As Chinese New Year approaches, MR PORTER looks at what’s in store in 2017, whatever your zodiac sign.

The 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are drawn from an ancient piece of folklore, in which the Jade Emperor, who was looking for a way to measure time, challenged all the animals to race across a river. The first 12 to reach the opposite bank, he told them, would lend their names to the ensuing years, with the winner taking the first year, the runner-up the next, and so on.

Given the inevitably cyclical nature of this agreement (it all repeats itself, after all), you would have thought it would be a fairly good-natured contest, but, no. It got nasty. The rat won by tricking the ox, jumping on his back and then skittering first to the finish line. The cat, also thanks to the rat, ended up splashing about in the water, and was disqualified. Then the snake terrorised the poor horse, and jumped ahead of it. Complete chaos, in other words.

There are, however, some less sociopathic animals in this story, one of them being the rooster, whose influence will be dominant in the lunar year of 2017, which starts 28 January. In the original story (or one version of it, at least), the rooster teamed up with the goat and monkey, having spotted a raft, which it then chose to share with its friends in order to cross the river. It’s a sign, therefore, that favours ambition, hard work and bravery and so, says Mr Neil Somerville, who has been writing HarperCollins’ popular Your Chinese Horoscope series since the late 1980s, we should expect to see much of the proud rooster’s “style, swagger and bluster” in 2017. As if we haven’t had enough of that already.

Need further clarification? Good news: in time for Lunar New Year, we asked Mr Somerville to share his predictions for the coming 12 months. Scroll down to discover the prognosis for your career, health, money, love life and family in 2017, as well as what the Year of the Rooster means for each individual sign. (If you don’t know yours, it’s to do with the year of your birth, and is probably worth a google to avoid any awkward situations in future.)

Roosters are efficient and attentive so, in order to progress this year, you will need to apply yourself and work hard. It is a progressive time, but actions need to be thought through and attention paid to detail. This is not a year for fanciful ideas and, for those who have ambitions or particular objectives, the rewards are there.

At the start of each year, many people make resolutions, often fitness-related. This year, however, it is worth taking action. The rooster is a careful and diligent sign, which bodes well for starting exercise programmes as well as taking care with your diet. To feel the full benefits, you will have to exercise some of the rooster’s discipline. With style also important in the Year of the Rooster, attention to your appearance will benefit you greatly.

With much happening on the world stage, there will be moments of uncertainty in the financial markets and investors need to hold their nerve. In terms of personal finance, it is a year to be careful and thorough and be sure of facts. Risks or get-rich-quick schemes could teach painful lessons.

Domain and surrounds are very important to roosters and this year, many will devote attention to lifestyle, including spending more time with loved ones. It is also an excellent year for planning ahead and working together towards desired outcomes.

In Chinese horoscopes, the rooster is born under the sign of candour and, in the Year of the Rooster, it is more important than ever to be mindful. Those who are in love or looking for love, in particular, should be aware, listen and pay attention. An unfortunate (or candid) remark or distraction could undermine so much. Rather than rushing relationships, let them develop over time. For quite a few roosters, affairs of the heart will make this year special.

This will be a busy year with surprises ahead, but chances need to be grasped and ideas followed up. Be bold and active for much is possible.

An encouraging year that particularly favours personal and career development. Important headway can be made, but you need to be thorough. The extra care and attention will be well worth it.

Active and enthusiastic you may be, but watch those independent tendencies. Join with others. By being a part of something, your prospects will be considerably better.

There will be volatility and challenges, but these could be opportunities in disguise. This is a year to prove your worth and build on skills. The good the good that is done will be important for self and future.

There are exciting times ahead. This is a year to advance and act determinedly on hopes and plans, but also to give time to those around you. This will be a successful year for you, but make sure you maintain a good work-life balance.

With your great sense of timing, you know when the right opportunity comes along, and this year it will come. Act smartly. Some important aims and aspirations can now be realised.

A challenging year with much time and effort needed to secure results. Be patient, adapt to chances and changes. Successes, when they come, will be well-deserved.

This year holds considerable promise. Have faith in yourself and make your strengths count. With resolve and a positive can-do attitude, the gains and pleasures this year can be manifold.

Concentrate on objectives, not the final result. Rushing things, or becoming distracted, will undermine your efforts. The more care you take, the better the outcome will be.

Plan ahead and make things happen. This is a year when great things are possible. New skills can open new doors. Be adventurous, enjoy yourself and whatever your actions make possible.

This will be a variable year with increased pressures and demands. But, by rising to challenges and furthering your experience, your undertakings can have considerable value. New personal interests could be advantageous and are worth pursuing.

There’s lots to do and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to build on your position and raise your profile. However, with your busy lifestyle, it’s important to stay organised and disciplined. Attention to self and preserving time for loved ones will be beneficial.

Your Chinese Horoscope 2017 (HarperCollins) by Mr Neil Somerville is out now

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