Your Chinese Horoscope 2013: What the year of the snake holds in store for you. Neil Somerville
and it can leave a powerful legacy for the Water Rat to build on.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Avoid haste. Consider your plans carefully and use any chances to further your knowledge and skills. Investing in yourself can lead to important opportunities opening up for future success.
The Wood Rat
This can be a quietly satisfying year for the Wood Rat. Although it may lack the dynamic activity of some, by setting about his activities in a keen, determined way, he can not only improve himself but also sow important seeds for the future. Indeed, a lot that the Wood Rat does this year can be of far-reaching significance. However, he will need to be patient and thorough, as this is no time for risk or rush.
This is particularly the case at work. In recent years many Wood Rats will have impressed others with their dedication and skills, and this year those who have been with the same employer for some time will often have a chance to take on greater responsibilities and learn about other aspects of their work. However, in setting about their duties, they could face additional pressures. Snake years do not always make life easy for the Wood Rat, but the effort he puts in and skills he demonstrates can help both his present position and future prospects. It is worth making the effort.
For Wood Rats who feel there is limited scope where they are and decide to move on, as well as those seeking work, there can be important developments in store. Obtaining a position will require great effort and these Wood Rats should consider widening their search. By doing so, however, many could secure a position that is very different from what they have done before but is a good base to build on. Those who do take on a new position this year should make the most of any training they may be offered and embrace the chance to learn. What they accomplish now can open up further possibilities in the future. April and mid-September to early December could see some particularly encouraging developments.
Although many Wood Rats will enjoy a modest increase in earnings over the year, money matters do require care. With personal, accommodation and sometimes transport expenses likely to be considerable, the Wood Rat will need to budget carefully. Economies may be needed in order to go ahead with certain plans, or even meet commitments, and the keyword in 2013 is discipline. The Wood Rat should also be thorough in all financial matters and check the terms and obligations of any new agreement he enters into. The Snake year rewards careful attention.
Over the year, the Wood Rat should also give some thought to his well-being. With sometimes long and demanding days, he does need to allow time for rest and relaxation and also make sure his diet is balanced and sufficient. If lacking regular exercise, he should try to schedule some into his week. Without care, he could find himself under par this year, and if anything concerns him at any time, or he decides to start a new exercise regime, he should seek medical advice.
In addition to learning new skills in his work, he can, however derive considerable satisfaction from his personal interests. Whether enjoying the pleasure and company these can bring or setting himself a new project, he can get much personal benefit from what he does over the year. And with his often busy lifestyle, it is important that he allows himself time for recreation.
This also applies to his social life. In view of his pressures and commitments, the Wood Rat may decide to cut back on his socializing this year. However, he should still keep in regular contact with friends and if he receives invitations to events that appeal to him, he should try to go. March, May, August and December will see the most social activity.
For the unattached Wood Rat, there could be significant romance this year, but if it is to endure, time is needed. Rushing things or building up high expectations early on could lead to heartbreak. Wood Rats, take note and allow any blossoming romance to evolve in its own way and time.
Domestically, this can be a busy year. Some Wood Rats will start a family, some will have ambitious accommodation plans and some will have other key objectives they are keen to realize. A lot is set to happen and the Wood Rat will need to remain attentive and aware. Also, developments in the Snake year can sometimes take a curious course, with plans needing to be revised or new possibilities arising. To benefit, the Wood Rat will need to show some flexibility, but over the year he can find important hopes being realized and bringing him considerable happiness. As with so much in 2013, this may not happen quickly, though, but need to be worked towards.
Throughout the year the Wood Rat will do much to assist others and many will be grateful for his advice. In his home life, once again he will play a full and valued part.
Overall, 2013 will be a demanding year, but while the going may sometimes be tough, the Wood Rat will have the chance to learn new skills, demonstrate personal qualities and prepare the way for subsequent advances. The Snake year will be both constructive and instructive, and while its pressures may sometimes be great, it will also contain some special moments, including the realization of certain personal hopes. Despite the effort required, the Wood Rat can find it a personally satisfying and illuminating year.
TIP FOR THE YEAR
Be thorough and proceed carefully and steadily. Also, allow time for yourself as well as to spend with others. Keep your lifestyle in balance so you can appreciate what you do and those around you all the more.
The Fire Rat
There is a Chinese proverb that the Fire Rat would do well to bear in mind this year: ‘Diligence leads to riches.’ By setting about his activities in a careful and diligent way, he will find what he can accomplish this year can be of considerable future value.
In his education the Fire Rat should make the most of the opportunities available to him. Even though he may feel uneasy about certain aspects of his education and may find particular subjects challenging, this is still a golden opportunity to learn, acquire skills and discover more about his capabilities. These chances are not ones to waste.
To get the most from his studying, the Fire Rat should be disciplined and allow sufficient time for reading and exam preparation. If he works steadily throughout the year, his overall progress will be that much better. Also, as the year develops, he could get the chance to study certain topics in greater depth or start new courses which can have long-term significance.
Throughout the year, he should be open and communicative, and if he has problems or uncertainties, speak to those who are able to help. Similarly, if he would like to find out more about some courses or work choices, he should ask. This is no time to keep his concerns to himself or miss out on the assistance that is available.
In addition to more academic pursuits, the Fire Rat can derive much pleasure from his recreational interests over the year. By allowing time for these and, if applicable, making the most of the facilities and instruction available, he will enjoy developing his strengths, ideas and skills. Fire Rats who enjoy activities such as sport, music or dance can also enjoy a great sense of camaraderie that adds to the fun.
For any Fire Rats who are feeling alone or unfulfilled, the Snake year can again offer opportunity. However, to benefit, these Fire Rats will need to be active in bringing about the improvement they desire. Looking at what is available in their locality and setting themselves personal objectives will be of benefit. By doing something definite, many Fire Rats will be able to bring meaning and sparkle back into their lives this year as well as improve their outlook.
A factor that the Fire Rat will need to remember, however, is that this year can be a slow-moving one and results will need to be worked for. This is no time to expect swift developments or rush activities. The most rewarding results will come from steady effort. During the year the Fire Rat will also need to be mindful of the views of others. Ignoring the views or feelings of relatives and close friends in particular can lead to some difficult moments. Throughout the year the Fire Rat does need to pay heed to those around him.
This need for awareness also applies to financial matters. If there are particular items the Fire Rat is thinking of acquiring, particularly if they involve considerable outlay, it would be worth him seeking advice on what best meets his requirements. Money matters require careful consideration this year and this is no time for risk, haste or impulse buys.
Fire Rats who decide to leave education and