(Thinkstock)The most important traditional Chinese holiday, this year’s Chinese New Year begins on January 23, 2012. This marks the year of the water dragon, with people born under this sign noted for being unafraid of challenges and willing to take risks.
We’ve rounded up some predictions for all the signs in the Chinese zodiac for the coming year to help you better navigate the coming months.
Not sure what your sign is? Visit this website to enter your birthday and find out.
Rat
“This should be a year that goes for the Rat, but be aware that things will be difficult at first and then it gets better,” writes Sherman Tai, Fortune Teller and Feng Shui Master “However, if the Rat is willing to work hard, be adaptable, do more and learn more, then pleasing results can be achieved in finances and career.”
Ox
“This is a good year for lovers and those who are single,” says FengShuiDIY.com, noting that people born under this sign could make new friends and even find their beloved in this year. Oxes should be mindful of any digestive issues this year. Oxes should also have luck in financial matters this year, according to Astrology.com.
Tiger
If you’re a Tiger, don’t plan on making any big changes this year, notes Tai. “This is not a year to make changes, especially ones that are impractical and beyond the capability of the Tiger,” he writes, “It is more ideal for the Tiger to stay with status quo.”
Rabbit
The nervous tendencies of Rabbits could be sent into overdrive this year, according to Astrology.com, so try focusing your energies on “high-intensity activity such as Bikram yoga or marathon-running. Channel nervous energy into healthy outlets, and keep an eye on your nutrition.”
Relationships are also touchy for the Rabbit this year according to Tai, with “Disagreements and differences in goals and direction between the Rabbit and his/her partner, leading to the possibility of an affair.”
Dragon
In 2012, those born in the year of the Dragon will experience a significant amount of change in their life, according to Tai, and “Participating in events and celebrations with friends and family can also help in improving your luck and your mentality.” Dragons should be extra careful as they are likely to face injury easier, says FengShuiDIY.com.
Snake
While last year might have been favourable to the Snake, 2012 is likely to bring more success their way, according to Astrology.com. “Strike out in new directions. Be daring. Let yourself get swept up in the high-flying Dragon's enthusiasm.”
Tai writes that career is an area where Snakes will see much prosperity. “There will be a new opportunity arising for you, so bring up your courage and consider taking that chance.”
Horse
Beware of office gossipers this year, Tai warns horses. “In particular,” he writes, “In your success, it is important to not be arrogant, but be modest and humble, lest you risk provoking the jealousy of coworkers who may create gossip against you and want to sabotage your success.
This year could bring big changes to the Horse’s love life, says Astrology.com. “There's a good chance you'll hear wedding bells or see the dazzle of a new romance lighting up your life.”
Goat or Sheep
“This is year with a lot of hardships and few returns,” writes Tai. “When good comes, don’t neglect to share these successes,” he says. This year is a good one to work abroad, if you’ve ever had the inclination to do so.
When it comes to health, 2012 is a great time for those born under this sign to dabble in mind-body pursuits such as yoga and meditation or strengthen their relationship with nature, according to Astrology.com.
Monkey
“Be very careful when signing contracts and making deals,” writes FengShuiDIY.com, as 2012 can involve disputes and even fraud for Monkeys. Relationship-wise, 2012 is a favourable year for a Monkey to being a lasting romance, get engaged or even start a family, according to Astrology.com.
Rooster
Get ready for a luck year, Roosters! “The luck for those born in the year of the Rooster is not bad this year because lucky stars shine on this zodiac sign,” writes Tai, but you must stay motivated if you want to see results. Astrology.com notes that a strong mind and healthy body will be necessary if you want to meet your goals this year, with a hard workout the perfect way to relieve any excess stress.
Dog
“Drive carefully and beware when using sharp tools,” says FengShuiDIY.com, as 2012 is a year of personal injuries for the Dog. Also, “Spend wise and do not gamble.” Not all is lost for the Dog, however, “If the Dog can take a normal attitude and not be impulsive, follow a straight path, carefully plan, improve self-value and networking, good may follow,” writes Tai.
Pig
Pigs might find the pace of this year a bit fast at times, but if they can keep up, it will be a very good year indeed, according to Astrology.com. “It's time to take risks, and you want to be especially bold when it comes to education, travel, networking and communication, as these can all flourish in a Water year.”
When if comes to finances, Tai writes that pigs should “Learn to save for a rainy day and to avoid spending frivolously, risky investments and gambling. If the Pig does not manage money well this year, there may be large unforeseen expenses around midyear that the Pig has to deal with.”
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