astute and very level-headed. He rarely takes unnecessary chances and while he is constantly trying to improve his financial status, he is prepared to proceed slowly and leave nothing to chance. He is probably not as adventurous as the other types of Rat and prefers to remain in familiar territory rather than rush headlong into something he knows little about. He is talented, conscientious and caring towards his loved ones, but at the same time can be self-conscious and worry a little too much about the image he is trying to project.
Prospects for the Rat in 2017
The Rat is resourceful and sets about his activities with great energy. And his efforts in the Monkey year (8 February 2016–27 January 2017) will have enabled him to do a great deal and enjoy some pleasing results. However, in the remaining months he will need to focus and use his time well. With an increased number of commitments, he could find some weeks especially busy, and the better organized he is, the more he will be able to benefit.
At work, many Rats will take on additional duties or a new role. While this will often be pleasing, these Rats should concentrate on their objectives and avoid being sidetracked. It is through focus that the best results will be achieved. The end of the year will bring pressures, but could see potentially significant developments.
The Rat should be disciplined in his spending at this time. His outgoings are set to increase, but by thinking through his purchases, he can make some good decisions and find some bargains.
The Rat always attaches great importance to his relations with others and the closing months of the year will see a flurry of activity, including opportunities to go out. Many Rats will also enjoy surprise occasions and treats and welcome the kindness shown by their loved ones. In some instances, if the Rat talks over his concerns or hopes with those around him, he could find their advice well worth heeding.
The Year of the Rooster starts on 28 January and will be an eventful one for the Rat. There will be several highs and lows to the year, but thanks to the Rat’s skills and resourcefulness, far more of these will be highs.
A key factor for the Rat is to listen to his inner voice. Proceeding with something he has misgivings about could lead to problems and regrets later on. At times the Rat will have to be firm and prepared to state his case. This need for openness extends to virtually all aspects of his life, and indeed, almost all aspects will see a considerable amount happen over the year.
For the unattached Rat, there will be good romantic possibilities, although it will be a case of proceeding steadily and allowing a relationship to strengthen over time rather than rushing into a commitment. Some Rats will find true love this year, while others will find that some romances are not meant to be. For these Rats, there will be lessons to learn and chances to move on. A lot will happen for a reason this year and will work out to the Rat’s ultimate advantage. March, June, August and December could be key months for meeting others, making personal decisions or enjoying some good personal news.
For Rats with a partner, this can be a busy year, and here again, openness will be to the Rat’s advantage. If he has ideas for home improvements, including purchases, he should let these be known. Similarly, if there are activities, holiday destinations or new interests that appeal to him, if he talks these through with his loved ones, he will often be encouraged to take his ideas further.
Ambitious projects will go ahead in many a Rat home and in some instances plans which have been considered for some time will now be undertaken. Disruption and inconvenience will inevitably occur and effort be required, but the results will be worthwhile. Some Rats will also decide to move. For these Rats, the Rooster year will also see times of intense activity, but by the year’s end, a lot will have been accomplished and many Rats will appreciate the benefits (and opportunities) their actions have brought.
The Rooster year will also be eventful work-wise, with almost all Rats feeling the effects of change. Over the year many will face increasing demands as new responsibilities are given and pressures increase. In some cases, a flurry of activity will make some weeks frenetic and the Rat may feel overwhelmed. However, the challenges that arise will give the Rat the chance to demonstrate his judgement and underline his strengths. The reputation of many Rats can be considerably enhanced over the year and when further opportunities arise, they will be in a strong position to benefit. April, May, September and October could be busy and significant months for work developments.
For Rats seeking work or hoping to move to something different, the Rooster year can have surprises in store. These Rats may make many applications to no avail and then suddenly their luck changes and within a short space of time their prospects (and immediate future) are transformed. And once these Rats are given an opportunity, they will revel in the chance to prove themselves. Rooster years acknowledge the Rat’s skills and he can be a major beneficiary of the year’s transformative trends.
In view of the work decisions the Rat will have to take, it is, however, important that he does what he feels is right. Once again he is advised to listen to his inner voice. If he has uncertainties or questions, he also needs to seek advice from those who are qualified to assist. Ill-considered decisions could cause problems later. Rats, take note.
This need for care also applies to money matters. Over the year the Rat will have expensive plans to carry through and will face additional outgoings, including repair bills and transport costs. He should budget carefully and also be attentive to paperwork and thorough when taking on new commitments.
Synergy can be an important factor in 2017 and in addition to the help the Rat receives from others, he will have many chances to assist those around him. Once again his help can make an appreciable difference, and his ability to empathize and suggest practical ways forward will be valued.
With his busy lifestyle, he should, if possible, aim to take a holiday at some time during the year. Driving himself relentlessly could take its toll and it is important he allows himself the chance to unwind. Talking over possible holiday destinations or ways of enjoying quality time with his loved ones can give rise to some interesting suggestions as well as set certain plans in motion.
The Rat should also make sure his personal interests are not neglected this year. With the Rooster year bringing new possibilities, if he is attracted by a particular activity or thinks of a way of developing an existing interest, he should take it further. This is a year to follow up what appeals to him.
Rats who are sedentary for much of the day should also consider incorporating some exercise into their routine. By seeking professional advice on the best way to proceed, they can be introduced to new activities and, for those who join fitness classes, enjoy social benefits too. In 2017 the Rat should aim to pay some attention to his well-being, and if he has any medical concerns, get them checked out.
By the end of the Rooster year, many Rats will be astonished by all they have been able to do. This will be an active and encouraging year, but to fully benefit, the Rat will need to be disciplined, act on his ideas and embrace emerging opportunities. Domestically and socially, this will be a rewarding year, with plans advanced and some potentially significant new relationships and friendships made. Work-wise, while the demands may be considerable, there will be scope for the Rat to use his strengths to advantage and often prepare the way for future progress. Overall, an active and rewarding year.
The Metal Rat
There is a Chinese proverb which reminds us, ‘Diligence is the mother of good fortune,’ and this is a year when the Metal Rat’s diligence can reward him well. This is a time for building on his present position, pursuing his key aims and being alert to new developments. He does, though, need to act in accordance with his true feelings and avoid risk and rush.
His
