Your Chinese Horoscope 2016: What the Year of the Monkey holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
The Fire Rat
The fire element adds to the drive and determination of a sign, and this, combined with the favourable aspects of the Monkey year, will make this an important and successful time for the Fire Rat. With resolve and initiative, he can fare well and enjoy himself in the process.
One important aspect of the Monkey year is the way it encourages the Fire Rat to broaden his skills and interests. No matter what his present situation may be, during the year he will be introduced to something new. By being willing to explore and learn, rather than close his mind, he will find that what results can often be to his long-term benefit.
For the many Fire Rats in education, there will be much to learn. However, by remaining focused and working consistently, many of these Fire Rats will make important headway and secure skills and qualifications they can build on in the future. Over the year their studies can develop in an interesting manner and perhaps open up subject areas they will be keen to take further or alert them to other possibilities, including particular vocations. The Monkey year is a time for learning and discovery.
This also applies to more personal interests and if there is a particular skill or hobby the Fire Rat is keen to make more of, he should look to develop this. If applicable, further guidance could help take his skills to new levels. Whether he prefers practical, creative or sporting pursuits, his recreational activities can be both satisfying and inspiring this year.
Many of the Fire Rat’s activities will have a good social element too, and he will often be helped by sharing his thoughts and talking over his ideas. New friendships can be made over the year and these can become valuable during this and following years.
The aspects also favour romance, and for Fire Rats already in love, or who find love, the year will contain exciting times. The vibrant personality and verve of many Fire Rats will make them attractive company.
Admittedly, amid all the activity there could be some fraught moments – perhaps a disagreement may arise or a hope not materialize – but these are part of life’s learning experiences. Whenever problems do emerge, it is important the Fire Rat does not feel alone but talks matters over with close friends and family. A worry shared can often be one considerably eased.
At most times of the year the Fire Rat will have chances to go out, but March, May, August and mid-October to the end of November could be particularly pleasing and eventful months socially. Also, with this being their twentieth year, many Fire Rats will celebrate the start of a new decade in style, with family members and close friends demonstrating their affection and support. Some Fire Rats may receive generous gifts, including equipment to advance an interest.
The Monkey year can also be significant work-wise. For Fire Rats already in a position, new opportunities can present themselves. If in a large organization, the Fire Rat could be offered training or be tempted by a vacancy in another sector. If opportunities are limited where he is, he should investigate openings elsewhere. By keeping alert, many Fire Rats will not only take on a greater role over the year but also acquire new skills and strengthen their prospects for the future.
The aspects are also encouraging for those seeking work. By considering a variety of possibilities, many could obtain a position which builds on their particular strengths. With commitment, this can prove a significant time, with late February, March, June, October and November particularly likely to see encouraging developments.
With his many interests and lively social life, the Fire Rat will, however, need to be disciplined in spending. With care, he can do a lot, but if he proceeds in an ad hoc way, some plans may need to be scaled back. Travel may be particularly appealing, but here again the Fire Rat would do well to budget in advance. The year requires good management of resources.
This Monkey year marks the start of a new decade in the Fire Rat’s life and he will be determined to make the most of it. And it can be both exciting and significant. This is a time for discovering more about himself and his capabilities. He knows he has much to offer, and by making the most of his opportunities and resources, he will find his efforts rewarding him with a firm base he can build on in the future.
Tip for the Year
Focus on what you want. Progress made now will prepare the way for future opportunities. Also, enjoy your special talents and look to develop them. You have much in your favour this year. Use it well, for its legacy can be far-reaching.
The Earth Rat
The Monkey year offers considerable scope for the Earth Rat, although to make the most of the favourable aspects, he needs to seize his opportunities and act on his ideas. With purpose, however, he can accomplish a great deal.
The Earth Rat’s domestic life can be especially meaningful. Family celebrations and happy times are in store for many. Whether seeing their family grow in numbers and/or a wedding, graduation or the success of someone close, these Earth Rats will have several occasions to feel proud. Throughout the year, the Earth Rat will also be glad to assist others in their various activities and plans. His thoughtfulness and ability to sense the best way forward will be particularly valued, with younger relations especially grateful. July, August and December could be busy times in many an Earth Rat household.
In addition to assisting others, the Earth Rat will be keen to go ahead with some of his own plans. Often these will relate to his home. Some Earth Rats will have a purge on clutter and decide to smarten certain rooms and one project may soon lead to another and practical activities mushroom. However, while some undertakings will become more extensive than initially envisaged, the Earth Rat (and others) will often delight in the results.
The Earth Rat may also be fortunate in some acquisitions made over the year. If considering new equipment or wanting something specific for the home, he will find that taking the time to consider his options could result in some shrewd purchases. His thoroughness and care can serve him well this year.
Travel, too, is favourably aspected, and if possible, the Earth Rat should try to go away for a holiday over the year. Local attractions could also appeal, but the Monkey year encourages venturing out and discovering places new.
The Earth Rat’s personal interests can also develop well. Some Earth Rats will set themselves a challenge that will allow them to use their knowledge in a new and purposeful way. For any who may feel unfulfilled or perhaps jaded, it could be to their advantage to see what is available in their area and consider enrolling on a course or joining a group. With the aspects as they are, positive action can prove surprisingly rewarding.
The Earth Rat will also enjoy meeting up with his friends. Being interested in many subjects and a talented communicator, he will revel in some of the lively times (and debates) of the year. There will be chances to meet quite a few new people too, and for the unattached, romance could beckon. On a personal level, this can be an interesting year, and the Earth Rat should make the most of his social opportunities. March, May, August and mid-October to the end of November could be particularly stimulating months.
With home projects and purchases, family expenses, travel and personal interests, the Earth Rat’s spending will be considerable. However, with care, he will be able to proceed with most of his plans. Some Earth Rats may also enjoy some financial luck, possibly through selling items they no longer require and receiving more than anticipated. Certain skills or a competition win may also bring them something extra. Monkey years have an element of good fortune to them.
In most respects, this will be an encouraging year for the Earth Rat, but, as is always the case, problems will sometimes arise. When they do, it is important the Earth Rat talks to others and, if necessary, seeks an expert opinion. To keep concerns to himself may compound problems and cause him to worry more than necessary. Earth Rats, remember, advice is available.
For the most part, however, this will be a practical and satisfying year for the Earth Rat. It is a time to act upon his ideas. Once he has made a start, a lot can follow on, with luck often helping along the way. For many Earth Rats there will be family successes to enjoy and the Earth