RAT (ZODIAC)

The 'Rat' ( '' ) was welcomed in ancient times as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is an animal associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities.

Contents

Years and the Five Elements

Attributes

Traditional Rat Attributes/Associations

References

See also

External links

Years and the Five Elements

Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Rat," while also bearing the following elemental sign:

★ 31 January, 1900 - 18 February, 1901: Metal Rat

★ 18 February, 1912 - 5 February, 1913: Water Rat

★ 5 February, 1924 - 24 January, 1925: Wood Rat

★ 24 January, 1936 - 10 February, 1937: Fire Rat

★ 10 February, 1948 - 28 January, 1949: Earth Rat

★ 28 January, 1960 - 14 February, 1961: Metal Rat

★ 15 February, 1972 - 2 February, 1973: Water Rat

★ 2 February, 1984 - 19 February, 1985: Wood Rat

★ 19 February, 1996 - 6 February, 1997: Fire Rat

★ 2008 - 2009: Earth Rat

★ 2020 - 2021: Metal Rat

Attributes

Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are perhaps the most organized and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have an immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit another person, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculating and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and to avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.
According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rat in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.
Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen.
Professions include espionage, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective, and pathology

Traditional Rat Attributes/Associations

Attribute
Zodiac Location	1st
Ruling hours	11pm-1am
Direction	North
Season and month	Winter, December
Gemstone	Garnet
Colors	Black, red, white
Roughly equivalent western sign	Sagittarius
Polarity	Yang
Food	Pork, peas, cabbage
Positive Traits	Meticulous, intelligent, charismatic, charming, ambitious, practical, industrious, eloquent
Negative Traits	Controlling, resentful, manipulative, cruel, vengeful, stubborn, power-hungry, critical
Countries	Germany, Austria, Sweden, Netherlands, Brazil, Colombia

References

★ Adapted from Chinese Horoscope Rat, ''licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License''

See also

★ Nezumi - Japanese translation for Rat/Mouse

★ Rat or Mouse

★ Chinese Zodiac

External links

★ http://www.astrohoroscopes.com/chinese/rat.html

★ http://astrology.yahoo.com/chinese/general/dailyoverview/rat

★ http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/Rat.html

★ http://www.chinavoc.com/zodiac/mouse/five.asp

★ http://chinese.astrology.com/rat.html

★ http://www.chinesezodiac.info/rat.htm

★ http://www.gotohoroscope.com/chinese-zodiac-rat.html

★ http://www.rainfall.com/horoscop/rat.htm