Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You. Neil Somerville
Metal Tigers, do take note. For the most part this will be a pleasing year socially, but it is still a time to be alert.
The Metal Tiger’s domestic life will be busy and, with possible changes to his own working routine or that of a loved one, is likely to require good co-operation between family members. In addition, in view of the general activity of the year, the Metal Tiger will need to show some flexibility when making plans. Certain home projects may need to be deferred or take longer than anticipated and the Metal Tiger will need to show patience – not always his strong point! However, there will still be much for the Metal Tiger to appreciate, including shared interests, trips, other forms of entertainment and a possible holiday. The Ox year can certainly have its pleasing moments, even though it is one for care and mindfulness.
Overall, to get the best from the year the Metal Tiger will need to be accommodating in his approach and show greater patience than usual. However, by adapting and doing his best, he can still accomplish and learn a great deal and he will often be able to build on this in the more rewarding Year of the Tiger.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Be cautious. This is not a year for risk or haste. Also, although it may not always suit your style, a slightly lower profile may sometimes be wise. In the face of change, do be prepared to adapt. This may not always be a comfortable year, but it can be instructive.
The Water Tiger
There is a Chinese proverb that reminds us constant effort yields certain success and this is very appropriate for the Water Tiger. By nature he is determined and keen to make the most of his abilities and over the years he will have achieved a great deal. In 2009 his efforts may not always produce immediate or obvious results, but they can be significant in the longer term. The legacy of the Ox year can be far-reaching and should not be under-estimated.
In his work this is a year for focusing on the tasks before him. Many Water Tigers will face increased pressures or be set challenging objectives. However, by showing commitment, using their skills well and putting in that all-important effort, they will not only add considerably to their experience but also help their reputation. Over the year the Water Tiger’s talents and conscientious nature will impress many but the real gains will come next year.
For Water Tigers who are anxious to change their job or are seeking work, finding a position will not be easy. There could be a lack of openings and fierce competition. However, with persistence, initiative and time, many Water Tigers will be successful in obtaining a position which they can build on in the future. Again, what is achieved now can leave a significant legacy. April, mid-June to August and mid-November to December could see some interesting developments.
Another important factor in how the Water Tiger fares over the year will be his relations with colleagues. During the year he should make the most of any chances to meet others and become better known. Contacts made now can often be helpful later. However, with the prevailing aspects, he will still need to be on his guard. A faux pas or ill-judged remark could cause problems.
This need for care also applies to financial matters. During the year many Water Tigers could find themselves spending heavily on family activities as well as making home purchases, and though they may enjoy a modest rise in income, this is a time for careful management.
Although the Water Tiger will often have many demands on his time, it is also important that he sets some aside for his own recreational pursuits. Not only can these help him unwind but sometimes they can also give him the chance to get out of doors or take some additional exercise. In this busy year the Water Tiger does need to make sure his lifestyle has balance.
As far as his domestic life is concerned, this will often be conducted at a fast pace, and family members will need to co-operate well with each other. Amid all the activity, home projects that can be tackled together and an occasional treat can do everyone good. During the year there could also be news of someone’s achievements that will particularly delight the Water Tiger and the encouragement he is able to give can be an important factor in what takes place.
The Ox year can also bring some interesting social occasions for the Water Tiger, including the opportunity to add to his circle of acquaintances. February, April, July and December could see the most activity. However, the Water Tiger does still need to be careful, alert and discreet. This is a year when minor differences of opinion could get blown out of proportion or unguarded comments cause problems. Water Tigers, do take note.
Overall, the Ox year will ask a lot of the Water Tiger, but by meeting its challenges he can gain a lot from it. Pressures and problems can reveal new strengths, give him the chance to add to his experience and prepare him for the opportunities that await in the Tiger year. And amid all the activity and demands of the year there will be many times that he will value.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Your relations with others will be key this year and while they can go well, you do need to be careful in potentially awkward situations. Also, be realistic in your expectations. This is no year for risks or major breakthroughs. Rather, it is a time for preparing for the often considerable rewards next year.
The Wood Tiger
This will be a busy and often challenging year for Wood Tiger. Not only will he face many demands on his time, but some of his plans could be subject to delay or not proceed in the manner he wants. The year may bring its frustrations, but mixed in with this will be more favourable times. An important feature of the year is what the Wood Tiger can take from it. Not only will he have the chance to further his skills, but he will also learn from the situations he has to deal with and can emerge from the Ox year wiser, stronger and well placed for the excellent opportunities that await next year.
In his work this is a year for proceeding carefully and steadily. As an ambitious Wood Tiger he may be keen to advance, but this is no year for throwing caution to the wind. Instead he should concentrate on doing his best in his present situation. Although this may not always be ideal, particularly as pressures increase or changes take place, by showing commitment he will find his efforts will be noted and stand him in good stead when other responsibilities become available. In addition, all Wood Tigers should make the most of any training they may be offered or any chance to learn other duties, including perhaps covering for absent colleagues. The more experience they can gain, the more they will help their prospects.
During the year the Wood Tiger will also need to take care in his relations with colleagues. This includes co-operating well with those around him as well as being aware of their viewpoints. With the aspects as they are, the Wood Tiger does need to be careful not to be drawn into office politics, petty feuds or other time-consuming matters. This is no year to jeopardize his good work by getting embroiled in unhelpful distractions.
Over the year many Wood Tigers will have the chance to take on additional duties, but for those who are interested in changing their job or are seeking work, this can be a challenging time. To make headway these Wood Tigers will need to be persistent and not too restrictive in the type of work they are prepared to consider. Also, they should take careful note of any feedback they are given after an interview or application. By taking advice and building on it, rather than sticking to their own ways, they can not only improve their chances but in many cases succeed in gaining a position which will have potential for the future. The Ox year may not always be easy for the Wood Tiger, but his achievements during it can often be of value later. April, July, August and November could see the best work opportunities.
The Wood Tiger will also need to remain disciplined in his financial dealings. Many Wood Tigers will be keen to make purchases connected to their interests and accommodation, but these will need careful planning. Rather than proceeding too hurriedly, the Wood Tiger could save himself some outlay by being prepared to wait for sales or other favourable buying opportunities. The Ox year favours patience and deliberation. Should the Wood Tiger take on any new financial commitment, he also needs to check the terms and that all the paperwork is in order. All forms of paperwork do need careful attention this year.