2008 Year of the Rat

I don’t care much about Christmas. I only like it because it makes children happy.

I look forward more to the Chinese New Year! Its more exciting I guess when predictions and forecasts are being made by astrologers, psychics, geomancers and other occult readers.

The coming year is the year of the rat. My cubicle neighbor has been rattling all year-round that this is going to be my year. I was born in the year of the rat and so she has been saying that the coming year would be something to watch out for for me. Ala Pascal’s Wager, it is better to believe.

Much has been written about the ‘rat’ person. Below is just a taste:

Rat people are born under the sign of charm and aggressiveness. They are expressive and can be talkative sometimes. They like to go to parties and spend quiet times chatting with their friends. Although the Rat can be quiet sometimes, it is rare to catch a Rat sitting quietly.

Rat people usually have more acquaintances than real friends and they revere and cherish those close to them. Once you become their real friends, they will treat you as their family. Rats are self-contained and keep problems to themselves. And even though they can be talkative sometimes, they never confide in anyone. Sometimes mean, narrow-minded and suburban in outlook, Rat people are nevertheless honest. They can always make a success of their lives as long as they manage to master their perpetual discontent and their insistence on living for the present moment.

The Rat is quick-witted. Most rats get more accomplished in 24 hours than the rest of us do in as many days. They are confident and usually have good instinct. Stubborn as they are, they prefer to live by their own rules rather others. It won’t be an easy task to work with Rat people, why? Simple, because they are also 100% perfectionists.

They are very organized and talented, perhaps that is why the Rat makes a good businessman or politician. Unfortunately, as soon as the Rat earns money, he spends it. Maybe that explains why the Rat is so careful when he lends money to others. If you ever borrow money from the Rat, don’t be surprised by the high-interests (not true for me at all, hahahaha).

The Rat is not romantic, but he is sensual and loving. Rat people could be hard to see through at first glance, because they are also very protective, but even though they are not easy, they are worth it – ask anyone who has a Rat for a lover, parent, child or friend. They are very loyal and devoted to their families. 

The Chinese astrological cycle begins with the year of the Rat; consequently those born within this category like to be first, pioneers, at the forefront of the action. Because of this, they tend to see themselves as a cut above the others. Restless and inquisitive, those born under the influence of the Rat are active, both physically and mentally, and tend to lead busy lives.

Challenge is essential to them for they love the thrill of living dangerously. With clairvoyance, intuition, perspicacity and an eye for detail, Rats are formidable problem solvers, finding workable solutions to the knottiest problems. Travelling is one of their favorite pastimes.

The Rat possesses attributes ranging from charming and humorous to honest and meticulous. The Chinese say those born in these years make good and wise advisors, yet they can never decide for themselves and change direction constantly. Wohoo!

Rats are best known for their charm. Blessed with a sharp wit, they possess a marvelous sense of humor, which makes them stimulating and amusing company to have around. Generally extroverted, they may well be described as opportunists for they prefer to live off their wits rather than labor long and hard to earn their daily bread.

Rats should have a happy childhood and a carefree youth.  However, the second part of their lives may be stormy and problematical. They may be prone to lose money in a bad business deal or their happiness in an unfortunate love affair. The third part of their lives will be comfortable, and their old age as peaceful as could be wished. It is important to note whether the Rat was born in the summer or the winter of the year. In summer the lofts and granaries are full, but in winter the Rat will be obliged to go out and forage for food, and must watch out for the traps set along the way. In human terms, this could mean the risk of prison or an accidental death.

The Passionate Rat

Rats are able to control their feelings and will generally present a cool facade to the outside world, regardless of whatever volcanic emotions they may be feeling inside. But these are passionate creatures whose feelings can be deeply stirred and though able to control them as a rule, when the volcano does erupt, watch out! Perhaps one of their faults is their inability to actually talk about their feelings to those they love, and consequently they tend to repress them — thus adding to the volcanic pressure. As well as being deeply passionate they are sensual creatures who simply exude sexuality and who greatly enjoy all forms of physical stimulation.   

For those who want to know more about the coming year and about the Rat person in general, here are some related links:

1) http://www.fengshuiweb.co.uk/advice/chineseanimalpredictions2008.htm 

(this site contains all predictions for all animals in the zodiac: Ox, Tiger, Rabbit/Hare, Snake, Dragon, Horse, Goat/Ram/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Boar/Pig)

2) http://www.springsgreetingcards.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=232024 

3) http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rat.htm

4)  http://www.chineseastrologyonline.com/2008.htm 

5) http://www.raymond-lo.com/ver2/aboutmasterlo/articles.asp

6) http://www.panasianbiz.com/2007/12/2008_chinese_year_of_the_rat_5.html