Kitabı oxu: «Your Chinese Horoscope 2015: What the year of the goat holds in store for you»

Contents

Cover

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The Chinese Years

Welcome to the Year of the Goat

The Rat

The Ox

The Tiger

The Rabbit

The Dragon

The Snake

The Horse

The Goat

The Monkey

The Rooster

The Dog

The Pig

Appendix

Relationships between the Signs

Your Ascendant

How to Get the Best from your Chinese Sign and the Year

A Closing Thought

Copyright

About the Publisher

Acknowledgements

In writing Your Chinese Horoscope 2015 I am grateful for the assistance and invaluable support that those around me have given.

I would also like to acknowledge Theodora Lau’s The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (Harper & Row, 1979; Arrow, 1981), which was particularly useful to me in my research.

In addition to Ms Lau’s work, I commend the following books to those who wish to find out more about Chinese horoscopes: Kristyna Arcarti, Chinese Horoscopes for Beginners (Headway, 1995); Catherine Aubier, Chinese Zodiac Signs (Arrow, 1984), series of 12 books; E. A. Crawford and Teresa Kennedy, Chinese Elemental Astrology (Piatkus Books, 1992); Paula Delsol, Chinese Horoscopes (Pan, 1973); Barry Fantoni, Barry Fantoni’s Chinese Horoscopes (Warner, 1994); Bridget Giles and the Diagram Group, Chinese Astrology (HarperCollins, 1996); Kwok Man-Ho, Complete Chinese Horoscopes (Sunburst Books, 1995); Lori Reid, The Complete Book of Chinese Horoscopes (Element Books, 1997); Paul Rigby and Harvey Bean, Chinese Astrologics (Publications Division, South China Morning Post Ltd, 1981); Ruth Q. Sun, The Asian Animal Zodiac (Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1996); Derek Walters, Ming Shu (Pagoda Books, 1987), The Chinese Astrology Workbook (The Aquarian Press, 1988) and Chinese Horoscope Bible (Godsfield Press, 2008); Suzanne White, The New Astrology (Pan, 1987), The New Chinese Astrology (Pan, 1994) and Chinese Astrology Plain and Simple (Eden Grove Editions, 1998).

Introduction

The origins of Chinese horoscopes have been lost in the mists of time. It is known, however, that oriental astrologers practised their art many thousands of years ago and even today Chinese astrology continues to fascinate and intrigue.

In Chinese astrology there are 12 signs named after 12 different animals. No one quite knows how the signs acquired their names, but there is one legend that offers an explanation. According to this legend, one Chinese New Year the Buddha invited all the animals in his kingdom to come before him. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to the animals, only 12 turned up. The first to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and finally Pig. In gratitude, the Buddha decided to name a year after each of the animals and that those born during that year would inherit some of the personality of that animal. Therefore those born in the year of the Ox would be hardworking, resolute and stubborn, just like the Ox, while those born in the year of the Dog would be loyal and faithful, just like the Dog. While it is not possible that everyone born in a particular year can have all the characteristics of the sign, it is incredible what similarities do occur, and this is partly where the fascination of Chinese horoscopes lies.

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence upon the signs. Details about the effects of the elements are given in each of the chapters on the signs.

To find out which sign you were born under, refer to the tables on the following pages. As the Chinese year is based on the lunar year and does not start until late January or early February, it is particularly important for anyone born in those two months to check carefully the dates of the Chinese year in which they were born.

Also included, in the appendix, are two charts showing the compatibility between the signs for personal and business relationships and details about the signs ruling the different hours of the day. From this it is possible to locate your ascendant and, as in Western astrology, this has a significant influence on your personality.

In writing this book I have taken the unusual step of combining the intriguing nature of Chinese horoscopes with the Western desire to know what the future holds, and have based my interpretations upon various factors relating to each of the signs. Over the years in which Your Chinese Horoscope has been published I have been pleased that so many have found the sections on the forthcoming year of interest and hope that the horoscope has been constructive and useful. Remember, though, that at all times you are master of your own destiny.

