Kitabı oku: «Your Chinese Horoscope 2017: What the Year of the Rooster holds in store for you»

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

About the Author

Dedication

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The Chinese Years

Welcome to the Year of the Rooster

The Rat

The Ox

The Tiger

The Rabbit

The Dragon

The Snake

The Horse

The Goat

The Monkey

The Rooster

The Dog

The Pig

Appendix

Relationships between the Signs

Your Ascendant

How to Get the Best from Your Chinese Sign and the Year

A Closing Thought

About the Publisher

Acknowledgements

In writing Your Chinese Horoscope 2017 I am grateful for the assistance and invaluable support that those around me have given.

I would also like to acknowledge Theodora Lau’s The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes (Harper & Row, 1979; Arrow, 1981), which was particularly useful to me in my research.

In addition to Ms Lau’s work, I commend the following books to those who wish to find out more about Chinese horoscopes: Kristyna Arcarti, Chinese Horoscopes for Beginners (Headway, 1995); Catherine Aubier, Chinese Zodiac Signs (Arrow, 1984), series of 12 books; E. A. Crawford and Teresa Kennedy, Chinese Elemental Astrology (Piatkus Books, 1992); Paula Delsol, Chinese Horoscopes (Pan, 1973); Barry Fantoni, Barry Fantoni’s Chinese Horoscopes (Warner, 1994); Bridget Giles and the Diagram Group, Chinese Astrology (HarperCollinsPublishers, 1996); Kwok Man-Ho, Complete Chinese Horoscopes (Sunburst Books, 1995); Lori Reid, The Complete Book of Chinese Horoscopes (Element Books, 1997); Paul Rigby and Harvey Bean, Chinese Astrologics (Publications Division, South China Morning Post Ltd, 1981); Ruth Q. Sun, The Asian Animal Zodiac (Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1996); Derek Walters, Ming Shu (Pagoda Books, 1987) and The Chinese Astrology Workbook (The Aquarian Press, 1988); Suzanne White, The New Astrology (Pan, 1987), The New Chinese Astrology (Pan, 1994) and Chinese Astrology Plain and Simple (Eden Grove Editions, 1998).

In addition, I would like to record my thanks to all at HarperCollins who have helped with the editing, production and promotion of Your Chinese Horoscope over the years, as well as to thank my current editor, Carolyn Thorne, for her input and my copy editor, Lizzie Henry, for her wonderful work over so many years.

Introduction

The origins of Chinese horoscopes have been lost in the mists of time. It is known, however, that oriental astrologers practised their art many thousands of years ago and even today Chinese astrology continues to fascinate and intrigue.

In Chinese astrology there are 12 signs named after 12 different animals. No one quite knows how the signs acquired their names, but there is one legend that offers an explanation. According to this legend, one Chinese New Year the Buddha invited all the animals in his kingdom to come before him. Unfortunately, for reasons best known to the animals, only 12 turned up. The first to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and finally Pig. In gratitude, the Buddha decided to name a year after each of the animals and that those born during that year would inherit some of the personality of that animal. Therefore those born in the year of the Ox would be hardworking, resolute and stubborn, just like the Ox, while those born in the year of the Dog would be loyal and faithful, just like the Dog. While it is not possible that everyone born in a particular year can have all the characteristics of the sign, it is incredible what similarities do occur, and this is partly where the fascination of Chinese horoscopes lies.

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence upon the signs. Details about the effects of the elements are given in each of the chapters on the signs.

To find out which sign you were born under, refer to the tables on the following pages. As the Chinese year is based on the lunar year and does not start until late January or early February, it is particularly important for anyone born in those two months to check carefully the dates of the Chinese year in which they were born.

Also included, in the appendix, are two charts showing the compatibility between the signs for personal and business relationships and details about the signs ruling the different hours of the day. From this it is possible to locate your ascendant and, as in Western astrology, this has a significant influence on your personality.

In writing this book I have taken the unusual step of combining the intriguing nature of Chinese horoscopes with the Western desire to know what the future holds, and have based my interpretations upon various factors relating to each of the signs. Over the years in which Your Chinese Horoscope has been published I have been pleased that so many have found the sections on the forthcoming year of interest and hope that the horoscope has been constructive and useful. Remember, though, that at all times you are master of your own destiny. I sincerely hope that Your Chinese Horoscope 2017 will prove interesting and helpful for the year ahead.

This edition also marks the thirtieth year of publication and a personal milestone for me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have bought this and other books in the series. Indeed, some, I know, have read Your Chinese Horoscope for many years. I am grateful to you all for your support and interest. However, with deep regret I have decided that this will be the last annual book in the series. Instead, I will turn my attention to a new volume and hope to share with you and many others special insights on Chinese horoscopes, including ways of making the best of your sign and a horoscope for each and every year. I hope such a volume, entitled Your Chinese Horoscope for Each and Every Year, will be of value and lasting interest.

