2008 CHINESE OVERVIEW

Don't know your sign? Find it here

• Rat
• Ox
• Tiger
• Rabbit
• Dragon
• Snake
• Horse
• Goat
• Monkey
• Rooster
• Dog
• Pig

Rat

The Rat year may not be as good to you as the kindly Pig year, especially since it is an Earth year and Earth drains your Rat luck. Making favourable deals, for example, will be more challenging. It should still be a good year for you, as you have eight good months ahead of you. If you avoid risk and rely on hard work to get ahead, you most likely will. You may get off to a slow start, but the latter part of the year will present more and better opportunities - so be patient.

Career: This is the year of your namesake Chinese animal sign. If you are seeking career advancement, the time could be perfect. On the other hand, if you feel that your present job has grown stale and you yearn for a different flavour of cheese, it may also be the time to move on. Presentation of new ideas or projects, mixed with your enthusiastic and conscientious style, should impress upper management.

Relationships: In your personal relationships, there seems to be a tendency towards growth and expansion of your social circle. There is a chance that a recent acquaintance or a newly formed friendship could develop into a serious love affair. There is also a good possibility that you will be able to get plenty of enjoyment from both your family and social life this year. Try to make it a point to accept as many invitations as you can, especially to weddings. This is also a very auspicious time to marry, if you are so inclined.

Health: This year should be smooth sailing for your health as the Earth element brings stability to your overall physical well-being. One caveat though, as you will most likely be feeling stronger, you might try and push yourself a little too hard in one of your many schemes or money-making projects. This could result in you getting sick or having an accident, especially if you are doing any manual labour. Be vigilant when travelling, especially out of the country.

Wealth: Rats may need to stay on their toes in order not to miss opportunities to expand their bank accounts. These possible opportunities might reveal themselves in the form of conservative investments. As the Earth element favours practicality and conservatism, your long-term savings and retirement investments could also show gains. However, you might be hit with some costly home repairs or improvements, so it would be a good idea to stick to your budgets.

Ox

Fifty-two per cent favourable may not look that great, but it does represent an improvement over last year. You should have as many opportunities as disappointments. Take care to exercise good judgment, and you will do fine. Unfortunately, it is an Earth year and the Earth drains Ox luck. This is not the time to take risks, especially those that are unnecessary or can be avoided. Hard work is more your style any way. The first six months are likely to be the most challenging, so be patient.

Career: In the year of the Earth Rat, there could be opportunities for you to advance your career. However, advancement will probably come with a catch. It seems that you might have to change your tactics because your rock steady and workman-like effort on the job will most probably go unnoticed. If you wish to be promoted, especially to a position of authority, you may have to make a bold move, advocate your ideas and augment your skills so that higher-ups will notice the kind of quality work that you have been putting in.

Relationships: Transitioning from career to your relationships, this year's Earth element is in agreement with your Oxen personality of steadiness and conservatism. Your strength as a shoulder to cry on and moral support could win you new friends this year. However, that same characteristic could see you used or even worse betrayed in your relationships under the influence of the cunning Rat year. One bright spot may lay in your family relationships, as they might offer you a measure of unconditional love.

Health: Your relationships could have a direct bearing on your health this year. As with your relationships, your health could be on a roller-coaster ride. If you become stressed-out from work or your personal life, your mind and body could be weakened. In addition, if you are not open to change, your stubbornness could deplete your immune system, allowing a minor sniffle to turn into a full-blown cold.

Wealth: Although your health could be rather unstable, your money matters should be more solid and promising. If you own your own business, chances are high that you could see an increase in sales or a decrease in debt. If you have stuck to a conservative budget or investment strategy, you might see your disciplined efforts bring forth financial fruit. In addition, you might encounter good fortune with found money, as an unexpected bonus, court award or monetary winnings.