Your Chinese Horoscope 2009: What the Year of the Ox Holds in Store for You. Neil Somerville
Water Rat this year: Diligence is the tool that brings one riches and frugality is the measure that helps keep them. This is a year for effort and for care.
At work the Ox year can give rise to some important developments and whether the Water Rat is relatively new in his position or well established, there will often be the chance for him to make progress, either through more senior positions becoming available or through training that can lead to a greater role. Either way, the opportunities will be there and will enable many Water Rats to make headway.
The Ox year also holds encouraging prospects for those Water Rats seeking work or wanting to change what they do. To benefit, however, these Water Rats will need to remain active and persistent in their quest. As all Rats will find, the Ox year does require effort, but for those prepared to give this, the rewards can be substantial. In addition, with the Ox year favouring personal development, if these Water Rats are eligible for training or refresher courses or are prepared to study by themselves, they will not only help their prospects but also widen the scope of what is available to them. ‘Diligence is the tool that brings one riches’ and in 2009 this will be very true. For work opportunities, March, June and late September to November are especially favourable times.
Progress at work will, however, often bring new pressures for the Water Rat. Sometimes these will involve a change in his routine as well as learning new skills and coping with new demands. However, while such readjustments will ask a lot of the Water Rat, by rising to the challenge he will not only demonstrate his commitment but also find himself more inspired and motivated than he has been for some time. The opportunities of the Ox year can give many a Water Rat’s career a real boost.
Another factor in the Water Rat’s success over the year will be his willingness to develop his skills. This will not only help his current situation but also allow more to open up to him, both in his work and other areas of his life. In particular, by looking to develop an interest in some way, either by practising it or learning new skills or techniques, he will enjoy it all the more. Also, if there is a new interest or skill that appeals to him, he should set aside time to follow this up. Over the year developing his personal interests can do him a lot of good.
The progress the Water Rat makes in his work will help him financially, and many Water Rats will not only benefit from an increase in income but also receive money from another source. This could be a gift or, for some, the result of an enterprising idea. However, while this is a generally positive year money-wise, the Water Rat does need be careful with his outgoings. With his existing commitments, accommodation costs and the help he may want to give to others, as well as the plans he is keen to carry out, he will need to watch his spending and budget carefully. The more he is able to plan ahead and set funds aside for specific requirements, the better. Also, he needs to be wary of succumbing to too many impulse purchases. The Ox year does require careful financial control.
The year is, however, favourably aspected as far as the Water Rat’s relations with others are concerned. Although in his home life there will often be competing demands on his time, if he ensures there is good communication and co-operation between family members and sets aside time for family activities, there will be many occasions for him to appreciate. Also, in giving support and encouragement to both younger and more senior relations, he will find his care and thoughtfulness especially valued. Time-wise, the Ox year may bring its pressures, but by balancing activities and commitments, the Water Rat will find his family life will be a very important and special part of his year.
As far as his social life is concerned, he is likely to be more selective in going out this year. However, if certain events appeal to him, he should try to attend. Not only will this help him to unwind and give him a welcome break, but he will often enjoy the chance to meet others. Some new acquaintances made during the year could soon become a part of his social circle. Late March to May, August and September could be the most active months socially, but generally, in view of the busy nature of the year, the Water Rat should try to make the most of his social opportunities.
The Ox year certainly has good possibilities for the Water Rat and will encourage him to make more of his skills and talents. Although it will bring its pressures, it will give him the chance to show his true qualities and reap some often considerable rewards. This is a year for moving forward.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Look to develop your skills. Whether these are work-related or more personal, they can open up interesting opportunities and reward you handsomely for the effort you put in.
The Wood Rat
This will be a significant year for the Wood Rat and there could be some key developments, particularly in his personal life, while at work there will be good opportunities to make more of his skills. The Ox year will require effort and a willingness to take action, but the results can be substantial.
The Wood Rat’s relations with others will be especially important and many Wood Rats will have cause for a personal celebration during the year. For some this could involve getting engaged or married, settling down with a partner, seeing an addition to the family or achieving a personal goal. The aspects are on the Wood Rat’s side this year and someone very special will often make a difference to his life.
For those Wood Rats who are unattached and would welcome romance, this is also a year of encouraging developments. In many cases, someone met by chance in the early months of the year could quickly become important. Any Wood Rats who have had problems in a relationship and are currently alone will find that this is a time to look ahead. A key feature of the Ox year is that it is supportive of endeavour and if they are active and willing to move forward, these Water Rats will find that a lot can open up for them.
The Wood Rat will also value his social life over the year and with possible work changes as well as his own interests, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to get to know others. The months from April to early June and late July to September could see a great deal of social activity.
Another positive aspect of the year will be the level of support the Wood Rat enjoys and by being forthcoming and sharing his hopes and concerns with those he trusts, he will often be assisted in more ways than he anticipated. Indeed, sometimes just by mentioning a certain idea, he can obtain support and plans can be set in motion. Similarly, in his career or with his personal interests, if he gets to know others he can often gain assistance. This is a good year for networking and meeting others.
As far as work prospects are concerned, this is a year of steady progress. Results will need to be worked for, however, and the Ox year could present some stark warnings to any Wood Rat tempted to slack or take situations for granted. Wood Rats, do take note and be prepared to make the effort.
For those Wood Rats who are well established in their career, there will often be good opportunities to develop their role as new initiatives are introduced, changes in personnel lead to new openings or training is offered. By making the most of the chances that arise, the Wood Rat can do himself a lot of good. Also, by being an active member of any team he is involved with, he will get to impress many people and gain encouragement and advice from some more senior colleagues. March, June and late September to November could see some positive career developments.
For those Wood Rats who feel they could get more experience by moving on from their current position, the Ox year can again bring important developments. However, to benefit these Wood Rats need to remain focused and persistent. By contacting agencies and those with the knowledge and contacts to help, however, many Wood Rats will benefit from the advice and information they are given as well as be advised of possibilities to pursue. Even if initial applications do not go their way, by keeping alert and remaining persistent, many will find their efforts rewarded. As with so much this year, effort backed by the support of others will be a significant factor.
This also applies to those Wood Rats seeking a position. While securing one will take time, by being persistent and making the most of the information, support and any training and guidance available to them, many Wood Rats will be successful in their quest
The advances that so many Wood Rats will make in their