HOROSCOPE SPECIAL: WHAT'S IN STORE FOR YOU?

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HOROSCOPE SPECIAL: WHAT'S IN STORE FOR YOU?

23 January 2004

On January 22, 2004 we welcomed the Chinese Year of the Monkey. Keep your wits about you and you could take advantage of some bright opportunities, but there are plenty of pitfalls for the unwary.


The Year of the Monkey

Monkeys are fast on their feet and, if we want to make the most of the next twelve months, most of us will need to shift up a gear and keep our wits about us. Those born in the Year of the Monkey can look forward to a particularly exciting time, Tigers should beware of traps and Goats may be in for a change, whether they like it or not.

THE RAT IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Rats are survivors, turning any situation to their advantage and being prepared to work very hard to get what they want. They are also sociable creatures, intelligent and ambitious. They can also be overly critical and are thrifty to the point of meanness, but a Rat's natural charm will mean they are never short of friends. The Year of the Monkey offers the Rat a myriad of opportunities, and they should guard against pursuing too many things at once. This is a time to be bold and to be persistent if the results are not instant. With so much going on, keeping a careful eye on finances will make sure Rats end up in a better position at the end of the year. A good year for relationships and romance, too, so Rats have much to look forward to.

Ideal partners: Their best friends are likely to be other Rats, but they are most likely to find love with Monkeys, Oxen and Dragons But they would have great difficulty in getting along with Horses or Roosters -even in platonic friendship.

Celebrity Rats include: Woody Allen, Antonio Banderas, Gerard Depardieu. Samuel L Jackson, Kenneth Branagh, Sean Penn, Cameron Diaz, Hugh Grant, Gwyneth Paltrow. Jean-Claude Van Damme. Marlon Brando, Englebert Humperdinck.



THE OX IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Those born in the Year of the Ox make good leaders. They are loyal, dependable and hardworking - good to have around in a crisis. They can be somewhat demanding, and although they are slow to anger, they have a fearsome temper when roused. And although Oxen are not renowned for their sense of humour or their willingness to embrace new things, they are highly valued by their friends, and quite rightly so. The Year of the Monkey will bring the Ox the possibility of making some beneficial changes. Don't spend the year wallowing in the waterhole, get out and do something. A new career may beckon and may involve learning new skills or developing existing ones. Finances are well expected this year, and it could be a particularly happy time with families or friends.

Ideal partners: Snakes, Roosters and Rats stand the best chance of happiness with Oxen. But only the very bravest Oxen will contemplate an intimate relationship or indeed even close friendship with Goats, Horses, Dragons or Tigers.

Celebrity Oxen include: George Clooney, David Duchovny. Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy, Robert Redford, Richard Gere, Jack Nicholson, Heather Locklear, Neve Campbell, Sigourney Weaver, Anthony Hopkins.



THE TIGER IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Tigers make good leaders, but their style of leadership is quite different to those born under the sign of the Ox. Tigers are brave and adventurous, but they can be impulsive, rebellious and don't take kindly to being given orders. Tigers like to maintain their dignity and don't like criticism and if things don't work out they way they hoped, they can be very fed up. They are generous, flamboyant and truthful. They can also be a bit scary, but being around a Tiger is never, ever dull. Tigers will rush headlong into the Year of the Monkey, hardly knowing which way to turn. Slow down and take a good look at what's on offer before you decide where to focus your attentions. The Year of the Monkey has lots to offer Tigers in the areas of work, finance and romance, but they must be careful not let it all slip through their fingers - or should that be claws?

Ideal partners: Tigers wanting to be part of a dynamic duo should go for those born in the year of the Pig, Dog, Horse and Goat. They are usually halfway to success with such people before they begin. Oxen and Snakes are not the Tiger's cup of tea, and Monkeys are positively too mischievous for them. Other Tigers - and Dragons - cause power struggles.

Celebrity Tigers include: Tom Cruise, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Julie Walters, Joaquin Phoenix, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tina Turner, William Hurt, Demi Moore, Ralph Fiennes, Kate Moss, Jon Bon Jovi.



THE RABBIT IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Rabbits are intelligent, peaceful and home-loving creatures. Sociable and appreciative of the good things in life, those born under the sign of the Rabbit are generally happy and friendly - and the first one out of the door if there's trouble brewing. Honest and conscientious, they make good workers, but they can put pleasure before business if they get the chance. The Year of the Monkey is a mixed one for Rabbits. Romance is well aspected, but Rabbits should keep a particularly close grip on finances. Career prospects are good and Rabbits should make the most of any training opportunities in order to maximise their skills.

