What does the year of the Ox hold in store for you?

The Year of the Ox favors the industrious and those who are prepared to make the effort. What you put into the year, you will get out. Sow much, reap much; sow little, reap little.

-- Chinese proverb

JAKARTA (JP): Astrology. Some believe in it, some don't. Yet, in this modern age, many people from the East and the West alike are learning about ancient Chinese astrology.

In Chinese astrology, there are 12 signs. Each sign is named after an animal: the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Why not Crocodile, Cockroach, Elephant or Giraffe? The legend claims that long, long ago, Buddha invited all animals to celebrate the New Year in his kingdom, but only 12 appeared. To show his gratitude, Buddha named a year after each of his guests.

The Chinese year is based on the lunar year, which starts on Feb. 7 this year. It is the Year of the Ox.

What does the Year of the Ox hold in store for you? Neil Somerville has the answer in his book, Your Chinese Horoscope 1997. The following are excerpts from his forecasts:

Rats

Jan. 31, 1990 - Feb. 18, 1901

Feb. 18, 1912 - Feb. 5, 1913

Feb. 5, 1924 - Jan. 23, 1925

Jan. 24, 1936 - Feb. 10, 1937

Feb. 10, 1948 - Jan. 28, 1949

Jan. 28, 1960 - Feb. 14, 1961

Feb. 15, 1972 - Feb. 2, 1973

Feb. 2, 1984 - Feb. 19, 1985

Feb. 19, 1996 - Feb. 6, 1997

The Year of the Ox will be a reasonable year for Rats. Although they may not have everything their way during the year, they will still be able to make a fair amount of progress.

Progress in 1997 will come from self-discipline, careful planning and applied effort. For the persistent and conscientious Rats, the year's rewards could prove to be substantial.

The one thing they should avoid in the Ox year is over- committing themselves or trying to engage in too many activities at the same time.

In their work, Rats will continue to impress and there will be several opportunities for them to take on new and more remunerative duties. The later months of the year are especially favorable for career matters, with late August to November being a significant time.

Socially, Rats' lives will also be pleasurable and they can look forward to attending some enjoyable events over the year. The summer months in particular will be a most auspicious time, especially for those seeking romance or wanting to make new friends.

Oxen

Feb. 19, 1901 - Feb. 7, 1902

Feb. 6, 1913 - Jan. 25, 1914

Jan. 24, 1925 - Feb. 12, 1926

Feb. 11, 1937 - Jan. 30, 1938

Jan. 29, 1949 - Feb. 16, 1950

Feb. 15, 1961 - Feb. 4, 1962

Feb. 3, 1973 - Jan. 22, 1974

Feb. 20, 1985 - Feb. 8, 1986

Feb. 7, 1977 - Jan. 27, 1998

The Year of the Ox will be a most satisfactory year for Oxen. People born under this sign will find it easier to plan their activities and be able to set about things in their own way rather than having to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. This will be a smoother and in some ways less active year for them.

For those who have recently changed jobs or who have been given more responsibilities, it will be a year in which they can consolidate their position and set about their new duties in earnest. They will be given greater freedom to pursue their plans and ideas.

Oxen will have fabulous personal lives. For singles, this is a year for meeting others, for romance and marriage. It is also a splendid year for family matters and many Oxen will see additions to their families.

Tigers

Feb. 8, 1902 - Jan. 28, 1903

Jan. 26, 1914 - Feb. 13, 1915

Feb. 13, 1926 - Feb. 1, 1927

Jan. 31, 1938 - Feb. 18, 1939

Feb. 17, 1950 - Feb. 5, 1951

Feb. 5, 1962 - Jan. 24, 1963

Jan. 23, 1974 - Feb. 10, 1975

Feb. 9, 1986 - Jan. 28, 1987

The Year of the Ox is going to be an important but challenging year for Tigers. They can make headway in many activities, but the year will not be without difficulties. However, while there are negative aspects, there is much that Tigers can do to overcome them. If they proceed with care, they can enjoy a reasonable year.

