Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

will bring the opportunity to take on greater and often more satisfying responsibilities. If the Wood Ox keeps alert for suitable opportunities, he will find his experience and background can make him a strong candidate. Again this is a year favouring decisive and determined action.

      The Wood Ox can also help his prospects by being an active member of any team and taking advantage of any training available to him. By demonstrating his commitment and using his people skills well, he can underline his potential.

      The Rabbit year can also present some good opportunities for those Wood Oxen currently seeking work. By widening the scope of what they are prepared to consider and making a special effort with their applications, many will find their persistence rewarded. Some could also benefit from openings created by government initiatives. Mid-March to early June, late September and October could be active months for work matters.

      The progress the Wood Ox makes in his work can also lead to an increase in income, but financially this is a year for care. The Wood Ox will need to control his spending and make advance provision for some of his plans, including any deposits he may be required to put down. Here his disciplined nature can be of considerable help, but should he have any concerns about a financial matter, it would be worth him seeking additional advice.

      In spite of this need to watch his outgoings, he should still try to take a holiday at some time over the year and so give himself a break. Even if he decides not to travel too far, a change of scene can do him a lot of good as well as give him some all-important fun.

      Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is one of interesting possibility, and by being active and willing, the Wood Ox will have some opportunities to make progress as well as some special times to enjoy. There will be a lot in his favour this year and it rests with him to use his talents well.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Believe in yourself. Act positively and build on your strengths. You can achieve a lot this year. Also, value the special relationships you have with those around you. These can be rewarding and significant times.

       The Fire Ox

      This will be a satisfying year for the Fire Ox and will give him the chance to further his ideas and plans. With a willing attitude, he can achieve a great deal this year.

      For Fire Oxen born in 1997 this will be a significant year educationally. As they move to more advanced work they will need to be disciplined in their studying and make the most of their opportunities. What they do now can give them a solid foundation for the next few years. This is not a time to waste.

      Also, the Fire Ox will find that by putting in the effort, he will often derive more satisfaction from what he does. This not only includes the progress he makes in his studies but also the new skills he acquires. In some cases what he learns now could particularly inspire him and encourage him to do more. Whether this is with computer skills, sport or more creative activities, the chances will be there for the Fire Ox to make progress, and the more receptive he is, the more he can take from the present time.

      He will also derive considerable pleasure from the interests he pursues and the aims he sets himself over the year. If he wants to take a particular hobby further, he will find that if he works on his objectives, he will not only accomplish more but often see new possibilities opening up. The Rabbit year is an encouraging one and by being active the Fire Ox can gain a lot personally from his activities.

      He will also value the good friendships he has. Not only can shared interests bring a lot of fun but there will also be chances to swap ideas as well as give and receive support. Although, as an Ox, the young Fire Ox may take his time making friends, once he has done so he enjoys a strong rapport with them. This year, as he gets to do more, his social circle is set to increase.

      The Fire Ox should also be forthcoming over the year and be prepared to talk to those at home as well as his tutors, particularly if he has any concerns. By being open, he will allow those around him to advise and support him more. At home, he can also help rapport and understanding by helping more with certain activities. And should a close relation experience problems or be under pressure this year, any extra he is able to do will be particularly appreciated.

      Many Fire Oxen will also have the opportunity to travel this year and whether this is connected with their education or a personal interest, they will often enjoy the chance to see areas new to them.

      Overall, the Rabbit year holds considerable promise for the young Fire Ox, but it rests with him to make the most of it. With commitment and a willingness to learn, he can get a lot of satisfaction from what he does and the progress he makes. As an ambitious Fire Ox, he also knows that what he does now can prepare him for opportunities that lie ahead, and the benefits of his actions can be far-reaching.

      For Fire Oxen born in 1937 this can also be an interesting year. However, to get the most from it, the Fire Ox will need to decide on his aims and plans for the year. This will allow him to better direct his time and energy. His ideas could concern alterations he would like to make to his home, projects to carry out in his garden (if he has one) or ways of developing his interests and furthering his knowledge, but whatever he decides upon, once he sets plans in motion, he will often become thoroughly absorbed in them. The Fire Ox also has an enquiring mind and if there are subjects that are intriguing him, he should follow them up. With good use of his time, he can make this a pleasing and constructive year.

      This will also be a busy year for family matters. As always the Fire Ox will take a keen interest in the activities of younger relations and over the year will offer much useful support and advice. The rapport he has with some of his loved ones can, despite a considerable gap in years, often be special. While he will do a lot to help others, he too will be glad of the help and support he receives and if anything is troubling him at any time or he would welcome additional assistance, he needs to be forthcoming and ask. In addition, if any complex matter is concerning him during the year, rather than keeping it to himself he should seek the advice of someone qualified to assist. While this is an encouraging year, the Fire Ox should remember that help is at hand should he need it.

      In money matters he should remain his careful and vigilant self. This includes watching his outgoings and making provision for his commitments and plans. Also, he should be wary of risk or entering into agreements without checking the full implications. When dealing with his finances, he needs to be disciplined, alert and prepared to question anything that is unclear.

      Many Fire Oxen will have travel opportunities over the year and whenever possible the Fire Ox should take advantage of invitations he receives or offers that appeal to him, whether these involve visiting friends and relations or going away for a holiday or short break.

      Whether born in 1937 or 1997, the Fire Ox will be offered considerable scope by the Rabbit year and by setting about his activities in a determined and willing way, he will often be pleased with what he is able to accomplish. He should also be open to the opportunities that will come his way, for these can be to his benefit. Overall, a satisfying and constructive year.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Act on your dreams and hopes. Once you make a start, you can both enjoy what you do and look forward to the benefits that can follow on from your actions. Also, develop new interests and skills and enjoy the rapport you have with those around you.

       The Earth Ox

      This will be a year of important decisions for the Earth Ox. Although he may be feeling buffeted by recent events, the Rabbit year will give him more chance to regain the initiative and determine his own way forward. In addition many Earth Oxen will be helped by the support of those around them as well as benefit from some moments of good fortune. For many this is a year of considerable promise.

      For Earth Oxen in work there will be both chances and choices. With staff movements and changes underway there will be opportunities for many Earth Oxen to take on more work and/or move to another position. Sometimes the change involved could