"YOUR INNER ANIMAL" By Maxine Lucille Fiel THE RAT: 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 *Personality Profile: Charming, intelligent and resourceful. Since the presence of a plump rat in a Chinese farmer's home has historically been seen as an indicator of big harvests, your sign is known as a "wealth animal." *Points of Pride: With your sharp wit, social savvy and enterprising nature (you're a self-starter), you achieve whatever you pursue. *Weak Side: You can be a social climber, and your thriftiness sometimes borders on stinginess. *Love Match: Dragon, Monkey or Ox. *Your 1996 Forecast: Because it starts off a fresh lunar cycle, the Rat Year is the best time for you to initiate new plans. Whether it's a change in career, location, appearance, friendship or romance, make your move now. Unexpected luck, gains and promotions could come out of the blue. And romance never looked better! THE OX: 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 *Personality Profile: Calm, methodical and inflexible. You don't like to be told what to do. And because you're so security-minded, you're unlikely to let gains slip away. *Points of Pride: You seldom rush into things impulsively. When you do resolve to get out of a situation, you take decisive action. *Weak Side: Because routines are important to you, getting stuck in a rut is a real danger. Stoic and quiet, you tend neither to complain nor to explain-which may lead to misunderstandings. *Love Match: Snake, Rooster or Rat. *Your 1996 Forecast: Last year's achievements will pay off in this prosperous time. Set aside your "my way is the only way" mentality and accept help. The charmer who's making you feel so sexy may not be what he seems, so don't end another relationship just to be with him. THE TIGER: 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 *Personality Profile: Leader and risk taker, you act first and think later. But since yours is one of the luckiest signs, you usually escape unscathed. *Points of Pride: You have the courage to follow your convictions, and people admire this about you. * Weak Side: Since you're governed by your heart, you can be hot-tempered and implusive. *Love Match: Horse, Dragon or Dog. *Your 1996 Forecast: Have you underestimated someone lately? If so, now's a good time to revise your opinions and make peace. Though Tigers usually dominate, this is the Rat's year in the sun. Keep your gorgeous stripes in the shade. THE RABBIT: 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 *Personality Profile: Gentle, discrete and social. Though you wouldn't dream of airing dirty laundry in public, you aren't above the occasional gossip session. Financially lucky, you often inherit money. *Points of Pride: You have beautiful manners and elegant taste. But you can fight like a lion to protect your family and home. *Weak Side: Confrontations make you crazy. You'd rather waffle than take a stand, so you're unlikely even to sign a petition. *Love Match: Sheep, Pig or Dog. *Your 1996 Forecast: Yikes! There could be much contention and change in the months ahead. Since Rats are collectors of debts--both money and favors--this year, people will be pressing to get paid back. It's important to speak up for friends who need you. Good news: Romance is in the offing. THE DRAGON: 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 *Personality Profile: Sexy, theatrical and energetic. You attract lovers and admirers with little effort. The Dragon is the major symbol of luck. *Points of Pride: Dragons are blessed with amazingly vitality. You think big and aim high. *Weak Side: You're excating and often bossy. A lover of luxury, you can be a spendthrift. *Love Match: Rat, Snake, Monkey or Rooster. *Your 1996 Forecast: Full of professional, financial and romantic opportunities, Rat years are good for you. But be cautious: Save some of your earnings and beware of flattery. This will protect you in the leaner times that lie ahead. (yeah, dragons are the coolest. and as far as western astrology/sun signs go, scorpios rule! :) -j) THE SNAKE: Feb.10,1929-Jan.29,1930 Jan.27,1941-Feb.14,1942 Feb.14,1953-Feb.2,1954 Feb.2,1954-Jan.20,1966 Feb.18,1977-Feb.6,1978 Feb.6,1989-Jan.26,1990 *Personality Profile: Mystical and soft-spoken. Snakes are the most beautiful of all the signs, and are fascinating to the opposite sex. *Points of Pride: Nothing escapes your wisdom--some would say you're psychic. You adore books, learning and music. *Weak Side: You can be narcissistic, and you're close-fisted with money--you rarely lend it. *Love Match: Ox or Rooster. *Your 1996 Forecast: Snakes have three lives, according to Chinese superstition, and this may be the time to shed your skin--and your old ways. The Rat is wary of you, so expect some dust-ups in your business or love life. Bide your time and get projects firmed up; in '97, you should get the accolades you deserve. THE HORSE: 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 *Personality Profile: Stylish, outspoken, willful and athletic. Chinese parents would despair if a daughter was born in a Horse year--they knew she'd be hard to marry off. *Points of