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

The Metal Rat will also need to remain disciplined in financial matters. In view of his commitments, plans and possible support for others, he should keep watch over his level of spending and be particularly careful if tempted by too many impulse purchases. This is a year that requires good control over spending as well as budgeting for more expensive purchases and plans.

Although many Metal Rats will find their days are already full enough, it could also be to their advantage to consider taking up a new interest or challenge over the year. The Ox year does favour self-development and by trying something new and furthering their knowledge, many Metal Rats will feel reinvigorated.

In addition the Metal Rat should give consideration to his general level of exercise and diet. To be at his best, he does need to pay attention to his own well-being as well as keep his lifestyle in balance.

This will be a generally positive year for the Metal Rat’s domestic life, with the progress and activities of a close relation often being a source of considerable pride. During the year many people will look to the Metal Rat for support and advice, and his good judgement and assistance will be valued. In domestic matters he will certainly play a central role. He will also derive a lot of pleasure from some of the joint activities that take place and, whether planning and carrying out home improvements or sharing interests with others, he will do a lot to encourage a good domestic rapport. Also, at times of pressure, if he or a loved one has concerns, he will find that being prepared to discuss matters can lead to better support and understanding.

In view of his busy life, the Metal Rat may be more selective in his socializing this year. However, it is important that he keeps his lifestyle in balance and whenever he has the chance to go out or there is an event that appeals to him, he should follow it up. Metal Rats who are lonely or keen to establish new contacts will find that involving themselves in interests and activities they enjoy will give them some good opportunities to meet others. For socializing and meeting new people, April, May and late July to September are particularly favourable times.

The Year of the Ox is a generally good one for the Metal Rat and while it will have its pressures and demands, by doing his best and rising to the challenges, he will not only have the chance to add to his skills but also to prepare the way for future progress. Parts of the year may be testing, but the Metal Rat can derive considerable benefit from these times and throughout the year his relations with others will bring him a great deal of pleasure.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Do set aside time for recreation, relaxation and your personal interests. It is important that you keep your lifestyle in balance and preserve some time to enjoy the rewards you work so hard for.

The Water Rat

There is a Chinese proverb that is particularly apt for the Water Rat this year: Diligence is the tool that brings oneriches and frugality is the measure that helps keep them. This is a year for effort and for care.

At work the Ox year can give rise to some important developments and whether the Water Rat is relatively new in his position or well established, there will often be the chance for him to make progress, either through more senior positions becoming available or through training that can lead to a greater role. Either way, the opportunities will be there and will enable many Water Rats to make headway.

The Ox year also holds encouraging prospects for those Water Rats seeking work or wanting to change what they do. To benefit, however, these Water Rats will need to remain active and persistent in their quest. As all Rats will find, the Ox year does require effort, but for those prepared to give this, the rewards can be substantial. In addition, with the Ox year favouring personal development, if these Water Rats are eligible for training or refresher courses or are prepared to study by themselves, they will not only help their prospects but also widen the scope of what is available to them. ‘Diligence is the tool that brings one riches’ and in 2009 this will be very true. For work opportunities, March, June and late September to November are especially favourable times.

Progress at work will, however, often bring new pressures for the Water Rat. Sometimes these will involve a change in his routine as well as learning new skills and coping with new demands. However, while such readjustments will ask a lot of the Water Rat, by rising to the challenge he will not only demonstrate his commitment but also find himself more inspired and motivated than he has been for some time. The opportunities of the Ox year can give many a Water Rat’s career a real boost.

Another factor in the Water Rat’s success over the year will be his willingness to develop his skills. This will not only help his current situation but also allow more to open up to him, both in his work and other areas of his life. In particular, by looking to develop an interest in some way, either by practising it or learning new skills or techniques, he will enjoy it all the more. Also, if there is a new interest or skill that appeals to him, he should set aside time to follow this up. Over the year developing his personal interests can do him a lot of good.

The progress the Water Rat makes in his work will help him financially, and many Water Rats will not only benefit from an increase in income but also receive money from another source. This could be a gift or, for some, the result of an enterprising idea. However, while this is a generally positive year money-wise, the Water Rat does need be careful with his outgoings. With his existing commitments, accommodation costs and the help he may want to give to others, as well as the plans he is keen to carry out, he will need to watch his spending and budget carefully. The more he is able to plan ahead and set funds aside for specific requirements, the better. Also, he needs to be wary of succumbing to too many impulse purchases. The Ox year does require careful financial control.