Tigers need to keep a tight rein over their impulsive and somewhat restless nature. This is not a year for taking risks or for acting without the support of the others.

In their work, Tigers would do best to concentrate on areas in which they have the most experience and can best use their skills.

Throughout the year, Tigers need to pay close attention to the views of their colleagues and should refrain from being too independent in their actions.

Socially, the year will contain some pleasurable times, and Tigers can look forward to attending several memorable events as the year progresses. At one in the summer, they could easily find themselves the center of attention.

There will be several romantic opportunities for unattached Tigers, although it would be in their interests to let any new friendship develop gradually, rather than rush into a major commitment.

The months from April to June could be particularly meaningful for unattached Tigers.

Rabbits

Jan. 29, 1903 - Feb. 15, 1904

Feb. 14, 1915 - Feb. 2, 1916

Feb. 2, 1927 - Jan. 22, 1928

Feb. 19, 1939 - Feb. 7, 1940

Feb. 6, 1951 - Jan. 26, 1952

Jan. 25, 1963 - Feb. 12, 1964

Feb. 11, 1975 - Jan. 30, 1976

Jan. 29, 1987 - Feb. 16, 1988

The Year of the Ox will be a challenging but important year for Rabbits. They will find that some of their activities don't go as smoothly as they would like, but to compensate for this, they will gain much valuable experience.

In work matters, this will be a demanding year and Rabbits could find it difficult to achieve all they would like. Some of their plans may not meet with the response they hope for and they could feel their efforts are passing unnoticed. Indeed, there will be times over the year when Rabbits will feel frustrated and exasperated. However, while there will be testing moments for them, throughout this period, they will be adding to their experience, winning the respect of others and learning more about their own capabilities.

To minimize the negative aspects that prevail in 1997, they would do well to concentrate on specific matters, preferably in areas in which they have the most experience.

Socially, Rabbits' lives will contain some enjoyable moments, especially in the early summer months, and most Rabbits will have the opportunity to meet new friends as the year progresses. Singles should make every effort to go out more and thereby increase their opportunities to meet others. In all cases, they will find that positive action on their part will bring pleasing results.

Dragons

Feb. 16, 1904 - Feb. 3, 1905

Feb. 3, 1916 - Jan. 22, 1917

Jan. 23, 1928 - Feb. 9, 1929

Feb. 8, 1940 - Jan. 26, 1941

Jan. 27, 1952 - Feb. 13, 1953

Feb. 13, 1964 - Feb. 1, 1965

Jan. 31, 1976 - Feb. 17, 1977

Feb. 17, 1988 - Feb. 5, 1989

The Year of the Ox will be a variable year for Dragons. Over the year, they will need to restrain their rather impulsive nature and exercise caution in their various undertakings. This is not a year in which they can afford to take risks or adopt too much of an independent attitude.

In their work, Dragons can make a modest amount of progress, although they need to be realistic in their expectations. To try to be overambitious or take on too much activities at the same time will only lead to disappointment.

Socially, Dragons' lives will prove to be enjoyable and any romance or new friendship that Dragons established in the previous year is likely to blossom. For those who are lonely or unattached, there will be several excellent opportunities to meet others, especially in the early summer months.

Snakes

Feb. 4, 1905 - Jan. 24, 1906

Jan. 23, 1917 - Feb. 10, 1918

Feb. 10, 1929 - Jan. 29, 1930

Jan. 27, 1941 - Feb. 14, 1942

Feb. 14, 1953 - Feb. 2, 1954

Feb. 2, 1965 - Jan. 20, 1966

Feb. 18, 1977 - Feb. 6, 1978

Feb. 6, 1989 - Jan. 26, 1990

The Year of the Ox will be a fair year for Snakes. They can enjoy a reasonable amount of success but to achieve results, they will need to work hard and concentrate on specific matters.