I sincerely hope that Your Chinese Horoscope 2015 will prove interesting and helpful for the year ahead.

The Chinese Years

Ox 6 February 1913 to 25 January 1914

Tiger 26 January 1914 to 13 February 1915

Rabbit 14 February 1915 to 2 February 1916

Dragon 3 February 1916 to 22 January 1917

Snake 23 January 1917 to 10 February 1918

Horse 11 February 1918 to 31 January 1919

Goat 1 February 1919 to 19 February 1920

Monkey 20 February 1920 to 7 February 1921

Rooster 8 February 1921 to 27 January 1922

Dog 28 January 1922 to 15 February 1923

Pig 16 February 1923 to 4 February 1924

Rat 5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925

Ox 24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926

Tiger 13 February 1926 to 1 February 1927

Rabbit 2 February 1927 to 22 January 1928

Dragon 23 January 1928 to 9 February 1929

Snake 10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930

Horse 30 January 1930 to 16 February 1931

Goat 17 February 1931 to 5 February 1932

Monkey 6 February 1932 to 25 January 1933

Rooster 26 January 1933 to 13 February 1934

Dog 14 February 1934 to 3 February 1935

Pig 4 February 1935 to 23 January 1936

Rat 24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937

Ox 11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938

Tiger 31 January 1938 to 18 February 1939

Rabbit 19 February 1939 to 7 February 1940

Dragon 8 February 1940 to 26 January 1941

Snake 27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942

Horse 15 February 1942 to 4 February 1943

Goat 5 February 1943 to 24 January 1944

Monkey 25 January 1944 to 12 February 1945

Rooster 13 February 1945 to 1 February 1946

Dog 2 February 1946 to 21 January 1947

Pig 22 January 1947 to 9 February 1948

Rat 10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949

Ox 29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950

Tiger 17 February 1950 to 5 February 1951

Rabbit 6 February 1951 to 26 January 1952

Dragon 27 January 1952 to 13 February 1953

Snake 14 February 1953 to 2 February 1954

Horse 3 February 1954 to 23 January 1955

Goat 24 January 1955 to 11 February 1956

Monkey 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957

Rooster 31 January 1957 to 17 February 1958

Dog 18 February 1958 to 7 February 1959

Pig 8 February 1959 to 27 January 1960

Rat 28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961

Ox 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962

Tiger 5 February 1962 to 24 January 1963

Rabbit 25 January 1963 to 12 February 1964

Dragon 13 February 1964 to 1 February 1965

Snake 2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966

Horse 21 January 1966 to 8 February 1967

Goat 9 February 1967 to 29 January 1968

Monkey 30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969

Rooster 17 February 1969 to 5 February 1970

Dog 6 February 1970 to 26 January 1971

Pig 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972

Rat 15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973

Ox 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974

Tiger 23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975

Rabbit 11 February 1975 to 30 January 1976

Dragon 31 January 1976 to 17 February 1977

Snake 18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978

Horse 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979

Goat 28 January 1979 to 15 February 1980

Monkey 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981

Rooster 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982

Dog 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983

Pig 13 February 1983 to 1 February 1984

Rat 2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985

Ox 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986

Tiger 9 February 1986 to 28 January 1987

Rabbit 29 January 1987 to 16 February 1988

Dragon 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989

Snake 6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990

Horse 27 January 1990 to 14 February 1991

Goat 15 February 1991 to 3 February 1992

Monkey 4 February 1992 to 22 January 1993

Rooster 23 January 1993 to 9 February 1994

Dog 10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995

Pig 31 January 1995 to 18 February 1996

Rat 19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997

Ox 7 February 1997 to 27 January 1998

Tiger 28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999

Rabbit 16 February 1999 to 4 February 2000

Dragon 5 February 2000 to 23 January 2001

Snake 24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002

Horse 12 February 2002 to 31 January 2003

Goat 1 February 2003 to 21 January 2004

Monkey 22 January 2004 to 8 February 2005

Rooster 9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006

Dog 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007

Pig 18 February 2007 to 6 February 2008

Rat 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009

Ox 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010

Tiger 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011

Rabbit 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

Dragon 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat 19 February 2015 to 7 February 2016

