Your Chinese Horoscope 2015: What the year of the goat holds in store for you

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.