The Rat is very family orientated and will do anything to please his nearest and dearest. He is exceptionally loyal to his parents and can himself be a very caring and loving parent. He will take an interest in all his children’s activities and see that they want for nothing. He usually has a large family.
The female Rat has a kindly, outgoing nature and involves herself in a multitude of different activities. She has a wide circle of friends, enjoys entertaining and is an attentive hostess. She is also conscientious about the upkeep of her home and has good taste in home furnishings. She is most supportive to the other members of her family and, due to her resourceful, friendly and persevering nature, can do well in practically any career she chooses.
Although the Rat is essentially outgoing, he is also a very private individual. He tends to keep his feelings to himself and while he is not averse to learning what other people are doing, he resents anyone prying too closely into his own affairs. He also does not like solitude and if he is alone for any length of time he can easily get depressed.
The Rat is undoubtedly very talented, but he does sometimes fail to capitalize on his many abilities. He has a tendency to become involved in too many schemes and chase after too many opportunities at once. If he can slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time, he can become very successful. If not, success and wealth can elude him. But, with his tremendous ability to charm, he will rarely, if ever, be without friends.
THE FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RAT
In addition to the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac there are five elements and these have a strengthening or moderating influence on the signs. The effects of the five elements on the Rat are described below, together with the years in which they were exercising their influence. Therefore Rats born in 1960 are Metal Rats, those born in 1912 and 1972 are Water Rats, and so on.
Metal Rat: 1960
This Rat has excellent taste and certainly knows how to appreciate the finer things in life. His home is comfortable and nicely decorated and he likes to entertain and mix in fashionable circles. He has considerable financial acumen and invests his money well. On the surface he appears cheerful and confident, but deep down he can be troubled by worries that are quite often of his own making. He is exceptionally loyal to his family and friends.
Water Rat: 1912, 1972
The Water Rat is intelligent and very astute. He is a deep thinker and can express his thoughts clearly and persuasively. He is always eager to learn and is talented in many different areas. He is usually very popular, but his fear of loneliness can sometimes lead him into mixing with the wrong sort of company. He is a particularly skilful writer, but he can get sidetracked very easily and should try to concentrate on just one thing at a time.
Wood Rat: 1924, 1984
The Wood Rat has a friendly, outgoing personality and is popular with his colleagues and friends. He has a quick, agile brain and likes to turn his hand to anything he thinks may be useful. His one fear is insecurity, but given his intelligence and capabilities, this fear is usually unfounded. He has a good sense of humour, enjoys travel and, due to his highly imaginative nature, can be a gifted writer or artist.
Fire Rat: 1936, 1996
The Fire Rat is rarely still and seems to have a never-ending supply of energy and enthusiasm. He loves being involved in some form of action, be it travel, following up new ideas or campaigning for a cause in which he fervently believes. He is an original thinker and hates being bound by petty restrictions or the dictates of others. He can be forthright in his views but can sometimes get carried away in the excitement of the moment and commit himself to various undertakings without thinking through all the implications. Yet he has a resilient nature and with the right support can go far in life.
Earth Rat: 1948, 2008
This Rat is astute and very level-headed. He rarely takes unnecessary chances and while he is constantly trying to improve his financial status, he is prepared to proceed slowly and leave nothing to chance. He is probably not as adventurous as the other types of Rat and prefers to remain in familiar territory rather than rush headlong into something he knows little about. He is talented, conscientious and caring towards his loved ones, but at the same time can be self-conscious and worry a little too much about the image he is trying to project.
PROSPECTS FOR THE RAT IN 2012
The Rat has a keen nature and likes to see quick results. However, the Rabbit year (3 February 2011–22 January 2012) is often a slow-moving one and there will have been times during it when the Rat will have felt frustrated. Patience is not one of his strong points, but he can take heart, as his fortunes are set to improve, with the closing months of the Rabbit year offering more possibilities.
One of the Rat’s strengths is his ability to relate to other people, and in the remaining Rabbit months he should make the most of his opportunities to meet others. If seeking work or keen to advance his career, he will find that by speaking to those who may be able to help, he can benefit from some important advice and assistance. September and November may see some particularly significant developments.
The Rat will also value the support of family and friends in the closing Rabbit months and will see an increase in social activity at this time. It is important that he liaises well with others, discusses his plans and, at busy times, is flexible over arrangements. There could be some surprises in store for him, including travel possibilities or the chance to meet some people he has not seen for some while. In addition, someone close to him could have interesting news to share.
Rabbit years can be expensive, however, and with a lot likely to happen in the closing months, the Rat will need to be disciplined in his spending and, where possible, make advance provision for end of year expenses.
Overall, although the Rat may have found parts of the Rabbit year frustrating, he will have added to his experience, enjoyed some fine times with others and, in some cases, seen an addition to his family. As 2012 approaches, many a Rat will sense the tide is turning, with brighter times ahead.
The Year of the Dragon starts on 23 January and is a highly favourable one for the Rat. During it he will be able to put his strengths to good use and see some fine results.
For any Rat who is starting the Dragon year in low spirits, this is a time to seize the initiative rather than feel hindered by what has gone before. With resolve and determination, progress can now be made.
Almost all areas of the Rat’s life can see positive developments, but his work prospects are particularly favourable. This is very much a year for moving forward and taking on more rewarding responsibilities.
For Rats who are well established in a company or a particular profession, there will be opportunities to take their career to a new level. Sometimes vacancies and promotion opportunities could arise suddenly, and if they are quick to put themselves forward, many Rats will benefit. Events can move swiftly in the Dragon year and here the Rat’s sense of opportunity and timing can serve him well.
For Rats who feel prospects are limited where they are, this is a year to keep alert and make enquiries. Sometimes contacts could prove helpful in alerting them to new possibilities to consider. In this fast-moving and favourable year, many Rats will be able to move to a more satisfying and remunerative position.
Rats seeking work can also find new possibilities opening up. Again, if they are quick in following up vacancies that interest them, they may well be given the chance to prove themselves in a new capacity. This is no year to hold back. January (especially around the start of the Dragon year), February, September and October could see some particularly good possibilities, but such is the nature of the year that opportunities could arise