Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

particularly if the Earth Ox has been in the same position for some time, but for those who are keen to take on new challenges and use their talents in other ways, the Rabbit year can present some interesting opportunities. For many this will be a year of important decisions.

      Whether the Earth Ox decides to move elsewhere or remain where he is, he will need to keep alert and follow developments closely. This is no time to immerse himself so much in his own activities that he risks becoming isolated or remaining unaware of certain proposals. In 2011 all Earth Oxen need to keep informed and involved.

      For Earth Oxen who are feeling staid or discontented where they are, again the Rabbit year can present some interesting choices. Some Earth Oxen may have the opportunity to take retirement, and should this tempt them, they should study the implications and take appropriate advice. Others may decide to look for alternative positions as well as consider different ways in which they could use their experience. Making a change may not be easy, but some ideas the Earth Ox has could indicate an exciting way forward. Mid-March to early June and October could see important work developments.

      Throughout the year the Earth Ox will be encouraged by the support and advice he is given and whenever he is considering his options, he should talk to those around him and make sure any concerns and questions are addressed. As an Earth Ox, he may be independent-minded, but this is no time for acting alone or keeping thoughts to himself. Earth Oxen, do take note.

      The Earth Ox also needs to be thorough when dealing with financial matters, especially when handling important paperwork or entering into any agreements. Again, if in doubt, he should seek advice and clarification. In the Rabbit year he should avoid haste, risk or acting against his better judgement.

      With the year’s emphasis on personal development, the Earth Ox should also set some time aside to enjoy and further his interests. This includes adding to his knowledge as well as going to special events. Some Earth Oxen could be tempted by courses available in their area or online. By doing something positive and pursuing something they enjoy, they can make this a satisfying time.

      The Earth Ox is often selective in his socializing and prefers to keep things relatively low key. However, if he receives invitations or sees events that appeal to him, he should try to go, as his social life and some of the interests he pursues can bring variety and balance to his lifestyle and do him good. Earth Oxen who are alone and would welcome the chance to make new friends should also make every effort to go out more and perhaps consider joining local societies and interest groups. The Earth Ox’s relations with others are well aspected this year and for the unattached there are good prospects for new friendships and romance. March, April, July and September could see the most social activity.

      The Earth Ox’s domestic life is also likely to be active, with some excitement concerning the activities and success of a younger relation. Whenever arrangements need making, the Earth Ox’s organizational skills will be particularly valued, and his loved ones will often be grateful for his foresight and attentiveness. He will also be the driving force behind certain plans and decisions this year and whether these involve travel, home alterations or major purchases, his initiative can lead to a lot happening.

      However, while a lot can go well this year, problems and difficulties can still raise their head. When they do, co-operation is the order of the day and the Earth Ox should join with those around him to give time and attention to the situation. This is a year favouring combined effort.

      Overall, the Rabbit year can be an important one for the Earth Ox, particularly in view of some of the choices that will open up for him. By drawing on the advice and support available to him and following his instincts, he will generally be pleased with how he fares.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      You can do well this year, but do take your time when making decisions and follow your instincts. Also, draw on the willingness of others to advise and support. Developing your interests can reward you well.

      FAMOUS OXEN

      Lily Allen, Hans Christian Andersen, Peter Andre, Gemma Arterton, Johann Sebastian Bach, Warren Beatty, Kate Beckinsale, David Blaine, Napoleon Bonaparte, Susan Boyle, Jeff Bridges, 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, Jane Fonda, Edward Fox, Michael J. Fox, Peter Gabriel, Elizabeth George, Richard Gere, Ricky Gervais, William Hague, 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, Kate Moss, Alison Moyet, Carey Mulligan, Eddie Murphy, 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, Bruce Springsteen, Meryl Streep, Lady Thatcher, Alan Titchmarsh, Scott F. Turow, Vincent van Gogh, Zoë Wanamaker, Sigourney Weaver, the Duke of Wellington, Arsène Wenger, W. B. Yeats.

       THE TIGER

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 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