WHAT DOES THE YEAR OF THE RAT HOLD IN STORE?
THE Year of the Rat will be celebrated in great style and with good reason. Not only does it mark the start of a new cycle of animal years in the Chinese calendar, it is a time of energy, hope and fresh starts. A lot is set to happen this year with events having far-reaching consequences.
For the individual, the Rat year offers considerable scope. It is a year to make the most of strengths and build on opportunities. For the determined, so much is possible.
To find your sign and prospects for 2020, look up the animal ruling your year of birth. As each Chinese year begins late in January or early February, if you were born around this time check the actual year dates to find out which sign you were born under.
RAT
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
With charm, style and a friendly manner, Rats get on well with most. Rats particularly value family and social life.
An exciting year ahead and by keeping alert, Rats can accomplish much. In work, openings can allow Rats to progress. This is no time to stand still. What is achieved and taken on can lay important foundations. February–May and September could see encouraging developments. Income could improve. Rats will delight in how personal interests can be furthered with ideas. For the unattached, prospects are excellent for meeting someone. Rats should spread commitments and work with others. In their own year, fortune will favour and reward bold, determined Rats. Tip for the year: Make the most of skills, talents and chances. With belief and willingness much can be accomplished. This is the Rat’s own year and a year for them to shine.
TIGER
1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Active, enthusiastic and interested in much, Tigers set about activities with energy and are creative and inventive. A reasonable year, but not a year to act without consideration – Tigers need to be on their mettle and realistic. This is a year to build on skills and position. Tigers should be wary of risk and of hasty purchases. They will find themselves in demand. March– May, July and September could see special times, including travel. At home, Tigers will have many ideas and plans with a lot set to happen. With decisions and rising pressures, it is important Tigers talk these through. There is much Tigers can do and gain this year, yet this is a year for care and proceeding cautiously. Tip for the year: Plan, consult and build support. This is a year requiring effort and a careful, considered approach.
DRAGON
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Dragons are resourceful, active and use their personality and strengths well, are sociable and have a mind of their own.
A year of scope and opportunity – for action for those hopes or ideas. Serendipity can come into play. A chance offered could take your career in a different direction. February, March, July and October could see developments. Personal interests are also favoured and an idea or project could particularly inspire. Spending needs to be watched and new commitments checked. Home life will be active. Plans could be protracted and more extensive. For the unattached, prospects are excellent. Dragons should seize chances and make the most of their strengths. Tip for the year: Look to advance ideas, skills and interests. Much good can come from positive actions now taken.
OX
1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Determined, reliable and hard working, Oxen are thorough and well-organised and do not like to leave things to chance. An encouraging year with the Ox’s determined nature standing them in excellent stead. In work, there could be tempting openings. An excellent year for adding skills or interests. April– June, August and September could see interesting possibilities. Finances should progress with commitment. A vacation could also be worth considering. Domestic projects should not be rushed and the more that can be undertaken jointly the better. The year will see personal and family successes. Romantic prospects are good for the unattached. A year with excellent opportunities to progress, furthering yourself and your interests. Tip for the year: Be mindful of others, consulting and building up connections. The better the support, the more can be achieved.
RABBIT
1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Rabbits are quiet, easygoing and good at judging situations. A busy year with Rabbits sometimes despairing over the pace. In work many will take on increased responsibilities with duties not always straightforward. Some colleagues could be problematic. Rabbits should be wary of distractions. Rabbits must keep an eye on money. Interests or a new hobby could develop well. May, June, August and December are lively months. Mischiefmaking by another could be a concern. Shared activities and projects can go especially well. The year may be challenging but with care and effort progress can be made. Rabbits who improve their skills will help further themselves.
Tip for the year: Seek advice and talk over matters and decisions that may concern. Allow some ‘me time’ and enjoy interests.
SNAKE
1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes are quietly ambitious. They know what they want and are prepared to work hard and wait patiently.
A full and rewarding year. Snakes are creative and will have ideas to pursue. By rising to challenges and adding to skills, many will prove themselves in another capacity. March, June, August and September could see developments. What is undertaken can be very rewarding and open new doors. With expensive plans, Snakes need to budget. Snakes should make the most of social opportunities. Some important connections can be forged, with possible romantic prospects. In home life Snakes need to be open and communicative. An active year with gains.