Note

The names of the signs in the Chinese zodiac occasionally differ, although the characteristics of the signs remain the same. In some books the Ox is referred to as the Buffalo or Bull, the Rabbit as the Hare or Cat, the Goat as the Sheep and the Pig as the Boar.

For the sake of convenience, the male gender is used throughout this book. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the signs apply to both sexes.

Welcome to the Year of the Goat

Whether clambering over mountain rocks or grazing in lush green fields, there is an air of contentment about the goat. Unless troubled by some threat, he is generally at ease with himself and his genial nature will have a bearing on events in his own year.

On the world stage, the emphasis will be on reconciliation. Some troubled and warring nations will now take steps to seek peace and adopt measures that will allow them to be more accepted by the world community. Important settlements will be reached and this will be a year for dialogue, diplomacy and greater understanding. It was, for instance, in the last Goat year, 2003, that India and Pakistan restored full diplomatic ties and brought to an end years of conflict in Kashmir, and other Goat years have seen the historic Camp David peace talks, the signing of the SALT II nuclear weapons agreement and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa. The stated reason for the 2003 invasion of Iraq was to rid the nation of weapons of mass destruction and so make the world a safer place. This drive for security – and understanding – will be very evident this year.

In addition to the many high-level meetings that will characterize the year, industrialists and political leaders will be keen to stimulate trade, and significant agreements are likely to be made between countries and other trading communities. Many governments will invest heavily in infrastructure programmes to attract investment and create jobs as well as improve conditions. The accent will be on growth and moving forward, and the economies of many countries will benefit as a result.

Much attention will also be focused on environmental matters, particularly on protecting the world’s resources, and there will be a corresponding increase in the use of renewable energy, with many authorities promoting a cleaner and greener message. Indeed, the theme of Expo 2015, which will be held in Milan, will be ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’ and the focus will be on the availability of food and water and the state of nutrition and health in years to come.

There is also likely to be significant growth in the organic food industry, with many people paying greater attention to their diet and making positive changes to their lifestyle. Humanitarian issues, too, will feature prominently, with international bodies launching major initiatives as well as increasing awareness of the suffering of some of the peoples of the world. Again, some remarkable achievements can ensue, and the year will see some regions transformed as a result. Interestingly, it was in the previous Goat year that the World Health Organisation was alerted to the threat of the SARS virus and what followed was the most effective response to an epidemic in history.

This will also be an election year in Britain. Over the long campaign, considerable volatility will be seen as the issues are hotly debated. It will be a searching campaign, too, with much attention focused on considering alternative ways forward. The result may not be as clear-cut as some may wish.

Goat individuals are born under the sign of art, and the arts can look forward to an exciting and innovative year. In many countries, major exhibitions and cultural events will capture the imagination. New artists, with their own distinctive styles, will come to prominence, and in the theatre and cinema major productions that enthral many.

The fashion industry will also see the emergence of new trends, with some distinctive styles and even some bizarre embellishments being introduced. The Goat year is all for style, colour and experimentation.

Goat years can be groundbreaking; it was in a Goat year that the Beatles released their concept album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which not only featured songs destined to become classics but was famed for its iconic cover. Goat years are times of self-expression and creativity, and a feel-good factor is likely to be evident in much that is produced this year.

The Goat year will also bring excitement. On the sports field, new records will be created and some particularly competitive tournaments will take place. For the sports enthusiast, the year will contain many delights, with the Rugby World Cup, for example, generating great interest not only in the competing nations but also beyond.

