Your Chinese Horoscope 2016: What the Year of the Monkey holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
is grateful for at a later date. This generally favourable year rewards good management and control.
On a personal level, the Rat will be kept busy. For the unattached Rat, the Monkey year will contain many social opportunities, with good chances to meet others, make friends and, for quite a few, find romance. Rats already enjoying romance could find this becoming more significant, and some will marry or settle down together. Monkey years favour relationships and the sociable Rat will enjoy the good times this one offers. March, May, August and November could be busy months for meeting others.
The Rat’s home life will also be active. His home is important to him and he is always looking for ways to improve it. However, while he may be a driving force in making changes, he does need to discuss his ideas and be mindful of the suggestions of others, especially where choices and potentially disruptive projects are concerned.
Similarly, with the changes in working patterns that the Rat and other family members may experience this year, there needs to be some flexibility from all concerned. The Monkey year is a time for dialogue as well as for enjoying quality time with others. But the Rat’s thoughtfulness will make a difference in many a home this year.
In general, the Monkey year holds encouraging prospects for the Rat. In his work, this is a year favouring growth, while his social life can bring him considerable pleasure and his home life can be gratifying, especially when he joins with others to see through projects and enjoy personal and family successes. To make things happen, however, he does need to set his ideas in motion. To drift or hold back could lead to him missing some fine opportunities. By being active and involved, however, the Rat can reap some good rewards this year.
The Metal Rat
The Metal Rat is a redoubtable figure. Not only is he determined and conscientious, but also resourceful. When he senses an opportunity, he is prepared to follow it up and see what transpires. His strengths and qualities can serve him well this year.
In almost all areas of his life he can look forward to positive developments, and if there are particular plans he would like to carry out, now is the time. Throughout the year, he will find those around him helpful, and with backing, and in some instances combined effort, a lot can happen for him.
At work, the aspects are especially encouraging. Although many Metal Rats will have made progress in recent years, in the Monkey year they will be given the opportunity to build on what they do. Some could find themselves offered a more specialist role or project, while others will be favourably placed for promotion. This is a year favouring progress and there will be opportunities for the Metal Rat to build on his expertise.
The majority of Metal Rats will remain with their current employer over the year, but some may be tempted elsewhere, perhaps drawn by a new challenge as well as better remuneration. By remaining alert for openings and talking to contacts in their industry, quite a few will make the change they want. In some instances, this could involve a considerable change of duties, and even relocation. However, these Metal Rats will feel more motivated than they have for some while.
The aspects are also encouraging for Metal Rats seeking work. As well as keeping alert for vacancies, they could find it helpful to talk to employment advisers, friends and contacts. They could be informed of a suitable position or given an idea worth pursuing.
Events can happen quickly in the Monkey year and in some instances an application could swiftly be followed up, or an opening found and offer made within a matter of days. Opportunities could arise at almost any time, but late February, March, June, October and November could be key months.
Progress at work can also help financially. Many Metal Rats will increase their income over the year and some will also receive funds from another source or put an enterprising idea to profitable use. As a result, the Metal Rat may decide it is time to make additions to his home, update equipment and treat himself and his loved ones to special occasions or trips. However, he should be wary of rush. If he considers his options carefully, he will not only make better decisions but also be more likely to identify favourable purchasing opportunities.
The Metal Rat has an enquiring mind and will again take pleasure in furthering his interests. Sometimes new equipment and knowledge and shared pursuits will make his activities even more fulfilling. With travel favourably aspected, he could also find his interests taking him out more, perhaps to special events.
The Metal Rat can also look forward to a rewarding social life and his circle of acquaintances and contacts is set to grow. For Metal Rats who are unattached and would welcome new friendships, joining groups and pursuing interests can be excellent ways of meeting others. For some, significant romance can beckon. March, May, August and mid-October to November could see the most social opportunities.
The busy nature of the year will also extend to the Metal Rat’s domestic life and it is important that there is good co-operation between all in his household. That way, a lot can be undertaken and some ambitious projects carried through.
Over the year there could also be a major family occasion taking place, most likely involving a younger family member. The Metal Rat will be keen to be involved and will once again provide helpful input. The summer could be a particularly busy and rewarding time and further good news could come near the year’s end.
The Year of the Monkey is one of opportunity for the Metal Rat, and with a sense of purpose and his engaging personal qualities, he can fare well. This is a time for looking to move forward. For the determined and enterprising, much can be accomplished and enjoyed.
Tip for the Year
Act with determination. You have much in your favour this year, but the initiative rests with you. Believe in yourself and go forward.
The Water Rat
One of the hallmarks of the Water Rat’s personality is his keen and enterprising nature. This year some important opportunities will open up for him and if there are particular ambitions he is keen to realize or plans he wants to set in motion, this is very much a time for action. By making a start – ideally early on in the year – not only can he see certain activities and hopes gather momentum but also lead to further and sometimes unanticipated opportunities. Luck will favour the bold and enterprising.
In the Water Rat’s work this will be a year of important developments. In view of the expertise he has built up, his current employer could look to him to take on new responsibilities. Particularly if he is in a creative and/or sales environment, he could find his ideas encouraged and his input potentially significant. Another factor to his advantage will be the good working relations he enjoys with many of those around him. The respect he has earned and his ability to communicate effectively can lead to him taking a greater role. This is a year when he can make his strengths count and in the process move his career forward.
While many Water Rats will make (often substantial) progress with their current employer, some will be tempted by better prospects elsewhere. Again, once enquiries and applications are made, interesting developments could quickly follow in this encouraging year.
The favourable aspects also apply to Water Rats currently seeking work. These Water Rats should be open to considering different types of work and acquiring new skills. Much can be achieved this year and many will have the chance to prove themselves in an often new and greater capacity.
From the beginning of the Monkey year to early April and June, October and November could be key times for work matters.
Progress made at work will improve the income of many Water Rats this year and quite a few will benefit from an additional payment or gift. Financially, the aspects are encouraging, although money matters do require discipline, otherwise any extra earnings could quickly be spent, and not always in the best way. Ideally, if there are major purchases the Water Rat would like to make, he should make early provision for these as well as take the time to compare options. With advice and good management, he could be particularly pleased with some of his acquisitions, especially new equipment.
With