Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February and will give the Tiger an excellent chance to make headway. It is a year favouring development and progress and the Tiger can enjoy some fine personal achievements.

      At work the Tiger will often find himself encouraged to make more of particular strengths and skills. Sometimes he will be given more specialist work or new objectives to concentrate on as well as have the chance of additional training. Although some of what is asked of him can bring increased pressure, by taking advantage of what is offered the Tiger can not only make good headway but also open up other possibilities for the longer term. For many Tigers this is a year when they will reach another stage in their career, with their previous commitment being both recognized and rewarded.

      Most Tigers will have chances to progress with their present employer and will benefit from their in-house knowledge and proven skills, but for those who feel opportunities are limited where they are or are seeking work, the Rabbit year again holds interesting prospects. To benefit fully, these Tigers should consider other ways in which they can use their skills. With some innovative thinking (and the Tiger does have many fine ideas) as well as consultation with employment agencies and other contacts, they could identify new areas which particularly appeal to them. Also, when making applications, if they find out about the responsibilities involved and stress what they can bring to the position, they can do much to strengthen their chances. The Rabbit year can bring fresh possibilities for the Tiger and it rests with him to act quickly and effectively. The months from April to early July and September could see some particularly good opportunities, but in general this is very much a year to keep alert and informed, build on skills and take the initiative. For the determined Tiger, the Rabbit year can be important and successful.

      Another interesting aspect of the year will be the recreational possibilities that open up for the Tiger. By pursuing activities he enjoys, he can reinforce the constructive nature of the present time. Interests that allow him to get out of doors and take additional exercise could particularly appeal, as could developing new ideas and more creative activities. Whatever the Tiger decides to do, his inventive and adventurous streak can serve him well this year.

      His financial position can also see an improvement and many Tigers will benefit from a rise in income or receive funds from another source. However, to make the most of this upturn the Tiger does need to manage his finances well. This includes looking to reduce borrowings as well as budgeting ahead. Care and good control can lead to more satisfactory purchases as well as plans going ahead and certain pressures easing. This is a year when it will reward the Tiger to be disciplined, careful and prudent.

      With his active and outgoing nature the Tiger is able to get on well with many people and over the year his social life can bring him considerable pleasure. There will be good opportunities for him to meet others, with some important new friendships being made. Existing romances, especially those started in the Tiger year, can often become more meaningful, while many Tigers who are currently unattached will have excellent opportunities to meet others. This can be a special year for affairs of the heart, with quite a few Tigers settling down with a partner or getting married. The period from May to August and November could see the most social activity, although throughout the year the Tiger will have opportunities to go out and occasions to look forward to.

      He will also derive much contentment from his home life during the year. Although he and members of his family will often be busy, if he makes sure quality time is spent together and there is good communication and co-operation, everyone can benefit. Sometimes suggestions the Tiger puts forward could be particularly appreciated, whether for improvements in the home or for activities everyone can enjoy. His contribution to home life can certainly bring pleasure to his loved ones this year. With the Rabbit year’s emphasis on personal development, some Tigers may also decide to start a new interest or self-improvement activity with a loved one, with each helping and motivating the other. This is a year favouring shared pursuits.

      Although the aspects are supportive, no year is without its problems or pressures, and when any difficulties do arise, the Tiger should be careful not to act too precipitously. By allowing himself time to collect his thoughts, consider possibilities and talk over situations, he may defuse tensions and find solutions to problems. The Rabbit year favours measured responses, and time and patience will help at some of the more awkward moments of the year.

      Generally, the Year of the Rabbit is a positive one for the Tiger and will allow him to move forward. It is a time to act on his ideas and seize his opportunities. He will generally be well supported, with his home and social life being particularly important to him. Overall, a satisfying year and one especially favouring personal growth.

       The Metal Tiger

      This can be a constructive year for the Metal Tiger, although it will require good planning. With some ideas and hopes in mind, the Metal Tiger will be able to get a lot out of the next 12 months, but if he proceeds in too ad hoc a manner, time and some good opportunities could be lost. As 2011 starts all Metal Tigers should consider setting themselves some objectives for the year and having something definite to work towards.

      As personal development is favourably aspected this year, if there is a skill the Metal Tiger would like to learn or improve, or a subject that has been intriguing him, this is an ideal time to follow this up. Self-improvement activities could be especially satisfying, with the Metal Tiger exploring ways he can use his new knowledge. Some Metal Tigers will also decide to give some attention to their well-being and, with proper guidance, will be pleased with the changes they make.

      For Metal Tigers who are particularly keen to meet others, it could be well worth considering joining groups, enrolling on courses and going to interest-related events. With his keen and enterprising nature, the Metal Tiger will nearly always have something to look forward to, but May to early September and November are likely to be the busiest months socially. Also, during the year the Metal Tiger could have the chance to help a very good friend, and the support he gives can be significant. Many of those around him value his judgement and over the year he can demonstrate what a true friend he is.

      The Rabbit year can also spring its surprises and some of these could be travel related. The Metal Tiger may see a last-minute offer that particularly appeals to him or be tempted to travel to a special event. If so, he should seize his opportunities. In addition, if there is a particular destination he is keen to visit or something he specifically wants to do, by making enquiries and keeping alert he could benefit from some ideal offers.

      He will also enjoy his home life over the year, with shared activities bringing him particular pleasure. Again, if he acts on his ideas, he can make this a satisfying and constructive time. There could also be some family highlights during the year, with an achievement or anniversary to mark.

      Although the Metal Tiger will enjoy a lot of the year, as with any year there will be pressures and problems to address. Rather than keep these to himself, he should talk them over with his loved ones and, if appropriate, seek professional advice. He should also be wary of acting on any complicated matter too quickly. Facts, implications and sometimes obligations will need to be checked and clarified. When problems arise, the Metal Tiger will need to be thorough and avoid haste.

      This also applies to financial matters. The Metal Tiger should study any financially-related forms carefully and question anything which is unclear. This is a year for care and keeping alert. In addition, if he makes advance provision for some of his plans and keeps a watchful eye on spending, he will find he is able to go ahead with much more as well as benefit from some favourable buying opportunities.

      For Metal Tigers in work this will be a busy year, with many facing a heavier workload and new pressures. However, while demanding, it will offer the Metal Tiger an excellent chance to add to his experience. Many Metal Tigers could find their in-depth knowledge particularly valued as colleagues seek their advice or they guide and instruct more junior staff. The Rabbit year can be an exacting one but give the Metal Tiger the opportunity to display and develop his strengths.

      For Metal Tigers seeking work, the Rabbit year can present a number of choices. Sometimes these could involve adapting and using their skills