And the beyond too will be significant this year, as the NASA space probe Dawn is scheduled to explore the dwarf planet Ceres and New Horizons, another spacecraft, to fly by and study Pluto. During the year outer space will reveal yet of its more secrets.

Another aspect of the Goat year is that it favours relationships and the family. It is a time when many people will spend more time with others and appreciate what they have in their lives. Many people in love will also come together, cement relationships, marry and start a family.

Overall, Goat years offer hope, although, as is always the way, there will also be flashpoints, tragedy and disasters. During this year, certain territories could be affected by heatwaves and there will also be moments of volatility – goats can, after all, be fickle! – but the underlying trend will be one of consensus, growth and moving forward. Over the year not only will historic agreements be forged and solutions found to some of the world’s concerns, but the individual will enjoy a more balanced lifestyle and realize inner potential.

For us all, the Goat year offers possibility and I hope that by using your strengths, you will prosper as well as find contentment.

I wish you good luck and good fortune.

The Rat

5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925 — Wood Rat

24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937 — Fire Rat

10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949 — Earth Rat

28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961 — Metal Rat

15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973 — Water Rat

2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985 — Wood Rat

19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997 — Fire Rat

7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009 — Earth Rat

The Personality of the Rat

To see,

and to see what others do not see.

That is true vision.

The Rat is born under the sign of charm. He is intelligent, popular and loves attending parties and large social gatherings. He is able to establish friendships with remarkable ease and people generally feel relaxed in his company. He is a very social creature and is genuinely interested in the welfare and activities of others. He has a good understanding of human nature and his advice and opinions are often sought.

The Rat is a hard and diligent worker. He is also very imaginative and is never short of ideas. However, he does sometimes lack the confidence to promote his ideas and this can often prevent him from securing the recognition he deserves.

The Rat is very observant and many Rats have made excellent writers and journalists. The Rat also excels at personnel and PR work and any job that brings him into contact with people and the media. His skills are particularly appreciated in times of crisis, for the Rat has an incredibly strong sense of self-preservation. When it comes to finding a way out of an awkward situation, he is certain to be the one who comes up with a solution.

The Rat loves to be where there is a lot of action, but should he ever find himself in a very bureaucratic or restrictive environment he can become a stickler for discipline and routine. He is also something of an opportunist and is constantly on the lookout for ways in which he can improve his wealth and lifestyle. He rarely lets an opportunity go by and can become involved in so many plans and schemes that he sometimes squanders his energies and achieves very little as a result. He is also rather gullible and can be taken in by those less scrupulous than himself.

Another characteristic of the Rat is his attitude towards money. He is very thrifty and to some he may appear a little mean. The reason for this is purely that he likes to keep his money within his family. He can be most generous to his partner, his children and close friends and relatives. He can also be generous to himself, for he often finds it impossible to deprive himself of any luxury or object he fancies. He is very acquisitive and can be a notorious hoarder. He also hates waste and is rarely prepared to throw anything away. He can be rather greedy and will rarely refuse an invitation to a free meal or a complimentary ticket to a lavish function.

The Rat is a good conversationalist, although he can occasionally be a little indiscreet. He can be highly critical of others – for an honest and unbiased opinion, the Rat is a superb critic – and will sometimes use confidential information to his own advantage. However, as he has such a bright and irresistible nature, most people are prepared to forgive him his slight indiscretions.

Throughout his long and eventful life the Rat will make many friends and will find that he is especially well suited to those born under his own sign and those of the Ox, Dragon and Monkey. He can also get on well with those born under the signs of the Tiger, Snake, Rooster, Dog and Pig, but the rather sensitive Rabbit and Goat will find him a little too critical and blunt for their liking. The Horse and Rat will also find it difficult to get on with each other – the Rat craves security and will find the Horse’s changeable moods and rather independent nature a little unsettling.

