One area that will feature prominently over the year will be law, order and security, with many governments introducing further measures to counter criminal and terrorist elements. For those who do operate outside the law or embark on illegal protests or militant action, the consequences could be considerable. In the Ox year law and order reign supreme, and challenges to authority will be countered with considerable might.
Education and the environment will also be in the legislative programmes of many governments during the year. In education there will often be increased funding for further education as well as a greater emphasis on vocational and more specialist training. This could include large companies and organizations being encouraged to make more work-experience and job-training opportunities available, as well as a growth in apprenticeship and job-release schemes. And with the pressure on natural resources, many countries will see the introduction and enforcement of rigorous new environmental measures, some of which will have an impact on daily life.
This year will also see continuing advances in medicine and technology, some of which will be the culmination of many years of research, study and effort. Notable medical and technical breakthroughs in previous Ox years have included the use of insulin to control diabetes and lasers to clean out clogged arteries and the building of the world’s first jet engine.
The Ox has a strong affinity with the land, and farming issues will also feature strongly this year. These could include assistance being offered to poorer regions to encourage a greater level of self-sufficiency as well as the introduction of hardier crops. It was an Ox year that saw the mammoth Live Aid concert, with a television audience of an estimated 1.5 billion, which was to raise so much for famine relief in Africa. Positive advances will again be made this year, but more ominously the year could also be marked by disease. It was the last Ox year that saw the killing of all the chickens in Hong Kong to stop the spread of avian ’flu, and while it is hoped there will be no recurrence of this or other diseases, the omens are not promising.
As far as the world stock markets are concerned, this will be a mixed year, with many markets sensitive to news and reacting quickly to events. As a result there could be wide fluctuations in prices and investors will need to remain vigilant throughout the year.
In the world of arts and culture, 2009 is likely to be marked by some often impressive and thought-provoking works. Harry Potter made his appearance in the last Ox year, with the publication of J. K. Rowling’s first book, and that year also saw the release of some particularly ambitious films, including Titanic and The Lost World: Jurassic Park. Some new releases in the current Ox year could be equally impressive.
Although the British royal family is rarely far from the news, 2009 is also likely to be marked by some royal events that will attract worldwide comment.
For many, the Ox year will be a positive and constructive one, although it does call for commitment. Results will need to be worked for and time allowed for efforts to filter through. The Ox proceeds in a sometimes slow but always sure and measured way. His year favours traditional paths and values, and in consequence many people will decide to improve their domestic life over the year. The Ox year also has a strong practical edge to it and the emphasis will be on action. And as Henry David Thoreau, himself born under the sign of the Ox, once wrote, ‘I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavour.’ In 2009 many will feel inspired to make that conscious endeavour and will reap the benefits.
I wish you good fortune and every success in the interesting year that lies ahead.
YOUR CHINESE HOROSCOPE 2009
18 february 1912  | Water Rat |
| 5 february 1924 | Wood Rat |
| 24 january 1936 | Fire Rat |
| 10 february 1948 | Earth Rat |
| 28 january 1960 | Metal Rat |
| 15 february 1972 | Water Rat |
| 2 february 1984 | Wood Rat |
| 19 february 1996 | Fire Rat |
| 7 february 2008 | 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