Chinese zodiac: What Year of the Horse has for you

Today is Chinese New Year and Monisha Singh Dudaney gives you a look at what 2014, the Year of the Horse has in store for you.

The Year of the Horse is the year of action.

Favourable for expansion and for seeing your money grow, horse years are all about exploration.

Hard work, tenacity and decisive action marks this year which comes filled with new opportunity for travel, business and so much adventure.

So are you ready to get into the saddle?

Based on your year of birth, find out which sign you belong to:

Snake: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003

Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004

Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005

Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008

Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

The Horse

The life and soul of every party, the Horse entertains friends and strangers alike with much ease and charm.

Quick witted, sharp, intelligent and practical, Horses make use of it all at home and at work.

Their ability to multi-task, their huge independent streak holds them in good stead.

Horses love company and visitors to their home will always be treated like royalty!

Their willingness to try anything and their ability to try something new makes Horses good at anything they would like to try.

Freedom is a critical aspect to their personality and day to day living and careers in communication, media and performing arts suits them well!

Horses know how to have fun and keep their wits about themselves and are truly long runners of the race.

Famous people born under this sign: FD Roosevelt, Barbara Streisand, Rembrandt, Chris Evert, Amitabh Bachchan, Jennifer Lawrence

2014 for the Horse: Power, success and a lot of authority is yours for the asking this year!

Allies, partners, professional mentors will play a key role in your success, especially as you move towards making some big bold decisions.

Building on your relationships with people will give you the success you desire.

Speculation, especially on the stock market, may tempt you but is best avoided.

Your financial situation will get better in the winter months.

Health needs attention so ensure you sleep well and are rested.

It is best if matters of the heart are put on the backburner this year.

If you are single, you may also meet someone and start dating, but it is best to focus on your career and making money.

Tip of the year: Rest and rejuvenation is they key as you can burn yourself out.

Best Compatibility: Tiger, Goat, Dog,

The Rat

Easy to get along with, hardworking and extremely enterprising, Rats know how to find solutions and take care of themselves without troubling others.

Reserved or quiet under the surface, rats are always busy with activity and getting things done.

Lively with a need for constant  stimulation, Rats are blessed with high intellect and are extremely sharp. 

At work, Rats are good at being thrifty and saving for a rainy day and they make for excellent writers, broadcasters, directors and race-car drivers.

With their incredible patience and persistence -- anything that keeps them on the ball is necessary and welcome!

Known to be extremely cautious and cunning with money, Rats always have a stash saved away for the rainy day!

Famous people born under this sign: Pope John Paul, William Shakespeare, Yves St Laurent, Prince Charles, Karim Aga Khan, Gwyneth Paltrow

2014 for the Rat: This will be a lucky year for most of you born under this sign as you manage to stay out of trouble and deal with all obstacles coming your way.

Extra work hours, unexpected travel and late nights may push you out of your comfort zone to run faster than you like but you will manage.

Towards the summer months, stay focussed on your people equations and collaborative spirit.

For those in the media, arts and craft, it will be a great year to showcase your signature style as you will be on the top of your game.

Avoid being careless this year in matters of money as you may find yourself paying big for silly mistakes.

Focus on health is always high during Horse Years as energy seems to be constantly needed to keep up to the pace of this year.

You will need to do just that!

Tip of the year: Stay away from being greedy and this year will flow better.

Best compatibility: Monkey, Dragon, Ox

The Sheep

Calm, quiet and cultured -- the Sheep like living the good, graceful and peaceful life.

Easy going and peaceful in their manner, they are reserved and soothing.

While they enjoy company, they like to watch because they prefer the sidelines.

Well-groomed and well-dressed, Sheeps make for excellent architects, illustrators, musicians and art historians.

Given their love for serenity, Sheeps usually keep good health. But any sort of confrontation or argument can make them sick!

Usually homebodies, Sheeps like to be surrounded by people at work and are happy to take low-key roles and positions.

Sheeps make for excellent editors, pediatricians and enjoy home-hobbies of reading, cooking, and watching movies.

Famous people born under this sign: Mark Twain, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, King George IV, The Shah of Iran, Emma Roberts

2014 for the Sheep:

Agile, alert and keen to move forward, Sheep will have no trouble dealing with the pace of the New Year.

This year rewards bravery and it's wise to set strong goals for yourself that may seem audacious but are completely achievable. Be assured you will achieve those by the winter months.

