Your Chinese Horoscope 2017: What the Year of the Rooster holds in store for you

In view of the work decisions the Rat will have to take, it is, however, important that he does what he feels is right. Once again he is advised to listen to his inner voice. If he has uncertainties or questions, he also needs to seek advice from those who are qualified to assist. Ill-considered decisions could cause problems later. Rats, take note.

This need for care also applies to money matters. Over the year the Rat will have expensive plans to carry through and will face additional outgoings, including repair bills and transport costs. He should budget carefully and also be attentive to paperwork and thorough when taking on new commitments.

Synergy can be an important factor in 2017 and in addition to the help the Rat receives from others, he will have many chances to assist those around him. Once again his help can make an appreciable difference, and his ability to empathize and suggest practical ways forward will be valued.

With his busy lifestyle, he should, if possible, aim to take a holiday at some time during the year. Driving himself relentlessly could take its toll and it is important he allows himself the chance to unwind. Talking over possible holiday destinations or ways of enjoying quality time with his loved ones can give rise to some interesting suggestions as well as set certain plans in motion.

The Rat should also make sure his personal interests are not neglected this year. With the Rooster year bringing new possibilities, if he is attracted by a particular activity or thinks of a way of developing an existing interest, he should take it further. This is a year to follow up what appeals to him.

Rats who are sedentary for much of the day should also consider incorporating some exercise into their routine. By seeking professional advice on the best way to proceed, they can be introduced to new activities and, for those who join fitness classes, enjoy social benefits too. In 2017 the Rat should aim to pay some attention to his well-being, and if he has any medical concerns, get them checked out.

By the end of the Rooster year, many Rats will be astonished by all they have been able to do. This will be an active and encouraging year, but to fully benefit, the Rat will need to be disciplined, act on his ideas and embrace emerging opportunities. Domestically and socially, this will be a rewarding year, with plans advanced and some potentially significant new relationships and friendships made. Work-wise, while the demands may be considerable, there will be scope for the Rat to use his strengths to advantage and often prepare the way for future progress. Overall, an active and rewarding year.

The Metal Rat

There is a Chinese proverb which reminds us, ‘Diligence is the mother of good fortune,’ and this is a year when the Metal Rat’s diligence can reward him well. This is a time for building on his present position, pursuing his key aims and being alert to new developments. He does, though, need to act in accordance with his true feelings and avoid risk and rush.

His personal and family life are particularly well aspected and celebrations are likely to be in store, possibly a wedding or the birth of a grandchild. In addition, news concerning another person could delight the Metal Rat and he could be in a position to offer wise advice. Metal Rats who have more senior relations could give help that is more meaningful than they realize, and while occasional generational friction may occur, the Metal Rat will play a valued role in the lives of many of those around him. There will be several family activities to look forward to throughout the year, and March, June and September could be particularly active.

The Metal Rat himself will also benefit from the help of family members. By sharing his hopes and any matters on his mind, he will find decisions can be made easier and assistance given. This is a time for openness and sharing.

The Metal Rat takes pride in his home and during the year he will be keen to make improvements, perhaps altering the décor or layout of certain rooms. A lot can be accomplished, but the Metal Rat should spread practical undertakings out rather than commit himself to too many at any one time.

It is also important that he allows himself a break over the year and, where possible, a holiday with his loved ones. Time away in a carefully chosen destination can do everyone good. May, late summer and the end of the year could all see interesting travel possibilities.

In view of his commitments, the Metal Rat will be selective in his socializing this year, but by taking up invitations and going to events that appeal to him he will enjoy the mix of occasions he is able to attend. For the concert-goer and sporting enthusiast, the year can contain some particular highlights.

For the unattached Metal Rat, romance, too, may add sparkle to the year, with an existing friendship becoming more significant or someone new entering the Metal Rat’s life. For Metal Rats who are feeling lonely or that something has been missing from their life of late, the Rooster year can mark a considerable upturn. However, in the early stages of a romance it would be better to enjoy the moment and let the relationship develop in its own way rather than rush into a commitment. March, June, August and December could see the most social activity as well as be good for meeting others.

The Rooster year can also lead to some important decisions work-wise. Many Metal Rats will see considerable change in their place of work as long-standing colleagues leave and new working practices are implemented. In view of the volatility, many Metal Rats will think carefully about their present position, take advantage of newly created openings (including promotion) or decide the time is right to look elsewhere. Here again the Metal Rat should act in accordance with what he feels is right. Whatever he chooses to do, however, he will rise to the challenges and opportunities the year brings and enjoy the chance to develop his skills in new ways.

