Your Chinese Horoscope 2016: What the Year of the Monkey holds in store for you

In addition, there could be increased opportunities for the Rat to travel in connection with his work this year, or possibly relocate. Also, with this being a year favouring self-development, if there are chances for him to go on training courses or set time aside for study, his efforts could reward him handsomely. For Rats currently on educational courses, this is a time when commitment and hard work can lead to good results which can be built upon in the future.

Although the Rat will be involved in a great many activities this year, it is also important he makes time to enjoy recreational pursuits. If there are interests he is keen to develop, he should allow himself chance to do so. Regular ‘me time’ can enrich his lifestyle.

Travel is also favourably aspected, and if he is able, the Rat should aim to take a holiday this year. To enjoy his time away even more, he will find it helpful to read about his destination prior to leaving. Travel, including short breaks and weekends away, can give rise to some particular delights, notably in the summer.

The Rat’s progress at work may help financially and many Rats will now have the opportunity to proceed with some plans and acquisitions for the home. However, the Rat would do well to consider his purchases carefully rather than rush. Also, any provision he can make for the future could be something he is grateful for at a later date. This generally favourable year rewards good management and control.

On a personal level, the Rat will be kept busy. For the unattached Rat, the Monkey year will contain many social opportunities, with good chances to meet others, make friends and, for quite a few, find romance. Rats already enjoying romance could find this becoming more significant, and some will marry or settle down together. Monkey years favour relationships and the sociable Rat will enjoy the good times this one offers. March, May, August and November could be busy months for meeting others.

The Rat’s home life will also be active. His home is important to him and he is always looking for ways to improve it. However, while he may be a driving force in making changes, he does need to discuss his ideas and be mindful of the suggestions of others, especially where choices and potentially disruptive projects are concerned.

Similarly, with the changes in working patterns that the Rat and other family members may experience this year, there needs to be some flexibility from all concerned. The Monkey year is a time for dialogue as well as for enjoying quality time with others. But the Rat’s thoughtfulness will make a difference in many a home this year.

In general, the Monkey year holds encouraging prospects for the Rat. In his work, this is a year favouring growth, while his social life can bring him considerable pleasure and his home life can be gratifying, especially when he joins with others to see through projects and enjoy personal and family successes. To make things happen, however, he does need to set his ideas in motion. To drift or hold back could lead to him missing some fine opportunities. By being active and involved, however, the Rat can reap some good rewards this year.

The Metal Rat

The Metal Rat is a redoubtable figure. Not only is he determined and conscientious, but also resourceful. When he senses an opportunity, he is prepared to follow it up and see what transpires. His strengths and qualities can serve him well this year.

In almost all areas of his life he can look forward to positive developments, and if there are particular plans he would like to carry out, now is the time. Throughout the year, he will find those around him helpful, and with backing, and in some instances combined effort, a lot can happen for him.

At work, the aspects are especially encouraging. Although many Metal Rats will have made progress in recent years, in the Monkey year they will be given the opportunity to build on what they do. Some could find themselves offered a more specialist role or project, while others will be favourably placed for promotion. This is a year favouring progress and there will be opportunities for the Metal Rat to build on his expertise.

The majority of Metal Rats will remain with their current employer over the year, but some may be tempted elsewhere, perhaps drawn by a new challenge as well as better remuneration. By remaining alert for openings and talking to contacts in their industry, quite a few will make the change they want. In some instances, this could involve a considerable change of duties, and even relocation. However, these Metal Rats will feel more motivated than they have for some while.

The aspects are also encouraging for Metal Rats seeking work. As well as keeping alert for vacancies, they could find it helpful to talk to employment advisers, friends and contacts. They could be informed of a suitable position or given an idea worth pursuing.

Events can happen quickly in the Monkey year and in some instances an application could swiftly be followed up, or an opening found and offer made within a matter of days. Opportunities could arise at almost any time, but late February, March, June, October and November could be key months.

Progress at work can also help financially. Many Metal Rats will increase their income over the year and some will also receive funds from another source or put an enterprising idea to profitable use. As a result, the Metal Rat may decide it is time to make additions to his home, update equipment and treat himself and his loved ones to special occasions or trips. However, he should be wary of rush. If he considers his options carefully, he will not only make better decisions but also be more likely to identify favourable purchasing opportunities.

The Metal Rat has an enquiring mind and will again take pleasure in furthering his interests. Sometimes new equipment and knowledge and shared pursuits will make his activities even more fulfilling. With travel favourably aspected, he could also find his interests taking him out more, perhaps to special events.