The Rat is very family orientated and will do anything to please his nearest and dearest. He is exceptionally loyal to his parents and can himself be a very caring and loving parent. He will take an interest in all his children’s activities and see that they want for nothing. He usually has a large family.

The female Rat has a kindly, outgoing nature and involves herself in a multitude of different activities. She has a wide circle of friends, enjoys entertaining and is an attentive hostess. She is also conscientious about the upkeep of her home and has good taste in home furnishings. She is most supportive to the other members of her family and, due to her resourceful, friendly and persevering nature, can do well in practically any career she chooses.

Although the Rat is essentially outgoing, he is also a very private individual. He tends to keep his feelings to himself and while he is not averse to learning what other people are doing, he resents anyone prying too closely into his own affairs. He also does not like solitude and if he is alone for any length of time he can easily get depressed.

The Rat is undoubtedly very talented, but he does sometimes fail to capitalize on his many abilities. He has a tendency to become involved in too many schemes and chase after too many opportunities at once. If he can slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time, he can become very successful. If not, success and wealth can elude him. But, with his tremendous ability to charm, he will rarely, if ever, be without friends.

The Five Different Types of Rat

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Rat are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore Rats born in 1960 are Metal Rats, Rats born in 1972 are Water Rats, and so on.

Metal Rat: 1960

This Rat has excellent taste and certainly knows how to appreciate the finer things in life. His home is comfortable and nicely decorated and he likes to entertain and mix in fashionable circles. He has considerable financial acumen and invests his money well. On the surface he appears cheerful and confident, but deep down he can be troubled by worries that are quite often of his own making. He is exceptionally loyal to his family and friends.

Water Rat: 1972

The Water Rat is intelligent and very astute. He is a deep thinker and can express his thoughts clearly and persuasively. He is always eager to learn and is talented in many different areas. He is usually very popular, but his fear of loneliness can sometimes lead him into mixing with the wrong sort of company. He is a particularly skilful writer, but can get sidetracked very easily and should try to concentrate on just one thing at a time.

Wood Rat: 1924, 1984

The Wood Rat has a friendly, outgoing personality and is popular with his colleagues and friends. He has a quick, agile brain and likes to turn his hand to anything he thinks may be useful. His one fear is insecurity, but given his intelligence and capabilities, this fear is usually unfounded. He has a good sense of humour, enjoys travel and, due to his highly imaginative nature, can be a gifted writer or artist.

Fire Rat: 1936, 1996

The Fire Rat is rarely still and seems to have a never-ending supply of energy and enthusiasm. He loves being involved in some form of action, be it travel, following up new ideas or campaigning for a cause in which he fervently believes. He is an original thinker and hates being bound by petty restrictions or the dictates of others. He can be forthright in his views but can sometimes get carried away in the excitement of the moment and commit himself to various undertakings without thinking through all the implications. Yet he has a resilient nature and with the right support can go far in life.

Earth Rat: 1948, 2008

This Rat is astute and very level-headed. He rarely takes unnecessary chances and while he is constantly trying to improve his financial status, he is prepared to proceed slowly and leave nothing to chance. He is probably not as adventurous as the other types of Rat and prefers to remain in familiar territory rather than rush headlong into something he knows little about. He is talented, conscientious and caring towards his loved ones, but at the same time can be self-conscious and worry a little too much about the image he is trying to project.

Prospects for the Rat in 2015

The Year of the Horse (31 January 2014–18 February 2015) will have not been the easiest for the Rat. Some situations could have frustrated him and he could also have faced niggling problems. In addition, his relations with others will have needed care. Although he is usually skilful in this area, some disagreements may have arisen and, uncharacteristically, he may have misread some situations.

In the remaining months of the Horse year he will need to remain on his mettle. This is no time for rush, risk or jumping to conclusions, and should he have misgivings over any matter, he should check the facts and wait for matters to become clear.