For Metal Rats seeking work, the Rooster year can also bring encouraging developments. Although some of these Metal Rats may have felt despondent recently, they could discover or be alerted to an ideal vacancy almost by chance and it may seem as if it was meant to be. The positions some secure may be different from their previous roles, but they will give these Metal Rats the chance to prove themselves in another capacity. Work-wise, the transitory nature of the Rooster year can bring uncertain moments, but the skills and fortitude of many Metal Rats will shine through. Late March to early June, September and October could see encouraging developments, although such is the nature of the year that opportunities could arise at almost any time.

The income of many Metal Rats will increase this year, but the Metal Rat will still need to manage his outgoings well. Expensive plans need to be budgeted for and risks avoided. Should the Metal Rat be uncharacteristically lax, problems could ensue. This is a year for fiscal care.

With an often demanding lifestyle, the Metal Rat also needs to preserve some time to relax and unwind. If lacking regular exercise, he should seek advice on which activities it would be appropriate for him to do. Some attention to his lifestyle can make a noticeable difference this year and if he is feeling below par at any time or has any health concerns, he should get these checked out.

Overall, the Rooster year will be a busy and often special one for the Metal Rat. In his personal and family life there will be some good news to enjoy, and the more that can be carried out together, the better. The Metal Rat’s work and personal interests can also develop in encouraging ways and there will be the opportunity for him to add to his expertise. Throughout the year he will need to follow his instincts and proceed carefully, but if he acts in ways that feel right for him, he can enjoy an active and personally rewarding year.

Tip for the Year

Value your relations with those who are important to you. Also, preserve some time for yourself and your interests. Aim for a good lifestyle balance and enjoy what this year will bring.

The Water Rat

The element of water brings out a sign’s communicative skills and the Water Rat is a highly effective communicator. Not only does he listen well, but he is able to voice his ideas clearly and often persuasively. And his talents can help make this a successful year. However, while a lot can go well, he does need to manage his time carefully. During parts of the year the pressure will be considerable, and to get the best results, he will need to focus on what is important.

In his work, changes are afoot. Although many Water Rats will be established in a certain type of work, there will be the chance for them to extend their role and considerably change their duties. This may arise through staff movements and promotion opportunities or through the Water Rat himself seeking a new challenge. In either case, his reputation and experience will stand him in good stead. Some weeks could prove demanding, but the Water Rat will have the chance to demonstrate his skills and move ahead. In addition, his ability to forge good working relations with those around him will be to his advantage and this can be a successful time, especially for those whose work involves conveying ideas and information.

For Water Rats seeking work the Rooster year can have surprising developments in store and some of them will secure a position which is very different from what they have done before. Again the learning curve can be considerable, but the year will give many Water Rats new purpose and incentive. April, May and September to early November could see particularly encouraging developments.

Many Water Rats will enjoy a modest rise in income over the year and some will also receive funds from another source. However, with plans and purchases, together with increased commitments, the Water Rat will find this a costly year. Throughout, he needs to monitor his spending and check the terms of any agreement he enters into. This is no time for risks or assumptions.

With his busy lifestyle and often increasing pressures, he should, however, try to make provision for a holiday this year. A change of scene can do him considerable good. Some Water Rats may be able to link a holiday to an interest or event and so make their time away more meaningful. Short breaks may appeal too. During this frequently demanding year, the Water Rat should enjoy some of the rewards he works so hard for.

It is also important he does not allow personal interests to fall away. These can help him unwind and often bring other benefits too. Creative activities could bring him particular enjoyment this year, including photography, a source of increasing pleasure for many.

The Water Rat should also pay some attention to his own well-being, including his diet and general level of exercise. If he feels either is deficient, or has any health concerns, he should seek advice.

His domestic life will see considerable activity and once again his ability to communicate and empathize will be valued. However, a particular matter could be of concern this year and while the Water Rat will be keen to assist, he should not feel he has to carry the burden alone. If necessary, he should seek professional advice or call on someone who has first-hand experience. Rooster years can bring moments of concern, but the problems will be surmountable and often short-lived.

Over the year many Water Rats will take pleasure in home and garden projects, but they will need to allow sufficient time and avoid haste. Domestically, March, June and September could be gratifying months and could bring pleasing news.