The Metal Rat can also look forward to a rewarding social life and his circle of acquaintances and contacts is set to grow. For Metal Rats who are unattached and would welcome new friendships, joining groups and pursuing interests can be excellent ways of meeting others. For some, significant romance can beckon. March, May, August and mid-October to November could see the most social opportunities.

The busy nature of the year will also extend to the Metal Rat’s domestic life and it is important that there is good co-operation between all in his household. That way, a lot can be undertaken and some ambitious projects carried through.

Over the year there could also be a major family occasion taking place, most likely involving a younger family member. The Metal Rat will be keen to be involved and will once again provide helpful input. The summer could be a particularly busy and rewarding time and further good news could come near the year’s end.

The Year of the Monkey is one of opportunity for the Metal Rat, and with a sense of purpose and his engaging personal qualities, he can fare well. This is a time for looking to move forward. For the determined and enterprising, much can be accomplished and enjoyed.

Tip for the Year

Act with determination. You have much in your favour this year, but the initiative rests with you. Believe in yourself and go forward.

The Water Rat

One of the hallmarks of the Water Rat’s personality is his keen and enterprising nature. This year some important opportunities will open up for him and if there are particular ambitions he is keen to realize or plans he wants to set in motion, this is very much a time for action. By making a start – ideally early on in the year – not only can he see certain activities and hopes gather momentum but also lead to further and sometimes unanticipated opportunities. Luck will favour the bold and enterprising.

In the Water Rat’s work this will be a year of important developments. In view of the expertise he has built up, his current employer could look to him to take on new responsibilities. Particularly if he is in a creative and/or sales environment, he could find his ideas encouraged and his input potentially significant. Another factor to his advantage will be the good working relations he enjoys with many of those around him. The respect he has earned and his ability to communicate effectively can lead to him taking a greater role. This is a year when he can make his strengths count and in the process move his career forward.

While many Water Rats will make (often substantial) progress with their current employer, some will be tempted by better prospects elsewhere. Again, once enquiries and applications are made, interesting developments could quickly follow in this encouraging year.

The favourable aspects also apply to Water Rats currently seeking work. These Water Rats should be open to considering different types of work and acquiring new skills. Much can be achieved this year and many will have the chance to prove themselves in an often new and greater capacity.

From the beginning of the Monkey year to early April and June, October and November could be key times for work matters.

Progress made at work will improve the income of many Water Rats this year and quite a few will benefit from an additional payment or gift. Financially, the aspects are encouraging, although money matters do require discipline, otherwise any extra earnings could quickly be spent, and not always in the best way. Ideally, if there are major purchases the Water Rat would like to make, he should make early provision for these as well as take the time to compare options. With advice and good management, he could be particularly pleased with some of his acquisitions, especially new equipment.

With this a year for action, a few Water Rats will decide to move house. Again, once they start to make enquiries, they could quickly get the process underway. At all times the Water Rat will need to be mindful of costs and other implications, and seek advice as necessary, but this is a year when a lot can be accomplished.

Travel, too, could feature on the agenda of many Water Rats. In addition to any holiday taken with loved ones, there could be travel opportunities involving work or key interests. During the year many Water Rats will travel more than usual and enjoy visiting some impressive places.

Another encouraging aspect of the year concerns the Water Rat’s own interests. Something he hears or sees could whet his curiosity and reawaken a former interest or tempt him to try something new. A key aspect of the Monkey year is opportunity, and by being aware and game, the Water Rat can derive much pleasure from the activities he pursues. In addition, those who enjoy writing and other creative pursuits should consider putting their talents to greater use and promote anything they produce. There could be surprises in store in this encouraging year.

With his interest in others and good conversational skills, the Water Rat enjoys good relations with many people and can look forward to a variety of pleasing social occasions over the year. Whether going to parties, meeting friends or attending other gatherings, he will find new contacts can be made and friendships forged. For the unattached, a chance meeting can quickly blossom into romance. In many respects, the Monkey year is one that will surprise and delight the Water Rat. Also, if at any time he is in a dilemma or just wants to run his thoughts past another person, there will be many who are ready and willing to help. March, May, August and November could see the most social opportunity.

The progressive nature of the Monkey year will also filter through to the Water Rat’s home life. In addition to assisting family members, he will have several plans he will be keen to get underway. Again, once these are started, a lot will happen quickly, and initially modest undertakings may become more extensive. The more that can be undertaken jointly, the more gratifying the outcome will be. Domestically, this can be a busy and rewarding year. Change could also be on the cards for several family members, especially involving their education or work. The summer and end of the year could be especially active.

