Your Chinese Horoscope 2014: What the year of the horse holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
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 2014
The Year of the Snake (10 February 2013–30 January 2014) will have been a variable one for the Rat. Problems may have hindered his progress and, as Snake years require a certain amount of patience, more action-loving Rats may have found parts of the year frustrating.
As the Snake year draws to a close, however, the Rat will find some of his efforts paying off and will enjoy a gradual improvement in his situation. In particular he could find himself in increasing demand socially. Many Rats will impress others at this time and make some useful friends and contacts. August and December could be particularly full and enjoyable months.
The Rat will also be active in domestic matters and will not only do much to assist family members but also enjoy arranging some special events and get-togethers. The closing months of the year will be expensive, though, and the Rat should be careful about spending too much on a whim.
Work-wise, he will need to be alert and watch developments closely, although the year’s end can provide the opportunity for many Rats to extend their skills and vary their role in what could be a potentially useful manner.
Overall, the Snake year may not have been an easy or smooth one for the Rat, but he will have learned much from it and will emerge with some achievements of which he can be proud.
The Year of the Horse begins on 31 January and will be a mixed one for the Rat. Although it will give him the chance to use his skills to advantage (and for resourcefulness the Rat is among the best), it does require care. Risks can backfire, and while the Rat may like to be at the forefront of activity, he needs to be mindful of prevailing conditions and wary of acting in haste.
However, while the aspects may be cautionary, the Horse year can have its benefits too. Some of the situations the Rat finds himself in will not only bring out his best but also enable him to learn more and ultimately make progress. The Horse year can also spring its surprises, and while some plans may not proceed as originally envisaged, better possibilities can arise in their place. In 2014 the Rat would do well to keep his wits about him.
One area which calls for special attention is the Rat’s relations with others. Although he has charm and great empathy, this is no time for him to be too independent. To go it alone or be obtuse could leave him isolated and vulnerable. In the Horse year he does need to consult others and listen to what they have to say. April, June, September and December could be the most socially active months of the year.
Rats enjoying romance or perhaps looking for romance will need to be especially aware of the feelings of others and not take them for granted. Being inattentive or preoccupied could cause some relationships to founder. By being mindful of such risks, however, the Rat can do a lot to prevent difficulties from arising, and the year will see some Rats both enjoying and strengthening their love for another person.
The need for awareness also applies to domestic situations. Here again, being busy or preoccupied could take its toll. Although the Rat likes to be central to whatever is going on, throughout the year he should consult others and show some flexibility when necessary. When making decisions or dealing with pressures, a joint approach will lead to better solutions. Domestic life can also be greatly helped by spending quality time together. That way, everyone will have the chance to appreciate some of the family news and occasions the Horse year will bring.
At work, the Rat will have plenty of opportunity to use his strengths to advantage and to impress others. At times of pressure or difficulty, his ability both to cope and to find ways round problems will be valued. However, despite his efforts, progress may not always be easy. If promotion opportunities arise or the Rat applies for another position, he could find himself competing against many experienced candidates and it may take considerable effort to make headway.
Rats seeking work will also find the Horse year requires determination. However, the Rat is a survivor, and his resourcefulness and commitment will show through and often enable him to secure a position he can build on in the future. Effort will be needed, but opportunities can arise suddenly and the Rat does need to be alert throughout the year. March, June, September and November could see encouraging work developments.
Throughout the year the Rat can help his situation by seizing any opportunities to add to his skills and working knowledge. Whether at work or in his own time, by developing himself in some way he can do much to strengthen his prospects.
Money matters will, however, need close attention. In 2014 the Rat should be wary of risk and examine the implications carefully if he enters into any new agreement. If he has any questions or doubts, he should seek advice before proceeding. With many outgoings and some expensive plans, he also needs to keep a tight rein over spending and, where possible, make advance provision for some of the larger purchases he has in mind. Good budgeting can make an important difference.
Overall, the Rat will need to be on his mettle in the Horse year. Lack of awareness, preoccupation and risk can all give rise to problems, and effort will be needed to make headway. However, it is during more challenging times that strengths can emerge and the Rat can demonstrate some of his finer qualities this year. His achievements will be well deserved, and by sharing them with others, he will not only enjoy them that much more, but also find that many can be built on in the following, more encouraging Goat year.
The Metal Rat
The Metal element can make a sign more resolute and determined, and this is especially the case with the Metal Rat. Always keen to make the most of himself, he is a doer and has considerable ability and presence. While 2014 will present its obstacles, by taking into account the prevailing conditions and adjusting as required, the Metal Rat can fare reasonably well.
One of the key requirements of the year is awareness. In almost all areas of his life the Metal Rat will need to observe what is going on, listen to others and think carefully about his situation. This is no time to go it alone or take action without adequate thought. Moments of impulsiveness could cost him dear.
In his home life, it is important that the Metal Rat shares any concerns with those close to him. The more liaison and dialogue there is in his household, the better for all. Greater co-operation will also lead to more practical projects in the home being successfully carried through. There may be important events to mark as well, and making arrangements together can help make the occasion more special. This is a year favouring a collective approach. If possible, the Metal Rat should aim to take a holiday with his loved ones too. The latter part of the year could bring additional travel opportunities.
With this likely to be an often busy year, the Metal Rat should also try to keep his lifestyle in balance and allow time for rest and relaxation as well as personal interests. If he feels stressed or that his life is in some way lacking, he should give himself some ‘me time’. Personal interests and relaxing pursuits can do the Metal Rat a lot of good this year.
He should also keep in regular contact with friends and, if invited to social occasions or intrigued by certain events,