Your Chinese Horoscope 2013: What the year of the snake holds in store for you

Another area which requires care this year is finance. The Rat will need to watch his spending and be wary of risk. Without care, he could incur a loss or find his outgoings are more than anticipated. Throughout the year he should keep control of his budget and make provision for larger outgoings and more expensive plans. Also, if entering into an agreement at any time, he should check the terms and implications. This is no year to make assumptions or take unnecessary risks.

The Snake year does, though, favour personal development, and by using his spare time well, whether by furthering an interest or starting something new, the Rat can find his positive actions rewarding him well.

With his outgoing and curious nature, the Rat knows a great many people and can look forward to some enjoyable social occasions over the year. March, May, August and December could be particularly active months. For the unattached, romance could figure strongly, although the path of true love may not always run smoothly. Throughout the year the Rat will need to be his attentive self and remain aware of the feelings of others. Here again, Snake years require the Rat to tread carefully.

The Rat’s home life is special to him and during the year he will value the support and advice of those around him. When he is under pressure or making what could be an important decision, he will find the insights of his loved ones can not only reassure him but also guide him. However, to benefit fully, he does need to be open and communicate well with those close to him. The same is true for home projects and purchases: good discussion will not only make some decisions easier, but also help understanding and rapport. Domestically, this is a year favouring a joint approach and good planning. Setting time aside for shared interests, special occasions or a short break away will also do everyone good. The closing months of the year could see some additional travel opportunities and family occasions that the Rat will greatly enjoy.

Overall, the Snake year will be a mixed one for the Rat and he will need to be patient and careful. However, he is resourceful and by making the best of his situation and remaining aware of what is going on around him, he can still make headway and, importantly, add to his skills, knowledge and strengths. Used well, this can be an instructive year, with the Rat’s patience and commitment being rewarded, even though results may sometimes be slow in coming through.

The Metal Rat

The Metal Rat has many fine qualities, including the ability to relate to others and empathize, but his sense of awareness is also important. He takes in a great deal and is adept at picking up nuances, and this talent will prove especially useful in the Snake year. This may not be an easy time for the Metal Rat, but it is one of interesting possibility.

One of its most favourably aspected areas is personal development, and by doing something positive, whether that involves learning new skills that could help his work situation, developing his personal interests or taking up recreational pursuits that could help his general well-being, the Metal Rat can take considerable satisfaction from what he does.

He will also find his actions can bring him into contact with others, and over the year can widen his social circle and build up good contacts. His ability to forge good connections can serve him well again this year. For socializing, March, May, August and December could be busy months. Metal Rats who find romance this year do need to remain attentive, however, and take time to get to know their partner rather than proceed too hastily.

Domestically, the Metal Rat can look forward to some interesting times this year. Important decisions will need to be taken and some will have long-term implications. These could concern his or his partner’s work situation, the choices facing his children, expenditure on the home or, for a few Metal Rats, a possible move. Ample time needs to be allowed to discuss options and consider costs, implications and the best way forward. While there may be anxious moments, the Metal Rat’s judgement will prove useful. Important benefits can follow on and many of the decisions and efforts of the year will prove well worthwhile. In addition, many Metal Rats will take particular delight in the achievements of a younger relation, and the support the Metal Rat is able to give will be valued.

Although his home life will frequently be busy, the Metal Rat should also make sure quality time with his loved ones does not suffer. Shared interests and, if possible, a holiday or short break will be especially appreciated.

At work, the Metal Rat may see important possibilities arising over the year. Metal Rats who are well established where they are could find themselves taking on new responsibilities which will allow them to make greater use of their expertise. In some cases, this could entail considerable adjustments to routine, but the headway made in 2013 may not only be substantial but also satisfying and well deserved.

For Metal Rats who are seeking to make a change, as well as those seeking work, the Snake year will be challenging. Obtaining a new position will not be easy, but, to their credit, Metal Rats are tenacious. Effort and patience will be required in 2013, but the year will not be without its opportunities. Late March, April and September to early December could see some important work developments.

The Metal Rat will, though, need to be careful in financial matters. With some expensive home plans likely, plus his other commitments, he will need to manage his outgoings well. Also, if entering into any agreement, he should check the terms and, if necessary, seek appropriate advice. This is no year for risk or acting hastily.

Another area which the Metal Rat should give some consideration to is his lifestyle. With his often busy schedule, it is important he builds in time for recreation as well as watches the quality of his diet. If he feels under par at any time during the year, he should seek advice.

