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

In addition to more academic pursuits, the Fire Rat can derive much pleasure from his recreational interests over the year. By allowing time for these and, if applicable, making the most of the facilities and instruction available, he will enjoy developing his strengths, ideas and skills. Fire Rats who enjoy activities such as sport, music or dance can also enjoy a great sense of camaraderie that adds to the fun.

For any Fire Rats who are feeling alone or unfulfilled, the Snake year can again offer opportunity. However, to benefit, these Fire Rats will need to be active in bringing about the improvement they desire. Looking at what is available in their locality and setting themselves personal objectives will be of benefit. By doing something definite, many Fire Rats will be able to bring meaning and sparkle back into their lives this year as well as improve their outlook.

A factor that the Fire Rat will need to remember, however, is that this year can be a slow-moving one and results will need to be worked for. This is no time to expect swift developments or rush activities. The most rewarding results will come from steady effort. During the year the Fire Rat will also need to be mindful of the views of others. Ignoring the views or feelings of relatives and close friends in particular can lead to some difficult moments. Throughout the year the Fire Rat does need to pay heed to those around him.

This need for awareness also applies to financial matters. If there are particular items the Fire Rat is thinking of acquiring, particularly if they involve considerable outlay, it would be worth him seeking advice on what best meets his requirements. Money matters require careful consideration this year and this is no time for risk, haste or impulse buys.

Fire Rats who decide to leave education and seek work over the year may find it challenging. The pressures and changes may be considerable, but by rising to the challenge, these Fire Rats can not only obtain valuable working skills but also learn more about their capabilities. The Snake year can be an instructive one.

During the year, although the Fire Rat will often be immersed in his own activities, he should also involve himself in his home life. Any help he is able to give may be of more value than he may realize. This is a year favouring participation and openness, and should any differences of opinion arise, these should be talked through and, where possible, a compromise reached. Many Fire Rats will find their home life rewarding and loved ones supportive, but this does require involvement, consideration and a certain flexibility on their part.

Overall, the Year of the Snake is one of great possibility for the Fire Rat, but to benefit he does need to make the most of his situation. He also needs to be patient and have faith in himself and his abilities. By applying himself steadily and seizing his opportunities, he can learn a great deal, and his diligence will help to give him the skills and knowledge he can build on later.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Be active, willing and committed. Follow up opportunities and ideas and, if necessary, ask for more information. You have a great future ahead of you and the lessons learned now can stand you in excellent stead.

The Earth Rat

Unlike some years, which see events hurtling along at a fast pace, this year favours steady and careful planning. It is the type of year the Earth Rat prefers. Rather than feel buffeted by external forces, he will be able to plan ahead and conduct his activities in the way he wants. ‘Slow and steady wins the race’, as the Chinese proverb states, and slow and steady will, for the Earth Rat, deliver some worthwhile results this year.

As the Snake year starts, the Earth Rat would do well to give careful thought to what he would like to see happen over the next 12 months. By talking his ideas over with his loved ones, he may find some important and sometimes exciting plans taking shape. Also, as the year proceeds, many Earth Rats may benefit from a slice of luck. Throughout the year, it would reward the Earth Rat to keep alert and aware.

For those in work, this can be an important year. Some may retire or decide to cut back on their working commitments and may have certain ideas and plans they are now keen to implement. Those who do retire should keep alert for opportunities becoming available. Whether these involve activity clubs and groups in their area, courses or, for some, the chance to become more involved in their community, they will find that this is a year to be open to possibility and act on those that appeal to them. By doing so, these Earth Rats can derive a great deal of personal satisfaction from the projects they start. This also applies to Earth Rats who may not have worked for some time and would welcome the chance to do something different. The Year of the Snake favours involvement and participation, and by exploring what is available, the Earth Rat can find some interesting openings arising.

Throughout the year he will also be helped by those around him. If he discusses his ideas with others, he will not only be encouraged and advised, but could also find some plans taking on a momentum of their own. Similarly, if he has concerns or is considering taking up certain activities, he should contact those able to offer expert advice. This is no time to be reticent or hold back. If the Earth Rat needs to know something, he should ask.