A year meant for connections, it will also be wise for you to go out and meet more people.

July, August and September are the best months to network.

Those in the automobile industry and public relations will do well and find themselves under the spotlight.

As far as romantic relationships are concerned, the attention will be on you. Be prepared for a queue of suitors!

Tip of the year: You are advised against driving.

Best compatibility: Tiger, Horse, Monkey, Dragon

The Snake

A calm, shy, and a low-profile animal, Snakes are wise men and women!

Thinkers, diplomats and savvy investors, Snakes make for the most enigmatic animal of the Chinese Astrology cycle!

Intuitive, attractive and graceful people, people born under this sign will be contemplative and private.

Exciting and dark, yet with a wisdom -- the Snake will work hard to make things go their way!

Influential and insightful, they manage others well and are usually found in senior positions.

Their ability to make themselves affectionate with family and friends and yet appear brisk and business-like with work mates is a very obvious give-away!

Generous with money, known to always be materialistically wealth creators, snakes can completely be persuasive when they put their mind to it!

Snakes need calm and quiet to survive and succeed.

Adrenalin rushes are not for them. They make fabulous astrologers, politicians and also brilliant photographers.

Snakes are all about creativity!

Famous people born under this sign: Shakira, Indira Gandhi, Mao Tse Tsung, John Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, Taylor Swift

2014 for the Snake: This year is all about money for the Snake!

Finance and the stock market will prove extremely lucrative for you.

You are advised to keep a low profile at work.

Those of you in the business of entertainment and travel will discover that studying opens new doors. Consider learning a new language.

In many ways, 2014 is the year to re-boot your life as you will learn to be more decisive, less research oriented and take quicker actions.

Romantically too your star will be also on the rise.

The singletons will get more social around the middle of the year. So keep you party shoes handy!

Tip of the year: Avoid shortcuts and you will do just fine this year

Best compatibility: Ox, dragon, Rabbit, Rooster

The Monkey

Curious and inventive in nature, Monkeys can run circles around other people with ease!

Clever, result-oriented and sharp, Monkeys appreciate challenges of any kind.

At work, given their memory and ability to adapt, they tend to be huge successes.

Monkeys usually prefer to wear a poker face, refusing to share any emotions or feelings with others.

Active in their lifestyle, they are usually very healthy creatures and also ensure that they choose the buzz and go of the city life!

People-watching is a big hobby to amuse them and they generally take occupations like finance, accounting scientists and dealers!

Famous people born under this sign: Walter Matthau, Edward Kennedy, Mick Jagger, Duchess of Windsor, Nelson Rockfeller, Kareena Kapoor

2014 for the Monkey: If you are born under this sign, be prepared to travel this year to succeed.

This is also the year to buckle up and listen to instructions as you let go of your friskiness is critical.

Those of you in sales, marketing and education will find themselves doing well and will be in demand.

Finances will be good. Expect promotions and bonuses!

Love may not be in focus this year and those who are single may grow impatient.

But it will be wise to stay patient and remain focused at work. Allow love to find you.

Those in relationships will build on them and many may have to weather rough storms!

Health may need attention.

Getting into the outdoors is critical to stay refreshed.

Tip of the year: You will face pressure but instead of buckling under it, use it to push yourself forward.

Best Compatibility: Rat, Ox, Sheep, Snake

The Rooster

Flamboyant, feisty and obstinate, Roosters are extroverts and those who love to blow their own trumpet.

Known to be outwardly confident as they below their own trumpet, Roosters are hardworking and trustworthy individuals who are direct and forthright!

Happiest when surrounded by a crowd, under the spotlight, they can get very angry if crossed.

Roosters are extremely motivated people who give their careers their all.

Given their focus and meticulousness, Roosters are also good with money and ensuring all on the financial front is under control. 

The environment around a rooster is clean, neat and extremely organised given their own habit of being fussy about small things!

Making for excellent actors, armed forces personnel, musicians and chartered accountants, Roosters are fun people to have around.

Famous people born under this sign: Prince Phillip, Elton John, Pope Paul VI, Alia Bhatt

2014 for the Rooster: This will be a big and busy year for the dutiful rooster who is forthright, honest and diligent.

Opportunities for work or business will open up new doors and you will find yourself clinching every deal you can.

