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

The Water Rat

The Water element can strengthen the creative and communicative qualities of a sign and this is particularly the case for the Water Rat. Always adept at expressing himself and coming up with ideas, he is set to do well this year. Indeed, after the challenges he may have faced in recent times, this year can bring a welcome change in fortune.

As the year starts, though, the Water Rat should set himself some objectives to work towards. This is no time for sitting on the sidelines or waiting for opportunities to emerge – the year favours action.

One area which can particularly benefit from the improved aspects is the Water Rat’s work situation. The many Water Rats who are already established in a particular industry will have the chance to take their career further, while the aspects are also encouraging for those seeking a position or a change.

Water Rats who are already settled where they are will find that developments can open up new positions and there could be opportunities for promotion or to move to another sector. Some may be offered training which can lead on to other possibilities or have an idea which they are able to develop as the year progresses.

Water Rats who are looking for work should actively follow up suitable openings but also explore other possibilities. Sometimes courses may be available which can widen and update their skills, or they may decide to consider a different type of work. Whatever they choose to do, by being active and showing initiative, both to employment advisers and prospective employers, these Water Rats will not only be given valuable assistance but may also be successful in their quest. It is the Water Rat’s talents, personality and drive which will deliver results this year. March to early May, August and October could see important work developments, but whenever opportunities arise, they do need to be acted upon promptly, before the impetus is lost.

With the aspects favouring initiative, this is also an excellent year for the Water Rat to further his personal interests. Creative pursuits could develop particularly well, with some ideas or projects meeting with a pleasing response. Any Water Rats who do not have a current interest or would welcome a new challenge should keep alert for possibilities. With this being a year that favours personal development, any new interests that are followed through can bring considerable personal benefit.

Quite a few Water Rats will also give some consideration to their well-being over the year. By seeking advice about diet and exercise, they may be able to introduce changes that make a noticeable difference.

Finances can also see an improvement this year. Many Water Rats are likely to both increase their income and benefit from a gift or additional payment. However, the Water Rat will have many demands on his resources and should budget carefully and set money aside for specific requirements. In particular, major purchases for the home need to be costed carefully. In some cases it could be prudent to wait for special opportunities. Here the Water Rat’s alertness and patience may well help him to make purchases on favourable terms.

With his outgoing nature, he will also welcome the social opportunities of the year. Not only will he value his chances to chat with his friends and get important feedback on his thoughts and concerns, but his work and interests could lead to him meeting some new people who could quickly become important. May, June and mid-July to early October could see the most social opportunities.

For the unattached, the Goat year can also bring unexpected and glorious romance, with a chance meeting transforming the Water Rat’s life. On a personal level, he will certainly find himself in demand, with some special times to enjoy.

This will also be a busy year domestically and it is important that there is good dialogue between everyone in the household. Here the Water Rat’s input can lead to a lot going ahead, although decisions should not be rushed and sufficient time allowed for practical activities and considering more major purchases. The Goat year can also bring some unexpected opportunities, including the chance to travel or take a holiday at short notice. Some of the Water Rat’s ideas may also lead to some memorable family occasions.

Water Rats who are parents will be keen to support their children, particularly if they are facing important decisions concerning their education or work choices. Here the Water Rat’s ability to listen and advise can be of particular value.

In so many respects the Goat year offers considerable scope for the Water Rat. It is a time to decide on what he wants to achieve and then work purposefully towards it. He will not only be helped by his background and personality but also by the opportunities that will arise over the year. On quite a few occasions, serendipity will prove a special friend. This is very much a year for personal growth and the positive and willing Water Rat can enjoy some fine successes.

Tip for the Year

Be active and involved. Put forward ideas, build on strengths and keep alert for opportunities. This can be an exciting time. Make the most of it, for there is much to be gained.

The Wood Rat

‘Diligence leads to riches’, as the Chinese proverb reminds us, and the effort the Wood Rat puts into his various activities this year will reward him well. In many ways this can be an encouraging time for him, although in the light of previous developments there will be quite a few Wood Rats who start the year disappointed with recent progress or nursing some regret. These Wood Rats should try to draw a line under what has gone before and focus their attention on the present. In particular, if the Wood Rat has specific objectives to meet or ideas he would like to explore, this is a time to take action and see what materializes. With a confident, determined approach, much can come to pass, but the Wood Rat does need to be the instigator.

