Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You

I wish you good fortune and every success in the interesting year that lies ahead.

YOUR CHINESE HOROSCOPE 2009

THE RAT (#ulink_e8358bf8-1b99-57dd-b758-c352130b566a)

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 the Rat 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 will see that they want for nothing. The Rat 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, the Rat 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 the elements were exercising their influence. Therefore those Rats born in 1960 are Metal Rats, those born in 1912 and 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 the Metal Rat 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: 1912, 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 he 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 2009

The Year of the Rat (7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009) is a generally favourable one for the Rat himself and in the remaining months he can look forward to achieving a great deal.

At work the closing months of the year can see some important developments. For some Rats, there will be the chance to move to new duties, and those Rats who are keen to make a change in their work life or are seeking a position will often be able to benefit from the openings that arise at this time. Many Rats will be able to make good headway, with September and October seeing some particularly encouraging developments.

The Rat’s finances can also see an improvement at this time, although to benefit the Rat would do well to keep watch over his outgoings. With the closing months of the year often being a time of increased spending, some restraint would be wise.

Being born under the sign of charm, the Rat sets great store by his relations with others, and many a Rat will play a leading role in making domestic arrangements and will enjoy the activities and get-togethers that take place. However, at such a busy time the Rat does need to consult others and discuss his hopes, plans and concerns. Good communication and planning are vital.

The Rat’s social life could also enjoy a fillip at this time and for those enjoying new romance or who are hoping to meet new people, the closing months of the year can be exciting, with September and November bringing some especially good social opportunities.

In many respects the Rat year is supportive of the Rat and by being active and putting himself forward, he will find much going in his favour.

The Year of the Ox begins on 26 January and will be an encouraging one for the Rat, although it will call for effort. Should he slack or take situations for granted, problems could arise. The Rat does need to remember that the Ox is a hard taskmaster!

One of the more positive aspects of the year is the way in which the Rat will be able to develop both himself and his overall work situation. This is very much a year for furthering skills and during it the Rat should make the most of any opportunities to widen his experience. Knowledge acquired now can not only help him in the present but also open up new possibilities in the near future. The Ox year is no time for standing still, and by showing commitment and making the most of his chances to develop his skills, the Rat can make useful progress.

This also applies to those Rats who would welcome a change at work or are seeking work. By looking at their skills and strengths and considering other ways in which they can use them, they will find interesting possibilities starting to arise. If they are able to take advantage of training opportunities or refresher courses or set time aside for study and research, they are likely to find their efforts well rewarded. For work opportunities, March, June, October and November are particularly favourable, but such is the nature of the year that by showing commitment and putting in that extra effort the Rat could find opportunities arising at almost any time.

As well as making progress in his work, the Rat should also give some consideration to his own personal development over the year. This includes setting time aside for activities and interests he enjoys and looking to develop them or perhaps take up something new. By furthering his knowledge and using his time in purposeful ways, he can gain a lot of pleasure from his activities. Those Rats who lack regular exercise would also do well to consider ways in which they could remedy this and get medical advice on the most appropriate way to proceed. With the encouraging nature of the Ox year, positive action can be of great benefit.

As far as money matters are concerned, this is a year for careful control. Although many Rats will enjoy a rise in income, the Rat does need to keep watch on his outgoings and make provision for larger expenses as well as be wary of too much impulse buying, otherwise he could find he has to make cutbacks later. Although this is not a bad year financially, it is one for prudence and good management.

The Rat is usually popular and throughout the year he can look forward to a lot of support and encouragement from those around him as well as some pleasing domestic and social occasions. In his home life he will often benefit from the advice and assistance loved ones are able to give and whenever he has concerns, finds himself in a dilemma or would welcome more help, he should ask. Over the year the support of his family and those close to him can make a real difference to how he fares. In addition, the Ox year could give rise to some family highlights. Many a Rat household will have good reason to celebrate, perhaps due to a wedding, graduation, addition to the family or the success of a close relation. If he is able, the Rat should also ensure he takes a holiday with his loved ones over the year. The change of scene and time spent together can do everyone good. Domestically, this can be an active and pleasing year.

The Rat will also find himself in demand socially, with his interests often bringing him into contact with others. There will be good opportunities for him to make new acquaintances and his famous Rat charm will impress many. The period from April to early June and August and September could see the most social activity, and those Rats enjoying romance, especially with someone met during their own year (2008), will often find this becoming more significant as the Ox year progresses. For the unattached there will be excellent opportunities to meet others, including someone who could quickly become very special. The Ox year is supportive of the Rat and particularly encouraging to those who keep active and make the most of their talents.

Overall, this is a year of development and progress, and keen and willing Rats will find a great deal will go in their favour. The Rat will also benefit from the support and encouragement of others, and although this is a year for effort, it is also a positive one.

The Metal Rat

The Ox year, with its emphasis on commitment and effort, will suit the Metal Rat well. He is likely to make the most of the challenges and situations that arise and be satisfied with what he does. The Ox year may not always be plain sailing, but it can be rewarding.

In view of the changes many Metal Rats will have experienced in their work recently, quite a few will be content to remain where they are in the Ox year. Not only will this give them the chance to build on their skills, but by coping with an often heavy workload and meeting deadlines, as well as dealing with other pressures, the Metal Rat will not only impress others but also often be able to take on greater responsibilities. For many Metal Rats, this can be not only a year of consolidation but also one of steady progress.

In addition all Metal Rats, whether relatively new to their position or well established, should make the most of the training opportunities available to them. Keeping their skills up to date and taking any chances to further their knowledge can be to their present and future benefit.

For Metal Rats who are keen to move on or seeking work, again the Ox year can bring important developments. Securing a new position will not be easy, especially as many people will often be competing for the same job. However, if he perseveres and emphasizes his skills and achievements, the Metal Rat can find doors opening up for him. March, June and mid-September to November are favourable for work opportunities.