Overall, the Year of the Snake will ask a lot of the Metal Rat. The progress he makes will often be the result of considerable time and effort, and in addition the year can bring some important but not always easy decisions. However, by thinking carefully about his situation and the choices before him, the Metal Rat can ultimately benefit. He should take full advantage of any opportunities for personal development, and by furthering his personal interests or adding to his professional capabilities and knowledge, he can derive a lot of satisfaction from what he does as well as prepare for future possibilities. A valuable and potentially rewarding year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be prepared to put in the time and effort. Also, keep alert for possibilities. Although this may not always be an easy year, your efforts and awareness can ultimately reward you well.

The Water Rat

One of the key features of the Snake year is that it rewards long-term planning, and by giving careful thought to his future hopes, the Water Rat can make it a significant time. This may not be a year for speedy results, but slowly and surely many Water Rats will be able to make important headway.

The Water Rat’s thoughts could concern almost any area of his life, including the way he would like his career to develop, a particular skill or interest he would like to make more of, his accommodation (possibly including relocating) and/or some personal aspirations. No matter what he may be hoping to achieve, by giving thought to what he wants, making enquiries and taking those all-important first steps, he can set important wheels in motion. This is a year for planning, not delay.

Throughout the year, it is important that the Water Rat discusses his thoughts with others, especially in his home life, where he will be particularly grateful for the support of family members. When considering future plans, he can receive much useful help and encouragement from those around him and should not be reticent in asking for advice or assistance. During the year there will be also be some situations that require careful planning. These could include arranging a family gathering, helping a family member to move or starting ambitious domestic plans. Again, good communication and co-operation will be essential. In many Water Rat households, there could also be family news to celebrate and chances to travel late in the year.

As a result of his interests and activities, the Water Rat knows a great many people, and once again will enjoy meeting his friends and some of the social occasions he goes to. March, May, August and December could be especially fine and interesting months socially. However, when he is with others, the Water Rat will need to be his attentive self. Without care, an indiscreet comment could cause difficulty. Here again the Snake year requires the Water Rat to be watchful, alert and aware.

For Water Rats who are alone and maybe hoping for new friendships and romance, the Snake year can bring interesting developments. By making the most of their chances to go out, these Water Rats will have good opportunities to meet others. However, where affairs of the heart are concerned, it would be helpful to allow time to get to know each other rather than rush into any commitment.

The Snake year particularly encourages learning and personal development, and during it the Water Rat should aim to make more of his personal interests or consider taking up something new. Not only can his interests sometimes be an outlet for his ideas and creative talents, but they can also help him relax. He would also benefit by giving some consideration to the amount of regular exercise he gets and to the quality of his diet. If he feels either is lacking, it would be worth seeking advice on the best way to improve.

At work, this is a year for dedicated effort. Water Rats who are well established where they are could face greater demands and challenging situations. However, while the pressures may sometimes be great, by focusing on what needs to be done and using their skills and judgement wisely, not only will they have the chance to impress but also prove they have the abilities necessary for promotion. Success this year will be well deserved and hard won.

Water Rats who decide to move on from where they are or are seeking work will find the job-seeking process requires considerable effort. Openings may be limited and competition considerable. However, by being willing to consider a wide range of possibilities and, in some cases, retraining, many Water Rats will secure what can be an important opportunity. Late March, April and mid-September to early December could see encouraging developments, but throughout the Snake year the Water Rat should act determinedly and remain persistent.

In money matters, again this is a year requiring care. With some large home and family expenses likely, plus his other commitments, the Water Rat should manage his budget carefully and keep a close watch on his outgoings. This is a time for good financial management.

In general the Snake year can be an exacting one for the Water Rat. Considerable effort will be needed to make headway and results will not always come quickly. However, what the Water Rat can plan – and achieve – behind the scenes can be significant. Working towards longer-term objectives or gaining knowledge and skills that can be useful later on can bear significant fruit. The long-term benefits of the Snake year can be considerable and it can leave a powerful legacy for the Water Rat to build on.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Avoid haste. Consider your plans carefully and use any chances to further your knowledge and skills. Investing in yourself can lead to important opportunities opening up for future success.

The Wood Rat

This can be a quietly satisfying year for the Wood Rat. Although it may lack the dynamic activity of some, by setting about his activities in a keen, determined way, he can not only improve himself but also sow important seeds for the future. Indeed, a lot that the Wood Rat does this year can be of far-reaching significance. However, he will need to be patient and thorough, as this is no time for risk or rush.