This is especially the case in his work situation. For Wood Rats who are following a particular career, this is an excellent time to progress to a new level. Sometimes this will occur as more senior staff move on and create promotion opportunities, but if not and it looks difficult to move forward in the Wood Rat’s current place of work, he should investigate openings elsewhere. He knows he has great potential and he should not allow himself to languish this year.

For Wood Rats who are dissatisfied with their present situation or seeking work, the Goat year offers change and opportunity. Although the job-seeking process will be demanding, by making enquiries and actively following up vacancies (sometimes in a different capacity from what they have done before), many of these Wood Rats will be successful in gaining a position on which they can build in the future. March, April, August, October and January 2016 could see important developments, but throughout the year chances can arise suddenly and need to be acted upon before they are lost.

Progress made at work will also help financially and in addition the Wood Rat’s astute nature will assist him with some transactions and purchases, especially concerning his accommodation. However, with many outgoings likely, he will need to control his budget carefully. Also, if entering into an agreement at any time, he should check the terms and, if appropriate, obtain professional advice. Financially, he can fare well this year, but he does need to be thorough.

As far as his personal interests are concerned, this can also be an encouraging year. Wood Rats who are creatively inclined should make full use of their talents and consider promoting their ideas and work. Also, no matter what interests the Wood Rat may have, it is important that he sets time aside to pursue them. The Goat year favours personal growth, and developing his personal interests can bring the Wood Rat pleasure and keep his often busy lifestyle in balance.

This Goat year can also be personally memorable. Some Wood Rats may decide to marry or settle down with their partner or see an addition to their family. Affairs of the heart are splendidly aspected and Wood Rats who are unattached will have an excellent chance to meet someone who is destined to become significant.

Throughout the year the Wood Rat will also value the support of his family and close friends. With ideas to consider, decisions to take and work changes likely, he may be particularly grateful for their first-hand knowledge and assistance. Throughout the year he should not hesitate to ask for advice should his situation warrant it.

In addition, he will enjoy his social life, including the way certain interests bring him into contact with others. New friends and contacts can be important both now and in the future. May, June and August to early October could see the most social opportunities and the Wood Rat should aim to make the most of them. This is a year to be active and involved. Much can be gained as a consequence.

Domestically, too, this will be a busy year. Accommodation matters could be prominent, with some Wood Rats deciding to move to more convenient accommodation or carry out improvements on their home. A lot of time and effort is likely to be spent on practical activities and while these may sometimes be exasperating, by the year’s end the Wood Rat will often be surprised and delighted by how much has been achieved.

Another feature of the Goat year is the sudden opportunities it can bring and throughout the year the Wood Rat needs to keep alert, particularly as unforeseen developments can make certain tasks and decisions easier. In some instances, just mentioning an idea can set important wheels in motion or lead to a helpful suggestion being made. Serendipity, luck and an unexpected helping hand can all play a welcome part in this domestically fulfilling year.

With his determined nature and many personal strengths, the Wood Rat has great potential and this year will offer him the chance to make more of himself. To reap the benefits he will need to look to move his situation forward, but throughout the year he will value his relations with others, and personal developments can help make this a splendid and memorable time.

Tip for the Year

Follow through on your dreams. With your abilities and the excellent opportunities that will come your way, you can achieve a lot this year. This is a time for action and for realizing your potential. You have a lot to gain.

The Fire Rat

The significance of this Goat year for the Fire Rat should not be underestimated. With many Fire Rats embarking on important stages in their education, seeking to establish themselves in their work and/or facing key personal choices, the decisions they take during it can shape the next few years. In many of his undertakings, the Fire Rat will be assisted by the year’s favourable aspects, although to make the most of his potential he will need to apply himself and take charge.

For the many Fire Rats involved in education, there will be considerable amounts to study, new subject areas to master and some exacting deadlines. Although these Fire Rats will sometimes be daunted by what is expected of them, by remaining organized and working consistently, they can make valuable progress and discover new talents. In some cases, what they study now could alert them to subjects they will choose to specialize in later. In others, there will be the chance to switch to a more appropriate course. For many Fire Rats, this will be a year of self-discovery in which they gain strengths and knowledge they can build on in the future.

With a lot resting on what they choose to do now, it is important these Fire Rats make the most of the resources available to them, including the facilities in their place of education. They may also benefit from seeking advice from their tutors on the choices they have to make or asking for assistance if facing difficulties.

For Fire Rats in work, again the year can bring far-reaching decisions. Those already established in a position will often be offered the chance to take on greater duties. By being willing and showing commitment, they may well find one opportunity paving the way for another. Taking advantage of training schemes can also help both their present and future prospects.

