One of the more positive aspects of the year is the way in which the Rat will be able to develop both himself and his overall work situation. This is very much a year for furthering skills and during it the Rat should make the most of any opportunities to widen his experience. Knowledge acquired now can not only help him in the present but also open up new possibilities in the near future. The Ox year is no time for standing still, and by showing commitment and making the most of his chances to develop his skills, the Rat can make useful progress.
This also applies to those Rats who would welcome a change at work or are seeking work. By looking at their skills and strengths and considering other ways in which they can use them, they will find interesting possibilities starting to arise. If they are able to take advantage of training opportunities or refresher courses or set time aside for study and research, they are likely to find their efforts well rewarded. For work opportunities, March, June, October and November are particularly favourable, but such is the nature of the year that by showing commitment and putting in that extra effort the Rat could find opportunities arising at almost any time.
As well as making progress in his work, the Rat should also give some consideration to his own personal development over the year. This includes setting time aside for activities and interests he enjoys and looking to develop them or perhaps take up something new. By furthering his knowledge and using his time in purposeful ways, he can gain a lot of pleasure from his activities. Those Rats who lack regular exercise would also do well to consider ways in which they could remedy this and get medical advice on the most appropriate way to proceed. With the encouraging nature of the Ox year, positive action can be of great benefit.
As far as money matters are concerned, this is a year for careful control. Although many Rats will enjoy a rise in income, the Rat does need to keep watch on his outgoings and make provision for larger expenses as well as be wary of too much impulse buying, otherwise he could find he has to make cutbacks later. Although this is not a bad year financially, it is one for prudence and good management.
The Rat is usually popular and throughout the year he can look forward to a lot of support and encouragement from those around him as well as some pleasing domestic and social occasions. In his home life he will often benefit from the advice and assistance loved ones are able to give and whenever he has concerns, finds himself in a dilemma or would welcome more help, he should ask. Over the year the support of his family and those close to him can make a real difference to how he fares. In addition, the Ox year could give rise to some family highlights. Many a Rat household will have good reason to celebrate, perhaps due to a wedding, graduation, addition to the family or the success of a close relation. If he is able, the Rat should also ensure he takes a holiday with his loved ones over the year. The change of scene and time spent together can do everyone good. Domestically, this can be an active and pleasing year.
The Rat will also find himself in demand socially, with his interests often bringing him into contact with others. There will be good opportunities for him to make new acquaintances and his famous Rat charm will impress many. The period from April to early June and August and September could see the most social activity, and those Rats enjoying romance, especially with someone met during their own year (2008), will often find this becoming more significant as the Ox year progresses. For the unattached there will be excellent opportunities to meet others, including someone who could quickly become very special. The Ox year is supportive of the Rat and particularly encouraging to those who keep active and make the most of their talents.
Overall, this is a year of development and progress, and keen and willing Rats will find a great deal will go in their favour. The Rat will also benefit from the support and encouragement of others, and although this is a year for effort, it is also a positive one.
The Metal Rat
The Ox year, with its emphasis on commitment and effort, will suit the Metal Rat well. He is likely to make the most of the challenges and situations that arise and be satisfied with what he does. The Ox year may not always be plain sailing, but it can be rewarding.
In view of the changes many Metal Rats will have experienced in their work recently, quite a few will be content to remain where they are in the Ox year. Not only will this give them the chance to build on their skills, but by coping with an often heavy workload and meeting deadlines, as well as dealing with other pressures, the Metal Rat will not only impress others but also often be able to take on greater responsibilities. For many Metal Rats, this can be not only a year of consolidation but also one of steady progress.
In addition all Metal Rats, whether relatively new to their position or well established, should make the most of the training opportunities available to them. Keeping their skills up to date and taking any chances to further their knowledge can be to their present and future benefit.
For Metal Rats who are keen to move on or seeking work, again the Ox year can bring important developments. Securing a new position will not be easy, especially as many people will often be competing for the same job. However, if he perseveres and emphasizes his skills and achievements, the Metal Rat can find doors opening up for him. March, June and mid-September to November are favourable for work opportunities.
The Metal Rat will also need to remain disciplined in financial matters. In view of his commitments, plans and possible support for others, he should keep watch over his level of spending and be particularly careful if tempted by too many impulse purchases. This is a year that requires good control over spending as well as budgeting for more expensive purchases and plans.
Although many Metal Rats will find their days are already full enough, it could also be to their advantage to consider taking up a new interest or challenge over the year. The Ox year does favour self-development and by trying something new and furthering their knowledge, many Metal Rats will feel reinvigorated.
In addition the Metal Rat should give consideration to his general level of exercise and diet. To be at his best, he does need to pay attention to his own well-being as well as keep his lifestyle in balance.
This will be a generally positive year for the Metal Rat’s domestic life, with the progress and activities of a close relation often being a source of considerable pride. During the year many people will look to the Metal Rat for support and advice, and his good judgement and assistance will be valued. In domestic matters he will certainly play a central role. He will also derive a lot of pleasure from some of the joint activities that take place and, whether planning and carrying out home improvements or sharing interests with others, he will do a lot to encourage a good domestic rapport. Also, at times of pressure, if he or a loved one has concerns, he will find that being prepared to discuss matters can lead to better support and understanding.
In view of his busy life, the Metal Rat may be more selective in his socializing this year. However, it is important that he keeps his lifestyle in balance and whenever he has the chance to go out or there is an event that appeals to him, he should follow it up. Metal Rats who are lonely or keen to establish new contacts will find that involving themselves in interests and activities they enjoy will give them some good opportunities to meet others. For socializing and meeting new people, April, May and late July to September are particularly favourable times.
The Year of the Ox is a generally good one for the Metal Rat and while it will have its pressures and demands, by doing his best and rising to the challenges, he will not only have the chance to add to his skills but also to prepare the way for future progress. Parts of the year may be testing, but the Metal Rat can derive considerable benefit from these times and throughout the year his relations with others will bring him a great deal of pleasure.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Do set aside time for recreation, relaxation and your personal interests. It is important that you keep your lifestyle in balance and preserve some time to enjoy the rewards you work so hard for.
The Water Rat
There is a Chinese proverb that is particularly