Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

creativity.

      In his work the Wood Rat could find this a slow-moving year, with the results of his efforts taking some while to filter through. While this may occasionally be frustrating, the Wood Rat can still derive much value from what he is able to do. This includes gaining experience in different areas of his work as well as getting himself better known. By making the most of this time, when opportunities do arise he will often be well placed to benefit.

      Most Wood Rats will remain with their present employer over the year, while those who decide to make a change or are seeking work would do well to widen the range of positions they are prepared to consider and, if eligible, take advantage of retraining opportunities. Their quest will take time and persistence and many Wood Rats will eventually be offered a position that is different from what they were doing previously. While initially this may be something of a challenge, what the Wood Rat is able to achieve this year can often be a significant platform that he can build on in the future. April, June, September and November could see some interesting possibilities, but whenever the Wood Rat sees an opening that appeals to him, he should act. Opportunities can arise unexpectedly throughout the year.

      In financial matters, the Wood Rat will need to remain disciplined. With his existing commitments and some additional personal expenses, he will find that careful budgeting is required. Fortunately his often thrifty nature will help, but Wood Rats, as with all Rats, can give way to moments of extravagance. While the Wood Rat and his loved ones will enjoy an often pleasing lifestyle this year, it is still a time for watchfulness and control. Also, if the Wood Rat enters into any financial agreement, he needs to check the terms and obligations. In financial matters, this is no year to be lax.

      Overall, the Rabbit year may be slow moving in parts but the skills the Wood Rat is able to acquire can often be personally satisfying as well as help to open up future possibilities. And on a personal level, this can be a meaningful time with important developments.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Avoid rush. Set about your activities carefully and make the most of the present. The positive actions you take and abilities you demonstrate can reward you well, although maybe not straightaway. Also, make the most of your personable nature by using your chances to meet others and add to your social circle. With care, this can be a valuable year with long-term benefits.

       The Fire Rat

      Although on the surface this may seem a quiet year for the Fire Rat, what he undertakes now can have far-reaching consequences. The importance of the Rabbit year should not be underestimated.

      Fire Rats born in 1996 will find much of their time will be devoted to studying and education. With exams and coursework to prepare for, the more organized and disciplined they are, the better. There could also be some interesting developments in store as they take certain subjects or skills to new levels. In some cases they could become particularly inspired by some work they do and this could indicate areas it would be worth specializing in later or even taking up as a future career.

      Also, by taking up opportunities to extend their skills, especially in areas such as music, drama or sport, many Fire Rats will not only derive increasing pleasure from what they do but also find other possibilities beginning to open up. As far as personal development is concerned, this can be an important year and by making the most of the facilities and tuition available to him, the young Fire Rat can get a tremendous amount back from the effort he now puts in.

      It is also important that he remains open to new ideas. In some cases his interests or skills could take him in a new direction or lead to other activities that appeal to him. By being prepared to follow these up – and here his adventurous nature can help – he can make the developments of the year significant. The Rabbit year is one of considerable potential, but opportunities do need taking.

      The Fire Rat will be well supported in most of what he does throughout the year and should listen carefully to the advice he is given. Although he may have his own thoughts and inclinations, by being receptive he could be alerted to other options or helped with decisions he needs to make. Also, if he has any personal or educational problems, by talking about these he gives others the chance to help and advise.

      The Fire Rat will particularly value the support of some very close friends over the year and will not only enjoy sharing interests but also thoughts and confidences. New activities he takes up can also bring him into contact with others and lead to some helpful new friendships.

      Although the Fire Rat will often be very much involved with his own activities and studies, he should also aim to contribute to his home life. Whether assisting with certain tasks or just being open and talking to those around him, he will find his involvement and input can make a difference as well as lead to better understanding and rapport. The more involved he is, the better.

      For Fire Rats born in 1936 this can also be an interesting year, although throughout they will need to consult closely with others. Whether discussing ideas or plans they may be considering or concerns and problems they may have, by being open and willing to talk, these Fire Rats will often be helped and reassured. This is no year for going it alone or being too independent (or obtuse) in attitude.

      Also, while the Fire Rat may be keen for certain plans to come to fruition, especially if related to his accommodation, he will need to show patience over the year. This is not a time favouring rush. In the Rabbit year it is often the case of moving plans forward when the time is right rather than hurrying things through. However, while the slow-moving nature of the year may occasionally frustrate the Fire Rat, it can have its benefits, as delays can lead to better decisions or allow the Fire Rat to benefit from sales and other favourable buying opportunities.

      Throughout the year the Fire Rat will derive considerable satisfaction from his interests, with creative pursuits often bringing especial pleasure. Sharing what he does with his friends and loved ones can also bring more enjoyment and meaning to his activities.

      He will also delight in some of the travel opportunities that arise and, whether visiting relations or taking a short break, will again enjoy the chance to see places new to him and the social opportunities his travels can often bring.

      On a more cautionary note, he does need to be thorough when dealing with money matters and to check any important correspondence and forms he receives and question anything that concerns him. To delay or make assumptions could be to his disadvantage. Fire Rats, take note.

      Whether born in 1936 or 1996, the Fire Rat can find the Rabbit year an encouraging one and by making the most of his ideas and opportunities, he can get a lot of value and personal satisfaction from what he does. If he is open to new possibilities and listens closely to others, interesting developments can take place which can be to his benefit. The Rabbit year may not be one of swift events, but it can be constructive and its benefits far-reaching.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Make the most of your opportunities. With willingness, backed by support, a lot can open up for you. Effort and commitment can reward you well both now and in the future.

       The Earth Rat

      The Earth Rat tends to be more cautious than some of the other types of Rat, preferring to proceed carefully and in a measured way. This approach will serve him well this year and he will enjoy some interesting and pleasing personal developments.

      As the Rabbit year starts it will be to the Earth Rat’s advantage to give some thought to what he wants to see happen over the next 12 months. This could involve his work situation, accommodation or personal interests he is keen to pursue, but whatever his ideas, by thinking them through and talking them over with his loved ones, he will find he has more specific aims to work towards and will be able to direct his energies more effectively. Also, as many Earth Rats will discover, Rabbit years do not favour rush, and adapting to the rhythm of the year will bring far better results.

      One factor in the Earth Rat’s favour will be the support