Snakes should be realistic in their undertakings. In their work, they should stick to areas they are most familiar with rather than be overambitious and try for something that they do not have experience in. Snakes can make progress but it will come from sensible planning and hard work, rather than from chance.

In work, Snakes need to pay close attention to all that is going on around them and be prepared to adapt to changing situations.

Socially, Snakes' lives will provide them with much pleasure and for unattached lonely Snakes, there will be some excellent opportunities to make new friends. The months from May to August will, in particular, be a busy and enjoyable time for social matters.

Horses

Jan. 25, 1906 - Feb. 12, 1907

Feb. 11, 1918 - Jan. 31, 1919

Jan. 30, 1930 - Feb. 16, 1931

Feb. 15, 1942 - Feb. 4, 1943

Feb. 3, 1954 - Jan. 23, 1955

Jan. 21, 1966 - Feb. 8, 1967

Feb. 7, 1978 - Jan. 27, 1979

Jan. 27, 1990 - Feb. 14, 1991

The year of the Ox will be a considerably improved year for Horses. After the problems and uncertainties of the previous year, they can look forward to an upturn in their fortunes. As far as their work and finances are concerned, this will be a rewarding year for them.

However, Horses need to handle their relations with others with care. In all their undertakings, they need to work closely with those around them and be forthcoming about their views and plans. Sometimes this means they will have to forsake the independence they value so much, but this is not a year where they can risk jeopardizing the normally good relations they enjoy with so many. It is very much a year for cooperation and teamwork.

Horses should not take their friends for granted. They think highly of them, but they need to remain mindful of their views and give them their time and attention. They are prepared to help and support them, but they do expect something in return. Similarly, for unattached Horses, care is needed in their relations with others. Those looking to establish friendships should let any new friendship develop gradually rather than rush into a commitment after just a short meeting. As far as romance and matters of the heart are concerned, Horses must tread carefully and sensibly.

Goats

Feb. 13, 1907 - Feb. 1, 1908

Feb. 1, 1919 - Feb. 19, 1920

Feb. 17, 1931 - Feb. 5, 1932

Feb. 5, 1943 - Jan. 24, 1944

Jan. 24, 1955 - Feb. 11, 1956

Feb. 9, 1967 - Feb. 29, 1968

Jan. 28, 1979 - Feb. 15, 1980

Feb. 15, 1991 - Feb. 3, 1992

The Year of the Ox will be a challenging year for Goats. They could find it difficult to make as much progress as they would like and could also have to deal with some problems which, while not serious, could take some time to resolve.

Provided they proceed carefully and are not overambitious in their undertakings, Goats can do much to minimize the more negative aspects that prevail.

Socially, Goats' lives will contain times of happiness and they will attend several interesting and pleasant functions. They will also be able to extend their circle of friends quite extensively and any Goats who may be feeling lonely should aim to go out more and get in contact with others. They will find that effort on their part will bring pleasing results.

Monkeys

Feb. 2, 1908 - Jan. 21, 1909

Feb. 20, 1920 - Feb. 7, 1921

Feb. 6, 1932 - Jan. 25, 1933

Jan. 25, 1944 - Feb. 12, 1945

Feb. 12, 1956 - Jan. 30, 1957

Jan. 30, 1968 - Feb. 16, 1969

Feb. 16, 1980 - Feb. 4, 1981

Feb. 4, 1992 - Jan. 22, 1993

The Year of the Ox will be a variable year for Monkeys. They can achieve a good level of progress with many of their activities, but this is not a year when they can afford to be complacent or take undue risks. The Ox, who rules the year, is a hard taskmaster. He expects Monkeys to give their best and use their talents wisely, rather than rest on their laurels.

In their work, Monkeys need to consolidate any recent gains they have made or responsibilities they have been given. They should also continue to promote any new ideas they have as well as keep themselves informed about all that is going on around them.

Socially, 1997 will be an active year, and many Monkeys will find that a friendship started in the previous year will become significant. The spring and summer months in particular will be a pleasing time for social matters, especially for the young and unattached Monkeys.

