During a snake year, one will often see major achievements over small matters and minor achievements over big ones!

Snake years are ideal for those whose jobs are to seek a compromise from the uncompromising and are capable of settling disputes, whether they be with the next door neighbour or a world power. By the third quarter of 2001 there should be signs of economic improvements worldwide and international disputes will be closer to being settled. Countries to which snakes are not native could resolve some long-term difficulties and frustrations.

Snake year children are often born into families with high moral and ethical principals and those that make their appearance this year are more than likely to show interest in the field of medicine, as the snake is an ancient symbol of healing. This does not necessarily mean they will become doctors, but may be interested in pharmaceutical endeavours, or will be blessed with a healing touch of some kind and take up physiotherapy or acupuncture or other methods of treatment making the human body suffer less.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
High moral principles, mostly when applied to others. Sophisticated and charming. More than meets the eye.

Eat, drink and be merry! Attend or host banquets and feasts, but look very closely into the seating arrangements. You may be unhappy at work, but think twice before making a move to another company or organisation. With one eventful departure, promotion and extra benefits are there for the taking. Be a defender rather than an attacker. Long-married snakes will stay intertwined during difficult periods of 2001. Be very careful, however, if straying into sexual relationships with someone who is not your regular partner. Look before you leap!

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Confident and proud but prone to erratic behaviour. Heart is in right place. Can be flighty and emotional.
Make self-control your goal for 2001. You will be rewarded for your extra efforts. Before making new friends, consider those who have stood beside you through thick and thin and put them first. In financial dealings, before trotting out with your hard-earned cash, explore all options rather than trusting large sums to others’ decisions. Lawsuits should work in your favour, provided you are honest with those handling your case. All work and no play can make the Horse miserable, but don’t over-indulge too frequently or your performance will suffer.

Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Sensitive, creative and multi-talented. Eccentric. Has much fortitude. Loves to be loved, hates to be pushed.

A much better year than 2000 for benefiting from changes made to finances and from playing the stock market, but you won’t be opening the Champagne until summer. Life should be better all round, especially for family relationships. Be tolerant at work and take a step back when seeking advancement. Young drivers should be careful to avoid speeding or unnecessary anger when caught in traffic jams. Also be careful when hill-climbing or hiking; danger lurks. Children born to goat parents this year will be especially loving, beautiful or talented.

Monkey: (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Wily and cunning. Ignores regimented rules. Free spirit. Loves movement and change. Can be rather selfish.

There will be lots of people on the periphery who can help you move ahead with business partnerships. If starting a new business, you will accumulate money and power rather quickly but be sure to remember those who were there to help you right from the start. If having taken a more focused approach to careers or education, this is a year the monkey is set to excel. Monkeys, however, should watch their tongues with loved ones. Marriages could come under fire if there is some betrayal of trust, no matter how minor, or a lack of tolerance.

Rooster: (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.

Snake years are generally good ones for roosters. You won’t have to be too assertive as success will come naturally, as will more money and better prospects. As you are "cock of the walk," try getting out more often and hosting more parties and banquets, giving recognition to those that have assisted you over the years. Any difficulties in your private life will be overcome by spring.

Dog: (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Honest, loyal, sincere. Believes in justice for all. Fights for principles. Sometimes bad tempered, self-righteous.

There is light and hope at the end of the tunnel. Although the snake year is generally a mediocre one for dogs, you can look forward to seeing the way towards a calmer, more settled existence by spring. There is likelihood of promotion or a lucrative offer from another organisation. Those owning their own businesses or investments will receive better returns. Dogs who are expecting may suffer morning sickness and other illnesses. Extra care should also be taken with the health of senior members of the family.

Pig: (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Kind and thoughtful. Sincere and honourable. Self-sacrificing and altruistic. Occasional fits of wilfulness and rage.

Don’t be too greedy when discussing financial settlements and don’t agree to be a referee for loans as you may be left holding a rather large debt. Pigs will get along fine with their partners in the year of the snake and may even consider renewing their vows of love with a romantic trip abroad. Although others may consider it inappropriate for you to visit feuding kin who are in hospital or to attend their funeral, by doing so you could do much to improve family relations.

Rat: (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996)
Essentially charming. Compassionate. Renowned for thrift and love of family. Rather superficial at times.

Young rats have a chance for further study abroad and will do extremely well if they can get over their bouts of shyness and lack of confidence. Beware of walking alone in dark places or venturing into unfamiliar areas as robbery and assault appear in the rat’s horoscope. Male rats of all ages may fall prey to very pretty girls who steal their hearts but give nothing in return. Play it cool and they will respect you more and then they will do the running. Mind your own business at work when witnessing a power play going on behind the scenes. You can only stand to benefit from not taking sides.

Ox: (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997)
Calm, patient, studied character. Takes things slow, steady pace. Is rather dictatorial but very industrious.

This is a year of mixed opportunities. It is time for the lumbering ox to move a little faster to take advantage of business and professional changes. Be bullish! Many oxen will be considering increasing their herds this year. Try not to be argumentative or impatient with youngsters who have done something they shouldn’t have. Kindness will get better results. They won’t do it again when they sense your forgiveness and understanding.

Tiger: (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)
Very warm, loving. Independent-minded. Pays scant regard to others when pursuing fun and freedom.

For tigers, women will play a major role in relation to trading, investment, large purchases and money in all its forms. Female tigers will benefit most from all types of competitions and windfalls. They should also receive great support from all quarters, so have excellent prospects in business, education and family life. Males, however, should avoid falling into traps set by wily females. Keep away from bars and clubs, as there are sure signs of tigers straying, which would mean disaster for unsettled marriages and partnerships.

Rabbit: (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)
Very sensitive soul. Discreet but quietly ambitious. Self-indulgent.

Rabbits may travel further afield to link up with a long-lost love or family members who have moved abroad. Have a professional go through any paperwork relating to property. Wait until after winter to change your job. Female rabbits respond poorly to pressure and emotional stress. If you can cope with the trials and tribulations of the first few months of 2001, there is a respite by spring. Young rabbits excel in sports and studies.

Dragon: (1916, 1928, 111940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)
Charismatic and colourful. Wants to be centre of attention. Very arrogant, lucky and successful.

Male dragons fare well if they are in science professions. In fact, everything should go well in 2001 for male dragons of all ages. Female dragons should expect to gain a lot of happiness by being with their offspring, whether they are new babies, grandchildren or through marriages of their children. Children born to dragons this year will be exceptionally bright or even considered geniuses. Teen dragons should do well at school. Major purchases for the home are likely and they will bring great satisfaction.