You will be at your witty and charming best and so those in people-driven industries such as sales, law and politics will find their prospects getting better.

A new car, a luxury home or a gadget upgrade is also in the offing because you will decide to splurge on yourself.

Temper your ego and stay away from the spotlight, choosing instead to play a supporting role.

Money will be good through the year. Focus on savings.

A promotion or a new job prospect will come your way from the most unexpected sources.

Tip of the year: Loosen up and go with the flow.

Best compatibility: Tiger, Horse, Monkey, Dragon

The Dog

Compassionate, loyal and giving -- the sign lives upto its true name.

Surrounded by friends, always available for their friends and family, Dogs make for great partners and can be extremely attentive.

Known to take charge of any situation, money and status don't really matter to the Dog as much as the wellbeing of his loved ones.

Once Dogs master a subject of interest, they usually take off well.

Honest, trust worthy and ethical, Dogs work hard and spend wisely.

Professionally, they make for excellent counselors, interior decorators and priests allowing for a lot of dialogue and discussion.

Dogs dislike hurting other people's feelings and can get into quite a sulk if treated unfairly.

Love is what keeps their world going... so ensure you stay loving and positive!

Famous people born under this sign: Charles Bronson, Pierre Cardin, Sir Winston Churchill, Elvis Presley, Ranbir Kapoor

2014 for the Dog

Those born under this sign are set to have a very good year.

You will do well professionally and financially.

Those of you in creative fields will find your creativity at its peak throughout the year.

The year of the Horse is also perfect if you're looking to explore greener pastures or to demand to be rewarded for your loyalty.

Do not hesitate to ask for more.

If you are single, you will find that you have more than your usual share of admirers.

Those in relationships may find themselves burdened with domestic responsibilities but you will also cope wonderfully!

Tip of the year: Stand out on your own and for yourself!

Best compatibility: Rabbit, Snake, Dog, Rat

The Pig

Honest, frank, chivalrous and gallant, Pigs are born under the sign of much honesty!

While they may tend to appear rough and hewn, under their jovial and happy surface, they make for fabulous people.

Their tendency to overdo things -- be it overindulge with food, alcohol or even partying can tend to give them poor health and an exercise regime is extremely necessary for them.

Pigs tend to have comfortable homes as they like to ensure their wealth is displayed.

Cleanliness is not really on their top most agenda both at home and at work.

Professionally, their creative side comes out when they can totally express themselves and they remain enthusiastic about new opportunities.

Making for excellent doctors, caterers and hoteliers, Pigs are on the whole lovely people to be around.

Famous people born: Ronald Reagan, Julie Andrews, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, Katrina Kaif

2014 for the Pig: The honest and predictable Pig will have a favourable year.

Those born under this sign will have an active social life, which in turn will open doors for love, new business opportunities, creative pursuits and of course more money.

Friends and allies will more supportive than ever.

Those of you in the business of media, human resources and online digital media will flourish as you will find new avenues opening up!

Your finances should be stable as you are advised to stay away from speculation especially in the stock market.

Pursuing a hobby seriously to turn it into a commercial venture will also work favorably for the many of you who are creatively inclined.

Those in love will discover deep bonds and a strong sense of contentment.

All of you who are still single will need to take extra effort to find love and will find that March and November are extremely good for romance!

Tip of the year: Staying organised is critical to how successful this year will be!

Best compatibility: Sheep, Tiger, Dog

The Ox

The Ox or the buffalo sign symbolises prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

People born under this year will be dependable, calm and methodical.

Patient and tireless workers, they like routine and convention.

Beneath their modest but neat appearance, the Ox usually shields a resolute and logical mind.

They walk with their head held high.

People born under this sign are systematic. You can rely on their promises.

Once they give their word, they will stick with it.

The Ox likes to take their own sweet time in the matters of the heart. They are slow to warm up and reveal their true feelings.

If you marry an Ox and place your trust in them, you will never be disappointed.

They generally excel in politics, farming and agriculture though their rigid and stubborn nature may lead to conflicts with others time and again.

Famous people born under this sign: Bruce Springsteen, Jawaharlal Nehru, Walt Disney, Richard Nixon, Margaret Thatcher, Adolf Hitler, Ranveer Singh

2014 for the Ox:

The Ox loves to be busy and those born under this sign will find themselves having to multitask this year.

Your people skills will get tested and there will be conflicts around you however your authority will stays intact.

