What Your Future Holds

One of China's top feng shui masters reads your Chinese zodiac Sign for 2011

The Chinese zodiac is represented by 12 animal signs each representing a distinctive set of characteristics and personalities. The Chinese horoscope always starts with the Rat and goes through a 12-year cycle ending with the Pig.

Rat

Year of the Rat - 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Although the rat may not be an adorable animal, people under this sign are smart and successful.

But this year seems not a very smooth year, especially in February, May and August.

You might find it difficult to make a lot of progress in your career, as you may encounter many difficulties posed by colleagues whom you are often at odds with. Avoid confrontation if you can. It's also not a good time for career moves.

You also may be prone to illness, especially with your digestive system. Be faithful to your exercise program and don't neglect your regular checkup.

Regarding money, you need to be careful with financial matters this year and do not let yourself become distracted. Self-control is your best way to gain wealth.

But don't feel frustrated, there are still plenty of opportunities.

Ox

Year of the Ox - 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

People born in this year are honest, laborious, patient, obstinate, and sometimes poor at communication.

An Ox may hit a few obstacles in 2011. You will face pressures from work and family so make sure you maintain good relationships with colleagues and clients. You might need to work on being less stubborn and borrow some gentleness from the Rabbit. You might even change your career.

You are not so lucky in making money so avoid any get-rich-quick schemes and exercise caution when dealing with financial matters.

Harmony and order will be important for you this year.

Tiger

Year of the Tiger - 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

People born in the year of the tiger are tolerant, staunch, valiant, respected, self-centered and cunning.

The fortunes of tiger people will rebound this year. You might get unexpected help at work and make a great leap forward in career. Some long-standing difficult problems can be solved this year. But when you are ambitiously planning your career, be careful to cope with sudden changes.

You may have good financial fortunes this year if you spend wisely.

If you want to a great success or make a breakthrough, you will have to work extra hard as well as considering how to make your life a bit more relaxing.

Rabbit

Year of the Rabbit - 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Rabbit people are gentle, sensitive, modest, merciful, compassionate, selfish and judgmental.

This year Rabbits may offend Taisui, the power that controls the zodiac, so your luck may fluctuate.

There maybe setbacks at work and business may not do very well. But if you work harder you could get promoted.

You might encounter huge losses and face the possibility of using up all your savings.

Accidents and injuries may occur so avoid high-risk sports.

Instead of getting stressed, try to stay calm and make careful preparations before taking actions.

Dragon

Year of the Dragon - 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Dragon people are lively, energetic and brave.

This is a blessing year for all dragons. Any setbacks in your work are only temporary, you will make strides and succeed in the end. You might also have the chance for promotion, but it requires a hefty amount of effort.

Your health is getting better, but you still have to watch your diet.

Your wealth prospects might be fairly good but some unexpected expenses could pop up too. Save some money for emergencies.

Generally you have good luck this year, remember to be calm and cooperative to get your way.

Snake

Year of the Snake - 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Snake people have good temperament and advanced communication skills but they are easy to become jealous and suspicious.

Compared to 2010, the snake people have a much better fortune this year.

Career development is fine, but make sure you plot your work carefully. You need to be prepared to seize promotional opportunities. But you may feel your work this year is stressful and more competitive.

You might encounter unexpected financial losses, so spend wisely and avoid unnecessary purchases. Good business opportunities still abound.

Your health is doing fine but remember to stick to exercise to keep fit.

You need to boost your self-confidence when opportunity arrives.

Horse

Year of the Horse - 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Horse people are energetic, bright, and warm-hearted.

The overall fortune of horse people is good this year. Your career is on a smooth path. Watch and think twice before you take any actions.

Do not borrow money from people. Pay extra attention to contract terms to avoid conflict of interests. Overall, wealth is good.

Health is not very ideal. You might be constantly affected by minor illness, so take part in more outdoor sports.

Treat problems with more patience. Keep a calm and magnanimous attitude always.

Goat

Year of the Goat - 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Goat people are gentle, polite, filial and kind-hearted.

You might have a very busy work schedule this year, but it's the time to show off your intellectual prowess and develop your potential. You also need to spend more time with your family and strengthen communication with your relatives.

Although you are very busy this year, your wealth luck is good and will make big bucks in investments. It's a good time to start a new business but be cautious about consumption, or you may lose.

Your health is excellent this year. You might feel vibrant and radiant.

Monkey

Year of the Monkey - 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Monkey people are smart, flexible and versatile.

You must pay attention to handling your relationships with superiors and clients, or you might offend them. But you also may receive good luck at work as an unexpected person might lend a helping hand.

Fixed-income earners may enjoy a big pay rise. Business owners need to invest cautiously to start a company, open a shop, or build factories.

Health is not good. Keep away from alcohol and smoking.

Rooster

Year of the Rooster - 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Rooster people are honest, bright, ambitious and sociable

You are in direct conflict with the Taisui this year, so might face obstacles in your career advancements. You may change your job this year. You need to be fully prepared for the unexpected changes and cope with them flexibly. Mind your speech and avoid gossip. Think carefully in every move and stay calm. Students are advised to study more diligently.

You may suffer financial losses this year so you have to make careful financial management and avoid heavy investments, as well as spend wisely.

Your health condition is just so so. You tend to be bothered by minor illness.

Dog

Year of the Dog - 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Dog people are straightforward, faithful, courageous, smart and warm-hearted.

This is a year of great fortune and success for dog people, which is full of hope and achievement.

You will have a great career development no matter if you are a wage earner or a businessman. You will also get along very well with your boss and co-workers. Your superiors in the workplace might value how reliable and hard working you are. You need to grasp opportunities to show your talent and make abundant success.

You will reap substantial rewards from investments. It's a good year to expand your business.

Health is good, but avoid too much drinking and smoking. And keep fit by taking more outdoor activities.

Overall, almost every aspect of your life runs smoothly this year.

Pig

Year of the Pig - 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Pig people are calm, tolerant, optimistic and lucky.

You luck fluctuates this year. You may encounter some setbacks in your career development this year. Beware of gossips, and avoid offending people who dislike you. Be tactical with problems. You might have a fulfilling year in work if you are more cooperative with others.

Your wealth luck is dim so spend less and avoid loans. People working in the publishing industry, agriculture, or horticulture will get a better return.

No worries about your health.

The author is a feng shui master who is the founder and president of the China Feng Shui Culture Institute based in Beijing. She is also the dean of the newly established Chinese Culture College at the Beijing Economy Management College. For more information please visit www.fswhyjy.cn.