This is particularly the case at work. In recent years many Wood Rats will have impressed others with their dedication and skills, and this year those who have been with the same employer for some time will often have a chance to take on greater responsibilities and learn about other aspects of their work. However, in setting about their duties, they could face additional pressures. Snake years do not always make life easy for the Wood Rat, but the effort he puts in and skills he demonstrates can help both his present position and future prospects. It is worth making the effort.

For Wood Rats who feel there is limited scope where they are and decide to move on, as well as those seeking work, there can be important developments in store. Obtaining a position will require great effort and these Wood Rats should consider widening their search. By doing so, however, many could secure a position that is very different from what they have done before but is a good base to build on. Those who do take on a new position this year should make the most of any training they may be offered and embrace the chance to learn. What they accomplish now can open up further possibilities in the future. April and mid-September to early December could see some particularly encouraging developments.

Although many Wood Rats will enjoy a modest increase in earnings over the year, money matters do require care. With personal, accommodation and sometimes transport expenses likely to be considerable, the Wood Rat will need to budget carefully. Economies may be needed in order to go ahead with certain plans, or even meet commitments, and the keyword in 2013 is discipline. The Wood Rat should also be thorough in all financial matters and check the terms and obligations of any new agreement he enters into. The Snake year rewards careful attention.

Over the year, the Wood Rat should also give some thought to his well-being. With sometimes long and demanding days, he does need to allow time for rest and relaxation and also make sure his diet is balanced and sufficient. If lacking regular exercise, he should try to schedule some into his week. Without care, he could find himself under par this year, and if anything concerns him at any time, or he decides to start a new exercise regime, he should seek medical advice.

In addition to learning new skills in his work, he can, however derive considerable satisfaction from his personal interests. Whether enjoying the pleasure and company these can bring or setting himself a new project, he can get much personal benefit from what he does over the year. And with his often busy lifestyle, it is important that he allows himself time for recreation.

This also applies to his social life. In view of his pressures and commitments, the Wood Rat may decide to cut back on his socializing this year. However, he should still keep in regular contact with friends and if he receives invitations to events that appeal to him, he should try to go. March, May, August and December will see the most social activity.

For the unattached Wood Rat, there could be significant romance this year, but if it is to endure, time is needed. Rushing things or building up high expectations early on could lead to heartbreak. Wood Rats, take note and allow any blossoming romance to evolve in its own way and time.

Domestically, this can be a busy year. Some Wood Rats will start a family, some will have ambitious accommodation plans and some will have other key objectives they are keen to realize. A lot is set to happen and the Wood Rat will need to remain attentive and aware. Also, developments in the Snake year can sometimes take a curious course, with plans needing to be revised or new possibilities arising. To benefit, the Wood Rat will need to show some flexibility, but over the year he can find important hopes being realized and bringing him considerable happiness. As with so much in 2013, this may not happen quickly, though, but need to be worked towards.

Throughout the year the Wood Rat will do much to assist others and many will be grateful for his advice. In his home life, once again he will play a full and valued part.

Overall, 2013 will be a demanding year, but while the going may sometimes be tough, the Wood Rat will have the chance to learn new skills, demonstrate personal qualities and prepare the way for subsequent advances. The Snake year will be both constructive and instructive, and while its pressures may sometimes be great, it will also contain some special moments, including the realization of certain personal hopes. Despite the effort required, the Wood Rat can find it a personally satisfying and illuminating year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be thorough and proceed carefully and steadily. Also, allow time for yourself as well as to spend with others. Keep your lifestyle in balance so you can appreciate what you do and those around you all the more.

The Fire Rat

There is a Chinese proverb that the Fire Rat would do well to bear in mind this year: ‘Diligence leads to riches.’ By setting about his activities in a careful and diligent way, he will find what he can accomplish this year can be of considerable future value.

In his education the Fire Rat should make the most of the opportunities available to him. Even though he may feel uneasy about certain aspects of his education and may find particular subjects challenging, this is still a golden opportunity to learn, acquire skills and discover more about his capabilities. These chances are not ones to waste.

To get the most from his studying, the Fire Rat should be disciplined and allow sufficient time for reading and exam preparation. If he works steadily throughout the year, his overall progress will be that much better. Also, as the year develops, he could get the chance to study certain topics in greater depth or start new courses which can have long-term significance.

Throughout the year, he should be open and communicative, and if he has problems or uncertainties, speak to those who are able to help. Similarly, if he would like to find out more about some courses or work choices, he should ask. This is no time to keep his concerns to himself or miss out on the assistance that is available.