Chinese Astrology
rat picture sign

Chinese Astrology differs from the Western style; it is based on a 12 year x 5 cycle, each basic sign also having a modifying element ascribed to it.  When the world was new Buddha (or the Jade Emperor) sent out a call to name the animals and twelve turned up, (or made their way there, according to Legend and some charming stories, they followed their natures such as the rat scurrying to be first, and the pig stopping to have a meal):  The order in which they came governed their progression: Rat; Ox; Tiger; Cat (Rabbit); Dragon; Snake; Horse; Goat; Monkey; Rooster; Dog; Pig. Wood, metal, fire, water and earth are the five modifiers and each one brings a certain element to the twelve animal characteristics. The Chinese New Year starts on the second new moon day after the Winter Solstice, it therefore varies between 21 January and 20 February. 

This is the year of the Earth Rat which you share with people born in 1948 and starts on 8 February 2008

good luck glyph

Good luck

happiness glyph

Happiness

longevity glyph

Long life

prosperity

Prosperity

Chinese years of the Rat. 2008 and 1948 are earth years. An Earth Rat is conventional and a good achiever who likes to establish roots early in order to make a secure future for himself and his family. These Rats have the typical Rat ingenuity and mental capacity, but a strong sense of reality often alludes them preventing them from going after anything that could be impromptu. Earth Rats are honorable and love to be stabilized. Slowly and steadily acquiring wealth gives them a sense of inner peace. Although they are capable of being stingy with their finances, they do possess warm feelings for their family and friends.

Born in the Chinese year of the Rat, makes you a hard worker and very imaginative, but with a certain lack of confidence. Your charm and intelligence offset this, which makes you a popular and entertaining friend. Being a sociable animal, you like to be around like-minded people, but are quite capable of retreating to your cosy nest when threatened. Rats know exactly where to find solutions and can take care of themselves and others without problems. They use their instinctive sense of observation to help others in times of need and are among the most fit of all the Animal signs to survive most any situation.

Bureaucratic environments would tend to bring out your love of routine and you have to watch this does not make you a lover of the rule book to the detriment of those around you; however, this is ameliorated by your concern for the welfare of others.

Being a rat means you tend to hoard and this acquisitive tendency leads to keeping things which have little or no use. This can lead to your hoarding money on the one hand, though conversely you would like both you and your family to have a good and even luxurious lifestyle, even if this means spending more than you have. This can lead to the classic but odd situation of having both considerable savings as well as high debts.

A good orator, but with a tendency to be outspoken and critical as you like to be truthful - but this can lead to disputes and arguments which create tension.  

You will enjoy the company of the Dragon best, but you will also find Ox people to your liking, if a little dull, Monkeys and other Rats find you likeable, but beware of the Monkey's tricks. The Dog and the Pig are good company, but the Horse would tend to wear you out with their ego and the Cat prefers a quieter life. Two rats would probably squabble, but the snake would enjoy your company and give reassurance which you need a times. Roosters would probably get on your nerves after a time but the goats enjoy the same things that you do..