It's the Year of the Rat, the Earth Rat to be precise. Mama and Papa cleaned the apartment as well as they could, and we went to bed tucked into new sheets and jammies. All in the hopes of an auspicious year! Here's my annual Lunar New Year forecast:
Papa and I are both
Horses: Success will not come easily for Horses during the Year of the Earth Rat, but it is still possible. You'll have to work against your nature to succeed, by choosing mind over heat. The most opportunities will be available at the very beginning of the year, so make your moves now!
Career and Money -- Focus on long-term career growth rather than immediate gains. Although you're a self-starter, it's important to work with others this year. Financially, your keyword is "save." Avoid risks with your money, and think twice before lending cash to friends.
Love and Family -- The best way to achieve intimacy is by being vulnerable with the people you love. Rely on the emotional support of family this year. Romantically, it is necessary to listen carefully to your partner and be as patient as possible (yah Papa!).
Health -- Make sure to get adequate rest this year. Get plenty of sleep and make sure to take time off if you have to put in extra time at the office. Since your energy may be low this during an Earth Rat year, eat healthy foods.
Mama is a
Snake (I mean that in the most loving sense): The Year of the Earth Rat will be much better for the Snake than last year, which was ruled by the Fire Pig. Your mind will be most productive, and there will be plenty of opportunities for success (hooray!).
Career and Money -- You'll need to be quick on your feet to make the most of the career opportunities that come your way. Rely on your creative spark to ascend in your job or to find a better one. Financially, this is a conservative year, so avoid large, impulsive purchases. You'll regret it otherwise.
Love and Family -- The Year of the Earth Rat is great for spending time with loved ones. Keep a busy social calendar, and -- if you're single -- you're likely to be lucky in love.
Health -- With so much activity at the job and with family and friends, you may risk burning out and getting sick. Make sure you exercise regularly, get lots of rest and be honest and open about your feelings.
Uncle Andy and Auntie Angela are both
Roosters: The Rooster and the Rat are not very compatible, hence the Year of the Earth Rat will not be the easiest year for you. The key to success this year is to choose cooperation over bickering. Don't argue for argument's sake.
Career and Money -- If things don't go your way, step back a moment and think through to the source of the problem. Don't panic! It's best to think before you speak, and to work closely with your colleagues to make things go right. Financially, it's time to save, as you may unexpectedly have to shell out big bucks to attend to your home.
Love and Family -- If you're single, take things slowly in budding relationships, as the potential for delusion is high. Enjoy time with friends, but avoid getting too wild. You may regret the consequences. If you're in a relationship, nip small problems in the bud before they grow out of proportion.
Health -- Since relationships are not easy this year, reduce the likelihood of stress impacting your health by exercising on a regular basis.
Uncle Al is an
Ox: Although the Year of the Earth Rat won't be great for you, at least it will be better than the last year (ruled by the Fire Pig). You will have equal parts success and disappointment. Avoid unnecessary risks, and work hard.
Career and Money -- Your work style is reliable and sturdy, which is great for keeping a job, but not necessarily for advancing up the ladder. This is the year to promote yourself, even if it doesn't feel comfortable. Financially, an Earth Rat year is good for you, especially if you own a business or have invested conservatively. Unexpected sources of money are also possible!
Love and Family -- Family is less likely to let you down than friends this year. You draw in friends with your supportive, sturdy presence, but the Earth Rat year may bring out people who try to use or betray you.
Health -- Your immune system could become taxed this year if you refuse to be flexible. Avoid stress as much as possible.
Gramma is a
Dragon (how cool is that?!): The Year of the Earth Rat will be even better for you than last year (a Fire Pig year). However, Earth is not your element, so don't depend on luck to get you where you want to go. Visualize your dreams and use this year to manifest them. This Chinese New Year is a time for realizing at least one of your big dreams.
Career and Money -- Just use your imagination, and success will be yours for the taking! Keep your eye out for the unexpected, and jump on opportunities offered by both bosses and co-workers. Financially, this Earth energy is conservative. Investing in a home is a good idea during an Earth Rat year. Focus on planning for the future.
Love and Family -- Express your feelings freely, and love will come your way. Keep active socially, spend time with family and be on the lookout for that special someone. Romance is favorable this year.
Health -- Your energy may be flying through the roof this year, but be practical. Remember you're still human, and cannot take on the world!
Uncle Brian is a
Monkey: The Year of the Earth Rat will be best for Monkeys more than any other Chinese sign. You will have many opportunities this year. Just beware of over-confidence. The very beginning of the year is not the luckiest for you, so take things slow.
Career and Money -- Your ideas are gold this Chinese New Year. To make them manifest, it's important to keep your focus and avoid spreading your attention thinly over many projects. It's better to follow your ideas from start to finish. Financially, this is a good year for you. However, avoid risky investments. Stick with the tried-and-true.
Love and Family -- If you're married, you'll be more out and about with your spouse this year. This Earth Rat year is also good for conceiving! In you're single, you'll get lots of interest (Whoo hoo!!). Don't rush into a serious relationship, though. Better to keep things light.
Health -- This year you'll have high energy and good health. Since you'll be so active this year, just make sure to get adequate rest!
: The Year of the Earth Rat won't be as easy as last year, but you can increase success by taking some chances.
Career and Money -- This is a year for action, so it is time to jump on the wagon if you want to try a different vocation or move up the ladder at your current job. Get the word out about your desires, and your colleagues might be able to help you out. Financially, your investments are favorable. However, be wary of trusting people with your money too much. Ask for advice from another source before you make major decisions.
Love and Family -- Friends and family are important during this Earth Rat year. Be supportive to loved ones who are in need. You will also have many opportunities to meet new people, both for friendship and romance.
Health -- Since you'll be active this year, take precautions to avoid injury. Keep stress to a minimum, and your health will be fine.
Have I forgotten anyone? Let me know if I have! Obviously I don't have that many friends from different zodiac signs, so if you're interested in your Year of the Rat horoscope drop me a line in the comments and I'll post it for you! Make sure you put away your broom and dustpan today, no sweeping as it will sweep away the good fortune of the new year!
This is my first leap year ever. And I'm going to commemorate it by destroying this paper towel roll. Do know why we even have leap years? It's so we can stay on track with the earth orbiting the sun. Leap years occur in years that are divisible by 4. I can't do math, but I imagine that it would be easy to figure out which years contain leap days.
