Your Chinese Horoscope 2011

One factor in the Earth Rat’s favour will be the support and advice he receives from those around him. When considering ideas or making decisions, he will find the process of talking things through will clarify his preferences in his own mind as well as give him the chance to benefit from the suggestions of others. This is no year to be too independent-minded.

One area in which particular care is needed is finance and if the Earth Rat receives correspondence that is unclear or causes him concern, it is important that he seeks advice, perhaps from a helpline. Similarly, with any large transaction or obligation he may take on, he should check the terms and conditions. The extra attention he gives to his finances can help prevent mistakes and sometimes save unnecessary outlay.

Many Earth Rats will be keen to proceed with certain accommodation plans during the year, possibly replacing equipment or adding new comforts to their home. Here again, the Earth Rat needs to remain alert. Purchases should not be rushed, and if he takes his time, he may not only be better pleased with his eventual choices but also benefit from some advantageous offers. For Earth Rats who decide to move, again the Rabbit year can be slow moving, with sales, purchases and moves often protracted.

For those in work the Rabbit year can be a generally satisfying one, particularly as the Earth Rat may have more chance to concentrate on his area of expertise. When pressures or problems arise, colleagues will often be keen to draw on his experience as well as admire his resourceful approach. During the year many Earth Rats will find their skills in demand and while they will often be content to remain in their present role, their work can give them a sense of achievement.

Some may, though, decide to take advantage of retirement options or reduce their working commitments. Although this may be something they have been looking forward to for some time, such a change can impact their lives in several ways. To help, these Earth Rats should give serious thought to what it is they now want to do. With carefully considered plans, they can find the Rabbit year can mark the start of an exciting new chapter. As with so much this year, the more the Earth Rat can plan ahead, the better he will fare.

Earth Rats who are interested in altering their working commitments or keen to take on another role could also benefit from ideas they have or opportunities that arise. With resourcefulness, good advice and initiative, they can make the Rabbit year a time of interesting possibilities.

The Earth Rat will also derive much satisfaction from his interests and by setting himself specific aims or projects will be pleased with what he is able to get underway. This is a year which rewards focus and dedication. Another important feature of it will be the opportunities that open up for the Earth Rat, and whether attracted by locally run courses and new activities or joining with others to try out new pursuits, by being open to what is offered, he can greatly benefit.

Throughout the year the Earth Rat will also value the good friendships he has. Not only will he enjoy meeting up with his friends but he can also benefit from their support and goodwill. Many Earth Rats will find their interests will bring them into contact with others and for those keen to extend their social circle this can be a pleasing and interesting year. May, June, August and the closing months of the Rabbit year are likely to be the most active socially.

The Earth Rat’s domestic life can also be rewarding, and by sharing his thoughts, he will find many plans developing well, even if sometimes slowly. Not only can he benefit from the support he is given over the year but he will also do much to advise and assist others, including helping to arrange some important family occasions. Domestically, this can be a full and pleasing year, but the key will be good liaison and co-operation.

The Earth Rat would also do well to try and go away with his loved ones over the year. A break can do everyone a lot of good and if the Earth Rat considers his destination carefully, he will particularly enjoy the places he visits and activities he carries out.

Much will go in the Earth Rat’s favour this year but, as with any year, problems can still arise. When they do, the Earth Rat does need to consult others and find a solution or amicable arrangement. To ignore problems could lead to them escalating or leave them lingering unsatisfactorily in the background. The Earth Rat’s tactful and thoughtful manner can be very useful this year, but at times of concern he does need to be active, involved and forthcoming.

Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is one for going ahead with plans, and with the Earth Rat’s careful approach and the support of others, he will be satisfied with how he is able to develop his ideas and interests. This may not be a year for swift developments, but it can be a quietly satisfying one.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Give yourself some time, especially to develop your personal interests. The skills you use and ideas you follow up can bring you a great deal of pleasure. Also, be open to new activities. These can develop in an often interesting and advantageous manner.