But for the moment, the Year of the Rooster is one rewarding effort and commitment and I hope it rewards you well.

The Chinese Years

Horse 11 February 1918 to 31 January 1919

Goat 1 February 1919 to 19 February 1920

Monkey 20 February 1920 to 7 February 1921

Rooster 8 February 1921 to 27 January 1922

Dog 28 January 1922 to 15 February 1923

Pig 16 February 1923 to 4 February 1924

Rat 5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925

Ox 24 January 1925 to 12 February 1926

Tiger 13 February 1926 to 1 February 1927

Rabbit 2 February 1927 to 22 January 1928

Dragon 23 January 1928 to 9 February 1929

Snake 10 February 1929 to 29 January 1930

Horse 30 January 1930 to 16 February 1931

Goat 17 February 1931 to 5 February 1932

Monkey 6 February 1932 to 25 January 1933

Rooster 26 January 1933 to 13 February 1934

Dog 14 February 1934 to 3 February 1935

Pig 4 February 1935 to 23 January 1936

Rat 24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937

Ox 11 February 1937 to 30 January 1938

Tiger 31 January 1938 to 18 February 1939

Rabbit 19 February 1939 to 7 February 1940

Dragon 8 February 1940 to 26 January 1941

Snake 27 January 1941 to 14 February 1942

Horse 15 February 1942 to 4 February 1943

Goat 5 February 1943 to 24 January 1944

Monkey 25 January 1944 to 12 February 1945

Rooster 13 February 1945 to 1 February 1946

Dog 2 February 1946 to 21 January 1947

Pig 22 January 1947 to 9 February 1948

Rat 10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949

Ox 29 January 1949 to 16 February 1950

Tiger 17 February 1950 to 5 February 1951

Rabbit 6 February 1951 to 26 January 1952

Dragon 27 January 1952 to 13 February 1953

Snake 14 February 1953 to 2 February 1954

Horse 3 February 1954 to 23 January 1955

Goat 24 January 1955 to 11 February 1956

Monkey 12 February 1956 to 30 January 1957

Rooster 31 January 1957 to 17 February 1958

Dog 18 February 1958 to 7 February 1959

Pig 8 February 1959 to 27 January 1960

Rat 28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961

Ox 15 February 1961 to 4 February 1962

Tiger 5 February 1962 to 24 January 1963

Rabbit 25 January 1963 to 12 February 1964

Dragon 13 February 1964 to 1 February 1965

Snake 2 February 1965 to 20 January 1966

Horse 21 January 1966 to 8 February 1967

Goat 9 February 1967 to 29 January 1968

Monkey 30 January 1968 to 16 February 1969

Rooster 17 February 1969 to 5 February 1970

Dog 6 February 1970 to 26 January 1971

Pig 27 January 1971 to 14 February 1972

Rat 15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973

Ox 3 February 1973 to 22 January 1974

Tiger 23 January 1974 to 10 February 1975

Rabbit 11 February 1975 to 30 January 1976

Dragon 31 January 1976 to 17 February 1977

Snake 18 February 1977 to 6 February 1978

Horse 7 February 1978 to 27 January 1979

Goat 28 January 1979 to 15 February 1980

Monkey 16 February 1980 to 4 February 1981

Rooster 5 February 1981 to 24 January 1982

Dog 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983

Pig 13 February 1983 to 1 February 1984

Rat 2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985

Ox 20 February 1985 to 8 February 1986

Tiger 9 February 1986 to 28 January 1987

Rabbit 29 January 1987 to 16 February 1988

Dragon 17 February 1988 to 5 February 1989

Snake 6 February 1989 to 26 January 1990

Horse 27 January 1990 to 14 February 1991

Goat 15 February 1991 to 3 February 1992

Monkey 4 February 1992 to 22 January 1993

Rooster 23 January 1993 to 9 February 1994

Dog 10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995

Pig 31 January 1995 to 18 February 1996

Rat 19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997

Ox 7 February 1997 to 27 January 1998

Tiger 28 January 1998 to 15 February 1999

Rabbit 16 February 1999 to 4 February 2000

Dragon 5 February 2000 to 23 January 2001

Snake 24 January 2001 to 11 February 2002

Horse 12 February 2002 to 31 January 2003

Goat 1 February 2003 to 21 January 2004

Monkey 22 January 2004 to 8 February 2005

Rooster 9 February 2005 to 28 January 2006

Dog 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007

Pig 18 February 2007 to 6 February 2008

Rat 7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009

Ox 26 January 2009 to 13 February 2010

Tiger 14 February 2010 to 2 February 2011

Rabbit 3 February 2011 to 22 January 2012

Dragon 23 January 2012 to 9 February 2013

Snake 10 February 2013 to 30 January 2014

Horse 31 January 2014 to 18 February 2015

Goat 19 February 2015 to 7 February 2016

Monkey 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017

Rooster 28 January 2017 to 15 February 2018

Note

The names of the signs in the Chinese zodiac occasionally differ, although the characteristics of the signs remain the same. In some books the Ox is referred to as the Buffalo or Bull, the Rabbit as the Hare or Cat, the Goat as the Sheep and the Pig as the Boar.

