Happy New Year!!! February 7 Begins the Year of the (Earth) RAT!

Over one-quarter of the world’s population celebrates the Lunar New Year, which falls between mid-January and mid-February. In terms of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, February 7th 2008 marks the first day of the year of the Rat. More in-depth astrological analysis identifies this as a Rat Year strongly influenced by the Earth Element.

As any paper placemat in a Chinese restaurant will explain, a person’s personality reflects, to some extent, the nature of the animal that corresponds to one’s birth year. Those of you born in 2008, 1996, 1984, (etc. – keep counting down by 12) might be relieved to know that in Eastern thought, the Rat does not carry the same connotations as it does here in the West!

In fact, Rats are felt to be one of the most clever and tenacious animals of the zodiac. There are various versions, but the story basically goes like this:

When the 12 animals of the zodiac were called together to be assigned their position in the astrological cycle, the Rat and the Cat both hopped on the Ox in order to cross a river on the way to the meeting place. At some point, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water, and, once land was reached, scurried ahead of the others to be the first to reach the assembly point. The Rat is thus “number one,” marking the beginning of the12 year cycle. In addition to pointing out the Rat’s strong will, this story also highlights the competitive nature and potential for manipulation that is thought to characterize those born under this sign.

The energy of the Rat will influence all of this year. Since the Rat is the first sign of the Zodiac, it is an excellent time to start new ventures and new projects. It is a time of thinking “outside of the box,” especially regarding mental and financial activities.

The strong influence of the Earth element that accompanies the Rat energetic, which is primarily Water, will work to ground and stabilize these new plans and projects. Although some interpret Earth and Water as being in conflict and forecast a stormy year ahead, Five Element Theory views Earth as being a controlling influence on Water, thus providing boundaries and containment to channel the intense and potentially risky Water energy of the Rat.

“Since the Rat is the first sign of the Zodiac, it is an excellent time to start new ventures and new projects. It is a time of thinking 'outside of the box,' especially regarding mental and financial activities.”

Other predictions for this year are the possibilities of more floods and landslides. After the past two years of intense Fire energy, some astrologers foresee a “cooling off” (Water) and “stabilizing” (Earth) trend in politics and the economy – good news for all of us! In terms of public health issues, the forecast is towards higher incidences of digestive (Earth) and urinary tract (Water) disorders, with a renewed focus on the healing properties of plants.

The Spiritual message that is commonly given to astrological Rats is to continue to press for success but with self control and consideration towards others. This is practical advice that we can all benefit from as we enter the Year of the Earth Rat.