FAMOUS RATS

Ben Affleck, Ursula Andress, Louis Armstrong, Lauren Bacall, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kathy Bates, Irving Berlin, Silvio Berlusconi, Kenneth Branagh, Marlon Brando, Charlotte Brontë, Jackson Browne, George H. W. Bush, Glen Campbell, David Carradine, Jimmy Carter, Aaron Copland, Cameron Diaz, David Duchovny, Noël Edmonds, T. S. Eliot, Eminem, Colin Firth, Clark Gable, Liam Gallagher, Al Gore, Hugh Grant, Lewis Hamilton, Thomas Hardy, Prince Harry, Haydn, Charlton Heston, Buddy Holly, Mick Hucknall, Henrik Ibsen, Jeremy Irons, Samuel L. Jackson, Jean-Michel Jarre, Scarlett Johansson, Gene Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jude Law, Gary Lineker, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ian McEwan, Katie Melua, Claude Monet, Richard Nixon, Ozzy Osbourne, Sean Penn, Terry Pratchett, Ian Rankin, Lou Rawls, Burt Reynolds, Jonathan Ross, Rossini, William Shakespeare, Donna Summer, James Taylor, Leo Tolstoy, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Spencer Tracy, the Prince of Wales, George Washington, the Duke of York, Emile Zola.

THE OX

6 FEBRUARY 1913 ~ 25 JANUARY 1914 Water Ox 24 JANUARY 1925 ~ 12 FEBRUARY 1926 Wood Ox 11 FEBRUARY 1937 ~ 30 JANUARY 1938 Fire Ox 29 JANUARY 1949 ~ 16 FEBRUARY 1950 Earth Ox 15 FEBRUARY 1961 ~ 4 FEBRUARY 1962 Metal Ox 3 FEBRUARY 1973 ~ 22 JANUARY 1974 Water Ox 20 FEBRUARY 1985 ~ 8 FEBRUARY 1986 Wood Ox 7 FEBRUARY 1997 ~ 27 JANUARY 1998 Fire Ox 26 JANUARY 2009 ~ 13 FEBRUARY 2010 Earth Ox

THE PERSONALITY OF THE OX

The more considered the way,

the more considerable the journey.

The Ox is born under the signs of equilibrium and tenacity. He is a hard and conscientious worker and sets about everything he does in a resolute, methodical and determined manner. He has considerable leadership qualities and is often admired for his tough and uncompromising nature. He knows what he wants to achieve in life and, as far as possible, will not be deflected from his ultimate objective.

The Ox takes his responsibilities and duties very seriously. He is decisive and quick to take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. He is also sincere and places a great deal of trust in his friends and colleagues. He is, nevertheless, something of a loner. He is a quiet and private individual and often keeps his thoughts to himself. He also cherishes his independence and prefers to set about things in his own way rather than be bound by the dictates of others or influenced by outside pressures.

The Ox tends to have a calm and tranquil nature, but if something angers him or he feels that someone has let him down, he can have a fearsome temper. He can also be stubborn and obstinate and this can lead him into conflict with others. Usually he will succeed in getting his own way, but should things go against him he is a poor loser and will take any defeat or setback extremely badly.

The Ox is often a deep thinker and rather studious. He is not particularly renowned for his sense of humour and does not take kindly to new gimmicks or anything too innovative. He is too solid and traditional for that and prefers to stick to the more conventional norm.

His home is very important to him and in some respects he treats it as a private sanctuary. His family tends to be closely knit and the Ox will make sure that each member does their fair share around the house. He tends to be a hoarder, but he is always well organized and neat. He also places great importance on punctuality and there is nothing that infuriates him more than to be kept waiting, particularly if it is due to someone’s inefficiency. The Ox can be a hard taskmaster!

Once settled in a job or house the Ox will quite happily remain there for many years. He does not like change and he is also not particularly keen on travel. He does, however, enjoy gardening and other outdoor pursuits and he will often spend much of his spare time out of doors. He is usually an excellent gardener and whenever possible will make sure he has a large area of ground to maintain. He usually prefers to live in the country than the town.

Due to his dedicated and dependable nature the Ox will usually do well in his chosen career, providing he is given enough freedom to act on his own initiative. He invariably does well in politics, agriculture and in careers that need specialized training. He is also very gifted artistically and many Oxen have enjoyed considerable success as musicians or composers.

The Ox is not as outgoing as some and it often takes him a long time to establish friendships and feel relaxed in another person’s company. His courtships are likely to be long, but once he is settled he will remain devoted and loyal to his partner. He is particularly well suited to those born under the signs of the Rat, Rabbit, Snake and Rooster. He can also establish a good relationship with the Monkey, Dog, Pig and another Ox, but he will find that he has little in common with the whimsical and sensitive Goat. He will also find it difficult to get on with the Horse, Dragon and Tiger – the Ox prefers a quiet and peaceful existence and those born under these three signs tend to be a little too lively and impulsive for his liking.

