The year of the Rat begins on the new moon of February 6th, 2008 at 7:44 PM PST. (Chinese New Year begins on the second new Moon after winter solstice.) Rat year is a time of plenty, bringing abundance and good fortune. During this auspicious year, Rat's prosperity can influence everyone, and is especially lucky for those born in Rat, Dragon, and Monkey years.
Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.
Those born in Rat year (1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1996, 2008) have a natural ability to be successful because Rat is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Rats are smart, sharp, clever, humorous, creative, curious, witty, industrious, and frugal. Rats can pinch pennies and be real bargainers. Some translations refer to Rat as mouse, which can be misleading; Rat's personality is rarely mousy or meek. Rats can be easily adapt to different environments and survive against all odds. Their charm and quick wit win admiration wherever they go. They are very observant, quick to take action, are popular in social circles, and are good organizers. Rats have a talent for the arts, especially writing.
YOUR FORTUNE IN RAT YEAR
RAT Enjoy a great year and a new life cycle of opportunities! This cycle brings good fortune, abundance, and luck. Financial gain is foreseen, happiness and contentment can be found, relationships prosper, and creativity is stimulated. Rats are empowered by experiencing the chi of their own year.
OX Experience good fortune and prosperity. Financial gain, promotion, and recognition are foreseen. Rat is Ox's good friend; therefore, friends and associates will be beneficial. Even though Rat outwitted Ox in the old folk tale, Ox still has luck in any Rat year.
TIGER Anticipate minimal gains and not too much advancement. Restless Tiger requires action, but money could be tight and compromises must be accepted. Rats think, plan, scheme, and ponder -- which are not Tiger (nor Horse) traits. You will start a new fortunate life cycle in Tiger year 2010.
RABBIT Expect a good year with opportunity for advancement. An auspicious time to change residence, invest in real estate, or remodel or decorate your home. Work progresses steadily, but examine all documents carefully and be less naive. Rat is three steps ahead of the game (like Monkey) so don't be duped.
DRAGON Rat year is one of the best years for mighty Dragon because Dragon and Rat are close friends. Rat's influence brings new beginnings and exciting creative endeavors that perfectly match Dragon's flamboyant style. Business interest prosper as does romance. Finally, luck returns to the Dragon.
SNAKE Prepare for hectic activity, which could overwhelm Serpent with responsibilities. If Serpent remains calm and centered and addresses each problem as it arises, progress can be attained, especially in business. It is best to be frugal and not spend or loan money money at this time. Luck returns in Ox year 2009.
HORSE Anticipate challenges because Rat is opposite Horse in the twelve-year cycle of the animals. Conflict can occur in romance, in business, and with authority figures including the law. Horse benefits from prudent spending, disciplined work, and behaving less free spirited. Continue with current efforts and do not start new enterprises unless very carefully planned. Luck returns in Tiger year 2010.
SHEEP Rat year can be a very good year for Sheep, even though Rat and Sheep hold very different values. Business improves, debts can be paid, and success is foreseen. Family and home life is stable and calm, and friendship and romance are favored. Time to be more frugal and not "eat paper."
MONKEY Finally -- great fortune for the Monkey! Rat, Monkey, and Dragon are best friends so the chi of the Rat year perfectly matches Monkey's values and sensibilities. Business flows and prospers, romance and family life blossom, and success is indicated in all endeavors. Love luck is strong during the entire year, especially with a Rat.
ROOSTER Be flexible if you experience financial difficulties. Avoid bad business deals and loss of money to family or friends. Others might not be helpful and Phoenix could feel abandoned. A year to be practical and discreet. Your cycle of rebirth will be in Ox year 2009.
DOG Enjoy a positive year and pay attention to business, although too much work and focus on money could become drudgery and not mentally stimulating enough for hard-working Dog. But health is strong and illness can be avoided. Rat and Dog are compatible, both love the pack, so relationships are fine this year.
PIG Expect a prosperous business year, although there may be minor financial difficulties or delays that could cause worry, which is not a Pig trait. Romance is highlighted, social success is foreseen, and Pig has opportunities to enjoy new experiences including fine dining, travel, and gourmet adventures.
YOUR ANIMAL SIGN
Year of the Rat –1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044
Year of the Ox - 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, 2045
Year of the Tiger - 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034, 2046
Year of the Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2036, 2047
Year of the Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048
Year of the Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049
Year of Horse - 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050
Year of the Sheep - 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051
Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052
Year of the Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053
Year of the Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, 2054
Year of the Pig - 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2020, 2031, 2043