However, while the aspects advise caution, the closing months of the Horse year can be important ones for the Rat. In his work, he should make full use of his skills and take advantage of any chances to widen his role. By being active now, he can improve his prospects for the future, especially for the much-improved Goat year to come.

With the closing months of the year often being an expensive time, the Rat would also do well to be disciplined in his spending and wary of risk or extravagance.

The year’s end can see an increase in social activity, including the chance to meet up with some people the Rat doesn’t often get to see. He will also value spending more time with his loved ones, although he does need to remain mindful in all his relations with others. Inattention or lapses could cause awkward moments. Throughout the Horse year the Rat needs to be careful and aware. Fortunately, most Rats are, and many will fare reasonably well in the closing quarter of the Horse year, but it is generally a time for caution and vigilance.

The Goat year starts on 19 February, and as it begins, if not shortly before, many a Rat will sense a change taking place. This is likely to be a greatly improved year, with new opportunities emerging and progress much easier. Indeed, any Rats who have struggled or faced disappointments in recent times should turn their attention to the future rather than dwell on what has gone before. For quite a few, this will be a year of opportunity, with the chance to make substantial headway.

Also, should the Rat have any concerns or niggling problems as the Goat year starts, he should see if these can be addressed. Discussion could be helpful, as could advice from those with expert knowledge. Action taken early on in the year can lead to the easing of some outstanding concerns.

The Rat’s work situation is especially encouraging, with the Rat having more chance to profit from his strengths. Whether he remains where he is or decides to move on, he can not only achieve some good results this year but also impress others. As a result, when new openings occur or promotion opportunities arise, he will be excellently placed to benefit. Many Rats could also benefit from openings created by restructuring or new initiatives in their place of work. March, April, August and October could see some important developments, but in Goat years opportunities can arise quickly and need acting upon without delay.

For Rats looking for work, the Goat year may provide the very opportunity they have been seeking for some time. The Rat’s resourcefulness and keen personality will impress prospective employers and, once in a position, many Rats will work hard to establish themselves in their new role. For those who secure a new position or see a change of duties early on in the year, there could be the chance to take on further responsibilities late in 2015 or early 2016.

For Rats whose work involves communication or has an expressive element, this can be a particularly successful year, and these Rats should make the most of their ideas and the opportunities that come their way. Goat years favour innovation and professional development.

Rats who enjoy creative pursuits should also look to further their skills in some way. This can be an exciting and stimulating time for them. It is also an excellent year for taking on new challenges and if there is a particular activity that appeals to the Rat, he should aim to find out more. Both existing and new interests can be rewarding this year.

Finances can also see an improvement, with some Rats finding ways to supplement their income through a personal interest or an enterprising idea. However, while the income of many Rats is set to increase, the Rat does need to stay in control of his budget. If he is able, any provision he can make for more major plans, or savings for his future, could help both his present and longer-term situation.

The personable Rat always values his relations with others and here again the aspects are much improved this year. Any Rats who have experienced some strains of late will find this an excellent time to try and ease these. By reaching out, talking more and, importantly, giving more time to others, they may be able to strengthen some relationships which have encountered difficulties in recent times. Here the Rat’s input and willingness can be an important factor.

This emphasis on improved relationships extends to family life. Sharing ideas, home projects and other activities can all lead to many enjoyable times – and achievements. Goat years favour togetherness.

Affairs of the heart are also splendidly aspected, and for any Rat who is currently alone or has had some personal upset, the Goat year heralds a brighter time. Chance can play a significant part, with a fortuitous meeting transforming the lives of quite a few unattached Rats over the year. May, June, August and September could be particularly active months both for socializing and for meeting others.

Although the aspects are very much on the Rat’s side this year, one area he must not neglect is his well-being. With an often busy lifestyle, he does need to keep himself in good form. Some personal care and attention, including watching his diet and general level of exercise, can make an important difference this year. Rats, do take note.

