Your Chinese Horoscope 2014: What the year of the horse holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
his usual energy or prone to minor ailments. If he has any concerns or decides on a keep-fit regime, it would be worth him seeking medical advice.
The Horse year can hold travel opportunities for many Metal Oxen, often arising at short notice, and again they are likely to enjoy the pleasures that travel can bring.
By nature the Metal Ox is thorough and careful, and in the Horse year he does need to be vigilant in money matters. If he takes on new commitments or has doubts over a particular transaction or financial matter, he should seek clarification. This is no time for making assumptions or taking risks.
The Metal Ox is usually selective in his socializing and prefers to keep his social circle relatively small. However, the Horse year can open up interesting possibilities and he should not deny himself the chance to go out, whether to meet friends or to go to events that appeal to him. Also, by keeping informed about what is happening in his area, he could learn of activities that he could enjoy or that could benefit him in some other way. Here again, the year can bring some interesting opportunities, but the Metal Ox does need to act upon them.
For Metal Oxen who are unattached and would welcome company, new activities can also be an excellent way to meet others. For some, the year can have intriguing love prospects, but the Metal Ox will need to be attentive and cannot take the feelings of another for granted or appear unaccommodating, otherwise disagreements could ensue. Awareness is very important this year. March, May, September and November could see the most social activity.
The Metal Ox’s home life will be particularly busy this year and there will need to be good co-operation and a willingness to compromise over certain arrangements. Also, where some practical undertakings are concerned, the Metal Ox will need to prioritize rather than attempt too much at once. He may be keen, but as the Chinese proverb warns, spreading his energies too widely could lead to less satisfactory results. In the Horse year he needs to be realistic about what is doable at any one time.
In addition to all he does around his home, the Metal Ox will often help and advise family members as well as give assistance to someone much older than himself. Others especially value his solid and dependable nature and in the Horse year he will earn the gratitude of many. He can also look forward to some notable family events, especially during the summer.
Overall, the Year of the Horse will be an active one for the Metal Ox and although he may be uncomfortable with the pace of events, by being prepared to adapt and widen his perspective, he can greatly benefit from the opportunities the year offers. He will also be able to add to his skills or acquire new ones over the year and this can help open up possibilities in the future. This is a time for moving forward and while the Metal Ox may by nature be cautious, if he is willing to venture forth he can gain a great deal from the Horse year.
Tip for the Year
Concentrate on priorities and be prepared to adapt as required. With your talents and a certain flexibility, you have it within you to accomplish a great deal this year.
The Water Ox
The Water Ox is blessed with a keen and practical nature and as 2014 starts he will be likely to have ideas about what he would like to see happen over the year as well as certain issues he would like to address. As a result, many Water Oxen will start the year in determined spirit.
One particular area of focus may well be their work situation. While many Water Oxen will have made headway in recent times, this period of change is far from over. Horse years are innovative and fast-moving and in many workplaces new procedures will be introduced, policies and objectives reviewed and expectations increased. As situations change, it is important that the Water Ox keeps himself informed and involved. This way he will not only have more chance to contribute but also to benefit from the openings that are created. What many Water Oxen accomplish this year, in sometimes volatile situations, will be very much to their credit and something they can build on in the future.
It is also important that throughout the year the Water Ox works closely with others and seizes any opportunities to build up his contacts and raise his profile, including, if appropriate, joining a professional organization. Again, the more involved he is, the more he stands to gain.
The Horse year can also bring important developments for Water Oxen seeking work or looking to change employer. Events can take an unexpected course and this is a year to be open to possibility. By doing so, many Water Oxen will be able to successfully embark on a new stage in their career. Horse years offer opportunity, but the Water Ox cannot be too narrow-minded or independent in his approach. Late February to early May, July and September could bring some decisive moments, but such is the nature of the year that opportunities could arise at almost any time and will need to be acted on quickly.
A great many Water Oxen can look forward to a modest rise in income during the year, but finances still need to be carefully managed. This includes making allowance for both new and existing commitments as well as keeping a close watch on everyday spending. This is a year to be careful and thorough and avoid risk. If the Water Ox has problems or enters into a long-term agreement it could be helpful to seek professional advice.
With the busy nature of the year it is also important the Water Ox keeps his lifestyle in balance and allows himself time for recreation, personal interests, exercise and just relaxing. To keep pushing himself could lead to stress and leave him susceptible to minor ailments. Water Oxen, do take note and give some consideration to your lifestyle.
The Water Ox can derive much pleasure from his home life this year, and joint pursuits and quality time with his loved ones will not only help mutual understanding but also lead to many enjoyable occasions. It is important that the Water Ox shares what is on his mind with others and with a spirit of openness helpful to all. The summer months could be especially full and interesting. However, in view of the busy nature of the year, practical projects should not be rushed but carried out as and when time allows.
The Water Ox should also make the most of his social opportunities. Contact with others can do him good and be another way to keep his lifestyle in balance. March, May, September and November could see the most social activity.
The Water Ox is certainly set to have a full and eventful year, but throughout he does need to be aware of changing situations and prepared to adapt accordingly. This is not a time to be intransigent or too independent in approach. However, while the year will bring its challenges, it will also bring opportunities for the Water Ox to add to his capabilities and improve on his position. During it, he would do well to give some consideration to his lifestyle and preserve time for those who are important to him. This can be a rewarding year, but it does call for watchfulness and keeping his lifestyle in balance.
Tip for the Year
Value your relations with others. With their support, advice and encouragement your year will be that much easier. Also, allow yourself some ‘me time’ to relax and enjoy your achievements.
The Wood Ox
This will be an eventful year for the Wood Ox and while the pressures may sometimes be great, there will be much for him to enjoy.
With Wood as his element, this Ox is practical and realistic. He is also patient and prepared to work hard for the things he wants. In the Horse year some of his longer-term hopes will be realized, sometimes in unexpected but fortuitous ways. Indeed, what happens this year can be the culmination of considerable effort combined with an element of luck.
A particularly eventful area may be his private life. Wood Oxen with a partner may well find that plans they have been working towards for some time can now be realized and between them there could be several personal successes to enjoy, including for some an addition to their family. Others may move to somewhere more convenient or, through their own efforts, be able to transform their existing home. An important element of the Horse year is that it favours following up ideas.
Although, like all Oxen, the Wood Ox values his independence, it is also important that he is prepared