Ideal partners: If they are looking for an excellent relationship, be it for love, marriage, friendship or business, then they are best suited to those born under the Goat, Ox, Snake and Pig. They fair well with Tiger, Dragon, Monkey, Dog, Horse and other Rabbits. But Rat and Rooster are far too straight speaking for them.

Celebrity Rabbits include: Drew Barrymore, John Cleese, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Sting, Roseanne, Tiger Woods, Mike Myers, Angelina Jolie. Helen Hunt, Lisa Kudrow, Whitney Houston, Michael Keaton, Kate Winslet.



THE DRAGON IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Dragons are tough characters, but with one Achilles heel: they are real softies when it comes to sentiment. They have a shrewd intuition for spotting trends or the right opening before anyone else, which is why these fire-eaters are said to be born under an extremely lucky sign, one that symbolises riches, life and lucky in love. Their perfectionist qualities have them striving to reach new heights of achievement. Finances need watching, and Dragons must guard against complacency this year. Time spent early in the year taking stock and making plans will reap rich rewards. A particularly good year for romance, but again Dragons would do well not to rush in headlong.

Ideal partners: Near perfect relationships can be had with Snakes, Rats, Monkeys or Roosters. They will enjoy the company of those under Rabbit, Pig, Horse and Goat as well as other Dragons. If they are typical of their signs, then they will have extremely unlikely unions with Tigers, Oxen or Dogs.

Celebrity Dragons include: Pierce Brosnan, Courteney Cox, Rob Lowe, Liam Neeson, Robin Williams, Dionne Warwick, Sandra Bullock, AI Pacino, Patrick Stewart, Russell Crowe, Patrick Swayze, Alicia Silverstone, Nicolas Cage.

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THE SNAKE IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

If you are a typical Snake, one of your greatest assets is your mental power. Snakes are highly intelligent and agile thinkers, blessed with great wisdom and the capacity for deep thought. Snakes can appear reserved and reluctant to let people see beneath their skin, and are easily hurt if they feel their trust has been betrayed. Talking of skin, Snakes like to change theirs regularly and may have several changes of direction during their career. Careful with money, they are nevertheless generous with gifts and enjoy the finer things of life, Snakes are hard workers - for short periods - and don't always finish what they start. The Year of the Monkey is not one of the best for the Snake, but equally there are opportunities for progress. Finances, romance and career can all be advanced provided Snakes work steadily and are prepared to listen to advice.

Ideal partners: They are most attracted to and compatible with Oxen, Roosters and Dragons. But unless they enjoy deadly combat, any match with a Tiger, Horse or Monkey is most inadvisable. And they should forget other snakes because they will get too entwined!

Celebrity Snakes include: Kim Basinger, David Hasselhoff, Sarah Jessica Parker, Keanu Reeves, Liv Tyler, Nick Nolte, Shania Twain, Liz Hurley, Neil Diamond, Burt Bacharach, Bob Dylan



THE HORSE IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Horses are lively, cheerful, popular and natural party goers. Others cannot help but admire them for their charming manner that comes so easily. But they tend to consider small failures as disasters and find it difficult to keep thing in perspective. When flustered they can become hot-headed, which never solves anything. But they can handle even the trickiest money-matter with great skill. Horses will feel comfortable in The Year of the Monkey, they like things to happen quickly and will take advantage of opportunities in all areas. Just one word of warning - Monkeys love to play tricks and Horses must watch out, particularly if they are taking life at a gallop. Time spent looking their own health will repay Horses richly.

Ideal partners: Their best chance of a lasting relationship is with a Tiger, Dog or Goat. Ox are to be avoided, and Horses will rarely see eye-to-eye with a Rat.

Celebrity Horses include: Helena Bonham-Carter, Sean Connery. Harrison Ford, Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Denzel Washington, Oprah Winfrey, David Schwimmer, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Rene Russo, Cindy Crawford



THE GOAT IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Artistic creatures, Goats. Creative, imaginative and a bit of a dreamer, the Goat excels as a member of a team. Often lucky in financial matters, those born under the sign of the Goat spend money as happily as they make it. Goats can be very persuasive and, when pushed into a corner, will defend their position with great skill and determination. Goats like stability, and they may be uncomfortable with the pace of life in the Year of the Monkey, but there are plenty of good things on offer - money, relationships and work are looking good. It will be a busy, but rewarding time.

Ideal partners: An excellent relationship is on the cards with anyone who understands the Goat's need for intellectual stimulation, which is why Horses, Rabbits and Tigers best fill this role. But Oxen, Dogs and Rats would be nothing short of disastrous.