Watch out for enemies but also expect promotions.

Money will come and go and you may not be able to save a lot. Try and go easy on your spending this year.

You will find the need to invest in real estate or to lend money to your family or loved ones.

Singles will up their game and will win hearts.

Travel in April and October will prove enjoyable and will allow for much bonding.

Tip of the year: Learn to showcase your prowess!

Best compatibility: Rat, Rabbit, Rooster

The Rabbit

The Rabbit symbolises graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty.

Their soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat.

They are reserved, artistic and posses good judgment and a sharp memory.

Their thoroughness also makes them good scholars.

Though flirtations and full of fun, with the help of the mind and brain, they will shine in the fields of law, politics and government.

While those under this sign are extremely lucky in business and monetary transactions, they also tend to be very moody!

Famous people born under this sign: David Rockfeller, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Stalin, Fidel Castro, Albert Einstein, Sonakshi Sinha

2014 for the Rabbit

For the busy and happy Rabbits this is a year that's all about making wise choices and leaping towards their goals.

Those in TV/Film production business and into counselling, training and in sales will find themselves performing well and will be wooed by many to take up lucrative projects in October and December.

You will make money proportional to the hard work you put in but also expect to make money from unexpected sources such as an inheritance.

Rabbits are also advised to focus only on savings and repaying any old debts to make things work with ease.

Health-wise, beware because burnouts are possible and you will need to constantly replenish your energy.

Your love life maybe filled with temptations and it is important that you play your hand discerningly.

Tip of the year: Being practical and logical is necessary for you

Best compatibility: Tiger, Dragon, Monkey

The Tiger

Courage, power, passion and daring... the Tiger is a master of it all.

Protective in their instinct, in the way they deal with it -- Tigers seek approval from peers and family.

Given that money and power is not their kick zone, they are restless, reckless and always geared for action.

At work, they are energetic and always ready to look for the right time to leap into new plans and pursuits.

Money-wise, Tigers always find enough and loyalty more than anything else is what gets them going.

Given their attractive self as Tigers are not just beautiful on the outside, but draw the world in, they make for compelling speakers, actors and painters. 

Keeping on their right side is necessary as Tigers can otherwise also just be extremely cruel and make quick work of their enemies

Famous people born under this sign: Charles De Gaulle, Groucho Mark, Queen Elizabeth II, Marilyn Monroe, Deepika Padukone

2014 for the Tiger:

The passionate, daring and tad impulsive Tiger will see more joy, good luck and romance and could also embark on a journey of self discovery this year.

What more could a Tiger ask for?

Risk-taking abilities will get rewarded and hence this is the best time to make the big bold decisions and take on all you can.

Expansion is the key especially for those in the medicine, pharmacy and NGO industries.

Those in senior executive roles will find themselves performing very well through the year.

Those in relationships will need to put in special efforts to keep their relationship strong.

Money comes in easy and many born under this sign could also launch their own businesses and prosper.

Tip of the year: Be ready as opportunities are strewn in your path this year

Best compatibility: Pig, Dog, Horse

The Dragon

Vital, full of intense power and one of good fortune, the Dragon is a master in authority!

Energetic, lively and full of authority, Dragons are the complete free spirits of the Chinese Zodiac.

Big ideas, big themes and the attempt of everything new -- Dragons like to try things on a grand scale.

Tactless, quick tempered and being too suspicious could be their issues, but Dragons make the best of what they have given their own sense of ownership, adaptability and more.

Dragons work better being in positions of power and make for excellent campaigners, politicians, PR and advertising managers.

Driven with risks, Dragons take risks and burn the midnight oil making them susceptible to stress-related tensions.

Famous people born under this sign: John Lennon, St Joan of Arc, Frank Sinatra, Yehudi Menuhin, Che Guevara, Parineeti Chopra

2014 for the Dragon:

This is the year when the dynamic and magnetic Dragons must go full throttle!

Expect prosperity and good health.

Listen to your gut feeling, especially when you are about to buy land or are investing in gold or stocks.

Trading and travel will be profitable for you, especially if you have researched and thought things through.

Love needs a helping hand and you can expect friends to assist you there.

Those in relationships can celebrate as they add children to their family. Enjoy!

Tip of the year: Be calm and humble!

Best Compatibility: Rabbit, Tiger, Ox