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

Follow your ambitions. You have much in your favour this year and with purpose, belief and the support of others, you can accomplish a great deal. This is a year for action – make things happen!

The Fire Rat

The fire element adds to the drive and determination of a sign, and this, combined with the favourable aspects of the Monkey year, will make this an important and successful time for the Fire Rat. With resolve and initiative, he can fare well and enjoy himself in the process.

One important aspect of the Monkey year is the way it encourages the Fire Rat to broaden his skills and interests. No matter what his present situation may be, during the year he will be introduced to something new. By being willing to explore and learn, rather than close his mind, he will find that what results can often be to his long-term benefit.

For the many Fire Rats in education, there will be much to learn. However, by remaining focused and working consistently, many of these Fire Rats will make important headway and secure skills and qualifications they can build on in the future. Over the year their studies can develop in an interesting manner and perhaps open up subject areas they will be keen to take further or alert them to other possibilities, including particular vocations. The Monkey year is a time for learning and discovery.

This also applies to more personal interests and if there is a particular skill or hobby the Fire Rat is keen to make more of, he should look to develop this. If applicable, further guidance could help take his skills to new levels. Whether he prefers practical, creative or sporting pursuits, his recreational activities can be both satisfying and inspiring this year.

Many of the Fire Rat’s activities will have a good social element too, and he will often be helped by sharing his thoughts and talking over his ideas. New friendships can be made over the year and these can become valuable during this and following years.

The aspects also favour romance, and for Fire Rats already in love, or who find love, the year will contain exciting times. The vibrant personality and verve of many Fire Rats will make them attractive company.

Admittedly, amid all the activity there could be some fraught moments – perhaps a disagreement may arise or a hope not materialize – but these are part of life’s learning experiences. Whenever problems do emerge, it is important the Fire Rat does not feel alone but talks matters over with close friends and family. A worry shared can often be one considerably eased.

At most times of the year the Fire Rat will have chances to go out, but March, May, August and mid-October to the end of November could be particularly pleasing and eventful months socially. Also, with this being their twentieth year, many Fire Rats will celebrate the start of a new decade in style, with family members and close friends demonstrating their affection and support. Some Fire Rats may receive generous gifts, including equipment to advance an interest.

The Monkey year can also be significant work-wise. For Fire Rats already in a position, new opportunities can present themselves. If in a large organization, the Fire Rat could be offered training or be tempted by a vacancy in another sector. If opportunities are limited where he is, he should investigate openings elsewhere. By keeping alert, many Fire Rats will not only take on a greater role over the year but also acquire new skills and strengthen their prospects for the future.

The aspects are also encouraging for those seeking work. By considering a variety of possibilities, many could obtain a position which builds on their particular strengths. With commitment, this can prove a significant time, with late February, March, June, October and November particularly likely to see encouraging developments.

With his many interests and lively social life, the Fire Rat will, however, need to be disciplined in spending. With care, he can do a lot, but if he proceeds in an ad hoc way, some plans may need to be scaled back. Travel may be particularly appealing, but here again the Fire Rat would do well to budget in advance. The year requires good management of resources.

This Monkey year marks the start of a new decade in the Fire Rat’s life and he will be determined to make the most of it. And it can be both exciting and significant. This is a time for discovering more about himself and his capabilities. He knows he has much to offer, and by making the most of his opportunities and resources, he will find his efforts rewarding him with a firm base he can build on in the future.

Tip for the Year

Focus on what you want. Progress made now will prepare the way for future opportunities. Also, enjoy your special talents and look to develop them. You have much in your favour this year. Use it well, for its legacy can be far-reaching.

The Earth Rat

The Monkey year offers considerable scope for the Earth Rat, although to make the most of the favourable aspects, he needs to seize his opportunities and act on his ideas. With purpose, however, he can accomplish a great deal.

