing attitude and the support of others, he can make this a special and often personally rewarding time.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      This can be a time of opportunity but to benefit you need to be flexible and mindful of others. Explore new possibilities and look at ways of furthering your interests. This can be a promising and important year. Use it well.

       FAMOUS RATS

      Ben Affleck, Ursula Andress, Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, Shirley Bassey, Kathy Bates, Irving Berlin, Silvio Berlusconi, Kenneth Branagh, Marlon Brando, Charlotte Brontë, Jackson Browne, George H. W. Bush, Glen Campbell, David Carradine, Jimmy Carter, Aaron Copland, Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Duffy, Noël Edmonds, T. S. Eliot, Eminem, Colin Firth, Clark Gable, Liam Gallagher, Al Gore, Hugh Grant, Geri Halliwell, Lewis Hamilton, Thomas Hardy, Prince Harry, Haydn, Charlton Heston, Buddy Holly, Mick Hucknall, Henrik Ibsen, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Jean-Michel Jarre, Scarlett Johansson, Gene Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jude Law, Gary Lineker, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian McEwan, Katie Melua, Claude Monet, Richard Nixon, Ozzy Osbourne, Sean Penn, Sir Terry Pratchett, Ian Rankin, Lou Rawls, Burt Reynolds, Jonathan Ross, Rossini, William Shakespeare, Donna Summer, James Taylor, Leo Tolstoy, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Spencer Tracy, Carol Vorderman, the Prince of Wales, George Washington, the Duke of York, Emile Zola.

      6 FEBRUARY 1913

25 JANUARY 1914 Water Ox

      24 JANUARY 1925

12 FEBRUARY 1926 Wood Ox

      11 FEBRUARY 1937

30 JANUARY 1938 Fire Ox

      29 JANUARY 1949

16 FEBRUARY 1950 Earth Ox

      15 FEBRUARY 1961

4 FEBRUARY 1962 Metal Ox

      3 FEBRUARY 1973

22 JANUARY 1974 Water Ox

      20 FEBRUARY 1985

8 FEBRUARY 1986 Wood Ox

      7 FEBRUARY 1997

27 JANUARY 1998 Fire Ox

      26 JANUARY 2009

13 FEBRUARY 2010 Earth Ox

       THE OX

      THE PERSONALITY OF THE OX

      The more considered the way,

      the more considerable the journey.

      The Ox is born under the signs of equilibrium and tenacity. He is a hard and conscientious worker and sets about everything he does in a resolute, methodical and determined manner. He has considerable leadership qualities and is often admired for his tough and uncompromising nature. He knows what he wants to achieve