Socially, the Water Rat will find himself in demand as well as be tempted by particular events. While he may sometimes feel he already has enough to do, he should aim to go out when he can. Meeting his friends can be of particular benefit, as input from people he trusts can assist in several matters this year. For the unattached, the Rooster year is not without romantic possibilities, although any new romance should be allowed to develop over time rather than be rushed. March, June, August and December could see the most social activity.

Overall, a lot is set to happen this year and much will be demanded of the Water Rat. However, by making the most of his ideas and opportunities, he can make important progress. At work, this is a time for furthering his knowledge and taking on new challenges, while in his personal interests, his creativity can bring him particular pleasure. Domestically, there will be much to do and family members to assist, and the Water Rat’s thoughtfulness will be appreciated. Rewarding family moments, personal and professional successes and (sometimes travel-related) surprises can all be highlights of the Rooster year.

Tip for the Year

Keep your lifestyle in balance so that you can better appreciate what is around you and enjoy the rewards you work so hard for. Give time to yourself and your loved ones and savour your well-deserved successes.

The Wood Rat

The Wood Rat has a keen and alert nature and is particularly adept at evaluating situations. In this Rooster year his talents will serve him well. This can be a constructive year for him, although to make the most of it he will need to show flexibility and seize opportunities.

In his work the aspects are especially encouraging. Recent changes are set to continue, with some unanticipated developments helping the Wood Rat’s prospects. Some Wood Rats will find senior colleagues encouraging them to familiarize themselves with other aspects of their work so they can take on greater responsibilities. Others may be offered the chance to work on a particular project or cover for absent staff or, if in a large organization, see tempting opportunities in another department. By taking advantage of what is on offer, many will not only considerably widen their skills but also advance their career. What the Wood Rat succeeds in doing this year should not be underestimated.

For Wood Rats who are unfulfilled in their present role and would welcome a change, as well as those seeking work, the Rooster year can also bring encouraging developments. To benefit fully, these Wood Rats should talk to employment advisers and other contacts as well as widen their search. By chance many could discover a type of work that proves ideal. Openings could arise at almost any time, but April, May, September and October could be important months.

Progress made at work will bring an increase in income, but the Wood Rat will need to manage his financial situation carefully, including checking the terms of any new agreement he enters into. If he has any doubts or misgivings, he should get these addressed before proceeding. This is a year for vigilance.

The element of wood adds to a sign’s practical qualities and over the year the Wood Rat will be keen to undertake several practical projects. Some improvements to his home can be immensely satisfying. In addition, he will enjoy seeing how some ideas related to his interests develop. Sometimes sharing thoughts with others will give his projects a useful fillip and joining a local group or enrolling on a course could give him a new incentive. His days may be full and free time limited, but developing his skills and interests can be of great value to him.

Throughout the year he should also give some thought to his level of exercise and the quality of his diet. If he neglects his own well-being, he could feel below par or be susceptible to minor ailments. Wood Rats, take note.

More positively, the Rooster year can present some interesting travel opportunities, sometimes at short notice. Whenever possible, the Wood Rat should take advantage of them. A break and the chance to visit new areas and attractions can benefit him in several ways. May, September and the end of the year could be particularly busy travel-wise.

The Rooster year will also see a lot happen in the Wood Rat’s personal life. Some Wood Rats may decide to marry, see an addition to their family or mark another personal milestone. What happens over the year can energize the Wood Rat and result in him doing and succeeding in much more.

For any Wood Rat who is alone or has had some personal sadness to bear, the Rooster year can bring a considerable brightening in their situation. By going out and perhaps joining a social or interest group, these Wood Rats can form new friendships and sometimes find romance too. Roosters years reward action. March, June, August, early September and December could be busy and gratifying months, both personally and for socializing.

Domestically, the Wood Rat will enjoy sharing plans with his loved ones and can accomplish a great deal, although important projects and sizeable transactions should not be rushed, and ideally should be spread out throughout the year.

In general, the Year of the Rooster will be a busy and constructive one for the Wood Rat. It will suit his practical nature and give him the chance to build on his strengths. Work-wise, what he learns can be highly significant for his onward development and the way his personal interests develop can also be satisfying. In money matters he will need to exercise care and he should not be neglectful of his well-being this year. However, he will be encouraged by the support of his loved ones and friends and the year will bring some personal highlights, some good news and some great times to share.

Tip for the Year

Pursue your goals but be prepared to adapt. There are many routes to the top and by making the most of this year you can enhance your prospects considerably. Rooster years can have long-term significance.