By the time the Monkey year draws to a close, many Water Rats will be taken aback by all that has taken place. There will have been many changes and some important ambitions will have been realized. Certain plans will have taken different courses than expected, but in true Water Rat fashion, the Water Rat will have made the most of what has opened up. This will be a busy year, but it is one for building, for moving forward and making the most of ideas and strengths. And as well as surprises, it can bring the Water Rat some well-deserved success.

Tip for the Year

Be ready: events can happen quickly this year. To benefit, you will need to seize the moment. Look to move forward. You have much to offer.

The Wood Rat

This will be an eventful year for the Wood Rat, with a lot going in his favour. However, while he may have particular ambitions he would like to realize, he will need to be flexible. Circumstances can change and he will need to modify his thinking and actions accordingly. Also, he would do well to draw on the assistance of others. With their backing, advice and support, he can make this a full and potentially rewarding 12 months.

For Wood Rats with a partner, this is a year for taking decisions and moving forward. Some may see an addition to their family, some may move and some will have ambitious plans for their current home. Whatever they choose to do, this is a year when many will see their hopes realized and share wonderful moments.

As many Wood Rats will find, once plans are set in motion, encouraging developments can quickly follow on. This is a year when serendipity can often come into play. Where more practical plans are concerned, however, the Wood Rat (and others) should be mindful of other possibilities and obtain expert advice when necessary. Whether purchasing equipment, carrying out modifications or moving house, the Wood Rat could find some guidance of particular value. More senior relations will be keen to assist and some could have considerable experience behind them. If the Wood Rat is willing to talk over his ideas and plans, he could receive help in sometimes unexpected ways. March, July, August and December could be domestically busy and often special months.

With the Wood Rat’s wide social circle, together with his current activities, he will also have some good social opportunities this year. In addition to regularly meeting up with his friends, he could be invited to various parties and celebrations as well as events related to his interests. The Monkey year promises some fun and lively times and, particularly for those who are unattached or have had recent personal difficulty, can see a considerable transformation taking place. Sometimes new interests could lead to these Wood Rats building an important new network of friends, and for quite a few, affairs of the heart will make the year all the more special. Some Wood Rats will meet their future partner, often in a curious way. Chance will play a big part this year. March, May, August and mid-October to the end of November are likely to see the most social activity.

Although the Wood Rat will have many demands on his resources, particularly with possible deposits to put down and expensive purchases to make, if possible he should try to take a holiday this year. A change of scene can do him a lot of good as well as give him the opportunity to explore new areas. Last-minute offers could be tempting and the unexpectedness will add to the fun.

The Monkey year can also bring important developments work-wise. In recent years many Wood Rats will have built up experience in a particular area of work and this year will give them the chance to take their knowledge further. Many of those employed in large organizations will benefit from internal openings, securing promotion and the chance to prove themselves in a new capacity. Should opportunities be limited in his present place of work, the Wood Rat should explore possibilities elsewhere. This is a year for progress. Late February, March, June, October and November could be significant months, although whenever the Wood Rat sees a position of possible interest, he should be quick to follow it up. Speed is of the essence this year.

Similarly, for Wood Rats seeking work, the Monkey year can have important developments in store. Although the job-seeking process can be wearying, these Wood Rats should have faith in themselves and actively explore possibilities. If they find out more about particular vacancies and the companies offering them, their thoroughness can impress and often lead to success.

The Wood Rat will have many demands on his time this year and it is important he does not allow his recreational pursuits to suffer. This may be a successful year, but his lifestyle does need balance and the preservation of some ‘me time’. Also, as the aspects are favourable for self-development, if there is a skill he would like to become more proficient in or a particular subject that appeals to him, he should set time aside for research, practice and, if applicable, a course. This can be both satisfying and beneficial in other ways.

Many Wood Rats will enjoy a noticeable increase in income over the year. However, to benefit fully, the Wood Rat will need to keep careful control over spending. With personal plans, expensive purchases, commitments and possible deposits to consider, provision needs to be made for present and forthcoming requirements. Also, when considering major commitments, the Wood Rat would do well to seek advice and not rush decisions. This can be an improved year financially, but it is one for vigilance and good management.

By nature the Wood Rat is both keen and ambitious, and by putting himself forward and making the most of his opportunities, he can enjoy some good successes this year. Much of what he achieves now will shape the next few years, especially work-wise. His personal interests, too, can be meaningful, and whether with a partner or enjoying the company of friends, he will enjoy sharing his time with others. This can be a good and often fortuitous year for him.

Tip for the Year