The year is, however, favourably aspected as far as the Water Rat’s relations with others are concerned. Although in his home life there will often be competing demands on his time, if he ensures there is good communication and co-operation between family members and sets aside time for family activities, there will be many occasions for him to appreciate. Also, in giving support and encouragement to both younger and more senior relations, he will find his care and thoughtfulness especially valued. Time-wise, the Ox year may bring its pressures, but by balancing activities and commitments, the Water Rat will find his family life will be a very important and special part of his year.

As far as his social life is concerned, he is likely to be more selective in going out this year. However, if certain events appeal to him, he should try to attend. Not only will this help him to unwind and give him a welcome break, but he will often enjoy the chance to meet others. Some new acquaintances made during the year could soon become a part of his social circle. Late March to May, August and September could be the most active months socially, but generally, in view of the busy nature of the year, the Water Rat should try to make the most of his social opportunities.

The Ox year certainly has good possibilities for the Water Rat and will encourage him to make more of his skills and talents. Although it will bring its pressures, it will give him the chance to show his true qualities and reap some often considerable rewards. This is a year for moving forward.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Look to develop your skills. Whether these are work-related or more personal, they can open up interesting opportunities and reward you handsomely for the effort you put in.

The Wood Rat

This will be a significant year for the Wood Rat and there could be some key developments, particularly in his personal life, while at work there will be good opportunities to make more of his skills. The Ox year will require effort and a willingness to take action, but the results can be substantial.

The Wood Rat’s relations with others will be especially important and many Wood Rats will have cause for a personal celebration during the year. For some this could involve getting engaged or married, settling down with a partner, seeing an addition to the family or achieving a personal goal. The aspects are on the Wood Rat’s side this year and someone very special will often make a difference to his life.

For those Wood Rats who are unattached and would welcome romance, this is also a year of encouraging developments. In many cases, someone met by chance in the early months of the year could quickly become important. Any Wood Rats who have had problems in a relationship and are currently alone will find that this is a time to look ahead. A key feature of the Ox year is that it is supportive of endeavour and if they are active and willing to move forward, these Water Rats will find that a lot can open up for them.

The Wood Rat will also value his social life over the year and with possible work changes as well as his own interests, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to get to know others. The months from April to early June and late July to September could see a great deal of social activity.

Another positive aspect of the year will be the level of support the Wood Rat enjoys and by being forthcoming and sharing his hopes and concerns with those he trusts, he will often be assisted in more ways than he anticipated. Indeed, sometimes just by mentioning a certain idea, he can obtain support and plans can be set in motion. Similarly, in his career or with his personal interests, if he gets to know others he can often gain assistance. This is a good year for networking and meeting others.

As far as work prospects are concerned, this is a year of steady progress. Results will need to be worked for, however, and the Ox year could present some stark warnings to any Wood Rat tempted to slack or take situations for granted. Wood Rats, do take note and be prepared to make the effort.

For those Wood Rats who are well established in their career, there will often be good opportunities to develop their role as new initiatives are introduced, changes in personnel lead to new openings or training is offered. By making the most of the chances that arise, the Wood Rat can do himself a lot of good. Also, by being an active member of any team he is involved with, he will get to impress many people and gain encouragement and advice from some more senior colleagues. March, June and late September to November could see some positive career developments.

For those Wood Rats who feel they could get more experience by moving on from their current position, the Ox year can again bring important developments. However, to benefit these Wood Rats need to remain focused and persistent. By contacting agencies and those with the knowledge and contacts to help, however, many Wood Rats will benefit from the advice and information they are given as well as be advised of possibilities to pursue. Even if initial applications do not go their way, by keeping alert and remaining persistent, many will find their efforts rewarded. As with so much this year, effort backed by the support of others will be a significant factor.

This also applies to those Wood Rats seeking a position. While securing one will take time, by being persistent and making the most of the information, support and any training and guidance available to them, many Wood Rats will be successful in their quest

The advances that so many Wood Rats will make in their work over the year will lead to an increase in income. However, the Wood Rat’s outgoings will be considerable this year and could be made all the greater by new commitments. As a result, the Wood Rat will need to manage his finances very carefully and if entering into any new agreement, check the obligations he is taking on and make allowance for them in his budget. Financially, this is a year for careful control. Wood Rats, do take note.