One area which requires close attention this year is finance. For Earth Rats who retire, there could be pension arrangements and other benefits to finalize, and these should be dealt with thoroughly and, if need be, with professional assistance. Also, if conducting a large transaction or involved in a major purchase, the Earth Rat should check the details and implications and keep the paperwork safe. Financial matters require careful consideration this year.

The Earth Rat would also do well to give some consideration to his well-being, including his diet and general level of exercise. To keep on good form he does need to pay some attention to his fitness and, if he feels it helpful, obtain medical advice on lifestyle improvements he could make. Also, if he has any concerns during the year, he should get these checked out.

Many Earth Rats will decide to travel this year and will again enjoy planning their trips. By finding out about their destination in advance, these Earth Rats will not only enjoy the build-up to their journey all the more but also derive more pleasure from it while away. In addition to any holidays or breaks, the Earth Rat should also take up any invitations to visit family and friends as well as any last-minute travel opportunities that appeal to him.

With his alert and friendly nature, the Earth Rat enjoys good relations with many people and over the year will very much appreciate meeting up with his friends and attending social events. For those who retire, there could be some additional social activity to mark the event and possibly some surprises to look forward to. In addition, activities the Earth Rat may already be involved in or may start during the year can lead to making new friends. Late February, March, May, August and December are likely to see the most social activity. However, while the Earth Rat will enjoy many social occasions, he should remain his attentive self and take into account the feelings of those around him. A faux pas or misconstrued remark could lead to some awkward moments. Earth Rats, take note, and in your relations with others, as with so much this year, do be aware.

In the Earth Rat’s home life, this is a year that favours combined effort. Sharing activities, pooling talents and helping one another can lead to a lot happening and being appreciated. Good discussion and planning can also give the year structure, with activities and events to work towards. In addition many Earth Rats will take particular pleasure in following the progress of younger relations, and for those who are grandparents or become grandparents this year, any additional assistance and support they are able to give could be especially welcome. Over the year, the Earth Rat’s home life will mean a great deal to him, but here again, with the prevailing aspects, he does need to take into account the feelings of those around him. Snake years do call for care and awareness, but overall, home life can be satisfying, with many plans slowly but surely being realized.

Although the pace this year may be slower than of late, a lot can still happen for the Earth Rat. This is very much a time for deciding on plans and then setting them in motion. In addition, some interesting opportunities may arise. Whether advancing his plans, developing his interests or pursuing his opportunities, if the Earth Rat remains active and aware, he can make 2013 a satisfying and personally rewarding year.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Do consult others and draw on the advice and assistance available to you. Much is possible this year, and the better your support, the more you can achieve.

FAMOUS RATS

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

THE OX

THE PERSONALITY OF THE OX

The more considered the way,

the more considerable the journey.

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

The Ox takes his responsibilities and duties very seriously. He is decisive and quick to take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. He is also sincere and places a great deal of trust in his friends and colleagues. He is, nevertheless, something of a loner. He is a quiet and private individual and often keeps his thoughts to himself. He also cherishes his independence and prefers to set about things in his own way rather than be bound by the dictates of others or influenced by outside pressures.

The Ox tends to have a calm and tranquil nature, but if something angers him or he feels that someone has let him down, he can have a fearsome temper. He can also be stubborn and obstinate and this can lead him into conflict with others. Usually he will succeed in getting his own way, but should things go against him he is a poor loser and will take any defeat or setback extremely badly.

The Ox is often a deep thinker and rather studious. He is not particularly renowned for his sense of humour and does not take kindly to new gimmicks or anything too innovative. He is too solid and traditional for that and prefers to stick to the more conventional norm.

His home is very important to him and in some respects he treats it as a private sanctuary. His family tends to be closely knit and the Ox will make sure that each member does their fair share around the house. He tends to be a hoarder, but he is always well organized and neat. He also places great importance on punctuality and there is nothing that infuriates him more than to be kept waiting, particularly if it is due to someone’s inefficiency. The Ox can be a hard taskmaster!