The female Ox has a kind and caring nature and her home and family are very much her pride and joy. She always tries to do her best for her partner and can be a most conscientious and loving parent. She is an excellent organizer and a very determined person who will often succeed in getting what she wants in life. She usually has a deep interest in the arts and is often a talented artist or musician.

The Ox is a very down-to-earth character. He is sincere, loyal and unpretentious. He can, however, be rather reserved and to some he may appear distant and aloof. He has a quiet nature, but underneath he is very strong-willed and ambitious. He has the courage of his convictions and is often prepared to stand up for what he believes to be right, regardless of the consequences. He inspires confidence and trust and throughout his life he will rarely be short of people who are ready to support him.

THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OX

In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Ox are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore those Oxen born in 1961 are Metal Oxen, those born in 1913 and 1973 are Water Oxen, and so on.

Metal Ox: 1961

This Ox is confident and very strong-willed. He can be blunt and forthright in his views and is not afraid of speaking his mind. He sets about his objectives with a dogged determination, but he can become so involved in his various activities that he can be oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around him, and this can sometimes be to his detriment. He is honest and dependable and will never promise more than he can deliver. He has a good appreciation of the arts and usually has a small circle of very good and loyal friends.

Water Ox: 1913, 1973

This Ox has a sharp and penetrating mind. He is a good organizer and sets about his work in a methodical manner. He is not as narrow-minded as some of the other types of Ox and is more willing to involve others in his plans and aspirations. He usually has very high moral standards and is often attracted to careers in public service. He is a good judge of character and has such a friendly and persuasive manner that he usually experiences little difficulty in securing his objectives. He is popular and has an excellent way with children.

Wood Ox: 1925, 1985

The Wood Ox conducts himself with an air of dignity and authority and will often take a leading role in any enterprise in which he becomes involved. He is very self-confident and is direct in his dealings with others. He does, however, have a quick temper and has no hesitation in speaking his mind. He has tremendous drive and willpower and an extremely good memory. He is particularly loyal and devoted to the members of his family and has a most caring nature.

Fire Ox: 1937, 1997

The Fire Ox has a powerful and assertive personality and is a hard and conscientious worker. He holds strong views and has very little patience when things do not go his way. He can also get carried away in the excitement of the moment and does not always take into account the views of those around him. He nevertheless has many leadership qualities and will often reach positions of power, eminence and wealth. He usually has a small group of loyal and close friends and is very devoted to his family.

Earth Ox: 1949, 2009

This Ox sets about everything he does in a sensible and level-headed manner. He is ambitious but also realistic in his aims and is often prepared to work long hours in order to secure his objectives. He is shrewd in financial and business matters and is a very good judge of character. He has a quiet nature and is greatly admired for his sincerity and integrity. He is also very loyal to his family and friends and his views are often sought.

PROSPECTS FOR THE OX IN 2011

The Ox will often have felt uncomfortable with the developments and fast pace of the Tiger year (14 February 2010–2 February 2011). It will have been a demanding time, with many Oxen facing increased pressures and difficult decisions. However, while the aspects in the Tiger year may be mixed, there is good reason for the Ox to take heart, for his prospects are more encouraging in the next Chinese year.

In what remains of the Tiger year the Ox will need to proceed carefully. In his work he should concentrate on his specific duties and also take note of the developments going on around him. This is no time for him to be too independent in approach. For Oxen who are considering a change or are seeking a position, September and November could see some interesting possibilities.

In financial matters the Ox will need to be vigilant and take his time when making more substantial purchases as well as watch his outgoings. Risks or haste could lead to regret.

With a lot likely to be on his mind, the Ox also needs to be forthcoming and share his thoughts with those around him. This will be far better than brooding or keeping any anxieties to himself. Both family and friends will be keen to advise and support. In addition, by playing his usual active part in home life, he will particularly appreciate some of the occasions that take place towards the end of the year. Similarly, in his social life, if he takes up invitations and spends time with his friends, he will not only enjoy himself but can also do himself considerable good, particularly as this will give him the chance to relax and unwind.

The Tiger year may be challenging, but it will not be without its pleasures, and the more the Ox joins with others (and watches his independent tendencies), the more he is likely to gain from it.

The Year of the Rabbit begins on 3 February and will be a much improved one for the Ox. Rather than feeling buffeted by events and the pace that characterizes the Tiger year, he will be able to focus on his objectives and achieve some positive results. Admittedly, the Rabbit year will still have its problems, but overall this can be a far more satisfying and constructive time for the Ox.