For Fire Rats who are unfulfilled in their present work and keen to move on, as well as those seeking a position, the Goat year can open up interesting opportunities. To benefit, these Fire Rats may need to consider types of work that are different from their original choice. However, by keeping alert, actively following up vacancies and seizing the chances they are offered, they can not only gain valuable work experience but also establish an important base which they can build on, sometimes quite quickly. March, April, August and October and January 2016 could see particularly encouraging developments.

The Fire Rat can also see an improvement in his financial position over the year and may benefit from a gift or extra sum of money. However, in view of his busy lifestyle and the many plans and purchases he will have in mind, he will need to be disciplined in spending and budget ahead for certain requirements. Also, rather than rushing into purchases, if he takes the time to make comparisons and wait for favourable buying opportunities, he can save himself unnecessary outlay. This is a year for careful financial management.

It can, however, be an encouraging time for personal interests. Fire Rats with creative talents could derive particular pleasure from taking their ideas further. Many will also benefit from the encouragement of others and be on inspired form. By being willing to embrace what becomes available to them, all Fire Rats can make this a satisfying and potentially successful year.

For many Fire Rats, affairs of the heart can also bring some glorious times. Love, romance and special friendships can all play a big part this year. Changes in the Fire Rat’s situation can also lead to new friendships. May, June and August to early October could see the most social activity. However, in this busy and full year, a note of warning does need to be sounded: with a busy social life and some demanding days and late nights, the Fire Rat does need to give himself the chance to catch up. Overtiring himself, overindulging himself or paying scant attention to his diet could leave him not at his best. This can be an exciting year, but the Fire Rat does need to strike a sensible balance.

Also, although he is often immersed in his own activities, he would do well to share his thoughts with family members as well as contribute to family life. Not only will good dialogue help rapport, but if the Fire Rat is able to express his ideas, he will find those close to him better able to understand and assist. In addition, some expertise the Fire Rat may have, whether technical or in some other capacity, could prove useful to a more senior relative and be of more value than he may realize at the time. In this respect, as with so much this year, a great deal can follow on from the Fire Rat’s willingness to be open and involved.

Overall, the Year of the Goat is rich in possibility and there will be chances for the Fire Rat to show more of his potential as well as make important headway in his education or work. This will require discipline and application, but by believing in himself the Fire Rat can make valuable progress as well as help determine the course of the next few years. On a personal level, this can be an exciting year, with the Fire Rat making the most of his strengths and his many social opportunities.

Tip for the Year

Believe in yourself. Skills, qualifications and experience gained over the year can open up opportunities for you. Make the most of today, for it can lead to an exciting tomorrow.

The Earth Rat

The Earth Rat has a talent for using his time well and as the Goat year starts he will almost certainly have projects he is keen to pursue as well as a myriad of activities to keep him busy. However, while a lot can go well for him, it is important that he keeps an open mind. Situations may change and plans should not be set in stone this year.

It is also important that when he has an idea, the Earth Rat consults those around him and listens to their views. Sometimes just the process of discussion can give him fresh thoughts to consider and set plans in motion. Good dialogue can assist him in many of his undertakings this year, including home and domestic projects, travel, personal interests or any matters preying on his mind. Sometimes professionals can give important advice as well. By seeking the opinions of others (and sometimes a helping hand), the Earth Rat will find that a lot can be achieved this year.

One area which can bring particular satisfaction will be his personal interests. Creative activities are especially well aspected, and Earth Rats who enjoy art, writing, music or craftwork could take delight in developing their talents. The Goat year offers great possibilities for the willing. Earth Rats who have been considering learning another skill, trying a different pursuit or following up a new area of interest will also benefit from putting their ideas into practice. As family connections are important to the Earth Rat, some may enjoy spending time researching aspects of family history. Whatever his interests, the Earth Rat will find this an ideal year for developing them in some way.

In addition, he should also give some consideration to his own well-being over the year. If he does not take regular exercise, he should seek medical advice on activities that may help. Here again, he could benefit from the suggestions from others, and in some cases start a pleasurable new activity. The Goat year can open up many possibilities.

Travel may also feature prominently over the year and many Earth Rats will have the chance to visit areas they have long wanted to see. Some will also enjoy finding out more about their own area, perhaps by visiting places of interest. The Earth Rat’s enquiring nature can lead to many enjoyable occasions.

Another pleasing aspect of the year will be the strokes of luck the Earth Rat will enjoy. These will not only include the way certain plans are fortuitously advanced but the special offers the Earth Rat is able to take advantage of, including travel-wise.