Tip for the year: Liaise, communicate and share. This can be an important and far reaching year. Use it well.
HORSE
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Strong-willed and hardworking, Horses have style. They enjoy activity and have an adventurous, outgoing nature.
Rat years are fast moving and Horses could find times when it would be prudent to watch developing situations. Concentrate on areas of expertise and priorities. Additional pressures give Horses the opportunity to prove themselves. Those seeking a new position could find the quest challenging but once an opening is secured, it will be something to build on. Horses will value their social life. March, August-October could see considerable social activity. Home life will be busy. Flexibility and co-operation will be helpful to all. Horses need to budget. A demanding year with chances for Horses to prove themselves. Tip for the year. Watch situations and be mindful of others, consulting as necessary. Allow time for yourself and interests.
MONKEY
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Resourceful and good at spotting opportunities, Monkeys like to keep active and have wide interests. They have a sense of fun. Monkeys will latch onto the energy and possibilities of this year. Those desiring change should seek new positions. February, May, July and November could see possibilities. Monkeys should promote ideas as the Rat year is expected to reward enterprise. Major decisions should not be rushed. Domestically the year will contain some special moments. However, with a lot set to happen, Monkeys must focus and liaise closely. For the unattached, romance could blossom. Monkeys will have much in their favour with resolve and initiative rewarding them well. Tip for the year: Be active, following up ideas and chances. With a ‘can do’ spirit, Monkeys can do and succeed in much.
DOG
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Loyal and caring, Dogs are very protective of loved ones. Dogs tend to worry but are dependable and much respected.
A busy and surprising year. Developments can happen quickly and Dogs will need to adapt. Quite a few will secure a greater role. Important doors can now open. March, April, July and September could see encouraging developments. Financial prospects can improve. Domestically, by tackling tasks together, much can be accomplished. Dogs will value the support of loved ones and should discuss any concerns. Dogs should make the most of social opportunities. For the unattached, a chance meeting could become special. A year of scope and possibility. Tip for the year: A year to further yourself. Take on challenges and set plans in motion. There is much good to be done.
GOAT
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Observant and caring Goats have a good understanding of human nature. They are creative and enjoy the finer things in life. A year of progress and good possibilities for Goats who take the initiative. Openings can suddenly arise and to secure a new position, Goats should act quickly. Much can be gained. March, April, July and November could see developments. With a busy lifestyle, spending needs to be watched. Personal interests can develop well. Domestically Goats can look forward to some special events. Goats would do well to think ahead. For the unattached, an unexpected meeting could develop. Goats have a lot in their favour this year and with resolve, planning and determination can accomplish and enjoy much.
Tip for the year: Use opportunities to build on skills and advance interests. Regard the good done as an investment in yourself.
ROOSTER
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Roosters have considerable style and dignity. They enjoy company and conversation. They like to be well organised. A fast moving year may leave Roosters who like to plan uneasy with the increasing pressures. Changes can suddenly occur which could be concerning and bring additional responsibilities. Roosters will also often have a chance to prove themselves in a new capacity. Opportunities need to be grasped as April and August–November could see useful possibilities. Roosters need to be careful in finance. They will value social opportunities. In home life, quality time and shared activities will be appreciated with loved ones being helpful during times of pressure.
Tip for the year: Keep alert and adapt as required. Situations may not suit but headway can be made and experience gained.
PIG
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 Outgoing, kindly and trusting, Pigs enjoy good relations with many. They like their pleasures. Pigs may find the Rat year unsettling. By focusing on what needs to be done and using learning opportunities, many can do their reputation and prospects much good. Those seeking change or a new position should widen their net and consider other ways to develop. What is accomplished will require effort but will be to their long-term advantage. Pigs also need to be careful in money matters, with this not a year to be lax. Personal interests can go well with a new undertaking revealing other talents. Pigs will also enjoy the year’s social opportunities with a chance to widen their circle. For the unattached, someone new could quickly become important. April, May, August and September could be full and interesting months. Pigs will particularly value home life, appreciating support given as well as arranging and suggesting various activities. Mutual interests and a holiday could be much appreciated. The Chinese proverb, ‘If you cannot do what you want, do what you can’ holds true for the Rat year. It is a year for trying, doing and making the best of arising situations. Tip for the year: Build on experience, including widening skills and interests and extending your social network. While not an easy year, efforts can reward and have long-term value.