Your Chinese Horoscope 2011. Neil Somerville

he receives from those around him. When considering ideas or making decisions, he will find the process of talking things through will clarify his preferences in his own mind as well as give him the chance to benefit from the suggestions of others. This is no year to be too independent-minded.

      One area in which particular care is needed is finance and if the Earth Rat receives correspondence that is unclear or causes him concern, it is important that he seeks advice, perhaps from a helpline. Similarly, with any large transaction or obligation he may take on, he should check the terms and conditions. The extra attention he gives to his finances can help prevent mistakes and sometimes save unnecessary outlay.

      Many Earth Rats will be keen to proceed with certain accommodation plans during the year, possibly replacing equipment or adding new comforts to their home. Here again, the Earth Rat needs to remain alert. Purchases should not be rushed, and if he takes his time, he may not only be better pleased with his eventual choices but also benefit from some advantageous offers. For Earth Rats who decide to move, again the Rabbit year can be slow moving, with sales, purchases and moves often protracted.

      For those in work the Rabbit year can be a generally satisfying one, particularly as the Earth Rat may have more chance to concentrate on his area of expertise. When pressures or problems arise, colleagues will often be keen to draw on his experience as well as admire his resourceful approach. During the year many Earth Rats will find their skills in demand and while they will often be content to remain in their present role, their work can give them a sense of achievement.

      Some may, though, decide to take advantage of retirement options or reduce their working commitments. Although this may be something they have been looking forward to for some time, such a change can impact their lives in several ways. To help, these Earth Rats should give serious thought to what it is they now want to do. With carefully considered plans, they can find the Rabbit year can mark the start of an exciting new chapter. As with so much this year, the more the Earth Rat can plan ahead, the better he will fare.

      Earth Rats who are interested in altering their working commitments or keen to take on another role could also benefit from ideas they have or opportunities that arise. With resourcefulness, good advice and initiative, they can make the Rabbit year a time of interesting possibilities.

      The Earth Rat will also derive much satisfaction from his interests and by setting himself specific aims or projects will be pleased with what he is able to get underway. This is a year which rewards focus and dedication. Another important feature of it will be the opportunities that open up for the Earth Rat, and whether attracted by locally run courses and new activities or joining with others to try out new pursuits, by being open to what is offered, he can greatly benefit.

      Throughout the year the Earth Rat will also value the good friendships he has. Not only will he enjoy meeting up with his friends but he can also benefit from their support and goodwill. Many Earth Rats will find their interests will bring them into contact with others and for those keen to extend their social circle this can be a pleasing and interesting year. May, June, August and the closing months of the Rabbit year are likely to be the most active socially.

      The Earth Rat’s domestic life can also be rewarding, and by sharing his thoughts, he will find many plans developing well, even if sometimes slowly. Not only can he benefit from the support he is given over the year but he will also do much to advise and assist others, including helping to arrange some important family occasions. Domestically, this can be a full and pleasing year, but the key will be good liaison and co-operation.

      The Earth Rat would also do well to try and go away with his loved ones over the year. A break can do everyone a lot of good and if the Earth Rat considers his destination carefully, he will particularly enjoy the places he visits and activities he carries out.

      Much will go in the Earth Rat’s favour this year but, as with any year, problems can still arise. When they do, the Earth Rat does need to consult others and find a solution or amicable arrangement. To ignore problems could lead to them escalating or leave them lingering unsatisfactorily in the background. The Earth Rat’s tactful and thoughtful manner can be very useful this year, but at times of concern he does need to be active, involved and forthcoming.

      Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is one for going ahead with plans, and with the Earth Rat’s careful approach and the support of others, he will be satisfied with how he is able to develop his ideas and interests. This may not be a year for swift developments, but it can be a quietly satisfying one.

      TIP FOR THE YEAR

      Give yourself some time, especially to develop your personal interests. The skills you use and ideas you follow up can bring you a great deal of pleasure. Also, be open to new activities. These can develop in an often interesting and advantageous manner.

      FAMOUS RATS

      Ben Affleck, Ursula Andress, Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kathy Bates, Irving Berlin, Silvio Berlusconi, Kenneth Branagh, Marlon Brando, Charlotte Brontë, Jackson Browne, George H. W. Bush, Glen Campbell, David Carradine, Jimmy Carter, Aaron Copland, Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Noël Edmonds, T. S. Eliot, Eminem, Colin Firth, Clark Gable, Liam Gallagher, Al Gore, Hugh Grant, Lewis Hamilton, Thomas Hardy, Prince Harry, Haydn, Charlton Heston, Buddy Holly, Mick Hucknall, Henrik Ibsen, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Jean-Michel Jarre, Scarlett Johansson, Gene Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jude Law, Gary Lineker, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian McEwan, Katie Melua, Claude Monet, Richard Nixon, Ozzy Osbourne, Sean Penn, Terry Pratchett, Ian Rankin, Lou Rawls, Burt Reynolds, Jonathan Ross, Rossini, William Shakespeare, Donna Summer, James Taylor, Leo Tolstoy, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Spencer Tracy, the Prince of Wales, George Washington, the Duke of York, Emile Zola.

       THE OX

6 FEBRUARY 1913 ~ 25 JANUARY 1914	Water Ox
24 JANUARY 1925 ~ 12 FEBRUARY 1926	Wood Ox
11 FEBRUARY 1937 ~ 30 JANUARY 1938	Fire Ox
29 JANUARY 1949 ~ 16 FEBRUARY 1950	Earth Ox
15 FEBRUARY 1961 ~ 4 FEBRUARY 1962	Metal Ox
3 FEBRUARY 1973 ~ 22 JANUARY 1974	Water Ox
20 FEBRUARY 1985 ~ 8 FEBRUARY 1986	Wood Ox
7 FEBRUARY 1997 ~ 27 JANUARY 1998	Fire Ox
26 JANUARY 2009 ~ 13 FEBRUARY 2010	Earth Ox

      THE PERSONALITY OF THE OX

      The more considered the way,

      the more considerable the journey.

      The Ox is born under the signs of equilibrium and tenacity. He is a hard and conscientious worker and sets about everything he does in a resolute, methodical and determined manner. He has considerable leadership qualities and is often admired for his tough and uncompromising nature. He knows what he wants to achieve in life and, as far as possible, will not be deflected from his ultimate objective.

      The Ox takes his responsibilities and duties very seriously. He is decisive and quick to take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. He