Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

he hears. At such times he should act, find out what is really happening and, where possible, smooth over any disagreements. For the most part his social life will be pleasurable and problem free, but throughout the year he does need to be alert and aware of the views of others. This also applies to those Metal Rats enjoying new romance. This is no time to take the feelings of another for granted. Relationships will need to be nurtured and the more attentive the Metal Rat is, the better.

      As with the general nature of the year, some months will be quiet socially while others will see a flurry of invitations and opportunities to go out. The second half of the year will be busier than the first, with May, August and mid-November to mid-January likely to be the liveliest and more interesting months.

      Although the slow-moving nature of the Rabbit year may sometimes frustrate the Metal Rat, by being patient and using his time and opportunities to advantage, he can still gain a lot from it. Developing his skills can bring him particular satisfaction and his achievements will prepare him for the more substantial successes that await in 2012. In his home life there could be important events to enjoy and by being attentive and giving time to others, he will find his relations with others can be positive, meaningful and often special. Overall, a quietish year, but one which can be of considerable value in the longer term.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Seize any opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge and spend time furthering your personal interests. These can be satisfying and often lead to other possibilities. Also, give time to others. You have great personal skills and should use your gifts well.

       The Water Rat

      This will be a significant year for the Water Rat. Although some parts of it may be quiet, what he is able to set in motion could have considerable long-term value. Also, many Water Rats will have the chance to develop new skills and ideas and their accomplishments will be of present and future benefit.

      In his work the Water Rat will often have the chance to further his position, possibly as colleagues move on and positions become available or new initiatives and ways of working are introduced. By being willing and adaptable, he will not only have the opportunity to gain new experience but also to widen his scope for the future. Also, with the in-house knowledge many Water Rats will now have acquired, if they have ideas they feel could be helpful, they should put these forward. By being involved and using their knowledge and experience to advantage, they will not only be showing commitment but also underlining their potential. Taking the initiative will reward many Water Rats well this year.

      Many will choose to remain with their present employer and build on their position and skills, but for those who are anxious to move on or are seeking work, the Rabbit year can have interesting developments in store. Obtaining a position will require considerable time and effort, but by being persistent and widening the scope of what they are prepared to consider, many Water Rats will be successful in setting their career off in a new direction. This is very much a year to be open to possibility. April, June, September and November could see some interesting work developments.

      Another positive aspect of the year will be the chance the Water Rat will have to get to know and work with others. With his easy manner, he will impress quite a few new people and do his reputation a lot of good. Also, if he is seeking a position or is ever in a dilemma over a work situation, he should be forthcoming and talk to those with the knowledge and experience to help. This is not a time for being too independent in approach. Support, contact and initiative are very much the order of the day – and year.

      The Water Rat has an enquiring mind and if there is a subject that catches his attention over the year, he should aim to find out more. Similarly, if there is a project he would like to tackle, he should make time for it. Both practical and creative pursuits can bring him much satisfaction during the year and, as with so much that is started in 2011, also be of value in the future.

      With the pressures and various activities of the year the Water Rat should also try to take a holiday and give himself a proper break. Even if he is not able to travel very far, a change of scene and rest from his usual routine can do him a lot of good. Also, if he receives invitations to meet up with family or friends, he should do his best to go. The second half of the year could bring some interesting and sometimes unexpected travel opportunities.

      This will also be an interesting year socially and the Water Rat could be invited to a variety of events. Again, if he makes the time to go, he can not only enjoy himself but also benefit in other ways, whether through meeting others, having the chance to relax or, in some cases, getting new ideas. May, August and November to mid-January could be the busiest months socially, but throughout the year the Water Rat can do himself a lot of good by being active and following up invitations.

      His domestic life will also be busy and the Water Rat will do much to help and advise both younger and more senior relations. There could also be good reason for a family celebration or get-together during the year, with the Water Rat often instrumental in making arrangements. In many a household he will play a pivotal and appreciated role. However, at all times he will need to be attentive to those around him and aware of their views. An oversight or assumption could cause problems. Water Rats, take note and do consult others. September and December could see some interesting domestic developments.

      With many demands on his resources, in financial matters the Water Rat will need to stay disciplined. In order for certain plans to go ahead, he needs to budget carefully as well as keep a watch on his general level of spending. He should also be thorough when dealing with financial paperwork and prompt in returning forms and dealing with important correspondence. Financially, this is a year for vigilance.

      Overall, however, the Year of the Rabbit will be a generally pleasant and constructive one for the Water Rat. It will give him some excellent chances to develop his skills and benefit from opportunities. He will be supported and encouraged by those around him and if he uses his time well, his actions can be to both his present and future advantage.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Spend time with family and friends and appreciate your interests. By keeping your lifestyle in balance you will get far more out of the year as well as prepare the way for the interesting opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in 2012.

       The Wood Rat

      This will be a year of important developments for the Wood Rat, with his personal life often memorable, possibly due to an addition to the family, the decision to get married or, if currently unattached, meeting someone who will quickly become special. On a personal level this can be a busy and eventful year.

      Also, with his ability to relate well to others, the Wood Rat will find himself in increasing demand, with many opportunities to go out and socialize. Whether meeting up with others through his work, his interests or his existing friendships, this will be an active and interesting year. For Wood Rats who have had recent relationship problems or are feeling lonely, perhaps having moved to a new area, the Rabbit year can see a brightening in their situation and their positive actions and personable nature can reward them well.

      Naturally no year is without its problems and while the Wood Rat’s relations with others will be positive, he does still need to be attentive. A lapse or faux pas could come to be regretted. Those Wood Rats in a well-established relationship should give time to their partner and be open and communicative. This is no year to make assumptions or take the feelings of another for granted. Fortunately most Wood Rats are considerate and aware, but extra attention this year can make an appreciable difference. May, August and mid-November to early January will see the most social opportunities.

      Another important feature of the year will be the chance the Wood Rat will have to further his interests and if there is a subject or activity that appeals to him, he should follow it up. Some Wood Rats may become intrigued by a completely new activity. For those who enjoy creative pursuits it would also be worth promoting their ideas, as they could enjoy an encouraging response. Rabbit years