The Earth Rat’s domestic life can be especially meaningful. Family celebrations and happy times are in store for many. Whether seeing their family grow in numbers and/or a wedding, graduation or the success of someone close, these Earth Rats will have several occasions to feel proud. Throughout the year, the Earth Rat will also be glad to assist others in their various activities and plans. His thoughtfulness and ability to sense the best way forward will be particularly valued, with younger relations especially grateful. July, August and December could be busy times in many an Earth Rat household.

In addition to assisting others, the Earth Rat will be keen to go ahead with some of his own plans. Often these will relate to his home. Some Earth Rats will have a purge on clutter and decide to smarten certain rooms and one project may soon lead to another and practical activities mushroom. However, while some undertakings will become more extensive than initially envisaged, the Earth Rat (and others) will often delight in the results.

The Earth Rat may also be fortunate in some acquisitions made over the year. If considering new equipment or wanting something specific for the home, he will find that taking the time to consider his options could result in some shrewd purchases. His thoroughness and care can serve him well this year.

Travel, too, is favourably aspected, and if possible, the Earth Rat should try to go away for a holiday over the year. Local attractions could also appeal, but the Monkey year encourages venturing out and discovering places new.

The Earth Rat’s personal interests can also develop well. Some Earth Rats will set themselves a challenge that will allow them to use their knowledge in a new and purposeful way. For any who may feel unfulfilled or perhaps jaded, it could be to their advantage to see what is available in their area and consider enrolling on a course or joining a group. With the aspects as they are, positive action can prove surprisingly rewarding.

The Earth Rat will also enjoy meeting up with his friends. Being interested in many subjects and a talented communicator, he will revel in some of the lively times (and debates) of the year. There will be chances to meet quite a few new people too, and for the unattached, romance could beckon. On a personal level, this can be an interesting year, and the Earth Rat should make the most of his social opportunities. March, May, August and mid-October to the end of November could be particularly stimulating months.

With home projects and purchases, family expenses, travel and personal interests, the Earth Rat’s spending will be considerable. However, with care, he will be able to proceed with most of his plans. Some Earth Rats may also enjoy some financial luck, possibly through selling items they no longer require and receiving more than anticipated. Certain skills or a competition win may also bring them something extra. Monkey years have an element of good fortune to them.

In most respects, this will be an encouraging year for the Earth Rat, but, as is always the case, problems will sometimes arise. When they do, it is important the Earth Rat talks to others and, if necessary, seeks an expert opinion. To keep concerns to himself may compound problems and cause him to worry more than necessary. Earth Rats, remember, advice is available.

For the most part, however, this will be a practical and satisfying year for the Earth Rat. It is a time to act upon his ideas. Once he has made a start, a lot can follow on, with luck often helping along the way. For many Earth Rats there will be family successes to enjoy and the Earth Rat will also make the most of his social life and enjoy the interests he is able to share. Overall, an active and personally rewarding year.

Tip for the Year

Once plans are underway, other possibilities can often arise in this encouraging year. Be alert for these, as they may be better than what you originally had in mind. Also, enjoy your good relations with those around you.

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, Duffy, T. S. Eliot, Eminem, Colin Firth, Pope Francis I, Clark Gable, Neil Gaiman, Al Gore, Hugh Grant, Lewis Hamilton, Thomas Hardy, Prince Harry, 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, Brad Paisley, Sean Penn, Katy Perry, Philippe I, King of the Belgians, Sir Terry Pratchett, Ian Rankin, Burt Reynolds, Rossini, William Shakespeare, James Taylor, Leo Tolstoy, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Spencer Tracy, the Prince of Wales, George Washington, the Duke of York, Emile Zola.

The Ox (#uc18453a9-841d-5614-b558-9b1961185a67)

24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926 — Wood Ox

11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938 — Fire Ox

29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950 — Earth Ox

15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962 — Metal Ox

3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974 — Water Ox

20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986 — Wood Ox

7 February 1997 to 27 January 1998 — Fire Ox

26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010 — Earth 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 rather 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.