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2008: The Year of the Earth Rat
by Kerry Tabor
2008 is the year of the Earth Rat and begins on the 4th February. The Chinese Lunar New Year Day is on 7th February.
The Rat is the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac of 12 animals, so a Rat year represents the start of a new 12 year cycle. On a global level this can initiate a new world order, and a new set of social and political dynamics within and between countries. Some countries will experience a change of governance.
Being the first in the astrology cycle the Rat is considered somewhat aggressive and enterprising. Associated with element of yang Water they are known for being busy, energetic, hard working and resourceful. Using charm, discipline and tact the Rat can be quite competitive, though sometimes manipulative and perhaps a little cowardly. In Chinese culture the Rat is associated with material success.
In 2008 the water Rat comes with Earth on top. Imagine a mountain floating on a strong and surging ocean. In the cycle of the Five Elements Earth controls water, like the walls of a dam contain and control the water within. However in this instance, as the water of the Rat is strong, it cannot be controlled by the earth above it. In broad terms this means that although things can seem strong and stable on the outside, the foundations may not be reliable. Tensions and conflict can lie below the surface.
Consequently this is a year in which disasters associated with water and earth are more likely. Floods, storms and even Tsunamis can result from this intensity of water. Earth can become unstable resulting in earthquakes, landslides and the collapse of buildings. Together these tensions between water and earth will bring issues of greenhouse, global warming and climate change even more personally into people’s lives as we experience droughts, floods, fires and a precarious property market. Financial scams in the property market, such as Sub-Prime lending, will become more transparent and precarious this year. Environmental problems will also become more obvious to people as our planet Earth considered to date to be so solid and predictable can no longer be taken for granted. Ecologically we will witness the cumulative collapse of multiple natural systems into each other as our ways of living become dangerously unsustainable.
Those born in a year, month or day of the Horse should stay alert and careful this year as the Rat (water) clashes with the Horse (fire). This can bring more travel for these people, and changes at work or home. They can also be more prone to accidents, conflict, or disruption to home life. Attention should be paid to fire and water type illnesses such as heart disease, inflammation, kidney disease, lower back problems or diabetes.
People born on a day, month or year of the Rabbit also need to practice caution this year as the Rat can bring anxiety, disharmony or illness.
Rabbit and Horse individuals can reduce the disruptive effects of the Rat by wearing a pendant of an Ox for the year.
People born in a time of the Monkey, Ox or Dragon can experience more harmony in 2008 as their animal signs combine with the Rat.
Pig, Rabbit and Goat individuals can attract romance into their lives this year.
In summary it needs to be stressed that the above summary is only a generalisation and in that sense risks being superficial as there are numerous factors that collectively influence a person’s experience of a place and time. To get a more accurate and personalised interpretation of what the year of the Rat holds in store, a personal Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui reading is recommended. This takes into account a person’s hour, day, month, year and place of birth, together with an examination of their building dynamics and life priorities.
It is timely to be reminded that our destiny and experience of life generally can be strengthened and enhanced by:
- Being attentive to health – caring the body as the temple for the soul
- Caring for the Earth as the temple for the body
- Cultivating a peaceful, virtuous and conscious life - living lightly on the earth
- Having strong Feng Shui - arranging ourselves harmoniously in space and time