Once settled in a job or house the Ox will quite happily remain there for many years. He does not like change and he is also not particularly keen on travel. He does, however, enjoy gardening and other outdoor pursuits and he will often spend much of his spare time out of doors. He is usually an excellent gardener and whenever possible will make sure he has a large area of ground to maintain. He usually prefers to live in the country than the town.

Due to his dedicated and dependable nature the Ox will usually do well in his chosen career, providing he is given enough freedom to act on his own initiative. He invariably does well in politics, agriculture and careers that need specialized training. He is also very gifted artistically and many Oxen have enjoyed considerable success as musicians or composers.

The Ox is not as outgoing as some and it often takes him a long time to establish friendships and feel relaxed in another person’s company. His courtships are likely to be long, but once he is settled he will remain devoted and loyal to his partner. He is particularly well suited to those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake and Rooster. He can also establish a good relationship with the Monkey, Dog, Pig and another Ox, but he will find that he has little in common with the whimsical and sensitive Goat. He will also find it difficult to get on with the Horse, Dragon and Tiger – the Ox prefers a quiet and peaceful existence and those born under these three signs tend to be a little too lively and impulsive for his liking.

The female Ox has a kind and caring nature and her home and family are very much her pride and joy. She always tries to do her best for her partner and can be a most conscientious and loving parent. She is an excellent organizer and a very determined person who will often succeed in getting what she wants in life. She usually has a deep interest in the arts and is often a talented artist or musician.

The Ox is a very down-to-earth character. He is sincere, loyal and unpretentious. He can, however, be rather reserved and to some he may appear distant and aloof. He has a quiet nature, but underneath he is very strong-willed and ambitious. He has the courage of his convictions and is often prepared to stand up for what he believes to be right, regardless of the consequences. He inspires confidence and trust and throughout his life he will rarely be short of people who are ready to support him.

THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OX

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 Ox are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore Oxen born in 1961 are Metal Oxen, Oxen born in 1913 and 1973 are Water Oxen, and so on.

Metal Ox: 1961

This Ox is confident and very strong-willed. He can be blunt and forthright in his views and is not afraid of speaking his mind. He sets about his objectives with a dogged determination, but he can become so involved in his various activities that he can be oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around him, and this can sometimes be to his detriment. He is honest and dependable and will never promise more than he can deliver. He has a good appreciation of the arts and usually has a small circle of very good and loyal friends.

Water Ox: 1913, 1973

This Ox has a sharp and penetrating mind. He is a good organizer and sets about his work in a methodical manner. He is not as narrow-minded as some of the other types of Ox and is more willing to involve others in his plans and aspirations. He usually has very high moral standards and is often attracted to careers in public service. He is a good judge of character and has such a friendly and persuasive manner that he usually experiences little difficulty in securing his objectives. He is popular and has an excellent way with children.

Wood Ox: 1925, 1985

The Wood Ox conducts himself with an air of dignity and authority and will often take a leading role in any enterprise in which he becomes involved. He is very self-confident and is direct in his dealings with others. He does, however, have a quick temper and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He has tremendous drive and willpower and an extremely good memory. He is particularly loyal and devoted to the members of his family and has a most caring nature.

Fire Ox: 1937, 1997

The Fire Ox has a powerful and assertive personality and is a hard and conscientious worker. He holds strong views and has very little patience when things do not go his way. He can also get carried away in the excitement of the moment and does not always take into account the views of those around him. He nevertheless has many leadership qualities and will often reach positions of power, eminence and wealth. He usually has a small group of loyal and close friends and is very devoted to his family.

Earth Ox: 1949, 2009

This Ox sets about everything he does in a sensible and level-headed manner. He is ambitious but also realistic in his aims and is often prepared to work long hours to secure his objectives. He is shrewd in financial and business matters and is a very good judge of character. He has a quiet nature and is greatly admired for his sincerity and integrity. He is also very loyal to his family and friends and his views are often sought.