A Cock-Sure Year

The year of the Rooster means diferent things for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, but generally marks the start of a year of hard work, commitment organisations.

From February 9, 2005, when the Lunar New Year begins until it ends on January 28, 2006, it's a time for positive action and putting your skills to good use. Invest as much energy as you can into whatever you do on every day basis and you will be handsomely rewarded. Don't be surprised if you receive a pay-rise, promotions or general recognition for jobs well done in the coming 12 months. People who work the hardest this year will end up the wealthiest; putting in a bit of elbow grease really does pay off in a Rooster year.

If you have a special talent, make sure you don't waste it. Use it to benefits yourself and others if you can. If there's an ambition you've always wanted to fulfil, the Rooster year is the best year to go for it. If you're the sort of person who's always coming up with ideas, plans and inventions, instead of just thinking about them or jotting everything down in a notebook and sticking it in a drawer, this year, make evey effort to get working on them. The same goes for opportunities. Don't allow them to pass you by; instead, grab every chance that comes your way.

The rooster is a very law-abiding and unforgiving signs - as anyone who has a brush with the law, or who gets involved in any kind of illegal activity in 2005 will find out. For most, the year will be beneficial in one or many ways. Lifestyle and health come into focus and even those who have never been interested in getting fit and healthy may suddenly have a desire to get to the gym, take up a new sport or make radical changes to their diet and general habits. This extends beyond the individual; for example, many government worldwide will be backing health-awareness campaigns and enforcing new health-related laws. So discover what else the Year of the Rooster has in store for you.

Click on the animal:

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


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ROOSTER
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Your are self-assured, honest and persuasive. But you are also lazy, vain and superficial. Make a point of remembering that this is your year. Expect luck galore and don't be surprised if you're reward for past hard work - about time, don't you think? At work, you'll do especially well, not just through your own effort but because of tremendous amount of good fortune. This year, many Roosters will keep finding themselves at the right place with the right people at the right time, and this will contribute to your rising success. You love it when people look up to you and during the 2005 you'll see this happening increasingly often. Money-wise, you'll do OK too, as long as you can avoid impulse buys, taking out too many loans and thinking you're richer than you are. Socially, you're in huge demands; firendships will be more balanced than they have been in the past; and your most intimate relationship will be fun, positive and less fraught than last year.

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DOG
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994
You are loyal, trustworthy and kind. But you are also cynical, defensive and a bit paranoid. In 2005 you can expect to be very busy. This is good for you in many ways, as it means you don't have to think too much about all the important things in life. When you have too many unanswered questions rattling around your head, you're happy to throw yourself into your work and this is how the year of the Rooster begins for you. On the other hand, this is great because your career prospects improve and your earnings are likely to increase. But on the other hand, distracting yourself from other areas of life doesn't mean you won't have to deal with them. Force them down under the surface and soon enough they'll come rising back to the top and may erupt with such a force that there's no way you can ignore them any more. Acknowledge problems as they arise, but deal with them as best you can and 2005 will be a whole lot more comfortable.

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PIG
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995
You are sincere, sociable and big-hearted. But you're also over-confident, suspicious and a bit of a gossip. You will rise like a phoenix from the ashes this year. All very dramatic perhaps, but after all you went through last year, this is exactly how it'll feel. Basically, you've overstretched yourself and you enter the year of the Rooster feeling drained (to say the least). In 2005, you need to re-energise. You hate to disappoint others - even those you don't know well - and as a result, are taken advantage of in all areas. This year, you must vow to stop allowing this to happen. Learn to say no, be a bit more fussy and realise that you can't please all of the people as much to your working life as your personal life, so take heed. Career-wise, you're destined to make some great new contacts. On the money front, 2005 is a good time to invest rather than spend. On the love front, you're destined to have an easy year - more so if you curb that stubborn streak of yours.

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RAT
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1984, 1996
You are chamring warm-hearted and passionate. But you're also impatient, obsessive and prone to moaning. This year you'll find yourself in huge demand: at home, work and socially. Some great work opportunities will come out of casual meetings and social events. It's important that you grab them as they arise. Move slowly and you'll lose out. Many Rats will receive a boost in income and this could be connected to a new job. You could be tempted to make rash purchases in 2005 - most out of character - but be careful not to blow all your hard-earned cash on something you could actually do without. Love looks hopeful; single Rats may find romance before the year is out. Single or attached, looking for something long-term or uncomplicated fun, you're sure to have a lot of fun with the opposite sex. It's important to pay close attention to your health in the coming 12 months - you have a hectic year coming up and need to be in peak condition.

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OX
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
You are reliable, determined and hard-working. But you're also stubborn, your own worst enemy and a bit anti-social. In 2005 you'll have a far better time than you did last year. The Year of the Rooster is all about being organised. You may have felt you were out of control in 2004, but in 2005 you'll be getting a grip. In general, the coming 12 months will be very encouraging - a good time to concentrate on what you really want to do and to put plans into action. This applies as much to your love and social life as it does to your career. You're not famous for having loads of freinds, but you're destined to make some really good ones this year. Treat them well and they could be yours for life. Likewise, if you're single, your positive attitude could easily attract a new lover. Any relationships you have need to be loving and supportive: if any are holding you back, end them. You really don't need any negative energy around you in 2005.