Pride: Your passion is inspiring, and you attract many friends. Your adaptable skills ensure you'll dominate any field you enter. *Weak Side: Restless Horses bore easily and fall in love passionately--and often. You'll give up everything for love. *Love Match: Tiger, Dog or Sheep. *Your 1996 Forecast: This won't be an easy year for you--but it can be a valuable one if you listen to close friends, and not to sweet-talking suitors. Stay away from fights, rein in your spending--and next year you'll be galloping out of the paddocks! THE SHEEP: Feb.17,1931-Feb.5,1932 Feb.5,1943-Jan.24,1944 Jan.24,1955-Feb.11,1956 Feb.9,1967-Jan.29,1968 Jan.28,1979-Feb.15,1980 Feb.15,1991-Feb.3,1992 *Personality Profile: Artistic, romantic and lovable. You Sheep are big dreamers who like things to go smoothly. *Points of Pride: Sheep are the Good Samaritans of the Chinese zodiac. Talented and responsible, you expect perfection from yourself and others. *Weak Side: When upsets happen, you are apt to whine. You have a terrible sense of time. *Love Match: Rabbit, Pig or Horse. *Your 1996 Forecast: You'll like this year! It ushers in a quieter period after all the hustle and bustle and progress of 1995: Use this tranquil time to look for opportunities that may have escaped your notice because of last year's hectic schedule. There may be a few unexpected changes, but nothing you can't handle. Work with a partner (Sheep often need a push). You have a good shot at finding romance this year. THE MONKEY: 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 *Personality Profile: Smart, persuasive and playful, you get what you want by using your head. No one can fool a Monkey. *Points of Pride: Inventive problem solvers, Monkeys are good at finding shortcuts. You're also so charming, you could sell air conditioners in the North Pole. *Weak Side: You can be manipulative. And you sometimes trick people just for the fun of it. *Love Match: Dragon and Rat. *Your 1996 Forecast: You should be richer and happier than you have been in a while. The Rat likes you and understands how often you smart, resourceful Monkeys go unappreciated. This year, you can have--and get away with--almost anything. Your relationships and health improve enormously. A romance with a Rat could be a match made in heaven. THE ROOSTER: 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.23,1993-Feb.9,1994 *Personality Profile: Vivacious, frank and competitive. You're nature's alarm clock, the one whol gets the message out--and makes people wake up and smell the coffee. *Points of Pride: With your strong opinions and self-assurance, you rule the roost. *Weak Side: You can be a know-it-all, meddling in other people's affairs. At times, you're overly blunt and unsympathetic. *Love Match: Ox, Snake or Dragon. *Your 1996 Forecast: You've just come off a year of progress, discovering new talents. This year, though, you could see some gains evaporate, so you may have to dip into savings. You may also feel alone. However, the Chinese have a saying: "What belongs to you will find its way back to you." Next year will brim with opportunities and love. THE DOG: 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 *Personality Profile: Loyal, down-to-earth and intuitive. Under the Dog's seemingly unemotional exterior beats a puppy's tender heart. You work well with others, but you yearn to be loved for who you are--not for what you can do for people. *Points of Pride: Suspicious of theatrics and sure things, Dogs see below the surface and will not desert their friends even if they fall on hard times. *Weak Side: You're the worrier of the zodiac. You can be intolerant and critical of those who don't share your integrity and intensity. *Love Match: Horse, Tiger or Rabbit. *Your 1996 Forecast: In 1995 (the Year of the Pig), you had a pretty satisfying time. This year, the canny Rat will see to it that you get more money and handle it better. In fact, he'll advise you not to lend money right now. Trust your instincts. Family relationships improve, and a solid romance could finally happen. THE PIG: Feb.16,1923-Feb.4,1924 Feb.4,1935-Jan.23,1936 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 *Personality Profile: Intellectual, trusting and generous--not greedy! The Chinese have always cherished the Pig (another "wealth animal"), because having lots of pigs on a farm means good eating. *Points of Pride: The most forgiving of all animals, Pigs rarely carry a grudge. Because you're so approachable and kindhearted, people know they can run to you when they're in need or in trouble. *Weak Side: You can be naive and tactless. Pigs believe almost anything you tell them--especially flattery. *Love Match: Rabbit or Sheep. *Your 1996 Forecast: Your personal year just ended, completing the 12-year animal cycle. Begin this new, more tranquil phase by learning to say no. Ask more questions before you open your checkbook. If you've been disappointed or betrayed by longtime friends, just be glad they're gone from your life. New friends, supporters and opportunities are coming. Those who love you dearly are waiting for you to ask for help. Mademoiselle/February 1996