Overall, the Year of the Goat will suit the Rat’s personality. Being resourceful and keen to make the most of his opportunities, he will welcome the chances that arise during it. Whether through improved work prospects, the chance of a new job, the satisfaction that personal interests can bring or the benefits of stronger relations with others, he can enjoy an often special year.

The Metal Rat

The last few years will have brought their challenges for the Metal Rat and not everything will have gone as smoothly as he would have liked. However, with the start of the Goat year, his prospects will be much more encouraging. Any Metal Rats nursing frustrations or keen to reach certain objectives will, in particular, benefit from redoubling their efforts at this time. With resolve, much can now be accomplished, and the Metal Rat will be able to put some more recent disappointments firmly behind him.

Work prospects are especially encouraging and many Metal Rats will be able to use the specialist knowledge they have built up to advantage. Whether this involves taking on new responsibilities, overseeing initiatives, securing promotion or building on their skills in a different capacity, the Goat year encourages moving forward. Any Metal Rats who have been disappointed with their recent progress or find themselves frustrated in their current role will, in particular, find that this is a year to seize the initiative and seek out a better position. As many will discover, once they start to make enquiries, developments can quickly follow on. Goat years are not ones for standing still.

Also, initiative will carry great weight this year and all Metal Rats, especially those involved in presentation and more creative areas, should capitalize on their strengths. Their skills, ideas and input will often be well received.

For Metal Rats seeking work or hoping for the chance to switch to something new, the Goat year can also open up some exciting possibilities. Although the job-seeking process can be frustrating, by widening the scope of what they are prepared to consider these Metal Rats may well be able to secure a new and often very different position, and will welcome the challenge in front of them. Late February to early May, August and October could see important developments, although throughout the year the Metal Rat needs to keep alert for openings and ways in which he can further his skills.

With the Goat year favouring culture, Metal Rats who have interests which are in any way artistic should aim to spend some time developing their talents, perhaps by enrolling on a course to add to their knowledge. Similarly, Metal Rats who have creative aspirations would find it useful to promote their work. Personal interests, whether creative or in other spheres, can be of considerable value to the Metal Rat this year.

Progress made at work and in other areas can also help financially, and many Metal Rats will enjoy an increase in income over the year. Some may also benefit from funds from another source. However, the Metal Rat will need to keep a close watch on his outgoings, otherwise extra funds could quickly be spent, and not always in the most effective way. Whenever possible, he should aim to set money aside for particular plans and requirements. By managing his resources well, he will get to do more. With financial discipline and awareness, he can make this a fortunate year.

With his amiable nature, the Metal Rat values his relations with others, and his home and social life will both see much activity. Socially, he will appreciate any chances to meet up with his friends, and some with expert knowledge could be especially helpful when he has a decision to make. In addition, his personal interests and changes in his workplace can lead to him making some important new connections. This is a year which encourages reaching out and any Metal Rats who have had personal difficulties in recent times or are feeling lonely will find that by participating in local activities and taking up any chances to go out, they can come into contact with others and add new meaning (and joy) to their lifestyle. New friendships and, for some, romantic opportunities can help make this a special time. May, June and August to early October could see the most social activity.

The Metal Rat’s home life will also see important developments, with the Metal Rat in frequent demand as loved ones seek his advice. Quite often he will have to divide his time up carefully to help both younger relations and those more senior, but throughout the year he will value his role at the heart of family life. While this is likely to be a busy time, there will also be highlights to enjoy. These may not only include the Metal Rat’s own successes, but also the achievements of a younger relation. Travel is also likely to be appreciated by all concerned. While often busy, the Metal Rat’s home life can be special and rewarding.

Overall, the Year of the Goat is an encouraging one for the Metal Rat, although he does need to seize his opportunities. Whether he is making more of his ideas and talents, furthering his personal interests or looking to build on his work situation, he will find this is a year which favours a purposeful approach. However, he has great experience behind him and an engaging personal manner, and by making the most of these advantages he can look forward to enjoying some well-deserved success.