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TIGER
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
You are courageous, confident and imaginative. But you're also reckless, restless and prone to dark moods. This year you need to be flexible, broadminded and adaptable. As a Tiger, you can get rather fixed in your views but that's not going to work for you this year. On the career front, you'll get some great opportunities, but you're advised not to change track completely. Money matters will ned your attention: recently, you've just muddled along and hoped for the best, but from February, you'll need to get on top of your financial situation. This means always knowing how much you have in your bank account and not spending more than you earn. Once you feel happier at work and about your finances, your personal and social life should improve. Tigers can go overboard sometimes, especially when it comes to partying,and you should keep this in check. It's also important that you pay attention to the advice of people close to you; they know what's best.

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RABBIT
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
You are friendly, refined and sensitive. But you're also nosy, slightly snobby and just a little bit vam. In 2005 you may have quite a few demands place on you. If you want to make progress and succeed, you're going to have to work hard. The Rooster year is a time for you to build foundations and not expect instant gratification, recognition or reward. Get as much experience under your belt as possible, as this will stand you in good stead for the future. If you get a chance to learn more, go on a training course. Many Rabbits will be thinking about further education or may start attending evening classes. When it comes to close relationship, despite your usual diplomacy, you're warned to watch what you say this year. A friend or lover may take something the wrong way and this could cause no end of problems. To forge ahead at work, you may have to keep drawing attention to yourself. If you do something good, for example, make sure, you crow about it.

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DRAGON
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
You are attractive, romantic and generous. But you're also critical, tactless and easily irritated. You will really appreciate the whirl of activity that comes your way this year. The Rooster year is a busy one and you'll love it. Work is high-lighted, especially if you use you experience to make progress. You have a lot of talent and it's vital that you put it to good use. Don't be modest either (as if). Be bold and blow your own trumpet at every ocassion. Do this and not only will you move forward at work, but you'll make piles of money, too. Your finances need to be carefully managed, however: if you're faced with bit outgoings this year, try to budget and save instead of putting it all on credit. Also watch what you spend on socialising. In 2005, your social circle is set to expand, so all those extra invitations could mean extra costs. And be warned - all this work and partying could interfere with your love life. If you can't take your lover with you, there could be rows and rifts. Keep a balance.

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SNAKE
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989. 2001
You are good-looking, deep-thinking and charismatic. But you're also insecure, immature and evasive. You're ready to make your mark. As one of life's true originals, you are always bursting with brilliant ideas. In 2005, instead of keeping them to yourself - or jotting them down and forgetting about them - spread the word. Key words this year, especially for your career, are persistence and determination. Money may cause minor setbacks after February - mainly because of expenses and commitments. It might be a good idea to get some professional advice. If you're self-employed, have a top accountant on board. Some Snakes may have to alter their lifestyle temporarily, till money problems are sorted. Romantic matters, on the other hand, are looking hopeful. Attached Snakes are destined to get the love and support they need: single Snakes are unlikely to be going out of their way in search of love. That doesn't mean it won't come looking for them though - and just when they least expect it, too.

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HORSE
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
You are practical, independent and strong. But you are also nervous, easily bored and impatient. You may find that getting what you want is not as easy as you hoped. This doesn't mean you won't make progress. It's just that you're going to have to put in a some serious effort. You love a challenge and that's great, because 2005 is going to throw up plenty of those for you. The year of the Rooster favours anyone who's industrious, so you'll do well and enjoy yourself, no matter how tough the going gets. Commitment is this year's key word, so if you've made a promise - at work, to a friend or to your partner - stick to it. Letting someone down could backfire on you, so don't even think about risking it. Travel is highlighted and much of your hard-earned cash will be spent on trips away. If you organise your diary at the start of the Lunar New Year, you should be able to budget. This is going to be an expensive year for Horses though, so it'd help if you have some rainy day savings put away.

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GOAT
1907, 1919, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
You are gentle, clever and fun-loving. But you're also over-emotional, attention-seeking and pessimistic. You are destined to make major progress in 2005. You're a talented individual but sometimes don't put your talents to good use. This year, you'll begin to focus on doing just that. The Rooster year favours determination, so if you can put your mind to making the most of your skills, you'll succeed big time. Career-wise, last year, many Goats had a few knocks and this has made you feel despondent about the work you do. That's not so bad, as it could be the jolt you need to change direction. For some time, you've been toying with the idea of doing something different: this year, you may just get on and do it. You could be worried about how much this will set you back financially, but don't let this stop you. Be sensible, budget carefully, get good advice and everything will fall into place. With regards to personal relationships, try to nip problems in the bud in 2005.

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MONKEY
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
You are intelligent, quick-thinking and adventurous. But you're also irresponsible, cunning and dishonest. This year you need to focus. The Year of the Rooster brings with it opportunities galore. Monkeys are the opportunitist of the Chinese zodiac, so it's unlikely these chances will pass you by. Trouble is, you're a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades and sometimes spread yourself too thin. You may do better focussing on one skill and honing that. Your love life will go from good to better as long as you appreciate that it's not appropriate to act like a single person when you're in a relationship. Likewise, if you're single, make the most of it. Many Monkeys will spend vasts amounts of cash improving their surroundings. Some may even move house. Either way, it's not going to be cheap. Avoid taking financial risks or becoming complacent about money matters this year. Most of all, avoid being flash. This might be hard for you, but carry on the way you're going and you'll be broke by 2006.

-by Ho Hui-sum

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