Celebrity Goats include: Robert de Niro, Clint Eastwood, Mick Jagger, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Harry Connick Jnr, Nicole Kidman. Matt LeBlanc, William Shatner, Julio Iglesias, Catherine Deneuve, Kelsey Grammer.



THE MONKEY IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Monkeys, as you might expect, have a sharp wit and love to amuse; they are also very inventive and ingenious at problem-solving. And when it comes to making money, there is no limit to what that can achieve - providing they concentrate, because they are all too easily distracted from the task in hand. Their resilience is the envy of others. The Year of the Monkey will see those born under this sign in top form. Confident in his own abilities, the Monkey can do well at work, perhaps starting up new businesses or being given greater responsibility in their present employment. The prospects for romance are splendid, and the Monkey can greatly improve his financial situation over this year. Monkeys are clever - but don't be careless.

Ideal partners: Rats, Dragons, Rabbits and Goats will have no difficulty in getting on with Monkeys. Attraction should be almost instantaneous. But Monkeys can expect something of a battering from Snakes or Tigers.

Celebrity Monkeys include: Pamela Anderson, Gillian Anderson, Danny DeVito, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Lucy Lawless, Celine Dion, Jaqueline Bisset, Christina Aguilera, Mel Gibson, Elizabeth Taylor.



THE ROOSTER IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Roosters often seem self-assured and attract those people who have problems to offload. Usually they become so involved with other people's worries that they can forget their own. Being perfectionists, they are easily flustered and outspoken, almost to the point of being tactless. However, they are good at organising, and invariably excel in their chosen career or ambition.

The Year of the Monkey moves along a bit too quickly for a Rooster - they like to take things at their own pace - and they may feel anxious at times. Taking time to look after health matters will be important, and there is no reason why those born under the sign of the Rooster should not get to the end of the year having made steady progress.

Ideal partners: Snakes, Oxen, Dragons are the ideal matches and make excellent combinations that can lead to marriage. Two Roosters together won't make it. But Rabbits, Monkeys and Dogs won't be on a Rooster's list of close friends.

Celebrity Roosters include: Michael Caine, Mariah Carey, Melanie Griffith, Michelle Pfeiffer, Cate Blanchett, Gloria Estefan, Catherine Zeta Jones, Matthew McConaughey, Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Aniston.



THE DOG IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Dogs are loyal and can keep secrets, and enjoy putting others first. Trouble with that is that, sometimes, it leaves them with very little time to go after their own ambitions or see what opportunities are under their noses. Prone to mood swings they are renowned worriers and can be pessimistic when there is no need to be, and they can upset others by being over critical. The Year of the Monkey offers those born under the sign of the Dog some excellent opportunities, particularly in the areas of romance, home life and finance. It could be the right time for moving - whether career or home, and Dogs will find plenty of support from those around them. Be bold and make the first move, and everything should fall into place.

Ideal partners: Dogs are strongly attracted to Horses, Rabbits and Tigers and they make an excellent partnership with any one of them, whether it be for love, business or companionship. But Dragons and Goats too far away from the Dogs ideals.

Celebrity Dogs include: Cher, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Uma Thurman. Brigitte Bardot, Ethan Hawke. Judi Dench, Jennifer Lopez, Sophia Loren, Susan Sarandon, Heather Graham, Sharon Stone, Liza Minnelli.



THE PIG IN THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

Pigs are the most honest of creatures and natural intellectuals, and enjoy the company of like-minded folk. They are sensitive, sensual people who don't normally enjoy the rougher aspects of life but who would never think of retreating from any situation just because they feel awkward in it. Their ability to take the rough with the smooth - to roll with the blows - is the envy of others. One fault is their generosity which some friends do take advantage of.

The Year of the Monkey is a challenging one for those born under the sign of the Pig. They will have to work diligently - which they can do - and accept the support of those around them if they are to make the most of the year. Finances will need watching carefully, but all will be well if caution is exercised. Affairs of the heart look promising, and this could be a very special year for some Pigs.

Ideal partners: Pigs are prepared to try to get on with everybody. but their best partnerships are undoubtedly Rabbits, Goats and Tigers. And, of course, other Pigs. But they should enter into a relationship with a Snake at their peril.

Celebrity Pigs include: David Hyde Pierce, Kevin Kline, Val Kilmer, Luciano Pavarotti, Burt Reynolds, Winona Ryder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steven Spielberg, Emma Thompson, Noah Wyle, Kevin Spacey, Charlton Heston, Kevin Kline, Ricky Martin, Glen Close.

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There's a chart at the very bottom of the page where you can find out what "animal" you are. I'm a dog. ;D Though that doesn't sound like me.

And they are wrong about Pierce. They are making him a year older. According to the chart he is "snake".