Tip for the Year

Be resolute. Make plans and act on them. With determination, you can achieve a great deal. This is a year of opportunity for you. Use it well.

The Water Rat

The Water element can strengthen the creative and communicative qualities of a sign and this is particularly the case for the Water Rat. Always adept at expressing himself and coming up with ideas, he is set to do well this year. Indeed, after the challenges he may have faced in recent times, this year can bring a welcome change in fortune.

As the year starts, though, the Water Rat should set himself some objectives to work towards. This is no time for sitting on the sidelines or waiting for opportunities to emerge – the year favours action.

One area which can particularly benefit from the improved aspects is the Water Rat’s work situation. The many Water Rats who are already established in a particular industry will have the chance to take their career further, while the aspects are also encouraging for those seeking a position or a change.

Water Rats who are already settled where they are will find that developments can open up new positions and there could be opportunities for promotion or to move to another sector. Some may be offered training which can lead on to other possibilities or have an idea which they are able to develop as the year progresses.

Water Rats who are looking for work should actively follow up suitable openings but also explore other possibilities. Sometimes courses may be available which can widen and update their skills, or they may decide to consider a different type of work. Whatever they choose to do, by being active and showing initiative, both to employment advisers and prospective employers, these Water Rats will not only be given valuable assistance but may also be successful in their quest. It is the Water Rat’s talents, personality and drive which will deliver results this year. March to early May, August and October could see important work developments, but whenever opportunities arise, they do need to be acted upon promptly, before the impetus is lost.

With the aspects favouring initiative, this is also an excellent year for the Water Rat to further his personal interests. Creative pursuits could develop particularly well, with some ideas or projects meeting with a pleasing response. Any Water Rats who do not have a current interest or would welcome a new challenge should keep alert for possibilities. With this being a year that favours personal development, any new interests that are followed through can bring considerable personal benefit.

Quite a few Water Rats will also give some consideration to their well-being over the year. By seeking advice about diet and exercise, they may be able to introduce changes that make a noticeable difference.

Finances can also see an improvement this year. Many Water Rats are likely to both increase their income and benefit from a gift or additional payment. However, the Water Rat will have many demands on his resources and should budget carefully and set money aside for specific requirements. In particular, major purchases for the home need to be costed carefully. In some cases it could be prudent to wait for special opportunities. Here the Water Rat’s alertness and patience may well help him to make purchases on favourable terms.

With his outgoing nature, he will also welcome the social opportunities of the year. Not only will he value his chances to chat with his friends and get important feedback on his thoughts and concerns, but his work and interests could lead to him meeting some new people who could quickly become important. May, June and mid-July to early October could see the most social opportunities.

For the unattached, the Goat year can also bring unexpected and glorious romance, with a chance meeting transforming the Water Rat’s life. On a personal level, he will certainly find himself in demand, with some special times to enjoy.

This will also be a busy year domestically and it is important that there is good dialogue between everyone in the household. Here the Water Rat’s input can lead to a lot going ahead, although decisions should not be rushed and sufficient time allowed for practical activities and considering more major purchases. The Goat year can also bring some unexpected opportunities, including the chance to travel or take a holiday at short notice. Some of the Water Rat’s ideas may also lead to some memorable family occasions.

Water Rats who are parents will be keen to support their children, particularly if they are facing important decisions concerning their education or work choices. Here the Water Rat’s ability to listen and advise can be of particular value.

In so many respects the Goat year offers considerable scope for the Water Rat. It is a time to decide on what he wants to achieve and then work purposefully towards it. He will not only be helped by his background and personality but also by the opportunities that will arise over the year. On quite a few occasions, serendipity will prove a special friend. This is very much a year for personal growth and the positive and willing Water Rat can enjoy some fine successes.