For Oxen who are starting the Rabbit year dissatisfied, at a low ebb or disappointed with recent progress, this is very much a time to draw a line under what has happened and to look ahead. With a positive ‘can do’ approach, the Ox will find more opening up for him.

This will be especially the case at work, and many Oxen will feel that the time is now right to take their skills further and explore new options. For quite a few, developments in their current place of work could give them the opening they want. By keeping alert and indicating their desire to progress, many will be able to make important – and sometimes overdue – headway. Any new roles and duties will also involve the Ox learning new skills and adapting to different ways of working, but by showing commitment and resolve, he can do himself and his reputation much good.

For Oxen who are keen to take their career in another direction, as well as those seeking work, again the Rabbit year can have encouraging developments in store. To benefit, these Oxen will need to be active in making enquiries as well as consider other ways in which they could use their strengths, but by chance, almost as if by fate taking a hand, an opening could arise which is not only suitable but gives these Oxen an exciting and often inspiring new challenge. Mid-March to early June and October could see some interesting developments, but whenever opportunities arise the Ox needs to act swiftly and emphasize his qualities and experience.

The progress the Ox makes at work can also lead to an increase in income, but money matters still need to be handled carefully. The Ox does need to budget for his commitments and try to reduce any borrowings. He should also be careful if he becomes involved in a more informal arrangement, including lending to another person, as problems and misunderstandings could arise. In money matters this is a year for caution and careful management.

On a personal level, however, the Rabbit year has much to offer. For Oxen enjoying romance this is set to grow stronger as the year progresses, while for the unattached, a chance meeting can often become meaningful and new love add excitement to the year. Oxen who would welcome more company can do much to help their position by taking up activities which will allow them to meet others. Sometimes a locally run course or a social or interest group could be what they need. The action they take can often reward them well. March, April, July and September could offer some fine opportunities to meet others as well as be active times socially.

The Ox’s home life can also keep him busy during the year. With his practical nature, he may well decide to improve his home in some way, perhaps redecorating certain rooms, sorting and tidying up particular areas and, for the gardener, enjoying time outdoors. Practical activities, especially those that can be shared, can bring the Ox much pleasure this year.

He will also do a lot to support loved ones during the year. Someone close to him could experience some difficulty and the support, encouragement and assistance the Ox is able to give may be of more value than he may realize. In turn, should a problem arise which he himself does not feel competent to deal with, he should seek advice. He may be keen to do his best, but if the situation warrants expert advice, he should feel able to call upon it. Oxen, do remember this. Personally, this can be a satisfying year, but do be prepared to draw on the assistance of others if required.

Overall, the Year of the Rabbit is an encouraging one for the Ox and by looking to make progress, using his time well and seizing his opportunities, he can make headway as well as enjoy some pleasing personal developments.

The Metal Ox

This will be an important year for the Metal Ox and with it marking his fiftieth birthday he will be keen to get this new decade off to a positive start. As he has demonstrated so often, when he sets himself specific aims, his hard work and focus usually secure what he wants, and so it will be this year. This is no time to be fettered by recent disappointments (the previous Tiger year in particular could have been an awkward one) but to concentrate on the present and look determinedly ahead.

As 2011 begins the Metal Ox could find it particularly helpful to draw up some plans for the year. With thoughts in mind he will find his efforts opening up some fresh possibilities and rewarding him in often special ways. The Rabbit year can be an interesting one and also have some surprises in store.

The Metal Ox’s relations with others will be especially important this year. His loved ones will often be keen to mark his fiftieth birthday in fine style and not only will he be the centre of attention but often touched by the affection shown him. However, it will not only be his birthday and other family occasions that will be meaningful, but the support and assistance he receives throughout the year. In turn, he should talk openly about his activities and plans and listen closely to advice given. In some cases, new possibilities could arise as a result. This is very much a year that favours a co-operative rather than independent approach.

In his home life the Metal Ox will also be pleased with some of the activities that take place, including practical projects and activities shared with his loved ones. He will also take a fond interest in the activities of those around him and the advice and practical support he gives to younger and more senior relations will be welcomed, particularly if they are facing problems or anxieties. The Metal Ox has many redoubtable qualities and he will not let them down.

This will also be an interesting year as far as his social life is concerned. He will have the chance to meet new people and form important new friendships and sometimes, for the unattached, find romance. This is a year that favours activity and the Metal Ox will enjoy and often benefit from his chances to meet others. March, April, July and September could be the most active months socially.