Roosters

Jan. 22, 1909 - Feb. 9, 1910

Feb. 8, 1921 - Jan. 27, 1922

Jan. 26, 1933 - Feb. 13, 1934

Feb. 13, 1945 - Feb. 1, 1946

Jan. 31, 1957 - Feb. 17, 1958

Feb. 17, 1969 - Feb. 5, 1970

Feb. 5, 1981 - Jan. 24, 1982

Jan. 25, 1993 - Feb. 9, 1994

The Year of the Ox generally will be a settled and favorable year for Roosters. Almost as soon as the year begins, they will begin to feel more positive in their outlook and will set about their activities with a greater enthusiasm. This is a year in which they can look ahead with hope, optimism and a grater determination to make the most of themselves and their abilities.

Determination on their part will, in turn, bring significant rewards in their work and almost all Roosters will improve on their positions over the year.

Socially, Roosters will find themselves much in demand. They can look forward to attending several enjoyable functions over the year and will have every opportunity to meet new friends. Any Rooster feeling lonely or sad should make every effort to go out more to get in contact with others. By making the effort, they will enjoy a distinct upturn in their social life and can build some new and meaningful relationships. The spring and early summer months will be an especially eventful time socially and for the unattached Roosters, the year will bring some splendid opportunities for romance.

Dogs

Feb. 10, 1910 - Jan. 29, 1911

Jan. 28, 1922 - Feb. 15, 1923

Feb. 14, 1934 - Feb. 3, 1935

Feb. 2, 1946 - Jan. 21, 1947

Feb. 18, 1958 - Feb. 7, 1959

Feb. 6, 1970 - Jan. 26, 1971

Jan. 25, 1982 - Feb. 12, 1983

Feb. 10, 1994 - Jan. 30, 1995

The Year of the Ox will be a mixed year for Dogs. They could find that progress is slow and that it is not possible to accomplish all they would like. However, despite the variable trends, the year will still hold some pleasant times for them, as well as being quite constructive.

Dogs would do well to concentrate their energies in areas in which they have the most experience, rather than embark on ambitious new ventures. They should not start on any major projects without adequate preparation or making sure they enjoy the support of others. The year is not a year in which they could take undue risks or act too independently of others.

Should they find themselves in an uneasy or difficult situation, they should remain diplomatic and tactful. Otherwise, they could end up saying things they might later regret.

The same care extends to Dogs' social lives. A friendship or an event they attend could easily be jeopardized by a thoughtless remark or difference of opinion. This is very much a year of diplomacy. However, if Dogs bear this in mind, their social lives will provide them with much pleasure and the summer months will prove a favorable time. Dogs seeking new friends or romance will find the months from June to August especially happy, and a friendship formed during the summer could become significant and lasting.

Pigs

Jan. 30, 1911 - Feb. 17, 1912

Feb. 16, 1923 - Feb. 4, 1924

Feb. 4, 1947 - Feb. 9, 1948

Jan. 22, 1947 - Feb. 9, 1948

Feb. 8, 1959 - Jan. 27, 1960

Jan. 27, 1971 - Feb. 14, 1972

Feb. 13, 1983 - Feb. 1, 1984

Jan. 31, 1995 - Feb. 18, 1996

The Year of the Ox generally holds much promise for Pigs. It very much favors those who are industrious and tenacious, and Pigs are both. However, they need to work hard and remain committed to their objectives to make excellent progress.

Pigs will be able to reap the rewards of their past efforts and many of them will be promoted or be successful in obtaining a new and more challenging position. In particular, Pigs should remain alert for opportunities in the first few months of the year. In March 1997, they could discover an excellent opening to pursue.

Socially, Pigs' lives will go well and there will be many opportunities for them to attend social occasions and meet others. Many Pigs will strike up new and important friendships over the year and socially, Pigs will find themselves much in demand. Pigs seeking friends and romance will certainly not be disappointed, although they should be wary of building up high expectations after just a brief meeting. (sim)