For the sake of convenience, the male gender is used throughout this book. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics of the signs apply to both sexes.

Welcome to the Year of the Rooster

With his shrill cock-a-doodle-do, proud strutting and distinctive plumage, the Rooster is an impressive bird. He commands attention and, with his beady eyes, is always alert and summing up situations. And his vigilant nature will be seen in his own year.

The Year of the Rooster promises much, but above all it calls for effort and hard work. Those who slack could feel the effects of the Rooster’s beak! Roosters have high standards and over the year important progress will be made.

On the international stage there could be much posturing and flexing of military muscle. As a result there could be periods of tension in some areas, especially where there is a power vacuum or a strong surge of nationalism, but a lot of the posturing of the Rooster year is just for show and in many instances agreements will be brokered and tensions eased.

A further feature of the year will be the increasing voice of some minorities. Long-standing resentment can surface and in some instances sweep away established orders. Some of the year will be unsettling and its effects – including on some national borders – far-reaching.

Early in 2017 the newly elected American president will take office and be quick to exert their authority. Not only will they be keen to start on their own legislative programme but also eager to make their mark on American foreign policy. International developments early on in the Rooster year could lead to swift responses and set the tenor of the new administration. In addition, the Rooster year will see much dialogue between world leaders, with key issues being addressed, especially ones relating to global security, environmental concerns and trade. Some landmark treaties will be signed and their effect can be considerable.

Within many nation states there will also be much internal dialogue and many decisions concerning policies and future directions. Rooster years can see much soul-searching and this process can be hastened by several prominent leaders standing aside.

With the world stage seeing times of uncertainty, the financial markets will be jittery and speculators will need to be on their guard. This is no year for ‘easy money’ or ‘get rich quick’ strategies. Instead, hard work will be the order of the day, although important growth will be seen during the year. With the Rooster priding himself on his appearance, the fashion industry could be especially buoyant, with new styles coming to the fore. Tourism and the fitness industry are also set to fare well. In addition, the internet will continue to influence the lives of many, as well as shape commerce. Interestingly, it was the last Rooster year, 2005, that saw the launch of YouTube, the channel that has given a platform and voice to so many. Further technological advances will be made this year and they are set to become very influential.

Rooster years can also be marked by some splendid achievements, which are often the culmination of many years of effort and planning. It was in previous Rooster years that man first stepped onto the moon and Concorde made its first supersonic flight. Other historic advances can be expected this year, with new discoveries in space likely to be particularly exciting.

Rooster years also favour spectacle and the British royal family will play its part. Previous Rooster years have seen the splendours of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the pageantry surrounding the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales and, in 1981, his marriage to Lady Diana Spencer, an event which had an estimated worldwide audience of 1,000 million viewers and listeners, or almost a quarter of the world’s population. This Rooster year will again witness some historic and regal events.

The turbulent weather patterns seen in previous years unfortunately show no signs of abating. It was in the last Rooster year that one of the deadliest hurricanes ever seen, Katrina, wreaked havoc in the United States, causing an estimated US$108 billion worth of damage. While it is hoped that this year will be free from such disasters, there could be several major catastrophes, including some man-made ones.

For the individual, the Rooster year brings some good opportunities but it does require application. This is no time to be half-hearted or trust to luck. It is effort and willingness to strive hard that will bring results. And these will be all the more deserved. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, ‘Diligence leads to riches,’ and diligence can produce some good rewards this year.

The Rooster has often been said to possess the five Chinese virtues: his crown, which resembles a cap of authority, symbolizes his authority (propriety) and literary prowess (wisdom); his spur represents the military and therefore his courage in standing up for himself (righteousness); his tendency to share food shows his benevolence; and his early morning crowing is a sign of reliability and trustworthiness (fidelity). The Rooster is all this and more. He is a fine bird and a resolute one. And his influence on his own year can be considerable. It may not always be an easy year, but it will be dynamic and eventful. It is a time for effort, hard work and making things happen.

Give this year your best and I hope your efforts reward you well.