The Ox year may be a busy one, but the Wood Rat should not let his interests, recreation or level of exercise suffer as a result. By setting time aside for recreation, he will not only derive pleasure from what he does but also be able to relax and bring balance to his lifestyle. Any interests that take him out of doors, give him the chance of additional exercise or allow him to meet others will be particularly beneficial.

In many respects the Ox year is encouraging for the Wood Rat, but to get the best out of it he will need to put himself forward. For the determined, what is achieved now can be an important foundation that can be built on in following years. Overall, the Wood Rat will benefit from the encouragement of those around him and many will enjoy some very special times in their personal life.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Believe in yourself and be persistent. With your strengths and support, you can achieve a great deal this year, but it does rest with you to act determinedly and move forward.

The Fire Rat

The Ox year offers considerable scope for the Fire Rat and by making the most of his situation he can make this a satisfying and constructive time.

For Fire Rats born in 1996 this will be an important year with a lot being asked of them. There will be new challenges in their education as they move on to more complex work and they will sometimes feel daunted by all they have to do. However, the Fire Rat should realize he is not alone and those around often feel the same way as he does. By focusing on what needs to be done and giving his best, he will find himself mastering a great deal and making satisfactory progress. And, as so many have found, he will learn more by being challenged than by having things too easy. The emphasis of the Ox year is on commitment and effort, and by giving this, the Fire Rat will be helping his present situation and building the skills and knowledge he can use in following years.

The Fire Rat will enjoy a wide variety of recreational pursuits over the year. Whether in sport and outdoor activities or interests that allow him to express himself and draw on his ideas, by using the chances he has to develop and enjoy his skills, he can take much satisfaction in what he does. Also, if there are any after-school groups or local clubs he could join that could help him to try out more, he should make the most of them.

With his outgoing nature the Fire Rat will also enjoy a wide range of friendships, and by being involved in various interests, he can look forward to a great deal of fun. Over the year many Fire Rats will value one friendship in particular and will be especially grateful for the opportunity to share confidences. In addition the Fire Rat will often benefit from the help and encouragement he is given over the year and whenever he has concerns or is troubled over something, whether an academic matter or perhaps something else at school, it is important that he mentions this to others rather than keeps it to himself. By being forthcoming, he will find that others will be better able to assist and understand. Similarly, if there is any skill or interest he would like to take up or develop further, he should let others know. He does need to be open for his hopes to be realized.

There will also be opportunities for many Fire Rats to travel over the year and whether these involve short trips to places of interest or longer journeys, the Fire Rat will often enjoy the chance to see places new to him. His adventurous and enquiring spirit can be well satisfied this year.

For Fire Rats born in 1936 this can also be a satisfying time. As the Ox year starts, they would do well to give some thought to what they would like to do over the year and to discuss their ideas with others. With some clear aims, whether concerning household or garden projects, interests they are keen to pursue, travel or outings they would like to undertake, they will find they are not only able to direct their energies more profitably but that more will happen. As the Chinese proverb states, well begun ishalf done, and good planning early in 2009 can lead to a more fulfilling year. Also, the Fire Rat will be well supported by loved ones over the year.

The Ox year is a particularly encouraging one as far as the Fire Rat’s personal interests are concerned and over the year many Fire Rats will enjoy furthering their knowledge and talents. Creative activities are especially favoured and those Fire Rats who enjoy art, craftwork, writing, photography or music will find their pursuits bringing much personal satisfaction. In addition, if they are able to meet others with similar interests, they will not only enjoy sharing their knowledge but also find this can lead to some special occasions. By making good use of their time, skills and opportunities, they will be well rewarded.

The Ox year will also bring some good travel opportunities, including invitations to visit those living some distance away. In addition, if there is a particular destination the Fire Rat has been promising himself that he will visit, he would do well to make enquiries and see what is possible.

As far as financial matters are concerned, however, the Fire Rat will need to be careful and thorough. This includes budgeting for commitments and plans as well as dealing with any financially related forms or correspondence promptly. If he is in any doubt over a financial matter, he would do well to seek advice. With care and attentiveness he will be pleased with how he fares, but this is a year for good financial management.

The Ox year is a generally positive one for Fire Rats and, whether born in 1936 or 1996, if he makes the most of his situation, he will often take much satisfaction in what he is able to achieve. Overall, the Ox year holds interesting prospects and fine opportunities for many.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Embrace new challenges. By furthering your knowledge and skills you will find yourself gaining in a variety of ways.

The Earth Rat

This will be a pleasing year for the Earth Rat, giving him a good chance to concentrate on his plans and derive satisfaction from his activities.