The first position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat, is one of charm, creativity, and survival. Those souls born into Rat years learn the lesson of “concealment,” as an embryo is hidden within the womb. The Rat is analytical, always curious, and highly intelligent.Rats inhabit a private world, one that is hidden from view and camouflaged—a place of retreat. They use charm to deflect and evade unpleasantness whenever possible. Under duress, Rats know how to take cover, artfully dodging both expectations and intrusions. Because they are always alert, Rats may seem anxious or nervous at times. Their attentiveness allow them to avoid many traps and dangers in life. The Rat represents fertility , the ability to live unseen, and intelligence. Being consummate survivors, Rats have the ability to adapt easily to most circumstances.
Talkative and fascinating, the Rat is a natural in social situations, and is always a favorite party guest. However, the Rat is essentially introverted by nature and feels the most comfortable when socializing with close friends and family. Master of many trades, the eclectic Rat has an innate sense of human nature and is observant of those around them. According to Chinese folk legend, as maturity approaches, Rats are believed to acquire the gift of prophecy. They are natural teachers, and enjoy imparting life’s knowledge to all who care to listen (often doing so well into the midnight hour).
The most harmonious time of day for the Rat is between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., when the dark yin force reaches its peak. The stealthy Rat rules these arcane hours that encompass the yin and the yang. It is said that the Rat has a split personality because of this. In spite of their love of parties and sharing of nightly confidences, midnight should be a time of rest and regeneration for them.
Temperment
Analytical and, at times, argumentative, the Rat will gain the upper hand in any verbal battle of wits. Worry (especially over health matters), excitability, and a quick temper can also be part of their nature. Although lovable, the Rat is a bit of an opportunist. Most cannot resist making a good deal. Disarmingly charming and materialistic, this soul is warm-hearted, passionate, and wired to live for the moment. Continue Reading
Those born into Rat years are lovable and remain physically attractive throughout their lives. Rats are so resourceful and ambitious that they are often very financially successful. They love to acquire possessions and are extraordinarily good at spotting a bargain. An occasional Rat will become greedy or stingy, but most are kindhearted and fair. The perfect gift for a Rat person is an unusual object that has come from a faraway place, such as a relic from an ancient tomb. Those born into Rat years are always in pursuit of a new adventure.
Rats are natural explorers and voyagers. They adore all things different and unusual. Rats usually love to travel, and any foreign voyage will excite them. Favorite escape places for the Rat are caves, caverns, underground passages, and catacombs. Bizarre and forbidden places, such as abandoned castles and undiscovered ruins, fascinate the inquisitive Rat.
Verbally candid and agile, the Rat excels as a critic. The Rat lives by its wits and, given a choice, avoids manual labor (often directing
others to get the task done). They prefer to use their brain to problem solve and create adventures and possibilities. Rats also make excellent managers and business owners.
Rats have an unusually fruitful imagination and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. With a desire for diverse experiences, the Rat is a true
magician of words and imagination. The season of the year when born, summer or winter, strongly influences the life of the Rat. Those born in the summer, when food is plentiful and grain lofts full, are less prone to worry. It is said that a Rat born in the winter must endlessly scavenge for food and will always fear poverty.
The Rat personality can be difficult to understand. It is intricate and occasionally contradictory. The effusive Rat can talk to anyone about anything. Although Rats are sharp critics, they usually maintain propriety and diplomacy. Rats are also amusing and entertaining companions, being both intellectually sharp and versatile. Fidgety and restless, Rats detest boring routine, and variety is what this soul seeks.
The Other Side of the Rat
In contrast to their many admirable attributes, unenlightened Rats can be covert, secretive, and will deflect or mislead if it is to their
advantage. They are difficult to please, demanding, and highly critical of others. Often their standards are so unreasonable that they are
impossible for others to uphold. Despite their surface composure, Rats may also be gnawed by a devastating feeling of insecurity.
Due to their congeniality, Rats usually have an impressive circle of acquaintances at their fingertips, and an unscrupulous Rat will take full advantage of this. Profiteering and opportunistic behavior represents the Rat’s energy being directed in its most unproductive form. It is for this reason that some Rats have difficulty making or keeping close friends. Expressed in its darkest form, this energy becomes dishonesty, agitation, restlessness, neurosis, aggressiveness, pettiness, hypochondria, and seclusion. The choice lies entirely with the individual. Taken to extreme, histrionic or avoidant personality disorders may develop.
Other Important Attributes
Being high-strung by nature, Rats hate alarm clocks, agendas, and pressure. They work most efficiently in solitary situations. Rat souls
are rarely content working for others. This explains the surprising number of business owners, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs who were born into Rat years. When Rats make money it is directly attributable to their acute intelligence.
Rats are the thriftiest souls in the Chinese Zodiac. Every expenditure is carefully considered, and all pennies spent are accounted for
and justified. Rats worry about their financial future, and soberly consider every purchase or investment. Many Rats possess a talent for writing, especially in the areas of fantasy, ancient lore, and science fiction. The Rat has an uncanny imagination, and many gifted writers and publicists were born in Rat years. Their imagination thrives in sequestered nooks, in worlds of their own, private and lost to view.
The deep-seated creativity of this sign cries out for expression either through writing, sculpture, or painting.
Art reproductions, verbatim at times, are a Rat specialty. Expression through music is another way Rats channel their creative energies. This sign boasts many composers and conductors. The combination of imagination and depth can motivate the Rat to write a classic novel, compose a brilliant symphony, or acquire and sell the rarest of lost art treasures.
Those born under the sign of the Rat enjoy the material comforts of life. Food and housing are their highest priorities. Rats always stock
up for a rainy day, feeling most comfortable with a little extra stored away. The Rat lives in the present and harbors fear of lack in the
future. The Rat can feel isolated and tends to suffer alone. Money, or the lack thereof, is a particular concern. However, as a result of their cleverness and meticulous attention to detail, Rats usually make money rather easily. The Rat is an organizational genius at home and prefers a neat and tidy atmosphere.
Important Facts For Those Born in the Year Of the Rat
Polarity: yang (positive)
Sign order: first
Alternate name: Mouse
Symbolism: infant, seed
Lucky color: midnight blue
Fragrance: sandalwood
The Rat/Mouse
Flavor: salty
Food/beverage: whole grains/dark ale
Flower: holly
Gem: turquoise
Feng shui direction: north
Lucky number: three
