This is what the 'Year of the Pig' has in store for you ...

This week we officially welcomed in the 'Year of the Pig' with the Chinese New Year.

While you may be familiar with traditional western zodiac signs, we thought it was worth checking out what Chinese astrology has forecasted for the year ahead too.

So what's different between the two realms of astrology?

In western astrology, the signs are divided by months, whereas in Chinese astrology, they are separated by year.

The Chinese believe that those born in the same year share similar traits, versus those born within the same month in the West.

As for the signs, in Chinese astrology the symbols are only animals, deriving from a legend that when God was creating a calendar, all the animals on Earth were gathered to participate in a race.

The twelve who finished were rewarded with a spot in the Chinese Zodiac.

Remember the lunar new year changes, falling usually somewhere between January 21 and February 20 - so those born in the early part of the calendar year are actually assigned the Chinese zodiac of the previous year.

Thanks to the Daily Mail, here's what Kay Tom, a Leicester-based master in horoscopes foresees for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac ...

The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The Rat will have the chance to seize rare opportunities in 2019. The only challenge is not to procrastinate as once the opportunity is passed it rarely shows again.

The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The Ox acts as the diplomat to prevent an argumentative situation boiling over. He is a very dependable character in the Pig's team but needs to be cautious not to have too much pressure dumped on his shoulders. He is strong and can cope but there are limits and the Ox must set his boundaries in 2019. Setting a strong health regime also needs to be a priority.

The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
There is a strong chance in 2019 for the single Tiger to find romance. For anyone looking for love February is an important month to get out and socialise. Generally, this is a good year for the Tiger.

The only Tiger that needs to be cautious in dangerous situations such as high places like cliff tops, busy building sites or participating in dangerous activities is the fire Tiger (born 1986).

The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The Rabbit appears to carry a lot of responsibility in 2019 and is very much in demand as the diplomat and negotiator. 

The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Everyone loves the Dragon, the magical, mystical animal of the Zodiac. More so than any other animal this creature can turn a situation round for the better. However, the Dragon represents misdemeanours in both finances and in sexual encounters this year, particularly in the month of April.

The Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
There are three Snakes that are particularly vulnerable this year, those born in 1953, 1977 and 2013. Just like the fire Tiger these three Snakes need to avoid dangerous sports and dark places. In general, it is best for the Snake to keep a low profile this year and avoid major decisions in life such as changing jobs, moving house, getting married or making major purchases or investments.

The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The best policy for the Horse this year is not to waste his energy trying to help those who do not want it. Sometimes we just have to sit back and watch and let another play out their own destiny. 2019 is a year for relaxing and building your strength.

The Sheep: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
The Sheep does have vulnerability in matters of health this year so he must 100 per cent take care of himself with good diet and exercise and plenty of nourishing sleep.

The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The Monkey is a very outgoing and social animal that doesn't like to offend and therefore never says no to a party. For this reason, it is very easy to overstretch him. He is an entrepreneur with ideas, so 2019 will see his ambitions taking off. This year the Monkey will gain great satisfaction in helping others less fortunate than himself. The Monkeys that are particularly vulnerable this year are those born in 1944, 1968, 2004. Avoid dangerous situations and sports.

The Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
The Rooster likes to have his say and especially to be the first to say it. His voice is loud and strong thus he is particularly useful when a point needs communicating. 2019 is a year when the Rooster needs to learn a discreet approach in order for his voice to be heard.

The Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Last year was a demanding year for the Dog as leader of the year. 2019 takes away the responsibility and presents a year of rest and recuperation. It's best not to take on any major projects or investments this year but to focus on your own status quo and bring back equilibrium to your life and to let sleeping Dogs lie.

The Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
This is the leader of the year and as such commands respect in all matters. The only Pig that needs to air on the side of caution is the wood Pig, born 1995. Avoid dangerous sports, high places and dark allies.