The Rat

5 February 1924 to 23 January 1925 — Wood Rat

24 January 1936 to 10 February 1937 — Fire Rat

10 February 1948 to 28 January 1949 — Earth Rat

28 January 1960 to 14 February 1961 — Metal Rat

15 February 1972 to 2 February 1973 — Water Rat

2 February 1984 to 19 February 1985 — Wood Rat

19 February 1996 to 6 February 1997 — Fire Rat

7 February 2008 to 25 January 2009 — Earth Rat

The Personality of the Rat

To see,

and to see what others do not see.

That is true vision.

The Rat is born under the sign of charm. He is intelligent, popular and loves attending parties and large social gatherings. He is able to establish friendships with remarkable ease and people generally feel relaxed in his company. He is a very social creature and is genuinely interested in the welfare and activities of others. He has a good understanding of human nature and his advice and opinions are often sought.

The Rat is a hard and diligent worker. He is also very imaginative and is never short of ideas. However, he does sometimes lack the confidence to promote his ideas and this can often prevent him from securing the recognition he deserves.

The Rat is very observant and many Rats have made excellent writers and journalists. The Rat also excels at personnel and PR work and any job that brings him into contact with people and the media. His skills are particularly appreciated in times of crisis, for the Rat has an incredibly strong sense of self-preservation. When it comes to finding a way out of an awkward situation, he is certain to be the one who comes up with a solution.

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 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 2017

The Rat is resourceful and sets about his activities with great energy. And his efforts in the Monkey year (8 February 2016–27 January 2017) will have enabled him to do a great deal and enjoy some pleasing results. However, in the remaining months he will need to focus and use his time well. With an increased number of commitments, he could find some weeks especially busy, and the better organized he is, the more he will be able to benefit.

At work, many Rats will take on additional duties or a new role. While this will often be pleasing, these Rats should concentrate on their objectives and avoid being sidetracked. It is through focus that the best results will be achieved. The end of the year will bring pressures, but could see potentially significant developments.

The Rat should be disciplined in his spending at this time. His outgoings are set to increase, but by thinking through his purchases, he can make some good decisions and find some bargains.

The Rat always attaches great importance to his relations with others and the closing months of the year will see a flurry of activity, including opportunities to go out. Many Rats will also enjoy surprise occasions and treats and welcome the kindness shown by their loved ones. In some instances, if the Rat talks over his concerns or hopes with those around him, he could find their advice well worth heeding.

The Year of the Rooster starts on 28 January and will be an eventful one for the Rat. There will be several highs and lows to the year, but thanks to the Rat’s skills and resourcefulness, far more of these will be highs.

A key factor for the Rat is to listen to his inner voice. Proceeding with something he has misgivings about could lead to problems and regrets later on. At times the Rat will have to be firm and prepared to state his case. This need for openness extends to virtually all aspects of his life, and indeed, almost all aspects will see a considerable amount happen over the year.

For the unattached Rat, there will be good romantic possibilities, although it will be a case of proceeding steadily and allowing a relationship to strengthen over time rather than rushing into a commitment. Some Rats will find true love this year, while others will find that some romances are not meant to be. For these Rats, there will be lessons to learn and chances to move on. A lot will happen for a reason this year and will work out to the Rat’s ultimate advantage. March, June, August and December could be key months for meeting others, making personal decisions or enjoying some good personal news.

For Rats with a partner, this can be a busy year, and here again, openness will be to the Rat’s advantage. If he has ideas for home improvements, including purchases, he should let these be known. Similarly, if there are activities, holiday destinations or new interests that appeal to him, if he talks these through with his loved ones, he will often be encouraged to take his ideas further.

Ambitious projects will go ahead in many a Rat home and in some instances plans which have been considered for some time will now be undertaken. Disruption and inconvenience will inevitably occur and effort be required, but the results will be worthwhile. Some Rats will also decide to move. For these Rats, the Rooster year will also see times of intense activity, but by the year’s end, a lot will have been accomplished and many Rats will appreciate the benefits (and opportunities) their actions have brought.

The Rooster year will also be eventful work-wise, with almost all Rats feeling the effects of change. Over the year many will face increasing demands as new responsibilities are given and pressures increase. In some cases, a flurry of activity will make some weeks frenetic and the Rat may feel overwhelmed. However, the challenges that arise will give the Rat the chance to demonstrate his judgement and underline his strengths. The reputation of many Rats can be considerably enhanced over the year and when further opportunities arise, they will be in a strong position to benefit. April, May, September and October could be busy and significant months for work developments.

For Rats seeking work or hoping to move to something different, the Rooster year can have surprises in store. These Rats may make many applications to no avail and then suddenly their luck changes and within a short space of time their prospects (and immediate future) are transformed. And once these Rats are given an opportunity, they will revel in the chance to prove themselves. Rooster years acknowledge the Rat’s skills and he can be a major beneficiary of the year’s transformative trends.

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.